TRENCHLESS MIDDLE EAST 2015 Has Record-Setting Event in Dubai

The ninth in the TRENCHLESS MIDDLE EAST (TME) series, held in Dubai March 9-10, presented the biggest event in its history, with a comprehensive range of trenchless technology products showcased by companies from 17 countries.

Joining those based in the UAE were companies from Australia, China, India, Singapore and the United States.  Europe was also strongly represented with participants from the United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, in addition to several organizations featured in the German Society for Trenchless Technology (GSTT) hosted ‘Made in Germany’ Pavilion.

The Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Co. (ADSSC) joined the event as Platinum Sponsors, hosting a display to update visitors on its major infrastructure rehabilitation program being delivered in one of the busiest areas of Abu Dhabi – The Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Program (STEP).  ADSSC also presented a paper in the conference program, describing the challenges and solutions encountered with groundwater problems.

Long-term supporters of the TME series, Saudi Arabia based International Aramoon Corp. (IAC), also Platinum Sponsors, were promoting its expansion into the UAE to offer its well established reputation and expertise in inspection, condition assessment and trenchless rehabilitation projects.

The two-day conference program held alongside the exhibition was strongly supported by some 300 engineers wishing to get up-to-date on the latest innovations.  Opening the program was Wim Elzink of Wavin Overseas from the Netherlands, who gave a keynote presentation on pipeline rehabilitation covering a general overview on design, technologies and quality assurance.

The Conference was chaired by past ISTT chairman Dr. Dec Downey and the program presented a mix of technical and case study papers covering a range of projects undertaken around the world.  The first day of the program focused on rehabilitation, reflecting a growing level of activity in the region, while day two presented techniques for new installation, as well as innovations including technology for surveying underground utilities.  During the conference, the speakers were engaged in detailed discussion with many of the delegates whose interest clearly demonstrated the demand for updated information and education on trenchless technology.

New for this year’s TME was the extended outdoor area, which gave visitors the opportunity to see a wider range of equipment including large machinery.  Among those taking advantage of the new display area was Platinum Sponsor, Vermeer Middle East, which enhanced its indoor display by adding products to the outdoor area to create an impressive display of HDD machines, as well as a comprehensive range of products widely used for a range of trenchless projects.

Commenting on this year’s event, Paul Harwood, director of show organizer Westrade Group, said: “TME has been a very successful series since its inception, but this year we were proud to present the biggest event in its history, including a greater number of international exhibitors.  The vendors’ displays were outstanding and the personnel were of the highest caliber, providing a wealth of knowledgeable information to visitors looking for ideas and solutions for trenchless projects.”

TRENCHLESS MIDDLE EAST is scheduled to return to the Jumeirah Beach Conference & Exhibition Centre in March 2017.  Organizers have also announced its intention to hold the first Trenchless Awards for Excellence in conjunction with TME 2017.

TRENCHLESS MIDDLE EAST is organized by U.K.-based Westrade Group Ltd., which have been organizing NO-DIG and TRENCHLESS events in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Far East since the very first No-Dig held in 1985.