The Italian pavilion at the 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (Wetex) taking place from October 1-3, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will host 44 companies, a report said. The event will also feature 16 international pavilions.

The companies that are taking part specialise in renewable energy systems, environmental health and food sanitation, integrated waste treatments, environmental rehabilitation plants, water treatments, dewatering equipment, chemical dosing, seawater desalination plants, alternative fuels, metering pumps, laboratory testing, and plants for civil use and agriculture, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organises Wetex annually under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, Founder and Chairman of Wetex, said: “In 2023, the United Arab Emirates and Italy announced the promotion of their relations to the level of Strategic Partnership.

“We are pleased to host leading specialised Italian companies at Wetex 2024 to promote mutual collaboration between the two countries in different areas, including energy efficiency, renewable and clean energy, green hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

“This helps to achieve mutual goals and drive international efforts to accelerate energy transformation and security, and net-zero.

“We welcome the increased annual participation by Italian exhibitors, and their keenness to be partners in supporting sustainability by promoting business and investment opportunities in this vital field."

Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the UAE, said: “Italy, like the UAE, is deeply committed to fostering a sustainable future and advancing a greener economy.

“Wetex presents an exceptional opportunity to enhance collaboration and strengthen commercial ties between Emirati and Italian companies in the fields of clean energy and water management.

“Our firms recognise the significant advantages of increasing renewable energy availability and enhancing energy efficiency, particularly in reducing pollutants and mitigating climate change.

“Italy takes pride in being the UAE’s second-largest European supplier of renewable energy technologies.

“At this year’s Wetex, we are showcasing the expertise of 44 leading Italian companies specialising in clean energy and the green and circular economy, presenting cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and sustainability."

Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE, Director of ITA Dubai Office, sad: “I am proud to announce the renewed participation of Italy in Wetex 2024.

“The Italian Pavilion at Wetex 2024 organised by the Italian Trade Agency with the presence of such a strong number of Italian companies, embodies Italy’s dedication to driving sustainable innovation and fostering a greener economy.

“As a frontrunner in renewable energy, Italy has allocated over two billion euros for the implementation of efficient circular economy strategies, providing infrastructure for green and resilient waste management and collection, to achieve the goal of sourcing 40% of the country's electricity from renewables by 2030.

“In 2023, Italy’s impact surged significantly, standing as the fourth-largest exporter of renewable energy technologies to the UAE market.

“With over 130 million euros worth of products exported to the UAE in 2023, Italy is the second European supplier to this country when it comes to technologies for the renewable energy sector.

“We are back at Wetex with even more skilled Italian companies as sustainability is a priority in our agenda.

“During the three-day fair, visitors can meet with Italian manufacturers and service providers who offer advanced solutions to environmental and food sanitation, integrated waste treatments, environmental rehabilitation plants, water treatments, dewatering equipment, chemical dosing, seawater desalination plants, alternative fuels, metering pumps, laboratory testing, renewable energy systems, and plants for civil use and agriculture."