Middle East Electricity 2002, the regional power industry show and conference, ended a four-day run at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) on February 6 with organizers IIR Exhibitions reporting a 25 percent increase in visitors.
Audited registration figures show that at the end of the third day, over 11,400 people had attended the show. The number of exhibitors was also up, showing a 10 percent rise on the last show.
“There has been a large visitor turnout from outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states,” said IIR Exhibitions Director Sarah Woodbridge, adding that 60 percent of exhibitors already rebooked for next year’s show.
Over 600 exhibitors from 37 countries took part in Middle East Electricity 2002 that spanned four halls at the DWTC. The show featured 11 national pavilions and included first time participation from Malaysia.
The world’s leading power industry names were among those taking part. The German pavilion, with 39 exhibitors, was the largest, while the French pavilion marked the official return of the country to the event after an absence of six years. Among regional participants 87 were from the UAE.
“We have had inquiries worth several million US dollars from the UAE and other Middle East countries. We have a high expectation of converting them into firm contracts,” said Nikki Stevens, marketing analyst at Cummins Power Generation.
One company that announced a major order at the show was Alstom Power that won a five million dollar contract for gas turbine-driven generating systems from Occidental of Oman Inc. The generators are to be built in the UK for delivery before the end of next month.
The UK’s Kingsmill Industries concluded a deal with a Lebanese customer for lightning protection and earthing equipment. “We have signed an order in excess of $60,000, which for us, is quite significant,” said Kingsmill Managing Director Steve Hall.
An innovation at Middle East Electricity 2002 was the introduction of a dedicated arena for new and renewable energy and technology. Introduced specifically to cater for increased regional interest in alternative energy, the arena will be expanded in 2003. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
