The third International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC 2026) will take place on October 14 and 15 at Fairmont Riyadh, bringing together more than 700 delegates to discuss ground engineering challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The conference will bring together geotechnical specialists, project owners, contractors, consultants and technology providers to explore solutions for complex ground conditions affecting major infrastructure, mining and giga-project developments.
With Saudi Arabia advancing large-scale urban, transport, tourism and mining projects, ground engineering plays an increasingly important role in ensuring safe and timely construction. Projects across the region face challenges including fractured rock, karst formations, weak soils, groundwater pressure, geohazards and extreme weather conditions.
IGIC 2026 is expected to feature more than 45 speakers, over 60 sponsors, more than 15 institutional partners and over 25 sessions, with participants from more than 40 countries.
Focus on Infrastructure and Mining
The conference will examine practical approaches to managing ground-related risks and improving project delivery, including better site investigations, buildable designs, specialist construction methods and engineering verification.
Sessions will cover geotechnical requirements for skyscrapers, megacities, bridges, highways, railways, deep excavations, tunnels, subways and underground utility networks. Key topics include ground improvement, trenchless technologies, rock mechanics, groundwater management and geohazard mitigation.
Mining will also feature prominently as Saudi Arabia continues to develop the sector. Discussions will address tailings dam design and monitoring, open-pit slope stability, underground excavation, seismic activity, groundwater and extreme weather risks.
Advanced subsurface mapping, rock mass characterisation and digital monitoring will also be explored as tools for managing complex ground conditions.
AI and Digital Technologies in Ground Engineering
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins will be among the conference’s key technology themes.
Sessions will examine how AI can support the interpretation of site investigation and monitoring data, predict ground behaviour and develop early-warning systems. Technologies including LiDAR, InSAR, drones and remote sensing will also be discussed for detecting ground movement and managing geohazards.
The programme will feature international specialists, including Dr Sebastien Burlon, Geotechnical Manager at Cerema; Professor Pedro Simao Pinto of the University of Coimbra; Dr Alejo O. Sfriso of SRK Consulting; Professor Ki-Bok Min of Seoul National University and Vice President for Asia at the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering; and Professor Hesham El Naggar of Western University.
Managing Risk and Improving Project Delivery
Beyond technical innovation, IGIC 2026 will address forensic geotechnical engineering and contractual risk management. Discussions will examine uncertainty in ground models, risk allocation, root-cause analysis and dispute avoidance.
Dr Marwan Alzaylaie, Senior Manager of Geotechnical Engineering at Dubai Development Authority, said innovation in ground improvement, automation, AI and sustainable geotechnics is increasingly important as the region invests in major infrastructure and giga-projects.
He highlighted collaboration and knowledge sharing as important tools for reducing project risks, strengthening industry practices and supporting safer, more sustainable infrastructure.
Fugro will participate as the conference’s Official Geotechnical Partner, alongside international sponsors and specialist providers showcasing technologies, equipment and expertise.
As major developments continue across Saudi Arabia and the wider region, IGIC 2026 will focus on how advances in ground engineering can support the delivery of increasingly complex infrastructure and urban projects.
