The 19th edition of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East concluded on 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, reaffirming its role as the Middle East’s leading platform for lighting, smart building technologies, and the future of the built environment.
Running from 12–14 January and co-located with Intersec, the event brought together more than 600 brands from 30 countries and welcomed over 16,000 industry professionals. Over three days, the exhibition floor was complemented by a robust knowledge programme, featuring more than 140 international speakers who contributed to high-level discussions on sustainability, innovation, standards, and emerging technologies.
Official opening and industry momentum
The event was officially opened by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). During the opening tour, His Excellency visited several international exhibitors, highlighting the event’s global reach and its importance in the region’s rapidly evolving construction and infrastructure landscape.
Speaking during the opening day, Abdul Muhsin, Show Director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, emphasised the event’s knowledge-driven focus, noting that the Smart Building Summit, THINKLIGHT Conference and InSpotLight stage were designed to support meaningful industry dialogue alongside the exhibition.
Circular retrofits and the US$3.9 trillion opportunity
A key highlight of the final day was the fireside chat at the InSpotLight stage, titled Circularity in Retrofits: Unlocking the US$3.9 Trillion Decarbonisation Opportunity. The session explored how reuse-led retrofit strategies could unlock significant global emissions-reduction potential, particularly as most buildings expected to be in use by 2050 already exist today.
Speakers examined how circular design principles, material efficiency, and lifecycle thinking are reshaping the economics of sustainable buildings. The discussion also addressed the growing role of AI, data analytics, digital asset records and material passports in prioritising interventions and maximising long-term value in retrofit projects, particularly in regions with extensive existing building stock.
Smart buildings beyond net zero
Earlier in the week, the Smart Building Summit brought regional and international experts together to discuss how sustainability strategies must evolve beyond net-zero targets. Sessions focused on data-driven decision-making, simulation technologies, renewable integration, and education as critical drivers of the next phase of sustainable development across the Middle East.
Discussions highlighted the rapid growth of the smart building market in the region, alongside the need for continuous professional upskilling as digital twins, AI-driven modelling and interoperable systems become standard practice. Speakers also referenced the region’s architectural heritage as an early example of climate-responsive design, noting how traditional principles can be reinforced through modern engineering and smart technologies.
Standards, AI and the next generation of designers
Standards and interoperability were another central theme at InSpotLight, with a dedicated session examining how common frameworks can future-proof smart buildings. Industry representatives explored how shared standards support scalability, system integration and long-term resilience across increasingly complex building ecosystems.
On the final day, the programme also turned its attention to education and emerging talent. Workshops and student-focused sessions explored how AI and advanced simulation tools are transforming lighting design workflows, from early concept visualisation to documentation and delivery, signalling a shift in how the next generation of lighting designers is being trained.
A global platform for innovation and collaboration
Across the exhibition floor, leading international brands including Signify, Honeywell, LEDVANCE, Opple, KNX, Schneider Electric, Theben and Airzone showcased next-generation lighting and smart building solutions, reflecting the growing convergence of lighting, controls, automation and data-driven systems.
The event concluded with the Light Middle East Awards, celebrating excellence in lighting design, innovation and technical achievement across the region and beyond.
As the doors close on the 2026 edition, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East once again demonstrated its role as a key regional and global meeting point.
