MESIA was created when a group of solar pioneers came together with the aim of giving life to the vast potential for solar in the Middle East. The group was led by Vahid Fotuhi from BP Solar and Prof. Georgeta Vidican from Masdar Institute. After a hugely successful launch event on November 23, 2009, the group established a steering committee made up of the key players in the local solar market.
These players went on to become the Founding Members of MESIA and they included: ABB, Alsa Solar Systems, Amonix, Apricum, Bird & Bird, BP Solar, Chadbourne & Parke, Enviromena, First Solar, Masdar, Power-One,
Schott Solar, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Standard & Chartered Bank, Sunpower, Taylor Wessing, Viessmann, Vinson & Elkins. Along the way, the group experienced many technical, financial and operational challenges as such an initiative had never been undertaken in the MENA region. But the team remained true to their passion for solar and pressed ahead.
Thanks to their hard work and perseverance, the Founding Members successfully instilled roots of what would emerge as the largest and most respected solar association in the MENA region.
Key Milestones
| Nov 23 2009 | Inaugural Emirates Solar Industry Workshop held at Raha Beach hotel in Abu Dhabi, hosted by BP Solar and the Masdar Institute |
| Jan 7 2010 | First MESIA Steering Committee meeting, held at Masdar |
| May 31 2010 | MESIA logo created (Designer: Bashar Muhtadi) |
| June 22 2010 | EmiratesSolar.com domain name acquired |
| Sept 6 2010 | RAK license acquired, bank account established |
| Jan 7 2011 | First official event organized; a Breakfast Briefing at the Crown Plaza hotel on Yas Island |
| Jan 14 2012 | First MESIA publication launched in partnership with PwC, receiving huge media exposure |
| Mar 26 2012 | First AGM held, resulting in the election of the first MESIA Board of Directors |
| Jan 11 2013 | MESIA wins its first trophy, awarded by DEWA in recognition for MESIA’s work to promote solar |
| May 21 2013 | MESIA licensed by CDA in Dubai to operate as a not for profit trade association |
| June 16 2013 | MESIA reaches 100 members, growing by 40% in just over a year |