Purpose: The current research investigated the moderating effect of extraversion, a key personality trait, on the relationship between project managers’ competencies and the generation of successful innovation within project-based organizations (PBOs) operating in the healthcare sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: A theoretical framework is suggested to explain how extraversion influences the connection between project manager skills and the promotion of innovation in project-based organisations (PBOs). A grand total of 347 valid questionnaires were gathered from more than 23 organisations within the healthcare sector in the UAE. Analysing the direction and strength of relationships using structural equation modelling offered a thorough understanding of the factors impacting the successful implementation of innovation. Findings: The findings imply that most UAE projects exhibit successful innovation outcomes and exhibit a desirable level of project manager competencies. Additionally, project managers’ extraversion personality trait and creativity competency are closely related to the successful application of innovation. On the other hand, extroversion and the leadership skills of project managers have a notable negative effect on the successful delivery of innovation. In the same way, extraversion and project managers’ communication skills have a notable negative impact on innovation delivery. Implications: The results offer strong evidence that highlights the crucial impact of project managers’ extraversion personality trait and necessary skills in promoting successful innovation in project management. As a result, Human Resources specialists can benefit from valuable insights from this study for recruitment and ongoing professional development purposes. It is expected that the interaction of extraversion as a personality trait among project managers and their competency levels in project management could result in different levels of successful innovation in various organisational settings. Originality/ value: This study delves into how extraversion influences the relationship between project manager competencies and fostering innovation in project-based organisations in the healthcare industry. The proposed framework presents a new multi-dimensional model outlining project manager personality traits and competencies, showcasing their interconnected dimensions and the influencing factors impacting organisational innovation success.