DEWA, DP World, Emaar, and PMI Confirmed as Co-Organisers of the 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF)

Mattar Al Tayer: Partnerships with leading entities contributed to delivering innovative ideas and solutions in project management

Saeed Al Tayer: A global platform for exchanging expertise and best practices in project management

Alabbar: We focus on empowering leaders and teams to deliver transformative projects for generations to come

Bin Sulayem: Relocating our global headquarters to Expo City Dubai—a transformative milestone in our legacy of over half a century

Pierre Le Manh: Dubai illustrates how successful projects can deliver value that positively impacts businesses, economies, and communities

Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 13 January 2025: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the 10th edition of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) will commence the day after tomorrow (Wednesday). Held at Madinat Jumeirah under the theme "Sustainable Future," the event will host an elite group of global figures, renowned speakers, heads of entities and organisations, and leaders of major international companies specialising in project management.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), DP World, Emaar Properties PJSC, and the Project Management Institute (PMI) as co-organisers of the forum.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA expressed his delight in partnering with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), DP World, Emaar Properties, and the Project Management Institute (PMI) to co-organise the latest edition of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).

Marking its 10th edition, the forum has garnered huge success, with a strong turnout and extensive global participation from specialised speakers across various project management disciplines. He stated, “Over the years, the forum had established itself as a premier global platform, attracting experts and specialists from around the world to present best practices, share innovative ideas, and propose creative solutions in project management.”

Pioneering Experience

Mattar Al Tayer remarked, “Collaborating with the entities and organisations renowned for their extensive expertise and long-standing experience in project management had been instrumental in achieving the forum’s objectives. This is evident in the presentation of global best practices, innovative ideas, and creative solutions in project management, as well as in showcasing Dubai's pioneering approach to implementing world-class standards for strategic projects, including airports, mega ports, and iconic developments within the Emirate. The insights gained from the forum will also be utilised to guide the execution of future projects.”

Global Platform

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: “Under the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the Emirate had become a global role model for implementing innovative mega-projects according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and sustainability. In line with this approach, we continue our fruitful partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and our annual participation in co-organising the Dubai International Project Management Forum under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

“The forum, which is held this year under the theme “Sustainable Future” has become a global platform for exchanging expertise and best practices in project management. During the forum, we will showcase our pioneering experience in developing advanced electricity and water infrastructure, which has contributed to DEWA achieving global leadership positions, as it ranked first in more than 12 key performance indicators in its areas of work, according to a study conducted by a specialised global consultant. ”

“We will also share our expertise in implementing innovative pioneering projects in the field of renewable and clean energy, in line with the highest international standards. Among these prominent projects is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. These pioneering initiatives support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity in Dubai from clean energy sources by 2050, thus consolidating Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and sustainability.”

Empowering Leaders

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Founder of Emaar and Noon, Chairman of Eagle Hills, stated: “The 10th edition of the Dubai International Project Management Forum underscores the vital role of innovative and forward-thinking project management in shaping sustainable cities, driving transformation, and preparing for the jobs of the future. As we look ahead, our focus remains on empowering leaders and teams to deliver projects that are not only impactful today but also transformative for generations to come.”

Environmental Conservation

His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: “At the DP World, we pride ourselves on delivering world-class project management solutions rooted in global best practices and driven by innovation.

“Our commitment to excellence, environmental stewardship and operational efficiency define our approach. This dedication is exemplified by our recent groundbreaking announcement to relocate our global headquarters to Expo City Dubai—a transformative milestone in our legacy of over half a century. This move positions us at the forefront of Dubai’s future, reinforcing our pledge to innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of global trade.”

Exchanging Insights

Mr. Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of PMI stated: "This region - Dubai in particular - illustrates how successful projects can deliver value that positively impacts businesses, economies, and communities," said Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of the Project Management Institute. "The discussions at the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) will advance our efforts to broaden the vision of project work and empower project professionals to take ownership of improving outcomes, minimizing waste, and elevating both our profession and our world."

Key Themes

The Forum’s current edition will address a range of important topics, including sustainable project management, sustainable mobility, future cities, leadership & strategy, customer centricity, agile management, efficient construction, artificial intelligence and big data, digital twin & metaverse, blockchain technology, and the transformative impacts of generative AI (GPT).

Additionally, the forum will explore themes such as efficiency and optimisation, remote project management, the circular economy, project economy, virtual & augmented reality, information exchange management, future trends in project management, and autonomous project management.

Global Speakers

The 10th edition of the forum brings together an elite panel of speakers, including: His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Her Excellency Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of the Project Management Institute (PMI); His Excellency Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Founder of Emaar and Noon and Chairman of Eagle Hills; Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Global Digital Transformation Expert and Strategic Leader in Smart City Initiatives; and the forum’s keynote speaker, Arsène Wenger, OBE, former Arsenal Football Club Manager, and Head of Global Football Development, FIFA.

The line-up features prominent local and international figures, including inspirational leaders in project management, global and regional influencers, and top global trainers in the field. Notable names include Étienne Thobois, CEO of the Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games; Chris Barton, Founder & Creator of Shazam App; and Areej Naqshabandi, Senior Director, Head of the Project Management Office at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Board Member at the Saudi Facilities Management Company (FmTech).

International Participants

The forum will also include prominent international figures in project management, namely Hany Elshazly, Med, Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Project Management Institute (PMI); Afdhel Aziz, Chief Purpose Officer, Conspiracy Of Love, a leading global consultancy in the field of purpose-driven goals; Laura Barnard, Chief Impact Driver at PMO Strategies; Marita Cheng, Founder of Aubot; Dr. Stephanie Hare, Tehnconologist & Researcher; Lavagnon Ika, PhD Professor of Project Management,Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Canada; and Timothy Papandreou, Founder and CEO of Emerging Transport Advisors.

Other distinguished participants in the 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum include Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff to CEO, Project Management Institute (PMI); Americo Pinto, PMOGA Managing Director, Project Management Institute (PMI); Kathleen Walch, Director and General Manager of Project Management Institute (PMI), Cognilytica; Mark Webster, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Oracle Infrastructure Global Industries Unit; and Frank Walters, Managing Director, Tegel Projekt GmbH, Berlin.

Global Influencers

The forum’s distinguished line-up includes prominent global and regional project management influencers. Among them are Ian Fraser, Business Advisor, Author, Speaker, and Trainer; Jean-Luc Favrot, Founder and CEO; Brett Harned, Author of "Project Management for Humans, Mentor and Strategist at Same Team Partners; Will Jackson Moore, Global Sustainability Leader PwC; and Sadia Janjua, Chief of Digital Transformation Program & Project Controls at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Other notable figures include Dr. Ozan Koseoglu Global Head of BIM Siemens Energy; Sean McGuinness, instructional designer, BEACON RED; Adrian Morey Author - Project, Programme and Portfolio Governance; Amir Mustafa, Senior Program Manager at AECOM; Ewa Palarczyk, Co-Founder and CEO of Synergist; Ricardo Sastre-Martin, Principal Consulting Project Management at Microsoft; Juan Tena, Digital Services Director at KEO International Consultants; Marios Tsiliakos, Partner, Foster+Partners; Lisa Whited, Consultant and Author; Nelly Wilson, AI Services Lead at Google Cloud; Victoria Wheelahan, Senior Product Development Engineer at Nike; and Alan Zucker, Founding Principal Project Management Essentials.

International Trainers

The forum will also host some of the world’s leading project management trainers. These include Christina Kucek, Intelligent Automation Consultant at Independent Consultant; Barbara Porter, COO at Fragrance.com; Philip Burgess, Knowledge Systems, Senior Manager, Beacon Red; Dr Mona Zoughaib Co-Founder & Managing Partner We Grow Minds; and Raphael Ani, Global Business Development Lead (Construction) at PMI, and Americo Pinto, PMOGA Managing Director, PMI.