Creative Technology recently purchased 24 FORTES, 80 LEDBeam 350s and 4 RoboSpot BaseStations equipped with Motion Cameras.
Creative Technology Middle East (CTME), with bases in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has continued to enhance its technical capabilities for live events and system integration projects with significant investments in new Robe moving light fixtures. Over the past three years, CTME has steadily upgraded its lighting inventory, recently adding 24 FORTES, 80 LEDBeam 350s and 4 RoboSpot BaseStations with Motion Cameras.
These latest additions came under the guidance of Sam Connolly, CTME’s Head of Lighting, who joined the company three years ago. Connolly, with a decade of experience working on large-scale events in the region, recognised the need for newer, more sustainable lighting technologies to replace CT’s existing BMFLs. While the BMFLs had been successful, particularly for energy efficiency, Connolly pushed for the adoption of advanced fixtures to meet the growing demands of the market.
The FORTES were among the first investments, aimed at providing cutting-edge lighting solutions while maintaining the high standards set by the BMFLs. Additionally, CTME invested in Robe’s RoboSpot Follow Spot system to complement the FORTE fixtures. Connolly praised RoboSpot as an “excellent” and “easy-to-use” system.
Connolly also introduced Robe’s LEDBeam 350s to the company’s inventory after seeing the success of the LEDBeam 150 in the market. The compact, bright and versatile LED wash/beam fixture has proven highly popular, with CTME adding another 40 LEDBeam 350s to its arsenal in 2023. Connolly highlighted the fixture’s wide zoom range, brightness and speed, calling it “a great little light.”
When selecting the FORTE, Connolly found no other comparable 1000W LED engine luminaire on the market, praising Robe’s TE (Transferable Engine) technology for its ability to replace or upgrade the LED lightsource, thus extending the hardware’s lifespan. Robe’s ongoing support and training have also been invaluable, with several CTME crews receiving RoboSpot training.
CTME handles a variety of projects across sectors, including corporate events, broadcasts, music concerts and festivals. Recent highlights include providing lighting for Hans Zimmer’s concert at the CocaCola Arena, featuring a large Robe lighting setup.
Looking ahead, Connolly is exploring Robe’s iFORTE and iFORTE LTX fixtures, designed for outdoor use, which are well-suited to the Middle East’s outdoor event scene. He also plans to acquire more LEDBeam 350s, which remain in high demand.
CTME’s lighting department comprises 12 full-time staff, supported by freelancers as needed, and the company manages around six large-scale events monthly, alongside numerous smaller projects. Recently, CTME was honoured with two prestigious awards at the 2024 Middle East Event Awards, recognising their excellence in video, lighting and sound solutions—a testament to the team’s expertise and dedication.
