Dubai:The 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has begun at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Running for three days, the event highlights the latest advancements in water production, desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse. It also features smart networks, leak detection technologies, and resource management strategies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition underscores the urgent necessity of diversifying water sources and enhancing infrastructure resilience amid evolving global water challenges. The World Bank has warned that, without changes in current water management policies and in light of projected climate scenarios, urban water availability could decrease by up to two-thirds by 2050 compared to 2015 levels. This highlights the critical need for alternative water sources and resilient infrastructure.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, emphasized the integrated approach needed to enhance water security. This includes diversifying water sources, improving efficiency, investing in desalination technologies that minimize energy use, expanding water reuse, and strengthening network resilience. He noted that WETEX provides a global platform for showcasing innovations and connecting technology providers, utilities, investors, and decision-makers.
Recent advancements in desalination technology are transforming the sector, traditionally known for high energy consumption. Innovations like reverse-osmosis (RO) technology, high-efficiency membranes, and increased use of clean energy are reducing energy needs. DEWA's Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant project, with a planned capacity of 180 million imperial gallons per day, exemplifies this shift.
DEWA aims to produce all its desalinated water using clean energy and waste heat by 2030. In addition to expanding water supply, water reuse is becoming a significant strategy for reducing pressure on conventional water resources. The World Bank estimates that water reuse could increase eightfold by 2040, offering a reliable source resilient to climate variability.
Efficient management of water networks is crucial as well. DEWA's advanced technologies have reduced water transmission and distribution losses from 42.5 percent in 1989 to 4.4 percent in 2025. The Hydro Insight system, using artificial intelligence (AI), improves response times and service quality, enhancing network readiness.
WETEX 2026 places a strong emphasis on technology as a central element in achieving water security, climate resilience, and carbon neutrality, promoting solutions that ensure water is delivered sustainably and efficiently.