Q: What is WETEX? What opportunities does WETEX offer for companies to operate in UAE market?
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer: The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2016) is the specialised exhibition for everyone involved in buying, selling, and developing electricity, water, environment, oil & gas, alternative energy and other related solutions. The exhibition also supports production by displaying various products and services, and offering ideal marketing opportunities for exhibitors to focus attention on quality and sustainability. WETEX 2016 provides great opportunities for exhibitors and consumers, as Dubai is a global hub for trade, finance, tourism and green economy that attracts businessmen and experts from around the world.
WETEX features a range of green initiatives, which Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and other organisations are committed to. It is part of Green Week, which has a series of events and activities to spread the message of sustainability. In support of the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, which focuses on the promotion and development of green technologies, Green Week offers a great opportunity to demonstrate Dubai’s commitment to the protection of natural resources. WETEX 2016 will be held in conjunction with the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2016 as well as the first Dubai Solar Show. Dubai Solar Show is dedicated to bringing the latest solar innovations and showing the largest solar projects in region.
Perhaps our most significant milestone to date has been the announcement by DEWA, under the umbrella of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This Park will feature a range of solar energy technologies, including photovoltaic and concentrated solar power systems, in support of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy to provide 5,000 MW for Dubai by 2030 and increase the share of clean energy to 75% by 2050.
WETEX will show the latest technologies and solutions in water, energy, environment sustainability, oil and gas and other related sectors. It highlights innovative solutions in electricity generation using nuclear power and renewable energy. It also discusses issues like efficient and reliable smart grids, and everything related to water technologies, including desalination, management of water resources, energy solutions, environmental conservation, waste management, green buildings and solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Romanian companies will have the opportunity at WETEX to show their products, technologies, and solutions related to energy and water efficiency, as well as residential and commercial green-building solutions at SmarTech. This is a platform for companies to promote their eco-friendly technologies, products, and services. SmarTech is supported by major international companies, leading manufacturers, businessmen, distributors, and retailers from around the world.
Romanian companies developing green technologies will find ample opportunities at WETEX to boost their sales as the event is a perfect venue in the Middle East to display best eco-friendly practices.
Q:. What types of projects or services are of interest to the local market?
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer: In energy technologies, WETEX has on display the latest tools and equipment, including turbines, compressors, motors and power generators, as well as air conditioners, cleaning equipment, air purification, batteries, high-voltage cables and multiple types of cables; wiring technologies, calibration measurement equipment, manufacturing protection systems, centrifuge machinery, communication systems’ equipment, industrial and residential control systems, safety equipment, refrigeration and heating, diesel engines, fire-fighting and safety systems.
In the water sector, WETEX 2016 covers water treatment, desalination plants, pipes of all kinds, coolers and heaters, and related products and solutions. It also features tools, equipment and accessories dedicated to digging technologies, pumps, valves and tools to ease pressure and others.
WETEX also shows the latest advances in irrigation systems, and agricultural, horticultural and water extraction equipment. On display at the show also will be products for detecting and treating water leakages, reservoir lining and various materials used in the water sector and water transportation, display transducers, control electronic systems in the energy sector, corrosion equipment, home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, ovens, TVs, computers, light fittings, wiring switches and energy-saving products.
As oil and gas sectors are key areas, WETEX has brought under its umbrella the Oil and Gas sector. The importance of this is reflected in the need for techniques, strategies, tools and equipment to reduce production costs.
WETEX features information technology services, drilling wells technology and geological exploration equipment, global positioning systems, construction and operation of oil fields, exploration techniques, production and refining.
Q: Why would it be important for a Romanian company to participate in WETEX?
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer: 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 to be one of the leading specialised exhibitions in the world.
Romanian companies, like many others around the world, should always stay up to date with the latest technologies in vital sectors such as the energy and water. It also offers them a platform to create mutual benefit collaborations with exhibitors and trade visitors alike.
WETEX highlights major global topics and priorities of various countries in environmental sustainability, at a time reducing pollution requires collaborative efforts. Each country’s contribution is vital for this global effort. WETEX promotes environmental sustainability and supports green economy globally. Growing in stature year after year, the exhibition attracts specialists, exhibitors, participants, governments, and experts.
Q: With whom can the representatives of Romanian companies at WETEX expect to meet?
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer: Representatives from Romanian companies will be able to interact with visitors and exhibitors from countries like Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UK, China, Italy, France, Korea, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Spain, Turkey, Iran, and the UAE, and many others. Official delegations from the UAE and the rest of the world also visit WETEX every year. These delegations seek to explore collaboration with global players in energy, water and environment.
WETEX represents an excellent learning opportunity as well, with top experts from around the globe giving presentations on a range of topics at WETEX’s seminars, on energy, water, environment and sustainable development issues.
Q: If we find partners or have a business idea in UAE, what should we do? What are the first steps?
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer: The ideal way is to take part in WETEX, where your business idea would be exposed to thousands of visitors. WETEX 2014 attracted 22,602 visitors and WETEX 2015 saw 23,325 trade visitors. This gives an idea on the enormous number of buyers and investors that come to WETEX exploring partnership opportunities and seeking to expand presence in the UAE.
Moreover, companies that sponsor WETEX will be part of the global media campaign held annually, where their solutions will gain attention from influential stakeholders from the industry sector they specialise in.
