The 28th edition of WETEX will take place from 20 to 22 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with a dedicated Water Platform housed in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3 this year, giving the water sector its own focused space at the long-running exhibition.
For Dubai and UAE readers tracking sustainability and utilities, the key detail is timing and format: daily water seminars will run in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3 from 11:00am to 2:50pm across all three days, offering a structured window each day for organisations and specialists to present and discuss water resource management technologies.
A Dedicated Platform for Water
The Water Platform is designed to bring together leading organisations, companies, experts and specialists from around the world to showcase innovations and smart solutions for managing water resources. Rather than folding water technology into a broader exhibition mix, WETEX 2026 has carved out this specific hall and daily seminar slot to give the topic sustained attention across the event.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX, explained the rationale behind the move: "Water security is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development, enhancing quality of life and supporting economic growth. In light of the growing challenges related to population growth, urban expansion and climate change, there is an increasing need to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of water resource management and contribute to ensuring the reliability and sustainability of water supplies. The Water Platform at WETEX provides a dedicated space that brings together key organisations, experts and specialists from around the world to exchange knowledge, expertise and best practices, as well as explore the latest technologies and innovative solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient future for water resources. It also contributes to strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors."
Nearly Three Decades of WETEX
Al Tayer also placed the 2026 edition in the context of WETEX's longer history, noting the exhibition's role in shaping sustainability dialogue in the region. "Over 28 years, WETEX has consolidated its position as a leading global platform that brings together decision-makers, investors, developers, research centres and technology providers under one roof to promote dialogue, build partnerships and stimulate investment across various sustainability sectors," he said. "Allocating a dedicated platform to water underscores the strategic importance of the sector and its pivotal role in achieving water security and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030."
The event's association with senior UAE leadership, including HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, underscores the weight given to WETEX within Dubai's broader sustainability calendar, with DEWA continuing as the exhibition's founding and organising body.