Certified project managers will play a critical role in supervising the US$ 690 billion in infrastructure developments

Abu Dhabi, 10 September 2013: The Emirates Project Management Academy (EPMA), based in Abu Dhabi was established in a mandate to develop the UAE into a regional leader in the field of project management knowledge; the establishment will be announced at an official ceremony in the month of September.

The non-profit professional organization will be responsible for the promotion of the project management practice; fostering local and international cooperation and promoting knowledge and information for project management professionals.

"With planned infrastructure developments across the country worth US$ 690 billion, the role of certified project managers in the UAE is critical to ensuring that projects are delivered in an efficient manner; to the highest standards of safety and quality, on time and within budget," said H.E Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chairman of EPMA and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

"International research shows that only 35% of projects worldwide are delivered on time and within the original budget and scope," said Mr. Talal Al Sadi EPMA CEO "Bringing the practice of project management to the region and establishing it across both educational and professional environments will deliver clear benefits for our nation and ensure that our leadership's vision for growth can be met diligently and sustainably through well-managed projects." He added.

With the current development of the UAE, as outlined with UAE Vision 2021, EPMA has been founded to nurture competencies in project management by creating a culture for project management practices.  Building a solid project management community through EPMA which aspires to become the leading body for project management professionals in the UAE will allow the country to be fully geared to successfully manage projects in multiple sectors.

Today, only 3,415 professionals are project management certified in the UAE, providing a window of opportunity for professionals across the country to become specialized and certified in this growing practice. The increase in the number of projects will inevitably increase demand for project management skills and the launch of EPMA will play an integral role in attracting, creating opportunity for jobs, developing and retaining professionals in this field.

Preparations are underway for the EPMA official launch, set to take place in September 2013 at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers (Abu Dhabi). EPMA is also working on introducing both corporate and individual memberships coupled with attractive benefits. Members of EPMA will have ample networking opportunities and will be entitled to attend monthly meetings, conferences and workshops across the UAE. Members will also have access to EPMA knowledge center, library, business research and much more. EPMA will be launching 21 related courses that will be delivered through Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI), and is establishing an advisory board that will be providing industrial focused PM consultations to various public and private entities.

EPMA is endeavoring to establish various affiliations with major project management professional associations including the Project Management Institute (PMI) and International Project Management Association (IPMA), the Korean Project Management Association (KPMA), the British Computing Society (BCS) and others.

In an effort to attract further candidates to engage in project management, considered as a key role in the effective and efficient execution of projects, EPMA will introduce project management education not only at college and university levels, but also at high school levels as well encouraging Emiratis with project management skills of all ages to join the program.   

EPMA has recently launched its new website welcoming interested candidates to register online at www.epma.ae and join the project management community.

About Emirates Project Management Academy (EPMA):
The Emirates Project Management Academy (EPMA) is a non-profit professional organization, established with a mission to foster local and international cooperation in the field of project management in the UAE, in response to nation's rapid growth and extensive infrastructure developments. 

EPMA and its professional network collaborate to share knowledge and best practices, and enhance the professional development and educational opportunities for the sector, with a vision to make the UAE a leader in Project Management knowledge and operations across the GCC region.

Aspiring to become the leading body for project management professionals in the UAE, EPMA offers corporate and individual memberships, which provide members access to an array of services including training, discounts on educational courses, industry meetings and workshops.

For more information please visit:  www.epma.ae

© Press Release 2013