A LEADING power exhibition in the Middle East, which is celebrating its 40th edition, is set to witness a 15 per cent increase in floor space to accommodate the first ever area dedicated to the lighting industry.

Middle East Electricity will run from March 2 to 4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

It has not only witnessed a 40 per cent increase in visitor attendance over the past two years, but has also acquired an additional 21 per cent floor space to cater to the growing power industry in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, which is forecast to expand by $70.7 billion per year leading up to 2018, it said.

Anita Mathews, director of Informa Energy Group, said: “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 sq m 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.”

Added Mathews: “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.”

In addition to exhibitor demand, the need for a dedicated lighting platform at Middle East Electricity has been fuelled by strong growth in the lighting industry, said the statement.

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, it said.

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.

The event will also offer an extended educational programme with three informative conferences, 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 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.

The third day 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.