WETEX 2024 supports UAE Consensus in driving climate action

The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2024 supports the COP28 Pledge to triple global renewable energy generation capacity and the historic UAE Consensus to double energy efficiency worldwide. WETEX gathers innovative solutions from thousands of local and international companies specialising in sustainability and clean energy, while also promoting climate financing and investment in clean energy systems. The exhibition underscores advancements linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies, with a focus on energy security, sustainability, and emissions reduction.

WETEX continues to build on the UAE Consensus, which was agreed upon during COP28, held at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 13th December 2023.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organises WETEX annually under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. The 26th edition took place from 1st to 3rd October 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

In a statement released today by the organisers, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President and Chairman of Masdar, said, “Tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 – one of the key outcomes of the historic UAE Consensus – is essential if we are to keep our goal of 1.5°C alive and advance sustainable prosperity for all. Since we delivered the UAE Consensus in Dubai last year, it has become the defining framework for global climate ambition and sustainable development, and WETEX will once again put the UAE at the forefront of positive climate action. COP28 also raised the positioning of water on the climate agenda, giving unprecedented attention to water risks and opportunities, from agriculture to disaster prevention, and WETEX will drive further innovation on water and sustainability."

WETEX supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and plays a key role in multilateral action to achieve global climate goals. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX, said “WETEX supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to triple the contribution of renewable energy by 2030. It highlights the UAE’s essential role in bringing about positive change in development and vital sectors. It is key in cementing the country’s success in proving the importance of multilateral action to achieve global climate aspirations. Being the region's largest exhibition for renewable and clean energy, and energy storage efficiency technologies, and as one of the largest specialised exhibitions worldwide, WETEX supports the outstanding results of COP28. It brings together decision-makers to collaborate on addressing the most pressing issues, including energy, water and sustainability. It offers the ideal opportunity to sign outstanding partnerships and deals, and exchange expertise and best practices. The exhibition also helps strengthen collaboration ties and mobilises efforts to achieve benefits for the UAE and the world. WETEX provides a significant opportunity to learn about market needs and future projects, and explore opportunities to participate in renewable and clean energy projects and programmes in the UAE and the region at large."

Beniamin Strzelecki, Member of the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, stated, “The three key priorities for global climate action in the next six months will be securing ambitious climate finance goals at COP29, ensuring that countries follow up on the COP28 energy outcomes by endorsing global targets on energy storage and grid expansion and pushing countries to submit to the UN’s new climate plans aligned with the 1.5ºC pathway by the February 2025 deadline. Young people will have a key role in this process, as we continue to advocate for a liveable future for us and future generations. Every tenth of a degree of warming matters.”

“The energy transition will require an economy-wide effort, interlinked with almost every sector. While policies and regulations to scale up and support renewable energy generation and integration are critical, they must be part of a broader framework that extends beyond the energy sector. This holistic approach is essential to drive the structural changes needed to ensure the transition not only succeeds but also promotes more equitable outcomes,” said Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of IRENA.