The recently concluded Middle East Cleaning Technology Week 2017 organised by VIS along with it Italian partner Afidamp Servizi srl, yet again saw a turnout of over 4,000 quality visitors seeking newer innovations and technologies. Leading brands from across the world in cleaning, laundry and car care products and solutions participated in the three-day exhibition held at the Dubai World Trade Center from November 7 to 9. More than 130 exhibitors from 15 countries closed on-the-spot deals with buyers from across the Gulf countries, Africa, Far-east and India.

The show was inaugurated by HE Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Second Vice Chairman of DWTC.

This year, too, the exhibition had three knowledge-sharing seminars – the International Cleaning & Hygiene Conference focused on Health & Safety and the opening address was given by Dorothee Stein, Head-Facility Care, Dubai Airports. The Gulf Laundrex- Linen Care Conference focused on the standards driving the industry and was opened by Tim Bacon, Director Middle East, and Africa, General Manager, Alliance Laundry Systems BVBA (Dubai Branch). The Sustainable Waste Management Conference, which was launched this year focused on the latest trends and practices in the industry.

The Green Zone – sponsored by Diversey Gulf – was a one-of-a-kind initiative that attracted visitors to check out the various eco-friendly certified products available across all three industries.

MECTW 2017 offered a platform to international workshops. The International Detailing Association held a one-day Detailers Certification Course for auto-detailers in Dubai. ISSA also held a two-day CMI certification course in association with MECA and MEATAC.

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING INITIATIVES

International Cleaning & Hygiene Conference 2017

The International Cleaning & Hygiene Conference 2017 was in its 5th edition and focused on Health & Safety. Environment, Health & Safety – these three key words are the cornerstone of any cleaning and maintenance operation. But it is not as straightforward as it seems – does ‘environment’ only refer to green products or does it also apply to the right practices that aid in eco-friendly cleaning? Do ‘health’ and ‘safety’ refer to just that of the user – or does it also involve the operator and the building? This is what was addressed by the panelists and speakers at the ICHC Conference this year.

Gulf Laundrex-Linen Care Conference 2017

The laundry and dry cleaning industry has seen an impressive growth in recent years, both in terms of commercial performance and in its approach to training, technology, and professional development. The growth has, in turn, created opportunities in the industry to actively develop new solutions, increase capacity to support demand, and undergo changes to become more sustainable. The laundry business is now more about being more cost-effective and efficient to its clients and they are doing so by constantly working on their standards and expanding their skill base.

The third edition of the Gulf Laundrex Conference addressed just this. With the theme as ‘Standards Driving the Laundry Market’, the half-day conference witnessed a packed house with many experts talking about the various ways and means of improving the overall standards in the market and also what kind of solutions/technology are aiding this movement.

Sustainable Waste Management Middle East Conference

Middle Eastern countries are amongst the highest per capita waste producers in the world, as recent figures indicate. Ninety-five million tonnes of waste was generated in the GCC region in 2015 and this is expected to reach 120 million tonnes by 2020. One cannot emphasize enough the need for sustainable strategies and solutions to deal with the region’s growing environmental requirements.

The forum focused on the key theme of ‘Sustainability’ and brought together prominent local and international professionals in the waste management industry. Government and private sector experts, and other stakeholders discussed the latest trends, emerging topics and lead interactive sessions on waste recycling in different segments.

Unsung City Cleaning Heroes Awards

The Unsung City Cleaning Heroes Awards were presented to the best outdoor cleaning staff, including street cleaning and waste management staff working at various municipalities across the UAE including Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. The awards ceremony was held during the Middle East Cleaning Technology Week. The awards including a certificate and cash prize were presented to the 20 best city cleaning staff nominated by different municipalities and other entities.