More than 2,000 exhibitors from 50 different countries showcased their products over a 70,000-sq-m area at the 19th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex), last month (October 23 to 25) in Dubai, UAE.

It was held under patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and president of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year’s theme was ‘At the forefront of sustainability’, and coincided with the second Dubai Solar Show and the fourth World Green Economy Summit.

The event highlighted efforts to build a green economy in the UAE under the theme, ‘Green economy for sustainable development’, and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

About 60 speakers focused on key topics like smart cities, green economy, innovation, and sustainable development.

At the event, key players like Siemens allowed visitors to interact with various virtual and augmented reality demonstrations featuring its highly-efficient gas turbines, power transmission and distribution solutions, using the innovative Daiqri helmet.

The UAE-based Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) showcased its latest eco-friendly district cooling technologies; while Saudi-based Acwa Power highlighted the latest technologies deployed within its project portfolio including the record-breaking 700 MW CSP fourth phase of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

At Schneider Electric’s stand, a major highlight was the latest EcoStruxure Industrial Software Platform, an integrated, modular software suite that delivers rich functionality to address operational and business imperatives of the industrial and infrastructure markets.

Also, GE Power displayed its 9EMax gas turbine upgrade solution, which can help cut annual fuel costs by as much as $5 million, while creating the potential for up to $6 million in additional revenue.

India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) showcased its multi-dimensional EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) capabilities in power transmission and distribution, infrastructure, water and renewable energy segments.

Meanwhile, at the co-located second edition of the Dubai Solar Show, 90 exhibitors from across the globe exhibited over an area of 14,000 sq m, along with 28 sponsors. Leading industry experts discussed key topics including Dubai’s sustainability initiatives, solar energy projects and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, smart networks, and facilities management solutions.