28 January 2008
The first few weeks of 2008 have seen the announcement of yet more mega-construction projects across the Middle East, and these are on top of the estimated US$ 1 trillion+ already committed to residential and commercial development.

Lighting, having made the shift from being considered a mere necessity to become a strategically designed element of commercial buildings, residential complexes and essential infrastructure such as airports, seaports and roads, is one of the sectors set for a massive explosion in business potential.

Lighting at Middle East Electricity, which takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 10-13 February 2008, will once again present the Middle East's only comprehensive showcase of lighting-related products for the industrial, residential and commercial sectors, with the world industry leaders having representation.

"The lighting sector is experiencing staggering growth in the Middle East region," said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director - Exhibitions at event organiser IIR Middle East. "Already this year, the Government of Abu Dhabi has confirmed that it will spend US$200 billion on infrastructure over the next five years as part of the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 initiative, while in Dubai a US$1 billion logistics park to link Dubai with the 300 islands of The World will be constructed. The Omani Government has also announced that six brand new regional airports will be built in Sohar, Al Duqm, Ras Al Had, Adam, Haima and Shaleem, while the expansion of the existing Muscat and Salalah international airports is already underway."

The largest and longest running lighting event in the region, Lighting at Middle East Electricity has an established track record of delivering real business, which is why the show will this year feature an even larger number of lighting exhibitors - in excess of 300 - than ever before.

"The business potential for companies involved in the lighting sector in the region are truly beyond belief - Lighting at Middle East Electricity gives them a world leading platform to build real business  as it attracts the highest number of visitors in its industry sector  - over 19,960 in 2007 - and has a track record of proven effectiveness," added Woodbridge. "The show has built its reputation by attracting the region's key decision makers, who form a core part of the largest and highest quality audience of visitors delivered by any lighting event staged in the Middle East."

Among the many lighting exhibitors at this year's show are big name internationals such as Galva, Pierlite, Scolmore, TCI Light and Vossloh and major regional companies such as Al Babtain.

"We exhibited our products at Lighting at Middle East Electricity last year and found the visitors were extremely focused and of a high quality," said Lee Sanderson of CU Phosco Lighting. "We are participating again this year as we found the show to be an excellent platform to promote our products within the Middle East market and beyond."

Sponsored by Havells Sylvania, the global lighting and electrical products powerhouse, and supported by the Federal Electricity and Water Authority and The UAE Ministry of Energy, Lighting at Middle East Electricity runs from 10-13 February at Dubai International Exhibition Centre and is open to trade professionals from 10am to 6pm.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Neil Tyrer, Partner
Integra - Integrated Marketing Communications
Office #502, 5th Floor,
CNN Building, Dubai Media City,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
t: +971 4 3672886,
f: +971 4 3661076,
m: +971 50 6532854,
e: neil.tyrer@integramarcoms.com
www.middleeastelectricity.com

© Press Release 2008