Wetex 2005 was opened yesterday under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry. The opening ceremony was attended by Shaikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of Board of Directors of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa); and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Dewa's Managing Director and CEO.

The event is held at the Shaikh Rashed Hall of Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DITC).

Saeed said that the international participation in Wetex 2005 included major companies from Arab countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco — and 16 other countries around the world including the UK, Ireland, Germany, etc.

"A huge number of ministries , municipalities, government departments and social welfare associations are predicating in Wetex 2005. The intense participation of business, industry, agencies and commercial sectors forced Dewa to reserve two halls at the DITC," he said, adding: "Direct meetings between decision-makers are important for the region; and the manufacturers and specialised international companies will contribute to the introduction of the latest products."