• Top project management certifications in the UAE include Project Management Professional, Risk Management Professional and Scheduling Professional credentials

UAE – According to recent reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ranked 8th in the list of global leaders in project management, for Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications, with 23,670 active credentials. This achievement highlights the UAE’s strategic focus on workforce development, economic diversification, and innovation, aligning its growth trajectory with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

Project Management is of key importance in the UAE as it enables the successful execution of large-scale national initiatives, spanning smart cities, green energy projects, and digital transformation. Industries that require excellence in project execution, such as tourism, aviation, real estate, and technology have become hotspots for project management expertise.

Project Management: A Key Driver of the UAE’s Economic Future

The UAE’s rise in global PMI rankings is no coincidence. By reducing its reliance on oil and investing in giga projects that elevate citizens’ quality of life, drive sustainability, expand tourism, and strengthen key sectors such as finance and aviation, the UAE has opened up new opportunities for project managers across its most project-intensive fields. Digital transformation efforts, spearheaded by initiatives like UAE Industry 4.0 and the National Digital Government Strategy, underscore the need for PMI-certified professionals, including those with specialized skills in areas such as scheduling (PMI-SP) and risk management (PMI-RMP).

Key UAE Global Rankings for PMI Certifications:

  • 8th globally for PMP (Project Management Professional) certifications.
  • 4th globally for PMI-RMP (Risk Management Professional) certifications.
  • 5th globally for PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional) credentials.

These rankings reflect a robust national commitment to equipping its workforce for leadership in the complex, high-value projects mentioned.

The UAE’s efforts are complemented by its focus on advanced certifications, such as Program Management Professional (PgMP) and Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), the highest strategic level of project work, reflecting a growing recognition of strategic project management capabilities that equip professionals with advanced capabilities to lead complex initiatives at scale. While the PgMP® strengthens the ability to coordinate multiple related projects and deliver integrated business benefits, the PfMP® builds strategic decision-making skills to prioritize investments, balance risk, and optimize value across an entire portfolio. Together, they empower leaders to drive organizational impact and ensure that strategic goals are translated into measurable results.

Accelerating Toward Global Excellence

The UAE’s focus on certifications is part of a broader regional trend, backed by a proactive, forward-looking approach that consistently anticipates future workforce demands.

Looking ahead, transformative initiatives such as UAE Vision 2031 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33 promise to further cement the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation. From sustainable energy developments to smart cities, these efforts will drive continued demand for highly skilled project professionals capable of turning complex ambitions into tangible outcomes.

While certification numbers can fluctuate due to economic cycles or changing trends, the UAE remains committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling. Through collaborations with government entities, the private sector, PMI’s chapter in the UAE, and it’s Authorized Training Partners, the country ensures its project management professionals remain aligned with emerging industry requirements.

A Vision of Progress and Leadership

The UAE’s remarkable rise as a global leader in project management demonstrates its ability to align workforce development with long-term national goals. By integrating innovation, economic diversification, and strategic execution, the UAE sets a benchmark for global excellence.

As the nation drives forward transformative agendas, project professionals stand at the heart of its success. Their expertise enables the UAE to not only execute some of the world’s most ambitious projects but also shape the future of its economy and further solidify its reputation on the global stage.

About Project Management Institute (PMI)

PMI is the leading authority in project management, dedicated to guiding the way to project success. Since 1969, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. With a global community, gold-standard professional certifications, and career-long learning opportunities, PMI empowers current and aspiring project professionals, as well as organizations, with knowledge and resources to lead effectively and create an impact in the communities they serve. Join PMI in elevating our world – one project at a time. Connect with us at www.pmi.org, linkedin.com/company/projectmanagementinstitute, on Instagram @pmi_org, and on TikTok @PMInstitute.

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