Lighting experts to converge in Dubai

It is the only design-led international trade fair and conference within the region that offers the most innovative, practical and creative architectural lighting solutions for internal and external urban spaces, corporate and retail outlets.

Exhibitors from within the region and across the globe have confirmed their spot at this year's show, which has really attracted the key players within this field. German brand Osram, registered in 1906, a mere 100 years ago, today is one of the leading lighting manufacturers in the world. Osram may have started off manufacturing the traditional light bulb, however today they have an unbelievable portfolio full of some of the greatest innovations in lighting design; some examples of these are in 1954 the curtain went up for the XBO, Xenon high-pressured lamp for cinema projection and effect lighting which in 1983 was presented with an Oscar. In 2004 the world's smallest halogen light was launched and in 2005 they launched the Puritec UV system, which purifies drinking water with the aid of ultraviolet light.

Milan 1938 Piero Castaldi established Ing. Castaldi Illuminazione. Prior to this he founded Illuminotechnica, the first innovative magazine of its kind in Italy and possibly Europe. Ing. Castaldi Illuminazione manufacture lighting fixtures for outdoor use; the Diablo column is one of Castaldi's high end products which was designed in collaboration with the 'light architect' Piero Castaglioni; an efficient tool used in many outdoor residential spaces. Diablo won the 2006 Design Plus Award at Light + Building in Frankfurt, a sister exhibition to Light Middle East.

Dubai based the Al Aqili Group will be featuring BeLIGHT and Arte De Mexico at this year's show. BeLIGHT, who are a leading lighting company, redefine concepts of lighting through innovative, contemporary and classical lights, specialising in both interior and exterior lighting. BeLIGHT represents evolutionary brands such as Fabbian, Brand Van & Egmond and Quasar. Arte De Mexico are specialists in locating the finest artisans and craftsman in creating unique forged wrought iron and hand crafted wood antlers, which are collected to be used within their collection of classical lighting.

Another renowned locally based exhibitor is Martin Architectural known across the globe for their 'Intelligent Dynamic Lighting', providing products and solutions for architectural applications, hotels, theatres, retail landmarks. Very apt within the Gulf countries, specifically the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain who have embarked on major construction projects worth billions of dollars. Dynamic lighting is being used increasingly within the Middle East; one of Martin Architectural's projects is the Down Town Garden in Beirut.

Another world leader are Philips Lighting, this year at Light Middle East, they will be presenting the most innovative LED solutions. Highlighting light solutions for sports lighting, shops, offices, city beautification, road and tunnel lighting. These innovative solutions come into prominence with the many ongoing and planned projects within the Middle East Region.

As well as the A list of exhibitors, the organizers Messe Frankfurt have confirmed that some of the world's most renowned lighting experts will be speaking at the conference, which is running concurrently with the exhibition. Speakers include Jonathan Speirs, Mark Major, Jonathan's business partner since 2003, Kevan Shaw, Rogier van der Heide, Architectural Designer, Associate Director and global leader of Arup Lighting and Gerd Pfarré.

Set to be an exciting event, Lights Middle East draws on experience of its sister exhibitions: Light + Building in Frankfurt - Biel Light + Building in Buenos Aires - The Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and The Design Annual Frankfurt.