UAE water and electricity sector is set to attract Dhs35bn in investments in five years

Mr. Vimal Mahendru, Vice President, Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturer's Association (IEEMA), presented opportunities available in India during a networking dinner in Dubai held recently for electrical and electronics engineers and representatives of power companies.

He noted that a survey done by Emirates Bank International said Dubai has the greatest demand for electricity in the UAE which is "Growing at 14 per cent per annum while Abu Dhabi is expected to double over the six-year period between 2008 and 2013."

"Given this trend it is significant to note that many UAE companies have already confirmed participation at this year's event,"

said Mr. Mahendru referring to Elecrama 2010, which will be held in Mumbai on January 20.

Indian exports to the UAE involving the electrical and electronics industry have reached Dhs430.4m ($117.14m) since last year, contributing a bulk of the electricity demand by Gulf Cooperation Council member states that is triple the global average. Elecrama has proposed a GCC-wide network of electricity, which it said would mean billions of dollars in savings due to production sharing, as member states would have an identical form of electricity.

"The grid will also enable energy exchange programmes between the GCC states and will play a major role in increasing productivity, diversifying economies and upgrade of systems," he said.

A high powered Indian business delegation comprising key executives - President of IEEMA, Mr. Murali Venkatraman, & Director General of IEEMA, Mr. S.P.More met potential ME partners in Muscat to explore business and investment opportunities. In turn the Indian power sector investment opportunities window has been brought to the fore through the strategic power T&D expo - Elecrama-2010.