Dubai:The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) will bring 43 Italian companies and innovative start-ups to the 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), scheduled from October 20 to 22, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Italian National Pavilion will continue its long-standing partnership with the exhibition, providing exhibitors access to buyers, project stakeholders, and potential business partners.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, visited the Italian Trade Agency's national pavilion. During his visit, he was briefed on the latest innovative Italian technologies and solutions in the water, energy, and environmental sectors.
The Italian companies will showcase technologies for water and wastewater management, waste treatment, electrical systems, renewable energy, and environmental applications. These innovations aim to address needs in resource efficiency, utilities, and sustainable infrastructure.
Between January and July 2026, taps and valves, pumps for liquids, and centrifuges and filtering or purification equipment for liquids and gases were the leading Italian export categories to the UAE, accounting for EUR 233.4 million or 37.7% of the total. Exports of water filtering and purification equipment within the broader filtration category reached EUR 14.7 million, showing a 13.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
There was also notable growth in several electrical equipment segments. Exports of electrical control and distribution panels for voltages above 1,000 V reached EUR 19.8 million, nearly tripling year-on-year, while exports of panels for voltages up to 1,000 V rose by 2.8% to EUR 21.1 million. These figures underscore the growth in specific segments of Italian exports to the UAE.
Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, emphasized the strong partnership between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting mutual trust, close economic ties, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. Italy's participation in WETEX 2026 underscores the commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and creating new opportunities in green technology and clean energy sectors.
Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner and Director of ITA Dubai, stated that their focus at WETEX is to convert technical discussions into business opportunities by connecting companies with buyers, project developers, and potential partners. Italian exports to the UAE in water, environmental technologies, energy, and electrical equipment reached EUR 1.25 billion in 2025, with the first seven months of 2026 totaling EUR 619.0 million, representing 6.52% of UAE imports in these sectors.
The participation in WETEX holds special significance as ITA celebrates its centenary in 2026, marking 100 years of supporting Italian exports since its establishment in 1926. The UAE remains a priority market for ITA, with increased resources dedicated to trade promotion in 2026 and 2027 through an expanded program of exhibitions, business missions, and targeted matchmaking initiatives.