A trusted network of developers, consultants, engineering leaders, infrastructure specialists and sustainability-focused organisations supporting coastal innovation across the region.
The 3rd Sustainable Coastal Development and Ocean Action MENA Forum is the region’s essential gathering dedicated to creating the path for resilient coastal prosperity across the MENA region .
This event directly confronts the complex dual challenge facing the Middle East: the necessity of rapid economic development offered by coastal development projects , including commercial, tourism, oil/gas, and nuclear energy infrastructure developed along the coastlines versus the critical need for ecological preservation. Our focus is squarely on addressing core industry challenges and providing actionable solutions.
Key discussions will center on the aspects of coastal construction, coastal infrastructure and ocean habitats preservation. The conference will address geotechnical challenges during land reclamation and coastal construction, coastal infrastructure challenges which includes corrosion to the steel structures, the massive challenges surrounding climate change including coastal erosion and rising sea levels, while promoting innovative ecological protection solutions including nature-based solutions, sustainable dredging practices, and coral reef restoration projects.
The Forum will host regulators, master developers, contractors, engineering consultants and environmental experts to discuss strategies, best practices and major impediments in achieving successful lifecycle management of coastal developments. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into major regional projects reshaping the MENA region and leave equipped with the knowledge and connections to drive sustainable investments, ensure environmental protection (especially for vital habitats such as the coral reefs and mangroves), and future-proof the MENA coastline for generations to come.
Bringing together key decision-makers, industry leaders and coastal development stakeholders from across the region and beyond.
CEO
Majra
UAE
Strategic Interface Director
Abu Dhabi Maritime
UAE
Head of Marine and Geotechnics
Abu Dhabi Ports
UAE
Executive Director - Marine Engineering
Dubai Holding
UAE
CEO Advisor
Saudi Red Sea Authority
KSA
Director of Marine Tourism
Red Sea Global
KSA
Sustainability and ESG Executive
KSA
Projects Director
Saudi Real Estate Infrastructure Co. (Binyah),
KSA
Section Head - Marine Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
UAE
Managing Director
DHI Arabia
Denmark
CEO and Co-founder
Ocean Ecostructures,
Spain
CEO
Holland Dredging Industries BV
Netherlands
Senior Project Manager
Tanger Med Engineering
Morocco
Vice President
MEA Environment
AECOM, UAE
Principal, Vice President of Strategy
Head of Business Development, Board of Directors
AE7, UAE
Director, Middle East and Africa,
Moffatt Nichol
UAE
Practice Director - Ground Engineering – MENA
AECOM
UAE
Port and Maritime AMEP Regional Director
Surbana Consultants Pte. Ltd
UAE
Senior Practice Director Ports & Marine, Middle East & Africa
AECOM
UAE
Director - Marine and Coastal
Egis
UAE
Coastal Head - Middle East
Jacobs
UAE
Chairman of Civil Engineering
Saudi Council of Engineers
KSA
Marine Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation Expert
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
UAE
Marine Infrastructure Expert
KSA
Industry Expert, MaryBio/CiRCE
UAE
Associate Director Infrastructure – ME
Buro Happold
UAE
CEO
SEVRA
UAE
Senior Marine Chief Engineer, Technical Expert, Flag State Inspector, Marine Surveyor, General Manager
Rimal Albahr Inspection Marine Transport
UAE
DirectManaging Directoror of Research
Azraq
UAE
Director of Research and Innovation
Parsons
KSA
Director Coastal Erosion Solutions
Geobrugg AG
Switzerland
Associate Director- Ecology and Biodiversity Management
Buro Happold
UK
Associate Nature and Biodiversity Consultant
Buro Happold
UK
Founder & CEO
Alpha Consultancy FZC
UAE
Scientist, Center for Geospatial Intelligence (CGI)
American University of Sharjah
UAE
Assistant Professor of Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science
University of Jeddah
KSA
Marine Biodiversity Conservation Specialist
Fujairah Environment Authority
UAE
Registration and Refreshments
Opening Panel Discussion: Driving MENA Region’s Vision for Blue Economy and Regenerative Coastal Developments
Panelists:
Presentation: Driving Sustainable Coastal Construction and Infrastructure Development
Speaker:
Keynote Presentation
Official Exhibition Opening and Networking Coffee Break
Presentation: Sustainable Dredging Practices and Sediment Management Strategies
Cutter Efficiency
Speaker:
Powering growth, Regenerating the Ocean: Bluetech Solutions for Prosperity
Speaker:
Presentation: Deciding Early, Deciding Fast, Deciding Well
How Early Coastal Engineering Input Reduces Risk and Creates Robust, Sustainable and Investable Developments
Speaker:
Panel Discussion: Optimizing Ground Improvement Strategies and Geotechnical Techniques During Land Reclamation
Presentation: Building with Nature: All-in-One Solution for Safer Coasts and Cleaner Water
Networking Lunch
Presentation: A Road Map to Significant Marine Conservation Gain
Panel Discussion: Strategies and Best Practices in Coral Reef Restoration and Rehabilitation
Panelists:
Industry Insights
Presentation: Paving the Road for “Smart Environment” Platform
Panel Discussion: Marine Biodiversity Optimization - Protecting Essential Fish and Aquatic Habitats (EFH) from Coastal Development Impacts
Closing Remarks by Conference Chairman
Close of Day One and Networking Coffee
Registration and Morning Coffee
Presentation: Addressing the Challenge of Sand Scarcity - Innovative Alternatives for Sand and Rock Requirements for Coastal Construction and Beach Nourishment
Panel Discussion: Innovative and Adaptive Strategies for Coastal Erosion Management
Panelists:
Keynote Presentation
Presentation: Planning Smarter Shores: Using GIS and Data‑Driven Zoning to Unlock Coastal Development Potential
Speaker:
Networking Coffee Break
Panel Discussion: Optimizing Asset Lifespan - Advanced Corrosion Protection Strategies for Coastal Steel Structures
Panelist:
Industry Insight 1 Angelswing, Korea
Presentation: Resilient Coastal Infrastructure: Erosion Protection and Snap-Back Risk Mitigation Using High Tensile Steel Mesh
Speaker:
Presentation: Revetments, Causeways and Breakwaters in the GCC: The same pile of rocks since 1988?
Speaker:
Presentation: Geosynthetics for Coastal Resilience and its Use in Harsh Marine Environment
Presentation: The Role of Digital Tools and Data Analytics in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
Speaker:
Networking Lunch
Presentation: Enhancing Coastal Resilience by Integrating Mangrove, Coral, and Seagrass Ecosystems
Speaker:
Panel Discussion: Advancements in Ocean Monitoring and Observation Systems such as Argo Floats and Satellite Data
Panelist:
Industry Insights
Presentation: The "Blue Bond" - Importance of Financing and Investing in Ocean Health Projects
Panel Discussion: Addressing Environmental Challenges Posed by Construction Debris, Dredged Materials and Sediments
Panelists:
Closing Remarks by Conference Chairman and End of Forum
The value of announced giga-projects in Saudi Arabia alone, with over $431 billion invested in 17 projects along the western seaboard by 2030, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project and AMAALA.
The commitment to ecotourism and natural based solutions such as Dubai Reefs, Dubai Mangrove and the $1.8 billion program to regreen NEOM demonstrates the need for ecological engineering, habitat restoration and marine preservation.
Coastal areas are the center of economic growth. The MENA hospitality market is projected to grow from $310 billion in 2025 to over $487 billion by 2032.
Climate change makes advanced coastal infrastructure and geotechnical solutions essential. The MENA region is warming at twice the global average rate, while coastal erosion in vulnerable areas could accelerate by 3–7 times.
From world-class waterfront developments to nature-based initiatives, these transformative projects are redefining coastlines and creating a more resilient, prosperous MENA region.
FUJAIRAH
Comprehensive strategy reshaping the emirate's coastline and infrastructure, expanding deep-water port capabilities, building 8,800 new homes and developing modern maritime infrastructure.
FUJAIRAH
The Port of Fujairah is expanding to include new dedicated terminals for oil, dry bulk and containers to handle larger vessels.
FUJAIRAH
Sustainable residential zones featuring G+1 townhouses, heat-resistant panels and advanced HVAC systems designed to cut water and power consumption by up to 50%.
FUJAIRAH
Large-scale sustainable desalination facility to secure water supply while maintaining strict environmental and energy-efficiency standards.
FUJAIRAH
Infrastructure systematically constructed to connect Fujairah's expanding maritime, residential and commercial zones.
DUBAI
A 13.4 km² development, making it twice the size of Palm Jumeirah. It will add 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront to Dubai.
SAUDI ARABIA
28,000 km² along Saudi Arabia's west coast between Umluj and Al Wajh. The project is a significant component of major tourism development investment across Saudi Arabia.
DUBAI
600 km² across Dubai's waters with 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes, designed to last for more than 100 years.
DUBAI
Planting over 100 million mangrove trees along 72 kilometres of coastline together with a botanical museum.
Connect directly with the stakeholders shaping coastal development across the Middle East and position your organisation at the centre of future opportunities. Connect directly with the stakeholders shaping coastal development across the Middle East and position your organisation at the centre of future opportunities.
Get access to key stakeholders involved with port and coastal development projects in the Middle East and gain insight into their plans to invest in new technologies and opportunities.
Understand the challenges faced by the region's key organisations and identify how your company can deliver tailored solutions to address their future requirements.
Position your brand as a leading organisation in the sector and build visibility among senior stakeholders, project managers and industry decision-makers.
Learn about future requirements from coastal development organisations and strengthen your opportunity to be considered for upcoming projects and partnerships.
If you have a product or service that will be valuable to leading organizations in field of coastal Development please contact us on partnerships@gmevents.ae to find out more about sponsorship packages and opportunities.
| Item | Description | Available Units |
|---|---|---|
|
Keynote (Day 1) |
10-minutes |
1 |
|
Keynote (Day 2) |
10-minutes |
1 |
|
Presentation (Day 1) |
15-minute presentation |
3 |
|
Presentation (Day 2) |
15-minute presentation |
3 |
|
Panel slot (Day 1) |
Join a panel comprising of 4 panelists |
5 |
|
Panel slot (Day 2) |
Join a panel comprising of 4 panelists |
5 |
|
Lunch sponsor |
Sponsor for event lunch |
2 |
|
Coffee break sponsor |
Coffee sponsor for Day 1 of the event |
1 |
| Item | Description | Available Units |
|---|---|---|
|
Coffee break sponsor |
Coffee sponsor for Day 2 of the event |
1 |
|
VIP Majlis sponsor |
Exclusive host of the VIP majlis |
1 |
|
Lanyard and badges |
Branded lanyards and badges for the entire event |
1 |
|
Delegate bags sponsors |
Exclusive provider of event bags |
1 |
|
Podium sponsor |
Branding on the event podium |
1 |
|
Event archway sponsors |
Event entry archway branding |
1 |
|
Registration desk sponsor |
Branding on all registration counters |
1 |
|
Flag poles |
6 flags at the event entrance |
4 |
|
Information wall sponsor |
Sponsoring the event’s mega interactive floor plan, agenda and info wall |
1 |
|
Directional signage |
Branding on all event external and internal directional signage |
1 |
|
VIP gifts |
Exclusive provider of gifts to all VVIPs |
1 |
|
Delegate gifts sponsor |
Exclusive sponsor of gifts to all event attendees |
1 |
|
Water sponsor |
Branded water bottles throughout the event |
1 |
|
Exhibition only |
3×3 |
25 |
We’ve secured a special discounted rate at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre for META Cinema Forum attendees. Availability is limited, so we encourage you to book early.
Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Late check-out is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Rooms are non-refundable due to the special group rate. 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 changes in pricing or room availability.
Limited time offer
2 passes for the price of 1
Single pass
Single pass
