Director of Global Affairs and Strategic Development (UAE)

WorldFirst; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A global financial services firm is seeking an experienced professional to manage government relations in Dubai. This role involves engaging with policymakers and industry partners to promote the firm's interests in the region. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in public affairs, a strong understanding of UAE's financial regulatory landscape, and excellent communication skills. Proficiency in English is essential; Arabic is a plus. This position offers a strategic role in influencing policies that affect the digital economy.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years in public affairs or government relations.
• Experience with UAE policymakers and regulators.
• Knowledge of digital payments and fintech regulations.

Responsibilities

• Engage UAE policymakers and industry bodies.
• Provide strategic advice to business leaders.
• Establish partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Monitor policy developments and their impacts.
• Lead industry events in the UAE.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Government relations

Strategic communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Relationship-building

Fluent English

Arabic language

Job description

Position at Ant Group 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.

Qualifications :

• At least 8 years of demonstrated 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.