The 23rd edition of Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment, Exhibition (Wetex) held last month along with Dubai Solar Show featured more than 1,200 companies from 55 countries, with 61 sponsors and 10 country pavilions.

The three-day event was hosted by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) under the theme ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability’.

It was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, in the presence of Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Dewa, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa, Founder and Chairman of Wetex and Dubai Solar Show.

In his opening address, Sheikh Ahmed said: “Wetex and Dubai Solar Show have positioned themselves as one of the largest specialised exhibitions worldwide. The exhibition reflects Dewa’s successful efforts to promote the transition towards using clean and renewable energy for major projects in collaboration with the private sector.”

“Organising the exhibition this year at Expo 2020 Dubai underlines the importance of sustainability which is one of the UAE’s top priorities. This aligns with Dubai and the UAE’s efforts to host the most sustainable world expo ever. Sustainability is ingrained in everything we’ve been doing - from buildings and construction to establishing a lasting legacy long after Expo 2020 Dubai is over,” noted Sheikh Ahmed.

Accompanied by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer and senior officials, he toured the exhibition, country pavilions and also that of Siemens Energy, Acwapower, Enoc, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the Sustainable City in Dubai, and Ducab.

Sheikh Ahmed was then briefed on the latest technologies, innovations, and new products in energy, water desalination, clean energy, environmental sustainability, oil and gas, Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and R&D for clean and renewable energy.

Al Tayer pointed out that the exhibition provided an exceptional opportunity for sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors to be part of the first world Expo in the region, and one of the first major events in the world since the start of the pandemic.

“Both Wetex and Dubai Solar Show are important for organisations, and investors in the water, environment, oil, gas, conventional and renewable energy, green development and relevant sectors from the region and the world to showcase their solutions and products, make deals, build partnerships, and promote green technologies,” he stated.

 “This is especially important after announcing the ‘Projects of the 50’ through which the UAE aims to enhance public-private partnerships and provide promising investment opportunities in the country,” he added.