Dubai’s Innovative Approach to Construction Delays

Solution to Construction Delays: New Initiative in Dubai for Emirati Families

Dubai's new initiative could be a milestone in addressing the housing issues faced by Emirati citizens. The "My Home Project Manager" program aims to support Emirati families with experienced professionals at every stage of home construction—from planning to final completion. The program's uniqueness lies in involving UAE citizens who already have experience in construction, whether as consultants, retired engineers, or professionals with other relevant backgrounds.

Response to Resident Needs

The initiative, launched by the Dubai Municipality, is in response to frequent complaints about construction delays, which are a significant stressor for families building homes. The new program was announced at a major event in the Emirates Towers building, as part of a national enterprise development campaign aimed at strengthening the Emirates' position among global startup hubs.

The program builds on citizen expertise, aiming to train a total of 500 professionals over the next five years at the Dubai New Economy Academy. The training is an intensive five-day, 20-hour module that provides participants with comprehensive insight into project management and execution.

Who Can Participate in the Program?

Only UAE citizens who currently do not have an active commercial license for construction or execution activities can apply for the program. The main selection criterion is practical experience, regardless of whether the candidate is currently working or retired.

The application process is conducted through the Dubai Engineering Qualification (DEQ) system, the official licensing platform for engineers, contractors, and suppliers. Successful applicants will undergo training and an exam, receive a business license from the Dubai Municipality, and be fully integrated into the DEQ system.

The first training group will begin their studies between October 21 and 27, and the program is free for all participants.

What Do Participants Learn?

The program provides comprehensive training in the following areas:

Project Management

Design, Contracting, and Cost Management

Site Inspection and Practical Application

Team Management and Conflict Resolution

Final Assessment

The program's goal is not only to assist families in building their homes but also to offer a new, sustainable source of income for participants. After training, participants receive official certification, granting them the right to perform project management tasks, thus contributing to workforce diversity and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Digital Platform for Direct Interaction

Another novelty of the program is a dedicated online platform that allows families to directly connect with certified project managers. The aim is to enable Emirati families to start building their dream homes in a peaceful and trusting environment. Project managers will assist in material selection, schedule tracking, and resolving disputes during execution.

This solution is particularly important as many families have faced issues in recent years with construction projects being opaque, prolonged, and often involving significant additional costs. The program aims to put an end to this and elevate the process to a professional level.

Long-Term Goals of the Initiative

"My Home Project Manager" does not function as a standalone project but as part of a larger national enterprise development campaign aimed at the economic diversification of the Emirates. As part of the campaign, several other programs were launched:

Entrepreneurship Program: Training 10,000 Emirati citizens to start and develop their own businesses.

Emirati Tax Consultancy Program: Training and licensing 500 individuals to work as certified tax consultants.

Content Creator Program: Special training for 50 individuals on producing content related to economic and entrepreneurial topics.

More than 50 public and private sector institutions have joined the campaign, aiming to create a total of 30,000 new jobs over the next five years.

New Beginnings, New Opportunities

This program not only addresses a part of the housing crisis but also provides opportunities for those wishing to utilize their construction experience. Retired engineers, experienced project managers, and other professionals can find renewed purpose in roles that offer both income and societal value.

The initiative also demonstrates Dubai's continuous effort to tackle community issues with innovative solutions, considering local resources, knowledge, and traditions. By involving and supporting citizens, a more sustainable, flexible, and human-centered city development can emerge.

Ultimately, this contributes to Dubai being a world leader not only in architectural terms but also in community building and social innovation.

(The article's source is based on an announcement by the Dubai Municipality.)