Driving Excellence in Underground Infrastructure Across the MENA
- 4 - 5 May 2026
- Dubai, UAE
2025 Supporting Partners
Event Overview
With the MENA region being home to some of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure and real estate projects, the Deep Foundations and Underground Infrastructure MENA Conference (DFUI 2025) held from 4-5 May 2026, in Dubai attracted a diverse group of delegates and industry-leading experts for two days of impactful dialogue and innovation.
DFUI 2025 provided a vital platform to address the region’s unique geotechnical challenges, including varied soil conditions, elevated groundwater levels, and harsh climatic influences. The conference centered on optimizing the design and construction of deep foundations, ground improvement, tunnelling, and underground infrastructure to deliver safe, cost-effective, and sustainable projects.
Featuring keynote presentations, case studies, and panel discussions, DFUI 2025 brought together project owners, consultants, contractors, and policymakers to exchange practical insights and encourage collaboration. The exhibition showcased leading companies presenting state-of-the-art products and innovative solutions, advancing the region’s underground infrastructure.
Serving as an essential hub for knowledge exchange, strategic networking, and public-private collaborations, DFUI 2025 fostered meaningful dialogue and partnerships aimed at overcoming the region’s distinct geotechnical challenges and driving innovation in deep foundations and subterranean construction.
Event in numbers
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Advisory Board & Speakers
Prof. Ghanim Kashwani
President
UAE Society of Engineers SOE-GMEC
Finlay Leibrick
Practice Director, Ground Engineering MEA
AECOM
Karim Khalaf
Geotechnical Consulting Manager
FUGRO
Dr. Marwan Alzaylaie
Senior Manager-Geotechnical Engineering,
Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
Dr. Mona Abd Alghaffar
Director & Global Principal of Geotechnical Engineering
Jacobs
Christophe Mary-Rispal
Geotechnical Expert
BESIX
Esraa Daoud
Regional Head for Geotechnical Engineering
AtkinsRealis
Dino Sarac
Geotechnical Manager
Bechtel
Dr. Georgios Katsigiannis
Geotechnics & Tunnels Lead
Surbana Consultants Pte. Ltd.
Imraan Motara
Head of Ground Engineering Senior Technical Director Middle East
WSP
Dr. Italo Nesti
Senior Expert for Soil and Rock Mechanics
Italengineering Middle East / Studio Geotecnico Nesti
Megaprojects Categories in Discussion
Tall buildings & skyscrapers
Transportation Infrastructure
- Roads & Rails
- Bridges & Highways
Underground and deep excavation projects
- Underground pipeline network for oil, gas, water and sewage
- Underground infrastructure for telecommunications
- Tunnels & Subways
Coastal infrastructure development
- Land-reclamation projects
- Man-made islands
Energy infrastructure development
- Mine development
- Dam construction
Testimonials
“The conference was an outstanding platform to discuss the vital role of underground foundations and infrastructure in the built environment. The diverse international participation underscores the importance of these topics on a global scale. It was truly a rewarding experience to engage with professionals from different parts of the world, and we are excited to host (thea next) second edition in the near future.”
Prof. Ghanim KashwaniPresident, UAE Society of Engineers (SOE-GMEC) 
“DFUI 2025 highlighted the critical role geotechnical engineering plays in shaping infrastructure and building projects, particularly in our built environment. The conference facilitated important discussions on achieving safe, value-engineered designs while promoting green construction practices. I am honored to have been part of this insightful and impactful event.”
Dr. Marwan AlzaylaieSenior Manager-Geotechnical Engineering, Dubai Development Authority (DDA) 
“Attending DFUI 2025 has been very exciting and informative. The sessions, especially relevant to our sewerage tunnel programs, provided valuable insights for my team and me. It's encouraging to see such strong industry involvement, which will greatly support our deep tunnel sewerage system projects moving forward.”
IGIC 2024 proved to be a hub for suppliers, clients, and collaborators. With attendance surpassing 500, and expectations for growth in future editions, IGIC firmly stands as the premier international geotechnical event, keeping the Gulf and MENA region's geotechnical community thoroughly interconnected and advancing.”
Dr. Jayapregasham Tharamapalan Project Director (Tunnels) Sewerage & Recycled Water Projects Department, Dubai Municipality 
“While the attendance was extraordinary, the questions were very accurate, spot on. The topics covered were all very interesting, and it was a delightful day. Yes, we've learned a lot, we've shared a lot, we've met a lot, and it was a great day.”
Karim KhalafGeotechnical Consulting Manager, Fugro 
“The conference showcased significant advancements and innovative ideas in geotechnical engineering. The organization was impeccable, providing a seamless platform for knowledge exchange. Participating in DFUI 2025 was a rewarding experience. I thank the organizers for their dedication and effort in making this event a success.”
Dr. Mona Abd AlghaffarDirector & Global Principal of Geotechnical Engineering, Jacobs 
“I found DFUI 2025 extremely valuable for engineers of all generations. It fosters knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and guidance from seasoned professionals to the younger generation, helping prepare them for future challenges. The event was very successful, and I’m thankful to the organizers for the opportunity to participate in this important conference.”
Ilias K. MichalisSenior Geotechnical and Tunnel Consultant, INFRA Design & Consulting Engineers CO / SALFO S.A. 
“The event was very well organized, with strong attendance and smooth operations. It’s great to see people learning about Dubai’s underground projects, soil behaviour, and infrastructure development.”
Dr. Tamer Al HafezSenior Specialist in Drainage projects, Dubai Municipality 
“As a Business Manager at Jianhua Holdings Group, one of China’s largest precast pile manufacturers, I found the conference very well organized and highly valuable. It provided great exposure to the latest innovations and practical insights in deep foundations and underground infrastructure."
Billy Zhu Business Manager, Jianhua Holdings Group 
“The common challenges faced across projects reveal opportunities to disrupt and improve practices in the Middle East. DFUI 2025 was an outstanding event, highlighting the growing interest in managing geotechnical risks and leveraging new technologies. Kudos to the organizers for a well-attended, collaborative forum. We look forward to more events like this in the future.”
Dr. Georgios KatsigiannisGeotechnics & Tunnels Lead, Surbana Consultants Pte. Ltd. 
“DFUI 2025 was an informative and well-organized event bringing together a diverse cross-section of the geotechnical industry, including consultants, contractors, developers, clients, and authorities. The focus on site-specific seismic studies, such as PSHA and SRA, highlighted the critical need to move beyond traditional codes and literature to achieve more accurate and efficient designs. The depth of expertise and valuable perspectives shared have greatly enriched my professional practice.”
Dr. Imran DurraniProject Director & Principal Geotechnical Engineer, ATM - Geosyntec Group 
“Participating in DFUI 2025 has been an excellent opportunity to engage with clients, suppliers, and industry peers, explore new technologies, and witness the trajectory of the geotechnical sector in a region undertaking some of the most challenging projects globally. We look forward to continuing our involvement in future events.”
Izzat KatkhudaCo-Chief Executive Officer, Arab Center for Engineering Studies 
“It's a pleasure to represent BAUER Maschinen GmbH at DFUI for the second year. year in a row. The event has been a fantastic platform with inspiring industry speakers, showcasing the latest technologies and developments. The participation and turnout have been truly impressive, highlighting the value of such events and gatherings, we look forward to an even stronger presence in 2026.”
Nadine Kassab Sales Officer, BAUER Equipment Gulf 
“Garware Technical Fibers Limited had a very positive debut at DFUI 2025. As a first-time exhibitor, we engaged with a focused and professional audience interested in our geosynthetic solutions. We eagerly anticipate returning next year to build on these connections.”
Pawan MantriGeneral Manger- International Business, Garware Technical Fibers Limited 
“This conference provided an excellent platform to engage with consultants, developers, and suppliers, and we look forward to fostering further collaborations in the future.”
Ahed KharbtliBusiness Development Manager, Keller Grundbau GmbH 
The exhibition provided valuable opportunities to engage with key clients. Collaborating with our Dutch and French principals onsite enriched the experience. We sincerely thank all partners and attendees for their support and fruitful interactions.
Ahmad Jawabrah Regional Sales & Business Development Manager, PTC Middle East Construction Equipment & Machinery Trading L.L.C. 
Kemsolid experienced a highly productive DFUI 2025 event. As a leading provider of soil improvement solutions, we showcased our trench soil mixing and mass soil mixing technologies. The conference attracted numerous key decision-makers from the region, providing excellent opportunities for engagement and business development. Overall, it was a valuable and rewarding experience for our team."
Francis MorrisseySales Manager, Middle East, Kemsolid 
Sponsors
Foundation Equipment Partner
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Bronze Sponsor
Exhibitor
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Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Exhibitor
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Exhibitor
If you are interested to showcase your cutting-edge solutions and technologies for deep foundations and underground constructions, please contact us on partnerships@gmevents.ae or call +971-52 969 7209.
Conference Agenda
Innovative Soil Improvement and Foundation Solutions
- Advanced ground improvement techniques for desert, semi-arid and coastal regions
- Novel deep foundation designs for high-rise structures
- Underpinning techniques for historical and sensitive structures
- Techniques for managing problematic soils in the Gulf
- Soil foundation structure interaction
Automation and Digital Twinning in Geotechnics
- Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in geotechnical design
- Real-time simulations for excavation and retaining systems
- Digital twinning for underground constructions and tunnelling
- Benefits and challenges of adopting digital twinning in geotechnical projects
Accommodation
We’ve secured a special discounted rate at the Ritz Calton, DIFC Dubai for our event attendees. Availability is limited, so we encourage you to book early to ensure your stay.
- Exclusive Rate Details
- Rate: AED 720 per night (single occupancy)
- Includes: Buffet breakfast and all applicable taxes and fees:
- 4% Municipality Fee, 5% VAT, 6% Tourism Fee, 10% Service Charge, AED 15 Municipality Room Fee
How to Book
To reserve your room, please email the following details to nada.tawfeek@gmevents.ae
- Full Guest Name
- Room Type (Single or Double)
- Check-in Date and Time
- Check-out Date and Time
- Method of Payment (Bank Transfer or Payment Link)
- Payment link charges may apply if any.
Additional Information
- Check-in: 2:00 PM
- Check-out: 12:00 PM
- Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
- Rooms are non-refundable due to the special group rate; however, name changes are permitted up to 2 days before check-in.
Please Note: Room rates and availability are subject to change based on the hotel's occupancy. Great Minds Event is not liable for any changes in pricing or room availability.
Join as a Partner
Get exclusive one-to-one meetings with geotechnical contractors in-charge of the biggest mega projects in UAE and the rest of Middle East
Network with real-estate developers, road, rail and metro authorities, mining companies and other project owners
Find out about upcoming skyscraper-, rail-, bridges- and pipeline-projects opening tender in the Middle East region
Showcase your expertise and solutions in front of a room full of project owners, main contractors, consultants, subcontractors and other target clientele
If you are interested to showcase your cutting-edge solutions and technologies for deep foundations and underground constructions, please contact us on partnerships@gmevents.ae or call +971-52 969 7209
Registration
Online event registrations are now closed. You may purchase your ticket at the event registration counter on the 1st day of the event. Please refer to the agenda for timings.
Paid delegate passes can only be secured after the payment is processed via a credit card. Please note that only completing the registration form will not secure a delegate pass for this event. If you do not have access to a credit card and wish to register through other payment methods, or wish for a member of our team to contact you and answer your questions before completing your registration process, please send us an email at partnerships@gmevents.ae with your details and the name of the event and we will contact you as soon as received.
Once you have completed the registration and payment process, please do check your spam/junk folder in case our system generated confirmations are not delivered to your inbox.
Please note that all registrations are reviewed to ensure the correct ticket category has been selected. If an adjustment is required, a member of our team will contact you directly.
Primary Delegate
$25
- Government Authorities, Project Owners, Main Contractors, Main Consultant and Academia
Vendor Delegate
$2799
- Geotechnical Contractors, Consultants, Manufacturers of Machinery & Equipment and other Solution Providers