Press Releases

Participants in the 10^th edition of Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF)—organised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) from 13 to 16 January 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai—issued 12 strategic recommendations.

Co-hosted by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Emaar Properties, DP World, and the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Forum focused on four core themes: Sustainable Cities, Digital Transformation, Jobs of the Future, and Future-Centric Project Management. These were explored across 19 primary and sub-themes.

Held under the theme “Sustainable Future”, the Forum’s recommendations emphasised the importance of inclusive urban design in shaping the cities of tomorrow. Participants also advocated integrating smart mobility solutions and renewable energy systems to balance social, economic, and environmental objectives.

Further recommendations included encouraging public-private partnerships to fund and implement sustainable urban initiatives, backed by policies that enforce environmentally responsible practices. In addition, the Forum underscored the need to embed the principles of sustainability and innovation into project planning and delivery, ensuring that commercial goals align with eco-friendly design, green technologies, and the principles of the circular economy.

Digital Transformation

Under the digital transformation theme, participants of the DIPMF – now a globally recognised event on the international conference agenda – emphasized the importance of adopting artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics to improve operational efficiency, support data-driven decisions, and enhance project intelligence.

They also recommended deploying digital twin and blockchain technologies to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and security in project execution. The adoption of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) was highlighted as a means of automating routine tasks, enabling teams to focus on higher-value activities.

Jobs of the Future

In this theme, participants stressed the urgency of upskilling workforces through advanced training in AI, robotics, and AR/VR technologies, along with fostering data-driven decision-making to prepare for future industries. The recommendations included the creation of emerging roles such as AI governance specialists and digital transformation leaders to support the uptake of new technologies. Participants also called for aligning workforce development strategies with the evolving project economy, while ensuring that projects contribute to social, economic, and environmental objectives.

Future-Centric Project Management

Participants highlighted the need to adopt value-driven project management practices focused on achieving outcomes that meet stakeholder expectations and align with strategic objectives. They recommended developing intelligent, automated frameworks powered by AI to enhance workflow efficiency while maintaining transparency and accountability. They also advocated aligning projects with the principles of the circular economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, along with embedding sustainability throughout all project phases.

Formulating Recommendations

Moaza Saeed Al Marri, CEO of the Executive Affairs Sector at RTA and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Dubai International Project Management Forum, stated that the Forum’s tenth edition centred on four pivotal areas: Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Jobs of the Future, and Future-Centric Project Management. These pillars were explored through 19 tracks in which global experts exchanged leading practices and innovations, resulting in impactful recommendations aimed at driving informed and committed global action to advance economic and environmental prosperity.

She added that the Forum has evolved into a premier global platform, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for world-class events. The latest edition featured an esteemed line-up of local and international figures, including visionary project management leaders, global influencers, and top-tier trainers. Across its successive editions, the Forum has delivered comprehensive and in-depth recommendations.

Four Case Studies Showcasing Pioneering Experiences

As part of the Forum, RTA presented four specialised case studies showcasing its innovative practices in road and transport infrastructure, and their impact on enhancing quality of life in support of Dubai’s vision to deliver eco-friendly transport solutions and initiatives and become “The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility.” The case studies featured the 3D printed abra, the development of Al Khail Road, the enhancements to metro stations, and the launch of an enterprise platform for AI solutions.

3D-Printed Abra

The first study focused on the launch of the world’s first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology, in collaboration with the private sector. Designed to preserve the traditional abra heritage, the vessel accommodates 20 passengers and features the world’s longest single-piece 3D-printed structure. It measures 11 metres in length and 3.1 metres in width. The initiative supports the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy and contributes to reducing manufacturing time by 90%, costs by 30%, and operational and maintenance expenses by 30%. It also supports RTA’s marine sustainability objectives.

Development of Al Khail Road

The second study explored the Al Khail Road Development Project, one of Dubai’s strategic transport initiatives aimed at enhancing road corridors parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road. The project included the construction of five bridges totaling 3,300 metres and the development and expansion of 6,820 metres of road across seven key locations, including Al Jaddaf, Business Bay, Zabeel, Meydan, Al Quoz 1, Ghadeer Al Tair, and Jumeirah Village Circle.

Serving 1.5 million residents, the project reduced travel time by 30% and increased intersection and bridge capacity by approximately 19,600 vehicles per hour. RTA adopted an accelerated construction approach, halving the construction period from 18 to 9 months, a 50% reduction. The project mobilised 5,000 engineers and workers daily, logged six million work hours, and deployed 650 machines and pieces of equipment daily.

Enhancements to Three Metro Stations

The third study involved upgrading access points and surrounding infrastructure at three stations on the Dubai Metro Red Line: Dubai Internet City, Sobha Realty, and UAE Exchange. The selection was based on key criteria, including passenger volume, accessibility for People of Determination, population density, the geographical distribution of surrounding communities, and modal interchange volume.

The project aimed to expand capacity and improve the commuter experience, furthering Dubai’s goal of maintaining a sustainable, efficient, and world-class transport system responsive to local demand.

Artificial Intelligence Platform

The final study presented the launch of an integrated enterprise platform for developing artificial intelligence and data science solutions. Designed in collaboration with leading global tech firms and built on international best practices, the platform supports advanced applications such as predictive maintenance for roads and bridges, public transport route optimisation, and crowd management.

The launch of the platform supports RTA’s efforts in advancing Dubai’s Smart City Strategy and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of life for residents. This platform is underpinned by RTA’s ownership of one of the UAE’s largest big data platforms in terms of storage capacity.