Press Releases
14 Jan 2026
Agile Transformation Debate Explores Revolutionising Capital Project Delivery in the Digital Era
On the first day of the Dubai International Project Management Forum 2026, a debate session titled “Agile Transformation: Revolutionising Capital Project Delivery in the Digital Era” was held, highlighting the role of agile methodologies in reshaping planning and delivery concepts for major capital projects, particularly in light of the rapid global pace of digital transformation.
aThe debate featured Denise Jarvie, Agile Community Leader and Managing Director at the Agile Alliance, affiliated with the Project Management Institute, alongside Dr Pedro M. Serrador, Lecturer at Northeastern University and the University of Toronto. The session was moderated by Hanny Alshazly, Managing Director – Middle East and North Africa at the Project Management Institute.
The session examined how agile transformation is revolutionising the delivery of capital projects in the digital era, addressing the fundamental shifts introduced by agility in executing such projects. It also explored how digital technologies, big data and artificial intelligence have enhanced organisations’ ability to adapt to change, accelerated decision-making, and improved risk management efficiency—thereby ensuring the delivery of sustainable added value for stakeholders.
Denise Jarvie emphasised in her address that agile transformation is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity to enable organisations to navigate complexity and uncertainty in large-scale capital projects. She highlighted the importance of building an agile organisational culture that supports innovation and continuous learning.
Dr Pedro M. Serrador presented practical models and applications demonstrating how agility can be integrated with traditional project management frameworks in a way that strikes a balance between robust governance and adaptability, thereby enhancing the likelihood of project success in rapidly evolving digital environments.
In concluding the session, the participants commended the technological advancement witnessed by the Emirate of Dubai and the agile approach adopted by the Roads and Transport Authority in delivering projects and strategic initiatives—an approach that has positioned Dubai among the world’s most advanced cities and best places to live.
They also noted that the region, in general, and the United Arab Emirates in particular, is experiencing promising opportunities to adopt agile transformation across capital projects. The participants emphasised that the Dubai International Project Management Forum serves as a global platform for exchanging expertise and best practices, and for anticipating the future of project management in the digital era.