In a strategic move to bolster the presence of Emirati companies in future economic sectors, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development has announced its support for six national companies to participate in the Water, Energy, and Environment Technology Exhibition (WETEX 2026). This prominent exhibition serves as a vital platform for showcasing innovations across clean energy, sustainability, and smart infrastructure.
Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth
The participating companies are engaged in a range of activities, including solar energy solutions, electricity storage systems, fuel management, and electric vehicle charging. Their involvement reflects the increasing presence of national initiatives in sectors aligned with the transition to a sustainable economy. Notably, some companies have unveiled technological solutions capable of reducing diesel fuel consumption by 60% to 80%, alongside projects initiated with capital as low as 10,000 AED, successfully penetrating specialised markets.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Dhalal Jassim Al Blooshi, Senior Strategy and Policy Director at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment, emphasised that the organisation’s participation in WETEX 2026 manifests its commitment to enhancing the visibility of Emirati projects in future-oriented sectors. This initiative not only provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to present their innovative solutions but also addresses market demands, particularly in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
Diverse Capabilities and Collaboration Opportunities
Al Blooshi highlighted that the six Emirati companies represent a diverse array of expertise and capabilities across key sectors, including renewable energy solutions, resource management, environmental technologies, and sustainable mobility. The exhibition offers these companies a unique opportunity to gain insights into market requirements, technological advancements, and direct engagement with stakeholders involved in major projects.
She elaborated that the true value of their participation lies in the business opportunities that may arise, whether through developing relationships with developers and contractors, accessing new markets and clients, or exploring collaborative projects for the future.
Driving Innovation in Diesel Consumption
Adel Idris Al Awadi, Executive Director of Corporate Trade House, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment, shared that his company offers innovative hybrid energy systems that combine solar power with battery storage and generators. These solutions enable facilities in remote areas, construction sites, telecommunications, energy, and maritime sectors to increasingly rely on clean energy sources. He reported that these systems could reduce diesel consumption by 60% to 80% through an enhanced dependence on solar energy, all while providing backup power sources when necessary.
Additionally, Al Awadi revealed that his company provides portable energy generation and storage devices suitable for camping, residential use, and events, as well as for defence, logistics, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure projects, thus offering alternatives to traditional diesel-powered generators.
Investing in Future-Forward Solutions
Engineer Ahlam Ali Ibrahim, founder and General Manager of New Steps for Solar Energy and Lighting, established in 2013, stated that her company focuses on developing solar energy solutions and modern smart lighting systems, aligning with the UAE’s initiatives towards clean energy. She noted that backing from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development significantly transformed their trajectory. The benefits of support programmes extend beyond financial aid, opening new avenues for national projects and facilitating participation in exhibitions.
Ibrahim added that participating in WETEX allows her company to showcase the latest developments in solar energy and sustainable lighting, explore cooperation and expansion opportunities, and reinforce their position in an evolving market for energy efficiency technology.
Sustainable Mobility and Energy Solutions
Mohammed Ahmed Balhol, General Manager of Barrel Energy, shared insights into his company, established in 2007, which operates as an authorised distributor for ENOC/EPPCO products. Barrel Energy delivers integrated solutions for fuel management across the UAE. Initially launched with a capital of around one million AED, the company expanded by gradually reinvesting profits to enhance its fleet and services over nearly two decades.
Balhol identified the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment as a key partner from its inception, facilitating participation in major exhibitions like WETEX and helping establish connections with governmental and private sectors, thus expanding their customer base. The exhibition serves as a pivotal opportunity for forming new partnerships and showcasing their solutions in biogas and energy management.
Challenges and Pathways to Sustainability
In discussing sustainable mobility, Alawi Al Safi from Fully Charged Electrical Installations elaborated on the challenges faced since his company’s establishment in 2020. The modern company focuses on electric vehicle charging solutions, initiated with an initial investment of 10,000 AED. Al Safi commended the supportive initiatives offered by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment, which eased the burden associated with project establishment.
Participation in the exhibition aims to create strategic partnerships and business agreements with governmental entities and private sector firms, facilitating the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network across the nation. Al Safi acknowledged that gaining access to larger projects was initially challenging due to their company’s newness and lack of project completion history. He emphasised that careful planning, goal setting, and prioritisation are essential for the success of emerging projects, particularly in technical sectors that require trust-building and proof of capability.
Expanding Horizons
The participating entrepreneurs unanimously recognised the significance of specialised exhibitions in enhancing growth opportunities for Emirati projects. These platforms provide direct access to potential customers and partners while helping entrepreneurs identify needs across various economic sectors. They emphasised that leveraging institutional support programmes, alongside continuous product and service development and building customer trust, are fundamental for expansion. The intention to move beyond local markets towards regional and international spheres is seen as a pathway to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainable growth of national projects.