Developments in decorative lighting draw interest at Dubai event

Decorative lighting, innovative interior settings, fit-outs that utilise smart lighting designs to create the right ambience and the use of light-emitting diode (LED) and neon in signage are some of the major trends that are shaping the future of the lighting market in the Middle East, according to a spokesman for Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the organiser of Light Middle East 2012, the region’s premier trade show and conference for lighting design and technology.

Another notable trend that can be seen within the retail industry in the Middle East is the use of creative lighting to attract customers. Additionally, the booming hospitality and automotive sectors are increasingly using innovative lighting to enhance the allure of their offerings.

Quoting a report by consultants Ventures Middle East, Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, said: “the market for interior design in the GCC for 2011 was worth more than $57 billion. The hospitality industry itself spent an estimated $1.3 billion on interior design and fit-outs in the same year. According to another report by consultancy firm Rncos, the market for creative lighting within the retail sector is estimated to be worth $682 billion by 2013, giving an idea of the considerable size of the market in the region.” 

As the leading trade event for the lighting sector, the 2012 edition of Light Middle East will gather a large number of leading international manufacturers and supplies who would be showcasing the latest trends and innovations available globally. To be held from October 1 to 3 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the show will also provide a platform for regional buyers and professionals to interact with international experts and benefit from an exchange of views about critical developments affecting the future of the industry.

“The power of innovation is driving the future in the world of lighting design and technology. With consumers directing increased interest in ecological products and demanding more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for their needs, there has been a concerted effort from industry leaders to come up with even more revolutionary lighting fixtures and designs,” said Pauwels.

“The right kind of lighting can transform the most staid settings to something that cannot be ignored. Retailers, hospitality industry experts and a range of other businesses have realised the benefit of the creative use of lighting to enhance their product offerings and create the right sort of ambience for their clientele.

Busy stands: The power of innovation is driving the lighting sector

Expected high interest areas at the show include compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) products, decorative lighting for automobile showrooms, retail outlets, innovative neon signage, decorative walls and architectural lighting to name a few.

Some of the prominent exhibitors showcasing their range in these latest technologies will be KNY, Fotodiastasi, and Atiq Luise (Bella Lamps).

Since its inception seven years ago, Light Middle East has attracted trade professionals, architects, designers, project managers and developers from around the region. Being the only dedicated trade platform for the region’s architectural lighting design and surrounding industries, Light Middle East capitalises on the synergies created by its close association with Light+Building, bringing to the region the benefits of a top line Messe Frankfurt trade exhibition.

“This year we expect strong interest in products that harness sustainable technology and promote energy-efficient illumination. These ongoing developments continue to change the very shape of the industry,” he said.

The increase in local energy demands means Gulf countries are looking at alternative sources of energies with renewable initiatives such as solar power taking centre stage. The 100 mega-watt capacity Shams 1 on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi is set for completion this year while in Dubai plans are underway for a 1,000 megawatt solar power plant. Following on this trend, manufacturers with solar powered lighting solutions will be amongst the prominent players at this year’s Light Middle East.

CONFERENCES
The trade exhibition will also feature a comprehensive programme of conferences and workshops – Light Insight Arabia. The interactive forums and instructional workshops and seminars have proved extremely popular during past editions, with lighting industry professionals, designers and consultants from the region keen to hear from leading experts about the latest trends shaping today’s industry. 

Meanwhile, the event has also received the support of a number of leading industry associations. These include the Italian National Association of Lighting Manufacturers (Assil); Continental Automated Building Association (Caba) from North America; Taiwan Lighting Fixtures Export Association (Tlfea) and Electrical Components Manufacturers Association (Elcoma) from India.

Endorsing Light Middle East for the first time, Assil provides technical support activities to its members aimed at continually improving quality and performance of the products placed on the market. CABA, represents over 300 organisations involved in the design, manufacture, installation and retailing of home and building automation.

DESIGN COMPETITION
Aimed at promoting creative design energies among emerging lighting design students and encouraging the quest for innovative solutions that harness the power of new technology, the Best In Class Student Design Competition is being held alongside Light Middle East 2012.

Market trends: Strong demand for sustainable products

“Today’s young minds are the geniuses who will shape tomorrow’s world,” said Pauwels. “The Best in Class Design Competition not only rewards our brightest young designers but also encourages them to continue developing innovative new ideas by recognising their efforts. Light Middle East, as the leading interactive platform for the lighting design industry in the region, provides these youngsters an ideal launch pad to kick start their careers.”

The Best in Class Student Design Competition is aimed at identifying and highlighting emerging talent in light design and energy-saving lighting and is being organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt and Mazarii Interiors, with the support of the Professional Lighting Design Association (Plda). The competition will be held in various categories and winning exhibits will be displayed during Light Middle East. Currently open to design students from across the UAE, the organisers are looking to widen the reach and scope of the competition across the entire region.