The modern business world requires organisations to tackle ambitious, innovative yet complex projects in an increasingly interconnected world.

The ability to deliver results efficiently and effectively has never been more critical. Project management skills are rapidly emerging as a key pillar in driving this effort forward, bridging strategy with execution and enabling teams to turn organisations’ visions into reality.

At the same time, students and early-career professionals are recognisng the growing demand for skilled project managers and the opportunities this field offers.

Certifications such as the PMP (Project Management Professional) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) are essential tools for individuals and organisations alike, reinforcing credibility, enabling skill enhancement, and providing competitive advantage.

For students and young professionals, certifications provide a structured entry point into the field of project management. Mohamad Bahij Jamil, a student currently pursuing the CAPM certification, explains how it became a natural first step for him: “I decided to pursue the CAPM certification because I wanted to equip myself with the right tools and foundational knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive job market. The fact that it doesn’t require prior experience made it all the more accessible and encouraging.”

By studying for the CAPM, students gain insights into key concepts like stakeholder communication, risk management, and process groups. These skills are not only valuable for project management roles but also transferable across industries and functions. Mohamad reflects on the impact it has already had on his career prospects: “Even just having ‘Pursuing CAPM’ on my resume has noticeably drawn attention in interviews and job applications. It demonstrates a clear intent and seriousness about my career path.” In an increasingly competitive job market, where candidates often struggle to differentiate themselves, a credential signals commitment and professionalism, setting individuals apart from their peers.

Strategic value of project management certifications

Organisations, too, are recognising the strategic value of project management certifications. Across industries, these credentials have become benchmarks for hiring and for talent development, ensuring employees possess the technical, leadership, and business acumen required to drive success.

At DP World Group Planning & Project Management Department (GPPMD), certifications play a pivotal role in maintaining a competitive edge. Asmae El Kzadmi, group assistant manager – Planning at GPPMD, describes how these certifications have been transformative for their workforce: “Leading the PMP programme under our partnership has been one of GPPMD’s most rewarding milestones. We’re not just offering training; we’re empowering colleagues with globally recognised credentials and the confidence to lead projects more effectively.”

The results speak for themselves. One-third of GPPMD’s high-potential cohort enrolled in certifications last year, reflecting a growing appetite for rigorous, industry-standard training. This investment ensures that teams are equipped to manage large-scale, complex projects—whether it’s port expansions, autonomous cranes, or net-zero initiatives.

Similarly, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) sees certifications as integral to achieving organisational goals. Hilal Bhat IDCD2 IM&T Project Delivery Lead-Infra for PDO highlights their importance in ensuring consistency and quality across projects: “For project/programme management roles, we are more likely to shortlist candidates with these qualifications because they indicate a standardised knowledge base and commitment to best practices. Certified professionals tend to bring greater clarity, structure, and measurable outcomes to projects.” In industries like oil and gas, where projects are high-stakes and timelines are non-negotiable, certified professionals bring a level of discipline and precision that is critical for success.

What makes these certifications particularly compelling is their ability to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. For students like Jamil, certifications like the CAPM offer a head start in understanding the practicalities of project management. For employers like DP World and PDO, certifications ensure that new hires are equipped with a standardised skill set that aligns with industry needs. Jamil reflects on what he has learned so far: “One of the most eye-opening takeaways has been just how much responsibility a project manager holds. The success of any project depends greatly on the project manager’s oversight, coordination, and leadership.”

Project management certifications aimed at future-proofing careers

This sentiment resonates strongly with employers. At DP World, certifications have become synonymous with delivering value. “Talent costs money; poorly managed projects cost fortunes,” notes Kzadmi. “Certified professionals tilt that equation in our favor, turning complex ambitions into repeatable value.” Similarly, PDO emphasises the role of project management in driving broader organisational objectives, from digital transformation to sustainability. Their focus on fostering local talent through certifications aligns with Oman Vision 2040, ensuring that project management excellence contributes to long-term national development.

To further support learners and professionals in advancing their careers, initiatives like Cert Summer have been introduced. Cert Summer is a global programme designed to help individuals future-proof their careers during a time when others might hit pause. It empowers participants to invest in themselves, whether they are applying for their first certifications, renewing existing credentials, or earning PDUs to maintain their qualifications.

Programmes like this turn seasonal downtime into a launchpad for growth, giving professionals and students alike the opportunity to gain a competitive edge — even if it isn’t summer in their part of the world. With hundreds of enthusiasts joining the programme in its most recent cycle, it has proven to be a powerful tool for building momentum and advancing careers.

For both students and employers, project management certifications represent a significant return on investment. Students gain a competitive edge in the job market, while employers benefit from improved project outcomes and enhanced organisational performance. The demand for these certifications is growing rapidly, with organisations increasingly viewing them as essential for building high-performing teams. At PDO, for example, certifications are seen as benchmarks of credibility, especially in multidisciplinary environments where clarity, structure, and measurable outcomes are paramount.

Ultimately, these certifications are more than just credentials — they are a catalyst for personal and organizational transformation. They empower students to take control of their careers and give employers the confidence that their teams can handle the complexities of modern business environments. As Kzadmi aptly concludes, “Watching that annual badge become a badge of honor proves we’re investing in our greatest asset: Our People.”

Whether you’re a student taking your first steps into project management or an employer striving to build a culture of excellence, certifications offer a clear and proven path forward.

Water security is such a critical part of every country’s future growth plan and yet we often forget to mention the people responsible for this vital infrastructure.

Vision 2030 has rightly placed water security at the heart of sustainable growth, with billions being invested in desalination, reuse, and stormwater programmes that will support thriving cities and industries. Saudi Arabia has built one of the most advanced water sectors in the world. It produces over 11 million cubic meters of desalinated water every day, according to SWCC reports, making it the largest desalination market globally.

However, infrastructure alone cannot secure the kingdom’s water future. Technology can be imported, plants can be constructed, and pipelines can be laid. What determines long-term resilience is not just the systems themselves, but the people who operate and sustain them. And here lies one of the most urgent challenges for Vision 2030: the talent gap.

The talent gap: A transition gap

In order to deliver on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious infrastructure pipeline, the readiness of the local workforce must keep pace. Saudi universities graduate tens of thousands of engineers every year, but only a small proportion are exposed to practical training in desalination, wastewater, or distribution networks before entering the job market. Studies confirm that a growing mismatch exists between academic outputs and industry expectations.

A 2024 study examining graduate employability across Saudi industries found that employers perceive significant deficiencies in practical, job-relevant skills and soft competencies, reinforcing the need for structured development to bridge the gap between education and employment.

This is where the private sector and teaching institutes need to work together to fill the knowledge gaps. Saudi Arabia has already created institutions like the SWCC Saudi Water Academy that delivers accredited qualification programmes for new graduates on desalination technologies, plant operations, and water quality, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the technical demands of the sector. Similarly, at AVK Saudi Valves Manufacturing Company, we have been running valve training programmes for 40 years to give graduates applied exposure and prepare them for careers in the water sector.

From compliance to capability

To meet the challenges of delivering clean, fresh water to growing cities all across Saudi Arabia, the focus must shift from Saudisation as compliance to Saudisation as capability.

Companies that are delivering products into infrastructure projects need to understand that meeting hiring quotas may achieve short-term policy targets, but it does not in itself build the technical depth or leadership confidence needed to sustain complex systems.

True resilience comes when Saudi engineers are fully empowered and equipped—not just to participate in the workforce, but to lead it.

Building talent, securing the future

The kingdom is entering a decisive decade for water. Demand is projected to rise by more than 30 per cent by 2030, even as climate pressures intensify and resources are stretched further. The infrastructure being built today is world-class, but without a workforce prepared to sustain it, the kingdom risks jeopardising its own efforts. The next step is to invest with equal ambition in water talent, empowering Saudi engineers as the custodians of their nation’s most critical resource.

What is needed now is a national framework that hardwires collaboration between universities, industry, and regulators. This means embedding practice-based learning in engineering curricula, scaling sector-led training academies, and ensuring every major water project also functions as a platform for knowledge transfer to Saudi professionals.

Leaders driving water security in Saudi

Having invested in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades, we have seen first-hand the capability and ambition of Saudi engineers when they are given the opportunity. Many who joined the sector as trainees are now leaders shaping its future. This is the real measure of progress: not just pipelines and plants, but people prepared to sustain them.

Today’s engineers will be the leaders who safeguard Saudi Arabia’s water security tomorrow and in doing so, they will not only help achieve Vision 2030 they will ensure the kingdom’s security for generations to come.

The writer is the HR manager at AVK Saudi Valves Manufacturing Company.

WHOOP, a human performance company, and Lean Business Services, a leading digital health solutions provider in Saudi Arabia, announced a strategic partnership to integrate advanced physiological analytics into the kingdom’s national health platforms. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of promoting preventive health and longevity.

The partnership will enable co-development of innovative health products and exploration of new commercial opportunities, providing individuals and organisations with actionable data to optimise recovery, performance, and long-term wellness.

Integrating best-in-class technology by partnering with Whoop: Alrasheed

Engineer Mohanned Alrasheed, CEO of Lean Business Services, said the alliance “connects all aspects of wellness” and positions the kingdom to move from reactive care to proactive, preventive health. “By partnering with WHOOP, we are integrating best-in-class performance and recovery data into the national platforms Lean operates, creating a powerful new tool for our nation,” he said.

Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP, added that the company is evolving into a “health operating system” to improve both healthspan and performance. “Together, we aim to empower individuals and institutions with data-driven insights that enhance recovery, resilience, and longevity at scale,” Ahmed said.

The partnership will explore secure data interoperability in the coming months, bridging daily performance metrics with broader national wellness objectives. It underscores a shared vision of embedding advanced, data-driven insights into Saudi Arabia’s digital health ecosystem and reflects the GCC’s growing focus on preventive healthcare innovation.

Read: ‘WHOOP 5.0 Is our biggest leap yet’, says founder and CEO Will Ahmed

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a spell of unstable weather across the UAE from November 3 to 7, marked by partly cloudy to cloudy skies and occasional light to moderate rainfall. Winds are predicted to become periodically active, prompting the sea to fluctuate between calm and moderate, with a slight dip in temperatures on certain days, according to a WAM report.

The NCM noted that these conditions coincide with the seasonal shift from autumn to winter, a period typically associated with increased cloud formation, especially over western and coastal regions, and chances of scattered showers. The forecast suggests an onset of cooler, more moderate weather across the emirates.

Read more-Cloud seeding in focus as UAE readies for cooler weather

Humidity is expected to rise during the early morning hours, particularly over coastal and inland areas, while winds will vary between northwesterly and southeasterly, blowing at 10–25 km/hr, and occasionally reaching up to 40 km/h. The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will generally remain calm to moderate.

The country is currently under the influence of a weak low-pressure system at both surface and upper-air levels, resulting in partly cloudy conditions across most areas. The most significant cloud cover has been observed over coastal zones and islands, where light rain is possible. Temperatures have dropped slightly compared to recent days, ushering in relatively cooler conditions overall.

Rising overnight moisture and mild winds

According to the NCM weather bulletin, humidity levels are expected to rise significantly overnight and into Tuesday morning, especially across coastal and interior regions. Winds will remain light to moderate, with intermittent strengthening over the Arabian Gulf, where seas may turn rough at times. The Oman Sea, meanwhile, is anticipated to stay slight to moderate.

Daytime temperatures will range from 22°C to 36°C across various regions, with cooler conditions in mountainous areas and higher humidity near the coast.

Regional forecast snapshot

Week ahead: Cloudy skies and scattered showers

Tuesday, 4 November: Cloud cover will increase intermittently, especially in western and coastal regions, with dusty conditions developing in northern and eastern areas. High humidity will persist overnight as southeasterly winds shift northwesterly, occasionally strengthening over the sea.

Wednesday, 5 November: Western parts of the country may see cloudy intervals and light to moderate rain, accompanied by a slight temperature increase. Nights will remain humid, with light to moderate winds and generally calm seas.

Thursday, 6 November: The Al Dhafrah Region could witness intermittent rain under partly cloudy to cloudy skies. Humid conditions are forecast to persist nationwide, with light to moderate variable winds and slight to moderate seas in the Arabian Gulf.

Friday, 7 November: The week will close with partly cloudy weather, especially in western areas, and a minor temperature dip. High overnight humidity will continue into Saturday morning, with light to moderate southeasterly to northeasterly winds and generally calm seas.

The extended spell of transitional weather is likely to influence outdoor events, maritime activities, and logistics operations across the country. Businesses relying on transport and tourism may need to adjust schedules in response to variable wind patterns and humidity levels. With the winter season approaching, cooler conditions could also support domestic tourism and outdoor leisure activities, particularly in mountainous and desert regions.

Dubai has taken a major step toward smarter urban mobility with the introduction of new public parking zones across key districts, including Dubai Studio City, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Sports City. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance traffic management, reduce congestion, and ensure better parking accessibility for residents, professionals, students, and visitors alike.

The new system assigns specific zone codes, 675T, 812T, 812F, and 682S, to each district, simplifying navigation and compliance for motorists. With clearly marked signage, structured hourly tariffs, and flexible subscription packages, the city aims to offer a seamless parking experience that caters to a wide range of needs, from short-term visitors to long-term commuters.

Read more-Dubai’s new AI parking system: 36,000 spaces covered for vehicles

The move reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology and urban planning to create efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly city infrastructure. As the emirate continues to grow as a global hub for business, education, and recreation, these newly introduced parking zones are set to streamline daily commuting, support local businesses, and improve overall traffic flow, benefiting everyone from students and media professionals to sports enthusiasts and corporate employees.

The city has assigned specific zone codes to streamline compliance and facilitate smooth parking experiences:

• Dubai Studio City: Zone Code 675T

• Dubai Outsource City: Zone Code 812T

• Dubai International Academic City: Zone Code 812F

• Dubai Sports City: Zone Code 682S

Authorities have installed clear signage across all affected areas to guide motorists, encouraging them to adhere to the new regulations. Drivers can access updated information on parking tariffs and subscription options through the official website, parkin.ae.

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Dubai Sports City: Streamlined access and affordable tariffs

Dubai Sports City has officially introduced a paid parking system under Code S, marking a major initiative to optimise traffic flow and parking accessibility.

The new system caters to both short-term visitors and long-term users, making parking straightforward and cost-effective.

Tariffs

These rates ensure affordability while supporting organised parking for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Operating hours

Paid parking will be enforced from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with parking outside these hours typically free unless otherwise indicated.

Subscription packages

Frequent users can opt for subscription plans:

These options are designed to provide cost-effective solutions for those requiring regular access to parking within the district.

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Dubai International Academic City: Catering to students and professionals

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced Code F public parking zones in Dubai International Academic City. This strategic move aims to improve parking efficiency and manage traffic across campuses, benefiting the large student population, faculty, and visitors alike.

Tariffs

These structured rates provide flexibility for short campus visits, extended academic activities, and full-day parking needs.

Operating hours

Paid parking is active from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with free parking outside these hours unless otherwise indicated by onsite signage.

Subscription plans

Students, staff, and frequent visitors can benefit from long-term parking packages:

These plans support regular commuters and provide cost-effective parking solutions for academic stakeholders.

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Dubai Studio City: Supporting Dubai’s Creative Hub

Dubai Studio City, a major media and production hub, has also joined the regulated public parking network under Code T, enhancing accessibility and ensuring smoother traffic flow for residents, workers, and visitors.

Tariffs

Operating hours

Parking is enforced from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with free parking outside these hours unless signage specifies otherwise.

Subscription options

Frequent users can subscribe to long-term plans:

These subscriptions provide convenience and savings for media professionals and other regular parkers.

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Dubai Outsource City: Enhancing access for businesses

The rollout of public parking zones extends to Dubai Outsource City, a key commercial hub. The introduction of Code T parking zones is designed to improve traffic flow, optimise parking availability, and streamline mobility for businesses, employees, and visitors.

Tariffs

Operating hours

Parking is enforced from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with free parking outside these hours unless otherwise indicated.

Subscription packages

These packages support professionals and regular visitors, helping ensure a seamless daily commuting experience.

Driving Dubai forward: Smarter parking for a growing city

Dubai’s expansion of regulated parking zones across its commercial, academic, and residential districts is part of a broader strategy to optimise urban mobility. By introducing structured tariffs, flexible subscription plans, and clear signage, the city is making parking easier, more affordable, and more predictable for everyone.

From students and faculty in International Academic City to professionals in Outsource and Studio Cities, and sports enthusiasts in Dubai Sports City, these initiatives provide a unified framework for organised parking and reduced congestion.

As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub for business, education, and media, the new parking regulations demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to urban management, blending efficiency, accessibility, and convenience.