The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF), in partnership with the World Bank Group, organised a specialised workshop on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) on 4 and 5 November 2026. The event brought together representatives from federal and local government entities, along with international experts, to improve the way public and private organisations plan and deliver joint projects.
The workshop is an important step in the UAE’s efforts to put its federal PPP framework into practice. It focuses on improving project planning, attracting private investment and ensuring that public funds deliver clear value. It also highlights the need for skilled professionals who can manage complex, long-term partnerships.
UAE Strengthens Public-Private Partnership Planning
The workshop covered key stages of the PPP process, from identifying suitable projects to assessing their feasibility, preparing contracts and arranging finance. Participants also discussed ways to manage financial risks and future commitments linked to these projects.
On the first day, discussions focused on the main requirements for successful PPP programmes and ways to attract private-sector investment. Participants also reviewed international examples of social infrastructure projects in areas such as education, healthcare and government facilities.
The second day focused on financial and technical matters. Key topics included Value for Money (VfM) assessments, sharing risks between public and private partners, and managing direct and possible future financial commitments.
These areas are important because a PPP project involves more than securing private investment. Both sides need a clear understanding of project costs, responsibilities, risks and expected results. Proper financial planning and budgeting can help assess whether a project is affordable and can deliver value over its full term.
Building on the UAE’s Existing PPP Framework
The latest workshop builds on the UAE’s existing legal framework. The country introduced Federal Law No. 12 of 2023 to regulate federal public-private partnership projects. In 2024, the Ministry of Finance also issued its Manual on PPP Projects, Management and Execution.
These measures provide guidance to government entities and private partners throughout the project process. The existing law also allows private companies to submit unsolicited project proposals, subject to government review and approval. It permits up to 100% foreign ownership of a PPP project company under the conditions set by the law and relevant project documents.
These provisions create opportunities for private and international investors. However, submitting a proposal does not guarantee approval, and ownership terms may depend on the requirements of each project.
15 Government Professionals Recognised
The workshop also recognised 15 government professionals who completed all three levels of the Certified Public-Private Partnerships Professional (CP3P) programme, accredited by APMG International.
This achievement supports the development of skilled teams that can help government entities prepare, assess and manage PPP projects. It also encourages stronger knowledge sharing across public authorities.
What Businesses and Investors Should Do Now
The development is relevant to infrastructure developers, construction companies, investors, financial institutions and professional service providers interested in UAE government projects.
Companies considering PPP opportunities should assess project feasibility, funding needs, contract terms and long-term financial commitments before taking part. Ignoring these areas can lead to unexpected costs, cash-flow pressure, poor investment decisions and contractual risks.
Businesses should also maintain accurate financial records and review the financial impact of a project before entering an agreement. Financial due diligence, budgeting and forecasting, accounting and bookkeeping, and financial reporting can help companies understand project costs, assess risks and plan their resources. They should also review their tax compliance responsibilities as part of their wider financial planning.
Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) supports businesses with business advisory, financial due diligence, accounting, bookkeeping, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, and tax compliance services. Its ACCA-qualified team helps companies maintain reliable financial records, review financial performance and make informed business decisions.
The latest workshop shows that the UAE is continuing to strengthen the practical delivery of its PPP framework. For businesses, understanding the legal requirements and preparing their financial plans early will be important when assessing future public-private partnership opportunities.
