WETEX and Dubai Solar Show 2023: All you need to know

Image credit: WAM

The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show 2023 is taking in place in Dubai from November 15-17.

The two co-located exhibitions are a leading platform for international organisations to present their latest solutions and products from all over the world in the sectors of energy, water, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, green mobility solutions, sustainable development, green buildings, water desalination technologies, and smart cities.

Through specialised seminars and panel discussions held on its sidelines, it also provides opportunities to exchange ideas with several international experts and specialists.

WETEX and Dubai Solar Show 2023

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organises the WETEX and Dubai Solar Show annually under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The 25th edition of the show is expected to see the participation of more than 2,556 companies from 62 countries, in addition to 75 sponsors and 37 partners and supporting associations. Additionally, it will also host 24 international pavilions from 16 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the exhibition aims to push forward the UAE’s sustainability agenda by creating commercial and learning opportunities for businesses within the country and the region.

“We welcome the participation of all countries in the exhibition to unite efforts to accelerate energy transition, achieve net zero, and pave the way for a more sustainable future for humanity. This supports Dubai’s position a global capital for green economy and sustainable development, and the UAE’s leadership in climate work. This is underscored by the timing of the exhibition, which is being held a few days before COP28. Thanks to the unlimited support of the wise leadership, the exhibition has become one of the largest specialised exhibitions worldwide,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA, founder and chairman of WETEX and Dubai Solar Show.

Al Tayer addded, ‘’It provides an exceptional opportunity for thousands of companies, investors, and visitors from around the world to explore investment and business opportunities, build partnerships and business relationships, learn about market needs and future projects, and sign deals.”

Visitor numbers

The two shows had over 47,000 visitors from over 176 countries in 2022 and organisers expect an equal or larger gathering as the country gears up for the upcoming climate summit.

“The exhibition attracts wide participation from major local and international companies from the public and private sectors. Participants will showcase their products, innovations, and solutions in energy, water, green development, sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs), smart cities, green buildings, cybersecurity, renewable energy, innovation, AI, robotics, decarbonisation, smart grids, and more,” said Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, and Chairperson of the Sales, Logistics and Sponsorships Committee for WETEX.

The exhibition also hosts many meetings between companies, government and private institutions, and investors through the Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) platforms.

UAE’s net zero by 2050 agenda

According to Accenture research, the circular economy could generate $4.5tn of additional economic output by 2030. The International Labour Organisation estimates that the transition to a circular economy could create six million jobs worldwide.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, previously said, “The UAE government has a bold vision to promote economic diversification in strategic areas that best serve our sustainable development path. The circular economy and renewable energy sources will be a cornerstone of our economy in the next 50 years. Moreover, as we prepare to host the COP 28, the UAE is stepping up its ambition to fulfill its commitment under the Paris Agreement of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the circular economy policy will make a critical contribution towards this national objective.”

Al Tayer added, “WETEX and DSS supports the UAE’s endeavours to achieve sustainable management and effective use of natural resources by encouraging investments in the circular economy, expanding the scope of current applications, and introducing the best global practices in this field. It provides a platform for positive changes achieved by the circular economy to improve the business environment, attract local and foreign investments, and develop the circular economy system in all vital sectors, in cooperation with public and private sectors.”