10th Dubai International Project Management Forum opens with focus on sustainable cities

Dubai: The role of technology in transforming cities into sustainable living spaces was in focus on the opening day, Wednesday, of the 10th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).

The event is taking place under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, opened DIPMF at Madinat Jumeirah.

Held under the theme ‘Sustainable Future’, the forum brings together more than 3,500 global experts and specialists in project management, alongside senior officials, including ministers, heads of government entities, and private sector leaders. The event also features more than 55 prominent local and international speakers representing diverse economic and commercial sectors on both local and international levels.

Honouring sponsors

Sheikh Mansoor, accompanied by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), honoured the co-hosts of the forum, strategic sponsors, gold sponsors, and silver sponsors.

Sheikh Mansoor then presented an award to Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal Football Club manager, recipient of the Order of the British Empire, and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development for his keynote address.

Future Loop

During the event, Sheikh Mansoor stopped by a large-scale model of the iconic Future Loop, a key feature of the Dubai Walk project. The initiative seeks to transform Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city by enhancing pedestrian pathways and facilities across the emirate.

He was briefed on the details of the iconic bridge route, which connects 10 major locations in the area. The design features a climate-controlled level spanning 30,000 square metres, allowing for year-round pedestrian activity. Additionally, the project includes 30,000 square metres of open spaces with shaded areas and greenery, designed to reduce temperatures and enhance the pedestrian experience. The initiative also opens up new investment opportunities by incorporating commercial spaces on the iconic bridge, encouraging private sector participation through a public-private partnership model.

Sheikh Mansoor also stopped by a large mural chronicling the evolution of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) over the past decade (2014–2024).

Forum sessions

Sessions on the first day addressed future trends in project management, the integration of artificial intelligence in project management, and a keynote address by Areej Naqshbandi, Head of the PMO Department at the Public Investment Fund KSA, who spoke on Driving Innovation through a Robust PMO Community. Another highlight was a keynote by Chris Barton, Founder of the Shazam app. The day also featured sessions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and digital project management.

Day 2

The second day of the forum will delve into various forward-looking topics, including jobs of the future, future-centric project management, and shaping the digital economy. These discussions will feature Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, Dr Aisha bin Bishr, a global expert in digital transformation and a strategic leader in smart city initiatives, and Dr Stephanie Hare, a technologist and researcher.