Lighting up your World

BLACHERE ILLUMINATION -

LIGHTING UP YOUR WORLD

Light attracts people, it shows the way, and when we see it in the distance, we follow it. Whether it’s a glittering moonlight in the night sky or the warm sunlight on a sunny day, lights have always been a source of wonder and inspiration for humans. The Retail People Magazine had an insightful interview with Mehmet Soltay, Regional Director Middle East from Blachère Illumination L.L.C.

Share with us your brief background. Prior to working with Blachere Illumination in UAE, what was your career path?

It’s been 12 years since I joined the Blachere Illumination family. Prior to establishing the Middle East regional office in Dubai, I was based in Istanbul. Previously, I worked in various fields of the lighting industry (functional, architectural, indoor and outdoor).

As a Regional Director in Turkey & Middle East, can you please introduce your products or services?

Blachere Illumination’s main field of activity is Festive Lighting. Regardless of the theme, we light and decorate cities and venues on all holidays, important days and festivals. Almost all major cities of the world add value to their value with Blachere Illumination products and services. Additionally, Blachere Illumination also has a media façade and a variety of smart LED solutions.

Last year most of the companies gave up their office space and rent a smaller space, but in your case, you move into a new and bigger place. How does it affect your business?

2020 was really hard for the whole world. It was not easy for us either, but we strongly believe in UAE and trust that Mehmet Soltay - Regional Director Middle East Blachère Illumination L.L.C.

Mehmet Soltay receiving awards trophy from MECS+R Chairman, Younus Al Mulla. Photo taken during the Retail Congress MENA Event.

it will continue to be the natural business hub for the GCC and the Middle East. We believe this extraordinary situation will come to an end soon. Therefore, we are consolidating and expanding our presence in the region with determination and as planned, without altering our initial plans. Our organization here is very new, and we believe we have a lot more to do.

Being in the region, can you share some of your success or recognition achieved so far to inspire other businessmen who want to set up a business here in the UAE?

Each and every project we’ve worked on is extremely important for us. Regardless of the theme, location, and purpose, our first priority is to do our work with attention to detail and ethics – as if we are illuminating our own most important day. No matter which Blachere Illumination office you go to, this work norm is embedded in our culture. We know that if we are satisfied with our work, then it is certain that our customers will be satisfied with what we deliver. We are fortunate that this difference in approach was noticed by the authorities in the UAE since our first project in the region. As a result, we were given the opportunity and honor of illuminating the Royal Wedding – which I proudly name the most important project of my life. We really delivered a very attractive project in every aspect.

What is your typical day like?

After dropping my kids at their school, I reach the office around 8:00AM. After that, the day runs fast with the busy pace of work. For the last year, I could not travel much due to the conditions, but in the previous years, I had a busy travel tempo. If time allows, I try to exercise in the evening. Each and every project we’ve worked on is extremely important for us. Regardless of the theme, location, and purpose, our first priority is to do our work with attention to detail and ethics – as if we are illuminating our own most important day. ”