APM steps up learning and development activities for UAE project professionals
Following its first quarter launch in the UAE, the Association for Project Management (APM) is expanding its learning and development initiatives for project professionals across the region.
Headquartered in London, the APM is the largest membership organisation for the project profession in the world. The body is committed to improving project outcomes, promoting the value of project management, and advancing the skills of practitioners, through initiatives such as professional development, thought leadership, networking opportunities, communities and more.
Earlier this year, the APM launched its dedicated chapter for the UAE, with the local chapter now gaining momentum. This month, a webinar will be hosted focused on diversity in the project management industry, with more webinars planned for Q3 and Q4.
The APM is behind the scenes also working on research, and rolling out its curriculum of trainings in the region. The latter includes its inaugural course in Arabic.
“We are looking to cater to the region’s diverse community of project managers from different countries and cultures through a multi-pronged approach focused on qualifications, knowledge sharing and research on key topics,” said APM’s Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Jackie Martin.
“In the Middle East, project management jobs are on the rise due to major investments in the construction, infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors. Gaining professional qualifications is important for project managers to grow their skills through a mix of management tools, techniques, and processes. We are seeing an increase in interest from the region for our qualifications.”
The first APM Project Fundamentals Qualification in Arabic will take place on 9th and 10th September 2025. “This will be one of the largest pilots we’ve undertaken. It will be pivotal in developing the non-English language offering of our qualifications, and the profession’s support will be invaluable,” said Martin.
Project outcomes under pressure
The APM’s mission in the region is both critical and complex. The Middle East – particularly the GCC – is experiencing an unprecedented wave of major capital projects in the built environment. At the same time, national agendas are driving large-scale organisational transformations, adding another layer of high project activity across the region.
Research from around the world has consistently highlighted the significant challenges and complexities such projects face. Some studies go so far as to claim that more than 70% of projects fail to deliver on their original objectives. According to HKA research, this issue is particularly pronounced in the Middle East, which faces the wort delays and disputes of all regions worldwide.
Against this backdrop, the APM – as a leading authority on the project management profession – has a vital role to play in elevating standards and shaping the future of project delivery in the region. APM is however not alone in its mission – there are several other project management institutes active in the region, such as the US-headquartered Project Management Institute.
