21 - 22 October, 2019
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Conference Day One: Monday, 21 October 2019
8:30 am - 8:55 am Registration and networking
8:55 am - 9:00 am Chairman’s opening remarks
UNLOCKING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ISLAND AND WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST TO BOOST ECONOMIC REVENUE
9:00 am - 9:45 am VISONARY PANEL: Reclaiming lost land: Identifying unique opportunities for island development to boost Middle East tourism and drive economic revenue
Over the past 15 years, land reclamation has been carried out all over the world for many different purposes, besides expansion, maritime ports and airports, land has also been created for housing projects, tourism and waterfront development.
We have seen a number of island project arise from the Middle East region such as the Palm Jumeirah, Deira Islands, The world, Yas Island and many more but what is next?
Key question: What’s in store for the Middle East in terms of island and waterfront development?
In this session, we will:
- Highlight successful island and waterfront development projects in the GCC
- Discuss upcoming island and reclamation land projects in the Middle East and opportunities for development
- How island development can contribute to tourism and entertainment GCC visions
- Identify what we can learn from international countries
Panellists:
Dr. Sean O’Neil
Global Technical Lead for Coastal InfrastructureJacobs
9:40 am - 10:00 am PROJECT CASE STUDY: A key insight into Peninsula Creation, Artificial Islands and Marinas and lessons learnt
An exclusive insight into 3 iconic marine projects currently being developed by AECOM in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and lessons learnt.
Senior leadership will acknowledge:
- Challenges associated with collecting reliable data and numerical modelling
- Key considerations in master planning and stakeholder engagement
- Innovative design works and creative opportunities
10:00 am - 10:25 am REGIONAL INSIGHT: Master plan challenges and design considerations for the development of artificial islands
With some of the most ambitious upcoming projects being developed, the challenge remains - how do we navigate to achieve innovative designs, high quality construction and on-time delivery? In order to achieve successful island project completion it is essential a vision is established at the beginning of project to ensure all stakeholders are moving in the same direction and costly failures are avoided.
This panel discussion will bring the stakeholders involved in taking the next leap in island development to discuss their expectations and vision and what they believe should be key considerations in upcoming island development master plans
Senior leadership will:
- Uncover master plan challenges in designing artificial islands and how to avoid a costly nightmare
- Identify key considerations to increase the life span of islands within the design and build stage
- Demonstrate how to meet the high quality and safety standards to design and develop artificial islands within short timeframes
10:25 am - 10:45 am Sustainable ground improvement solutions for islands and land reclamation with low carbon footprint.
Which solutions are available to support sustainable ground improvement ?
As more land reclamation projects are being planned it also creates the demand to co-create value for ‘’greener’’ geotechnical solutions with a lower carbon footprint. Simultaneously, the cost-efficiency, design optimization and time are still at the core of executing these solutions effectively.
In this session, we will highlight:
- Ground improvement solutions for deep treatment and shallow treatment
- Comparative analysis of carbon footprint of various ground improvement solutions and piling
- Recommendations for assessment of liquefaction potential of improved ground
Sponsored by: Keller
10:45 am - 11:05 am Speed networking session
11:05 am - 11:20 am Coffee and networking break
BECOMING THE NUMBER ONE DESTINATION OF CHOICE: HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE
YOUR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT TO ACHIEVE MILLIONS OF VISITORS PER YEAR
11:20 am - 11:50 am INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: Islands of entertainment - Creating all inclusive destination islands to attract millions of visitors a year and boost economic revenue
Key question: What are the key considerations in developing a world-class island resort in the Middle East to attract international visitors to the region?
In this session, we will examine:
- Why hotels partnerships are a key component of the worlds leading island resorts
- The importance of partnering with airlines, retail outlets, entertainment and restaurants to create an all inclusive experience
- How to create a single, integrated and unified experience across retail outlets, car parks, dining and attractions to increase ROI and visitor experience of the island
- How to drive visitor attraction by offering a diverse range of entertainment options that ensures they never want to leave the resort
Panellists:
11:50 am - 12:10 pm EXCLUSIVE PROJECT CASE STUDY INSIGHT: Putting your destination on the world map - Key points to drive tourism and ensure repeat visitors in a fast changing industry
This exclusive case study will demonstrate the different types of commercial islands from buzzing tourism islands to the rise of luxury resorts which feed the desires of those looking to escape the overcrowded tourist destinations and enjoy a world of their own.
Key question: How will your island business model drive tourism and repeat visitors in a fast changing industry?
Senior leadership will acknowledge:
- Ensuring the right strategy for your island development - driving value for tourism
- Changing trends in mid-scale resorts and island destinations
- What are tourists looking for when they come to your island destination
12:10 pm - 12:40 pm REGIONAL TRAILBLAZER: Destination Branding and Identity - Differentiate your island attraction, ensure repeat visitors and find new ways to create lasting memories year after year
Whilst the growing number of island and land reclamation projects fosters synergy and creates more choice for consumers it also means more competition for the operators. How can you ensure your island development is the destination of choice?
In this session, we will examine:
- The importance of holistic brand identity designing to ensure your destination is noticed
- Who do you want to attract? Defining your visitors
- Influencing length of stay – how do you keep your visitors interested?
- Keeping up with trends and driving repeat visitors
- Memorable moments – creating the “must-have” experience
LETS GET TECHNICAL: BEST PRACTICES TO OVERCOME ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
AND GEOTECHNICAL RISKS IN ARTIFICIAL ISLAND CONSTRUCTION
12:40 pm - 1:00 pm The Bermuda Triangle- A Contractors Dilemma
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Networking Lunch
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Ensuring swimming safety on artificial islands
A holiday potential often drives island development. Artificial islands have recreational value only if beautiful stable beaches and pristine coastal waters are created and swimming remains safe. These elements are however not guaranteed. A prerequisite for success can be achieved by using numerical models of the island to test its hydraulic sustainability and develop concepts in line with the architectural and functional requirements of the project. The island model is fundamental for success and should encompass the complexity of local coastal zone processes. The focus of this presentation will be on ensuring swimming safety to satisfy also this aspect of high-end resort tourism.
2:30 pm - 2:50 pm Environmental planning of marine development projects
ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENTS: MITIGATING DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY
2:50 pm - 3:10 pm REGIONAL INSIGHT: Islands of sustainability: A strategic approach to smart sustainable islands
The call for sustainable island development is a key priority amongst government and island stakeholders. New designs, building strategies and spatial planning that integrate seascapes and landscapes are an opportunity to create “smarter” sustainable islands.
Key question: what are the key strategies and techniques for establishing environmentally sustainable islands
In this session, we will:
- Examine challenges to achieving sustainability on reclaimed land
- Review Middle Eastern policies to drive the sustainability of reclaimed island
- Cost effective sustainable methods of land reclamation
- Action points for establishing smart, sustainable, inclusive and thriving societies
3:10 pm - 3:30 pm INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: Debating the environmental impact of land reclamation – is your island Eco friendly?
We often look to island development and costal projects as a way of making our cities more attractive to tourists and more economically successful – but at what cost?
This exclusive panel debate will discuss the impact of land reclamation on the environment and what key strategies we can put in place to avoid serious damage.
In this session, we will examine:
- Environmental impact assessment on land reclamation projects – the untold truth
- Best practices to monitor and assess land reclamation’s impacts on species, habitats and the marine ecosystems
- Hydrodynamic modelling techniques to ensure water quality and plume dispersion in land reclamation projects
Panellists: