The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the partners involved in organizing the 11th edition of the Dubai International Project Management Forum, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates. The partners include DP World, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Emaar Properties, and the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The theme for the 11th edition, titled “Bridging Communities,” has been revealed, alongside five main discussion topics and 16 sub-topics.
The RTA has opened registration for the forum on its official website: www.dipmf.ae.
Scheduled to take place from January 14 to 15 at Madinat Jumeirah, the forum will cover key themes such as sustainable cities, which will address sustainable development and future communities, while the digital transformation segment will delve into topics like leadership and strategy, agile management, digital twins, metaverse, and blockchain technology. The future jobs topic will explore efficiency and optimization, remote project management, circular economy, and the role of specialized education. Furthermore, the technology and future trends segment will cover artificial intelligence, smart mobility, and data management, whilst the customer focus section will focus on customer engagement, empowering teams, and hybrid project management.
Matar Al Tayer, the RTA’s Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, expressed his delight in partnering with DP World, DEWA, Emaar, and PMI for the upcoming forum. He noted that the event has achieved high success over the past decade, becoming a major international event on the agenda of specialized conferences while serving as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and a catalyst for sustainable development in line with the leadership’s vision to position Dubai as a global innovation hub.
The forum has also played a pivotal role in enhancing awareness and establishing best practices and global standards within this vital sector, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a knowledge and expertise hub and a global center for envisioning the future of major projects that are crucial for sustainable growth and economic prosperity.
Entrepreneurial Experience
Matar Al Tayer mentioned that partnerships with agencies and institutions renowned for their extensive experience in project management underscore the growing confidence in the forum and significantly enrich global discussions, fostering strategic partnerships in alignment with Dubai’s governmental aspirations for leadership and future foresight. The forum will showcase global best practices, sharing innovative ideas and solutions in project management, highlighting Dubai’s pioneering experience in executing strategic and iconic projects.
He affirmed that the forum will continue to develop a comprehensive knowledge platform aimed at enhancing the capabilities of both national and international talents, aiding governments and organizations in efficiently managing large-scale projects, and providing solutions that cater to future generations.
Execution of Major Projects
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, indicated that hosting the Dubai International Project Management Forum for the 11th consecutive year under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed signifies the leadership’s commitment to establishing Dubai as a global center for excellence in major project management, which supports comprehensive and sustainable development and enhances the well-being of residents and visitors in Dubai.
Al Tayer expressed happiness in being a partner in organizing this forum, which has become a leading platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, attracting top professionals in project management from around the world every year.
He emphasized that Dubai has established itself as a leader in executing major projects that serve as global benchmarks in transforming visionary ideas into tangible outcomes. This forum presents an opportunity to exchange insights with global institutions and strategic partners while sharing experiences in managing and executing pioneering projects worldwide, particularly in clean and renewable energy, aligned with the UAE’s 2050 climate neutrality strategy and Dubai’s clean energy strategy.
Building Sustainable Communities
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, expressed that the Dubai International Project Management Forum has become an essential platform for shaping the future of project execution and innovation. DP World takes pride in continuing to support this event, which reflects Dubai’s vision for building sustainable, interconnected, and resilient communities, with the aim of contributing its expertise in global trade and logistics to achieve mutual objectives.
He further remarked that as the construction of DP World’s new global headquarters in Expo City Dubai progresses—marking a significant milestone in the company’s 50-year journey—they are leaving their mark on the future of Dubai, committed to responsible growth and innovative practices that serve global trade.
Knowledge Exchange
Ahmed Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, conveyed pride in being a partner in organizing the Dubai International Project Management Forum, which exemplifies Dubai’s prominent position as a global hub for innovation and future foresight. The forum offers a valuable opportunity for sharing experiences and best practices in managing major projects, vital for Dubai’s sustainable development journey and enhancing its vision to be the best city for living, working, and investing.
Quality of Life
Pierre Le Man, President and CEO of the Project Management Institute, noted that the forum brings together some of the world’s brightest minds to share ideas and insights that help shape the future of their profession. He highlighted that the 2026 forum will emphasize sustainable communities and the essential roles project management professionals play in achieving successful projects while using that success to improve the quality of life in the surrounding world.
He emphasized that projects are more than just isolated initiatives that achieve predefined goals; they are catalysts for transformation that contribute to resilient economies and prosperous communities, ultimately shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
Speakers and Participants
Over the past ten editions, the Dubai International Project Management Forum has attracted almost 20,000 participants, including numerous heads of organizations and over 400 project management experts who have shared their insights and creativity for the successful execution of large projects, providing global best practices and innovative solutions that adhere to the highest international standards.
Since its inception in 2014, the forum has addressed numerous critical topics under varying themes. Previous editions have focused on subjects such as “Project Management Drives Innovation,” “Foresight,” “Making a Difference,” “Building Nations,” aligning with the Year of Zayed, as well as themes like “Cultural Diversity,” reflecting 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, “Towards the Future,” “Enhancing Quality of Life,” “Without Borders,” “Sustainable Future,” and this year’s theme “Bridging Communities.”