By: Zawya

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) will celebrate 12 consecutive years of participation at WETEX (Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition), reaffirming Italy’s leadership in renewable energy and sustainability. Taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, ITA will host a dedicated Italian Pavilion spanning 600 square metres and featuring 49 exhibitors - including start-ups and innovators in clean energy, water, and environmental technologies. This represents an 11% increase from 2024’s 44 participants, highlighting Italy’s growing role in the UAE’s clean energy ecosystem.

The latest data underscores Italy’s rising contribution to the UAE’s sustainability agenda. Italian exports of renewable energy technologies to the UAE reached €130.6 million in the first five months of 2025 (Jan–May), a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Italy is now ranked as the fourth-largest supplier in this strategic sector, with strengths in pumps, compressors, and water purification equipment, which together account for more than 80% of specialised exports.

This builds on a record €279.9 million in exports achieved in 2024, a 37% year-on-year increase compared to 2023. In that year, Italian technologies accounted for nearly 12% of the UAE’s renewable imports, underscoring the growing trust in Made in Italy solutions across clean energy, water management, and advanced infrastructure.

This sectoral growth is set against the backdrop of broader trade expansion. Italy remains the UAE’s leading European Union trading partner, with non-oil trade reaching $14.1 billion in 2024, marking a 21% increase on the previous year. Relations have been further strengthened by the UAE’s landmark $40 billion investment pledge into Italy announced in February 2025, spanning artificial intelligence, space exploration, renewable energy, rare earth materials, and advanced data infrastructure.

WETEX continues to be a key pillar of ITA’s international growth efforts, offering Italian businesses a strategic platform to enter the Middle East market. Through well-structured B2B and B2G meetings, exhibitors consistently generate high-value leads, develop robust commercial pipelines, and establish lasting partnerships with government entities and institutional stakeholders across the region.