DUBAI: The Gulf’s energy transition is entering a new phase in which the focus is moving beyond building renewable-energy capacity to ensuring electricity networks can manage, store and distribute power more intelligently.
That shift will be in focus at Middle East Energy 2026 in Dubai, where 13 French companies will present technologies aimed at improving grid resilience, automation, energy efficiency, critical power and renewable-energy integration.
The companies will exhibit under a dedicated Business France Pavilion at the event, which runs from September 1 to 3 at Dubai World Trade Centre and marks its 50th edition.tradearabia+1
The French delegation is targeting an expanding regional market for equipment and systems that support electricity networks — from monitoring and automation tools to transformer protection, battery systems, low-voltage distribution equipment and uninterruptible power supplies.
The need for such technology is growing as Gulf countries invest in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, data-driven services and cross-border power connections. These developments require networks that can manage changing demand, integrate new sources of generation and maintain reliable service.
In Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is investing AED7 billion in its Smart Grid Strategy through 2035. The programme includes digital technologies, automation and data-driven systems intended to improve electricity transmission and distribution efficiency, optimise load management, reduce losses and support the integration of renewable energy.dewa.gov+1
At the national level, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 envisages investment of between AED150 billion and AED200 billion by 2030. Smart grids, energy storage, digitalisation and sustainable infrastructure are among the areas expected to play a role in the country’s evolving energy system.dmcc+1
The French exhibitors at Middle East Energy include firms specialising in network measurement, surge and lightning protection, transformer safety, industrial automation, electrical distribution and backup-power technologies.
Among the participating companies are CITEL-2CP, INDELEC, SERGI Transformer Protector, Chauvin Arnoux, AOIP, Michaud Export, Enersys and Infosec UPS System. Their technologies cover areas including electrical-network monitoring, transformer protection, battery systems, chargers and power-continuity solutions.tradearabia+1
The regional focus on grid infrastructure also extends beyond individual national networks. The GCC Interconnection Authority is advancing a direct link between Oman and the GCC electricity grid, involving approximately 530 kilometres of 400kV transmission lines. The project is intended to support greater electricity exchange and enhance the resilience of the regional power network.menafn+1
The participating French companies are expected to use the Dubai event to explore partnerships and business opportunities in the UAE and wider GCC, as utilities and major infrastructure projects increasingly focus on the systems that connect power generation to homes, businesses and industrial users.
Middle East Energy 2026 opens on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre.
