Director - Real Estate Development - Abu Dhabi

Qataryello; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Qataryello, Abu Dhabi-based investment group, is seeking a Director of Real Estate Development to shape long-term value through strategic acquisitions and development initiatives across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors. Lead feasibility studies, market analyses, and financial appraisals to guide investments in UAE and MENA regions.

The candidate will oversee the full development lifecycle, manage consultants and partners, and build strong relationships with authorities and

Qualifications

• 17+ years of progressive experience in real estate development, with at least 5 years in a Director or Senior leadership capacity.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Master's Degree or equivalent professional qualifications in Real Estate, Business Administration (MBA), or Engineering Management is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, or Chartered Engineer (CEng) are advantageous.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and sustainable engineering practices
• Strong knowledge of UAE development regulations, authority approvals, and master developer relationships

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the real estate development strategy aligned with the Group's long-term vision and investment objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend new development opportunities, joint ventures, and land acquisitions across the UAE and MENA.
• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle for all residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
• Lead feasibility studies, highest-and-best-use assessments, market research, and financial viability analyses to support investment and development decisions.
• Drive project structuring and business planning activities, including development strategies, phasing plans, product positioning, and commercial recommendations.
• Manage the appointment and coordination of consultants, architects, and advisors during the concept, master planning, and design development stages to ensure alignment with investment objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with master developers, government authorities, landowners, and strategic partners to facilitate land acquisitions, approvals, and development opportunities.
• Prepare and present investment cases, development appraisals, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, supporting capital allocation and portfolio growth decisions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/Architecture/Real Estate or related discipline

Master's degree preferred (Real Estate, MBA, or Engineering Management)

Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, CEng advantageous

Job description

Our client is a well-capitalized Abu Dhabi based investment group expanding its presence within the real estate sector. With a focus on creating long-term value through strategic acquisitions, development initiatives and innovative living concepts, the business is building a diversified portfolio across residential, mixed-use, and alternative asset classes like group housing accommodations.

• Define and execute the real estate development strategy aligned with the Group's long-term vision and investment objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend new development opportunities, joint ventures, and land acquisitions across the UAE and MENA.
• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle for all residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects
• Lead feasibility studies, highest-and-best-use assessments, market research, and financial viability analyses to support investment and development decisions.
• Drive project structuring and business planning activities, including development strategies, phasing plans, product positioning, and commercial recommendations.
• Manage the appointment and coordination of consultants, architects, and advisors during the concept, master planning, and design development stages to ensure alignment with investment objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with master developers, government authorities, landowners, and strategic partners to facilitate land acquisitions, approvals, and development opportunities.
• Prepare and present investment cases, development appraisals, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, supporting capital allocation and portfolio growth decisions.

A successful Director - RE Development should have:

• 17+ years of progressive experience in real estate development, with at least 5 years in a Director or Senior leadership capacity
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Master's Degree or equivalent professional qualifications in Real Estate, Business Administration (MBA), or Engineering Management is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, or Chartered Engineer (CEng) are advantageous.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and sustainable engineering practices
• Strong knowledge of UAE development regulations, authority approvals, and master developer