Khaled Alami, Managing Director, Huda Lighting
Lighting solutions have never been more captivating, and at the forefront of this transformation is Huda Lighting, leading the way with a unique blend of sophistication and innovation. Since its beginnings in Beirut in 2000, Huda Lighting has strived to pioneer the industry, driven by a commitment to redefining what lighting can be.
As it expanded into the Gulf market, Huda Lighting quickly established itself as a regional leader, now boasting 12 branches across the MENA region and West Africa. With a dedicated team of over 300 professionals, the company has achieved impressive growth, generating revenues that reflect its success.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but Huda Lighting has met each one head-on, determined to be “The Lighting Solution Provider of Choice.” Under the visionary leadership of Khaled B. Alami, Huda Lighting has reimagined the industry, seamlessly blending professionalism with strategic partnerships that catered to the diverse tastes of its global clientele.
Today, we have the privilege of hearing from Khaled B. Alami, the inspiring figure behind Huda Lighting’s remarkable journey. His story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless drive to make a difference, setting a powerful example for all of us.
In this exclusive interview, Khaled shares his thoughts on Huda Lighting’s journey, challenges, and future aspirations.
Every great story finds its roots in its humble past. However, it is the fiery passion that ignites our desire and converts our dreams into a purpose, a legacy that lingers through ages. So, before diving into its present-day success, we wanted to look back at the company’s origin and requested Khaled to reflect on the early days of Huda Lighting and take us through the various challenges.
Khaled: “Huda Lighting was founded in Beirut back in the year, 2000, with the goal of entering the Lebanese lighting market as a supplier of high-quality light fittings. After learning the business and establishing ourselves with some good references and strong partners, our eyes were set on the fast-growing GCC markets. In 2003, our branch in Doha was established, followed by Dubai in 2004. Twenty years later, Huda Lighting stands as a regional industry leader, operating in ten countries across MENA and West Africa, out of 12 branches with a strong team of over 300, and turnover exceeding 100 million US Dollars.”
Reflecting on the challenges he says, “Challenges along the way have been many, but changed in nature over the years as the industry evolved. When we first started, our challenge was how to grab market share from market leaders who have been around for many years, well established, well connected, and well experienced. That we managed to do well and positioned ourselves among the best. These days, however, the challenges are of a different nature. We continuously find ourselves having to compete with new players who do not follow the same business ethics that we do, or care for the wellbeing of the industry. They are mostly after quick gains, without any long-term considerations.”
“Internally, the biggest challenge has been to build a strong team, dedicated to the advancement of the company before the individual, following the same business ethics that we started with. We are now lucky to have one of the most professional teams within the lighting industry, which came together over many years. Huda Lighting has reached where it is now due to the joint efforts of many people, most of whom continue to be part of the company for more than 10 or 15 years. With such a team I am sure the company will continue in the same way it has in the past, which only means more success and growth.”
In a highly competitive industry like this, Huda Lighting has continued to distinguish itself through cutting-edge solutions and superior services. The MD sheds light on what makes the company’s approach unique.
Khaled: “As a solution provider it is our aim to provide each project with the most suitable products and solutions to satisfy the commercial, technical, and aesthetic requirements of all involved stakeholders such as consultants, designers, and end-users. To achieve that, Huda Lighting has built a strong working relationship with many of the world’s leading manufacturers of light fittings and other products. Our solutions cater to all market segments, as can clearly be seen in our long list of references covering hospitality, residential, commercial, retail, public spaces, façade applications, sports facilities, and others.”
“In addition to architectural lighting and automation solutions, we are also a strong player in the decorative lighting market offering products from the best-known names in the industry, out of our three showrooms that are among the best in the region, where clients can find what they come looking for irrespective of their tastes and budgetary requirements. We also provide designers with the perfect setting to select all they need for their projects, whether an apartment or a five-star resort, in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere they can consider their second office.”
Huda Lighting supports a diverse range of sectors, including commercial, residential, industrial, and hospitality. With an impressive portfolio showcasing an extensive list of completed projects, they have successfully illuminated everything from high-end hotels and office buildings to innovative urban spaces and sustainable residential developments. The MD highlights some of the iconic projects showcasing their expertise and impact.
Khaled: “One of the strengths of Huda Lighting is our geographical spread. Through our 12 fully staffed offices, we can support projects of any type and size, in any of our markets. Our years in the business, and hence our experience, list of references and industry relations, enable us to work on any project irrespective of its nature or requirements. Our projects span from small residential and private ones to landmarks of bigger values and importance. Some of our recent and significant projects include One Zabeel in Dubai, The Grand Mosque in Madina, the Riyadh Metro, King Salman Park, and many of the top hotels opening across the region. Throughout the years we had actually supplied lighting and other systems to more than 50 Hotels and resorts, as well as hundreds of Retail and F&B Outlets.”
“Corporate clients in the retail industry with projects throughout the region like to work with us as they know we can support their projects in multiple locations with the same level of service and support. Manufacturers on the other hand like to work with us since we can support their projects across the region for, reducing their needs to have multiple partners.”
Client satisfaction is at the heart of Huda Lighting’s working philosophy. For the company, business is not just about delivering products- it’s about forging deep, enduring relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Khaled speaks in detail about their client-centric approach and customer relations, the bedrock of a world-class performance.
Khaled: “Our business ethics have been and will always be to give the best products and services to our clients, where our commitment ends once all involved parties are satisfied. We work with full honesty and transparency, which is why repeat clients bring us most of our business these days. We make sure that we only supply the best products to the market and keep client satisfaction as our primary goal. Combining good quality products with top-notch service and support can only result in client satisfaction, and this is what gave us our good reputation in all markets we work in.”
Huda Lighting’s people-centric culture forms the cornerstone of its ongoing success. At the helm of the organization, Khaled inspires an environment of care and camaraderie, where employees feel protected, valued, and encouraged. The MD emphasizes his commitment to building a community that thrives on continuity, trust, and shared growth.
Khaled: “Employee wellbeing is a top priority for us, as our team is our biggest asset. Work culture in any Huda Lighting office is the same, always a healthy and comfortable work environment where employees feel at home, and enjoy spending most of their time during the week with their colleagues as one big family. Our retention rate is very high, with many of our team members having been with us for more than 10 years, and in many cases over 15 years and close to twenty.”
Huda Lighting has come a long way, but the company’s vision for the future remains as bold and ambitious as ever. The MD shares his thoughts on what lies ahead for the company.
Khaled: “While our goal is to continue to grow, we aspire to keep growing our offerings in terms of products and services, promise to bring the latest trends and technology to our region, making sure our clients get the best of what is available around the world. We have learned the business over the past 25 years, and we aim to continue doing what we do, and even better for the next 25 years or more!”
Huda Lighting has played a pivotal role in raising the standards of the lighting industry across the MENA region. With a focus on quality, professionalism, and innovation, the company continues to influence industry practices and deliver top-tier solutions.
Khaled: “We always look for ways to add value to the industry and give back where we possibly can. By bringing the latest products and professionally offering them, with excellent support, we help assure that the level of the industry in our region is among the best in the world.”
As they look forward to the next chapter, Huda Lighting’s future shines brighter. The MD proudly shares a list of numerous prestigious awards received by them over the years that serve as a testament to their unparalleled commitment and contribution to the world of lighting.
Khaled: “We have over the years won several awards, such as Channel Partner of the Year from the Light Middle East Awards, and Best in lighting by InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards, as well as several awards from our partners for highest turnover per year, biggest order per year and partner of the year.”
To wrap up, with an enduring legacy of over 25 years, Huda Lighting is far from resting on its laurels. Their passion for pushing boundaries of innovation, recreating excellence, and setting new benchmarks in the lighting industry positions them as a beacon of trust and reliability in the region. Their story continues to inspire us, enlighten us, and illuminate our path ahead to progress and prosperity.