Economic growth, rising tourism, and the completion of several mega projects, are
the key drivers of the UAE’s professional AV (audio visual) market, with demand for
related equipment and services estimated to grow by nearly eight per cent over the
next two years, new research has revealed.
According to a report by Euromonitor International (EMI), the UAE’s professional AV
market is estimated to value US$707 million by 2018, up from the expected
US$656.2 million in 2016, as the industry shakes off a market slowdown caused by
declining oil prices over the last 18 months.
The August 2016 report said growth is due to the UAE government’s strong focus on
diversification toward a service and tourism-oriented economy, while the imminent
completion of major projects such as the Guggenheim and Louvre Museums in Abu
Dhabi, and Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid City, will fuel demand for professional AV
and lighting installations.
The bright outlook sets the stage for the inaugural edition of Prolight + Sound
Middle East, where global suppliers of professional technologies and services for the
entertainment and creation industries will showcase their newest products from 31
October – 2 November 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition
Centre.
They’ll meet buyers from key customer segments such as rental companies and
event organisers, which according to the EMI report, account for nearly 50 per cent
of the UAE market share, due to frequent purchases every 3-5 years of the latest
equipment for customised and temporary event-based applications.
Meanwhile, the government sector too will be a key target customer segment for
fixed professional AV applications, as it continues to invest in expanding and
upgrading infrastructure projects and public services such as airports, metro
stations, cultural, and religious institutions.
More than 70 per cent of exhibition space at Prolight + Sound Middle East 2016 has
been booked, with the biggest names in the business throwing their hats into the
ring. The latest to confirm its presence at the three-day event is GSL Professional,
the official Middle East distributor for Harman Professional audio brands such as
JBL, Soundcraft and Crown.
In addition to an array of planned product launches, GSL Professional will also
conduct training seminars covering the theory and practical elements of
performance PA, including line array system concepts, rigging demonstrations,
digital mixing console operation, and new amplifier technologies.
Other notable international exhibitors at Prolight + Sound Middle East 2016 include
Bose Professional Middle East; Monacor International, a German manufacturer of
PA, stage and event technology; Bosch Communications; Adam Hall; and the show’s
Founding Partners, Martin Professional, and Sennheiser, two leading manufacturers
of consumer and professional lighting and audio systems.’
The annual regional showpiece event is the fifth instalment of the international
network of Prolight + Sound events worldwide, and is co-located with Light Middle
East 2016, the region’s dedicated exhibition, conference, and awards for lighting
design and technology. More information is available at: www.prolightsoundme.com.
