WETEX, Dubai Solar Show take off with major international companies

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the 24th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) in Dubai on Tuesday.

WETEX & DSS is organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The exhibition’s theme is “At the Forefront of Sustainability”.

It runs until 29th September at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in Halls 1 to 8, Arena Halls 1 and 2, and Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3. This year, WETEX & DSS spreads over 62,513 square metres, with the participation of 1,750 companies from 55 countries, in addition to 64 sponsors, 32 partners and supporting entities. The exhibition also includes 20 international pavilions.

Sheikh Ahmed was welcomed by Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Dewa, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa, Founder and Chairman of WETEX & DSS, along with several Dewa officials.

“Guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Emirate has become an international centre for the green economy, supporting the UAE’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and enhance the country’s leading position in this field. The success of WETEX and Dubai Solar Show year after year confirms its vital role in consolidating Dubai’s position as a global business hub. The exhibition brings together major international companies specialised in the water, energy, environment and sustainability sectors to display their latest products and innovative technologies and take advantage of the investment opportunities offered by Dubai, which is one of the safest and most stable investment destinations in the world,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

For his part, Al Tayer said, “Between 2011 and 2021, the number of WETEX visitors increased nearly tenfold. This underlines its position as the region’s largest specialised exhibition. It provides an important platform for global organisations in the energy, water, environment, oil and gas, green development and related sectors to present their latest solutions, products and innovative technologies. The exhibition also showcases to the world, the UAE and Dubai’s achievements in the renewable and clean energy sector to promote sustainability, in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.”

Al Tayer also said that the exhibition provides an opportunity for government and private organisations to reach thousands of exhibitors, participants, officials and decision-makers to make deals and build partnerships, as well as identify market needs. This is especially important given the significant increase in renewable and clean energy projects in the UAE and the region. WETEX & DSS also provides a unique platform for investors to build business relationships and connect with decision-makers in various sectors. Moreover, the exhibition allows visitors to benefit from the busy schedule of specialised seminars and workshops.

Sheikh Ahmed , accompanied by Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer and senior officials, toured the exhibition. They were briefed about the latest technologies, innovations and new products in energy, water desalination, green technologies, clean and renewable energy solutions, environmental sustainability, oil and gas, the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and R&D, among others. His Highness toured Dewa’s pavilion and stands of a number of participating companies and organisations such as Enoc, Siemens Energy, ACWA Power, Ducab, Saudi Arabia’s Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), Masdar, Jeddah Cables, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Ghantoot Energy, SAP, as well as several country pavilions.

In addition to presenting the latest technologies and innovations in the energy, water, sustainability, renewable and clean energy sectors from around the world, DEWA organised 8 panel discussions and seminars on clean energy and smart mobility, during the first day, with the participation of prominent specialists and experts.

The inauguration was attended by Mohammed Mohammed Saleh, Director-General of Etihad Water and Electricity; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC; Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower); Mishal Abdulkarim Julfar , Executive Director of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar); Abdulla Bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium, and a number of officials from the public and private sectors.

WAM