Panel Discussion taking place ME Smart Lighting 2021
The latest in smart lighting solutions and sustainable energy explored at the Middle East Smart Lighting and Energy Summit
MONDAY APRIL 05, 2021
On the 31st of March and 1st of April, the Middle East Smart Lighting & Energy Summit returned for its 9th edition at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre. Bringing together lighting and sustainability experts from across the world, the Summit explored topics ranging from IoT and smart lighting technology to architectural lighting and energy efficiency strategies.
For our first presentation, we welcomed Faisal Rashid from the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and learned all about the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. Next up, Trevor Leighton from our Platinum Sponsor, Ligman, took the stage to speak on the opportunities and challenges faced when adapting to emerging technologies. This enlightening keynote was followed up with Himanshu Sharma, from Etihad ESCO. Himanshu spoke on the retrofitting process and the importance of energy efficiency within the approach. Taking us up to the morning break, Francesco Lozupone from Sylvania provided an overview of the critical role of circadian rhythm in the public lighting design process.
After a short break in the networking lounge, delegates reconvened for our first panel session of the day. Featuring David Andrew Dunn of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Roaa Ghassan Alkhatib of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Francesco Lozupone from Sylvania and Zainab Mohamed Alhosani from Abu Dhabi City Municipality, this panel delved into the role of government in implementing intelligent lighting design in cities. Following the panel, we welcomed Roberto Inclinati from UL who shared his expertise on streetlight data and the possibilities it holds for seamless traffic flow. To follow this, Mohannad Al Salkhadi from ATI shared the unique design concept that was used in lighting the domes of Sharjah Mosque and the techniques needed when illuminating this kind of structure. It was then time for a panel, this time on the role of MEPs in building smart cities and implementing sustainable infrastructure. Featuring Bushra Anwar from Cundall, Mohan Daniel from Atkins, Rabab Husain from Ramboll and Henrique Pereira from Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, there was a lively chat with plenty of varied expertise.
Day two began with a keynote presentation, delivered by David Andrew Dunn from Abu Dhabi CIty Municipality. David discussed the pros and cons of solar street lighting, and whether or not it's a technology well-suited to the UAE's network. Following this, we welcomed the first panel of the day: Suhad Inamdar from Al Wasl Properties, David Andrew Dunn from Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Sheeba Benny from Ted Jacob Engineering Group and Ashraf Ali Khan from Griffin Consultants. The panel explored the exciting developments in IoT and AI that are transforming public lighting strategies.
After a coffee break, delegates returned for a presentation by Suhas Inamdar from Al Wasl Group on the fascinating world of Li-Fi technology. This was followed up by Eng. Abdulrahman Omar Ali Alkholy from Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, who discussed the important balance between adopting new, breakthrough technologies and remaining focused on the true mission: meeting the needs of the community. Rounding out the day, we finished with a panel discussion on placemaking, featuring Waleed Fakousa from The Lighting Institute, Erin Slaviero from Nulty Lighting, Paul Miles from Light Touch PLD and Regina Santos from Light Fusion. Rounding out the Summit, delegates enjoyed some lunch and took the opportunity to engage in some final networking with their new connections.
