Dubai Customs Organizes Regional Workshops On Green Customs Initiative

H.E. Dr Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water inaugurated, today Monday 20 June 2011, the regional “Green Customs” workshops organized by Dubai Customs with the attendance of H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation, Director General of Dubai Customs as well as international figures from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), economic attachés and a number of representative bodies from GCC and local ministries, authorities and departments responsible for the enforcement of environmental legislation and implementing relevant international obligations inaugurated yesterday a series of workshops for the Green Customs Regional Workshop.

The three day workshops which were organized by Dubai Customs in coordination with Ministry of Environment and Water and UNEP intended to raise awareness on the Green Customs Initiative that was launched by the UNEP in participation with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and a number of related international organizations to combat illegitimate trade of environmentally harmful substances and facilitate movement of legitimate trade.

More than 100 customs inspectors from locally and regionally, representatives from related government strategic partners, clients from importing, exporting companies, manufacturers also attended the workshop.

H.E. Dr Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, said that Customs green initiative is gaining more ground and significance in combating illegal trade. “ It is an evident indication of conformity to multilateral international agreements, and the UAE has taken many steps and procedures in that field’ he said.

HE said that these workshops will hopefully boost capacity of Customs staff in combating and monitoring illegal trade of restricted and prohibited materials by enlightening them with these materials and of international and local legislations in that regard especially in trade of environmentally harmful materials.

HE thanked Dubai Customs for their efforts in organizing the workshop and stressed the importance of more cooperation and coordination between customs and environment bodies for more compliance to Green Customs Initiative and more protection to environmental local security.

H.E. Ahmed Butti said:"This initiative represents the most recent model for international joint action against illegitimate trade of harmful substances to the environment and facilitates legitimate trade movement through building capacity of customs inspectors and employees involved in the control and monitoring of threatening items and wastes as well as the endangered flora and fauna and to introduce them to the international environmental agreements on which the initiative is based.

He emphasized that these workshops are regarded significant internationally as environmental crimes are growing. Statistics issued by the UNEP indicate that the crime syndicates earn around 22-31 billion dollars every year as a result of hazardous waste dumping in a way threatening the ecosystem and human’s health, smuggling proscribed hazardous materials and exploiting and trafficking protected natural resources.

H.E. Ahmed Butti stated:" There is a link between the modern diseases and the environmental issues such as food and water pollution. Unfortunately, millions die as casualties of these diseases every day and from different age groups including 5 million children across the world. In addition, millions of people are suffering from heart diseases, arteriosclerosis, difficulty breathing and other fatal diseases causing a social and financial burden on the governments and societies.”

H.E. Ahmed Butti stressed that preserving the environment and providing protection from the diseases related to environmental malpractices is a common responsibility where local and international efforts must be brought together to ensure a better life for humanity besides maintaining the natural resources to ensure sustainable development of the current and future generations. He pointed out as well that Customs’ men are considered the “Green Fence” for every society.

He further said that Dubai Customs seizes every possibility towards furthering its cadre’s skills and competencies, especially Customs inspectors, through providing them with the required training in all specialties in addition to equipping them with the most hi-tech checkup and inspection machines such as x-raying cargos, vehicles and containers and their contents in all customs land, sea and air entries to maintain the security of the UAE and halt the entry of internationally prohibited items. Such steps contribute to achieving the Department’s strategic vision being the leading customs administration in the world supporting legitimate trade and at the same time reflect its keenness to develop business mechanisms which secure smooth passage of individuals and goods.

He noted as well that Dubai Customs efforts in this field help achieve Dubai Strategic Plan and the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai towards sustainable development environmentally, socially and economically as well as “Maintaining safe, clean and sustainable environment in Dubai through updating and unifying the international environmental standards in accordance with the international criteria and developing the required mechanisms for their implementation besides integrating environment-related issues with the development policies and programs and increasing environmental awareness rate.” He also said that the Department’s efforts complete other respective bodies’ efforts in the fields of environment, health, trade and market protection.

During the three-day workshops organized by Dubai Customs, a number of world-class experts will lecture about the “Green Customs” initiative and the international environmental agreements it was built on as well as the role of customs authorities and the WCO in combating crimes against the environment.

The workshops demonstrate case studies on the harmful violations against the wildlife and trading with the ozone-depleting substances. They address as well the obstacles posed in front of implementing the environmental agreements internationally in a bid to propose proper solutions to them.

It is worth mentioning that Green Customs is an international initiative launched by the UNEP in June 2003 in cooperation with WCO, Interpol and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It was built on a number of international agreements which regulate the proper procedures for transporting hazardous wastes, radioactive and chemical substances and the endangered flora and fauna such as Basel Convention on the Trans boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (Convention on Biological Diversity),Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and pesticides in International Trade, and other environment and climatic changes related agreements.

 

Dubai Metro Green Line Set To Boost Integration Of Mass Transit Modes

Roads & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid: The Dubai Metro Red Line resulted in a quality shift in the integration of mass transit modes in the Emirate as it formed the initial phase of a project considered the first of its kind across the region. This line proved to be absolutely important in inspiring the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) personnel to vigorously proceed ahead with the completion of the second phase of the project represented by the Green Line.

“The Dubai Metro Green Line covers the main business district of the Emirate and is poised to bring about a substantial integration of mass transit modes as three key metro stations on this line (Etisalat, Al Ghubaiba and Abu Hail) are being fitted with parking spaces for vehicles and public buses; offering metro riders highly comfortable services and easy access to their intended destinations,” said Adnan Al Hammadi, CEO of RTA Rail Agency.

“The Green Line runs over a 23 km-long track that comprises 12 elevated stations and 8 underground stations; including the Union and Khalid bin Al Waleed Stations; which are the interchanging stations with the Red Line; enabling passengers a smooth transfer between the Red and Green Lines,” he said.

“During the planning for the Metro Green Line, we worked with the dedicated work team comprising competent engineers of the Rail Agency towards developing an accurate and smooth mechanism for passenger transfer between the Green Line and Red Line platforms through providing them with all possible means ensuring their smooth mobility such as escalators and lifts. There will also be display monitors in the two stations to explain trains traffic in order to ensure a streamlined transfer to the intended destinations. Likewise the Red Line, the Green Line is being fitted with footbridges to ease passenger movement in all overhead stations such that train commuters can easily move between the bus stops and taxi ranks at both sides of roads,” continued Al Hammadi.

Commenting on the selection of Etisalat, Al Ghubaiba and Abu Hail stations to act as pivotal points in offering integrated mass transit modes, Al Hammadi said: “These three stations have been selected from the Green Line stations as they feature distinctive geographic locations that serve some vital areas in Dubai. Being located at Al Qusais, Etisalat Station is one of the key stations on the Green Line as it serves passengers hailing from the northern parts and we were keen on providing a parking space to accommodate about 2300 vehicles for the time being with a capacity to raise the parking space to 6000 vehicles. The Park-and-Ride Terminal was also linked with the Bus Terminal by means of air-conditioned bridges as we were keen on addressing the climatic conditions of the country during summer and the need to have integrated stations in all respects.

“The other station, Abu Hail Station, is located at Hor Al Anz and features a modern structure that contributes to linking the bus station with the metro station through air-conditioned bridges. Similarly, Al Ghubaiba Station; which is an underground station, is a key integration point of mass transit means as is linked with the bus terminal in the area as well as the marine transit station at the Creek side,” he explained.

Concluding his remarks Al Hammadi said: “The Dubai Metro Green Line Stations in general, particularly the above three stations which are crucial to the integration of mass transit means, are set to attract wide public turn out to the metro; making it the ideal mobility means, thus the Green Line is set to be instrumental to serving various destinations intended by both residents and visitors of Dubai.”

Under The Auspices Of Mohammed Bin Rashid Dubai Metro Green Line To Open Next September: RTA

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: Next September, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will launch the official operation of the Dubai Metro Green Line, which spans 23 km and comprises 16 stations in addition to the transfer stations; Union and Khalid bin Al Waleed Stations, shared with the Red Line. All stations will be up and running except Al Jadaf and Creek Stations, due to the non-completion of the property projects ought to be served by these two stations although both stations are ready for operation.

An announcement to this effect was made by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), who stated that the completion of the vital Dubai Metro project culminated the continual support and attention of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to uplift the infrastructure of Dubai Emirate, and epitomize RTA Strategic Plan, which was aligned with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (Infrastructure Sector), aimed at providing integrated roads & transit systems ensuring smooth mobility and highest safety levels to all network users.”

16 stations will be opened on the Green Line; namely Etisalat Station, situated at Al Qusais near Emirates Road; which is the starting point of the Green Line. The station is linked with a multi-level Park-and-Ride terminal with a capacity to house 2350 vehicles as well as a bus station in order to encourage the public to use the Metro in travelling within Dubai Emirate. The design of the station provides sufficient space for public buses to feed the station and ensures a smooth flow of a large number of buses at a time. The parking lot is also fitted with air-conditioned footbridges linking with the other side of the Road, and all essential safety standards are in place to ensure smooth passenger movement within the facility.

Next comes Al Qusais Station, situated near the building of the Ministry of Education and the General Department of Dubai Civil Defence as well as Al Tawar Center; which is a hub for several Government services. Next comes the Airport Free Zone Station; which serves Terminal 2 of Dubai Airport and Dubai Airport Free Zone. The fourth is Al Nahda Station; which is adjacent to the building of the Ministry of Public Works and the Union Cooperative Society. The fifth is the Stadium Station near Al Ahli Club, and the sixth is Al Qiyadah Station on Al Ittihad Road near the Dubai Police General HQ. The seventh is Abu Hail station which serves a host of public schools, commercial centers and businesses, and the eighth is Abu Baker Al Siddique Station which is situated near Al Muraqqabat Police Station and serves several commercial centers, hotels and business outlets.

The Metro line moves through an underground passage extending 8 km, starting with Salah Uddin Station; which is the ninth on the Green Line, following which the Green and Red Lines intersect at the Union station; which is considered the largest underground metro station in the world spanning an area of 25,000 square meters with a capacity to handle about 22,000 passengers per hour. The station comprises two levels and measures 230 meters in length, 50 meters in width and 18 meters in depth. It accommodates business & service outlets for the metro riders and has two entry points fitted with elevators and escalators. Four tunnels branch out of the Union Square Station linking up with Baniyas Square & Salah Al Din Stations on the Green Line as well as Khalid bin Al Waleed and Al Rigga Stations on the Red Line.

The tenth station on the Green Line is Baniyas Square Station; which serves a densely populated and high business traffic area incorporating Nayef Souk and a large number of hotels and business outlets. The eleventh is Palm Deira Station, followed by Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba Stations; which feature a typical UAE traditional architectural design. The gist of the design concept revolves around employing the architectural traditional elements used in antique buildings, such as wind towers (Brajeel), oriels (Mashrabia), alleyways (Sukaik), internal arches and others through replicating them in an enhanced manner, while addressing the aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the heritage-inspired stations would look like a natural expansion of the traditional Souks in the locality, the Heritage & Diving Village, and the antique control towers dotting the locality. The entrances of the station at the ground level have been designed to match the traditional architectural setting of the area and integrate with the design of the Dubai Creek Shores Development Project; which has the same theme. The two stations serve heavily populated areas, trading outlets and banks visited by plenty of visitors.

The fourteenth is Al Fahidi Station; which serves an area of high-density commercial enterprises comprising shops, hotels and banks and the two lines then converge at Khalid bin Al Waleed Station; which is one of the most beautiful metro stations worldwide. The metro route then moves above the ground in an elevated track with the next stop being the fifteenth station of Oud Metha, nearby Al Nasr Club. The Station serves a variety of government entities such as Rashid Hospital, Dubai Media Inc, schools and resident communities clubs. The sixteenth station is Dubai Healthcare City; which will be the terminus station under the initial operational stage, and the station will mainly serve the hospitals of the Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Wafi Center and hotels in the vicinity.

Al Tayer further added that RTA opted to hold the opening of Al Jadaf and Creek Stations, though ready for operation, due to the non-completion of property projects to be served by these two stations and the lack of passengers to use these two stations for the time being, adding that RTA would consider opening them in the next stage.

He emphasized that the number of the metro riders will pick up considerably following the operation of the Green Line as it serves dynamic and high-density commercial, government and residential areas.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director added that the operational timing of the Green Line would be
the same timing of the Red Line, adding that RTA would operate 13 trains during the morning and evening peak hours and 10 trains in the off-peak hours.
 

Emirates GBC Hosts Networking Event On Green Supply Chain On Feb. 23 In Dubai

Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), an organisation aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, will host a networking event on ‘How Masdar is Greening its Supply Chain – The Future Build Portal’ on Feb. 23, from 7 to 8.30pm at The Address Dubai Mall hotel.

Richard Reynolds, Manager – Supply Chain, Masdar City, will address the session, which is open for Emirates GBC members and non-members. A key initiative of Emirates GBC, the networking sessions aim to foster industry dialogue and multiple stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable building development.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman, Emirates GBC, said: “The critical challenge in managing green building development today is enhancing the efficiency of the entire supply chain and ensuring that all partners are aligned towards achieving the UAE’s green vision. The Emirates GBC networking session on Masdar City’s example will not only offer new insights on green building development but also inspire industry stakeholders to adopt world best practices.”

Richard Reynolds will highlight the shifting trends in green building development and provide an overview of green products that help Masdar Supply Chain to build one of the world’s most sustainable cities in Abu Dhabi. He will share insights on selecting, evaluating and finding green building products, which is an important aspect of green design and construction. He will also introduce The Future Build, an online portal of environmentally preferable products, news and services.

To attend the networking session please email office@emiratesgbc.org. Admission fees are AED 50 for Emirates GBC members and AED 150 for non-members.

Aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, Emirates GBC has been hosting and participating in multinational events, conferences and forums since its inception in 2006.

The Emirates GBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East. The Council members can also benefit from the extensive use of the Emirates GBC office and library to enhance their knowledge of green building practices in the UAE.
 

The Walk At JBR To Host Emirates Diving Association’s Market Dayfor Green Products

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced itwill host the Emirates Diving Association’s (EDA)‘Market Day’for green products at The Walk atJumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), as part of its mission to conserve and restore the UAE’s resources.

To be held on 18 and19 March from 10:00am to 6:00pm adjacent to the Il Caffe Di Roma, the event willprovide an opportunity for visitors to buy eco-friendly products and recycled goods. It will also offer a platform for professional divers and commercial diving retailers to recycle equipment in an effort to help conserve the environment.

The EDA Market Day comes in response to a high demand from local residents for ‘green products’ and as part of DPG’s initiative on responsible living. The event will allow visitors to interact with eco-friendly retailers that follow green practices for environmentally-conscious people.

Businesses participating in the Market include Goumbook,Raw Coffee,Zen Beauty Lounge, Baby Cheeks, The Green Eco Store, Enviroserve, La Vela Soya Candles, Luxe Little,Bornsage, Clean Well, Ecowashme Waterless Car Wash.

In addition to eco-friendly products, the event will also offerinformation about safe diving, tips on protecting the environment and the chance to purchase diving coursesas well asrelated equipment from exhibitors.

Following the success of the first Market Day in 2010, the Emirates Diving Association is geared up to hostan improved second edition at The Walk at JBR with new activities and a wider base of participants.

The Walk at JBR is the perfect venue for the Market Day with its distinctive entertainment, shopping, cultural and leisure offerings. The unique outdoor shopping boulevard boasts 305 shops, situated on both the plaza and ground levels. From its beach-side location to its wide-ranging retail and dining options, The Walk at JBR offers a unique experience for every age and every choice.
 

Ekotribe Exhibits Innovative Green Products At The World Future Energy Summit 2011

Ekotribe is displaying a range of environment friendly products and smart energy saving gadgets at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011, which is taking place in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January 2011. Anu Agarwal, Director of Ekotribe stated, "At WFES we are looking to find suitable partners who can represent us in other GCC countries. We now have over 200 eco-friendly products from US, Canada, Europe and Australia which have a tremendous potential in the region. Both corporate and individuals can use our products to save vital energy resources at work and at home.”

Ekotribe is displaying a wide range of energy and water saving devices, including green gadgets and solar appliances. Other products on display include reusable shopping bags, recycled paper and stationery, BPA-free water bottles and lunch boxes, solar powered backpacks and eco-office products with corporate branding.

Ekotribe stand # 4400 is located in Hall 4 of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

About Ekotribe

Ekotribe was started with a desire to introduce green living. Ekotribe supports environmentally friendly manufacturers & designers. All customers are guaranteed products which are ‘green’, easily absorbed into the ecosystem, without compromising on design or quality.

Ekotribe strives to offer high quality products that are – Biodegradable, Environmentally safe, Handmade, Natural, Recycled, Recyclable, Reusable, Sustainable or Organic. Ekotribe is promoting a lifestyle that includes being aware of the environment, yet enjoying high-end products without forgoing quality & design.

About WFES

Since its inception in 2008, World Future Energy Summit ‘WFES’ has evolved as the world’s foremost and must-attend annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. In 2010 WFES uniquely brought together over 24,760 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges.

WFES includes a world class summit, two exhibitions, young future energy leaders program, round table discussions, industry and investment seminars, corporate meetings and social events.

For more information, contact:

Anu Agarwal
Ekotribe FZ LLC
An Enpark Company
P. O. Box 53735
Dubai
Tel: +9714 3327693
Fax: +9714 3318812
Email: Website:
Email: media@ekotribe.com
Website: http://www.ekotribe.com

On Twitter at:
Website: http://twitter.com/ekotribe
 

Green Topics To Feature At WETEX

DEWA, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Kohler, the global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems have announced their collaboration for this, the 13th edition of WETEX exhibition (water, energy, technology and environment).

The US company Kohler will bring its 135 year’s of expertise to WETEX. Kohler will demonstrate the advances made in sustainable design and construction as well as the new products and materials that support these environmental practices at the event.

H.E Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA & Chairman of the WETEX Organizing Committee stated: “WETEX has estab-lished itself as one of the most important exhibitions hosted by Dubai and strengthens its position year on year. We strive to bring to Dubai the best showcase of organizations concerned with water, energy and environmental issues and each year we bring the latest trends and developments to the table.”

He added: “We are happy to have Kohler as one of the major partici-pants at our show. They will bring their years of international exper-tise in energy efficient solutions to the show for the added benefit of exhibitors and visitors.”

Mohamed Nada, Regional Marketing Manager, Kohler, said: “Working with DEWA on this world class trade exhibition was a logical move for us. We have demonstrated a history of awareness efforts surround-ing the importance of water efficiency and sustainable practices. With the UAE residents being one of the largest consumers of water per capita in the world, we are excited about working close with DEWA to spread further awareness about environmental concerns and work towards mitigating the adverse effects of global warming.”

WETEX will discuss the issues and topics that focus on the phe-nomenon of climate change and will also showcase the most up-to-date technologies and equipment in the said fields. Smartec, a new feature to this year’s edition, aims to showcase a range of products and technologies which have succeeded in marked energy efficien-cies and savings.

Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath prod-ucts, engines and power generation systems to name a few. Its kitchen and bath group offers a diverse range of water efficient prod-ucts and continually sets standards in design, craftsmanship and in-novation.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Mak-toum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, WETEX will take place from March 8 to 10 at Zabeel Hall and Halls 1 and 2 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Kohler stand is located in Hall 2, Stand V1.
 

ARTE  Artisans Of The Emirates Is Going GREEN In 2011

It is the season for New Year resolutions, and everyone is planning how to begin the year on a positive note. But when deciding how to better your life, don’t forget the planet’s. This January, ARTE – Artisans of the Emirates – is hosting its first-ever Green Market, a unique shopping experience where the urban consumer can discover unconventional, hard-to-find arts and crafts, as well as supporting the environment by purchasing one-of-a-kind, sustainable products from local artisans.

The next ARTE market will be held on Friday, 7th January, 2011 at Festival Centre (12pm-9pm) and the following Friday, 14th January, 2011 at Times Square Center (12pm-7pm).

Don’t expect to find mass produced or imported goods here! What you will find are talented artists handpicked for their artistry skills and unique vision offering items you never knew existed and that you may never see again! Expect the unexpected, including reconstructed clothing, handcrafted jewellery, whimsical and alternative plush toys, screen-printing, avant-garde art and much more!

Moreover, several vendors have stepped up in big ways to help out with the recycling efforts. Many have taken a pledge to forgo the use of plastic bags, choosing other alternatives such as fabric or paper bags. Feline Friends will return once again to host their fundraising book sale at the ARTE Market at Times Square Center on 14th January, offering an environmentally friendly (and budget friendly) option to stocking your library with brand new books. All books on sale are donated, and are in fair or good condition. Both fiction of all genres and nonfiction will be available.

SAVE THE DATE For our full schedule please visit www.arte.ae
Friday, 7 Jan 2011 @ Festival Centre (near IKEA), Dubai Festival City
Friday, 14 Jan 2011 @ Times Square Center
Friday, 4 Feb 2011 @ Festival Centre (near IKEA), Dubai Festival City
Friday, 11 Feb 2011 @ Times Square Center

The Green Ecostore Opens In Mercato Mall

The Green Ecostore, the first dedicated retail store in the region that offers eco-friendly products is now open in Mercato Mall.

Speaking at the launch, Anu Agarwal, Founder of TheGreenEcostore.com stated, “We are delighted to offer residents of UAE, a destination store where they can now buy a range of eco-friendly products under one roof. I am confident that once people start using some of these products they will realize the importance of embracing eco-products and fine tuning their way of living to a greener lifestyle”.

TheGreenEcostore.com offers a range of eco-friendly products including solar gadgets and water saving appliances, recycled stationery items, reusable gift bags and shopping bags, eco-friendly toys, BPA-free water bottles and lunch boxes, reusable coffee mugs, soy candles,, solar powered backpacks, bamboo kitchen ware, eco-friendly household cleaners and organic pet products.

All shoppers are guaranteed products which are ‘green’, easily absorbed into the ecosystem, without compromising on design or quality. The store offers high quality products that are either – Biodegradable, Environmentally safe, Handmade, Natural, Recycled, Recyclable, Reusable, Sustainable or Organic. 
 
To promote Earth Hour, the store will be offering a special price for Envirosax bags all day on 26 March 2011.

 

 

 

For more information, contact:

Anu Agarwal
The Green EcoStore FZE
P. O. Box 53735
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714-3327693
Email: contactus@thegreenecostore.com
Website: http://www.TheGreenEcostore.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/greenecostore/
 

DEWA Invites Firms To Showcase Energy-Efficient, Green Technologies At SmarTech @ WETEX 2011

Reinforcing its commitment to conservation and environment, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) today announced that the forthcoming WETEX 2011 – the B2B exhibition on Water, Energy, Technology and Environment – will introduce SmarTech, a dedicated B2B and B2C segment showcasing energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies for the first time in the region.

DEWA is inviting companies, including manufacturers, brand owners and dealers, from around the region and beyond to showcase their entire range of energy-efficient household appliances and green building technologies and devices at SmarTech, which is a first-of-its-kind B2B and B2C platform across the Middle East.

WETEX 2011, which marks its 13th edition this year, will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, between March 8 and 10, 2011. The exhibition brings together almost 750 companies from over 30 countries around the globe, including manufacturers, decision-makers, executives and clients, offering opportunities for establishing new alliances and strengthening business ties.

In its new attraction, SmarTech @ WETEX 2011 is expected to display brand owners, manufacturers and resellers of energy-efficient home appliances such as air-conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, lighting equipment etc. Products that incorporate water-saving features in line with green building recommendations, such as faucet fittings, water flow reducers, aerators, shower heads, flush tanks, waterless urinals and the like will find a platform to exhibit during SmarTech. In addition to that, plasma television panels, computer monitors etc which reinforce the energy-efficient values, are also likely to be showcased.

As a strategic incentive to the exhibitors, participating brands and products that meet DEWA’s energy-efficiency criteria will also receive from the authority an official note of recommendation.

Apart from exhibiting and interaction with companies from around the globe, the SmarTech platform at WETEX 2011 will also facilitate trade exchange and information-flow through knowledge-transfer presentations, lectures and workshops during the duration of the exhibition.

Announcing this new innovative initiative, HE Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said: “Since its inception, WETEX has taken its pride of place as one of most important global event in the energy sector. The exhibition not only represents technologies, but also adopts and supports the issues and topics in the field of sustainable development and conservation of the environment.”

He added: “This year, we take this concept one step further with a unique innovation – SmarTech @ WETEX 2011. DEWA is committed to sustainability and conservation, evident from our various well-defined ongoing initiatives, and we aim to recognize and offer a global platform to companies who are involved in energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies.”

During the three-day exhibition, companies, brands and establishments upholding the ‘green’ spirit in their products and services will also be appreciated and recognized for their commitment to sustainability.

In his comments, Abdulla Al Hajiri, Executive Vice-President, Customer Service at DEWA, said: “Conservation of energy and water resources and safeguarding our environment should not be mere wishful thinking, but effective action should be implemented on-ground. It should be the duty of everyone, policy-makers, manufacturers, service providers as well as end-users.

“Reinforcing this commitment, we are happy to introduce SmarTech at WETEX 2011 to give the green and energy-efficient technology a platform to showcase their expertise. We expect companies from around the region and beyond to take this opportunity to present their services and products to a global audience. This is a great opportunity for everyone to reach out.” Al Hajiri added.

As energy-efficient technologies and green goods are sweeping the world over, governments across the globe are continuously crafting legislations to secure the green concept. Above all, the new-age green revolution, the economics and commerce that surround it are quite significant and waiting to be tapped.

“It is well-known that world’s power consumption would double by 2050 and will therefore add more strain on the utilities worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. It is now or never to adopt energy-efficient technology, and SmarTech is a small step in this direction. Understanding the dynamics of green consumerism, DEWA is offering manufacturers, brands and dealers a tactical B2B and B2C platform with SmarTech,” said Amal Koshak, Senior Manager, Demand & Tariff Management.

SmarTech, at WETEX 2011, the first-of-its-kind show in the region, aims to tackle critical issues in energy conservation, water and electricity, including environmental protection and preservation. It attracts companies who are on the lookout for new technologies and solutions in this field. For further information about DEWA and WETEX, please visit www.dewa.gov.ae or www.wetex.ae and for SmarTech visit www.wetex.ae/smartech