For many Emirati families, one of the biggest hurdles in home construction is the frustration caused by delays. Dubai has introduced a solution: the My Home Project Manager initiative. This program aims to train 500 Emiratis, including retired engineers, to assist citizens through every phase of homebuilding, from design to completion.
Eng Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, unveiled the program at Creator HQ in Emirates Towers, stating it addresses a frequent complaint. “Citizens often say that the construction of their homes is delayed,” he explained.
The announcement coincided with the launch of the national entrepreneurship campaign, The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World, introduced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This homebuilding initiative is a part of several specialized tracks within the campaign.
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The program is available to UAE nationals experienced in housing construction, whether consultants, retired engineers, or industry professionals. Over five years, 500 participants will be trained at the New Economy Academy Dubai in Emirates Towers. Each group will participate in a five-day, 20-hour course.
Engineer Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Building Regulation and Licensing Agency at Dubai Municipality, explained the initiative aims to boost national construction capabilities. “Participants will learn to manage projects from start to finish, receiving the necessary consultations to ensure a smooth and high-quality process,” she stated.
“The primary objective is to create a sustainable income source for participants by providing them with an accredited license to manage projects,” she added.
Who can apply?
Candidates should not hold a current commercial license for construction or contracting. “Experience is key. We select the most prepared and experienced individuals,” said Marwan.
When Khaleej Times inquired about age requirements, Marwan mentioned that anyone with experience and a desire to contribute to their country and community is eligible to apply.
A selection committee will choose participants throughout the five-year program. Registration involves submitting an application via Dubai Municipality’s Dubai Engineering Qualification (DEQ) system, the official licensing portal for engineers, contractors, and suppliers.
Successful candidates will undergo training and testing at the New Economy Academy, then move on to obtain a business license through Dubai Municipality and complete operations in the DEQ system.
The first group will start training from October 21 to 27, with free courses for all UAE citizens. Participants will learn:
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Project management
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Contract, design, and cost management
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Field-based supervisory and practical application
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Team management and dispute resolution
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Final evaluation
Supporting citizens
Marwan highlighted that the initiative leverages existing national expertise. “We have Emiratis with strong engineering backgrounds, whether in government roles or retired. Why not utilize their knowledge to assist fellow citizens? This program offers them a new opportunity to convert experience into income.”
Program graduates can register on a dedicated online platform where families can connect directly with certified project managers. These experts will aid citizens in monitoring construction timelines, selecting quality materials, and resolving disputes to prevent delays faced by many Emirati families.
“Empowering 500 project managers means empowering families to achieve their dream homes. This is about building capacity today and creating innovative future solutions,” Bin Ghalita stated.
The initiative is part of several programs launched under the national entrepreneurship campaign, including:
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Entrepreneurship Programme: Training 10,000 Emiratis in business startup and growth.
Emirati Tax Agent Programme: Licensing 500 Emiratis as certified tax agents in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority over three years.
Specialised Content Creator Programme: Training 50 Emiratis in producing economic and entrepreneurial content.
A video shared by Sheikh Mohammed indicates that over 50 public and private entities are involved in the campaign, expected to generate 30,000 job opportunities in the next five years.
