Pioneering Saudi Arabia’s Infrastructure Revolution at ITEC 2025
The buzz around trenchless technology reached new heights as ITEC 2025 kicked off at the Jeddah Hilton, drawing a powerhouse assembly of senior officials, tech innovators, and infrastructure heavyweights. More than just a conference, this year’s International Trenchless Exhibition & Conference is a bold statement about where Saudi Arabia is heading: underground, smartly and sustainably.
In a country rapidly evolving under Vision 2030, the demand for robust, low-impact construction methods has never been greater. That’s where trenchless technology enters the fray. No longer a niche discipline, it’s now a cornerstone of modern infrastructure strategies across the Kingdom, helping cities expand while keeping their streets—and daily life—intact.
Leading Voices Champion the Trenchless Cause
Opening the conference, Dr Ahmed Stifi, Chairperson and Managing Director at Acumen Consulting GmbH, didn’t mince words: “Trenchless technologies are not just an option; they are a necessity for infrastructure resilience and sustainability.” His message resonated deeply, especially against the backdrop of urban megaprojects sprouting across Saudi Arabia.
Following up, Mr Keh Jian Shou, Chairman of the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT), elaborated on global advances. “No-Dig methods are redefining underground construction by reducing costs, improving timelines, and preserving urban ecosystems,” he explained. “Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of becoming a leader in this space.”
From Pipe Jacking to Smart Drills
The exhibition floor offered a deep dive into the latest tools and systems propelling trenchless innovation forward.
- Tamimi Group (TCC) showcased its extensive tunnelling expertise, particularly in mega-projects that require meticulous planning beneath congested cities.
- Amiantit rolled out its new generation of fiberglass pipes tailored for micro-tunnelling. Lightweight yet tough, these pipes bring corrosion resistance and installation efficiency in spades.
- ATS delivered a peek into their precision monitoring technologies. Think real-time data, predictive analytics, and safety-enhancing systems that make risky digs less daunting.
- Underground Magnetics impressed with its high-accuracy locating systems. In a city teeming with cables and utilities, precision is everything.
- Herrenknecht AG pulled attention with its world-renowned micro-tunnelling and pipe-jacking machinery. These systems are already playing a key role in major Vision 2030 projects, particularly those focused on building smart, resilient cities.
Meanwhile, Elgin and Apollo revealed new tunnelling support gear that promises reduced emissions and better energy efficiency, meeting both environmental standards and economic expectations.
Global Players, Local Relevance
The exhibition wasn’t short of international muscle either. Names like Vermeer Middle East, Palmieri Group, GeoHarbour, NRP International, and Yangzhou Dilong Machinery added depth to the event with their advanced drilling rigs, shaft sinking systems, and geotechnical stabilisation tools. Each is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible beneath Saudi soil.
These technologies aren’t merely imported solutions. They’re being adapted, optimised, and fine-tuned to handle the Kingdom’s distinctive soil profiles, seismic conditions, and climate considerations.
Policy Meets Practice
A notable highlight of the day was the panel discussion led by Mohamed Ghazy from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. His message was clear: trenchless is not a trend—it’s the future.
“Trenchless solutions are vital for enabling infrastructure growth while maintaining the integrity of urban environments and promoting smart city development,” said Ghazy. His comments underscore the government’s proactive stance on integrating non-disruptive methods across municipal and mega-infrastructure projects alike.
This alignment between policy and technology is precisely what’s needed to fast-track Vision 2030 objectives. With projects like NEOM and The Line demanding sophisticated and sustainable engineering, trenchless methods are now central to the Kingdom’s infrastructure playbook.
Technical Deep Dives and Future Forecasts
The day wrapped up with technical sessions spotlighting breakthrough techniques in tunnel jacking and the application of fiberglass piping systems in high-stress environments. These discussions revealed just how far trenchless technology has come—and where it’s headed next.
Topics explored included:
- Lifecycle analysis of trenchless vs open-cut methods
- Digital twin integration in underground infrastructure projects
- Automation in pipe jacking processes
- Sustainability metrics for HDD and micro-tunnelling
Each presentation reinforced the broader theme of innovation paired with practicality. Experts agreed: trenchless is no longer about solving short-term problems, but enabling long-term value.
A Strategic Launchpad
ITEC 2025 isn’t just another item on the event calendar. It’s a strategic pivot point for Saudi Arabia’s construction and infrastructure community. The conversations taking place in Jeddah this week are likely to echo across boardrooms, ministries, and project sites for years to come.
The event continues tomorrow with more business matchmaking, technical demonstrations, and cross-border knowledge sharing. As the Kingdom builds up—and down—towards its Vision 2030 goals, trenchless technologies are poised to form the invisible backbone of progress.
From less disruption to more precision, and from lower carbon to smarter cities—this isn’t just underground work. It’s groundwork for the future.
