'Power + Water Middle East,' a leading regional exhibition for power and water-related products and services opened at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Sunday.

More than 100 local and international suppliers and contractors representing 140 different categories of products and services are taking part in the exhibition and leaders’ forum which runs until October 18 .

The event was officially inaugurated by Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea).

“Power + Water Middle East provides the essential platform for professionals from the power and water sector to interact with the world's top companies and organisations,” said Al Nuaimi at the opening ceremony.

“The demand for power and water continues to grow, creating opportunities for investment in Abu Dhabi and the GCC region,” he added.

Anita Mathews, expo director, said, 'Rising residential subscribers, rapid industrialisation and government subsidies are among the major factors pushing the electricity demand in the GCC region and thus, resulting in a promising outlook for the power sector with vast future growth potential.'

'Additionally, GCC governments are investing heavily in the water sector, which is estimated to be worth $70 billion over the next decade,' Mathews noted.

'Infrastructure in particular is a major growth area with significant investments in water storage infrastructure and expanding irrigation systems,' he added.

The water sector is a major challenge for GCC countries, which are some of the most water scarce in the world.

Addressing these challenges forms part of the agenda for the one-day Power + Water Middle East Leaders’ Forum which begins today.

The forum titled 'Developing Sustainable Business Practices' features key presentations from leading figures around the world in the power and water sectors.

Scott Minos, senior policy and communications specialist at the US Department of Energy will present a US case study on developing a strategic energy profile that is sustainable, economical, and diverse.

Michael Flynn, principal investigator from Nasa Ames Research Center, and Professor Jim Skea, Research Director of the UK Energy Research Sector, are among the other high profile speakers.-TradeArabia News Service