The future of sustainable underground space utilisation in the GCC will be among the main topics at the inaugural Arabian Tunnelling Conference and Exhibition (ATC) 2013 to be held in Dubai.

The UAE Society of Engineering (SOE-UAE), in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Under Ground Space Utilization Association (ITA), will host the first ever ITA event in the Mena region in Dubai from December 10 to11 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

Leading international experts and key stakeholders will highlight opportunities associated with the implementation of latest tunnelling technologies in the Middle East, said a top official.

"The GCC region is witnessing a high rate of growth across all major sectors accompanied with immense potential for further advancement,” remarked Essa Al Maidoor, the president of ATC 2013 and chairman of the UAE Society of Engineers.

“The above-ground environment where we work, live and play is heavily dependent on how the underground is built and sustained,” he stated.

“It is in this context that the UAE,which is at forefront of various sectors together with the country’s wide experience in leading world-class engineering projects, will play host to over 600 leading tunnelling experts who will emphasise the importance of underground projects to the overall economy of the nation,” he added.

Under the theme of ‘Sustainable Tunnelling in the GCC, Challenges and Opportunities’, the two-day conference will address challenges and explore opportunities associated with space utilisation, particularly at a time when most of the GCC and Arab countries are undertaking huge projects aimed at improving their road infrastructure and transport systems, said the organisers.

The primary objectives of the event is to encourage the development of better and cost-effective techniques for planning, geo-investigation, design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety of underground structures by using enhanced methods such as new technical developments and risk management principles, they stated.

The event will also explore the challenges faced by the GCC region in the implementation and preparation of all types of underground projects in not only transportation but also inthe energy, water and telecommunication sectors.  

"ATC 2013 is a perfect platform to bring together engineers, owners and other professionals involved in the development of underground space. These include architects, planners, authorities, economists, lawyers, insurers, financers as well asdecision and policy makers," explained Al Maidoor.

"They are valuable players in facilitating international exchanges on the developments in underground tunnellingtechnology and experience that provide real economic and social benefits," he stated.

The conference will feature technical programs and panel discussions byworld renowned speakers. It will also include an exhibition, featuring local and international organisations showcasing products and services in the field of sustainable underground space utilization.

The event is organised by professional conference organisers Meeting Minds Experts who have successfully organised several niche events across the medical and engineering amongst several other sectors. Supporting organisations are Kuwait Society of Engineers, ASTM International and Institution of Civil Engineers.

The Gold sponsors are SIKA, Mapei UTT; Silver sponsorship is by Gulf Rock Engineering Group, DFB Consultancy while over 15 companies support the Exhibition.-TradeArabia News Service