Dubai: As the world cautiously adapts to a new way of living post-pandemic, lighting manufacturers are promoting the benefits of human-centric lighting and UVC (ultraviolet C) LEDs that can disinfect surfaces in less than a minute and kill up to 99.9% of germs – including Covid-19. 

While ultraviolet light has been used to sterilise and disinfect medical equipment for years, its efficacy has recently come to the fore, with LEDs now in the advantageous position to become the control hub that seamlessly brings together technologies that enrich human lives. 

And whether working from home or in the office, the pandemic has shined the spotlight on another important topic: how human-centric lighting – the use of artificial light to imitate natural light to create a circadian rhythm – greatly benefits human health and physiology.  

Exhibitors at the upcoming Light Middle East trade fair in Dubai will be out in force to showcase how advanced solid-state lighting (SSL) systems, LED and IoT lighting is not only more sustainable and better for the environment, but also better for human health. 

The three-day event, now in its 15th edition, will take place from 28-30th September 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will feature around 100 exhibitors from 23 countries. 

UAE-based Elettrico Lighting is among these, with General Manager Mohammed Khalil adamant that SSL – lighting that uses semiconductor LEDs, organic LEDs, or polymer LEDs as sources of illumination rather than electrical filaments, plasma, or gas – can provide more amicable and productive human-centric lighting. 

Mr Khalil also said the global pandemic has opened up a new opportunity that has so far been intensely discussed but scarcely implemented: healthcare lighting. 

“The onset of covid-19 triggered researchers across the globe to develop an ultraviolet LED solution to disinfect and sterilize hospital beds, floors, or surfaces that could keep the virus active,” said Mr Khalil. 

“UVC LEDs can be configured to ideal wavelengths (260-270 nm) that could kill the covid-19 virus as well as offering an attractive price and sustainability benefits. Leading players are already working with healthcare facilities across the globe to accelerate the use of UVC LEDs to eliminate the threat of infection from touch or contact.”

While it can be difficult to find the silver lining when something as severe as a global pandemic hits, covid-19 has accelerated not only the development of lighting technology but also the adoption of new lighting technology.

Dharmendra Patel, Managing Director of Creation Gulf, a Dubai-based lighting consultant and distributor, and regular Light Middle East exhibitor, believes the rapid adoption of IoT in lighting will be the main benefactor of this development.

“IoT is most definitely the future”, said Mr Patel.  “Like most of our manufacturing partners, we do believe over time anything that can be connected will be connected. Furthermore, IoT would also enable remote management and access which would further make lives easy for the clients and operators.”

Mr Patel added that while human-centric lighting was traditionally applied to the workplace, the onset of ‘working from home’ meant it was now relevant at home, outdoors, or anywhere people congregate.

“The increase in the number of companies adopting ‘work from home, has led to people spending more time indoors at home than ever before,” added Mr Patel.  “It’s only a matter of time until residential projects start implementing a human-centric approach with circadian rhythms to enhance the quality of life.”

Light Middle East is the region’s premier exhibition, awards programme, and conference for lighting, design and technology.  This year will see the largest ever German Pavilion in 15 years, alongside other exhibiting countries such as Belarus, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and Spain, the USA, and of course, the UAE. 

The annual showcase is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, and returns with the 8th edition of the popular Light Middle East Awards, along with the three-day THINK LIGHT conference addressing the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in architectural lighting design in a post-pandemic world.

Dishan Isaac, Senior Show Manager for Light Middle East, said the two value-added features will offer exhibitors, delegates, and visitors alike a point of difference in addition to countless business networking and re-connecting in a safe, controlled environment on the exhibition floor. 

“The Light Middle East Awards will be particularly interesting as we celebrate the lighting projects and personalities that overcame the most testing challenges in the last year and a half,” said Mr Isaac.  

“THINK LIGHT meanwhile will have dedicated tracks; Day 1 will spotlight sustainability, energy efficiency, & net-zero buildings; transport & infrastructure; healthcare lighting; and IoT & intelligent lighting. 

“On Day 2, the attention will then turn towards commercial lighting, hospitality, public & exterior lighting; along with a dedicated session on Dark Skies, or how to address light pollution at a time when darkness is becoming more scarce.

“There will also be a series of workshops on Day 3 in partnership with the Lighting Institute and WILD (Women in Leadership Deliver).  Those who cannot attend Light Middle East physically will still be able to network virtually via the show’s hybrid digital offering.” 

More information is available at: www.lightme.net