Sponsored by the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, the Project Management Institute (PMI) held a forum at the National Archives’ headquarters entitled: "Sharing Best Practices in Project Management in Government Institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." The opening ceremony began with a speech by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla El Reyes, Director General of the National Archives, emphasizing the importance of the forum in upgrading government institutions’ project management and the pivotal role it plays in their work management and organization enabling them to achieve their vision and objectives.

HE Dr. El Reyes gave a brief description of the National Archives of the UAE, which was founded in 1968 upon the directives of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He spoke about its role in preserving the nation's history pointing out that the UAE National Archives is proud that it relies on an electronic sophisticated base in managing most of its tasks. Embracing the state-of-the-art technology, the NA headquarters is indicative of an original concept of archives and archiving that makes it more likable.  If one contemplates the educational projects of the National Archives and its efforts in raising awareness of the importance of the historical document, one finds that the UAE National Archives has taken a new turn reinforcing its status as a source of pride for the country.  HE added: “that the National Archives’ preservation of the history of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his unique experience in developing the UAE and the establishment of its auspicious union steps up the interest of researchers and citizens in it.

HE Dr. El Reyes focused on the achievements of the National Archives in the area of project management development, pointing out that this development prompted it to be the destination to which many domestic and foreign entities come to take advantage of its experience.

The Sharing Best Practices for Project Management in Government Institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Forum began with a speech by Mrs. Leila Freidun, Director of the Project Management Institute - UAE Chapter.  She stressed her keenness to make the "Project Management Institute - UAE Chapter, a major destination in the region for those aiming at developing their skills and profiting from the unique practices in the field of project management.

In her speech, she highlighted the importance of distinctive practices that can contribute to developing the project management system in the public sector, which is now competitive with the private sector. Nowadays, the countries in the region aim at achieving prosperity for their people through a more active role played by their institutions and administrative bodies. This role is one of the most important areas on which "project management" focuses. Today the UAE embraces distinct practices in project management seeking to share them with our fellows in the region and the world; thus, enhancing the leading positing the state occupies on the global amp of excellence in project management.  .

Mrs. Leila Freidun, Head of the Project Management Institute - UAE Chapter, thanked the National Archives for their generous sponsorship of the forum, looking forward that it benefits everyone and that its topics add value to the proficiencies and the acquired information in the field of project management for all members and participants.

Later, a discussion panel was held in which Major Dana Al Marzouki from the Interior Ministry, spoke about the mechanism linking projects and initiatives in the strategic plans of the government, and the qualifications of a successful Project Manager, whether technical or personal.  Mr. Bashar Al-Dajani, from the Zakum Field Development Company (ZADCO), spoke on the execution of projects and the major challenges they face, in addition to the role of the work team in the success of the project. Mrs. Samar Almashjeri of the National Archives spoke on the empowerment of the females in the National Archives in general, and in project management in particular, in addition to the electronic systems used in project management.

The session concluded by honoring participants in the panel discussion and honoring the National Archives as a strategic sponsor of the forum.