CT Middle East makes major investment in Robe lighting equipment
Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) has expanded its rental inventory with a major acquisition of new Robe lighting equipment. The latest purchase includes a wide array of fixtures such as 60 iFORTES, 60 iFORTE LTXs, 8 iFORTE LTX FS Cameras, 80 iTetra2 LED battens, 100 LEDBeam 350s, 12 iBOLTS and 4 RoboSpot BaseStations, bringing the total number of RoboSpots owned by CTME to eight. This follows an earlier procurement earlier in the year, which included 24 FORTES and another 80 LEDBeam 350s, along with four RoboSpots.
All the new equipment has already been deployed across CTME's packed calendar of concerts, shows, corporate events and large-scale spectaculars throughout the Middle East. According to Sam Connolly, CTME's Head of Lighting & Power, the purchases are aimed at reinforcing their rental stock to meet increasing demand. He noted the advantage of mixing IP and non-IP versions of the FORTE range due to their visual and performance uniformity, offering maximum flexibility for different production environments.
After an extensive market evaluation, CTME selected the iTetra2 as their go-to IP-rated LED batten. Connolly cited its superior light output, creative effects and practical design as the decisive factors. The iBOLTS, praised for their innovative technology, have already been used to dramatic effect at events such as the Sir Bani Yas 2024 gathering, a VIP reception in Al Ain and the Richard Mille Awards at The Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The new fixtures have played a key role in recent high-profile productions. At Hans Zimmer Live at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, iTetra2s added vibrant colour and fluid motion to the cinematic concert experience. Meanwhile, the iFORTE LTX fixtures took centre stage during Maroon 5's headline act at the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, delivering power and precision at Lusail International Circuit for both in-person and broadcast audiences.
CTME's lighting solutions also shone at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Saudi Arabia, where the iFORTE and iFORTE LTX helped designer Roland Greil and his team provide consistent, high-quality coverage across the venue.
Connolly explained that the earlier delivery of FORTE and LEDBeam 350s was so successful and in-demand that the team opted to significantly expand their stock—particularly favouring IP-rated versions for outdoor work. He noted that the LEDBeam 350s are among the most-used units, consistently in rotation from CTME's new Dubai headquarters and warehouse.
The expansion to eight RoboSpot systems was driven by strong demand for remote follow-spotting capabilities. Robe fixtures are also highly favoured in cross-rental networks, which influenced CTME's confidence in making such a substantial commitment.
CTME prioritises reliability and ease of use in its equipment investments. Connolly praised Robe's performance record and the 24-hour technical support provided by Elie Battah, Patrick Haddad and the Robe Middle East team. He also highlighted the practical advantage of Robe's design, such as the elimination of vacuum kits when fitting custom gobos in the iFORTES, which saves time on the job.
With operations spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Creative Technology Middle East continues to enhance its inventory to support the region's thriving live events sector. Known for delivering world-class technical design and production, the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the Middle Eastern events industry.
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