Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zein Al-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Omar Al-Husseini, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, opened the activities of the 16th International Conference on Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, which is organized by the Department of Structural Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, in the presence of Major General Dr. Ashraf El-Arabi, Head of the Consulting Office of the Engineering Authority, Major General Tarek Gowaili, Chairman of the National Tunnels Authority, and a group of professors from various Egyptian universities.

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Diaa, President of the University, praised the continuity of the conference, which has been held regularly for about four decades, which represents a symbol of the ancient history and distinguished achievements achieved by the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University in the field of structural engineering.

His Excellency also pointed out the interest of the conference in its current edition in highlighting the huge projects “Mega Projects” in structural engineering, which highlights the great role that the college and faculty staff play in actively participating and contributing to major national projects, especially in the fields of infrastructure and roads, these projects. It is a witness to the tremendous renaissance that the country has witnessed in recent years.

Prof. Omar Al-Husseini, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, explained that this conference is a continuation of the Faculty of Engineering’s commitment to promoting dialogue and knowledge exchange in the field of engineering. The faculty previously succeeded in organizing a conference focusing on smart cities, and this event was a milestone in discussing how urban centers can develop into more sustainable, efficient, and livable spaces through innovative engineering and technology. He pointed out that today’s conference will discuss the challenges and developments in creating projects that is considered the cornerstone on the path of mega projects development, wishing the participants a conference rich in participation, cooperation and exchange of ideas, His Excellency also announced the faculty’s intention to organize a conference focusing on the topic of the future of our planet - energy, which will explore the latest innovations in the field of energy efficiency, renewable technologies and sustainable practices in engineering.

Prof. Fathi Saad, Head of the Department of Structural Engineering and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, indicated that choosing the conference topic (mega-projects: bridges, tunnels, and high-rise buildings) came to coincide with the huge development efforts undertaken by the Egyptian government to enhance and improve infrastructure, facilities, and living conditions throughout the country. We find examples of these huge projects everywhere around us, including main roads, intersections, and bridges such as the Rod Al-Farag Bridge and huge transportation projects such as the metro, high-speed railways, power generation stations, and distinctive buildings, noting that during the conference, there will be an opportunity to learn about the details of some of these huge projects from the experts who participated in their design and management; This year's conference will also cover all aspects of structural and geotechnical engineering including structural analysis, concrete and steel design, geotechnical and foundation engineering, advances in construction materials and methods, as well as construction project management.

The conference also includes 6 main sessions, including the durability of medium- and high-rise buildings under new harsh conditions, challenges in building bridges and huge projects in the transportation sector, developments in design and construction, technologies and the use of artificial intelligence in project management, and last but not least giant structures in wind energy, in addition to... 56 research papers and panel discussions, where the 56 research papers will be presented in 12 parallel sessions covering all sub-themes of the conference.

While the panel discussion will discuss the role of architects and structural engineers in major projects.