Why is WETEX important for the UAE and for DEWA?
As cited by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance, USD 7.4 trillion will be channeled into renewables, which is equivalent to 72% of the money the world will spend on new power generation over the period to 2040. This confirms the importance of the Dubai Solar Show as a platform for public and private sectors to enter into deals and build partnerships, learn about the latest solar power technologies and identify the needs of the market at a time when the Government of Dubai continues to launch big clean and renewable energy projects, to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to provide 75% of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by 2050.
Since its launch in 1999, the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) has developed rapidly as an exhibition of water management technologies. The energy sector was later added to the exhibition in 2001. In 2004, DEWA expanded the sector to include environmental and waste management, green buildings, and carbon dioxide reduction solutions in 2008. In 2012, oil, gas and coal were added to the exhibition’s fossil fuels sector. This was followed by the addition of the Dubai Solar Show in 2016, as the biggest solar exhibition in the region.
The exhibition translates the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve a balance between development and the environment and to consolidate economic, social and environmental sustainability. WETEX today, has become a leading global platform that highlights the interrelationship between sustainability and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the impact of disruptive technologies, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence and Research and Development (R&D) for the production of clean energy and water. This supports Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for clean energy and green economy.
What can visitors expect from WETEX this year?
Visitors to WETEX 2018 can benefit from the promising opportunities in water and energy sectors offered by the UAE and the region and learn about key projects and investments that will be announced at the two exhibitions, which will be held from October 23-25, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The exhibitions will be held under the umbrella of Green Week, which includes various environmental activities and events to raise awareness about the importance of conserving energy resources and promoting sustainable development and green economy in Dubai.
The 20th WETEX will cover an area of 78,413 square metres with the participation of more than 2,100 exhibitors from 53 countries
Over the past 19 years, WETEX has achieved great success and positioned itself as one of the largest and most important global exhibitions in the water, environment, and energy sectors. WETEX 2017 covered an area of 70,000 square metres, and attracted 1,950 exhibitors from 50 countries, about 31,000 visitors, and 75 sponsors.
WETEX is an opportunity to explore great investment opportunities as well as meet with experts and decision makers in these sectors, from all over the world. WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show offer an opportunity to review the latest solutions and smart technologies in traditional and renewable energy, water, sustainability and conservation.
At WETEX 2018, visitors will get to review the latest technologies in water treatment, desalination plants, pipes of all kinds, coolers and heaters, and related products and solutions. It will also display tools, equipment and accessories for digging technologies, pumps, valves, and tools to ease pressure and others. WETEX will show the latest advances in irrigation systems, agriculture and horticulture equipment, and water extraction equipment. With a focus on water conservation, WETEX will also showcase products for detecting and treating water leakages, reservoir lining, and various materials used in the water sector and water transportation.
The Innovation Hall at WETEX and Dubai Solar Show is an ideal platform to involve the youth in the comprehensive sustainable development of Dubai and the UAE, in line with the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to achieve sustainability, and the national initiative that was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the theme ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development,’ as well as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy. The Hall aims to enhance the participation of university students to develop their knowledge of the latest developments in the energy, water, and environment sectors. Students will also benefit by participating in events and competitions, and attending seminars presented by international companies and sponsors to highlight the latest innovations and inventions that serve smart cities and provide a happy life. We believe that creating an environment that stimulates innovation and provides an incubator in these vital areas is a joint effort by DEWA and the educational sector in the UAE, especially UAE universities. This contributes to the advancement of innovation through research, studies and pioneering initiatives.
Outside of WETEX, what are some of DEWA’s sustainability measures and initiatives?
DEWA Sustainability Week, which was held from 11–15 March this year, played a significant role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for sustainability and green economy. The week featured several pioneering events to promote the concept of sustainable development, to encourage society members to embrace sustainability as a lifestyle, and to promote responsible consumption of resources.
Furthermore, DEWA issued its fifth annual Sustainability Report 2017 to enhance the country’s competitiveness and Dubai’s status as a global hub for sustainability and green economy. This reflects our commitment to share our performance and best practices with partners and stakeholders, to engage them in their path to sustainability.
How does new technology and digitalisation fit into WETEX and sustainability in general?
New technologies and promising opportunities at WETEX 2018
This year, DEWA has invited a wider variety of manufacturers and service providers from many sub-sectors to participate in the exhibition. This will mean a larger array of new products and technologies to serve wider audience of trade visitors at the exhibition.
WETEX continues to serve as an important meeting point for manufacturers, service providers, decision-makers, and trade visitors from the UAE and the region. It helps investors to review the latest technologies available in these areas. The exhibition has become an annual event to launch new technologies, and a destination for decision-makers, investors, and trade visitors from around the world. Over 19 years, WETEX has witnessed the launch of new innovative technologies, many of which made their regional debut through its platform. Major deals and partnerships were signed, and major projects were announced, that have redefined the regional and global energy sector. This year, WETEX will continue to present the latest technologies in various energy sectors, while the Dubai Solar Show will cater to increasing demand for solar power.
Latest energy, water, and environmental technologies
WETEX 2018 will have on display the latest tools and equipment, including turbines, compressors, motors, power generators, air cleaning and purification equipment, batteries, high-voltage cables, wiring technologies, calibration measurement equipment, protection systems, centrifuge machinery, communication equipment, industrial and residential control systems, safety equipment, refrigeration and heating, diesel engines, fire-fighting and safety systems, transducers, control electronic systems, corrosion equipment, energy-efficient home appliances and other products.
At WETEX 2018, visitors will be able to review the latest technologies in water treatment, desalination plants, pipes of all kinds, coolers and heaters, and related products and solutions. It will also display tools, equipment and accessories for digging technologies, pumps, valves, and tools to ease pressure and others. WETEX will show the latest advances in irrigation systems, agriculture and horticulture equipment, and water extraction equipment. With a focus on water conservation, the exhibition will showcase products for detecting and treating water leakages, reservoir lining, and various materials used in the water sector and water transportation.
Latest solar power technologies
Keeping pace with the rapid developments in the solar power sector and building on the success of last year’s Dubai Solar Show, DEWA is organising the 3rd Dubai Solar Show this year. The show will expand to over 14,000 square metres and will attract the biggest companies and organisations in solar power from around the world. The exhibition will be an important platform for government and private sectors to make deals and build partnerships, access the latest technologies in the solar sector, and learn about current and future projects in the region as well as market needs and opportunities to participate in leading solar projects and programmes. This supports the efforts of the UAE Government and other governments in the region to increase reliance on renewable and clean energy sources. The exhibition is the region’s leading commercial platform for solar-energy production and storage solutions.
