Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, officially inaugurated the events, which are taking place until tomorrow at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Middle East Electricity is one of the world’s foremost energy events, featuring more than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries, out to impress 15,000 industry professionals with their latest innovations, solutions, products and services.

The global appeal of the three-day event is underlined by the participation of 17 government-approved internationa

l pavilions, including Austria, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the UK and the US.

The 2013 edition also marks the co-location of the inaugural edition of Solar Middle East, introduced in response to the growing number of Middle East Electricity exhibitors involved with solar technologies.

The dedicated solar showcase, which also features the Solar Middle East Conference, hosts more than 100 international solar companies, making it the largest ever gathering of solar technology solutions and service providers ever seen in the region.

Anita Mathews, director of Informa Energy Group, the organisers of the two events, said that the international popularity of the two shows is enhanced by Dubai’s conducive business environment and strategic location as a prime re-export market.

“Middle East Electricity... has a global reach and is one of the most important dates in the energy sector calendar around the world,” said Mathews. “Over the course of the next three days, thousands of visitors from more than 120 countries will walk through the exhibition doors to procure products or services for their respective markets.”

“In recent years, more emphasis has been focused toward renewable energy, particularly solar, and with the region having such an abundance of the infinite resource, Solar Middle East was a natural value-added addition to Middle East Electricity.”

Another new addition to the Middle East’s largest and longest running energy event is the Green Energy Middle East Conference, held in partnership with Dubai Municipality, and taking place today. The one-day conference will outline the new 2013 green building codes, focusing on reducing carbon emissions in Dubai. Returning this year is the popular Middle East Electricity Awards, recognising outstanding achievements of individuals, departments, teams or organisations that have contributed to the growth and development of the energy industry in the Middle East.

Other highlights of the 38^th Middle East Electricity include the free-to-attend technical seminars, where a selection of exhibitors will present latest innovations and products to visitors over the three days on the show floor.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com