Director of Global Affairs and Strategic Development (UAE)

Ant International; Dubai; On-site; AED 440,000 - 551,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital partner in the UAE is seeking a Director of Public Affairs to engage with policymakers and establish strategic partnerships. The candidate will be responsible for providing advice on regulatory changes and monitoring regional policy developments. Ideal applicants should have significant experience in government relations and a strong understanding of the UAE's fintech landscape. Excellent communication skills are essential for this role, which offers a full-time employment opportunity.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in public affairs, government relations, or policy advocacy.
• Understanding of UAE's digital economy and regulatory landscape.
• Experience engaging with UAE policymakers and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Engage with UAE policymakers and regulators.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations.
• Identify strategic partnerships with stakeholders.
• Monitor policy developments and their impact.

Skills

Public affairs expertise

Government relations

Strong communication skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Relationship-building

Job description

About Ant International

About Ant International :

Headquartered in Singapore with a strong regional presence, Ant International aspires to be the most innovative and trusted digital partner in driving inclusive growth worldwide. In the Middle East, we work closely with regulators, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners to advance the UAE’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for digital finance. We support merchants of all sizes in realizing their growth aspirations through a comprehensive suite of technology-driven digital payment and financial services solutions.

Job Description

Based in the United Arab Emirates, this candidate will be part of a growing team supporting Ant International’s mission to be the most innovative and trusted digital partner driving inclusive growth for all. This person will report to our Director of Industry Relations and Tech Policy and lead high-impact strategic projects to support our regional development and implement enterprise-level strategies from the UAE. We are seeking a dynamic, self-starter, versatile and seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the UAE and wider Middle East digital economy and fintech landscape, including regional cross-border dynamics. The work environment is highly matrixed and cross-functional, requiring the candidate to collaborate effectively with a variety of internal stakeholders across diverse disciplines, countries, and cultures.

Main Responsibilities

• Engage UAE policymakers, regulators and industry bodies to build awareness of our business and the benefits it brings to the UAE and wider region.
• Provide forward-looking strategic advice and recommendations to our businesses and communicate closely with business leaders and other internal stakeholders on key initiatives and emerging trends in the UAE and Middle East.
• Identify, cultivate, and establish strategic partnerships with key external stakeholders (government, regulators, ecosystem partners, and industry associations) to advance Ant International’s mission and support inclusive growth in the region.
• Collaborate closely with our regional Government Relations (GR) team members to design and execute stakeholder engagement strategies tailored to the UAE and neighboring markets.
• Monitor local and regional policy developments, evaluate their potential impact, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders on legislative, regulatory, and industry initiatives, as well as upcoming thought leadership forums in the UAE and Middle East.
• Work with internal business teams to identify opportunities and provide recommendations on operationalizing policy and regulatory changes affecting Ant International’s operations in the UAE and across the region.
• Act as the project lead for key industry events in the UAE, ensuring effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders across diverse disciplines and cultures.

Experience / Qualifications

• Deep and demonstrable experience in public affairs, government relations, or policy advocacy, ideally with exposure to financial services, payments, or fintech.
• Proven experience engaging with UAE policymakers, regulators, and ecosystem partners, with a strong understanding of the country’s digital economy and financial regulatory landscape.
• Highly motivated self-starter and quick learner with a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Substantive knowledge of policy and regulation related to digital payments, fintech services, and cross-border finance in the UAE and / or GCC is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to secure buy-in from senior stakeholders.
• Solid project management and analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and execute with attention to detail.
• A collaborative team player who inspires confidence and works seamlessly across cultures and geographies.
• Excellent command of English (Arabic is highly desirable).
• Strong ethical standards with a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Consulting and Finance

Industries

• Financial Services, Technology, Information and Media, and Banking