The International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC) UAE 2024, held on October 30-31, will address the UAE’s construction issues, with global experts presenting new solutions for sustainable, resilient infrastructure in difficult desert circumstances.

With the UAE’s building business valued at USD 640 billion and the entire GCC region accounting for USD 2.7 trillion in projects, the desert nations’ expanding construction sector necessitates considerable geotechnical construction services. Against this context, Dubai will host the International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC) UAE on October 30-31, 2024, at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.

This strategic event is part of the IGIC series of events, with the first edition held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 6-7, 2024. The second edition, held in Dubai on October 30-31, 2024, aims to assist the industry in achieving its ambitious projects by addressing unique challenges such as arid desert soil, high salinity, expansive clays, extreme heat, and seismic activity, highlighting the need for innovative geotechnical solutions. IGIC UAE will bring together project owners, contractors, consultants, and leading experts to discuss best practices and cutting-edge solutions that are critical for meeting these problems.

Fugro, a global pioneer in geodata services, serves as the conference’s Official Geotechnical Partner. Key topics will include advanced ground engineering approaches, ground improvement strategies, pile design optimisation, and cutting-edge technologies for sustainable construction methods. In addition, the conference will look at sustainable and green construction approaches and resilient infrastructure in the face of changing climate and weather patterns.

Distinguished speakers at the conference include:

• Prof. Dr.-Ing Rolf Katzenbach, Professor at the Technical University of Darmstadt
• Prof. Dr. Lyesse Lalaoui, Full Professor at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
• Prof. Dr. Rod Eddies, Solution Director Land Site Characterization at Fugro
• Dr. Ala Sainak, Geotechnical Lead at ADNOC (PMC SNC-Lavalin)
• Imraan Motara, Head of Ground Engineering at WSP

The conference will also include an international exhibition displaying cutting-edge geotechnical engineering technology and equipment, such as ground improvement solutions, geosynthetics, and remote sensing. Leading exhibitors include Fugro, Expander Body International, Beijing Hengxiang Hongye Soil and Foundation Improvement Technology, and Bauer Maschinen GmbH, among others.

On the second day of IGIC UAE, Prof. Dr. Lyesse Lalaoui, Full Professor at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), will lead an exclusive workshop on the unique subject of “Energy Geostructures and Infrastructure”.

IGIC UAE provides a unique chance to network with important stakeholders in underground infrastructure and deep foundation construction, as well as get vital insights into industry best practices and cutting-edge innovations.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.igicuae.com.