The second edition of Arabian Tunnelling Conference (ATC) and Exhibition, featuring government and private entities related to tunnelling industry from across the globe, is currently under way in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The three-day event, organised by the Society of Engineers – UAE and in partnership with International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, was inaugurated by Essa Al Maidoor, director general of Dubai Health Authority and president of Society of Engineers – UAE, concludes today (December 10) at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

Al Maidoor said: “Etihad Rail, formerly known as Union Railway, was established to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE’s national freight and passenger railway network. The 1,200-km railway network will be built in three stages to link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, as well as to form a vital part of the wider GCC railway network that will connect the UAE with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.”

“Tunnel projects are considered a long-term investment for the continuous growth and prosperity of our country.

“The UAE has the latest transportation system and range of tunnelling projects that runs in the region, among them are the Sheikh Zayed Tunnel in Abu Dhabi Street, the longest tunnel in the Middle East which runs for 3.6 km, including a 2.4 km covered section,” he added.

Soren Eskesen, president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, said: 
“The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association partnered with the Society of Engineers – UAE to witness the unprecedented growth in the field of infrastructure, and enable international experts and specialists in the field of engineering projects to benefit from the experience gained by the United Arab Emirates and  exchange experiences and information with the engineering profession.”

Olivier Vion, executive director of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, said: “The joint partnership with the Society of Engineers – UAE in organising the Arabian Tunnelling Conference aims to develop the tunnelling industry on a global level through the convergence of specialists and experts in the field.”

“The first day of the ATC conference has delivered an important opportunity for lectures and scientific research provided by the government and private sector in the UAE and across the globe. We are also looking forward to benefiting from Abu Dhabi’s experience in the field of tunnel projects as they have the two of the biggest tunnel projects, the Sheikh Zayed tunnel and the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP),” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service