Experts gather to advance region's infrastructural development plans

Dr. Maher Abouseif, former adviser to the Minister of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning in the Kingdom of Bahrain, opened the conference with his proposal for improving the country's infrastructure.

Titled 'Connecting Bahrain with the GCC infrastructure network,' the presentation described the Qatar Bahrain Causeway project that intends to build a causeway bridge between Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The idea is currently in its planning stage but, if implemented, is hoped to provide more accessibility for residential and industrial growth in Bahrain's northern areas, many of which are difficult to drive to through the country's existing road network. Functional and environmental considerations were also highlighted.

"We need to think about the amount of people and traffic for this project, for example we could expect more than 10,000 cars coming out of Diyar Al Muharraq, an extremely small 32 square kilometer space of land currently under development in northern Bahrain. There has been no proper expansion of road systems that can serve this area and link it up to the causeway, issues like this must be examined before submitting this proposal to Bahrain authorities," explained Dr. Maher.

"And without expansion in these areas we will not be able to accommodate the population, which will double in 15 years' time, if it continues to grow as it is now at five% yearly. I hope this project is seriously considered for implementation," he added.

While Bahrain is tackling its own challenges to advance infrastructure and accommodate the growing number of cars, the United Arab Emirates views improving public transportation as fundamental for relieving traffic.

Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Chaudhry, Chief Engineer of the Strategic Planning Department and Corporate Governance for the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai gave a lecture to explain the country's strategic transportation plan.

"We are working to achieve our long term eight strategic goals of our corporate plan, which include meeting individual transport mode plans for buses, railways and taxis across Dubai," said Mr. Abdul. "This will help the city improve in the long term because people will be more likely to use the public transportation system and, ultimately, take better care of the environment," he added.

A case study of Dubai's floating bridge was also presented. Proposed due to the demands of urban and economic growth in 2005, the country experienced debilitating traffic congestion. Currently in use, the bridge is equipped with special light weight concrete able to float on water and unique piles that control the structure's horizontal and vertical alignment.

Potential ship collision, safety measures and design considerations were also clarified. Mr. Abdul also noted the importance of sparking behavioral and cultural change in Dubai through awareness campaigns to help the community adopt environmentally friendly habits and foster a sustainable future.

To wrap up the two day conference endorsed by Ashghal, a number of other discussions took place exploring bridge design, construction and management.