The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) supports the COP28 Pledge to triple installed renewable energy generation capacity around the world. WETEX also supports the historic UAE Consensus to double energy efficiency worldwide. WETEX brings together cutting-edge innovation from thousands of local and international companies specialised in sustainability and clean and renewable energy. WETEX also encourages climate financing and investment in clean energy systems, and highlights key advancements based on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies to ensure sustainability and energy security, as well as reduce the emissions of the current energy ecosystem.
WETEX builds on the positive impact of the UAE Consensus, agreed upon at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai, from 30 November to 13 December 2023. As a top event on the global sustainability agenda and a global platform to showcase the latest sustainability innovation and solutions, WETEX supports the UAE’s leading role to increase the use of clean energy and state-of-the-art technology applications, in line with the forward-looking vision of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve an organised, responsible and equitable energy transition that meets net-zero goals, realises sustainable economic and social development, and builds a better future for mankind and the planet.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised WETEX annually under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. The 26th edition of WETEX will take place from 1 to 3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 – one of the key outcomes of the historic UAE Consensus – is essential if we are to keep our goal of 1.5°C alive and advance sustainable prosperity for all. Since we delivered the UAE Consensus in Dubai last year, it has become the defining framework for global climate ambition and sustainable development, and WETEX will once again put the UAE at the forefront of positive climate action. COP28 also raised the positioning of water on the climate agenda, giving unprecedented attention to water risks and opportunities, from agriculture to disaster prevention, and WETEX will drive further innovation on water and sustainability,” said HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President.
“WETEX supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to triple the contribution of the renewable energy by 2030. It highlights the UAE’s essential role in bringing about positive change in development and vital sectors. It is key in cementing the country’s success in proving the importance of multilateral action to achieve global climate aspirations. Being the region’s largest exhibition for renewable and clean energy, and energy storage efficiency technologies, and as one of the largest specialised exhibitions worldwide, WETEX supports the outstanding results of COP28. It brings together decision-makers to collaborate on addressing the most pressing issues, including energy, water and sustainability. It offers the ideal opportunity to sign outstanding partnerships and deals, and exchange expertise and best practices. The exhibition also helps strengthen collaboration ties and mobilises efforts to achieve benefits for the UAE and world. WETEX provides a significant opportunity to learn about market needs and future projects, and explore opportunities to participate in renewable and clean energy projects and programmes in the UAE and the region at large,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.
“The three key priorities for global climate action in the next six months will be securing ambitious climate finance goals at COP29, ensuring that countries follow up on the COP28 energy outcomes by endorsing global targets on energy storage and grid expansion, and pushing countries to submit to the UN’s new climate plans aligned with the 1.5ºC pathway by the February 2025 deadline. Young people will have a key role in this process, as we continue to advocate for a liveable future for us and future generations. Every tenth of a degree of warming matters,” said Beniamin Strzelecki, Member of the UN’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
“The energy transition will require an economy-wide effort, interlinked with almost every sector. While policies and regulations to scale up and support renewable energy generation and integration are critical, they must be part of a broader framework that extends beyond the energy sector. This holistic approach is essential to drive the structural changes needed to ensure the transition not only succeeds but also promotes more equitable outcomes,” said Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of IRENA.
