Live product pitches, future focused discussions and insights from global lighting associations including IALD, IES, and SLL headline this year’s programme
Artificial Intelligence, sustainability and education take centre stage as the lighting industry prepares for the future
The three-day InSpotLight programme is part of Light + Intelligent Building 2026, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from 12-14 January
Dubai, UAE: Following its success last year, the InSpotLight stage will return to Light + Intelligent Building Middle East 2026, bringing together lighting designers, manufacturers, educators, associations and emerging talent to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies and discuss how the industry is adapting to changing project demands.
Spanning three days, InSpotLight will combine live product showcases and industry discussions with practical learning from industry experts. The programme opens on 12 January with The Specifiers’ Arena Product Pitch, where lighting solutions shortlisted for the Light Middle East Awards will compete live on stage to win the ‘Product of the Year’ category.
Sub-categories for this award include ‘Indoor Lighting’, ‘Outdoor Lighting’, ‘Decorative Lighting’ and ‘Intelligent Lighting’ Product of the Year, with representatives from these categories set to take to the stage to present their cutting-edge technologies and solutions in front of a live audience.
On day two, the programme features inspiring sessions led by international associations and industry bodies including Women in Lighting, the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).
Building on these global perspectives, the day will feature panel discussions on regional practice and leadership, followed by fireside chats exploring circularity and the creative stories behind light. The afternoon shifts into a series of focused talks on sensory design, astrophotography, market transformation and landmark projects, before closing with a workshop by DALI Alliance on future-proofing smart buildings.
The final day of InSpotLight focuses on learning, skills development and the next generation of lighting professionals. The programme begins with a workshop on the new AI tools transforming lighting design workflows, led by the Dubai-based design company AE7.
According to Anthony Girgis, Lighting Designer at AE7, aspects of lighting design that are being transformed by AI include concept visualisation, rapid day-to-night transformations, mood studies, and optioning at speed, along with documentation support, automating schedules, and checking consistency.
Reflecting on the growing role of AI in design practice, Girgis commented: “We use AI as a fast draft and variation engine, then apply strict designer controls. The final judgement stays human. AI speeds iterations, but design intent, hierarchy, and compliance are always curated and validated.”
Beyond technology, the final day of InSpotLight centres on education, sustainability and real-world design practice. Highlights include the IALD Student Session, which offers expert insights into bridging the gap between education and practice, and a presentation from the Academie Libnaise des Beaux Arts (ALBA) and the University of Balamand, showcasing how students learn through theory, experimentation and collaborative projects — including a humanitarian initiative with Zumtobel that addresses light poverty and its impact on dignity and safety.
Additionally, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) will host a panel discussion providing leadership insights into a multi-disciplinary approach to mentorship, collaboration and technical excellence in lighting. The Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) will also host a focused session on using metrics for sustainable lighting. The presentation will provide in-depth insights into the CIBSE’s technical memorandum TM66 and TM65.2, providing practical guidance and tools to enable lighting professionals to develop a circular, sustainable approach to lighting and building services engineering more broadly.
Abdul Muhsin, Show Director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East said: “InSpotLight has become a space where ideas move from concept to reality. By bringing together designers, technology leaders, educators and emerging talent, the programme not only showcases innovation but also helps shape how our industry will deliver smarter, more sustainable and human-centred environments in the years ahead.”
Light + Intelligent Building Middle East will be held from 12-14 January 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Co-located with Intersec, the event is expected to host leading international and regional exhibitors representing 600+ brands from 30+ countries and is set to welcome over 16,000 industry professionals.