PMI and Sobha Group Partner to Advance Project Management Excellence

DUBAI, UAE – Project Management Institute (PMI) and Sobha Group have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening project management capabilities, accelerating professional development and promoting globally recognised best practices across the Group.

The partnership brings together one of the region's leading real estate and development groups with the world's leading authority on project management, reflecting a shared commitment to developing future-ready talent and advancing project delivery standards.

The MoU was signed by Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, and Hanny Alshazly, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Project Management Institute, during an official ceremony attended by senior representatives from both organisations.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration focused on workforce capability development, knowledge sharing and broader industry engagement.

Under the partnership, Sobha Group professionals will gain access to PMI's globally recognised project management standards, certifications, learning resources and professional development opportunities.

The initiative is designed to support skills development across the full project lifecycle while reinforcing the Group's approach to operational excellence and delivery.

The collaboration will also extend beyond internal workforce development.

Sobha Group and PMI plan to pursue knowledge-sharing initiatives, executive participation in industry forums, and opportunities to document and share leading practices through joint case studies and thought leadership.

Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said:

"At Sobha, the quality of every project begins with the capability of the people. This partnership with PMI reflects our commitment to investing in their continued growth through globally acclaimed management skills, professional certifications, and learning pathways. By strengthening our teams' capabilities, we are reinforcing the standard of excellence that underpins every project we deliver, while equipping our workforce with the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the industry."

Hanny Alshazly, Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa at Project Management Institute, said:

"We are proud to partner with Sobha Group to support the continued development of its project professionals. Through this collaboration, we look forward to providing access to PMI's globally recognized standards, certifications, and learning resources while helping strengthen project management capabilities across the organization. Together, we are contributing to the continued advancement of project management excellence across the real estate and development sector, in the UAE and across the wider region".

The partnership underscores the shared vision of PMI and Sobha Group to elevate project management as a strategic capability that supports innovation, operational excellence and long-term business performance, while contributing to the continued advancement of the real estate and development sector across the Middle East.