Accounting for as much as 70% of the US$2.5 billion Middle East lighting sector, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in the forefront of a rapidly growing industry according to global consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan.

Fuelled by increased demand from the fully revived construction sector, the Gulf lighting fixtures market is expected to grow between 8-10 per cent annually between 2014-2018, creating major opportunities for global manufacturers and designers to capitalise on renewed investment across the region.

More than 250 top players will look to tap into the lucrative market at Light Middle East 2014, the region’s premier trade event for lighting design and technology, taking place from 3-5 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Now in its 9th edition and organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Light Middle East is the region’s only exhibition dedicated exclusively to the lighting industry, presenting the latest innovations and advancements of the rapidly evolving sector.

“Light Middle East reflects the remarkable growth and developments that the regional lighting industry has seen over the years, presenting exhibitors with unmatched ease of access to re-gional buyers and markets,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“Given the large number of infrastructural and developmental projects currently underway with many more in the pipeline, the GCC and wider Middle East represent a market of exciting po-tential and huge possibilities for the future.”

Many of the top 50 global lighting industry majors are expected to interact with thousands of project related buyers at Light Middle East, as they jockey for a larger share of the regional lighting pie. Among the heavy hitters already confirming their participation at the three-day event include LG, Osram, Artemide, Targetti, Regiolux, Rovasi, Apollo, Debas and Odelic.

European manufacturers Rovasi and Regiolux will introduce to the Middle East their latest range of energy efficient LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), a move that will be welcomed by many as regional governments continue to encourage the adoption of greener technology for infra-structure and construction projects.

Ingeborg Schmidt, Export Sales Manager at German-based Regiolux, said: “Over the last year, the main focus for Regiolux has been directed toward the development of new energy efficient LED equipped luminaries while extending our existing LED product range.

“We have already established strong business relationships in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Ku-wait over the last 30 years, and we now see increasing opportunities in other Middle East and African markets. Light Middle East is our gateway to these untapped markets.”

With wide support from industry associations and regional authorities, Light Middle East offers a comprehensive interactive platform for manufacturers, architects, designers, consultants, engi-neers, construction companies, hospitality industry professionals, government officials and more.

Prominent among the attractions at this year’s edition will be the the Future Zone, an exciting showcase of futuristic products and technology, cutting-edge design and trends from some of the leading international manufacturers and designers.
Training the spotlight on key industry issues will be the two-day Light Middle East Conference from 4-5 November, where high profile lighting designers and experts share their insights in an engaging and educational programme.

Meanwhile, the popular Light Middle East Awards returns after a hugely successful launch in 2013. Celebrating excellence in lighting design, the region’s outstanding projects and products will be awarded in front of hundreds of key industry professionals at a gala dinner ceremony on the 5th of November.

The Light Middle East Awards cover 12 categories:

• Innovative Lighting Project of the Year
• Sustainable Lighting Project of the Year
• Hospitality Lighting Project of the Year (Interior)
• Hospitality Lighting Project of the Year (Exterior)
• Retail Lighting Project of the Year (Interior)
• Retail Lighting Project of the Year (Exterior)
• Residential Lighting Project of the Year
• Public Lighting Project of the Year
• Best indoor product
• Best outdoor product
• Most innovative product
• Channel Partner of the Year / Regional Lighting Distributor of the Year

A panel of renowned lighting design experts will judge the final shortlist, with the deadline for all entries set for 31st August 2014.