January 17, 2025
Highlights from Light + Intelligent Building Middle East
Above: Recipients of 2025 Light Middle East Awards
Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt
Dubai hosts a well-attended lighting trade show and conference
The 18th edition of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East concluded its largest-ever event at the Dubai World Trade Centre on January 16, 2025. Featuring over 440 exhibitors from 34 countries and co-located with Intersec, the event marked a milestone for the lighting and building technology sector in the MENA region. Themed “Building Commonality Through Community, Creativity and Culture,” the exhibition included conferences, panel discussions, and the prestigious Light Middle East Awards.
The THINKLIGHT conference brought together global experts to discuss how lighting design transforms urban spaces. Sessions included “Commonality: Immersive Design Approaches and Light Art as a Community Builder” and “Why Details are Critical to Good Lighting.” Keynote speakers emphasized light's psychological and cultural impact, with examples ranging from artistic installations to strategic city-wide planning.
Panelist Frankie Boyle highlighted light's biological and emotional influence, showcasing her public art piece The Living Lantern. Sarvdeep Singh Basur discussed integrating light and sound in a Himalayan temple project, creating a meditative experience. The discussions underscored light's ability to foster inclusivity, drive local economies, and build cultural identity.
Above: Paneleists share insights during THINKLIGHT conference
Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt
Innovative Products and Concepts on Display
Exhibitors introduced groundbreaking technologies, such as Spectrum Lighting Technology’s wireless-powered lighting solutions. Innovations like their underwater lighting and "One For All" product demonstrated sustainability-focused designs that lower costs and extend lifespans. The exhibition spanned six categories, including technical lighting, decorative lighting, and smart home automation, further solidifying the event’s comprehensive scope.
The 11th annual Light Middle East Awards recognized outstanding projects and products in the lighting industry. With 183 entries and 18 winners, the awards highlighted innovative design, sustainability, and transformative impact. Key accolades included:
Award Highlights
Projects of the Year
- International:
- Dawn and Dusk (Koit Ja Hamarik) by Light-to-Light (Estonia)
- Antwerpen Central Station by Loomit SRLS
- Middle East and Africa (MEA):
- Six Senses Southern Dune: The Red Sea by Light Touch PLD (also the ultimate Light Middle East Project of the Year)
- At-Turaif in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia by Speirs Major Light Architecture (Heritage Lighting)
- Misk Schools Campus by LIGHTALLIANCE (Sustainability Lighting)
Product of the Year
- Indoor: Filorail by iGuzzini Middle East
- Outdoor: Trick em by iGuzzini Middle East
- Decorative: Loop by Arkoslight SL
- Intelligent Solution: Chameleon by EWO SRL
Public Voting - Peer Award
- XENIA_AF_BLADE by Linea Light
Partner of the Year
- LEDFlex Group
The event also featured participants from industry organizations such as the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the DALI Alliance, and DarkSky International.
