Middle East Waste Summit 2009 set to deliver
waste management solutions
/EIN News/ Dubai, 9th April 2009: In a region where several countries rank as top waste producers in the world owing to their rapid development and a growing population, one city steps up to create a ripple of change.
Dubai is taking the initiative to address the urgent need to deliver waste management and recycling solutions to the Middle East. From May 26 to 28, Dubai will host the Middle East Waste Summit (MEWS) at the Dubai Airport Expo Centre. The Summit’s exhibition and forum will assemble 6,000 of the most influential figures in the waste management and recycling industry. It will provide a platform to debate, demonstrate and discover solutions to the current global challenges and protect the environment while supporting the region’s tremendous growth.
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, and with the full support of Dubai Municipality, the Middle East Waste Summit is spearheaded and organized by Turret Middle East. The event aims to attract waste management and recycling professionals representing the government and municipalities, industry projects, academia, private organisations and waste generators from across the world.
With 55 renowned speakers and over 50 exhibitors, the Summit has already garnered confirmation for attendance from more than 200 companies from 26 different countries. It is set to be the most comprehensive forum of its kind, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to leading the region towards embracing efficient waste management and recycling programmes. Some of the world’s leading experts will take part including HE Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahed, Minister of Environment and Water, United Arab Emirates; Mr. Fareed Bushehri, Regional Office for West Asia, United Nations Environment Programme; Mr. W Gregory Vogt, Managing Director, International Solid Waste Association; and Eng. Hassan Mohammed Makki, Director of Waste Management, Dubai Municipality who will officially open the summit.
Commenting on Dubai Municipality’s involvement at the summit, Richard Hease, Chairman of Turret Middle East, said, “We are pleased to manage this truly significant event in light of the growing demand for waste management solutions. With the amount of waste expected to triple by 2014, Dubai is not only responding to the current demand for efficient waste management but seeking to plan in advance.” Hease added, “The conference is a unique opportunity for the city of Dubai to lead the region in responding to a global environmental cause while safeguarding economic growth and social development.”
Currently, approximately 120 million tons of waste is produced in the GCC, putting the region in the top ten worldwide ranking of the biggest waste producers per capita. The UAE and Saudi Arabia produce the most waste. It is estimated that 55% of this total waste comes from construction and demolition, 20% from municipal waste, 18% from industrial waste, and 7% from hazardous waste. The rapid development in the region, population growth, industrial diversification and construction activities combined have led forecasters to predict that the Middle East will invest billions of dollars in the waste management sector over the next few years.
MEWS will cover a range of themes such as waste and its effect on global warming, economy and the environment, domestic waste control, medical waste management, industrial waste management, landfills and waste, and energy solutions to support the summit’s objectives. Major announcements and contributions are expected from Chuck Peterson, Senior Environmental Specialist – FEU Urban Unit, The World Bank; Sheikh Mohamed Bin Jabor Al Thani, Director, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, Qatar; Mr. Olabode Esan, Solid Waste Management Adviser, Abu Dhabi Municipality; and Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group.
In addition to the international exhibition and full conference programme, the summit will also offer all attendees access to a showcase theatre, roundtable forums and a Consultancy Clinic for waste management strategy. The summit’s Gold Sponsor, Plasco Energy Group, will be hosting the Waste Management Showcase Theatre for a broad exchange of commercial ideas, techniques and technologies. The Waste Summit Roundtables will pave the way for professionals to debate key issues and possible solutions on waste and recycling in small groups of 10. The industry’s leading consultants will be available to companies and individuals for free advice on implementing waste management strategies, starting a recycling scheme, regulatory requirements and other related topics at the Consultancy Clinic by simply booking an appointment.
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ABOUT TURRET MIDDLE EAST
A multi award winning company, Turret Middle East has launched and developed some of the most successful live events in the world and is a leading publisher within several market sectors in the Middle East. Originally set up in 2006 following more than 50 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Turret Middle East migrated its business headquarters to the UAE after becoming a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.
Turret Middle East’s events annually represent more than 1,400 exhibitors and deliver more than 120,000 visitors in industry sectors as diverse as renewable energy, IT, food festivals and fine jewellery. Events include the internationally acclaimed World Future Energy Summit 2008 and 2009, winner of the AEO Best Launch Event, The Middle East Waste Summit, Dubai, and consumer shows such as the award winning Taste of Dubai food extravaganza.
For more information go to www.turretme.com
For more information please contact:
Thaisa Alvarez
Sr. PR Account Manager
V Public Relations
Tel: +971 2 6449444
Email: thaisa@viola.ae
