specialists. A draft proposal for the study program was circulated beginning in early 2020; however, a delay to the committee activities took place as a result of COVID-19, and those activities should resume in the near future. Chapter Elections Finally, DFIME is preparing for an organizational election after the fifth annual DFI Middle East Conference in February 2021. The election is important to give the chapter an opportunity for new leadership and to open the floor for new member involvement. I will remain active, but will step down as the chapter's chair (while serving as an engineer and director of GTC LAB in Dubai). Dr. Salah Abdulatif Al Dilimi, will step down from serving as DFIME's deputy (and is the section manager for RTA [Roads & Transport Authority - Dubai]), and so will the current treasurer, Nick Chittenden (engineer and regional manager of underground construction in the Middle East and Africa for Master Builders Solutions). The details of all the chapter's events and activities will be announced on the DFI website at www.dfi.org. Contact Emad Sharif at emad.sharif@gtc-lab.com 54 * DEEP FOUNDATIONS * JAN/FEB 2021http://www.jmmconsulting-engineer.com/ http://www.dfi.org http://www.revdrill.com/