Govt Policies And Privatization Spur Regional Green Industry

Green Middle East Records Nearly 30% Rise In Visitor Turnout

The GCC countries’ need for initiating green policies and investing in eco-friendly technology to achieve all-round sustainable development was underscored by a premier environment event in Sharjah.

The just-concluded Green Middle East turned out to be a complete event for the regional environment management industry, featuring an exhibition, several special focus areas, an awards component and a high-profile conference.

In fact, there was a surge of 40 per cent in visitor turnout on day one, pointing to the massive initial pull generated by the show. According to initial visitor analysis, majority of the visitors came from the UAE and the rest of the GCC, Asia and Europe.

“The Green Middle East is no more just a sourcing platform... it has expanded to become a gathering point for businesses, government departments and officials, academics and students, professionals and even the common man to join hands towards a greener tomorrow,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Regional and international exhibitors were happy to recognize that green products and practices are fast gaining prominence in both the public and private sectors. Governments are coming out with new green policies and new projects are having considerably higher eco-friendly components, they noted. Privatization of municipal services is another factor that has helped the industry in a big way.

“Our primary presence here was to touch base with our clients. This show is essential for us to continuously represent ourselves in the waste management industry,” said Rina Vaz e Luis, Business Co-ordinator, EXCEL Industry Co LLC.

Apart from presenting innovative technology and products that could effectively reduce, reuse, recycle, renew and recover natural resources in a cost-effective and sustainable way, the show offered a platform for businesses and government departments to assess their green initiatives.

“While exhibitors and visitors took notice of the big-ticket solar projects that became operational recently, ventures that aimed at recycling and reusing also made headlines,” pointed out Mr. Midfa.

Hosting the show for the third year in a row, Bee’ah highlighted its material recovery facility in Sharjah, the third largest in the world. It also operates the Middle East’s only cryogenic tyre recycling facility with a capacity of three million tyres per year and the region’s first solar-powered cleaning boats in Mamzar and Khaled lagoons.

Little wonder that Mr. Salim Al Owais, Chairman, Bee’ah, was chosen as the ‘Green Personality/Visionary of the Year’ of Green Middle Environmental Awards, which were given away on October 30, the last day of the show. The ‘Best Solid Waste Management Company of the Year Award’ also went to Bee’ah.

During the show, Bee’ah announced its foray outside the UAE and has set up its office in Riyadh. “Bee’ah is proud to have our first office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” said Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah, addressing the conference in his keynote speech.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the show featured more than 100 exhibitors and brands, with individual segments such as Solid Waste, Waste Water, Air Pollution, Scrap Metal, Alternative Energy and Green Building, while new segments included ’Middle East Green Products’ and ‘Equip 4 Municipalities’. The ‘Middle East Green Products’ section saw the participation of over 40 European exhibitors dealing in green and natural products.

One of the key USPs of the show is the introduction of new products and technology. This year too most of the exhibitors had new regional and world launches at the show. “A truly B2B platform engaging government and private entities alike! This year, we introduced two new technologies on water waste management,” said Mr. C. Prince, Managing Director, Gulf ECO Friendly Services LLC.

According to a straw poll among exhibitors, it was revealed that while four out of every five exhibitors introduced new products, one out of every five exhibitors take part in the show every year to keep in touch with existing and prospective clients.

Other winners of the Green Middle East Environmental Excellence Awards include Beirut Arab University (Best Wastewater Management Company of the Year), Qatar Solar Technologies (Best Alternative Energy Project), Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (Environmental Awareness & Education), Tourism Development & Investment Company (Green Building Design), Centre of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi (Natural Resource Conservation Award), Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (Best regional Sustainability Initiative) and Smardt Chiller Group (Green Technology Award).

Held in association with IQPC, the Forum for Environmental Change featured keynote speakers Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water; H.H. Princess Basma bint Ali, Royal Family of Jordan; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah; Dr. Mohammad Al Madfaei, Executive Director-Environment Agency Abu Dhabi; Edwin Young, Program Manager ESTIDAMA – Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council; and Ragheb Alama, Arabic pop singer and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Nov 4, 2013

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