> WELCOME TO WETEX 2014
Over 1,500 companies taking part; innovative solutions being showcased
dubai — The 16th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex 2014), opened its doors on Monday with a focus on green solutions and green economy.
The three-day exhibition was inaugurated by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Top government officials and diplomats also attended the opening ceremony. It is being organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).
Shaikh Ahmed — who is also President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group — took a tour of the exhibition and stopped at many prominent exhibitors’ stands. He applauded the growth of Wetex over the past few years and hailed the efforts of Dewa in establishing itself as a sustainable world-class utility company.
The first day of Wetex highlighted innovative solutions in electricity generation using nuclear energy and renewable energy as well as smart grids with high reliability and efficiency in addition to everything related to technology, desalination, rational consumption, environment conservation, waste management, green buildings, and solutions to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.
Shaikh Ahmed also opened the inaugural edition of ‘Green Week,’ which takes place between April 14-20, and includes workshops and activities, and environmental and community initiatives designed to raise awareness towards rational consumption of water and electricity as well as the importance of implementing green practices. Dewa managing direc- tor and chief executive officer Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “We have succeeded in gathering energy, water, environment, sustainable development, and oil and gas sectors under one roof providing an ideal platform to communicate with partners and customers as well as offer services and solutions to a wide number of consumers. More than 1,500 companies are participating in Wetex this year.”
On the first day of Wetex, many exhibitors said that the international presence was due to Dubai’s leading role in establishing new practices in accelerating the pace towards green economy and environment sustainability. Companies appreciated the qualitative additions, which have attracted visitors from more than 40 countries around the world. They also praised the efforts of the Dewa in promot- ing clean energy solutions, environment sustainability and leading the process of transition to a more diversified and sustainable green economy.
Wetex 2014 attracted participation from leading government organisations including Masdar, the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa), Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa), Dubai Municipality, and Municipality of Abu Dhabi. International pavilions include those from Italy, Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Turkey are also participating at the show.
Al Tayer opened panel discussions and seminars which will continue over three days, addressed by leading international experts in energy, water, environment, electricity and sustainable development. Wetex coincided with Green Week, which includes activities like a tour for Mr. & Mrs. Green around the
We have succeeded in gathering energy, water, environment, sustainable development, and oil and gas sectors under one roof providing an ideal platform
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer
exhibition, a tour for representatives from social responsibility awareness centers, welcoming events and activities with participations from schools, universities and institutions. The first three days of Green Week are dedicated to social activities in Hall 6 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Green Week will then be move to Mirdif City Centre for three days until April 19, thereafter continue on April 20 on social media to spread the rationalisation message to different social levels. The first-ever SmarTech Shopper, which targets the consumer sector, will be held under the theme ‘Better Life’, where exhibitors will showcase various eco-friendly household appliances and solutions. SmarTech Shopper will be open to the public, and will offer special discounts.