Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)| Universities invited to showcase their latest innovations in the Innovation Hall at WETEX and Dubai Solar Show

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has invited local and international universities to take part in the Innovation Hall, which is a key component of the 20th Water, Energy Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2018. The exhibition is held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, from 23 to 25 October 2018, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is held under the theme ‘At the forefront of sustainability’.

“Through the Innovation Hall at WETEX and the Dubai Solar Show, which hosts more than 14 universities, we seek to support university students by displaying their ideas and innovations in areas such as sustainability, energy, water, renewable energy, gas, and oil. This supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to involve the youth in the development process, as they are the driving force behind creating a brighter future. At DEWA, we spare no effort in supporting the youth, empowering them to explore new opportunities, and prepare generations who are capable of spreading a culture of sustainability in society, and who are capable, creative, and pioneers in these areas,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.

“Setting up an Innovation Hall for the third consecutive year for WETEX and Dubai Solar Show, is part of our efforts to support the National Innovation Strategy to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world. We are inspired by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to ensure the UAE becomes a global incubator for innovation, a hub for developing solutions that are based on advanced sciences, and a platform for global partnerships to make the world a better place for future generations. The Innovation Hall focuses on key innovations in energy, renewable and clean energy, transportation, technology, education, health, water and space science. By providing electronic kiosks for university students, we offer new specialised educational materials, share experiences and challenges, and honour Emirati innovators and the best talented innovators from around the world. The hall encourages knowledge sharing to build and enhance national capacity, and highlights creative and innovative minds who are people of determination as well as their innovations and ideas,” added Al Tayer.

“The Innovation Hall at WETEX and Dubai Solar Show is an ideal platform to involve the youth in the comprehensive sustainable development of Dubai and the UAE in line with the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to achieve sustainability, and the national initiative that was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the theme ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’, as well as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy. We invite local and international universities to participate and showcase their knowledge and scientific role in serving environmental issues, and to present their research studies and innovative projects in energy, water, environment and technology. We look forward to the essential role that universities play in the progress of the energy, environment and water sectors,” added Al Tayer.

“This hall aims to enhance the participation of university students to develop their knowledge of the latest developments in the energy, water, and environment sectors. Students will also benefit by participating in events and competitions, and attending seminars presented by international companies and sponsors to highlight the latest innovations and inventions that serve smart cities and provide a happy life. We believe that creating an environment that stimulates innovation and provides an incubator in these vital areas is a joint effort by DEWA and the educational sector in the UAE, especially UAE universities. This contributes to the advancement of innovation through research, studies and pioneering initiatives,” noted Al Tayer.

“The participation of universities in WETEX strengthens its global position among the world's leading exhibitions in water, energy, the environment, oil and gas, renewable and clean energy. The students' participation also supports cooperation, sharing, creativity and innovation, which are among the most important pillars of Dubai's hosting of the World Expo 2020, and the transformation of Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world,” concluded Al Tayer.

Over three days, the hall will feature open panel discussions to provide an overview of the most important innovations and inventions in the conventional and renewable energy sectors, water, environment, oil, gas and related fields. Universities will have an important role to play in highlighting the latest scientific research trends in these sectors.

The 20th WETEX will be the largest ever since its launch, and will be held under the umbrella of the Green Week, in conjunction with the 3rd Dubai Solar Show, and the 5th session of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), with the participation of leading experts in the fields of energy, finance and business, as well as government leaders and international organisations.