Dubai Spotlighting the Future of Trenchless Technology at ITEC MENA
Dubai is gearing up to become the focal point for underground infrastructure innovation as it welcomes the 2nd International Trenchless Exhibition & Conference MENA (ITEC MENA 2025) from 22–23 October at the Conrad Dubai.
Organised by GM Events, the conference will unite more than 250 senior stakeholders, including government officials, contractors, engineers, and technology providers from across the Middle East and North Africa.
This year’s edition will shine a light on the region’s growing reliance on trenchless and no-dig solutions to support sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Representatives from Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Municipality in Qatar, the Ministry of Transport in Doha, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH), and the Kuwait Oil Company are among the distinguished attendees expected to participate.
Leading Experts Take the Stage
The two-day conference promises a dynamic mix of keynote sessions, technical presentations, and expert panels. A line-up of influential voices from across the Gulf will discuss how trenchless methods are driving smarter, greener, and more efficient construction practices.
Confirmed speakers include Dr. Tamer Al Hafez, Tunnels Projects Construction Specialist at Dubai Municipality; Hossam Samir Ibrahim, Senior Urban and Regional Planning Advisor at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality; Hasan Sarwar, Project Manager at the Ministry of Transport, Qatar; and Mohamed Ghazy, Project Director of Storm Water Study and Design Projects at MOMAH, Saudi Arabia. They will be joined by Faisal Aljihayem, Senior Planning Engineer at Kuwait Oil Company.
Together, they’ll explore the adoption of trenchless technologies in government-led projects, highlighting how innovation is helping nations meet sustainability objectives and urban expansion goals. The event aims to foster collaboration and inspire cross-border cooperation on advancing modern underground infrastructure systems.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Construction
Across the GCC, the drive toward sustainable development has accelerated, with governments investing heavily in water, wastewater, and utility networks. Traditional open-cut excavation methods are increasingly being replaced by trenchless construction due to its efficiency and environmental benefits.
No-dig technology, which includes techniques such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), microtunnelling, and pipe rehabilitation, offers several advantages:
- Reduced surface disruption, preserving traffic flow and urban life
- Faster project timelines, cutting down delays by up to 40%
- Lower carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact
- Enhanced safety for workers and surrounding communities
Trenchless methods are particularly valuable in densely populated cities like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, where maintaining daily operations during infrastructure upgrades is crucial. As urbanisation accelerates, these technologies are becoming the backbone of sustainable infrastructure strategies.
Exploring Digital and Technical Innovation
ITEC MENA 2025 isn’t just about machinery, it’s about mindset. The conference will explore how artificial intelligence, geotechnical innovation, and smart surveying tools are reshaping the planning and execution of underground utilities.
Digital asset management, for instance, is helping municipalities track underground networks with precision, preventing costly errors during future works. AI-driven mapping and real-time geotechnical monitoring are enhancing safety, accuracy, and long-term asset performance.
These topics will take centre stage across the technical sessions, reflecting the industry’s shift toward smarter, data-driven infrastructure design.
Global Brands Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology
The exhibition floor will be buzzing with innovation, featuring over ten leading international companies unveiling their latest trenchless solutions. Among the confirmed exhibitors and partners are Rockpecker, TCC (Tamimi), Joseph Gallagher, Bekaert, Saertex Multicom, NRP International Contracting LLC, Apollo Techno International/Elgin, Star Drilling Fluids Trading LLC, CREG, and XCMG.
Attendees can expect live demonstrations of next-generation trenchless machinery, digital inspection systems, and advanced rehabilitation equipment designed to extend the lifespan of critical underground assets.
From compact drilling rigs to fibre-reinforced pipe technologies, these innovations aim to boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and deliver long-term value for cities investing in modern utility networks.
Strengthening Regional Infrastructure Resilience
According to the organisers, “ITEC MENA 2025 will be a key platform for regional authorities, municipalities, and industry leaders to collaborate and accelerate the adoption of trenchless solutions. By showcasing best practices and next-generation technologies, the event will help strengthen the region’s infrastructure resilience and sustainability efforts.”
This focus on resilience couldn’t come at a better time. With the Middle East facing mounting challenges from rapid population growth, urban expansion, and climate pressures, trenchless technologies offer a practical pathway to balance progress with preservation.
A Hub for Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Dubai, a city known for pioneering urban transformation, provides the ideal setting for this gathering. The city’s commitment to digital infrastructure and sustainable urban development has positioned it as a global hub for innovation.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into case studies from across the MENA region, exploring how municipalities and private contractors are implementing no-dig techniques to modernise existing networks while mitigating disruption.
The event also encourages young engineers, academics, and innovators to engage with industry veterans, fostering knowledge transfer and driving the next generation of trenchless pioneers.
Why Attendees Shouldn’t Miss ITEC MENA 2025
Beyond the technical sessions, ITEC MENA 2025 offers invaluable networking opportunities. Delegates can connect directly with decision-makers shaping the future of urban infrastructure. Whether seeking partnerships, investment opportunities, or the latest trenchless technologies, the event provides a vibrant platform for professional growth.
Key takeaways for attendees include:
- Access to regional infrastructure project insights
- Exposure to cutting-edge trenchless and digital innovations
- Opportunities for business development and partnerships
- A first-hand look at the newest global trends in underground construction
For those passionate about sustainable engineering and infrastructure innovation, this is an unmissable event.
Building a Sustainable Tomorrow
As cities evolve to meet 21st-century demands, the adoption of trenchless technology represents more than just progress, it signifies responsibility. By reducing disruption, protecting the environment, and extending infrastructure lifespan, no-dig solutions are shaping a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient future for the region.
Dubai’s hosting of ITEC MENA 2025 underscores its leadership in advancing global engineering dialogue and its vision for sustainable urban growth. As the event kicks off tomorrow, it promises to deliver inspiration, collaboration, and a roadmap toward a more resilient future for underground infrastructure.
