International Participation On Rise At Dubai-Based Middle East Energy

Middle East Energy, the MENA region's most reputable and comprehensive event for the energy sector, is anticipating an increase in international visitors on the back of increased demand when the global energy event returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 7th-9th March 2022.

Formerly known as Middle East Electricity, the event has confirmed representation from 131 countries, with visitors, hosted buyers, and VIPs from Algeria, Morocco, Kenya, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE.

Regarding visitor attendance, the top represented international countries are Nigeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with uptake from the latter witnessing a 40 percent increase in the number of visitors already registered for the exhibition.

According to research from Middle East Energy, Transmission & Distribution is the top product sector of interest for Saudi visitors, with automation and digitalisation the critical subject areas of interest as the world moves to smart grid technology.

This is followed by Renewable & Clean Energy, focusing on solar, wind, and hydrogen, which can be attributed to the countries announcement last year it would cut its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2060 and would invest more than US$180 billion to reach the goal.

Azzan Mohammed, Exhibition Director, Global Energy & Utilities Forum and Middle East Energy, said, "With a legacy spanning more than 45 years, we have grown to be one of the leading events for the energy sector in the region. Despite the challenges of the previous two years, the industry continues to adapt and seek out new opportunities to drive the energy transition agenda forward."

Overall, renewable & clean energy is the most popular product sector with visitors, with high solar energy. This is also evident with UAE visitors, with 70 percent stating they are specifically attending to learn more about solar, training, batteries, and wind.

With a strong Solar Conference, powered by Intersolar, alongside Technical Sessions, including sessions on Decarbonising the Critical & Backup Power Market, Building Utilities of the Future and Technologies in Energy Storage, the sessions at Middle East Energy this year reflect a transitioning energy landscape.

"Following the discussions at COP26 and the announcement the UAE will host COP28 in 2023, we have seen countries worldwide double-down on their commitments to introduce new energy ecosystems to support the energy transition and ultimately achieve their emission reduction goals. At Middle East Energy, we're supporting this move by providing a platform to learn from experts in this field and see the products from around the world that are helping to achieve this," said Mohammed.

The sector analysis also showed a strong representation of interest in Critical & Back-Up Generators from Nigeria, alongside growth in data centres attending for this sector, with representatives from Equinix, Amazon Web Services and more signing up.

Internationally, Middle East Energy will host exhibitors from countries including France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, China, the United Kingdom, and the USA total of 13 international pavilions have already been confirmed.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Middle East Energy is hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure.

Informa, organisers of the event, have confirmed over 18,000 attendees and 500 delegates are expected during the three-day energy showcase.