APM hosts its first ever event in the United Arab Emirates
Association for Project Management (APM) had the pleasure of hosting its first ever event for the project profession in the Middle East.
The event, held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 12 February, provided the opportunity for project professionals in Dubai and the surrounding areas to network, learn about APM, discuss the benefits of Chartered Project Professional status, as well as hear from industry experts on the latest trends and challenges in the profession.
The future of project management in the region was explored specifically, with key topics including AI, sustainability and ESG using data and the levels of project professionals required to deliver the pipeline of projects forecast globally over the next 10-15 years.
Rachel Keeble, a Trustee at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) who was a panellist at the event, said: “There was a real buzz amongst the audience and a really interactive Q&A followed the panel session. Conversations centred around the future of what project management will bring and how we can equip ourselves for the future.
“There was plenty of opportunity for some good networking afterward meeting fellow project management colleagues from across the region. It is exciting to see APM’s plans for growing its presence in the region. Project Management in the UAE and wider Middle East is absolutely thriving so it is exciting that APM is prioritising supporting its members and growing its community out here.”
Murray Ross, Regional Director of Project Delivery and Head of Technical Excellence at AtkinsRéalis, also supported APM in delivering the event. Murray added: “We had early-stage professionals all the way through to seasoned practitioners from academia, consultancy, contracting, client side and some people still in education.
“I'm looking forward to growing the footprint for APM here through member and corporate member interaction. The opportunity is huge and provides APM with a unique opportunity to truly make a difference by advancing the profession and make tangible change to people, projects and society.”
Marcus Pathan, Senior International Development Manager at APM who organised the event said: “The future of project management in the Middle East is incredibly exciting, and I'm deeply grateful to everyone involved who supported our first APM event out here in the region.
“APM has the opportunity to truly make a difference across the globe by advancing the profession and make tangible change to people, projects and society.”
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This is so encouraging. Well done APM Saudi team. I remember having to explain APM to my client in Riyadh in 2011 as they had never known. So it is encouraging to know APM is gaining notoriety now. Ashok
I’m very disappointed to see the APM partnering with stakeholders who are deeply homophobic and transphobic. Life for LGBTQ people in the UAE is very difficult as our lives are criminalised. I would like to hear some consideration of the rights of all of our members, including those who, like me, are members of the LGBTQ community.
Hello Hannah. We acknowledge the views expressed in your comment. APM is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We work closely with people inside and outside our organisation to drive our own progress and also to influence positive change in the project profession more broadly. As the chartered body for the project profession, our vision is of a world in which all projects succeed. That’s why we’re working to make our services available to project professionals in every country around the world. However, we wish to make it clear that APM does not agree with or condone any form of discrimination, bias or prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community.
that is a very good step and hope to see more progress in middle east specially UAE , i can confirm this will support the profession widening a lot