His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opens Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East
Region’s leading energy event brings global appeal with 17 international pavilions taking part; Solar Middle East opens for first time
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Minister of Finance and Industry has officially inaugurated Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East today.
Taking place until 19 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Middle East Electricity is one of the world’s foremost energy events, featuring more than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries, out to impress upwards of 15,000 industry professionals with their latest innovations, solutions, products and services.
The global appeal of the three-day event is underlined by the participation of 17 government approved international pavilions, including Austria, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, and the USA.
The 2013 edition also marks the co-location of the inaugural edition of Solar Middle East, introduced in response to the growing number of Middle East Electricity exhibitors involved with solar technologies.
The dedicated solar showcase, which also features the Solar Middle East Conference, hosts more than 100 international solar companies, making it the largest ever gathering of solar technology solutions and service providers ever seen in the region.
Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East, said that the international popularity of the two shows is enhanced by Dubai’s conducive business environment and strategic location as a prime re-export market.
“Middle East Electricity is not a Dubai show, or even a regional show; it has a global reach and is one of the most important dates in the energy sector calendar around the world,” said Mathews. “Over the course of the next three days, thousands of visitors from more than 120 countries will walk through the exhibition doors to procure products or services for their respective markets.”
Added Mathews: “The launch of Solar Middle East alongside Middle East Electricity is also a turning point for us. When you look at power generation in the region, it has always been through conventional fossil fuels.
“However, in recent years, more emphasis has been focused toward renewable energy, particularly solar, and with the region having such an abundance of the infinite resource, Solar Middle East was a natural value added addition to Middle East Electricity.”
Another new addition to the Middle East’s largest and longest running energy event is the Green Energy Middle East Conference, held in partnership with Dubai Municipality, and taking place tomorrow (18 February). The one-day conference will outline the new 2013 green building codes, focusing on reducing carbon emissions in Dubai.
Returning this year is the popular Middle East Electricity Awards, recognising outstanding achievements of individuals, departments, teams or organisations that have contributed to the growth and development of the energy industry in the Middle East.
The winners will be announced this evening at a gala dinner attended by 1,000 of the region’s leading power professionals and companies, senior government officials and special VIP industry guests.
Other highlights of the 38th Middle East Electricity include the free-to-attend technical seminars, where a selection of exhibitors will present latest innovations and products to visitors over the three days on the show floor.
“Middle East Electricity is among the largest energy events in the world focusing on power, lighting, renewable and nuclear sectors,” concluded Mathews. “But our goal is to become the number one global power industry event, second to none. That’s the vision we nurse in terms of building this show.”
Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East 2013 are partnered with Power + Water Middle East in Abu Dhabi, Power Nigeria in Abuja and Africa Electricity in Johannesburg. Opening times are from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Feb 17, 2013
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