More than 2,000 exhibitors from 50 different countries are participating at the 19th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex), which opened today (October 23) in Dubai, UAE.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) invited the general public, UAE nationals, and visitors to attend and participate in activities of the event.

The event will be held under the umbrella of the fourth session of Green Week, 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.

The three-day event will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will conclude on October 25.

Wetex aims at promoting the concept of environmental citizenship and raise more awareness on latest technologies in water, energy and environment, said a statement.

This year’s theme is ‘At the forefront of sustainability’, and coincides with the 2nd Dubai Solar Show and the 4th World Green Economy Summit, it added.

At this year’s summit, at least 60 speakers from all over the world will focus on key topics like smart cities, green economy, innovation, and sustainable development, it said.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa, founder and chairman of Wetex, said: “We are eager to engage the public in promoting a culture of sustainability, preserving the environment, protecting natural resources, adopt green technologies and increase reliance on clean energy.”

“The event plays a vital role in supporting the efforts of the leadership of Dubai and the UAE on the global green economy and sustainable development map,” he said.

“This event is a comprehensive, integrated and specialised global exhibition in the areas of energy production and rationalisation, renewable energy, desalination, sustainability, technology and green development,” he added.

Al Tayer continued: “Since its launch, the exhibition has established itself as the largest of its kind in the world. This year, we are expecting a larger audience turnout, especially after our success last year, with great participation from the public, sponsors, exhibitors and participants from all over the world.”

“Through this event, we seek to educate and involve the public in our efforts to implement the long term national initiative to build a green economy in the UAE under the theme ‘Green economy for sustainable development’, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to make Dubai a world centre for clean energy and green economy, by providing 7 per cent of Dubai's energy from clean energy sources by 2020,” he said.

“This target will increase to 25 per cent by 2030; and 75 per cent by 2050, in addition to the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, that aims to cut energy consumption by 30 per cent by 2030,” he stated.

Al Tayer further added that show is an ideal platform for organisations operating in the fields of energy, renewable energy, water, environment, oil and gas to display their technologies, projects, green products and solutions.

“It also serves as a forum for decision makers, investors, buyers, and enthusiasts from all around the world to gain insight into the leading projects in renewable and clean energy in the region and the world,” he said.

Al Tayer also explained that the fourth session of the Green Week also includes events designed to raise community awareness and inspire individuals to be more responsible towards the environment — highlighting the urgent need to replace irrational consumption habits; follow a sustainable lifestyle and to promote awareness among new generations like school and university students and motivate them to invent new solutions towards a green economy.

The events include a variety of lectures about sustainability, promoting efficient consumption, and many other environmental issues, plus interactive workshops with the public. Green Week also includes a Green Corner for school and university students to be innovators, inventors and creators and display their green and sustainable projects, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service