Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) honoured the partners and sponsors of the 20th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2018), which DEWA is organising 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, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA. The ceremony was held at Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai.
The event was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX, DEWA’s Executive Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents, and a number of VIPs, decision-makers, and officials from the public and private sectors, the media, as well as representatives of sponsors, exhibitors and supporters of the exhibition.
In his speech at the ceremony, Al Tayer commended the efforts of partners from the public and private sectors, and sponsors of the 20th WETEX from around the world. He also commended the media for their effective role in supporting the vision and mission of the exhibition.
“This year’s exhibition is particularly important as it is taking place in the Year of Zayed, which marks 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. Sheikh Zayed was named ‘Environmental Advocate,’ ‘Champion of the Earth,’ and ‘Man of Environment and Development,’ by international organisations in recognition of his efforts to protect the environment. These efforts are continued by the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,” said Al Tayer.
“Over the past 20 years, WETEX has grown to become one of the world’s largest specialised exhibitions and the largest of its kind in the region. WETEX has evolved to become an ideal platform for companies, organisations, experts, manufacturers and investors to learn more about the latest global developments and technologies in water, environment, oil and gas technologies, and traditional and renewable energy industries. It also provides a unique opportunity for investors to expand their businesses and strengthen their activities out of the UAE, with its central strategic location. Organising the third Dubai Solar Show builds on the success of the two previous ones; due to the sharp growth in the regional solar sector. The solar show is an important platform for both the government and private sectors to make deals, build partnerships, identify market needs, and explore opportunities to take part in key solar power projects and programmes as the governments of the UAE and the region increase their share of renewable and clean energy,” he added.
“Dubai’s ambitious vision has been translated into major projects and promising opportunities, especially in energy, water, and the environment. Cooperation and integration between the public and private sectors has become key to achieving the Emirate’s ambitions and consolidating its position as an advanced model that provides the right environment for supporting investment. Successful partnerships are not intended to achieve individual successes, instead, they will make collective achievements that benefit everyone. We are gathered this evening to celebrate the joint success and achievements of DEWA and WETEX’ partners and sponsors. The success of WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show underlines the UAE’s commitment to support sustainable development and the transition to a green economy, and underscores Dubai’s position as an important hub for attracting the latest disruptive technologies and best international practices. According to the Change Readiness Index 2017 report, the UAE came first in the Middle East and North Africa and third globally among countries that are most prepared for change.”
“Your efforts and sponsorship of the exhibition and your partnership with DEWA have contributed to consolidating WETEX as a global specialised exhibition. From just four companies participating in the first exhibition in 1999, WETEX has since then expanded year after year to see the presence of around 2,100 companies in 2018 and 70 sponsors from 53 countries. From an area of around 130 square metres 20 years ago, WETEX 2018 covers an area of 78,413 square metres. The three-day exhibition is expected to attract 32,000 visitors from around the world,” concluded Al Tayer, addressing sponsors and partners of WETEX.