The number of hotel rooms in Dubai will increase by 50 per cent to 22,000 by the end of this year. Currently there are 40,000 rooms across 415 hotels in Dubai. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) stated that, this year, 22 new hotels are due to open with seven new hotel apartments adding 10,000 rooms to the inventory. Hotel occupancy is running at 85 to 90 per cent, reaching 100 per cent during international exhibitions. Following the growth trends in the region, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has approved investment packages to build 4,000 hotel rooms in three years as part of its plan to add 17,000 hotel rooms by 2015.

According to Mr. Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, “The hotel and hospitality industry is growing by leaps and bounds in the UAE and GCC countries, thereby creating a wider market with better opportunities for Light Middle East, the biggest exhibition of its kind in the Gulf region. The event in Dubai places Epoc Messe Frankfurt at a unique forefront of dynamic growth within the hotel business. “

Mr. Pruy added: “Light Middle East is backed by the most successful exhibition, for the lighting industry: Light + Building in Frankfurt which attracts more than 135,000 visitors every year. Therefore, we are, very confident that we can use our international experience to contribute towards the further growth of the event in Dubai.”

Light Middle East, has announced an update to its 2008 exhibitor and advisory panel to keep pace with the changes in the industry, to bring new perspectives and ensure the event remains guided by the industry, shaping a pivotal experience for the region.

Ms. Jessica Minton, Senior Show Manager of Light Middle East, added: “The reformed panel, which includes - Osram, Philips, FibrePros, WILA, Martin Architectural; and the emerging expertise of Cinmar Lightings, ensures that Light Middle East continues to address the needs of clients and specifies through the choice and solutions provided by exhibiting companies .Philips once again will be a key member of the advisory panel, having committed fully to Light Middle East’s aim of being the only annual meeting point for the regional industry”

Running in parallel to Light Middle East in 2008, which will be held from May 25 to 27, is the 2008 Professional Lighting Designers Association (PLDA) light focus conference. This conference will serve as a creative platform which will connect a diverse set of lighting designers and architects to see future trends in design. Organisers said the conference will feature a full programme of globally renowned speakers. “They will explore all areas of light and its application, including discussions around architectural lighting solutions, LEDs, and theatrical lighting, “said Ms. Minton.

Light Middle East is a much needed platform for property developers, major clients and municipalities from around the region to source lighting solutions in what is clearly one of the most vibrant property development markets in the world. Light Middle East is also the best place to source both architectural design solutions and engineering consultancy.