The inaugural Integrate Middle East show took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting integrators, distributors and manufacturers from across the MENA region.
The show was opened by Sheikh Hasher al Maktoum, manufacturers including Absen, Unilumin, Christie, Epson, Analog Way, Lightware and many more were on hand to showcase their latest products.
The show was held in collaboration with Cabsat 2023, a broadcast-orientated trade show for the satellite, content and digital media sector.
Reece Webb, assistant editor, Inavate EMEA, explained: "This is the first dedicated pro-AV trade show held in Dubai for a good number of years. From the conversations I've been having with integrators and manufacturers, this is a meeting space that has been sorely missed for the pro-AV industry.
"Dubai is a growing market. Many companies in the pro-AV world have their own offices here and there's no question that manufacturers have been here in force. With a first year show, there's always teething issues: Chief among that is LED but not too much else. If you came here looking for audio, you would be sorely disappionted but there's always opportunities for new vendors and manufacturers to come to the forefront here."
Some integrators, such as Oasis Enterprises, demonstrated their services with their own booths as Baser Al Aref, general manager, Oasis Enterprises, commented: “It’s very important [to have a trade show] as we have been lacking this platform and it has been useful for us as systems integrators and for clients, to see, under one roof, a variety of integrators to discuss requirements.
“Dubai is becoming a hub for the region, so I believe it is a very important platform and it is great to have Integrate Middle East in collaboration with Cabsat. When Integrate Middle East was introduced, this offered an opportunity for us to see broadcast solutions for our studio lighting business and for the AV clients, it’s a great platform.”
Reflecting on the show, Massimiliano Pipino, show lead, Integrate Middle East, said: “We wanted to have a Pro AV segment for the Cabsat show, but then we decided to launch a new show as there is demand in the market. We launched this concept which is with and for the industry, we just didn’t want to launch a show and fit these companies in, we wanted to do something for them. It’s a business platform for the market.
“I got very positive feedback from exhibitors. They talk about good quality and quantity for a launch show.”
Integrate Middle East will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre on 21-23 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE.