Event News

World Utilities Congress returns to Abu Dhabi

The event took place from 16-18 September this year. (Image source: WUC)

In line with the UAE’s forward-thinking leadership and commitment to sustainability, the World Utilities Congress 2024 returns to Abu Dhabi from 16-18 September, positioning the nation as a global leader in the evolving energy landscape.

The event will centre its Strategic Conference on pivotal themes, focusing on the utilities sector’s vital role in the global energy transition. The event aims to advance progress in challenging areas while seizing opportunities to meet net-zero goals. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and hosted by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), this third edition builds on previous successes to provide a robust platform for utilities and their value chains to drive action towards a low-carbon, resilient future.

With the theme ‘Enabling a Secure and Sustainable Utilities Future’, the event is supported by the UAE’s Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The Strategic Conference will cover topics from grid modernisation to water scarcity, with insights from global voices in power, water, and district cooling utilities aimed at powering a thriving, sustainable future.

Accelerating progress

Featuring 24 high-level sessions, the conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Jasim Thabet, group CEO and MD of TAQA; Francesco La Camera, director general of IRENA; Luc Rémont, chairman and CEO of EDF; Fabrizio Fabbri, CEO of Ansaldo Energia SpA; Alistair Phillips-Davies, CEO of SSE; Eng. Khaled Alqureshi, CEO of SWPC; Izumi Kai, CEO of JERA Asia Pte. Ltd., and Ben Backwell, CEO of Global Wind Energy Council, among others.

“The near future will require flexible and dynamic solutions from the power generation industry to ensure stable, affordable, and increasingly decarbonised energy production in the face of worldwide growing electricity demand. I see Ansaldo Energia Group's participation in the World Utilities Congress as an extremely valuable opportunity to share knowledge and visions that effectively address these challenges,” said Fabrizio Fabbri, CEO of Ansaldo Energia SpA.

“As the Middle East advances ambitious initiatives in renewable energy and water security, Schneider Electric remains dedicated to supporting the region’s energy transition through innovative solutions and digital transformation. The World Utilities Congress presents a critical opportunity for both the public and private sectors to collaborate in leading decarbonisation efforts and accelerating progress towards transforming the Middle East’s utilities and energy sector,” commented Amel Chadli, president of Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric.

The World Utilities Congress features four programming tracks, offering diverse session formats. The Strategic Conference will bring together high-level policy, regulatory, and strategic insights from around the world, while the Technical Conference showcases the brightest engineering minds, delivering the latest updates on projects, research, and innovation. Co-located with this year's event is the 6th Arab Water Forum, organised by the Arab Water Council and the League of Arab States, which will address urgent challenges around water scarcity and security. The Innovation Theatres, open to all, will host perspectives from across the energy value chain.

Inaugural HSE KSA to take place in September

The event will provide a forum to share insights and best practices.

HSE luminaries from Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious companies are set to share their insights and best practices at the inaugural Health Safety & Environment Saudi Forum (HSE KSA)

More than 150 industry leaders are set to attend the event, taking place on the 17-18 September 2024 at The Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Riyadh, which promises unparalleled networking and knowledge exchange opportunities, insightful keynote presentations and dedicated technical workshops.

With operator speakers from big names such as ACWA Power, Aramco, Atkins Realis, CSCEC, Dubai Holding Real Estate, Drydocks World, Red Sea Gateway Terminal, Red Sea Global, Six Flags Qiddiya, and UCC Holdings, HSE KSA will provide access to groundbreaking operator best practices, regulatory updates, and the latest technologies and advancements. Interactive sessions will facilitate in-depth discussion, with topics ranging from market developments to safety culture and safety leadership, process safety, training, preparedness and emergency response, digitalisation, and sustainability and ESG.

The growing list of sponsors includes Krause Bell Group, Milwaukee, MSA Safety, MACS-G Solutions, SafeStart and SYS Lab, with the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) recently coming on board as a supporter.

“Don't miss out on the chance to gain valuable insights into the safety-centric culture and sustainable practices in Saudi Arabia to optimise safety measures and ensure regulatory compliance,” said Henal Doshi, project manager for the event. “Get ready for HSE KSA!”

For full information, download the brochure here.

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024 gears up for its biggest edition to date

The exhibition's conference programme will feature the Future Security and Safety Summit and the Fire Protection and Technology Summit. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)

Intersec Saudi Arabia, Saudi’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, will return for a sixth edition from 1st - 3rd October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC)

Organised by 1^st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, the exhibition is held under the patronage of the High Commission for Industrial Security and in association with the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Civil Defence.

Intersec Saudi Arabia draws thousands of security and safety professionals from around the GCC each year to procure, learn and develop their knowledge of a rapidly growing industry. A record-breaking 15,336 visitors attended the 2023 event, and 17,000 visitors are expected at the upcoming edition. The exhibition space for Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024 has increased by 34% from 2023, covering a total area of 23,000 sqm across five halls and one outdoor showcase.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1^st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia is tailored specifically to the needs of the Kingdom. The event is regarded as the largest and most important exhibition and conference for the security, safety, and fire protection industries in Saudi Arabia.”

Intersec Saudi Arabia is expected to host over 350 exhibitors from 27 countries and will feature country pavilions for China, the Czech Republic, and the UK. Saudi-based exhibitors account for 29% of the participating companies, which are categorised across five product sectors – Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health.

The annual conference programme for Intersec Saudi Arabia will include the Future Security and Safety Summit and the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, with both of these summits reflecting the specific needs of the Saudi market.

Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, remarked, “We are proud to feature two pivotal summits that will unite industry pioneers to address current and emerging security threats at national and corporate levels while also bringing together leading fire and emergency service professionals to discuss the latest challenges, opportunities, and advancements in fire safety and technology."

The summits will run throughout the three-day event and have been developed to bring together the industry's best and brightest minds, offering significant value to attendees and high-quality, valuable educational opportunities to attendees.

Key themes for the Future Security and Safety Summit include ‘Moving Beyond Security – How to React to AI’s Transformative Potential’ and ‘Boosting International Security Co-operation’ Meanwhile, the Fire Protection and Technology Summit will explore ‘Robotics and Automation for Fire Suppression’ and ‘Fire Challenges due to Climate Change’ among other vital industry topics.

The Premium Club will once again return to Intersec Saudi Arabia, providing unrivalled opportunities for professionals in safety, security, and fire protection to network. The programme is designed to encourage key buyers to connect with exhibitors away from the show floor, offering a seamless purchasing process.

Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place in Halls 1-5 at RICEC. Halls 1 and 2 will feature the Commercial, Perimeter, Homeland and Cybersecurity show sections, while halls 3 and 4 will focus on Fire Health and Safety. Security, Safety and Fire exhibitors will be featured in Hall 5, named Intersec Infinity, as well as an outdoor, purpose-built exhibition space.

Middle East Energy announces 2025 dates

Energy technology takes spotlight at the MEE. (Image source: Canva)

Middle East Energy, the largest and most comprehensive energy event in the Middle East and Africa, has announced new dates for its 2025 event

Masdar hosts second Green Hydrogen Summit

International experts, leaders from industry and government to discuss accelerating green hydrogen economy worldwide. (Image source: Masdar)

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar is set to host the second annual Green Hydrogen Summit on April 16, 2024, as part of the World Future Energy Summit, with the aim to accelerate the development of the global green hydrogen economy and support the energy transition