MIDDLE EAST: Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) has significantly expanded its lighting inventory with a major new investment in ROBE equipment, following a substantial purchase earlier in 2024. The latest acquisition includes 60 units of the iFORTES, 60 units of the iFORTE LTXs, 8 units of the iFORTE LTX FS Cameras, 80 units of the iTetra2 battens, 100 units of the LEDBeam 350s, 12 units of the iBOLTS, and 4 units of the RoboSpot BaseStations (adding to the four RoboSpots already in CTME’s stock, bringing the total to eight).

With facilities across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, CTME continues to reinforce its reputation as a leading provider of technical design, planning, and production for some of the region’s most ambitious live events and system integration projects. This latest Robe investment marks a clear statement of readiness to meet the growing demands of the Middle East’s entertainment industry.

The recent batch of ROBE additions joins the 24 units of the FORTES and 80 units of the LEDBeam 350s delivered earlier in the year – rounding out what is now one of the region’s most comprehensive ROBE-based lighting fleets. According to Sam Connolly, CTME’s Head of Lighting & Power, the equipment is already hard at work across a full slate of events, shows, concerts, and special projects throughout the region.

Sam noted the flexibility of the FORTES series as a key investment consideration; citing the near-identical appearance and performance of the IP-rated and standard units, which allows seamless mixing and matching across productions. On the other hand, the iTetra2s were chosen after extensive market comparisons. “We did plenty of comparisons for this type of fixture, and iTetra2 came out on top. It simply ticked all our boxes for light output, effects, and general ergonomics,” he explained.

The iBOLTS, described as “new and innovative” by Sam, cater to the frequent demand for searchlight-style effects. The initial batch of 12 has already featured at high-profile productions such as Sir Bani Yas 2024, the VIP Reception in Al Ain, and the Richard Mille Awards at The Louvre, where they lit the entranceway for the annual art event.

Meanwhile, iTetra2 fixtures delivered stunning visuals at the Hans Zimmer Live concert at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, enhancing the orchestral performance with vibrant colour and dynamic movement. These fixtures have also featured extensively at cultural and entertainment events throughout the season.

At the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, iFORTE LTX fixtures played a starring role during Maroon 5’s headline set at Lusail International Circuit, providing the necessary punch and precision for both the live audience and broadcast coverage. The iFORTE and iFORTE LTX ranges also proved their mettle at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Saudi Arabia, where lighting designer Roland Greil and his team utilised them to provide powerful, uniform coverage across the arena.

“The initial FORTE and LEDBeam 350s were so popular and frequently requested that we needed more,” said Sam, adding that they chose the IP route with the iFORTE, as much of the work across the region is outdoors. He also noted that the LEDBeam 350s “are out all the time” and are among the most used fixtures moving in and out of CTME’s new warehouse and headquarters in Dubai.

Boosting the number of RoboSpot BaseStations to eight reflects increasing demand for this versatile remote follow-spotting system, which remains a regular request on technical riders. “We felt confident in making a big commitment to Robe as it’s an in-demand and available cross rental item,” Sam added.

Reliability and ruggedness remain critical to CTME’s investment strategy. “We so rarely have any issues with the Robe products,” Sam stated, highlighting the “outstanding” 24-hour technical support and after-sales service from Elie Battah, Patrick Haddad, and the Robe Middle East team. The CTME crew also values the time saved by not needing a vacuum kit to check sealings when fitting custom gobos in the iFORTES.