The global energy industry focuses on the Middle East for the region's largest ever dedicated event

As rapid population growth and expanding industrial development place intense demand on the region's energy and water production capabilities, massive budgets are being allocated by governments across the region to increase output and streamline efficiency. The challenges facing the region are fundamental to it being able to sustain the current rapid pace of growth that has resulted from the ambitious long-term plans that are in place in all of the GCC countries.

The global and regional energy industries gather in Dubai next week for Middle East Electricity 2008, the 33rd edition of the event that is acclaimed as the world's most important for industry professionals from the power generation, lighting, water, gas and new & renewable energy sectors, further underpinning Dubai's reputation as one the world's leading exhibition venues.

'Due to the multi-billion dollar business potential of the Middle East region across all aspects of the energy industry, exhibition space at Middle East Electricity 2008 sold out well in advance, making this year's event by far the largest in its highly successful 33 year history,' said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director - Exhibitions at IIR Middle East, organisers of the event.

'This year, the exhibition is 17% larger than in 2007, covering some 34,000 square metres and featuring over 900 exhibitors from 55 countries plus 20 major country pavilions, including Germany, France, Italy and the UK.'

Over 35,000 industry professionals and key decision makers from more than 95 countries are expected to visit the show, which will showcase the biggest names in the global energy industry during its annual four day run.

'The overwhelming demand for power in the region due to the enormous amount of construction work underway has seen a huge interest from generator companies,' added Woodbridge. 'The world leaders and niche providers from this sector are all at this year's exhibition.'

The specific sectors within the energy industry are again strongly represented, and Lighting at Middle East Electricity, the largest and longest running lighting exhibition in the region, this year features over 450 lighting related companies providing products, solutions and services for commercial, residential and industrial lighting projects, while Water at Middle East Electricity, an established and rapidly expanding part of the event, hosts over 75 product-related companies.

A comprehensive showcase for the desalination and waste water industries, products on show this year include desalination equipment, pumps, waste water recycling systems, metering, filtration plus a wide range of other specialised equipment.

Supported by the Federal Electricity and Water Authority and sponsored by C&S Controls and Switchgear, Clipsal, Eaton, Havells Sylvania, Jengan and Jubaili Brothers, Middle East Electricity runs from 10-13 February at Dubai International Exhibition Centre and is open to trade professionals from 10am to 6pm.