There is a growing global interest in green solutions and technologies, the transformation towards green economy, and limiting the negative impact of dangerous emissions on health, the environment, and development, said experts ahead of a major expo.

This underlines the need for communication platforms that showcase green solutions. These platforms bring together experts, professionals, and governments to discuss new developments and share best practice.

Over the past 17 years, the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex), organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), has been playing an important role in the field, they added.

The 17th edition of the utility expo will run from April 21 to 23 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Growing in stature year after year, the exhibition attracts specialists, exhibitors, participants, governments, and experts. It addresses different challenges facing the industry including renewable energy technologies, environmentally-friendly home appliances, and water and environmental sustainability solutions.

Wetex, which started with only four exhibitors in 1999, had attracted more than 1,500 firms last year, and while 357 trade visitors were seen at the debut show, the event now boasts over 23,000 visitors.

"The phenomenal growth of Wetex over 16 years reflects its growing importance, and its ability to bring together concerned parties from around the world, turning it into an international forum for highlighting effective solutions," remarked Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dewa.

"It is an international forum for experts to develop solutions that address the needs of the region and the world," said Al Tayer, who is also the president and founder of Wetex.

"Wetex provides an ideal platform for exhibitors and participants. We have increased the exhibition area significantly and added innovative services for exhibitors and visitors, as we pursue our goal of global leadership as one of the leading specialised exhibitions of its kind in the world," he added.

According to him, Dewa aims to achieve a sustainable environment, improve the quality of life, save natural resources, increase dependence on clean energy, and implement green growth plans under the UAE Vision 2021.

"We support the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a city that uses its resources sustainably and whose environmental elements are clean, healthy, and sustainable. Dewa has been working hard to position Wetex as an important global platform," stated Al Tayer.

"Over 16 years, the exhibition has made huge strides in focusing on solutions for water and environment, oil and gas, and conventional and renewable energy. It has triggered agreements and deals that directly support the economic, socio-economic and environmental development not only of Dubai and the UAE, but for the entire region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service