Shortage of Project Talent Endangers Global Growth According to Global Project Management Talent Gap Report
The ten-year outlook highlights where demand will soar, which regions have a greater need, and why project talent is now imperative for sustained global growth
UAE – May, 2025 – Up to 30 million new project professionals are needed to meet global demand by 2035, with up to 1.8 million professionals needed specifically in the Middle East according to the new Global Project Management Talent Gap report from Project Management Institute (PMI). As the world accelerates into an era defined by economic uncertainty, disruption, and digital transformation, it is clear that project professionals are more essential than ever.
As of now, there are currently 1.3 million project professionals in MENA, thereby, the increase in demand opens a gap of up to 629,000 project professionals.
There are almost 40 million project professionals in the global workforce today. To put this in perspective, the global workforce includes approximately 25 million software developers and around 30 million nurses underscoring the scale and significance of the project management profession. But projected demand is rising sharply – particularly in fast-growing regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China, where major infrastructure projects, industrial expansion, and digital transformation are creating unprecedented needs for skilled talent.
'Our world is in flux: economically, politically, environmentally', stated Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President and CEO of PMI. 'The need for change is everywhere. And change only happens through successful projects. That makes this a defining moment for project professionals. We don't just need millions more of them, we need them ready to lead, to deliver, to turn bold ideas into real and sustainable outcomes. The talent gap in our profession isn't just a workforce issue. It's a barrier to progress for business and for the future of the world.'
This projection aligns with the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, which identifies project managers as a key role driving net employment growth through 2030 and ranked it as the 12th fastest-growing job role globally. As an essential role in business transformation across regions and industries, project managers are critical to navigating the rapidly evolving future of work.
'The MENA region is on the cusp of a historic transformation, powered by visionary national agendas, and some of the world's most ambitious megaprojects.' stated Hanny Alshazly, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at PMI. 'Up to 1.8 million project professionals will be needed across the region by 2035. At PMI, we're committed to equipping individuals and organizations with the skills to deliver impactful, future-focused projects by fostering local talent, embracing innovation, and enabling long-term strategic success. Through this, we aim to help the region not only meet its ambitious goals but also set a global benchmark for sustainable development and excellence.'
Key Takeaways from the Report: Up to 30 million more project professionals will be needed by 2035 to meet global demand. Up to 1.8 million will be needed specifically in the Middle East and North Africa region, with up to 148,000 estimated in the United Arab Emirates alone.
Fastest growth regions include South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China—fueled by infrastructure investment and digital innovation. The region is also fueled by a demand in modernized infrastructure, economic diversification and megaprojects with a growth rate of 42%. Growth in UAE specifically is projected to be up to 41.6%.
Sectors under pressure include construction, manufacturing, IT services, and healthcare—with projected demand for project professionals increasing by as high as 66%.
The Middle East has also seen a strategic focus on national development plans, local capacity building and collaboration with the private sector.
Mature economies, including North America and Europe, face stalled supply of project professionals due to aging populations and shifting labor force trends.
The opportunity: Reskilling, upskilling, and opening new career pathways can help close the gap and elevate the profession globally.
The report finds that in high-growth markets, transformation is being driven by urgent needs, ranging from infrastructure expansion to rapid digitalization. Project talent is what makes that transformation possible, enabling organizations to turn complex ambitions into tangible outcomes. In contrast, mature economies face growing challenges as experienced project professionals retire, and delivery models can't keep pace with evolving business needs. Those who invest in modern project talent today will have a competitive edge tomorrow.
The future is built on projects, but the world faces a critical shortage: skilled project professionals. With demand accelerating across all regions and sectors, project professionals who take ownership beyond delivery, connecting projects to business value and long-term impact, will be indispensable partners to the C-suite and central to the world's most critical transformations.
About Project Management Institute (PMI)
PMI is the leading authority in project management, dedicated to guiding the way to project success. Since 1969, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. With a global community, gold-standard professional certifications, and career-long learning opportunities, PMI empowers current and aspiring project professionals, as well as organizations, with knowledge and resources to lead effectively and create an impact in the communities they serve. Join PMI in elevating our world – one project at a time.
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The ten-year outlook highlights where demand will soar, which regions have a greater need, and why project talent is now imperative for sustained global growth UAE – May, 2025 – Up to 30 million new project professionals are needed to meet global demand by 2035, with up to 1.8 million professionals needed specifically in the Middle East according to the new Global Project Management Talent Gap report from Project Management Institute (PMI). As the world accelerates into an era defined by economic uncertainty, disruption, and digital transformation, it is clear that project professionals are more essential than ever. As of now, there are currently 1.3 million project professionals in MENA, thereby, the increase in demand opens a gap of up to 629,000 project professionals. There are almost 40 million project professionals in the global workforce today. To put this in perspective, the global workforce includes approximately 25 million software developers and around 30 million nurses underscoring the scale and significance of the project management profession. But projected demand is rising sharply – particularly in fast-growing regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China, where major infrastructure projects, industrial expansion, and digital transformation are creating unprecedented needs for skilled talent. 'Our world is in flux: economically, politically, environmentally', stated Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President and CEO of PMI. 'The need for change is everywhere. And change only happens through successful projects. That makes this a defining moment for project professionals. We don't just need millions more of them, we need them ready to lead, to deliver, to turn bold ideas into real and sustainable outcomes. The talent gap in our profession isn't just a workforce issue. 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At PMI, we're committed to equipping individuals and organizations with the skills to deliver impactful, future-focused projects by fostering local talent, embracing innovation, and enabling long-term strategic success. Through this, we aim to help the region not only meet its ambitious goals but also set a global benchmark for sustainable development and excellence.' Key Takeaways from the Report: Up to 30 million more project professionals will be needed by 2035 to meet global demand. Up to 1.8 million will be needed specifically in the Middle East and North Africa region, with up to 148,000 estimated in the United Arab Emirates alone. Fastest growth regions include South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China—fueled by infrastructure investment and digital innovation. The region is also fueled by a demand in modernized infrastructure, economic diversification and megaprojects with a growth rate of 42%. Growth in UAE specifically is projected to be up to 41.6%. Sectors under pressure include construction, manufacturing, IT services, and healthcare—with projected demand for project professionals increasing by as high as 66%. The Middle East has also seen a strategic focus on national development plans, local capacity building and collaboration with the private sector. Mature economies, including North America and Europe, face stalled supply of project professionals due to aging populations and shifting labor force trends. The opportunity: Reskilling, upskilling, and opening new career pathways can help close the gap and elevate the profession globally. The report finds that in high-growth markets, transformation is being driven by urgent needs, ranging from infrastructure expansion to rapid digitalization. Project talent is what makes that transformation possible, enabling organizations to turn complex ambitions into tangible outcomes. In contrast, mature economies face growing challenges as experienced project professionals retire, and delivery models can't keep pace with evolving business needs. Those who invest in modern project talent today will have a competitive edge tomorrow. The future is built on projects, but the world faces a critical shortage: skilled project professionals. With demand accelerating across all regions and sectors, project professionals who take ownership beyond delivery, connecting projects to business value and long-term impact, will be indispensable partners to the C-suite and central to the world's most critical transformations. About Project Management Institute (PMI) PMI is the leading authority in project management, dedicated to guiding the way to project success. Since 1969, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. With a global community, gold-standard professional certifications, and career-long learning opportunities, PMI empowers current and aspiring project professionals, as well as organizations, with knowledge and resources to lead effectively and create an impact in the communities they serve. Join PMI in elevating our world – one project at a time.
