Sound and lighting sector set for a louder presence

The Middle East sound and lighting industry is expected to be worth $1 billion a year in three to five years, says an industry expert.

The sound and lighting sector generates $20 billion a year internationally, said Matthew Griffiths, chief executive, Professional Lighting and Sound Association (Plasa) - which is an international association for the industry.

Speaking at the first Pro Audio Light Middle East (Palme) trade show being held in Dubai, Griffiths said: "With so much construction and so many major events in the Middle East we expect the Middle East to be worth $ 1 billion a year in three to five years, The sector is worth $1 billion a year in the UK and the Middle East can certainly match that the way things are going.

"It is a dynamic part of the world. It isn't afraid to be loud and proud - Plasa likes that and our industry likes that. The key is that the sound and lighting technology sector isn't simply about entertainment - it is construction and architecturally driven.

"It is audio and visual, of course - we may have the same technology that does a Rolling Stones concert, but put it in a different box and it is used for a shopping centre or a sports stadium. It could be a sophisticated voice alarm, for example. That's why the growth of the sector applies to all countries in the Middle East."

Griffiths said a "highly professional" show like Palme, being held at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, would help "streamline" many aspects of the sound and lighting sector in the Middle East.

"The industry now has a focal point in the Middle East. Plasa is highly impressed with Palme and we definitely want to be involved next year and beyond."

The range of technology at Palme includes many forms of concert and nightclub speakers, mixers, sound consoles, DJ equipment, microphones, lighting, fog and smoke machines, etc.
The show is open for the last time today from 11am to 8pm.