Specialised zones at WETEX 2024 supporting sustainability and smart solutions for green mobility
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organises the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) annually 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 Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. The 26th WETEX will take place from 1 to 3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Around 2,800 companies from 65 countries are taking part in the exhibition. WETEX 2024 hosts 21 international pavilions.
In addition to the companies that highlight their latest technologies in the exhibition’s areas, WETEX 2024 hosts several specialised zones that aim to promote knowledge exchange among sustainability and clean energy leaders and experts through exclusive seminars and sessions showcasing the latest innovations and insights that contribute to shaping the future of sustainability.
Free Zone Hub
For the first time, WETEX will provide a dedicated Free Zone Hub, supported by Expo City Dubai and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) to highlight the importance of free zones in promoting a green economy and the sustainable development. The space is a new and unique addition to WETEX, providing free zone companies with the opportunity to showcase their innovation and technologies in energy, water and sustainability. This highlights their vital role in supporting the economic development and promoting innovation in all sectors.
“A blueprint for sustainable urban living, powered by renewable energy from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Expo City Dubai is committed to driving progress for the benefit of people and the planet. This ethos, combined with our enabling free-zone environment and strategic location at the centre of Dubai’s growth corridor, is attracting organisations focused on innovation and sustainability. World-class events such as WETEX play a crucial role in engaging those interested in investing in and doing business in our city, and we are proud to further build on our long-standing relationship with DEWA to advance Dubai’s economic agenda and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” said HE Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.
Abdulla Al Hasmi, Chief Operating Officer of Parks and Zones at DP World GCC, said DP World’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the progress the ports operator has made towards its goals of reducing its carbon footprint by 42% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
“We've already cut carbon emissions from our UAE operations by nearly 50%, thanks to using 100% renewable energy from DEWA, certified by International Renewable Energy Certificates. Jafza's sustainability initiatives, including advanced energy and water savings, as well as the region's largest rooftop solar installation, demonstrate our dedication to climate action. We look forward to connecting with customers and industry leaders at WETEX, where we can share insights on our energy transition and explore collaborations for shared sustainability goals,” said Al Hashmi.
Mark Stevenson, General Manager at Torishima Service Solutions FZCO, said his company has been a long-term partner of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
“This will be our eighth consecutive year being a gold sponsor at the WETEX exhibition. With our long-term relationship, we continue to support DEWA on all pump aftersales activities maintaining the highest quality, trust and integrity and a collaborative approach. We look forward to continuing working with this valued partner for the foreseeable future," Stevenson said.
Green Mobility Zone
WETEX provides an ideal opportunity for global automotive companies to showcase their latest technologies and innovations in electric vehicles (EVs) to a wide audience of specialists and enthusiasts. It also offers the chance to engage and network with energy and sustainability experts, and present their advanced solutions that contribute to accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable future in the transport sector. Leading global organisations and automotive manufacturers participate in WETEX to highlight their efforts in promoting the transition towards eco-friendly and sustainable transport.
The Green Mobility Zone at the DWTC's Sheikh Maktoum Hall is the main space to promote the future of sustainable transport by bringing together leading automotive manufacturers and EV specialists. The Zone aims to strengthen collaboration, showcase the latest eco-friendly transport technologies and focus on accelerating the transition towards more sustainable practices.
“At WETEX, we are excited to showcase RTA's efforts in sustainability, especially in developing an innovative and sustainable road and transport system that enhances customer experience to meet international standards. RTA is a global leader in creating a detailed plan to achieve zero emissions across all operations. Our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030 emphasises the importance of a comprehensive and systematic vision for RTA's future direction in social, environmental and economic sustainability. RTA is also proud to be the first entity in the public roads and transport industry worldwide to issue an annual sustainability report. As part of its efforts to achieve sustainable mobility, RTA has implemented 40 energy and green economy initiatives. This has resulted in record savings of over 126 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, 64 million litres of fuel and the prevention of nearly 204,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2023,” said Muna Al Osaimi, CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at RTA.
Health and Safety Hub
The Health and Safety Hub at the DWTC's Za’abeel Hall 6 is the first of its kind at WETEX. It focuses on leading occupational health and safety standards, and offers a series of interactive workshops and awareness sessions to promote emergency preparedness, wellbeing and build resilience in the workplace.
“Bureau Veritas is proud to participate as a partner in the Health & Safety Hub, which will be hosted for the first time in parallel with WETEX this year. For nearly 200 years, Bureau Veritas has been helping its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations regarding quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. Bureau Veritas offers an extensive suite of health and safety services to help organisations across diverse industries maintain robust Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) in compliance with international standards,” said Khurram Majeed, Bureau Veritas’ Executive Vice President for the Middle East, Africa and the Caspian.
A Comprehensive Programme of Seminars
With its different activities, WETEX offers visitors and participants an ideal opportunity to explore the latest innovation and trends in sustainability and clean energy, fostering collaboration and developing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Over three days, WETEX offers various seminars covering topics on energy, water and sustainability, featuring prominent experts and innovators. The Sponsors’ Seminars will be held in Arena 1 while the Energy Seminars will be held in Sheikh Maktoum Hall, the Sustainability Seminars in Hall 2, the Future Energy Landscape Forum in Za’abeel Hall 3, the Water Seminars in Hall 8 and the Suppliers’ Seminars in Sheikh Maktoum Hall.