The UAE’s move to ban the sale of inefficient light bulbs by the end of 2014 has led to a big increase of global manufacturers lining up to showcase their most innovative lighting solutions at the Middle East’s top exhibition for lighting design and technology.
Over 25 companies from Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East will showcase eco-friendly lighting systems at Light Middle East’s Future Zone – more than twice as many as compared to the zone’s successful debut in 2013.
The Future Zone is a dedicated feature that spotlights the world’s leading trends, technologies and concepts shaping the future of the lighting industry. Light Middle East takes place from 3-5 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In July 2014, the Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA) banned the import of traditional incandescent light bulbs in the UAE, with sales to be entirely phased out by the end of the year.
The resulting switch to more environmentally-friendly lighting systems such as Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) is expected to save the country around US$ 200 million annually and affect a 500 MW reduction in energy consumption.
In September 2014, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) also announced its Outdoor Lighting Programme that will retrofit up to 75 per cent of the Emirate’s existing street lights with LEDs by 2030.
According to analysts Frost & Sullivan, the GCC market for LEDs is expected to grow annually by 25 per cent between 2014 and 2018, as other Gulf countries follow the UAE’s example in pursuing a more energy-efficient future.
It all points to a bright and sustainable outlook, and one that will be welcomed by exhibitors at Future Zone, along with the more than 275 exhibitors from over 25 countries at Light Middle East.
“With increasing population and growing infrastructure development, the focus on sustainability is gathering steam and the demand for energy efficient and intelligent lighting products are on the rise," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the organiser of Light Middle East.
“The UAE is leading the way in the adoption of sustainable lighting solutions and the rest of the GCC and wider Middle East will follow suit. The Future Zone at Light Middle East gives regional buyers and industry professionals a great opportunity to see first-hand the latest innovations that will shape the indoor and outdoor lighting landscape.”
Among the leading brands showcasing their latest products at the Future Zone are ACDC, LG Electronics, Linea Light, Osram, Regiolux, Rovasi, Targetti, and Trilux.
Austrian lighting leaders Tridonic will showcase its latest range of holistic system solutions offering energy savings of up to 80 per cent. Rajeev Radhakrishnan, Managing Director, of Tridonic Middle East, said: “Tridonic has been a successful innovation driver in the lighting market for almost 60 years, and more than 80 per cent of our R&D projects are devoted toward LED technology.”
“Most entities now consider sustainability in everything that they do, and Tridonic is fully committed to adhering to this. We look forward to educating the Middle East about intelligent lighting and our Ecolution.”
UK company Orangetek will also highlight its latest range of LED Road lamps, and will be eager to meet with officials from the Dubai RTA, as the government authority implements the DSCE’s Outdoor Lighting Programme over the next 15 years.
“We will be showing our ARIALED range of LED luminaires that have been extremely successful in the UK with 100,000 units sold in last two years,” said Nigel Parry, the Principal of Orangetek. “We believe that we will be able to do equally well in the Middle East.”
Meanwhile fellow UK manufacturer, Precision Lighting will present its critically acclaimed range of high quality LED luminaires, designed primarily for gallery spaces and retail.
Now in its 9th edition, Light Middle East is the wider region’s premier exhibition and conference for lighting design and technology, attracting wide support from industry associations and regional authorities.
Other highlights this year include the Light Middle East Conference on 4-5 November, where more than 20 lighting designers and consultants will discuss the latest trends, technologies, and evolving regulations that impact the lighting industry.
Returning for the second year are the highly popular Light Middle East Awards. Celebrating excellence in lighting design, the awards will recognise the region’s leading lighting projects across 12 categories, with the winners to be announced during a gala ceremony on the 5th of November.
Show website: www.lightme.net