Dubai, UAE: Economic diversification and the continued trend toward ‘green’ infrastructure investments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is putting the region’s lighting systems market on a double-digit growth path, with analysts Frost & Sullivan estimating the market will be worth US$3.5 billion by 2020.
Currently pegged at around US$2.5 billion, the GCC’s lighting systems market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11-12 per cent in the next 5 years, powered by high demand in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Lighting consumption across the region is also being shaped by the increasing preference among governments for smart and green infrastructure solutions, which is driving demand for the latest in Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and solar lighting technologies.
The big shift toward LED comes as lighting accounts for 25 per cent of total energy consumption in the Middle East, a higher electrical usage than anywhere else in the world according to Frost & Sullivan, while in the GCC around five mega tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be saved annually by switching to LED.
The sustainable outlook sets the scene for another bright year at Light Middle East 2015, the region’s dedicated trade show for lighting design and technology, taking place from 6-8 October at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More than 350 exhibitors from 27 countries representing over 430 brands, will be vying for the attention of thousands of regional trade buyers, from architects, distributors and engineers, to government representatives and lighting designers.
“Growing investments into regional large-scale civil and commercial infrastructure projects are driving demand for contemporary and sustainable lighting solutions,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Light Middle East.
“Countries are now diversifying into manufacturing and services sectors and more and more investments are focused on infrastructure sectors like public transport, roadways, and sea ports to improve connectivity and regional trade and commerce.
“LED and solar lighting technology will gather pace at the expense of fluorescent and conventional lighting solutions. The good news is, LED technology will once again be at the forefront of the latest solutions from the world’s leading lighting manufacturers and suppliers at this year's edition of Light Middle East,” added Pauwels.
Swiss manufacturer Regent Lighting is among the headline companies specialising in LED technology at Light Middle East 2015. The family-owned business with 600 employees will showcase its 100 per cent Swiss-made LED luminaires, designed for a range of applications, from offices, schools, hotels, retail outlets and supermarkets.
Alessandro Sachs, International Commercial Director and Member of the Executive Board at Regent Lighting, said: “In recent times, Middle East countries are looking more and more towards energy efficient and environmentally friendly products compatible with Green Building and LEED-certified buildings.
“These environmental aspects have been in place in Switzerland for many years, and as a Swiss company, Regent Lighting is able to contribute to this important aspect of project work in the Middle East.”
Returning exhibitor ERCO from Germany is another among many companies at Light Middle East that have a strong LED component in their portfolio.
The architectural lighting manufacturer switched 100 per cent to LED in 2015, a move which they say came naturally, given the shift in preference for energy-efficient technology globally.
Murray Cameron, Regional Manager Middle East at ERCO explained: “The desire for more green technology coupled with a requirement for more consultative design in lighting within projects gives rise to more clients looking for high quality and energy efficient luminaires that provide a noticeable difference to their projects.
“The strong growth of the LED lighting market in the Middle East and Africa, combined with our own strategic vision, sees us targeting a doubling of revenue by 2020.”
Other major exhibitors taking part at Light Middle East 2015 with LED at the core of their product portfolios include Platinum Sponsor Cinmar, and Gold Sponsors Martin by Harman, Speclight, Huda Lighting and GLS.
Now in its 10th edition, Light Middle East 2015 will have a host of special features, including the fast-growing Future Zone, a special section dedicated to innovative products and technologies and trend-setting lighting solutions previously unseen in the region.
Other popular returning features include the Light Middle East Conference on 7-8 October, highlighting key issues impacting the regional lighting industry, while the prestigious Light Middle East Awards will celebrate the region’s most outstanding lighting projects and designers.
More information is available at www.lightme.net