Mideast Electricity Expo gets good response

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.

Humaid bin Nasr Al Owais, UAE's Minister of Electricity and Water, said: "Exhibitors are bringing the latest products to the region and this reflects the demand in the Gulf."

Sarah Woodbridge, exhibitions director of event organisers, 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."

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 organised. 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. He also said that, Iraq 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.

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

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. 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 AGCC countries."

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.