Saudi Energy 2011 to complement Kingdom’s efforts to utilize renewable energy resources to meet electricity demand

May 7, 2011

Mohammed Al Hussaini

Solar energy is being seen as an important alternative power resource that will generate over five gigawatts of energy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by 2020. The utilization of solar energy is part of the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to target renewable energy in a USD100 billion spending drive aimed at meeting a predicted increase in electricity demand and reducing its dependence on crude. The country’s demand for energy is expected to peak at 120 gigawatts by 2012 mainly due to key factors like an expanding and highly-diversified industry base that accounts for 61.9 per cent of the Kingdom’s GDP and a fast growing population, which is expected to double by 2032.

To help meet this demand, the Kingdom is now looking towards solar power and other non-hydrocarbon sources as strategic options to bolster energy generating capacity by 50 percent within the next ten years. Expert analysts have stated that the region’s oil producers will need to produce more electricity to sustain a regional economic growth rate averaging about 10 per cent per annum. The search for key alternative power resources has generated an interest among Middle East economies for new ways to generate power; marking the preference to export crude to maximize income and allocate natural gas to make petrochemicals. Reports also show that the demand for electricity in Saudi Arabia is steadily increasing, with the demand in 2010 reaching 40 gigawatts and is expected to reach 120 gigawatts in 2032.

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is currently spearheading solar initiatives, with the aim of opening the world’s largest solar powered desalination plant by 2012 in the city of Al-Khafji. When completed, the project will supply 30,000 cubic meters of clean water per day and will use newly developed membrane technology and ultra-high concentrator photo-voltaic technology.

Saudi Energy – The 14th International Show for Electricity, Lighting, Power Generation, Water Technology, and HVAC for Saudi Arabia – will showcase the latest equipment, services and best practices to help the Kingdom formulate efficient solutions to its energy challenge. Taking place from May 29 to June 1, 2011, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the latest edition of Saudi Arabia’s leading energy trade fair will comprise four concurrent events collectively referred to as ‘ELAW.’

“Saudi Arabia is currently looking at various alternatives that can help boost its power generation to meet rising demand. We are now seeing solar energy as a likely solution that can meet this jump in electricity demand, with experts predicting that it will be able to generate at least five gigawatts of power towards the end of the decade. ‘Saudi Energy’ aims to act as a strategic platform to showcase key energy-related solutions. This year’s edition promises to be a key event for stakeholders in several inter-connected industries to network and take advantage of business and sales opportunities not only in the Kingdom but throughout the Middle East as well,” said Mohammad Al Hussaini, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

Saudi Energy 2011 will include Saudi ELENEX, The 14th International Electrical Engineering, Power Generation and Distribution Exhibition; Saudi Luminex, The 11th International Trade Show for Lighting Equipment; Saudi Aircon, The 12th International Exhibition on Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation and Refrigeration; and Saudi Water Tech, The 9th International Exhibition for Water Technology, Desalination Plants and Accessories. Also to be held under the show is the Electricity Efficiency Forum – the International Conference on Energy Conservation – which will run under the patronage of H.E. Abdullah Al Hussayen, Minister of Water and Electricity.

Event organizer Riyadh Exhibitions Company is increasing exhibition space by 20 per over the 2010 show, which welcomed 15 participating countries and posted growths of 25 and 20 per cent for exhibitor and visitor footfall, respectively. Saudi Energy 2011 is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Complete event details are available at http://www.saudi-energy.com.

The culture of conservation, smart technology and green buildings within the activities of the exhibition

Dubai, UAE – 8th March, 2011: The activities of the 13th Water, Energy, & Environment Exhibition 2011 (WETEX) being held from 8 to 10 March at Zabeel Hall and Halls 1 and 2 at Dubai International Convention Centre, kicked off today.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of top figures and officials in Dubai. 

The opening ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai’s Supreme Council of Energy, HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), HE Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, HE Matar Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman & CEO of Road & Transport Authority, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Kindi, Chairman of Lease Committee - Dubai Municipality, HE Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, HE Hilal Al Marri, Executive director of Dubai International Convention Centre, HE Abdullah Al Karam, Director General of Knowledge and Human Development Authority, HE Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman of Nakheel, HE Fahd Hamad Al Mohannadi, Director General of Qatar Electricity & Water Company, as well as senior officials of Dubai Departments, senior DEWA staff and representatives of big companies.

After opening ceremony, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by HE Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO of DEWA and  top officials of DEWA made a tour all over the Exhibition to look at the displays, exhibits and equipment shown by different participating authorities from 25 countries all over the world. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum listened to a presentation by HE Saeed Al Tayer on the Exhibition, DEWA’s projects and achievements through the year 2010.
 
On this occasion, HE Al Tayer stated: “This occasion also coincides with DEWA’s celebrations of its 50th Anniversary – Golden Jubilee. Also, this year’s edition of the Exhibition is characterized by the continuation of the country’s blessed march towards development. It gives due attention to projects compatible with the environment through a special platform dedicated for promoting the concept of green buildings which aim to conserve the consumption of energy and water via designs and eco-friendly materials.”

Within the context, Smartech Exhibition, which is regarded as the first gathering of its kind in the region, will be also held during WETEX 2011. Smartech aims to promote communications between business sector and customers through showcasing technologies which can provide energy supporting the concept of products and eco-friendly services,” HE Al Tayer further added.

The Dubai Global Energy Forum (DGEF), which will be held from 17 to 19 of April 2011, will participate in the Exhibition with its own pavilion, for the first time. This is a good opportunity for the DGEF to be introduced as a platform to exchange expertise and the best practices concerning energy demand management and its diversification to include a peaceful nuclear technology, clean coal and the challenges that the energy sector faces as well as the opportunities for a sustainable future.

HE Al Tayer hailed the great participation in the exhibition, which reflects the high position of the United Arab Emirates in general and the great position of Dubai as a centre for finance and business and a destination for different activities. HE also said that this Exhibition being hosted by Dubai is an important annual event to be added to the great world economic and business events hosted by Dubai all the year round.

“This year’s session is characterized by the wide participation of ministries, government departments and organizations, municipalities, national and international companies and organizations, and public interest organizations concerned with the water, energy and environment issues.

HE Al Tayer hailed the participation of many countries all over the world including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Hashemite kingdom, Morocco, USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia,, France, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Spain, Malaysia, Turkey, china, Taiwan, Japan, India, Sri Lanka.

The number of the sponsors has increased from 11 last year to become 19 this year. This is an indication of the success of the exhibition as one of the specialized exhibitions in the fields of water, energy and environment not only in the region but also al the international level.

He Al Tayer also pointed out the  importance of the displays and the issues tackled by this Exhibition which are all related to the march of sustainable development in all the different sectors. Throughout its march to serve national economy, DEWA has promoted and circulated the Exhibition in different countries of the world, and it got a good response. It has also succeeded in attracting wide range of participations due to the facilities given, in a way to help those participants to put forth their ideas and showcase their products.

Big local and international companies will showcase their best solutions and products including agricultural equipment as well as desalination systems and modern systems of irrigation, water pumping equipment, boilers, cables, electric transformers, conductors, energy saving products, pipes, valves, generators, energy and water distributing equipment, etc.

This year’s participants exceeded 715 organizations from 25 countries from all over the world compared with 500 ones last year. Also the number of the international pavilions reached 8.

HE Al Tayer called on specialists in the field to attend the symposia and lectures related to the topics of electricity, water and energy as well as the worldwide developments in these fields. The visitors, engineers, technicians at different government sectors will be briefed on modern technologies and developments.

During the Exhibition, there will be raffle draws events for visitors, as three winners among the visitors will be given the opportunity to participate in the draw and win some electronic prizes such as iPad, Laptop, Blackberry. Besides, there will be daily raffle draws on the names of the visitors and participants in the symposia and lectures being held as part of the Exhibition. Also, there will be the e-competition where three of the participants via the website: www.wetex.ae, will be chosen.

Saeed AL Tayer

Dubai, UAE – 7th March, 2011: The 13th Water, Energy, & Environment Exhibition  (WETEX 2011) being held from 8 to 10 March at Zabeel Hall and Halls 1 and 2 at Dubai International Convention Centre, kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday 8th March, 2011).

The Exhibition will be held in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and President of DEWA.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA & Chairman of the WETEX Organizing Committee stated: “The Exhibition will tackle for three days important issues related to the rapid developments and challenges witnessed by the sectors of electricity, water and environment as well as exploring the best solutions and practices to face such challenges. Moreover, the exhibition will discuss the “Green Technology” that can contribute to mitigating the consequences of global warming,”.

“Within this context, SmarTech Exhibition, which is regarded as the first gathering of its kind in the region, will be also held during WETEX 2011. SmarTech aims to promote communications between business sector and customers through showcasing technologies which can provide energy supporting the concept of products and eco-friendly services,” HE Al Tayer further added.

It is noteworthy that DEWA participates at the Exhibition through a big pavilion in addition to its “Green Buildings” pavilion compatible with environment which will host various activities to enhance awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources.

The 13th WETEX Exhibition attracts regional, Arab and international participations of specialized companies and organizations from 25 countries to showcase the  state-of-the-art international technologies related to water, energy and environment, which are the topic of the hour and constitute the most important and vital systems of sustainable development. Preserving and conserving water, energy and environment is the cornerstone of protecting our natural resources against waste and loss. 

This year’s participants exceeded 715 organizations from 25 countries from all over the world compared with 500 ones last year. Also the number of the international pavilions reached 8.

Some national pavilions as well as Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Hashemite kingdom, Morocco, USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia,, France, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Spain, Malaysia, Turkey, china, Taiwan, Japan, India, Sri Lanka.

This year’s session is characterized by the wide participation of ministries, government departments and organizations, municipalities, national and international companies and organizations, and public interest organizations concerned with the water, energy and environment issues.

The Exhibition opens up new future vistas in the field of water, energy and environment

Dubai, UAE – 27th February, 2011: During a press conference held today, (Sunday 27 February 2011) at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai Electricity and water Authority(DEWA) revealed its intention to sign a big number of big projects’ contracts in various fields during the activities of the 13th WETEX Exhibition 2011. The Exhibition will be held from 8 to 10 March at Zabeel Hall and Halls 1 and 2 at Dubai International Convention Centre. The press conference was attended by top level representatives and main sponsors and cosponsors.

DEWA has announced the completion of all the necessary preparations and arrangements for the exhibition in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and President of DEWA.

The 13th WETEX Exhibition attracts regional, Arab and international participations of specialized companies and organizations from 25 countries to showcase the  state-of-the-art international technologies related to water, energy and environment, which are the topic of the hour and constitute the most important and vital systems of sustainable development. Preserving and conserving water, energy and environment is the cornerstone of protecting our natural resources against waste and loss. 

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA & Chairman of the WETEX Organizing Committee stated: “This year is the 13th edition of WETEX. It has established itself as one of the most important exhibitions hosted by Dubai as it is regarded as a new addition to the economic and business activities organized and sponsored by Dubai. Besides, it stresses the constant excellence and distinction of the Emirate of Dubai at the international level.”

“The Exhibition will tackle for three days important issues related to rapid developments and challenges witnessed by the sectors of electricity, water and environment as well as exploring the best solutions and practices to face such challenges. Moreover, the exhibition will discuss the “Green Technology” that can contribute to mitigating the consequences of global warming,” HE Al Tayer further added.

This year’s session is characterized by the wide participation of ministries, government departments and organizations, municipalities, national and international companies and organizations, and public interest organizations concerned with the water, energy and environment issues.

HE Al Tayer added that this year’s participants exceeded 650 organization from 25 countries from all over the world compared with 500 ones last year. Also the number of the international pavilions reached 8.

HE pointed out that the exhibition stresses the importance of conserving the resources of the Emirate of Dubai to achieve sustainable development which can be realized if all the sections of society make energy conservation a way of life.

“The exhibition discusses the issues and topics that focus on the phenomenon of climate change, which is a real threat and danger to the whole world. It also showcases the most up-to-date technologies and equipment in the said fields. The participants will brief the visitors, decision makers and users on these technologies and equipment,” HE Al Tayer added.

HE Saeed Al Tayer concluded: “International companies in the field of energy and water desalination consider the middle east a main market. WETEX plays a vital role for these companies to showcase their new technologies and to make strategic transactions. In this regard, DEWA encourages international companies to present their solutions so as to develop energy sector through effective, reliable and eco-friendly solutions.”

It is noteworthy that DEWA participates at the Exhibition through a big pavilion in addition to its “Green Buildings” pavilion compatible with environment which will host various activities to enhance awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources.

Some national pavilions as well as Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Hashemite kingdom, Morocco, USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia,, France, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Spain, Malaysia, Turkey, china, Taiwan, Japan, India, Sri Lanka. The number of the sponsors has increased from 11 last year to become 19 this year. This is an indication of the success of the exhibition as one of the specialized exhibitions in the fields of water, energy and environment not only in the region but also al the international level.

The Dubai Global Energy Forum (DGEF), which will be held from 17 to 19 of April 2011, will participate in the Exhibition with its own pavilion, for the first time. This is a good opportunity for the DGEF to be introduced as a platform to exchange expertise and the best practices concerning energy demand management and its diversification to include a peaceful nuclear technology, clean coal and the challenges that the energy sector faces as well as the opportunities for a sustainable future.

Within the context, Smartec Exhibition, which is regarded as the first gathering of its kind in the region, will be also held during WETEX 2011. Smartec aims to promote communications between business sector and customers through showcasing technologies which can provide energy supporting the concept of products and eco-friendly services.

Prior to the launch of the Exhibition, DEWA has signed agreements and partnerships with organizations from all over the world. One agreement was signed with Emirates Environmental Group to cooperate in the field of environment conservation initiatives and to promote the efforts of energy and water conservation as well as recycling the waste.

The cooperation will include a platform of collaboration with DEWA. This platform will include  business councils representing the countries which produce high quality products in the field of energy and will encourage the reservation of country-based pavilions for each country to showcase their expertise and products throughout  Exhibition. 

The Exhibition will host of valuable symposia and lectures related to the topics of electricity, water and energy as well as the worldwide developments in these fields. The visitors, engineers, technicians at different government sectors will be briefed on modern technologies and developments.

The Exhibition will showcase the best solutions including agricultural equipment as well as desalination systems and modern systems of irrigation, water pumping equipment, boilers, cables, electric transformers, conductors, energy saving products, pipes, valves, generators, energy and water distributing equipment, etc.

The success of the Exhibition in attracting wide international participation this year indicates Dubai’s leading and pioneering role as a preferred destination for economic and business activities and a distinguished centre for finance and business in the region.

The Exhibition visits will be free of charge, based on DEWA’s decision   to allow the audiences to be accustomed with the latest topics, concepts and technologies. Some of these topics will include conservation of electricity and water so as to protect the resources of the Emirate of Dubai.

DEWA has updated WETEX 2011 website : www.wetex.ae, which is characterized by its simplicity and easy access. It also hosts comprehensive information on the Exhibition including its history, inception, photos as well as an explanation of the registration mechanism at the Exhibition.

An International Platform to exchange expertise in contribution of renewable energy and nuclear energy to sustainable development.

Dubai, UAE – 10th November 2010: Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, according to the strategy of Dubai to address the issues concerning the future of renewable and alternative energy and oil and gas markets and in alignment with the strategy of the Supreme Council of Energy, which is based on ensuring energy supply, providing energy sources and diversifying them (such as peaceful nuclear energy and clean coal as alternative sources of energy in the Emirate of Dubai), HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy announced the launch of the Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011 under the theme of “Energy Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.” The Forum will be held in Dubai, UAE and will take place on 17-19 April 2011.

The Forum aims to provide a platform for a select group of energy experts and decision makers to exchange views on the different policies of energy, both regionally and internationally, from technical, commercial, financial and regulatory viewpoints. This includes technologies, investment opportunities, economic diversification, market indicators and maximizing investment revenues in the fields of energy, particularly oil, gas alternative and renewable energy. In addition, the Forum seeks to share current and future policies and best practices as applied by international major companies. The Forum will also address the most important issues of environment and sustainability that affects both the region and the world. This Forum, held in the Emirate of Dubai, is the first global event related to energy matters which is one of the most vital sectors in the world.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy said: “The Forum is going to focus on major topics that will address effective policies in the field of energy, available opportunities, relating to the future outlook of renewable and alternative sources of energy and methods of exploring them and growth possibilities, such as nuclear energy’s contribution to sustainable development. Sessions will deal with the specific issues in each track through in-depth analyses. Also, attendees will be provided with detailed explanations and opportunities for discussion about the future challenges of energy.”

“A great number of national and top global researchers, scientists and analysts will participate in the Forum and discuss, for three days, the different policies of energy both regionally and internationally from the technical, commercial, financial and regulatory aspects. Other areas include technologies, investment opportunities, economic diversification, market indicators, maximizing investment revenues in the fields of energy and discussing the most important issues of environment and sustainability.  The subsequent research and findings will be published in two languages – English and Arabic – on the Forum’s website. In this context, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the Forum’s website has been launched today: www.dgef.ae. This website will hold all the major tracks and all the related information, in addition to the plenary, the keynote speakers and participants,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed.

“The Forum will shed light on the challenges and opportunities for the energy sector, which are based on energy security for supply and demand, foreseeing the ever-increasing demand for, and the continuous governance of, the energy sector. We hope that this Forum will provide effective solutions for the energy sector” said HH Sheikh Ahmed.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy said, “Organising such a Forum supports the Supreme Council’s mission to ensure the provision of all of the future needs for energy of the growing economy in Dubai, by securing primary sources of energy at reasonable costs, and mitigating the negative effects that causes harm to environment. Also, this Forum integrates with the effective planning of the energy sector and setting the most appropriate programmes to meet Dubai’s future needs of energy, contributing to developing and improving Dubai’s strategic energy plan,” said HE Al Tayer.

HE Saeed Al Tayer emphasized the fact that organizing this Forum will benefit the national and international markets with insights and outcomes that will support the use of peaceful nuclear energy for sustainable development, building on recent changes to make the best use of its technologies and minimizing its risks. Also, the Forum will tackle a number of legal and regulatory issues for all nuclear energy stakeholders.

“We have formed an Advisory Committee, made up of a number of experienced and proficient people in the field of energy. We have also formed other sub-committees, such as the Financial Committee, the Media Committee, and the Public Relations Committee. These Committees are responsible for making arrangements and preparations necessary for running and managing the Forum effectively and professionally,” said HE Al Tayer.

“The Supreme Council of Energy pays great attention to the important issues of the energy sector, such as power generation and water desalination according to the goal of enhancing Dubai’s production capacity to keep pace with the growing demand for power in the Emirate.” H.E concluded.

Smart buildings help save 30 per cent on energy, cut dioxide emissions and water consumption by half and reduce building waste by 90 per cent

August 17, 2010

Shahid Bhatti

A total of SAR 150 billion is expected to be spent in the next eight years for the construction of “smart buildings” all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a trend that is influenced by efforts to promote long-term sustainability and energy efficiency in the country. Studies have revealed that cooling, heating and lighting techniques used by smart buildings can help save 30 per cent on energy consumption, reduce 50 per cent of dioxide emissions, cut down 50 per cent water consumption and minimise up to 90 per cent of waste produced by buildings.

Saudi Build 2010, the 22nd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, and Saudi Stone-Tech, the 13th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, are expected to provide contractors, real estate developers and building owners with direct access to a full range of smart building solutions from hundreds of exhibiting companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The two events will be held concurrently at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre from October 18 to 21, 2010 / Dhu-al-Qa’dah 10 to 13 1431 (H), gathering thousands of professional trade visitors and at least 42 national pavilions. 

“Building owners are increasingly becoming interested in making their facilities more energy efficient to save money and decrease operating costs. In this regard, smart building solutions provide a convenient way to improve the energy efficiency and optimise the performance of buildings. Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech will offer a complete array of smart-based solutions to match the needs of any building. We will have exhibitors from all over the world, including at least 42 national pavilions,” said Shahid Bhatti, Project Manager of Saudi Build at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“At this point, 70 per cent of exhibition space has already been booked with several more applications being processed, while thousands of trade visitors have already confirmed their participation. We have also witnessed a significant increase in participation in the Stone and Heavy Machinery & Equipment sector, so we have decided to dedicate indoor and outdoor exhibition areas to serve exhibitors and visitors in this specialised market segment,” added Bhatti.

Saudi Build expects the participation of high-profile business leaders from Saudi Arabia and around the world, along with diplomats and senior Saudi Government officials. Supported by VeronaFiere and Italian MARMOMACCHINE Association, Saudi Stone-Tech will cater to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services. Saudi Stone-Tech will also feature designers and landscapers who will showcase cutting-edge stone products, including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery

Saudi Build/Stone 2010, the biggest business-to-business construction event in the Gulf, is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. UFI grants certification only to world-class professional events overseen by seasoned events organisers with proven track records in international exhibitions.

Dubai, UAE; July 18, 2010: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH has become the first home appliance manufacturer to bring its most efficient appliances together into a “Super Efficiency Portfolio”.

The super-efficient energy appliances are a perfect fit to the current focus of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Middle East region to promote sustainable development.

Through its super-efficient appliances, the group is making a direct contribution to cutting electricity and water consumption in households, and also to climate change challenges.

“We assume responsibility for the environment and society, and thus also contribute to sustainable development around the world,” said Dr. Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet, Chairman of the Board of BSH.

First and foremost, this embraces the development and production of home appliances that are particularly sparing with energy and water. This reflects the fact that more than 90 per cent of the environmental impact occurring during the product lifecycle arises in the usage phase, that is to say from the energy, water and detergents consumed.

“With our innovative and super-efficient home appliances we can make a decisive contribution to climate and environmental protection,” added Gutberlet.

Ali Borhani, Energy Champion of BSH, said: “The demand for power and water is fast-growing in the Middle East region, led by the growth in population and investments in infrastructure development. The governments are currently focusing on promoting sustainable development initiatives that involve all stakeholders including the public. The use of energy-efficient products will go a long way in meeting the long-term growth goals of the region.”

The appliances sold by BSH in Europe during 2009 will bring a saving of some 1.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, calculated over the average duration of use of the appliances. This is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of more than 300,000 private households in Germany.

These figures have been validated by a firm of auditors, and published in the new BSH sustainability report. In its 18th sustainability report, the home appliance maker sets out how it implements its corporate strategy, with its orientation towards sustainability.

The sustainability report details the company’s progress in relation to the United Nations’ Global Compact, which BSH joined back in 2004, and takes its orientation from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. The sustainability report can be downloaded at www.bsh-group.com

Abu Dhabi has reiterated its stance on clean energy and renewable energy and further investment in future demand for power.

In his message to the Arab Power and Water Summit 2010 organised by Meed in the capital, Sheikh Diab Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea), one of the world’s largest utility organisation, said sourcing clean and alternative energy and water supply is the key agenda of Abu Dhabi Government.

He said: “Sources of energy and water in the region, clean energy alternatives and the implications of global questions on carbon emissions are the main topics discussed at the summit held in Abu Dhabi. This is considered a milestone in the emirate’s adoption of pioneering solutions in future energy.”

About Adwea’s privatisation drive, he said Abu Dhabi’s initiatives, such as Masdar, the world’s first carbon neutral city, are steps that highlight the emirate’s commitment to establishing a benchmark for others to follow. “We are proud of Adwea’s privatisation programme enabling us to produce a surplus of energy and contribute to the region,” said Sheikh Diab.

Commenting on the Arabian Energy and Water Industry Leadership Award Adwea received yesterday, Sheik Diab said it was a tribute to the choices adopted by the Abu Dhabi Government more than a decade ago to develop the energy and water sector – a strategic choice that led to the launch of a programme to privatise the sector, resulting in nine major projects in electricity and water production.

Addressing the summit, Meed Events Chairman Edmund O’Sullivan said the organisation estimates that new power capacity requirement by 2015 will be 7,500MW and new desalination requirement will be 210 million gallons per day. This, he added, calls for substantial investment in the country and region.

H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi leads UAE delegation to New Delhi

February 9, 2010

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade (MoFT) Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi led a huge delegation from the government and private sectors on the opening day of the 2nd Arab-Indian Partnership Conference running from February 8 to 9, 2010. The conference launch was also attended by ministers of commerce and economy from India and Arab Countries, the Deputy Secretary of the Arab League, and representatives from Arab trade and investment institutions.

The delegates escorting H.E. Sheikha Lubna included H.E. Mohamed Sultan Abdulla Al-Owais, Ambassador of the UAE in India; MoFT General Manager H.E.Abdullah Ahmad Al-Salih; H.E. Saeed Khammas, Vice President of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry; H.E. Abdullah Sultan, Secretary General of the Federation; and Miss Hala Lutah, Director of MoFT’s Government Communication Relations Department.

There were also around 40 other representatives from MoFT; the Ministry of Economy; the Central Bank of the Emirates; the Departments of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi And Dubai; the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; the Abu Dhabi Exhibitions Company; the Authority of Free Zones in Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaima and Fujeira; the Ras Al-Khaima Investment Authority; the Union of Trade and Industry Chambers in the UAE; the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; as well as several private national companies and foreign banks and companies based in the UAE.

In a speech delivered at the beginning of the Conference, H.E. spoke of the resilience of the UAE economy, particularly against the global crisis, as well as the numerous business and investment opportunities offered by the country especially in non-oil sectors. She explained that these would create broader horizons for future collaboration between the UAE and India as well as Arab-Indian cooperation in various fields.

H.E. explained how Indian and international companies can capitalize on the UAE’s exceptional geographic location close to top European and Asian markets; highly-competitive Free Zones; world-class services; the possibility of transferring capital and profit at a 100 per cent rate; and highly productive industries and non-petroleum sectors which contribute more than 63 per cent of national GDP. In addition, she noted the availability and ease of access to raw materials; low-cost energy sources; business-friendly regulatory reforms; zero-taxes on profits and personal income; the country’s emergence as an R&D and alternative energy hub; political stability; and an integrated infrastructure as among the features which make for one of the most competitive business environments in the world.

With regards to relations with India, H.E. pointed out that the UAE is committed to enhancing commercial partnerships between the two nations as reflected by her promotional tour across four key industrial cities in India. She noted that Indian investments into the UAE in 2007 were valued at around USD 2.5 billion, representing 7 per cent of total foreign direct investments during the year. On the other hand, she noted that the UAE ranks first among India’s commercial partners and 8th among its top 10 foreign investors. The Emirates’ non-petroleum trade with India surpassed USD 32 billion in 2008, representing around 15 per cent of the UAE’s total foreign trade for the UAE.

Sheikha Lubna added that there are more than 105 Indian companies registered in the UAE, many working within the country’s various Free Zones. She said that products such as pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, precious and base metals, false jewelry and coins made up more than two thirds of total exports, 7.85 per cent of non-petroleum exports and 93 per cent of total re-exports. She called for closer collaboration between the two countries’ private and government sectors in adopting enhanced investment policies and developing joint investment programs and projects.

Her Excellency lauded the improving relations among Arab countries and India and particularly noted mutually beneficial achievements in tourism, transportation and general commerce. She highlighted the fact that India is exploring potential energy and infrastructure partnerships with Arab countries and Gulf states in particular in pursuit of its annual economic targets through the next 20 years.

The first day of the Conference sessions tackled joint investment opportunities worth approximately USD 21 billion, covering activities in infrastructure, energy, small and medium industries, social infrastructure, and information and communications technology.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, affirmed the historic bonds with Arab countries and the importance of their cooperation. He said that the global financial crisis presents a huge opportunity to strengthen ties and that the Arab World’s status as the top provider of energy resources makes it a vital ally. He added that the improving conditions of Indian workers in Arab countries bode well for enhanced collaboration.

For his part, Mr. Anand Sharma, Indian Trade and Industry Minister, commended the exceptional economic and commercial ties between the UAE and India and said that they can serve as role models for excellent Arab-India relations. He outlined the main challenges posed by globalization, called for greater unity between Arab countries and India, and urged all parties to learn from their shared histories. He finally referred to potential areas of cooperation especially in technology and energy, and noted that commercial exchange was at around USD 140 billion.

Mr. Ahmad Ben Helli, Deputy Secretary General of the Arab League, confirmed the robustness of Arab-Indian relationships. He likewise encouraged greater cooperation in fields such as energy, scientific research, human resources, and environment.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the President of the Union of Arab Trade and Industry

Chambers, Saeed Khammas, Vice President of the Union, emphasized the importance of commercial exchange between Arab countries and India which he said reach an estimated USD 100 billion in 2009, with the Arab share in India’s foreign trade hitting around 21 per cent. Mr. Khammas pointed out that Arab countries are committed to engaging in joint projects in vital economic areas such as petroleum, energy, food safety, infrastructure, technology, electronic data processing, communications, health services and education with India. He urged India’s economic entities to learn how to benefit from investment opportunities available in Arab countries, especially as the region has proven its ability to overcome the challenges posed by the global downturn.

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