Participants at the 9th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), organised by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, from January 15 to 18, in cooperation with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), DP World, and the Project Management Institute (PMI), made 13 recommendations centred on sustainability, modern project management techniques, future trends & technologies, and basic skills.

Held under the theme “Beyond Boundaries,” the DIPMF emphasised sustainability as a critical element in project management. Key recommendations in this regard included integrating sustainability assessment in project planning and implementation, promoting sustainable architecture, and adopting green technologies. The forum recommended using environmentally friendly building materials and designs that reduce the carbon footprint, aligning sustainability with business objectives, prioritising sustainable projects, and ensuring sustainability goals are integrated with financial and investment targets.

Successful Megaprojects

Participants in the forum included 3,000 speakers, experts, and specialists from different countries (more than 13,000 participants in the previous editions). In the field of Modern Techniques of Project Management, participants recommended investing in infrastructure to support economic growth and backing research centres and emerging technologies. They called for promoting new working methods, adopting an agile mindset in organizational structures and processes, and utilising “Systems Thinking” to ensure the success of mega projects.

Future Technologies

Participants at the Dubai International Project Management Forum, which has become a renowned event in the calendar of specialised international conventions, recommended adopting generative artificial intelligence, GPT and advanced data analytics to streamline tasks and improve efficiency. They also emphasised the importance of anticipating future patterns and trends to be well-prepared and balancing economic growth with sustainability and a green economy.

Basic Skills

As far as the basic skills, participants highlighted the need to enhance teamwork and effective communication to ensure the vision is communicated to everyone at all levels. Additionally, they recommended developing quick decision-making skills for vital projects.

Comprehensive Recommendations

Moaza Al Marri, Executive Director of the Office of the Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Dubai International Project Management Forum highlighted the comprehensive nature of recommendations made by the 9th edition of the DIPMF. “These recommendations focused on three main themes: sustainability, modern project management techniques, and future trends & technology. The forum also covered 14 masterclasses related to sustainable development, eco-friendly projects, sustainable communities, agile transformation, artificial intelligence, data management, digital twinning & metaverse, the future of smart mobility, future trends in project management and future project management offices, circular economy, benefits management, project economy, and inspirational leadership,” she noted.

“DIPMF has evolved into a prominent event in the calendar of specialised international conventions dedicated to introducing best practices and developing innovative solutions in project management. It serves as a global forum for thought leaders in project management across the region, and a platform to exchange experiences and discuss solutions. The goal is to create cities and implement infrastructure projects capable of bringing a long-term sustainable impact on society,” added Al Marri.

The previous editions of the forum attracted international experts, project management specialists, speakers, and heads of authorities and institutions.

These officials represented various economic and commercial sectors, discussing important topics that highlighted Dubai’s unique ability to gather expertise and unite efforts. This collaboration aims to take conscious and committed actions to accelerate global economic and environmental prosperity.