Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | Green Week promotes Dubai's sustainability & raises community awareness on importance of using electricity and water wisely, and protecting natural resources

For the 6th consecutive year, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising Green Week, an overarching umbrella for key environmental activities and events in the region, from 17-24 October 2019. Green Week features programmes and initiatives to raise awareness about the environment and sustainability and the need to follow a sustainable lifestyle. It also informs younger generations about the importance of rationalisation of electricity and water and the conservation of natural resources; motivating them to innovate new solutions that support the transformation towards a green economy.

International Conferences & Exhibitions

Under its umbrella, the 6th Green Week will host the 21st Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2019), which DEWA organises 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. The Green Week also features the 4th Dubai Solar Show, the region's largest solar power technology event; the 6th World Green Economy Summit (WGES); the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress, the premier global event on desalination and advanced water treatment solutions; and the Gas and Oil Technology Showcase and Conference (GOTECH) 2019.

Vision

The Green Week is based on a vision to promote a culture of sustainability in society, while also instilling a culture of creativity and innovation among the younger generations, who are considered by the UAE’s wise leadership as vital for anticipating and shaping the future. Green Week also focuses on developing young talents that will help shape a sustainable future for the energy sector, thereby supporting the national efforts to establish Dubai’s and the UAE’s leadership in the field of sustainable development.

Events & Initiatives

Green Week features a number of workshops and awareness activities and initiatives for all members of society to raise awareness on the importance of green practices. It will also host youth circles and lectures by international experts. It also features awareness voluntary campaigns, interactive sessions dedicated to People of Determination, meetings for entrepreneurs from both government and private sectors, in addition to competitions and events in shopping malls and DEWA’s social media channels for a chance to win valuable prizes.

21st WETEX

Under the umbrella of Green Week, DEWA organises the 21st WETEX, in conjunction with the 4th Dubai Solar Show from 21-23 October 2019, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The two exhibitions allow visitors and the general public to register and visit free of charge, serve as ideal platforms for organisations from related sectors to promote their innovative products, services and technologies, while also meeting decision-makers, investors, buyers and stakeholders from around the world, to make deals, build partnerships and review the latest technologies in these sectors. It also enables them to identify market needs, current and future projects and available opportunities to participate in the region’s solar energy projects and programmes.

WETEX has established its position as the largest and most important specialised exhibition in the region in the water, energy and environment sectors. It has become a major event on the global agenda and a significant platform that brings together exhibitors and visitors with experts, specialists, decision-makers and investors in these sectors to take advantage of the investment opportunities it offers, as well as meet specialists, experts, decision makers, and interested people from all over the world.

The 20th WETEX and the 3rd Dubai Solar Show in 2018 recorded a remarkable success. They attracted a large number of exhibitors, visitors, participants and government bodies. The last year’s edition covered 78,413 square metres. It hosted 2,100 exhibitors from 53 countries and welcomed over 35,000 visitors from around the globe.

WETEX 2019 focuses on sustainability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitisation, disruptive technologies, smart networks, smart cities and the future of the world's energy sector, as well as energy and water conservation, environmental protection, waste management, green buildings, reduction of carbon emissions, conservation of natural resources, promotion of environmental security and motivating scientific research and innovation in energy sectors.

4th Dubai Solar Show

The Dubai Solar Show highlights the latest innovations in the solar energy sector and the region's largest projects in the field, thereby providing a unique platform to build partnerships with government and private sectors to develop innovative solutions. The Show offers exclusive benefits to participants such as free registration of companies and products at DEWA, letters of recommendation for products showcased, and exclusive field visits to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

18 country pavilions at WETEX & Dubai Solar Show

2350 exhibitors and 18 country pavilions will take part in WETEX and Dubai Solar Show this year, showcasing latest products and technologies in water, energy, the environment, as well as Advanced Light Detection and Ranging System (LiDAR), unmanned aerial vehicles’ data processing systems powered by AI that collect and analyse advanced aerial data for solar power plants. These inspect and identify defected solar panels in a fast and effective way and at the lowest cost. This helps maintain the efficiency of solar projects. WETEX also highlights advanced water purification systems suitable for emergency use, which purifies river and well water to provide clean drinking water in a short span of time.

Dedicated hall for Green Week at WETEX

WETEX 2019 will have a dedicated hall for Green Week, which will host a range of events to raise awareness on electricity and water conservation, as well as competitions on sustainability, environment and recycling. The hall will feature leading participants, including DEWA Academy, Zayed University, American University in Dubai, Dubai Women's College, Dubai Modern Education School, Al Ittihad Private School, Greenwood International School, Applied Technology Institute, Al Athba School and GEMS United Indian School.

Seminars & Discussion Panels

At the 21st WETEX and 4th Dubai Solar Show, DEWA is organising a wide range of seminars and discussion sessions, in collaboration with experts and specialists from leading international companies, in addition to workshops, seminars and awareness lectures for visitors and delegates of participating schools and universities. The ‘Green Corner’ also provides an opportunity for innovators, inventors and creative talents from schools and universities to showcase their green and sustainable projects.

The three-day interactive seminars will feature different topics, including AI, energy efficiency, smart grids, as well as modern technologies in solar and photovoltaics, carbon emission reduction and green hydrogen-based transport, in addition to the latest developments related to electric vehicles and the latest developments in solar water desalination technology.

Green Pledge

As part of Green Week, DEWA will organise the Green Pledge Initiative, which encourages participants to make a personal commitment towards environment, by adopting energy and water conservation practices home, school and office, with a focus on waste reduction. DEWA believes in the importance of individuals’ commitment to bring about change and achieve a positive impact. It also reflects keen desires of all members of society to contribute to building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Innovation Hall

The Innovation Hall at WETEX will host more than 20 universities. The hall supports university students by displaying their ideas and innovations in areas such as sustainability, energy, water, renewable energy, and transportation, among others.

6th World Green Economy Summit

DEWA  is organising the 6th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) in collaboration with World Green Economy Organization (WGEO)  under the theme ‘Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Economy’ and will focus on three key pillars - Sustainable Development Mechanisms; International Cooperation to support the Green Economy System; and Adoption of Green Innovative Solutions.

The summit will further support Dubai’s efforts to become a global capital of green economy and sustainable development. The Emirate has made great strides in this regard, accomplishing notable global achievements including a Platinum Rating in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for cities certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), to become the first city in the Middle East and North Africa region to receive this prestigious certification. Dubai also achieved a milestone by reducing the net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 19% by the end of 2018, two years ahead of the target date set by the Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 to reduce carbon emissions by 16% by 2021.

IDA World Congress

DEWA will host the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress under the theme ‘Crossroads to Sustainability’ during the Green Week. The biennial event is returning to the emirate after 10 years since its highly successful flagship World Congress held in 2009, with an aim to play an important role in raising awareness about the necessity of pioneering water technologies for modern cities such as Dubai, which has been one of the largest water markets with a strong commitment and engagement to collaboration and innovation in the water sector.

GOTECH 2019

The 3rd Gas and Oil Technology Showcase and Conference (GOTECH 2019) is yet another significant event under the Green Week umbrella this year. It is organised by Dragon Oil, the investment arm of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC). The event will offer an ideal platform to showcase the latest applications and trends in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on technology and innovation. GOTECH 2019 will attract a wide participation from government organisations, companies, and professional associations, enhancing its global position in strengthening the oil and gas sector. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will manage two parallel technical sessions during GOTECH. The event will launch a ‘Centre of Excellence,’ which will target universities, students and the academia, welcoming more than 150 students.