WETEX 2026 opens in Dubai with 3,000 exhibitors

Dubai's WETEX exhibition opened its 28th edition on 20 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together companies working in energy, water and sustainability. According to the Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the event, which is organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

Dates and scale

WETEX runs from 20 to 22 October 2026. The Dubai Media Office said it hosts about 3,000 exhibitors from 60 countries, with 13 international pavilions across 85,000 square metres and 60 local and international sponsors. The main themes are clean and renewable energy, water, sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and decarbonisation.

The 12th World Green Economy Summit takes place at the same venue on 21 and 22 October under the theme "From Success to Scale: Showcasing the Green Economy."

Projects highlighted

DEWA used the exhibition to present the status of several Dubai infrastructure projects, according to the official report:

• The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park currently produces 4,660 MW and is expected to exceed 8,000 MW by 2030.
• Phase 7 of the solar park is planned to add 2,000 MW of solar capacity plus a 1,400 MW battery system with six hours of storage, or 8,400 MWh in total.
• A solar-powered green hydrogen project produces about 20 kg of hydrogen per hour and can store up to 12 hours of output. It is described as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
• The Hassyan seawater desalination plant, which uses reverse osmosis and is backed by AED 3.377 billion, is expected to reach 180 million gallons of water per day this year.
• The Hatta pumped-storage plant has a capacity of 250 MW and up to 1,500 MWh of storage, which DEWA describes as a first in the GCC.
• An AI-driven controller for gas turbines is being used across 14 units at the Jebel Ali complex to increase output.

What it means for residents and businesses

For businesses, WETEX is a trade platform where energy, water and technology suppliers meet utilities and buyers. The project figures give an indication of the capacity Dubai plans to add in renewable generation, storage and water supply over the coming years. Residents are not directly affected by the exhibition, but the infrastructure it showcases underpins Dubai's long-term energy and water supply.

Companies planning to attend should check the official WETEX and DEWA channels for registration and entry arrangements, as the Dubai Media Office report does not set out visitor access details.