World's Biggest Power Event Opens Its Doors

Partner event Solar Middle East sees 57 per cent YoY increase in exhibitors

Dubai, UAE, 1 March 2016: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Minister of Finance and Industry of the UAE, has officially opened the 41st edition of Middle East Electricity (MEE) in the presence of other VIP dignitaries, which takes place until 3 March, alongside partner event Solar Middle East, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Low oil prices have failed to dent the global power industry's confidence in the region, and the record-breaking 2016 edition of MEE validates the opportunities in the region's power markets despite the low oil price environment.

Market research specialist Ventures Onsite estimates that the GCC will require about USD50 billion of investment in new power generating capacity to meet demand arising from demographic and economic growth. Currently, the total value of power projects in the GCC is USD247 billion.

The 41st edition of MEE occupies 65,000 sqm of exhibition space, a growth of 4,000 sqm from the 2015 edition. Apart from 81 per cent repeat business, a testament of the show's long-standing appeal to the industry's key players, MEE 2016 also hosts 300 new-to-the-show companies.

Anita Mathews, Group Director of Informa Industrial Group, the organiser of Middle East Electricity, says: “Middle East Electricity continues to maintain its growth in spite of the challenging market conditions we are all currently facing. The exhibition has grown by 7 per cent this year compared to 2015, and exhibitor presence from countries such as Germany, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia is on the rise.”

Co-located with Middle East Electricity is Solar Middle East (SME), the most comprehensive gathering of solar technology suppliers in the region. Opening its doors for the fourth time this year, the 2016 edition of SME is expected to be the most successful yet.

SME 2016 has seen a phenomenal 57 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers, and a 45 per cent increase in exhibition floor space since last year which is indicative of the progress and growth of the regional solar market. The event provides the ideal meeting place for solar industry professionals from across the globe, as well as opportunities for visitors to learn about the latest technologies, developments and trends in the solar energy industry.

Over the next three days, MEE 2016 provides a distinctive platform for more than 1,500 exhibitors from 62 countries to showcase their products and services, network and develop long-term business partnerships with buyers from the Middle East region, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East 2016 are held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Opening times are from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily.