DUBAI — The 10th edition of Light Middle East, the region's premier trade event for the lighting design and technology industry, opened in Dubai on Tuesday, 14 percent larger than the previous edition in both exhibitor numbers and exhibition space. Taking place until Thursday, Light Middle East 2015 was opened by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and features 370 exhibitors from 33 countries, spanning 4,500sqm of exhibition space at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The dedicated trade show's double-digit growth reflects the mounting international interest in the GCC's lighting systems market, which is estimated to be worth $3.5 billion by 2020 according to analysts Frost & Sullivan, while the region's ongoing green building movement is fueling demand for more sustainable lighting solutions. With 53 million sqm of LEED-certified and registered space, the UAE has the largest footprint of green buildings in the Middle East, and is now ranked 8th in the world in the US Green Building Council‘s Top 10 Countries for LEED buildings. Saudi Arabia, with 20 million sqm of green buildings, isn't far behind. Sustainable solutions such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are at the forefront of new products at Light Middle East, where 430 international brands are on show for thousands of trade buyers, designers, architects, consultants, engineers, property developers, and regional municipalities. LEDs make up 25 percent of the GCC's overall lighting market according to Frost & Sullivan, while the expected growth rate of 22-25 per cent over the next five years offers impressive opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organizer of Light Middle East, said: “The Gulf region's lighting systems market is currently valued at $2.5 billion, and estimated to grow annually by as much as 12 percent over the next five years, powered by high demand in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. “These countries are also actively encouraging the utilization of environmentally conscious and sustainable lighting technologies, spurring demand for tailor-made solutions that are the focal point of Light Middle East 2015. This is the place to meet new contacts, expand business networks, discuss new trends and technological developments, and source new products.” According to Frost & Sullivan, Saudi Arabia holds a 37 percent share of the GCC lighting systems market ($925 million), the UAE 28 percent ($700 million), and Qatar 19 percent ($475 million). With an eye on gaining large project-based business in the region, many Light Middle East exhibitors are offering complimentary design and consultancy services in addition to fixtures and systems. UK manufacturer Orlight and Spanish-based Company LED C4S are among the debut exhibitors offering the value-added service. Situl Jetha, design director of Orlight explained: “We offer a complimentary lighting design service to large developments and are able to assist the client and contractors where ever possible. We don't deal with third parties so are able to provide the end client with a huge cost saving and products of a high quality standard.” “Within this region it's apparent that using low energy products is increasingly important to reduce maintenance and energy costs, and so we're able to provide clients a turnkey solution all the way from design through to supply of our products,” added Jetha. Meanwhile, dozens of new product launches at Light Middle East 2015 are sharing the spotlight at the three-day event's Future Zone – a window to the world's latest trends and technologies shaping the future of the lighting industry, featuring more than 100 leading brands, and more than doubling in size year-on-year. UK-based architectural LED lighting specialists, acdc, is delivering an exclusive preview for a global launch of its LED downlights at the Future Zone, while Italian brands Reggiani and Aldabra, are launching their new LED solutions for architectural lighting applications. Reggiani and Aldabra are co-exhibiting with regular Light Middle East exhibitor and Gold Sponsor Debbas, one of the UAE's most established lighting and controls solutions providers. Emilio Khayat, regional director and general manager of Debbas, said: “With more than 100 years of pioneering efforts in the lighting field and 40 years of experience in the UAE, Debbas is considered a key lighting partner of the regional construction industry. “Our edge is achieved by our capacity to propose advanced solutions using systems and products by the world's most innovative manufacturers, engineered to meet the standards and requirements of the UAE's ever-evolving building industry.” Light Middle East 2015 features three country pavilions from the UK, Italy and Korea, while the international flavor is emphasised by exhibitors coming from Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kuwait, Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and the USA. — SG
