Number of UAE hotel rooms to rise dramatically

Dubai: The number of hotel rooms in the UAE is projected to increase tremendously in order to accommodate the upsurge of 15 million tourists by 2010, thereby creating extensive business opportunities for lighting designers, suppliers and manufacturers of lighting equipment.

Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, said "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."

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. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said that this year 22 hotels are due to open with seven hotel apartments adding 10,000 rooms to the inventory. Hotel occupancy is running at 85 to 90 per cent. Following the growth trends in the region, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Auth-ority 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.

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.

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."