Editor – What’s On

Zohorecruit; Dubai; On-site; AED 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Motivate Media Group is seeking an experienced Editor to lead the editorial operations for What’s On, spanning print, digital, and social platforms in the UAE and KSA. You will supervise content quality, audience growth, and brand alignment while coordinating with senior leaders across departments.

The role requires 5+ years of editorial leadership in lifestyle/media, deep knowledge of UAE press laws, and strong analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an editorial leadership role, preferably within lifestyle or media publishing.
• Strong understanding of UAE press laws and editorial compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Google Analytics, Parse.ly, and familiarity with conceptualising video content.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, lead a team, and operate in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide editorial leadership and ensure brand guardianship for What’s On across UAE and KSA.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the editorial policy and content strategy across all platforms.
• Plan magazine issues and supplements at least two editions in advance.
• Oversee the editing, sub-editing, proofing, and final approval of all content to maintain quality standards.
• Commission, write, and edit articles across print, digital, video, podcast, and social media.
• Ensure daily content publishing, including copy editing, headline writing, and image selection.
• Produce and optimise content for search and ensure SEO best practices are followed.
• Oversee and grow the brand’s social media presence and online community engagement.
• Collaborate with the CCO, Art Director, and Commercial teams on covers, supplements, events, and special projects.
• Represent the brand at events, awards, and corporate functions as required.
• Lead content creation and editorial coordination for events, awards, webinars, and other brand extensions.
• Manage, train, and mentor the editorial team, ensuring adherence to deadlines and performance targets.
• Monitor analytics and prepare reports as needed to support audience growth strategies.
• Ensure legal compliance and adherence to UAE press and publication laws.
• Support cost-control initiatives and budget management within the department.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Team management

Strong communication

Deadline management

Content strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field

Tools

Google Analytics

Parse.ly

Job description

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Established in 1979, Motivate Media Group operates in partnership between Ian Fairservice and H.E. Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Former Minister of State for Financial Affairs, UAE. With a staff of over 200 experienced professionals based out of the Dubai headquarters, and the Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and London offices, Motivate’s wider publishing expertise includes award-winning print and digital titles such as What’s On , Emirates Woman and Gulf Business . As well as books and magazines, Motivate also produces content across other platforms including video, digital media, cinema, events, social, influencer marketing and out of home.

Job Description

Motivate Media Group is seeking an experienced and highly organised Editor to lead the editorial operations of What’s On, the region’s leading lifestyle and entertainment brand. The Editor will be responsible for overseeing all content across print, digital, and social platforms, ensuring high-quality output, audience growth, and alignment with brand and company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide editorial leadership and ensure brand guardianship for What’s On across UAE and KSA.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the editorial policy and content strategy across all platforms.
• Plan magazine issues and supplements at least two editions in advance.
• Oversee the editing, sub-editing, proofing, and final approval of all content to maintain quality standards.
• Commission, write, and edit articles across print, digital, video, podcast, and social media.
• Ensure daily content publishing, including copy editing, headline writing, and image selection.
• Ensure that website sections such as Editor’s Picks and Best Of are regularly updated.
• Produce and optimise content for search and ensure SEO best practices are followed.
• Oversee and grow the brand’s social media presence and online community engagement.
• Collaborate with the CCO, Art Director, and Commercial teams on covers, supplements, events, and special projects.
• Represent the brand at events, awards, and corporate functions as required.
• Lead content creation and editorial coordination for events, awards, webinars, and other brand extensions.
• Manage, train, and mentor the editorial team, ensuring adherence to deadlines and performance targets.
• Monitor analytics and prepare reports as needed to support audience growth strategies.
• Ensure legal compliance and adherence to UAE press and publication laws.
• Support cost-control initiatives and budget management within the department.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an editorial leadership role, preferably within lifestyle or media publishing.
• Strong understanding of UAE press laws and editorial compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Google Analytics, Parse.ly, and familiarity with conceptualising video content.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, lead a team, and operate in a fast-paced environment.

Motivate Media Group is the region’s leading multi-platform content producer with a diverse portfolio of media interests comprising magazines, digital, social, video, exhibitions & events, cinema, OOH and books.