DUBAI — The increase in global demand for lighting solutions, with an emphasis on energy efficient sources, is reshaping the lighting industry, while the continued market expansion in the region puts the Middle East in the spotlight as global majors target Light Middle East 2017.

The leading trade, networking and business generating event for the lighting design and technology industry in the region, Light Middle East returns to Dubai later this year, larger and more representative than ever before. Organizers Messe Frankfurt Middle East, are expecting the show to open at least 10% larger than the previous edition in terms of both area and number of exhibitors, underlining the increasing appeal of the region to global players.

According to analysts Frost & Sullivan, the global lighting industry is at a crucial tipping point, with new technology driving innovative solutions and energy efficient lighting solutions. Solid state lighting solutions powered by LED is expected to form as much as 50% of the total global lighting market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% till 2020 from the 2015 value of $87 billion.

In the GCC, the LED lighting market was estimated to comprise about 38% of the total lighting market in 2015. It is expected to clock a CAGR of 16-17% and cross 50% of the total market by 2019-2020. Growth of the LED lighting market is largely driven by Greenfield investments in the real estate and infrastructure sectors in the Gulf Cooperation council, which is still an attractive market for the construction sector.

Ambitious plans by governments are also driving the progress towards energy efficient and integrated lighting systems, with Dubai's retrofitting of its public lighting systems with LED lighting, expected to same about 300 gwh of energy consumption by 2030.

"The latest in innovative technology and cutting-edge developments as well as key insights into the road ahead for lighting technology and design, will all be on offer at the upcoming edition of Light Middle East, which is expected to be even more comprehensive in reach and content than before," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. "The exhibition continues to be the premier launching platform for global players looking to engage with this promising region, as well as the most diverse sourcing destination for traders and buyers looking for the latest in lighting technology."

Leading provider of intelligent and sustainable lighting components, Fulham sees LED lighting the way ahead. Srinivasan P.S, General Manager of Fulham said: "The LED market today is about 50% new construction and 50% retrofit. Customers are increasingly aware that LED lamps and tubes that use existing fluorescent, HID or Induction power systems are not the best way to reduce energy use. Therefore, we are seeing more and more use of complete retrofits – either via the luminiaire (which come from Fulham OEMs) or from retrofit kits that go in existing luminaires. While the market continues to grow at 20%, we see emergency lighting systems and controls are our next growth areas."

Also returning to Light Middle East are PUK Italia Group, leading manufacturers of outdoor lighting fixtures. Simone Ferrari, Export Manager of PUK Italia said: "The Middle East market is more and more important for us, we have so many clients in the Gulf area that our business volume is increasing year after year. We will display a selection of our new items 2017, some prototypes that will enter into production in 2018 and some of our most significant products into regular production." — SG