Demand for lighting fixtures continues to rack up a healthy rate of growth in a region where it accounts for upto 19% of the total electricity consumption. These figures were released by analysts and Research Partners 6W Research, in the build up to the region's premier trade show for lighting and design, Light Middle East 2018, which takes place in Dubai in September.

Not surprisingly, international interest from global lighting brands, fixture manufacturers and the design community in the upcoming exhibition is strong, with over 345 exhibitors from 30 countries throwing their hats in the ring for the three days of the show, which is expected to draw in over 5,500 trade professionals, buyers and key decision makers.

According to 6W Research, large scale construction activity and considerable investment by regional governments into building industrial and commercial infrastructure, is expected to sustain long term growth for the latest in lighting technology and innovations. The Industrial and Commercial sectors, account for as much as 71% of the total Middle East lighting fixtures market, with the outdoors sector and miscellaneous uses making up for the rest.

"Even as the lighting fixtures market in the region continues to grow at an encouraging pace and evolves into a more mature and discerning one, the role of Light Middle East as a vital interactive idea exchange and learning platform continues to be an important one," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organisers of Light Middle East. "Being the premier trade and networking event serving the international lighting design community, Light Middle East will continue to showcase the latest in lighting design and technology and serve as a key conduit for the flow of information about the benefits of the latest technological innovations that are driving change in the industry," he added.

Light Middle East 2018, which will run from September 23 to 25, 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature Country Pavilions from Spain, Turkey, France, UK, and Italy, while a German-government supported pavilion will also be making its appearance for the first time.

Big names making their return this year from among the exhibitors will be: GVA Lighting (Canada), Emirates Lighting Factory (UAE), Luceco (UAE), OSRAM, Switch Made, Venuetech, and Zoomlux, to name just a few, Meanwhile, making their first bow on the Middle East's premier trade platform will be Lead Sponsor AW Rostamani, Abensal (UAE), Clarte Studio (Romania), Electron (Italy), LCT (Austria), Ledvance Middle East( UAE), and Ragni (France).

Faro Barcelona are one of the newcomers at Light Middle East 2018, who will be presenting their new range of ceiling fans, indoor and outdoor lighting. Javier Martin Conillas, CEO said: "We are launching several new designs at Light Middle East 2018 for indoor and outdoor lighting. Among of all them, stable collaborations with front-line designers; multifunctional models that combine lighting with all kinds of utilities such as wireless charging or sound reproduction; references with an optimal value for money or ultra-portable LED lights with battery,"

Back after a successful Light Middle East last year, where they launched small, compact RGBW projectors and profile LEDs, Concept Light are returning this year with more innovative profile LED lines.

Meanwhile, Ragni of France, who have specialized in streetlighting since 1927 and whose products have been in the UAE for the last 25 years, will be introducing a range of completely solar powered smart lighting range. Co-founder Francois Jarroulet said: "The Middle East is truly a leading market for Smart & Connected concepts. We created and launched our Smart Solutions for the local market and they are being successfully implemented in RTA's Al Awir project, in Mirdif and Royal Golf in Bahrain."

Following the success of last year's event, all the popular show features are making a comeback this year including: Think Light, Ready Steady Light, Light.ication, and the Light Middle East Awards, Making their debut this year will be two new sections on Light Design, which showcases decorative lighting targeting interior designers and Smart & Connected Lighting which will encompass home and building automation, which will be of immense interest to system integrators.

To celebrate the Year of Zayed, the student design showcase that is Light.ication, will be dedicated to the Year of Zayed, and is expected to feature a number of teams representing over 6 different universities.