Artificial Intelligence and Project Management Performance Through Training in the UAE Public Sector

Abstract

This study explores the ranking and interrelationships of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, training, and project management performance within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) public sector. Four AI capability dimensions which are predictive analytics, intelligent scheduling and automation, decision support systems, and risk management and resource allocation that were assessed using data from a structured questionnaire distributed to government and public-sector employees engaged in project-related activities. Of the 600 questionnaires distributed, 515 valid responses were retained for analysis. Findings reveal that all AI capability dimensions, training, and project management performance were perceived at moderate-to-high levels. Ranking analysis identified project management performance as the most influential factor, followed by risk management and resource allocation, training, decision support systems, intelligent scheduling and automation and predictive analytics. Correlation analysis further confirmed positive and significant associations among all study dimensions, with training showing the strongest relationship to project management performance. These results underscore the pivotal role of human capability development in maximizing AI-supported project outcomes. The study contributes to the literature on AI-enabled project management by highlighting the combined importance of technological capability and workforce training in enhancing project performance in the UAE public-sector context.