Environment & Energy | Wednesday 14 January, 2015 2:44 am |

Middle East Electricity, the world’s largest power exhibition taking place on 2-4 March at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is preparing for its 40th edition in 2015. The show has not only witnessed a 40 per cent increase in visitor attendance over the past two years, but has also acquired 21 per cent extra floor space to cater for the growing MENA power industry, which is forecast to expand by USD 70.7 billion per year leading up to 2018.

“When Middle East Electricity launched back in 1975 it was held in a tent on the banks of Dubai Creek. The show now boasts over 54,000 sqm of exhibition space, and received a total attendance of 50,629 last year, the highest number of visitors we have ever received at the show. In the event industry 40 years is no mean feat, and we are one of the longest standing exhibitions in the history of the UAE’s event calendar.” said Anita Mathews, Director – Informa Energy Group.

“I don’t use the term lightly when I say ‘stakeholders are key’, and one of the main drivers of the event’s success has been maintaining our focus regarding the expectations of our stakeholders. For many of our exhibitors we have grown right alongside them, building the trust that is required to ensure the longevity of our event.” added Mathews.

Lighting has been one of Middle East Electricity’s fastest growing sectors for a number of years. To meet demand, the 2015 event will feature, for the first time ever, an area solely dedicated to the lighting industry, increasing the total floor space for 2015 by 13 per cent.

In addition to exhibitor demand, the need for a dedicated lighting platform at Middle East Electricity has been fueled by strong growth in the lighting industry. The recent revival in the region’s construction sector is expected to increase the Gulf’s lighting fixtures’ market by 10 per cent per annum to reach a value of $3.75 billion in five years.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the way in the burgeoning GCC lighting sector and collectively accounted for around 70 per cent of the regional market last year.

“I am really looking forward to what this extension of the show will bring, as the lighting sector in particular depends on innovation and technological advancement.” said Mathews.

Middle East Electricity 2015 will offer an extended educational programme with three informative conferences, once again supported by Dubai Municipality, the event’s strategic government partner. The show will welcome back the Green Energy and Solar Middle East conferences and will introduce a conference dedicated to lighting to coincide with the expanded show vertical.

“The fortieth anniversary of Middle East Electricity is a true testament to both the resilience and growth the regional power industry has witnessed over the last four decades. We fully support the efforts to grow this exhibition even further, and are excited to see what new developments and initiatives come from the Green Energy Conference.” said H.E Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General, Dubai Municipality, UAE.

The Green Energy Conference will highlight the urgency and vision in creating sustainable energy solutions, with a focus on combining traditional and alternative energy sources (creating hybrid systems) to minimise the risks inherent with both, and incorporate sustainable energy means.

The Solar Middle East Conference, which takes place on day two of the show, will provide a holistic view of the regional solar industry with a country focus on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.

Finally, day three will feature the first ever conference agenda dedicated to commercial lighting at Middle East Electricity. The conference will discuss major issues such as transitioning to and supporting the LED market in the Middle East, as well as a session on how new sustainability guidelines are the backbone of both Abu Dhabi's and Dubai's aggressive goals to become smart, sustainable cities.