3rd Arabian tunnelling conference returning to Dubai in november
Mega projects linked to Expo 2020, metro projects in GCC countries and other infrastructure developments are creating enormous opportunities for tunnelling and underground space industry professionals. The GCC is now witnessing an overall improvement and rapid development that has created the need for professionals to gather and discuss the challenges and opportunities for the industry. Over 600 participants with a cross section of government, municipalities, consultants, contractor and suppliers will gather in Dubai from 23-25 November for the 3rd Arabian Tunnelling Conference (ATC15).
The UAE is investing heavily in vital aspects of its infrastructure such as development of airports, transportation systems (rail, road networks, metros), and utility systems (deep sewer tunnels, utility tunnels, etc). The construction sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP alone has increased 0.3% y-o-y in 2014, accounting for 5.7%. The UAE's governments, both federal and local, are investing roughly Dh213 billion (US$58 billion) on roads and bridges alone, including projects under way and in the planning stage. Furthermore, as per Alpen Capital's report, the overall construction industry growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.3% from US$ 91.5 billion in 2013 to reach US$ 126.2 billion in 2016.
Maged Hanna, the General Manager of Society of Engineers-UAE, the organiser of the 3rd edition of the conference, said that more than thirty key experts and professionals from various fields within the tunnelling sector will discuss key topics on design and planning of underground spaces, security and safety standards, maintenance of tunnels, risk assessment and more. We have seen an increase in number of attendance from the previous editions of ATC and now that UAE is becoming a hot spot for tunnel construction, we are expecting even more attendees from around the globe. He further added that international speakers and experts will also share case studies of international projects to enhance the knowledge and encourage cooperation among the audience.
Steen Jakobsen, Director for Dubai Business Events - the Official Convention Bureau (DBE) said: "We are delighted to welcome the Arabian Tunneling Conference and Exhibition and we are very much looking forward to showcasing this remarkable city to the delegates who will be attending this event in November 2015. Dubai's hosting of this important and highly anticipated industry event is testament to the efforts being made by tourism stakeholders to position the emirate as a premier destination for business and leisure travel. Conferences of this nature are facilitators of the knowledge economy and help position Dubai as a global hub for knowledge exchange."
To further enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among delegates, registered participants will visit key development sites in Dubai and a special forum has been organised for young engineers to learn and network with industry experts. The three-day event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai in November and for registration, please visit the website at www.atcita.com.

Dubai - UAE, 20 October 2015
Link:https://www.zawya.com/story/3rd_Arabian_tunnelling_conference_returning_to_Dubai_in_november-ZAWYA20151020133402/