HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid opens 12th Water Technologies, Energy and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2010)

Celebrating 50 years of DEWA:

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid opens 12th Water Technologies, Energy and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2010)

Over 500 companies participating in the show

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 9, 2010:

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) inaugurated today (Tuesday, March 9, 2010) the 12th Water Technology, Energy and Environment Exhibition 2010 – WETEX 2010 at Zaabeel hall of Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

After the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan announced the start of the golden jubilee (50 years) year of DEWA.

HH Sheikh Hamdan praised the remarkable growth of DEWA which contributed in enhancing Dubai’s position on the international map by providing world class services to people and businesses in the Emirate. He also stressed maintaining the temp of launching new projects to meet the emirate’s demand for electricity and water.

HH Sheikh Hamdan, H.E. Dr. Haneef Hassan, UAE Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahd – Minister of Environment &Water, H.E. Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA and H.E. Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, along with VIP guests toured the show and were briefed by participants, including ministries, municipalities, government departments and public service associations.

The show, which has attracted participation of 23 countries, emphasized on its first day on the importance of adopting best standards in reserving environment as well as discussing latest techniques in energy sectors with specialized companies from around the globe. The show has different sections for national companies and numerous Pan Arab and International companies.

H.E Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: "The Exhibition will discuss over three days the phenomenon of climate change and rising global temperatures, calling for the urging need to develop a new framework to combat global warming. It will also discuss ways of using "green" technology to mitigate the impact of global warming.”

Since its launch 12 years ago, WETEX has proved to be an important event on the annual calendar of companies working in the energy sector. The show is considered a value addition to the series of events hosted by Dubai throughout the year and it consolidates internationally Dubai’s position on the international map as a centre of modernization and excellence.

On day one, WETEX 2010 emphasized on the need to take serious steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This stresses on the importance of quick action to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, which has increased by 40 per cent between 1990 to 2008, according to international statistics.

WETEX, the first of its kind show in the region, aims to tackle critical issues in Energy Conservation, Water and Electricity, including environmental protection and preservation. It attracts companies who are on the lookout for new technologies and solutions in this field.

The environmental impact of buildings has become a priority in the Middle East region. It is crucial to further implement sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, such as green buildings. In this respect, DEWA is hosting WETEX workshops to help senior management executives in the water, energy and environment sectors meet renowned industry experts, discuss and debate key issues, including green building and environmentally-friendly technologies, renewable energy, wastewater reuse and the future of the industry in the Middle East region.

Al Tayer added: “We are pleased to say that WETEX has become an international forum that brings under one roof manufacturers, decision makers, executives and clients, offering opportunities for establishing new alliances and strengthening existing business ties.”

500 companies are participating at this year’s edition of the show compared to 450 companies last year.

WETEX not only represents technologies, but also adopts and supports the issues and topics in the field of sustainable development and conservation of the environment. The Exhibition’s agenda includes discussion of issues and topics focusing on the phenomenon of climate change which is global in nature and it has crossed the borders to pose dangers to the whole world.

DEWA has dedicated national pavilions for green buildings systems and electricity and water conservation which will give specialists in this field an ideal opportunity to benefit from best of breed technologies for their projects and facilities.

The show on its first day has stressed the importance of conserving the energy resources of the Emirate for sustainable development. This goal cannot be achieved unless all community segments adopt the principles of energy conservation as their core values so that future generations will gain the maximum benefit.

WETEX focuses on showcasing the latest standards of environmental conservation for the visitors and participants. With leading regional and international participation, it also provides an opportunity to discuss the latest developments and advancements in the energy industry.

National pavilions from Italy, USA, European Union, China and Taiwan are participating in the exhibition. Al Tayer added: “This strong participation proves that Dubai is the preferred destination for all kind of businesses in the region.”

Al Tayer added: “The Symposia and lectures on the sidelines of the exhibition will cover several critical issues in areas of water and electricity generations and conservation. The programs are designed to help visitors, engineers and technicians from various government and private sectors in the region update themselves on the latest techniques and developments”.

WETEX is a unique opportunity for showcasing products in the fields of water, energy and environment and promotes exchange of experiences and experiments and knowledge sharing.

The exhibition has attracted rapidly increasing number of sponsors. The number of main sponsors has touched 10 compared with 8 last year, where the co-sponsors number reached 9, including local as well as international companies and establishments.