Middle East largest energy event opens doors in Dubai 16.02.2013: More than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries look to capitalise on US$ 227 billion GCC power infrastructure sector

More than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries look to capitalise on US$ 227 billion GCC power infrastructure sector




photo caption: The 38th edition of Middle East Electricity, the region’s largest and longest running energy event opens tomorrow at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.


Middle East Electricity, the largest and longest running energy event in the region is set for a grand opening tomorrow (Sunday) in Dubai, as a record number of exhibitors prepare to showcase their products and services in a region desperate for more power.


More than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries will be out in force at the three-day event, which takes place from 17-19 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.


They will be looking to capitalise on a booming regional power sector, led by the GCC nations. According to a recent report by the Kuwait Financial Centre, Gulf countries are surging ahead with 430 power projects valued at US$227 billion, with 230 of those currently under planning.


The report, called GCC Power 2012, stated that the six Gulf States are expected to spend US$46.2 billion on future power projects by 2015, adding an additional 24,395 Megawatts (MW) of capacity to their power grids – an increase of between 7-8 per cent annually.


Reflecting the impressive opportunities available in the region, the 38th edition of Middle East Electricity has also seen 20 per cent growth in exhibitor space this year dedicated to power generation companies.


Major names including Caterpillar, Cummins, FPT Industrial, Himoinsa, Perkins, Scania, SDMO, Volvo MTU, and Yanmar, will all be taking part, as they look to showcase their wares to an audience of more than 15,000 key decision makers.


Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler, Middle East Electricity is the region’s leading energy event that focuses on power, lighting, renewable, and nuclear sectors.


The dedicated show will feature 17 International Country Pavilions, with the German Pavilion in particular having a strong presence in 2013, having increased by 19 per cent in size year-on-year. Other country pavilions include Austria, Canada, China, Finland, France, India, Italy, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, and the USA.


Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity said: “The GCC’s power infrastructure sector is witnessing a surge of fresh investment, as power supply strives to catch up with the rapidly increasing consumption rate, which has been growing steadily at nine per cent across the region since 2002.”


“As power demand continues to grow, so too does Middle East Electricity and we have reached a number of milestones this year as the event expands and continues to diversify its offerings to a wider stakeholder base.” 


One milestone is the co-location of Middle East Electricity with the inaugural edition of Solar Middle East exhibition and conference, also organised by Informa Energy Group, and introduced in response to the large amount of exhibitors at Middle East Electricity dedicated to solar technologies.


With more than 100 solar companies taking part, Solar Middle East will be the largest ever gathering of solar technology suppliers and service providers ever seen in the region, eager to tap into a booming MENA solar market.


Also introduced for the first time at Middle East Electricity in partnership with Dubai Municipality is the Green Energy Middle East Conference – a one-day forum on Monday 18 February outlining new building regulations to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across Dubai in 2013 and beyond.


Middle East Electricity returns with regular popular features, the Middle East Electricity Awards, taking place on the opening night of the show, and 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 2013 is the partner event to Power + Water Middle East in Abu Dhabi and Africa Electricity in Johannesburg, and Power Nigeria in Lagos.




- Lindsay Johnston, Total Communications Dubai - also photo