Curtin University Dubai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Project Management Institute (PMI) UAE Chapter on 19 November 2025. The partnership supports the university’s aim to connect students with professional communities that enhance their learning and prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Academic President at Curtin Dubai, said, “Collaborating with PMI UAE, a national driver of project leadership and professional standards, strengthens the relevance of our programs. Through this partnership, students engage with practitioners involved in major initiatives across the UAE. It offers meaningful exposure that supports their development as capable, forward-thinking leaders.”
PMI UAE began as a small group of practitioners focused on shared learning. It has since grown into a community of more than 4,500 professionals across engineering, IT, business, construction, and other sectors. For Curtin Dubai students, this network offers insight into how projects are planned, managed, and delivered in real environments.
A key component of the partnership is PMI Next, PMI’s youth initiative designed to build project leadership skills among students. PMI Next encourages learners to strengthen decision-making, understand industry expectations, and engage in structured project environments. Students will have access to mentoring sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events organised by PMI UAE. These experiences align with Curtin Dubai’s applied teaching approach, where learning is grounded in practical activities and industry engagement.
The impact of this collaboration is already visible within the student community. Curtin Dubai Mechanical Engineering student Mohammed Sahal has been appointed as the UAE Student Club Leader for PMI UAE. In this role, he will help coordinate student participation, promote learning opportunities, and support peer engagement across the country.
Professor Pon Selvan, Director of Research and Head of the School of Science and Engineering, noted, “Sahal’s achievement highlights the initiative and leadership we encourage in our students. For engineering and IT learners, this partnership provides context on how structured project environments guide technical outcomes, from concept to implementation.”
The collaboration also supports the ongoing development of Curtin Dubai’s learning and teaching approach. The university focuses on workshops, problem-solving activities, blended delivery, and opportunities that link theory to workplace practice. These methods build adaptability, critical thinking, and professional awareness; capabilities aligned with PMI’s focus on preparing students for industry roles.
Dr Bilal Siddiqi, Director of Learning and Teaching, added, “Our goal is to ensure graduates develop skills that align with current industry needs. The partnership with PMI UAE offers our students the opportunity to acquire relevant industry qualifications, engage with professionals across the UAE and globally, and apply their skills to real world contexts.”
This partnership sets the foundation for further joint initiatives, student involvement, and shared learning opportunities that promote leadership and growth. It reinforces Curtin Dubai’s commitment to providing an industry-connected education that equips students for impactful careers.
For more information about study pathways and upcoming intakes, contact the Future Student Centre at admissions@curtindubai.ac.ae
