On 5th July 2024, the 8th Annual Technical Conference hosted by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCEC ME), co-organized by the International Code Council and Construction Week Middle East, was successfully held in Dubai. The conference was attended by distinguished guests including H.E. Ou Boqian, Consul General of China in Dubai, and Shan Guangxiu, Director of China State Construction Group, who delivered speeches. Wang Shaofeng, Chairman of CSCEC ME, gave the keynote address. Wu Yi, Commercial Counselor of the Consulate General of China in Dubai, Zhou Jing, Deputy General Manager of CSCEC Corporate Culture Department of China State Construction Group, Tian Sanchuan, President of CSCEC ME, and over 300 guests from the government, key clients, prominent consultants and Project Management Companies, vital partners, financial institutions, universities, think tanks, and prominent media attended the conference. The event was chaired by the Chief Engineer of CSCEC ME Mansour Faried. Representatives from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Development Authority, Dubai Holding Real Estate, Damac, Wasl, Nakheel, Jumeirah Golf Estates, ADCG, Abu Dhabi Airports, Meydan, Marjan, Mace, AECOM,  Dewan Architects+Engineers,WSP, Jacobs,etc. also attend the conference. 

The theme of this conference was "Unveiling New Grounds with Modular Construction for a Heightened Future." It was carefully designed to cover cutting-edge topics within the industry, focusing on customized modular systems and their unique applications in the built environment. The conference showcased the latest global practices in modular construction. Its objective was to provide a high-level platform for dialogue, implement the "Up We Build," innovate for a better built environment, and feature keynote speeches from over 20 international and domestic industry experts, including Dubai Municipality, key clients, consultants and market specialists. Live demonstrations and Virtual Reality of modular solutions were also conducted during the event. 

Ou Boqian expressed respect and congratulations for the achievements of CSCEC ME in business development and technological innovation. She remarked that Dubai is a land of innovation with a strong industrial foundation and vibrant innovation atmosphere. This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Arab countries. The Consulate General of China in Dubai will actively implement important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, continue to support practical cooperation between China and the UAE in various fields, and inject new vitality into the sustained development of China-UAE friendship by facilitating cooperation platforms, promoting project collaborations, and fostering closer cooperation between Chinese enterprises and Dubai Government’s entities, enterprises, and academic institutions.

Shan Guangxiu, representing China State Construction Group, extended congratulations on the convening of the conference. She emphasized that China State Construction Group adheres to technology innovation to lead development, having established a number of high-level scientific research platforms. The group possesses industry-leading technologies in industrialization, green construction, and smart building. With years of dedication to prefabricated construction technology, the group integrates information technology and factory production, embedding digital development concepts throughout the entire industry chain. Shan expressed hopes that this conference serves as an opportunity to jointly plan for the future, share achievements, continuously enhance modular technology capabilities, and promote the implementation of a new housing system in the Middle East region.

Wang Shaofeng extended a warm welcome to the attendees. He stated that the transformation of the construction industry in the Middle East has arrived, and modular production technology can better meet the region's current demand for green building and sustainable development. He emphasized that more efficient construction methods should encourage developers, contractors, and financial institutions to collaborate closely, introducing new financial products and financing models to drive mutual development. Wang highlighted that CSCEC ME aims to leverage this conference to actively exchange experiences, pool wisdom, promote the feasibility and applicability of modular construction in the Middle East, and further enhance the leading role of architectural technology innovation.

Eng. Marwan Al Janaahi, Senior Structural Engineer in the Research and Building Systems Department at the Building Regulations and Permits Agency of Dubai Municipality, mentioned that modular construction is a future-oriented direction for continuous promotion by the Dubai Municipality. He noted that this technical conference provided a platform for local government, enterprises, and various sectors of society to showcase the concept and application of modular construction.

Dr. Anas Bataw, Executive Advisor of Public Investment Fund remarked as a frequent participant in technical conferences that he has witnessed the increasing scale of CSCEC ME's hosted conferences. He noted that the themes have evolved from closely following trends in the construction industry to leading the innovation trends in the industry.

The annual technical conference of CSCEC ME, now in its eighth year, has evolved from an internal company meeting into a significant construction industry platform for sharing and exchange in the Gulf region. This conference received strong support from the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Moving forward, CSCEC ME will continue to focus on technological innovation, uphold green construction practices, and contribute its strength to promoting sustainable development in the Middle East construction industry.

The conference was also attended by members of CSCEC ME's relevant leadership, president assistants, regional operations, professional operations, headquarters departments, and project heads.