19 November 2015
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - KSA is facing challenges such as a growing population, and rapid urbanization. At the same time, demand for energy and natural resources is also sharply increasing. Now more than ever, energy efficient lighting solutions are necessary to address those challenges and to create safe and welcoming cities. At the Home of Innovation™ facility, Philips SLC will showcase its latest innovations in LED systems and solutions to address the changing dynamics amid rapid urbanization and population expansion.

 Philips SLC, a leading lighting solutions provider in the Kingdom, today announced a new strategic partnership with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), one of the world's largest diversified chemicals company, for SABIC's Home of Innovation initiative, that SABIC has launched recently, to showcase it latest LED lighting innovations.

Through SABIC's Home of Innovation™ regional growth initiative, featuring a state-of-the-art, resource-efficient facility in Riyadh, Philips SLC will help inspire the Kingdom and Middle East region to think about what innovations and sustainable solutions including lighting could be adopted locally.

Commenting on the project, Khalid Al Hobayb, General Manager of Philips SLC, said "Home of Innovation provides us not only an opportunity to showcase our LED lighting systems but also the chance to collaborate with SABIC to identify market needs and develop the solutions." "LED lighting systems are highly efficient, long lasting, have a high reliability and are inherently controllable - enabling both new and traditional applications of light. Through this initiative, Philips SLC is determined to collaborate with SABIC to deliver the most innovative and sustainable solutions to improve people's lives."

A recent study by the Saudi Centre for Energy Efficiency[1]  confirmed that Saudi Arabia's energy consumption is amongst the highest in the world, with an average per capita consumption of electricity that is twice the global average. Lighting is responsible for 19% of worldwide electricity use, presenting a significant opportunity for energy savings in the home, in offices, buildings and roads in the Kingdom. LED lighting can save up to 80% of energy consumption and last for 15 years.

"SABIC is excited to collaborate with Philips SLC in shaping the future with exciting new lighting applications and platforms such as connected LED technology," said Abdullah Al-Refaie, Home of Innovation Director. "This initiative is a focal point for those committed to innovation and growth, bringing together the best minds and organizations interested in the future of the Middle East region. The Home of Innovation™ initiative, including the facility we are building in Riyadh, educates visitors about the challenges faced in the region and the opportunities they present."

The Home of Innovation™ facility, consisting of a Collaboration Center and a Demonstration Home, is currently under construction in Riyadh's Techno-Valley at King Saud University, alongside the SABIC Plastics Application Development Center (SPADC).  It will showcase innovative yet commercially available systems and products that can be used to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainable building operation.

Sustainability is at the heart of Philips and serves as a catalyst for innovation, having pioneered many energy efficiency breakthroughs in lighting over its 123-year history including the introduction of the compact fluorescent lamp in 1980.

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For further information, please contact:
Imran Zafeer
Philips Saudi Arabia Communications
Tel: +966593006679
E-mail: imran.zafeer@philips.com

About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 105,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About Home of Innovation
Home of Innovation™, a SABIC growth initiative, combines marketing, innovation and technology to create demand and promote downstream industry development. It offers a platform to showcase global innovation while identifying and developing new market opportunities and solutions. It inspires the regional business community by facilitating collaboration among industry-leading companies and showcasing what could be manufactured locally. It brings together the best minds and organizations interested in the future of the Middle East region and acts as a catalyst to transform ideas to industry. For more information, go to homeofinnovation.sabic.com.

[1] Saudi Energy Efficiency Center- [Link]

© Press Release 2015