Lighting in Abu Dhabi

Lighting systems are used to design building interiors and enhance the overall ambience of the building. There are three common types of lighting systems which include ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. Ambient lighting systems illuminate the entire room or area in a well-balanced manner. In this system, lights bounce off walls and enhance the overall stability of the building effectively. Some commonly used ambient light fixtures include a chandelier, ceiling mounted fixture, wall mounted fixture, recessed fixture, track light, floor lamp and table lamp. Ambient outdoor lighting includes spotlights, hanging fixtures, post lantern, wall lighting and recessed fixture lights which are used in overhanging structures.

Task lighting is also known as focus lighting as the light is designed to focus on a particular area. This system is widely used in offices, schools and educational institutes. They are used in computer cabins, libraries, sewing and knitting desks and other similar areas. Congenial lighting avoids harsh lights and reduces glare to a great extent. Designers install single switch focal lights which are attached to a permanent fixture. These lights remain independent of the rooms overall lighting switch. Some types of fixtures which are used in task lighting include directional recessed fixtures, pendant lighting and portable desk lamps.

Accent lighting is similar to desk lighting but is designed to focus at a particular point. They are used in auditoriums, shooting spots, museums and other similar areas. This lighting enhances the interior space and is used to highlight a specific component or a specific area. Ambient lighting fixtures emit three times more light on the focal point than the existing space. There are three types of fixtures which provide accent lighting which includes track light, directional recessed fixture, wall mounted fixture.

Some commonly used lights in lighting systems include incandescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps, metal halide lamps, light emitting diode, fluorescent tube, neon lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps and low-pressure sodium lamps. Incandescent lamps are available in a wide range of sizes which include candle, mushroom, reflector, decorative round, tipped candle and pygmy. They come in different voltage ratings and produce enough heat in order to glow. They are gradually replaced by LED's, fluorescent lamps and other similar technologies as well. Most incandescent lamps can glow for 700 to 1,000 hours and are very durable to intense heat. Compact fluorescent lamps are a modern version of a light bulb. They contain mercury which is relatively hard to dispose of. CFL's use less power, therefore, they can last for up to 10,000 hours. Halogen lamps comprise of tungsten filament which is sealed within an inert gas which uses a small amount of halogen. They are smaller than conventional lamps and are very energy efficient.

Metal halide lamps comprise of a discharge tube or an arc located within a bulb which is made up of ceramic or quartz material. There are three methods used to install lighting systems some of them include down-lighting, up-lighting and front lighting. Some popular locations to find interior designers who install lighting systems in Abu Dhabi are Musaffah Industrial area, Reem Island, Khalidiya Street, Salam Street, Al Nadja Street and Electra Street.