January brings serious global attention to Dubai as senior decision makers, ministers, and international experts gather for the 11th Dubai International Project Management Forum. Held from January 12 to 15 at Madinat Jumeirah, the event carries the theme "Bridging Communities" and runs under the patronage of 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. The Forum sets the stage for high-level discussions tied to project leadership, future planning, and emerging technologies shaping how major initiatives get delivered worldwide. Former tennis world number one Andre Agassi headlines the Forum as keynote speaker.
A Forum Backed By Major Institutions
The Dubai International Project Management Forum takes place with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) serving as co-host alongside DP World, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Emaar Properties, and the Project Management Institute. Together, these partners support a programme focused on real-world challenges tied to city development, workforce evolution, and technology-driven planning.
Sessions focus on five central themes: sustainable cities, digital transformation, future jobs, technology and future trends, and customer-centric project delivery. Each theme addresses topics relevant to leaders responsible for complex projects in both the public and private sectors, spanning sixteen sub-topics including artificial intelligence, digital twins, blockchain, the Metaverse, and the project economy.
What Leaders Say About The Forum
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority, described the Forum as "a strategic platform for showcasing Dubai's remarkable growth journey" and noted its role in reinforcing the emirate's standing as a global innovation leader. He pointed to the Forum's consistent role in facilitating knowledge exchange and practical discussions tied to international best practices.
Al Tayer also highlighted the Forum's impact in presenting Dubai's experience delivering landmark projects that enhance quality of life while advancing governance and sustainability goals. The participation of international speakers reinforces the Forum's direction toward future-focused thinking tied to artificial intelligence, digital twins, and the broader project economy.
Andre Agassi and a High-Profile Speaker Lineup
Andre Agassi brings a background that extends well beyond sport. The eight-time Grand Slam champion held the world number one ranking for 101 weeks and later earned wide recognition for his education-focused philanthropy. His initiatives include the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, both aimed at improving learning opportunities for underserved communities.
Alongside Agassi, confirmed participants include Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Mohamed Alabbar, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. The speaker list also features leaders tied to Dubai Municipality, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Cirque du Soleil, Agile Alliance, and Skyports Infrastructure.
The 11th Dubai International Project Management Forum sets a focused agenda centered on leadership, technology, and future-ready project delivery. With over 50 local and international speakers and discussions covering sixteen sub-themes, the Forum offers a structured platform for meaningful dialogue on global project management practices. Dubai hosts the event at a time when large-scale planning, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration remain central to global development conversations.
