Favourable government initiatives towards energy efficiency, a resurgent construction sector, and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), will turn the Middle East smart home market into a US$1.86 billion dollar industry by 2022, according to a recent study.
The Middle East Smart Home Market report, authored by analysts TechSci Research, said demand for smart lighting, HVAC, security and access control, entertainment, and other IoT-connected home devices will grow 28 per cent annually, with revenues more than tripling in value from an estimated US$536 million in 2017.
Fast growing smart homes
The December 2017 study said video surveillance, intrusion and fire detection, along with access control would be among the fastest growing smart home segments, with revenues from these applications reaching US$332 million by 2022, up from US$91 million in 2017. In the GCC, high per capita incomes and growing preferences for luxurious, networked and high-tech homes is also a key factor, with the UAE (US$203 million) and Saudi Arabia (US$182 million) comprising 38 per cent and 34 percent respectively of the entire Middle East smart home market in 2017.
The two Gulf countries will hold a similar market share right up to 2022 according to the report, opening up plenty of opportunities for suppliers of home automation, security, entertainment, and energy management. Many players from across the globe will look to establish partnerships with regional real estate developers, consultants, integrators and installers at the upcoming Intersec 2018 exhibition in Dubai.
Smart Home Pavilion
The three-day security, safety, and fire protection trade fair runs from 21-23 January 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and features a Smart Home and Building Automation section. More than 30 of the event’s 1,300-plus exhibitors will be part of a dedicated Smart Home Pavilion, where they’ll showcase their latest home automation, security, access control, energy management systems, and multimedia technologies.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Intersec’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Smart, networked and tech-driven homes are making the transition from the realms of fantasy to reality, as increased consumer awareness, favourable legislation, and falling installation costs drive smart home demand across the world.”
Security is integral
“In the Middle East, security is an integral part of a home’s infrastructure, and deployment of security and access control systems such as wireless locks, IP-enabled devices, and iris detection systems, is increasing.”
“The technology allows home-owners to monitor activities through their smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices from anywhere and anytime, and the latest solutions in the market will be on show at Intersec 2018’s Smart Home and Building Automation section.”
Global manufacturers
Bird Home Automation from Germany, and Italian companies Videx Electronics, FDF, Ksenia Security, and AVS Electronics, are among the global manufacturers sharing the stage at Intersec 2018’s Smart Home and Building Automation section, which at more than 300sqm, is 15 per cent larger than the previous year.
First-time exhibitor Ksenia Security will launch Lares 4.0, an IP-based integrated smart system where users can control through a single source the entire home eco-system, including access control, CCTV, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), along with other IoT-connected devices, such as entertainment systems.
Mobile user interface
Flavio Zarlenga, Sales and Marketing Director at Ksenia Security, said Lares 4.0 can be controlled at home with a mobile user interface or remotely via a dedicated mobile App. “It’s possible to receive, even by e-mail, not only main alarm signals but also important information about the system status, while by means of the integrated web-server, users can remotely manage the system using smartphones or tablets,” said Zarlenga. “Lares 4.0 represents by far the most advanced and reliable solution in the digital revolution for both security and home and building automation.”
“It can control lights, climate, irrigation, doors, windows, or any type of IoT-connected appliances, on top of all the security aspects such as video surveillance, intrusion detection, or access control. We’re fully aware of the huge potential in the Middle East Smart Home and Building Automation market, and totally confident in our new IoT Solutions to meet and exceed expectations,” added Zarlenga.
Latest versions of audio and video access control kits
“Our platforms are already fully integrated with the most important Home Automation Systems and, via cooperation with our local partners, we’ve recently developed some interesting projects in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain.” Elsewhere, Spanish manufacturer Fermax, a specialist in audio and video door entry systems, will showcase its latest versions of audio and video access control kits, along with new IP solutions for building communications and security.
Elena Ravello, Brand Manager of Fermax said the company already has a strong presence in the Middle East, having worked on several projects across the region: “Fermax has been in the Middle East for more than ten years, and our door entry systems are installed in top reference constructions such as the Palm Jumeirah UpTown Motor City, and Princess Tower in Dubai,” said Ravello.
Residential and commercial communications
“Fermax targets residential and commercial communications along with the security markets, and Intersec gives us the opportunity to launch new products, explain personally the technical specifications and the benefits of our products as well as show their operation. We also want to enhance our brand globally, and we take advantage of this big event to meet our partners and customers, and of course find new clients from all the Middle East, North Africa and Asia regions.”
AVS Electronics will also debut its new range of Raptor wireless home automation control panels at Intersec 2018, where it will demonstrate its KNX/MODBUS interface for seamless operation. CEO Fabio Baro said: “The latest trend in the smart home market is towards integration within systems. The more a solution can be integrated with other applications in today’s smart home environment, the more successful that solution will likely become.”
New developments at Intersec 2018
Others at Intersec 2018’s Smart Home and Building Automation section include Nuesmart with its smart battery lock and CP Plus with its range of home automation solutions including VOIP-based services. In its 20th anniversary edition, Intersec 2018 will occupy 59,000sqm across 12 halls, with the show’s other six sections covering Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Perimeter & Physical Security, Information & Cyber Security, Safety & Health, and Homeland Security & Policing.
New developments include a Drones Pavilion and an indoor Drone Zone, while returning features include the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion in the Fire & Rescue section, as well as an Outdoor Demonstration Zone of the latest fire rescue applications in action. A comprehensive three-day conference programme will be spearheaded by Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum, while other topics will cover cyber security, drones, artificial intelligence, commercial security, and fire protection.
Intersec 2018 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, the Dubai Police Academy, SIRA, and the Dubai Municipality.
