Sound and lighting mart set to top $1b

The sound and lighting sector in the Middle East is expected to be worth $1 billion a year in three to five years, considering the massive construction and real estate development, according to an industry forecast conducted by the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA).

In Dubai, the industry will receive a solid boost once major projects near completion, namely the Palm Islands, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Marina, Dubai Technology, E-Commerce and Media Free Zone, properties undertaken by Emaar Properties.

An independent survey conducted by a British firm has delivered the healthiest possible forecast for an exhibition staged in Dubai to cater for the sound and lighting sector.

Pro Audio Light Middle East (Palme), the first designated trade show for this industry, has acted as the springboard for an industry already tipped to be worth billions of dollars in the Middle East in the next few years.

Iain McLean, Palme project manager, said, "Our initial research indicated there was a niche market to be filled by Palme, but it's fair to say no one realised how broad that niche was.
"All the figures point to a sound and lighting industry boom in the Middle East at the moment - the first Palme was the launchpad.

"It is particularly noteworthy that 90 per cent of Palme exhibitors experienced an immediate increase in business prospects.

"And 97 per cent of exhibitors said overall objectives were met at Palme while 44 per cent expected to do business with a new supplier."

Seventy-six exhibitors from 15 countries took space at Palme – organised by Dubai-based IIR Exhibitions - and nearly half of those have signed up for next year's expo, according to Mclean. The next Palme will run on February 17, 18 and 19, 2004.

Nearly 60 product launches took place at Palme and the statistics show 78 per cent of visitors were introduced to new products at the show.