The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has earned significant recognition at the 2026 PMI Awards, organized by Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority for project professionals, highlighting the region’s contributions to advancing project management excellence, innovation, and leadership.
Announced during PMI Global Summit 2026 in Detroit, Michigan, the awards celebrated exceptional projects, organizations, and individuals whose achievements demonstrate the power of effective project management to deliver meaningful outcomes and create lasting impact.
Saudi Arabia emerged among the distinguished winners, securing the prestigious PMI Project of the Year Award for the Hawiyah Unayzah Gas Reservoir Storage Program, undertaken by Saudi Aramco, which also won the Construction category. The Kingdom received further recognition in the Sustainability category for the Irrigation Water Consumption Rationalization and Efficiency Improvement Project, undertaken by the Saudi Irrigation Organization.
In another major achievement, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development was named World PMO of the Year and Middle East PMO of the Year, recognizing excellence in project management office performance, leadership, and value delivery.
The Hawiyah Unayzah Gas Reservoir Storage Program, undertaken by Saudi Aramco, introduced an innovative approach to managing seasonal natural gas demand through the use of a depleted gas reservoir for storage and reproduction during periods of peak demand.
The project contributes to strengthening energy security and operational resilience while demonstrating excellence in delivering complex infrastructure initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Water Consumption Rationalization and Efficiency Improvement Project, developed through a partnership between the Saudi Irrigation Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), addresses critical water management challenges by focusing on improving irrigation efficiency and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Recognizing Leadership Across MENA
Beyond project delivery, the region also received recognition for leadership and contributions to the project management profession.
Mona Zbidi of the PMI Tunisia Chapter received the Chapter Leadership Impact Award for the MENA region, recognizing exceptional leadership and volunteer contributions that strengthen PMI chapters and support the wider project management community.
The PMI UAE Chapter was also recognized as a regional finalist for the PMI Chapter of the Year Award, highlighting its contributions to advancing the profession and supporting the project management community.
Together, these distinctions reflect the diverse contributions of MENA’s project management community, from delivering strategically important projects to fostering professional development, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
Strengthening the Region’s Project Management Capabilities
As governments and organizations across MENA continue to pursue ambitious development and transformation agendas, the ability to successfully execute complex projects is becoming increasingly important.
“The achievements recognized at this year’s PMI Awards reflect the strength of project leadership and expertise across the Middle East and North Africa. From energy security and sustainability to building stronger professional communities, these projects demonstrate what our region is capable of delivering. What matters now is building on these achievements, developing the next generation of project leaders and raising the standard of project delivery across MENA. At PMI, our focus is on strengthening the skills and leadership capabilities that will help turn the region’s ambitions into results that make a lasting difference,” said Hanny Alshazly Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at PMI.
Since 1974, the PMI Awards have celebrated outstanding contributions to the project management profession, recognizing individuals, teams, chapters, and organizations whose work advances innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
The 2026 winners were announced during PMI Global Summit in Detroit, held from October 21 to 24.
For more information about the PMI Awards, visit www.pmi.org/about/awards.
