Wasteful energy consumption is costing nations millions of dollars through the need to build more power stations to meet demands. In addition, these power stations pollute the environment through their emissions.

Leading independent European lighting manufacturer Fitzgerald Lighting marks 30 years in business this year. Over the past three decades, this UK-based firm has expanded its market to cover an almost worldwide export arena.

AL Hathboor Electricals of the UAE and French electrical products firm Legrand have brought a whole new dimension to the marketing of electrical goods in the region with the opening of a customer-care centre in Dubai. Al Hathboor Electricals, a division of Al Hathboor Group, is the local distributor of Legrand products.

Omega Factory for Luminaires, Poles and Galvanizing, which specialises in the manufacture of hot-dip galvanised steel poles and outdoor lighting fixtures, is on the expansion path buoyed by a number of orders both in the domestic as well as the wider Arab market.

The days are numbered for conventional control gear (CCG), given the rapid pace of developments in electronic control gear (ECG), according to Hermann Billmayer, managing director of the UAE-based Osram Middle East FZE.

One of the world's most successful vertical trade show series is being brought to the Middle East by IIR Exhibitions. Pro Audio Light Middle East (Palme) is described as the region's first dedicated professional sound and lighting communication showcase. It will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 16-18 next year.