Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili, UAE'S Minister of Energy, opened Sunday the Middle East Electricity Exhibition (MEE) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Middle East Electricity 2005 event is the largest in the history of the show, with a huge increase of 21% on last year.
According to WAM, Middle East Electricity will feature over 700 exhibitors from around 47 countries of the world displaying over 400 product sectors. As well as a large presence from the GCC countries there will be dedicated groups from Spain, Korea, Turkey, Iran, USA, Canada, Switzerland, China, Austria, Taiwan, Finland, UK, Germany, Italy, India and France and contributing to the exhibitor geographical profile will be first time participants from Brazil, Argentina, Macedonia, Hungary and Portugal.
Some of the biggest names in the industry e.g. Siemens, Areva, Cooper Industries, Perkins, Cummins will be displaying the latest innovations. Legrand SNC, will be unveiling their latest product range and feature the largest independent stand at the show.
Encouraged by their experience last year, leading international names like Osram and Philips have increased their support for the dedicated lighting arena in the form of key sponsorships. Philips will also unveil something new and innovative at this year's exhibition.
MEE opens as demand for energy throughout the region expands at a rate that far exceeds the global average.
In Dubai, power generation and installed capacity have been growing steadily to meet growing needs as the population continues to grow at a high rate. Total electricity production increased from over 45 million KW per hour in 2002 to over 48 million Kw/h in 2003, according to the UAE yearbook 2005.
The latest estimate is that the Middle East requires an investment of more than US $1 trillion over the next 20 years, mainly in the utility sector. With such huge amounts being committed to infrastructure projects, the opportunities for companies involved in all aspects of the energy and lighting industry are enormous.
As governments seek creative, cost-effective solutions to their energy requirements huge potential for companies involved in both the traditional forms of power generation and alternative sources such as wind power and solar energy has evolved.
New and renewable energy is of increasing importance- clear evidence of this was the recent opening of the UAE's first wind power plant on Sir Bani Yas island, and plans are underway to build similar plants throughout the country.
The region's first solar-cell production line also opened in the Fujairah Free Zone - covering 30,000 square feet, and costing $3 million to construct, it can manufacture 2.5 million solar cells every year.
