EXPO 2020 and Qatar 2022 World Cup set to trigger major boost to region's professional sound and light industry
DUBAI, 19 March 2014: Innovators from the world of sound and light will be looking to make the most of the approximate, USD 58 billion investment in to both Dubai and Qatar’s event infrastructure leading up to 2022.
Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup and Dubai’s Expo 2020 involve monumental construction efforts, and are set to have a domino effect on those countries’ tourism, banking, trade, IT, logistics and other related sectors in the lead up to, and beyond, both events.
Dubai is expected to invest over US$8.1 billion in new infrastructure to host Expo 2020, while Qatar’s infrastructure spend on hotels, leisure, tourism, sports, recreation and other projects in the run-up to the World Cup could amount to approximately US$50 billion.
This will be a topic of discussion at this year’s inaugural ‘Event Production Drop-in Sessions’ taking place at PALME Middle East, the annual exhibition for showcasing international cutting-edge sound and light technology, which takes place on 15-17 April at the Dubai Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Stefan Wieland, Senior Production Manager – Live Events and Festivals, Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI), speaking about The Diversification & Expansion of the Industry in the Region at this year’s sessions predicts that there will be a bigger demand for production capacities and technical supply.
“Personally, I am conservative on forecasts, but with the lead-up events and numerous site events during the World Cup, there will certainly be bigger demand on production capacities and technical supply. However, I expect us to really hit our peak with demand and growth around two years before the World Cup, as tenders will be awarded for fixed installations and the first test events will be held.” said Wieland.
Once again PALME will be the venue for the largest gathering of pro audio sound and light brands and influencers in the region. Visitors can meet and do business with exhibitors representing over 200 brands. This year will have a mixture of new exhibitors, and exhibitors returning after a few years’ absence including ADJ Group, Hall Stage and MA Lighting.
This year will also welcome a new approach to the educational platform, and will see a number of seminar sessions tailored to the production of live events, as well as sound and lighting for different venues.
“We are reporting steady increases on exhibitor and visitor numbers, and are now well positioned to provide the region with the perfect platform to deliver on the industry’s objectives.” said Richard Brook, Exhibition Director, PALME Middle East.
“This is key as we look forward to the large scale events that help keep us all in business, including 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and EXPO 2020 in Dubai.” added Brook.
For more information visit: www.palme-middleeast.com