The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) has announced a new sustainability initiative aimed at reducing the Emirate’s energy consumption for outdoor lighting by up to 50 per cent by 2030.

The Dubai Outdoor Lighting Programme, part of the governing body’s Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 and its Demand Side Management segment, will see the RTA retrofit up to 75 per cent of the Dubai’s existing street lights with LEDs, while at the same time implement a switch-off policy across the Emirate's residential streets.

Faisal Rashid, Director of Demand Side Management at the DSCE, said projects are already underway across Dubai, adding that the programme eventually envisions a saving of up to 300 Gigawatt hours (Gwh) of energy consumption by 2030.

“The Dubai Outdoor Lighting Programme will deliver tangible electricity savings and introduce modern technology, thus making an integral contribution to ensuring the city's sustainable future,” said Rashid, who will shed light on the programme’s development at the Light Middle East Conference, which takes place from 4-5 November at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

“So far the switch-off initiative is being implemented in some of Dubai’s residential areas and is delivering savings, while installations of LED lights are also being piloted to determine modalities of implementation across the city.”  

Rashid added that lights at Dubai's parks and public promenades will also be limited to a six-hour usage period and will be totally replaced by LEDs and other environmentally-friendly lighting systems by 2030.

The Light Middle East Conference is a feature of Light Middle East, the region’s premier trade event for lighting design and technology, taking place from November 3 to 5, 2014.

The two-day summit will spotlight key issues affecting the regional lighting industry, featuring a high-powered panel of international and regional lighting experts sharing key insights on the way ahead for the industry.

“The Light Middle East Conference is an excellent reference point for lighting industry professionals, enabling them to learn the latest industry trends,” added Rashid.  “The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is delighted to be taking part and we look forward to interacting with both regional and international lighting consultants.”

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the organiser of Light Middle East, said: “By providing a platform for leading lighting industry leaders and industry experts, the Light Middle East Conference along with Light Middle East plays a significant role in promoting the overall development of the industry in the region.

“As the Middle East gains in prominence as a global lighting market, it is important that industry-spanning events such as Light Middle East reflect the growing international trends across the region.”

Featuring more than 275 exhibitors from over 25 countries, Light Middle East exhibition has attracted many of the top lighting manufacturers and consultants from across the world, including Apollo Lighting, Artemide, Atex, Halophane, Hess, LG, Linea Light, Osram, Regiolux, Rovasi, Targetti, Trilux, and Martin by Harman.

With wide support from industry associations and regional authorities, Light Middle East offers a comprehensive interactive platform for manufacturers, architects, designers, consultants, engineers, construction companies, hospitality industry professionals, government officials and more.

Prominent among the attractions at this year’s 9th edition will be the Future Zone, an exciting showcase of futuristic products and technology, cutting-edge design and trends from some of the leading international manufacturers and designers.

Light Middle East 2014 will also feature the popular Light Middle East Awards, designed to celebrate excellence in lighting design. The Awards will recognise some of the region’s leading lighting projects across 12 categories. Nominated entries will be judged by a panel of renowned lighting design experts, with the deadline for entries set for 31st August 2014.