CEM Middle East 2025 – a landmark event for air quality and emissions monitoring

As CEM Middle East draws to a close, IET reflects on what a huge success its latest exhibition was.

From 8-10 April 2024, Bahrain played host to the CEM Middle East Conference and Exhibition - an event that brought together the brightest minds, leading companies, and key decision-makers in the field of continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS) and air quality measurement.

Held as part of ILM Exhibitions’ long-running CEM series, this event marked a significant milestone as the first Middle East edition.

It brought together an impressive range of participants from across the GCC and beyond.

“CEM Middle East is part of a global series that began in 1997,” explained Marcus Pattison, Managing Director of ILM Exhibitions.

“To date, we’ve organised over 30 CEM events across the UK, Europe, India - and now, the Middle East.

"The Bahrain edition went extremely well, with far more visitors than we anticipated.”

"Truly memorable"

The conference welcomed attendees from key regional industries including petrochemicals, aluminium, cement, and manufacturing.

High-level representatives from Aramco, BAPCO, and regional environmental regulators from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain were in attendance, underscoring the event’s regional importance.

A highlight of the exhibition was the official opening by H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, who arrived with over 30 VIP guests from across industry and government.

“Meeting Dr. Daina was truly memorable,” said Marcus.

“His support, along with that of Reema Mohamed Saleh from the Ministry of Environment, was instrumental in making the event a success.”

Invaluable opportunities

The atmosphere was buzzing with interaction, collaboration, and learning.

Attendees praised the opportunity to connect in person with experts and peers.

“It is very interactive,” one visitor remarked.

“CEM is a good event because it brings industry leaders, technology providers, and environmental experts under one roof,” said another.

“The sessions are insightful, the organisation is top-notch, and the opportunities for collaboration are invaluable.”

"Exceeded expectations"

Several attendees noted the value of gaining a better understanding of regional regulatory needs.

“CEM Middle East was a valuable event. It provided insight into the environmental needs and priorities of countries in the region,” one participant commented.

CEM Middle East featured a packed programme of technical sessions.

Discussions ranged from regulatory updates to advanced monitoring technologies and smart emissions reporting tools.

The balance between conference and exhibition was widely appreciated.

“The three-day format was well-balanced, allowing for insightful conferences, meaningful networking, and time to explore innovative solutions,” said a first-time attendee.

“It exceeded expectations.”

Common language

Exhibitors were equally enthusiastic, with many highlighting the event’s tightly focused audience and productive networking.

“CEM Middle East is a good event because everybody speaks the same 'language',” noted one exhibitor.

“It was an excellent opportunity to connect with the global emissions monitoring community. Including regulatory authorities and end-users from across the Gulf region and beyond.”

Another exhibitor noted: “It was a positive surprise for us.

"Beyond CEMS, the focus on air monitoring applications brought extremely good quality leads to our booth.”

Others appreciated the regional reach: “It covered and attracted all GCC traders and clients,” and “We met both existing and potential partners and customers. It was a great platform for strengthening our network.”

CEM's future

According to Marcus Pattison, the strong interest and participation in Bahrain have set the tone for the future of the series.

“The next CEM event will be our flagship international meeting in Slovenia this September.

"It’s already shaping up to be our biggest yet,” he shared.

“Then we’re heading to India again in March for the fourth CEM India. Followed by our first-ever CEM Asia in Malaysia.”

Reflecting on the show’s success, Marcus added: “There’s so much happening in air quality and emissions monitoring.

"We’re always looking for new topics to feature in future CEM events.

"If anyone has suggestions or wants to get involved, we’re all ears.”

In the words of one attendee: “All professionals and stakeholders in AQMS should attend this event.

"It provides exposure to new ideas, market trends, and emerging technologies to tackle environmental challenges.”

With such clear value on offer, CEM Middle East has secured its place as a must-attend fixture for environmental professionals across the region.

To find out more and book onto CEM Middle East, visit www.ilmexhibitions.com/cem-middleeast.