Fugro harnesses cutting-edge geotechnical innovation to drive the successful delivery of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious developments.

Inside the Groundbreaking Technologies Powering Saudi Arabia’s Infrastructure

As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward its Vision 2030 goals, global geo-data leader Fugro is playing a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom’s infrastructure transformation. From energy and water to transport and coastal resilience, Fugro’s cutting-edge technologies and data-driven solutions are helping to build smarter, more sustainable systems across the country. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the company is contributing to some of the region’s most ambitious engineering feats.

In an exclusive conversation at the International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC) KSA 2025—where Fugro featured as a keynote speaker and exhibitor—the company offered insights into the future of infrastructure development in the Middle East. Highlighting the power of emerging technologies, strategic collaborations, and local knowledge, Simon New, Commercial Director in Saudi Arabia, Fugro, emphasized the company’s commitment to resilient infrastructure tailored to the region’s unique challenges—from building in harsh desert environments to enabling next-generation megaprojects like smart cities, tunnels, and high-speed transport systems.

Fugro participated in IGIC KSA last year, highlighting the geo-risk management framework. How is Fugro’s participation different this time? Could you tell us how Fugro integrates sustainability into its geotechnical practices, and what specific initiatives are being showcased at IGIC KSA 2025 this year under the theme ‘Shaping the World Beneath: Fostering Sustainability, Innovation and Resilience in Geotechnics’?

Our participation at IGIC KSA 2025 will build on the success of last year by introducing our groundbreaking approach to ground risk. GroundIQ®, offers advanced early site screening capabilities that deliver real-time, data-driven insights that reduce environmental impact and manage subsurface risks. In alignment with the theme "Shaping the World Beneath: Fostering Sustainability, Innovation and Resilience in Geotechnics," we are demonstrating GroundIQ® as an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution that supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Can you elaborate on any innovative technologies, methodologies, or approaches that Fugro is presenting at IGIC KSA that contribute to resilience in geotechnics, especially in construction here in the region? 

We are spearheading breakthroughs in geotechnics with a suite of integrated advanced technologies tailored for demanding construction projects. GroundIQ®, our state-of-the-art philosophy, seamlessly integrates digital twin models, smart sensor networks, and machine learning algorithms with geotechnical investigation scopes. GroundIQ® delivers real-time, data-driven insights, empowering early site screening and continuous risk assessment to effectively predict and mitigate subsurface uncertainties. By harnessing these cutting-edge solutions, we not only elevate safety and performance but also reinforce resilient, sustainable infrastructure development.

As Fugro is at the forefront of the geotechnical industry, in your view, what emerging trends in geotechnics do you think will shape the future of infrastructure development, and how is Fugro positioning itself to lead in these areas?

The forefront of the industry development will reside in site screening and the ability to quickly appraise large spaces. This is where ground intelligence will play the pivotal role and deliver reliable ground models for optimised geotechnical designs that will, in their turn, ensure safe and sustainable construction.