The 16th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2014, which will be held from 14-16 April at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will be focusing on a wide array of advanced renewable energy solutions at a time when the UAE in particular and the Gulf counties in general are strongly investing to meet a major proportion of their energy needs through renewable energy by 2020. The aim of renewable energy technologies is to provide electricity needs through renewable resources that preserve natural resources from depletion and decrease environmental pollution. Renewable energy is a key component to ensure energy-efficiency in the long term. "WETEX 2014 will highlight the latest renewable energy solutions deployed in the region and the world due to the major role of such energy solutions in establishing a green economy. GCC countries' huge investments in renewable energy are recognised globally. In WETEX 2014, we help implement the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Renewable energy is one of the pillars to reach the green economy and sustainable development," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). "WETEX 2014 continues to be regarded a leading platform to present and discuss important topics at the core of the current concerns of regional and global economies that consider renewable energy a priority. Exhibitors specialising in renewable energy will showcase innovative solutions specialised in the diversification of energy sources and the use of clean and renewable energy," added Al Tayer. According to Al Tayer, there are greater responsibilities for the government bodies working in the energy field to adopt the best renewable energy solutions that deal with a continuous stream of new innovations. WETEX strengthens the interaction and communication between suppliers of renewable energy solutions from all over the world on one side and decision-makers as well as those involved in its use on the other side. This contributes to providing various proven and effective solutions that pave the shift towards a green economy. Participants at the exhibition include ministries, government departments, municipalities, private companies, institutions and non-profit organisations working in water, energy and environmental conservation. These organisations will present, over the three-day show, their latest global solutions in the field of renewable energy. Renewable energy is derived from natural resources, which is renewed and will not be depleted. One of the main benefits of renewable energy is that it does not usually leave harmful residues such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or harmful gases One of the main reasons that pushed the WETEX organising committee to direct the exhibition focus on renewable energy this year is that electricity production means are rapidly-moving towards renewable energy sources and the trend is becoming more common in recent times. Several countries have developed plans to increase the use of renewable energy production to cover part of its energy needs through this source of energy. In addition to renewable energy, WETEX 2014 will present a series of important topics about the latest trends in electricity, water and the environment, oil and gas solutions and other topics that are considered ones of the main current concerns for many countries in the world, including public and private institutions working in relevant energy fields.