Experts from 140 countries to attend world road congress in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - The global experts will discuss the present and future challenges that are facing the road and transport industry.

The use of new technologies to capture images and measure distances in infrastructure development projects and the future challenges facing the road and transport industry will be among the topics of discussion at international road congress in Abu Dhabi next week.
Experts from across the world will attend the 26^th World Road Congress from October 6 to 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). With the theme "Connecting Cultures, Enabling Economies", the congress, which is taking place in the Middle East for the first time, will attract more than 3,000 delegates and 50 transport ministers from 140 countries.
"Choosing Abu Dhabi to organise this year's congress is a great honour. It is even more special that the Capital will be the first city in the Middle East to stage this premier event," said Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime, at a Press conference ahead of the event.
"The congress is an ideal opportunity for the UAE to learn about best practices and gain experience in the field of infrastructure and transport industry."
Al Nuaimi added: "It will also be an opportunity for the UAE to showcase its world-class roads network. Abu Dhabi has seen tremendous success in infrastructure development over the past five years and we are among the countries with the best roads across the world."
The global experts will discuss the present and future challenges that are facing the road and transport industry during various workshops and technical and special sessions.
Among the highlights of the programme are the ministerial sessions taking place on Sunday where ministers will contribute to a series of discussions on the future of transport, land use planning and artificial intelligence.
Claude Van Rooten, president of the World Road Association (PIARC), said: "I have no doubt that Abu Dhabi will build on the previous editions and host one of the most successful chapters in the event's long history.
"With technology continuing to evolve, this will present new opportunities and challenges for the way we travel, and the way goods will be transported. To fully integrate the new modes of transport in the near future, it will require thought-leaders and decision-makers to engage in discussions in Abu Dhabi and come up with active international exchange of best practice."
More than 150 companies from around the world will display their services and products in the exhibition area. The UAE will have the largest national pavilion while Saudi Arabia, the UK and China are among more than 25 countries set to exhibit.
UAE universities will also be given a platform to participate with more than 100 research papers and 70 technical studies being presented by students and academics.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi