Global innovation, technologies and expert insights at WETEX to advance sustainability in the UAE and beyond

Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising the 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) from 20 to 22 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

WETEX is one of the world’s largest specialised exhibitions and the largest in the region across energy, water, sustainability and digital transformation, with a key focus on artificial intelligence (AI), decarbonisation, green mobility, green hydrogen, smart and sustainable cities, health and safety, and other related sectors. Each year, it continues to expand its focus on future-oriented sectors in line with global trends, strengthening future readiness, promoting international cooperation and accelerating the energy transition and progress towards net zero, thereby laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

The evolution of WETEX reflects the UAE’s remarkable development under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The exhibition consolidates the UAE’s position as a reliable partner in efforts to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for all by advancing the national economy, empowering local companies and strengthening economic, trade and investment partnerships with other countries. It also supports the goals of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, helping turn national and global climate ambitions into tangible outcomes.

WETEX brings together thousands of companies, government entities, investors and experts from around the world to showcase technologies and innovations, build partnerships and explore investment and collaboration opportunities. The 2026 edition has attracted 60 sponsors and 23 partners and supporting organisations, with about 3,000 companies from 60 countries participating, with the participation of 13 international pavilions.

This year, DEWA is organising 119 specialised seminars and panel discussions as part of WETEX, featuring global experts and specialists. The Renewables & Sustainability Seminars will take place in Hall 1, the Innovation and the Future Seminars in Hall 7, and the Water Seminars in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3. Among the key highlights in Sheikh Maktoum Hall are the Green Mobility Zone, the Health and Safety Hub, the Delegation Zone and the Leadership Roundtable, alongside Supplier Relationship Management activities and Sponsors’ Seminars.

Green Mobility Zone

The Green Mobility Zone returns for its third consecutive year, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in sustainable mobility across land, sea and air, for both individuals and public transport. The zone reinforces WETEX’s role in advancing smart, future-ready infrastructure while promoting safe, sustainable and efficient mobility amid the rapid adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles.

Government and semi-government entities, private-sector organisations and academic and research institutions from around the world will exchange knowledge and forge partnerships to drive innovation across the transport system, enhance user experience, reduce costs and optimise energy and resource use.

Health and Safety Hub

The Health and Safety Hub at WETEX 2026 will feature a range of activities, student challenges, competitions, specialised sessions and interactive workshops, highlighting the role of AI in enhancing workplace health, safety and resilience. Participants will include government entities, leading UAE universities and global experts and specialists, showcasing advanced solutions and technologies that promote health and well-being, enhance quality of life and strengthen workplace safety in line with the highest international standards.

The hub will also host the Health and Safety Conference, featuring senior executives and experts from around the world who will take part in specialised sessions and panel discussions on the latest developments in occupational health and safety in schools, homes and workplaces.

Leadership Roundtable

The Leadership Roundtable will convene prominent leaders and senior executives for critical discussions on the measures, procedures and strategies required to address rapidly evolving challenges and the repercussions of climate change. Participants will also explore effective pathways to accelerate progress towards net zero, as well as initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and fostering sustainable economic and social prosperity.

Delegation Zone

The Delegation Zone brings together local and international companies and major government entities from across the UAE and the GCC to foster public-private partnerships. The exhibition is expected to see the signing of numerous MoUs and agreements while also facilitating numerous meetings business-to-business and business-to-government meetings that enable participants to explore investment prospects and expansion opportunities, build business relationships and forge partnerships in areas of common interest.

The zone will encourage independent producer models to drive innovation and private investment in power and water projects, thereby boosting competitiveness. In Dubai, for example, DEWA has implemented projects at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park under the independent power producer (IPP) model, achieving the world’s lowest prices per kilowatt-hour and establishing Dubai as a global benchmark for solar energy prices. DEWA also achieved the world’s lowest price per cubic metre of desalinated water at the Hassyan desalination plant, developed using reverse osmosis under the independent water producer (IWP) model. WETEX will further create regional and global opportunities to enhance the efficiency and economic viability of projects across vital sectors, benefiting stakeholders and advancing mutual economic interests.

Meanwhile, the 12th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) will take place on 21 and 22 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme ‘From Success to Scale: Showcasing the Green Economy’. WGES is being organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWA and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO).