Electricity expo a success, say exhibitors

H.E. Humaid bin Nasr Al Owais, U.A.E. Minister of Electricity and Water, said, 'Exhibitors are bringing the latest products to the region and this reflects the demand in the Gulf.'
His observation was reflected by a considerably bigger event than last year's Middle East Electricity.

Middle East Electricity, now established as the largest power and electricity exhibition in the Middle East and ranked amongst the world's top five trade events, covers nearly 16,000 square meters.

Sarah Woodbridge, exhibitions director of event organizers, IIR Exhibitions Middle East, said increased demand had required 32 per cent more space than last year's show. 'We were sold out earlier than normal for this event.'

Judging by comments from a cross-section of many upbeat exhibitors, next year's event will repeat this year's successes.

Satish Gavande, general manager of the airfield lighting division of Asif Lighting Equipment Trading, said this year's Middle East Electricity had been better than last year.

'We are very impressed. It is bigger this time and very well organized. The facilities are very good.'

Trevor Toulson, Sales Manager of Perkins Electric Power in the UK, said he had been amazed at the number of Perkins customers that had visited the stand.

'They have come from countries all over the world. This is absolutely the right exhibition for us.'

Iraq, he said, was an area of focus for his company and his stand had received visitors from Iraq and buyers who are supplying clients in that country. 'We are selling a lot of generator sets into Iraq at the moment.'

Perkins would be back next year, he declared. 'We're pleased with the show. It has been excellent - absolutely brilliant.'

A statement issued by the French pavilion (UBIFRANCE) said its exhibitors had received many visitors including authorities, businessmen and decision-makers.

'Talks were also held about ways and means French companies could contribute to the further development of electrical infrastructures as well as in the production and distribution of energy in both the United Arab Emirates and in the region as a whole, with regard to the growing demand in GCC countries.'

Claudia Le Long, project manager of the French pavilion said, 'Middle East Electricity has become one of the most important meetings in the electricity sector.'

A spokesman for Powertech Switchgear Industries, exhibiting at Middle East Electricity for the first time, said visitors to the exhibition had been the very people his company was targeting.

'It is quite encouraging the way things are here and I am sure it will be even better next year.'

'We have had a lot of visitors - it has been good,' said Fiorenzo Pigoli, Technical Director, Raytech, on the second day of the exhibition.
Ian Davies, marketing manager of Newage International, UK, said the exhibition was important and had met his expectations. 'We will be back next year.'

Fabian Graff, managing director of Terramar Gulf, said, 'Visitors know what they are looking for. We are happy with the quality. We have been busy all day, every day.

'The show has been much better than we expected.'

John Dearling, representing two exhibitors, described the exhibition as 'very busy and very happy. This show has grown so much. It just gets better all the time.'

Running alongside the exhibition has been the 9th Annual Middle East Power Generation Summit.

Congress sessions have been well attended by key players and decision-makers from the region's power industry.