Obayashi Participated in the 1st Arabian Tunnelling Conference 2013

Civil Engineering

Makoto Kanai (Left), Essa Al Maidoor (Center)

Makoto Kanai, Obayashi's Executive Vice President, explaining our technologies to Essa Al Maidoor (Center), President of the Arabian Tunnelling Conference 2013 and President of the Society of Engineers - UAE.

The first international tunnelling conference and exhibition in the Middle East and African region, Arabian Tunnelling Conference (ATC 2013), was held on the 10th and 11th of December, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Obayashi Corporation presented its unique technologies, services and key cutting edge engineering and construction projects worldwide.

Focusing on the conference theme: "Sustainable Tunnelling in the GCC (*1), Challenges and Opportunities", over 600 experts from 50 countries around the world showcased their products associated with sustainable underground space utilization.

At the conference, the engineers of Obayashi introduced their patented technologies such as the Ultra Rapid Under Pass Method (URUP), Tunnel Navi (New Geological Prediction Ahead of the Tunnel Face by the Exploration Drilling System), Pre-Set Wedge Joint for Segment, Inclined-Braceless Excavation Support (IBES), Concrete with Seawater and Unwashed Seasand, and explained the special features of their Dubai Metro Project, the world's longest driverless metro. The URUP Method was especially admired by an important amount of participants because of its uniqueness and effectiveness.

Many visitors including Essa Al Maidoor, and Soren Eskesen, President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA), came to the Obayashi's exhibition booth. Obayashi impressed potential clients and consultants in the Middle East and the African region with its unique technologies. Obayashi's Middle East Office has received many inquiries after the ATC 2013.

16 companies around the world displayed at the exhibition

16 companies around the world displayed at the exhibition. The Obayashi's booth was highly valued by the visitors

The engineers of Obayashi were among the presenters whom received the Certificate of Appreciation

The engineers of Obayashi, Akihiro Nishimori and Toru Kuwahara were among the presenters whom received the Certificate of Appreciation

"Questions asked by the visitors, including government executive officials, made me realize how strong the needs of infrastructure improvement, such as interchanges, subways, and sewage treatment plants in the Middle East and African region." said Makoto Kanai, who explained Obayashi's technologies to visitors at the exhibition booth. "We need to promote business activities in those areas."

 

The Present Condition of the Dubai Metro

Obayashi JV completed the design and construction of the Dubai Metro Project, the world's longest driverless rail system with a total length of 75 kilometers in 2011. The system nowadays has eased the daily commute for thousands of peoples in the Emirate of Dubai.

Running train near Al Karama Station on the Red Line

Running train near Al Karama Station on the Red Line, which crosses the central area of Dubai

Passengers traveling around Salah Al Din Station

Passengers from various nations traveling around Salah Al Din Station on the Green Line

Union Square Station where Obayashi has its Middle East office

Many passengers change trains at Union Square Station where Obayashi has its Middle East office

Cut and cover tunnel near BurJuman Station

Cut and cover tunnel near BurJuman Station. Trains go into a steep slope to the underground section

The fully automated operation makes it possible to maintain smooth train movements

The fully automated operation makes it possible to maintain smooth train movements even in rush hours

Abu Hail Station on the Green Line

Trains arrive one after aother at Abu Hail Station on the Green Line within short time intervals

Obayashi will continue to engage in the development of the social infrastructure projects using its cutting edge civil engineering technologies in order to facilitate the development of societies in which people throughout the world feel comfort and safe.

 

*1 GCC: Gulf Cooperation Council