The partnership will give Sobha Group professionals access to PMI’s global standards, certifications and learning resources across the project lifecycle.
August 12, 2026 | Riya Malhotra | UAE | Real Estate | 2 Min Read
Image Courtesy: Entrepreneur Middle East
Sobha Group has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Project Management Institute to strengthen project management capabilities, accelerate professional development and promote globally recognised best practices across the group.
The partnership brings together Sobha Group, one of the region’s leading real estate and development groups, and PMI, a global authority on project management. It reflects a shared focus on developing future-ready talent and improving project delivery standards across the real estate and development sector.
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.
Under the agreement, Sobha Group’s professionals will gain access to PMI’s project management standards, certifications, learning resources and professional development opportunities. The partnership is designed to support capability development across the project lifecycle, from planning and execution to delivery and operational excellence.
The collaboration will also include 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 the partnership reflects Sobha’s focus on investing in its people and strengthening the capabilities behind its project delivery.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Hanny Alshazly, Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa at Project Management Institute, said PMI is proud to partner with Sobha Group to support the development of its project professionals.
“Through this collaboration, we look forward to providing access to PMI’s globally recognised standards, certifications, and learning resources while helping strengthen project management capabilities across the organisation,” he said.
He added that the partnership will contribute to the advancement of project management excellence across the real estate and development sector in the UAE and the wider region.
The MoU reinforces the growing importance of project management as a strategic capability in real estate development, particularly as developers manage larger pipelines, tighter delivery expectations and increasingly complex construction environments.
For Sobha Group, the partnership supports its focus on operational excellence, workforce development and consistent project delivery standards across its portfolio.
Source: Official Communications
