Exploring in‑demand project management jobs in the Middle East

Infrastructure in the Middle East is changing fast. This rapid growth means an increasing need for professionals who can lead the way. With more than $3 trillion worth of active projects across the Gulf, the region has become one of the most exciting destinations for those looking for project management jobs. 

At the centre of this transformation are project managers who turn vision into delivery. Our project manager jobs in the Middle East are perfect for leaders who are committed to resolving challenges, keeping the wheels spinning, and delivering complex projects successfully.

For professionals looking for project management jobs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, this is a chance to play a direct role in shaping the future of entire nations. Here, we’ll explore what project managers do, the skills needed to succeed, and what it means to build your career with AtkinsRéalis in the Middle East. 

Why project management jobs are in high demand in the Middle East

The demand for skilled project managers has never been higher. Across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and beyond, governments are investing heavily in infrastructural solutions that create a greener tomorrow. This investment results in ambitious budgets and timelines that create opportunities for project managers.

Population growth is a driving factor. Urban population across the Gulf is projected to expand by 30% by 2030 and to 90% by 2050, and demands for housing and mobility solutions are following suit. Skilled project managers are needed to meet these demands at speed and to the highest standard. 

The scale of national visions and sustainability goals are also behind the demand. Saudi Vision 2030, for example, is transforming the Kingdom through mega projects like NEOM, while the UAE Centennial 2071 sets long-term goals for innovation and prosperity. Delivering on these strategies requires strong leadership, which is an essential part of our project management jobs.

What does a project manager do in the Middle East?

At its heart, a project management job in the Middle East is varied and dynamic. Working as a project manager means wearing many hats to guide some of the world’s largest and most complex projects through every stage of delivery. Our project managers are planners, communicators and problem-solvers, rolled into one.

Project managers in the Middle East often lead multi-disciplinary teams drawn from around the world. They’re responsible for aligning local contractors with global consultants, balancing client expectations with on-the-ground realities, and ensuring sustainability commitments are met.

The job of a project manager also shifts depending on the sector. In transport, it can involve managing the integration of metro systems. In aviation, it’s ensuring new terminals are delivered efficiently. On environmental projects, it’s coordinating construction alongside conservation measures. Whatever the sector, the goal of our project management jobs remains delivering projects that align with our mission of engineering net zero. 

Top skills needed for project manager jobs 

To thrive in project management jobs in the Middle East, a blend of technical and soft skills are needed. It’s this mix of technical know-how, professional leadership, and cultural fluency that makes project managers so valuable. With early careers programmes and dedicated training at AtkinsRéalis, we help our professionals to nurture and develop these skills. 

Technical project management skills

• Scheduling and planning expertise and proficiency using tools like Primavera P6 or MS Project
• Cost control, risk management, and change management across multi-package projects
• Contract management experience, especially within frameworks like FIDIC, widely used in the Gulf
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or APM
• Registration with local bodies such as the Saudi Council of Engineers
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks such as LEED or the UAE’s Estidama Pearl Rating System

Soft project management skills

• Leadership of diverse teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement, from government officials to local communities
• Clear and confident reporting and communication
• Bilingual communication (Arabic-English), particularly valuable in client-facing positions

The benefits of working as a project manager in the Middle East with AtkinsRéalis

A project management career with AtkinsRéalis in the Middle East is an opportunity to develop professionally while contributing to projects that matter on a global scale. We’ve been involved in reshaping the Middle East for over 50 years, earning recognition as a Great Place to Work in the region in the process.

With more than 17,000 colleagues across the Gulf, we’ve created a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone belongs. We offer the following rewards and benefits for our project managers in the Middle East.

• Competitive tax-free salaries
• Housing and transportation allowances
• Relocation support and annual flights
• Comprehensive medical and life insurance
• Access to 24/7 wellbeing support
• Opportunities to experience the cultural and leisure activities of the Middle East
• Structured mentoring and support
• Paid memberships for professional institutions
• Clear pathways for career progression

Shape the future in a project manager job

With the region building at a pace rarely seen elsewhere, it’s clear to see why project manager jobs in the Middle East are in demand. With mega projects like NEOM and long-term strategies to support, opportunities are expanding just as quickly as the region itself. 

At AtkinsRéalis, we’re proud to be at the heart of this transformation. If you’re ready to build your project management career and lead on projects with global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our project management jobs in the Middle East today or join our talent community to stay up to date.