Month: October 2026

Back for Its 6th Edition, PPP MENA Forum Returns as Billions Move Into the Region’s Next Infrastructure Pipeline

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With at least AED 95 billion in announced PPP pipelines across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Forum returns as public and private sector partners move from ambition to the financing, structuring and delivery of the region’s next generation of infrastructure.

Dubai, UAE: Back for its sixth edition, the PPP MENA Forum returns to Dubai at a defining moment for public-private partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa. Across the region, ambitious development programmes are moving from vision to delivery, placing renewed focus on how infrastructure and public services can be financed, structured and operated at scale.

That shift is increasingly visible in the flow of private capital. Private investment in infrastructure across MENA reached approximately US$54 billion in 2023, up from US$19 billion a year earlier, reflecting a broader move towards models that align public-sector priorities with private-sector capital, specialist expertise and long-term delivery capability.

Nowhere is that momentum more evident than in the UAE. Dubai has identified an AED 40 billion PPP portfolio comprising 30 projects across 10 strategic sectors, including water and sewerage, transport, healthcare, waste management, smart cities, housing, culture and public amenities. Among the largest projects is the AED 25 billion Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels project, structured under a design, build, finance, operate, and maintain model.

Abu Dhabi is advancing an equally significant programme, with an AED 55 billion PPP pipeline comprising 24 infrastructure projects expected to come to market in 2026 and 2027. Together, the announced pipelines in Dubai and Abu Dhabi represent at least AED 95 billion in PPP opportunities, underscoring the scale at which private sector participation is being embedded in the UAE’s infrastructure agenda.

Against this backdrop, the 6th PPP MENA Forum 2026 will take place on 10–11 November 2026 at Palazzo Versace Dubai, bringing together the government entities shaping project pipelines and the investors, developers, lenders, contractors, operators and advisors positioned to finance and deliver them.

Held under the theme “A New Era of Opportunity: Building a Stronger, More Resilient MENA Through PPPs,” the two-day Forum will focus on the practical conditions required to move projects from policy and procurement into bankable, investable and deliverable partnerships.

The scope of PPP activity is also expanding well beyond the sectors traditionally associated with such partnerships. While transport, power, water and utilities remain central to the market, partnership models are increasingly being explored across healthcare, education, housing, real estate, logistics, sports infrastructure, culture and wider social infrastructure, reflecting the growing role of PPPs in both economic and social development.

A major focus of the Forum will be the evolution of procurement and financing models, including project preparation, risk allocation, bankability, contractual structures, and the role of innovation and digitalisation in improving how projects are assessed, procured and delivered. Regional case studies will provide practical perspectives on what it takes to move complex projects from planning and financing through to implementation.

The scale of the Forum reflects the growing breadth of the stakeholder ecosystem surrounding PPP development. More than 500 attendees are expected, including 150 government delegates, over 25 VIP dignitaries and more than 70 expert speakers, alongside 15 government partners and more than 50 sponsors and exhibitors.

The speaker and advisory line-up brings together senior PPP and infrastructure specialists from regional and international markets, including Andrew Thomas, Strategic Advisor PPP, WSP Middle East; Moustafa Fahour OAM, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Arada Capital; Nasser Massoud, Founder & Managing Director, Concept Realisation and Chair of the Social Sector PPPs Chapter at WAPPP; Nayef AlHaddad, Chairman of the WAPPP Chapter for Middle East and North Africa; Mosaab R. Alburih, Chief Public Private Partnerships Officer at Tatweer Buildings Company; and Dr. Eyup Vural Aydin, Chairman of the Istanbul PPP Center of Excellence.

Beyond policy dialogue, the 6th PPP MENA Forum is designed to facilitate direct engagement between the institutions responsible for the region’s infrastructure ambitions and the organisations capable of financing, developing and delivering them. As governments place greater emphasis on private-sector participation, the Forum will examine where new opportunities are emerging, what makes projects commercially viable, and how stronger public-private collaboration can accelerate delivery across MENA.

The 6th PPP MENA Forum 2026 will take place on 10–11 November 2026 at Palazzo Versace Dubai, UAE.

5th Digital Transformation Kuwait Conference 2026 to Accelerate Kuwait’s Journey Towards an AI-Powered Future

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Over 800 delegates and 45 industry leaders to convene to explore artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure and a new generation digital government

Kuwait City, Kuwait: As Kuwait accelerates its transition towards a knowledge-driven digital economy, the 5th Digital Transformation Kuwait Conference 2026 will bring together government leaders, policymakers, technology innovators and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence, intelligent infrastructure and emerging technologies can shape the nation’s digital future.

Scheduled for 9–10 November 2026 at Crowne Plaza Kuwait, the conference will be held under the theme “Beyond Transformation: Designing Kuwait’s Intelligent Future,” reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on moving beyond digital adoption towards intelligent, integrated and citizen-centric solutions.

In collaboration with Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), and in partnership with the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), the two-day gathering will provide a strategic platform for advancing Kuwait’s digital ambitions in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 (New Kuwait).

The conference will welcome H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al Sabah, Honorary President of the conference and Founder and Chairman of the Association of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AAIoT), who will deliver the Opening Keynote, setting the strategic direction for discussions on Kuwait’s next phase of technology-led development.

With more than 800 delegates representing over 500 organisations, the event will feature 45+ distinguished speakers, multiple solution showcases and more than 10 keynotes, panel discussions and presentations, bringing together decision-makers responsible for shaping digital transformation across government and key economic sectors.

Among the prominent speakers are Ms. Najat Hussain, Acting Director General, Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT); Eng. Manal Al-Mazyad, Vice Chairman of the Board, Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA); Dr. Ammar Alhusaini, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, IMPULSE; and Prof. Khalid Al-Begain, Founding President, Kuwait College of Science and Technology.

As artificial intelligence increasingly reshapes economies, industries and public services, the conference will examine how Kuwait can strengthen its digital capabilities through strategic investments in AI infrastructure, cloud computing, advanced data centres and secure connectivity. Cybersecurity, digital identity and digital trust will also feature prominently, reflecting the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, strengthening data governance and building confidence in an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem.

The programme will explore the evolution of intelligent government services, highlighting opportunities to improve operational efficiency, enhance public service delivery and create more seamless experiences for citizens and businesses. Smart cities and intelligent infrastructure will form another major area of discussion, with industry leaders examining how connected technologies, data-driven planning and digital innovation can support more sustainable and resilient urban development.

Beyond government transformation, the conference will address the growing application of emerging technologies across healthcare, education, banking and financial services, energy and utilities, aviation, telecommunications, logistics and transportation. Discussions will also focus on connected mobility, intelligent transportation networks and utilities digitalisation, exploring how integrated digital systems can strengthen infrastructure performance and support Kuwait’s long-term economic diversification objectives.

The conference is supported by a broad network of government entities, industry organisations and academic institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Works, Artificial Intelligence of Things Association (AAIoT), International Air Transport Association (IATA), National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait Information Technology Society, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait Technical College, Medical Liability Authority, Al Mowasat Hospital and Dar Al Shifa Hospital.

By bringing together senior government officials, CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, digital transformation leaders, technology providers and industry stakeholders, the 5th Digital Transformation Kuwait Conference aims to encourage knowledge exchange, strengthen public-private collaboration and identify practical pathways for implementing next-generation digital solutions.

Website: https://digitaltransformationkuwait.com/

The Theatre Community Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late UAE Theatre Veteran Eric Dury

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A weekend of performances of Game, Set, Match honoured the beloved actor’s legacy, with a photograph placed in the audience and one of his iconic lines brought back to life on stage.

The UAE theatre community came together over the weekend for a moving tribute to the late Eric Dury, a much-loved Dubai based actor whose remarkable talent, generosity of spirit and dedication to the performing arts left an enduring impression on audiences, fellow actors and theatre enthusiasts across the country.

During the weekend performances of Game, Set, Match at The Junction in Alserkal Avenue, Asad R Khan, The JunctionTheatre team as well as the cast honoured Eric’s memory through a series of thoughtful gestures that celebrated not only his achievements as an actor but also the warmth, humour and camaraderie he brought to the UAE’s theatre community.

In one of the most touching moments of the tribute, a photograph of Eric was placed on a seat in the theatre throughout all the performances, including while the actors were on stage. The symbolic gesture ensured that, even in his absence, Eric remained part of the audience and the theatrical experience he had loved so dearly. Each performance was dedicated to his memory, with tributes delivered before and after the show, acknowledging his contribution to the local performing arts scene and the friendships he built over the years.

Adding a particularly personal touch, the production incorporated one of Eric’s memorable lines, “academically inclined and horizontally reclined,” which he had made iconic during a previous performance of JLT. The line was delivered in a manner reminiscent of Eric’s distinctive style, bringing a familiar moment of humour and nostalgia to those who remembered his performances.

Speaking about the tribute, Asad R Khan said: “Eric was one of the finest artists the UAE has seen. He was a powerhouse of versatile talent, and apart from winning multiple awards, he won multiple hearts. He was a true gentleman who embodied humility, goodwill, and bringing people together. His loss has left a vacuum in the UAE Acting Scene, and this was our small way of bidding him farewell as an actor, a friend, a colleague, and an audience member who always gave to the space.”

Gautam Goenka, Co Founder and Artistic Director of The Junction Theatre added, “Eric was a cornerstone of the theatre community and this was the least a space like The Junction could do to honor his memory and work. He performed several times on this stage and this last weekend we wanted to acknowledge his continued presence with this dedication. The UAE theatre community stands as one remembering Eric.”

Eric was widely admired for his versatility as a performer, his natural stage presence and his ability to bring characters to life with authenticity, humour and emotional depth. Whether performing, supporting a production or simply sitting among the audience, Eric remained a passionate advocate for the performing arts and the people who brought theatre to life in the UAE. For his family, friends and fellow artists, the weekend tribute was a poignant reminder of the extraordinary connections Eric had forged in the last 26 years in the UAE.

IGIC 2026 to Put Ground Engineering at the Heart of MENA’s Mega and Giga-Project Ambitions

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3rd Annual International Geotechnical Innovation Conference brings global experts, project owners and technology leaders together to address complex ground conditions, geohazards, tunnelling, mining and AI-driven engineering

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The 3rd Annual International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC 2026) will take place on 14–15 October 2026 at Fairmont Riyadh, bringing together more than 700 delegates and leading geotechnical experts, project owners, contractors, consultants and technology providers to address the increasingly complex ground engineering requirements behind Saudi Arabia and MENA’s ambitious infrastructure, mining and giga-project developments.

As Saudi Arabia delivers major urban, transport, tourism, mining and infrastructure programmes across highly varied ground conditions, geotechnical engineering is becoming increasingly critical to safe, resilient and timely project delivery. Projects across the region must contend with hard and fractured rock, karst formations, sabkha and weak soils, groundwater pressures, geohazards and extreme climatic conditions.

IGIC 2026 is expected to attract 700-plus delegates, more than 45 speakers, 60-plus sponsors and over 15 institutional partners from more than 40 countries, with over 25 sessions focused on the technical and execution challenges shaping the future of ground engineering.

“With Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East witnessing unprecedented investment in giga-projects, urban development and resilient infrastructure, innovation in areas such as ground improvement, automation, AI and sustainable geotechnics is more important than ever. Through continued collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can reduce project risks, strengthen industry best practices and help build safer, smarter and more sustainable foundations for the region’s future,” said Dr. Marwan Alzaylaie, Senior Manager, Geotechnical Engineering at Dubai Development Authority, UAE.

The conference will focus strongly on practical project delivery, examining how improved ground information, buildable design, specialist construction methods, verification and timely engineering decisions can reduce uncertainty while improving safety, schedule certainty and long-term asset performance.

Discussions will span the geotechnical requirements of skyscrapers and megacities, bridges and highways, road and rail infrastructure, deep excavations, tunnels, subways and underground utility networks. Key themes will include ground improvement at scale, tunnelling and trenchless technologies, rock mechanics, mining-related ground risk, groundwater management and proactive geohazard mitigation.

With Saudi Arabia continuing to develop its mining sector, sessions will examine tailings dam design and monitoring, slope stability for open pits and highwalls, underground excavation, seismicity, groundwater and extreme weather risks. Advanced subsurface mapping, rock mass characterisation and digital monitoring will also feature prominently.

Technology will be another major focus, with IGIC 2026 exploring the growing application of artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins in geotechnical engineering. Sessions will examine AI-enabled interpretation of site investigation and monitoring data, predictive modelling of ground behaviour and AI-based early-warning systems. LiDAR, InSAR, drones and remote sensing will also be explored for detecting ground movement and managing geohazards.

The keynote programme includes internationally recognised specialists Dr. Sebastien Burlon, Geotechnical Manager at Cerema; Prof. Pedro Simao Pinto, University of Coimbra; Dr. Alejo O. Sfriso, SRK Consulting; Prof. Ki-Bok Min, Seoul National University and Vice President for Asia, ISRM; and Prof. Hesham El Naggar, Distinguished University Professor and Director of the Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership & Innovation at Western University.

Beyond technical innovation, the conference will address forensic geotechnical engineering and contractual risk management, including ground-model uncertainty, risk allocation, root-cause analysis and dispute avoidance.

Fugro joins IGIC 2026 as Official Geotechnical Partner, alongside an international line-up of sponsors and specialist solution providers showcasing technologies, machinery and expertise supporting the next generation of ground engineering.

As Saudi Arabia and the wider region push the boundaries of infrastructure development, IGIC 2026 will highlight how innovation below ground can help enable the ambitious cities, transport networks and mega-projects taking shape above it.