Dubai has launched new initiatives including the new recycling stations, GPS (global position system) tracking system, Smart Gate and RFID (radio frequency identification) in a bid to divert 75 per cent of waste from reaching its landfills by 2021.

There are three recycling stations installed across the UAE emirate, and Dubai Municipality is planning to install a total of 13 before the end of the year.

Abdulmajeed Saifaie, director, waste management department of Dubai Municipality, said: “At present, an average7,500 tonnes of solid waste is dumped in landfill in the emirate per day. The municipality aims to reduce waste dumped at landfills with GPS tracking system, Smart Gate and RFID. Our efforts have brought the amount of waste dumped at landfills from 11,500 tonnes per day in 2010 to 7,500 tonnes today. Once the system is fully equipped with smart technologies, we will reduce waste arriving at the landfill by another 20 per cent in the coming years.”

“Dubai is working on to become one of the world’s most sustainable cities by 2020, which presents the cleaning sector with the challenge of maintaining this for the future. The industry plays an important role in the sustainability of the country and influences other sectors to embrace sustainable technologies and practices,” he added.

In line with this, the upcoming Middle East Cleaning Technology Week (MECTW), the region’s first ever global forum, aims to unite cleaning and hygiene industries.

Saifaie added that MECTW with its focus on innovation is a right platform to showcase Dubai Municipality’s initiatives. “Our partnership with MECTW has grown stronger over the years, as it has evolved to be the best show to view latest technologies and share knowledge in the cleaning sector,” he said.

“MECTW’s reach has grown to incorporate companies from different parts of the world, with over 130 exhibitors displaying their solutions in 2016. Over the years, MECTW has evolved as a perfect platform for brands to promote themselves in this competitive and growing region. It also brings together all industry players to exchange ideas and showcase innovative solutions,” said Jayaraman Nair, chairman, VIS Exhibitions and Conferences – organiser of MECTW.

A footfall of over 4,000 attendees is expected over the three-day event. Visitors to the exhibition can also attend conferences, which will focus on the theme ‘Innovation’. Three dedicated conferences including International Cleaning and Hygiene Conference (ICHC), Gulf Laundrex – Linen Care conference and Gulf Carwash – Car Care conference will be will expounding on latest innovations, IoT applications and industry best practices.

Prominent exhibitors at the event include Intercare, Chemex, Daitona, Dhofar Global, Albariq Equipments, Natronic Laundry Equipments and Protek Gulf, as well as international brands like Sealed Air Diversey Care, Karcher, Hydro Systems, Jenson and Alliance Laundry Systems.

MECTW is the region’s largest event that brings together cleaning service providers, equipment, and chemicals suppliers to discuss trends and showcase green cleaning products and innovations. The event will feature new pavilions dedicated to waste management, sewerage, and sanitation, and specialised cleaning for the year 2016.

MECTW features three platforms such as Gulf Laundrex-Linen Care Expo, Gulf Car Wash and Car Care Expo as well as the Clean Middle East Pulire. The event will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 13 to 15. – TradeArabia News Service