This year's edition of the Central Dredging Association's signature series of conferences the CEDA Dredging Days, will provide an unparalleled opportunity to catch up with the latest technological developments in the field and in the region's vibrant dredging market.

Learn and discuss
The conference will start with two keynote addresses: First Mr. Amer Al Hammadi, Executive Director Planning and Infrastructure of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, will give an insight into Abu Dhabi's urban development strategy following from Abu Dhabi's 2030 Vision document. He will be followed by
Eng. Faisal Al Hammadi, Deputy Executive Director Environment Quality of the Environment Agency, who will share his view on the importance of sustainability in realizing Abu Dhabi's ambitions.

Under the theme 'Virtue, Venture and Vision' 21 peer reviewed technical presentations will discuss overcoming a variety of technical and environmental challenges while dredging for the offshore oil and gas industry and for infrastructure and trade development. Papers will be presented on the reclamation of artificial islands for oil exploration, port development and access channel dredging.

Demonstrate at the exhibition
The technical sessions will be complemented by a dedicated dredging exhibition, where local and international companies will show and demonstrate their latest innovations. Exhibition stands are available as this article goes to press.

See Abu Dhabi projects from the water or from the air
The host of the half-day technical visit, CEDA's long-term member, the National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) has prepared a superb programme for the technical visit. One group will cruise along a number of selected, recently finished projects including the Mangroves Channels, Corniche Beach and many more. The other group of lucky 20 people will be invited by NMDC for a helicopter ride to see a number of their projects from the air. The 20 names will be drawn from those delegates who registered before 10 November 2012. Follow the conference website for updates.

Partners spoiled
An appealing partner programme will take in the cultural landmarks with their traditionally authentic Arab and Islamic architecture as well as the 21 century icons that lie harmouniously alongside each other. The programme will include Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan Mosque, the Heritage Village, a souq, the Corniche and the iconic Emirates Palace.

Dinner in the desert
The evening before the conference a magical Arabian celebration awaits participants as the sun sets amid the enchanting desert dunes at the Bab Al Shams Resort. The dinner will be served in the Al Hadheerah restaurant known for its delicious food. While enjoying the Arabian culture in the form of a dinner show with falcons, camels, horses, singers, music and, of course, belly dancers.

Partner event
CEDA Dredging Days 2012 will be preceded by the CEDA-IADC Training Course Environmental Aspects of Dredging on 10-11 December. Following the outstanding success in 2011, this course will take place in Abu Dhabi for the second time, creating a perfect synergy with CEDA Dredging Days 2012. Those participating in both events will receive a 10% discount on both registration fees. For detailed information about the training course please visit www.dredging.org or www.iadc-dredging.com.

CEDA Dredging Days is sponsored by the National Marine Dredging Company (main sponsor), Gulf Cobla and Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam. CEDA's official magazine IHS Dredging and Port Construction is the Lead Media Partner.

For up to date information, enquiries, registration and bookings please visit:
www.cedaconferences.org/dredgingdays2012 or contact Sylvia Minten at the Conference Secretariat
(T +31 6 1660 3947; E sylvia@mintenprojectmanagement.nl).