The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has announced a programme of presentations, fireside chats and professional discussions for The Mining Show 2026, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 16 and 17 November 2026.
Returning as a strategic partner for the event, IQ will lead eight sessions across the two-day programme. The sessions will explore professional development, competence, safety, technology and the skills needed to support the next generation of quarrying and mining professionals.
The programme will also offer an early insight into new IQ membership opportunities being developed for professionals in the UAE, with further details set to be revealed during the event.
Julian Smallshaw, IQ Head of Education and Standards, comments:
“The Mining Show provides an important platform for connecting with professionals, employers and industry partners from across the region. This year, IQ will lead a varied programme focused on the issues that matter to the sector, from raising competence and strengthening safety to embracing technology and preparing the future workforce.
“We will also be sharing an exciting update on IQ’s plans in the UAE. These new membership opportunities are being developed to support stronger local connections, greater access to professional learning and clearer routes for career development and recognition.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to our sessions and meeting delegates throughout the event.”
Knowledge, recognition and regional collaboration
On Monday 16 November, the IQ programme will begin with “More Than Membership: Knowledge, Recognition and Connection Worldwide”, presented by Alison Godfrey, IQ Membership Manager. The session will examine how IQ membership can provide access to knowledge, professional recognition and a worldwide community throughout every stage of an individual’s career.
Javier Munoz, IQ Honorary Vice President, will then present“From Momentum to Impact: IQ’s First Year in the Region”. The presentation will explore how IQ and its regional partners have turned ambition into action over the past year, as well as what this growing momentum could mean for professionals and the wider industry.
The morning will continue with “Shared Challenges, Local Solutions: Collaboration Through IQ Membership”, a fireside chat featuring Alison, Javier and Frederico Almeida, IQ Digital Futures Specialist. The discussion will consider how professionals working across different countries can develop locally relevant solutions to shared industry challenges through connection, trust and collaboration.
Later in the day, Alison and Javier will join Yousif for a fireside chat examining “The Future of Mining Safety: Raising Competence in the Quarrying Industry”. The speakers will discuss how competence, leadership and emerging technologies can contribute to safer and stronger quarrying operations.
A new chapter for IQ in the UAE
The programme on Tuesday 17 November will open with Alison presenting “IQ UAE: A New Chapter for Professional Development”. The session will introduce IQ’s developing plans for the UAE and provide delegates with an early look at how new membership opportunities could support local professional connections, learning and career development.
A panel discussion titled “Keeping Safety Moving Forward: CPD, Competence and Continuous Improvement” will follow. The session will explore how continuing professional development keeps industry knowledge current, strengthens competence and helps individuals and organisations remain at the forefront of safer working practices.
Frederico will then lead “A Century of Learning: Education, Technology and the Future of IQ”, taking delegates through the evolution of industry learning and considering how technology and changing skills requirements are shaping the next era of professional development.
IQ’s programme will conclude with “The Future Workforce: Skills, Careers and the Next Generation of Quarrying”. Featuring Frederico, Alison and Javier, the fireside chat will explore what the industry must do to attract, develop and inspire its future professionals, alongside the part that employers, professional bodies and individuals can play.
Meet IQ at The Mining Show
Throughout the event, delegates can meet Frederico Almeida, IQ Digital Futures Specialist; Alison Godfrey, IQ Membership Manager; and Javier Munoz, IQ Honorary Vice President at stand SSH2-A83.
The team will be available to discuss IQ membership, professional recognition, continuing professional development and the Institute’s international community. Visitors will also be able to learn more about IQ’s developing plans in the UAE and register their interest in the new membership opportunities.
Further information will be announced at The Mining Show 2026.
Visit IQ at stand SSH2-A83 and join its sessions on 16 and 17 November 2026.
Register for free here: https://i.snoball.it/p/AGJVX1/
