Time Is Ticking As Mena Region Gears Up For Trenchless Middle East

If it’s not already in your diary, then be sure to mark down 18^th-19^th February 2019, as the exclusive Jumeirah Beach Conference and Exhibition Centre in Dubai provides the backdrop for the 11^th bi-annual Trenchless Middle East exhibition, the must-attend event solely focused on trenchless technology (NDRC) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.

With large-scale infrastructure plans announced from municipalities and authorities such as DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) and developers including Dubai Holdings (Global Investment Holdings Company), Nakheel and Emaar, the use of trenchless technology continues at pace across the Middle East.  Dubai’s recent launch of a new five-year plan for the emirate’s transport industry, cemented its reputation in the Middle East as a major investor in infrastructure.  Between 2014 and 2016, the RTA launched a staggering 29 initiatives under the government’s Smart City project, the goal of which is to turn Dubai into a global centre for the use of innovation and technology in urban planning.  In addition, the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB) for electricity and water in Dubai, has revealed that Dubai’s cumulative investment in the energy efficiency market increased to an impressive AED 500 million in 2017.  

Going forward, DEWA has announced it’s set to award contracts worth $3.1 billion over the next three years as contractors will be brought on board for the construction of 91 new substations in Dubai emirate.  In a statement released by the utilities’ provider, it said that these new contracts are part of DEWA’s efforts to support and upgrade the capacity and efficiency of the electricity transmission networks.  

Dubai itself continues to back some of the most ambitious projects in the world, perhaps most excitingly, the Hyperloop which will carry passengers on the 87-mile trip to Abu Dhabi in just 12 minutes.  The government also recently approved $354 million on the development of rain and groundwater drainage systems for the districts around the Al Maktoum International Airport, Expo 2020 and other nearby urban centres.  Dubai Municipality likewise awarded to Parsons Overseas Ltd. (USA), the contract for consultancy and supervision of the AED 12.5 billion, Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnel Project.  

Now most certainly seems to be the time to be showcasing your innovations in this region, so look to secure one of the few remaining stands at Trenchless Middle East 2019 at the earliest opportunity.

Whilst exact details of the conference programme remain tightly under wraps, speakers already announced include the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA).  The roll-call of prestigious sponsors secured by event organisers Westrade has also been confirmed as:  Herrenknecht, Vermeer, Digital Control Incorporated (DCI), International Aramoon Corporation (IAC) and International Drilling Services (IDS).

Trenchless Middle East follows recent highly successful events in UK, South Africa and Asia as the Westrade Group develops its rapidly-expanding No Dig portfolio.