Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising the 20th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2018) and the 3rd Dubai Solar Show from 23 to 25 October 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are organised under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance, and President of DEWA.
The two exhibitions are part of DEWA’s ongoing efforts to support sustainability in the UAE and the region, and its commitment to provide stakeholders in the region with the opportunity to keep pace with the rapid developments in the energy, water, and the environment sectors. Participants are introduced to the latest innovative solutions to face challenges in these sectors as well as establish fruitful relationships based on cooperation, exchange of expertise and strategic partnerships. This consolidates Dubai’s position as a global platform and a role model for delivering the latest and best water, energy and environment technologies.
DEWA has invited the public, and schools and university students to visit WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show 2018 to learn about the latest developments in water, conventional and renewable energy, and the environment, as well as participate in the various seminars and panel discussions that are held in conjunction with the two exhibitions.
WETEX’s evolution since 1999
Over the past 19 years, DEWA has developed WETEX to become the largest specialised exhibition in the region and an important platform for exhibitors, decision makers, investors and those interested in the energy, water and environment sectors. It has become one of the major exhibitions and events happening in Dubai. The beginning of WETEX goes back to 1999, when it was an exhibition dedicated to water management technologies. Since then, the exhibition has rapidly progressed, to include the energy sector in 2001, environment and waste management sectors in 2004, and later green building and carbon dioxide reduction solutions in 2008. In 2012, oil, gas and coal were added to the exhibition under the fossil fuel sector. The Dubai Solar Show was introduced in 2016 as the largest international solar energy exhibition in the region.
WETEX has cemented its position as one of the largest specialised exhibitions in the world, and an annual opportunity for regional and international companies, organisations and companies working in the energy, water and the environment, to launch their solutions and products. Participants can also discuss the best practices and latest technologies and ideas in electricity, water, clean energy, environment, oil, gas, environment, green development, and related sectors, with world renowned experts. WETEX 2018, themed ‘At the forefront of sustainability’, is set to be the largest edition, with an exhibition space of over 78,413 square metres and more than 2,100 exhibitors from 53 countries.
"The success of WETEX underlines our commitment to the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to move towards a green economy, adopt sustainable development, promote Dubai’s competitiveness and support its leading position as a global hub for trade, finance, tourism and green economy. WETEX has become one of the world’s largest water, energy and environmental exhibitions, an important platform for green solutions, a forum for organisations and companies, and a meeting point for experts, professionals and stakeholders to share best practices and experiences. WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show 2018 will showcase the latest innovations in the energy, water and environment sectors, and the latest technologies and smart solutions that are launched for the first time, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, water, sustainability and reduction of consumption. The two exhibitions will be an integrated platform for companies and organisations working in these important sectors to promote their innovative products, services, and technologies. It will also create opportunities to meet with decision makers, investors, buyers and interested parties looking to build partnerships and secure new deals and partnerships, as well as review the latest technologies in these key sectors and learn about market needs, current and planned projects, and opportunities to participate in solar energy projects and programmes in the region,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.
Green Week at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and DEWA branches
For the fifth consecutive year, DEWA will organise Green Week from 21-27 October 2018. The Green Week will start on the opening day of the 20th WETEX and the 3rd Dubai Solar Show at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Green Week activities will continue until Saturday, 27 October 2018 at all DEWA’s branches. Green Week is an important environmental week that features a number of initiatives to raise awareness among the public and the visitors about environment and sustainability issues. It encourages them to follow a sustainable lifestyle as well as educate the younger generations from university and school students about the importance of protecting our natural resources, and inspire them to innovate new solutions that serve the transition to a green economy and involve them in achieving sustainable development that ensures a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.
Green Week activities at WETEX include workshops, seminars, and lectures for visitors, and school and university students presented by DEWA’s Conservation Team and DEWA Academy’s team. These activities aim to raise awareness about sustainability practices, enhancing efficiency, solar energy, challenges and opportunities for energy sustainability, and other environmental issues. The Green Corner provides opportunities for innovators and inventors from schools and universities to present their green and sustainable projects.
DEWA’s Conservation Team also provides an overview of DEWA’s awareness campaigns and programmes throughout the year, including the Conservation Award, the Ideal Home initiative, and the ‘Let’s Make This Summer Green’ campaign, among others. Many government and educational institutions in the UAE also take part to introduce their activities in reducing consumption and present their innovative projects and studies that contribute to sustainability and addressing environmental issues.