The CIBSE Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) strengthened its international presence in January with a high-profile visit to Dubai, as SLL President Kristina Allison represented the Society at LiGHT & Intelligent Building Middle East, held from 12 to 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Kristina played a central role in the three-day event, contributing to panel discussions and delivering presentations that showcased SLL’s leadership in sustainable and responsible lighting design. On Tuesday 13 January, she took part in a panel discussion titled Leadership Insights: A Multi-disciplinary Approach to Mentorship, Collaboration and Technical Excellence, held on the InSpotLight Stage. The session explored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and leadership in driving technical excellence across the built environment.
On Wednesday 14 January, Kristina delivered a presentation on Using Metrics for Sustainable Lighting Design on the InSpotLight Stage. In this session she delivered presentations on the TM66 and TM65.2 methodologies to a Middle East audience. These sessions were very well received, with strong interest in SLL guidance and its relevance to the region, highlighting how robust metrics can support better decision-making and improved environmental outcomes in lighting projects. Later that day, she also presented Projective Perspectives: Transport – Environmental Lighting: The Route to a Dark Sky as part of the THINKLIGHT Conference, addressing the challenges and opportunities of transport lighting while balancing safety, performance. Kristina’s presentation focused on the WSP ‘Light at Night’ design principles that emphasis strategies to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky.
The feedback on the presence of the SLL has been fantastic and through the contacts made at these events, SLL hopes to continue to engage and strengthen its relationships across the region.
During the visit, Kristina also met with representatives from CIBSE MENA and local SLL representatives, recognising their important work in promoting CIBSE and the SLL internationally and strengthening regional connections.
The SLL’s presence in Dubai was further reinforced by SLL President Elect Carolina Florian, who served as a judge at the Light Middle East Awards. The awards ceremony took place on the evening of 14 January at the Conrad, Dubai, celebrating excellence and innovation in lighting across the region.
Kristina’s visit to Dubai underlined the SLL’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration, knowledge-sharing and leadership in lighting, and marked another important step in strengthening engagement with the MENA lighting community.