Stage set for 39th edition of Middle East Electricity in Dubai as regional electricity sector prepares for accelerated growth

Dubai, UAE -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/23/2014 --Consumption of electricity in the MENA region is forecast to grow at a faster pace over the next decade, with investments worth more than US$200 billion set to be pumped into the region’s power sector by 2020, according to a report.

The MENA Power 2013 report published by MEED Insight earlier this year, said that demand for electricity has grown so rapidly in the MENA region, that in many instances utilities have struggled to keep up, resulting in investments worth billions of dollars in new power plants.

The report added that more than US$100billion of investment is required by 2020 to meet the additional capacity with the same amount to be invested in the transmission and distribution sectors – representing a lucrative growth opportunity for anyone working in the power market.

This will come as good news to more than 1,200 exhibitors from 100 countries around the world that will participate in the 39th edition of Middle East Electricity, one of the world’s largest energy events focusing on the power, lighting, renewable and nuclear sectors.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai , Middle East Electricity will take place from 11-13 February 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Soaring demand and rapid industrial developments are the prime factors that have fuelled the growth of the electricity industry in the Middle East and North Africa region,” said Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity.

“Middle East Electricity is the largest and longest running power event in the region, and one of the largest in the world, covering more than 50,000 sqm of exhibition space.

“After a highly successful edition in 2013, where 18,166 unique visitors walked through the exhibition halls, we are now looking forward to a successful 2014 edition, which will host some of the biggest names in the global energy industry.”

Middle East Electricity is co-located with the second edition of Solar Middle East, and returns with the successful Green Energy Middle East Conference held in partnership with Dubai Municipality. The three-day event also features the popular Middle East Electricity Awards.

Taking place on the opening night of the event at a gala dinner, the Middle East Electricity awards cover eleven individual categories:
- Power Project of the Year
- Lighting Project of the Year
- Solar Project of the Year
- Best Innovation of Technology of the Year
- Power & Water Utility of the Year
- HSE Project or Initiative of the Year
- Young Engineer of the Year
- Best Marketing Campaign Award (exhibitor award)
- Best Product Launch at Middle East Electricity 2014 (exhibitor award)
- Power Personality of the Year (special award)
- Green Champion of the Year (special award)

Middle East Electricity is supported by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Green Building Council, Society of Engineers- UAE, Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Clean Energy Business Council and Energy Institute Middle East.

Middle East Electricity 2014 is partnered with, Power Nigeria in Lagos and Africa Electricity in Johannesburg. To be involved as an exhibitor, sponsor or delegate, contact the Middle East Electricity team at +9714 336 5161 or email: meelectricity@iirme.com or visit http://www.middleeastelectricity.com/

About Informa
Informa Exhibitions operate around 130 trade and consumer events in over 38 cities across the globe. The main office locations are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne and Beijing. Informa has more than 150 offices in more than 40 countries, employs over 9,000 staff globally and is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with an output of over 10,000 events annually.