Page 14 - BENTLEY SYSTEMS PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/10/25, 10:54 AM Tunneling In The Digital Age: Rethinking Subsurface Infrastructure - Construction Business News Middle East
Project owners and operators need to understand the value proposition of digital twins—not as
technological novelties, but as business tools that reduce risk, enhance predictability, and create

lifecycle value.

Regional Innovation in Action

Digital twin technology and connected workflows are transforming major underground infrastructure

projects across the Middle East. A classic example is the Route 2020 expansion of the Dubai Metro,

which showcases how digital planning tools and geotechnical modelling can support tunneling
through complex urban environments. These technologies minimised disruptions and enhanced

construction accuracy beneath active infrastructure. Similarly, the Doha Metro in Qatar stands out for

its use of sensor fusion and real-time monitoring. Despite the region’s challenging limestone geology,
more than 100 kilometers of tunnels were completed swiftly through advanced Building Information

Modelling (BIM) integration and continuous feedback systems, significantly improving both safety and
efficiency.

Looking to the future, NEOM’s THE LINE in Saudi Arabia illustrates the potential of underground

infrastructure. As part of its zero-carbon vision, the megaproject is exploring AI-driven design and
predictive modelling to build a sustainable subterranean system for transit and utilities. These projects

position the Middle East as a global testing ground for innovative tunnel engineering.

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