HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Founder and Chairman of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), reported that 2,350 exhibitors from 55 countries will partake in the 21st WETEX under the theme At the Forefront of Sustainability and the 4th Dubai Solar Show.

DEWA organises WETEX 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, from 21 to 23 October 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Al Tayer made the announcement during a press conference held at the Armani Hotel in Dubai. Individuals from the organising committee, a number of strategic partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and the media were available.

Organising WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show, under the umbrella of Green Week, are lined up with UAEs wise leaderships vision to promote sustainable improvement and a green economy in the UAE, and help understand the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE Vision 2021, the UAE Green Growth Strategy, the Dubai Plan 2021, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to make the Emirate a global hub for clean energy and green economy and provide 75% of Dubais total power output from clean energy sources by 2050, said Al Tayer in his speech.

More than 20 years, WETEX has set up itself as one of the largest and most significant international specialised exhibitions, and the largest of its kind in the region. It has turned into a perfect platform for companies, organisations, experts, manufacturers and investors to learn about the latest developments and global technologies related to water, the environment, oil and gas, conventional and renewable energy and related industries.

The Dubai Solar Show also achieved remarkable success over last three years, especially as the region's solar power sector has accelerated its growth. The exhibition is an important platform for the government and private sectors to make deals, build partnerships, learn about the latest solar energy technologies, identify market needs and opportunities to participate in solar power projects and programmes as the UAE and the region strive to increase the share of renewable and clean energy, added Al Tayer.

A year ago, the two exhibitions pulled in 35,000 visitors from 53 countries, 75 sponsors and 2,100 exhibitors, covering 78,413 square metres. This year's WETEX is its biggest in its history, with 2350 exhibitors from 55 countries as well as 18 country pavilions covering 85,000 square metres. The show has also pulled in 75 sponsors and supporters, which accentuates the exhibitions position as a forum that brings together governments, industry leaders, and investors from around the world.

Al Tayer noted that WETEX 2019 coincides with the 6th World Green Economy Summit (WGES), which is organised by DEWA and the World Green Economy Organisation, in collaboration with international partners, on 20 and 21 October 2019, under the theme 'Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Economy. Officials and decision makers from around the world will discuss sustainable development mechanisms and international cooperation systems to establish a global green economy. WETEX 2019 will also feature the Dubai Green Zone, which provides a unified platform to enable start-ups in the UAE and around the world to anticipate the future of green energy and take advantage of the successful experiences and best global practices in energy and water. This improves the UAEs leadership in keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and adopting disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, drones, energy storage, blockchain technology, and big data among others. WETEX 2019 will also feature SMARTEC, the business platform dedicated to the promotion of environmentally friendly green technologies, products and services from all over the world.

For the fourth consecutive year, DEWA dedicates an incorporated Innovation Hall at the exhibition in line with its efforts to strengthen the position of Dubai and the UAE as a leading platform for creativity that attracts innovators from around the world. Over 20 universities will show students innovations. The two exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to participate in a wide range of specialised seminars and workshops, and meet experts and specialists in green economy, smart cities, innovation and sustainable development, said Al Tayer.

I expand my sincerest thanks and appreciation to the partners, sponsors and exhibitors of WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show. I would also like to express my thanks to the media, which, for over the last 20 years have contributed to highlighting the achievements of the exhibition and its legacy as a leading global forum that provides unique opportunities for investors to expand their businesses and enhance their activities, out of the UAE, the country of peace, happiness, positivity and the land of opportunities and achieving ambitions, with its strategic location in the middle of the world, concluded Al Tayer.

During Green Week, DEWA will also host the biennial International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress. The World Congress, under the theme Crossroads to Sustainability, will be held from 20-24 October 2019 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The congress, which returns to Dubai after 10 years of the successful edition in 2019, aims to play a key role in promoting awareness about the need to adopt leading water technological innovations in modern cities such as Dubai.

In conjunction with WETEX from 21-23 October 2019, the Gas & Oil Technology Showcase and Conference (GoTech) will be held from 21st to 23rd October at Zaabeel Halls 4&5 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. GoTech is a perfect platform for decision makers, oil and gas professionals, researchers, contractors and engineers to exchange knowledge and expertise on the latest oil and gas technologies and solutions. This years GoTech will highlight launching an excellence centre that targets universities and the academic institutions.