Low oil prices have failed to dent the global power industry´s confidence in the region, and the record-breaking 2016 edition of MEE validates the opportunities in the region´s power markets despite the low oil price environment.

Market research specialist Ventures Onsite estimate that the GCC will require about USD50 billion of investment in new power generating capacity to meet demand arising from demographic and economic growth. Currently, the total value of power projects in the GCC is USD247 billion.

The 41st edition of MEE occupied 65,000 sqm of exhibition space, a growth of 4,000 sqm from the 2015 edition. Apart from 81 per cent repeat business, a testament of the show´s long-standing appeal to the industry´s key players, MEE 2016 also hosted 300 new-to-the-show companies.

Anita Mathews, Group Director of Informa Industrial Group, the organiser of Middle East Electricity, said: ´Middle East Electricity continues to maintain its growth in spite of the challenging market conditions we are all currently facing. The exhibition has grown by 7 per cent this year compared to 2015, and exhibitor presence from countries such as Germany, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia is on the rise.´

Co-located with Middle East Electricity is Solar Middle East (SME), the most comprehensive gathering of solar technology suppliers in the region. Opening its doors for the fourth time this year, the 2016 edition of SME is expected to be the most successful yet.

SME 2016 has seen a phenomenal 57 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers, and a 45 per cent increase in exhibition floor space since last year which is indicative of the progress and growth of the regional solar market. The event provides the ideal meeting place for solar industry professionals from across the globe, as well as opportunities for visitors to learn about the latest technologies, developments and trends in the solar energy industry.

Over the next three days, MEE 2016 provided a distinctive platform for more than 1,500 exhibitors from 62 countries to showcase their products and services, network and develop long-term business partnerships with buyers from the Middle East region, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East 2016 were held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Solar ME to New Boundaries
Solar Middle East, which opened yesterday (1 March) at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has seen its exhibitor numbers increase by over half since 2015, and is matched with a 45 per cent increase in exhibition floor space, indicative of the progress and growth of the regional solar market.

With growth comes international innovation, as well as opportunities for visitors to learn about the latest technologies, developments and trends in the solar energy industry. First time exhibitors KiloWatt Labs, who have offices in both Dubai and New York, are showcasing the world´s first energy server, the Centauri, which enables 24-hour power from 100 per cent renewable energy sources.

A plug-and-play architecture that accepts multiple energy inputs from both renewable and non-renewable sources, it smartly manages distribution of these energy inputs and delivers stable and reliable electricity, 24 hours a day. The Centauri can be deployed from kilowatts to megawatts and has a designed life of 20 years.

Chip Seibert, Chairman and President at KiloWatt Labs, believes that their products can provide very high quality power anywhere, including remote locations - an issue prevalent in the Middle East region;

´We are so pleased to be a part of Solar Middle East this year. With deep roots in the Emirates, we are proud to offer our latest series of ground breaking products, including the world´s first non-chemical battery.

The Sirius battery charges in less than 30 seconds, lasts for more than 1,000,000 charging cycles and can scale from small consumer applications to large utility storage solutions.

We also released the Centauri Energy Server, an energy management system that provides very high quality power anywhere, including remote locations, in a scalable, modular system that we are able to offer at a very affordable price. Coupled with the Sirius battery, we offer a very rugged system that will overcome any challenges this region presents.´

Another first time exhibitor is Microtron Technologies, an international energy technology development company, who are showcasing their latest range of solar powered quick charging electric vehicles. One of the more unusual vehicles they are showcasing is the ´Rick-e´, a solar power electric rickshaw. Using a state-of-the-art Ultra-Capacitor hybrid battery, the Rick-e can travel 150km carrying 5 passengers off a charging time of only 16-30 seconds.

SME also offered a series of workshops, taking place on 3 March, giving visitors the chance to gain a certificate of participation and, post-event, add CPD accreditation points to their engineer licences. Led by Kris Sutton, and instructor at the Solar Energy Institute, the two workshops will cover utility-connected Solar Electric System Design, and battery-based Solar Electric System Design.

Middle East Electricity and Solar Middle East 2016 were held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Opening times are from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily.

U.S. Exhibitors at MEE 2016
Against a dynamic backdrop of heightened environmental pressures, energy security risks and the global trend toward renewables, the United States of America is looking to power up new business opportunities at Middle East Electricity (MEE) March 1-3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The U.S. presence at MEE, featuring such industry leaders as Eaton Corporation (Booth S3B10), Governors America Corp. (Booth: S3D29), The H-J Family of Companies (Booth S3B20) and Ametek Power Instruments (Booth 5B10), is organized by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., the official U.S. Representative of the show, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The centerpiece of this national effort, the nearly 500 sqm (gross) U.S. International Pavilion, is a primary destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet U.S. companies, and an on-site business hub for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximise their exposure and impact at the event.

´When the United States commits to exhibit at MEE, we´re saying we believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers. The steady growth and diversification of this show speaks for itself,´ said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. ´As the organiser of the U.S International Pavilion, our team is proud to help our exhibitors capitalise on this influential business event to grow their share of the regional marketplace, and further extend our nation´s global power industry leadership.´

In addition to organizing the national Pavilion, Kallman Worldwide is promoting all U.S. exhibitors with its ´Ask America First´ on-site advocacy campaign. The message will be placed prominently around the U.S. International Pavilion, integrated into hospitality events during the show and promoted in social media (follow on Twitter @kallmanEWC).

´The United States exhibits at MEE because it´s one of the world´s most innovative power industry suppliers, but that´s no guarantee that buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others here,´ said Kallman. ´As the organizer of the U.S. International Pavilion, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our nation in this highly competitive global marketplace. We want every visitor to ´Ask America First´ at MEE, and to be assured that America is listening.´

MEE-Czech Official Participation
Czech Republic was presented for the second time under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic at the Middle East Electricity 2016 û the global exhibition of power generation, transmission & distribution. The event was held from 1 to 3 March 2016 in Dubai World Trade Centre. The Czech official stand was located in Concourse 2, Stand no. CB45. Here, alongside with the Electrical and Electronic Association of the Czech Republic, nine Czech exhibitors will participate: CAG Electric Machinery, CzechInvest, ELCOM, Elko EP, ETD Transformßtory, Kabelovna KABEX, OEZ, SALTEK and VYRTYCH.

Trade Relations: Total trade exchange between the Czech Republic and the UAE is the second largest in the Middle East region, after Israel. As regards the volume of exports of Czech Republic, however, the UAE ranks first place in this region. Very important is also the fact that globally the UAE occupies fourth place in the Czech Republic´s exports to non-European countries (after the US, China and Japan). Exports to the UAE, however, is done mainly through private distributors or in the form of subcontracts.

The potential for business cooperation between the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates will continue to grow with regard to long-term growth of their economies.

They offer opportunities for closer economic cooperation, such as manufacturing co-production, cooperation in research and development as well as cooperation in the field of security and defense.