Event Manager

HireFast - Recruitment Services; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a visionary Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of large-scale festivals in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will have 5–7 years of event management experience, a proven track record with festivals attracting 10,000+ attendees, and strong leadership skills. This role requires strategic thinking and the ability to curate unique experiences that align with Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive event management experience, with at least 3 years in large-scale public events/festivals.
• Proven success in delivering festivals with 10,000+ attendees or multi-day programming.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, crowd safety, permits, and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Lead all logistical planning including venue design, staging, audiovisuals, security, permits, and crowd flow.
• Design compelling event concepts and ensure each festival reflects Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity.
• Track KPIs including attendance, satisfaction scores, and sponsor ROI.

Skills

Event management

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Events Management, Marketing, Business or related field

Tools

MS Office

Project management tools

Job description

Overview

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Employment Type: Full-Time

We are looking for a visionary Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of large-scale festivals and public events in Abu Dhabi. This role is perfect for a creative and highly organized professional with a strong track record of delivering high-profile, multi-day festivals that attract thousands of attendees.

You will own the end-to-end event lifecycle—from concept creation and vendor negotiations to live operations and post-event reporting. The role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and stakeholder management to deliver safe, memorable, and culturally impactful experiences for the community.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Concept Development

• Design compelling event concepts, themes, and schedules tailored for diverse audiences.
• Translate vision into actionable project plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Ensure each festival reflects Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity and global appeal.

Operations & Delivery

• Lead all logistical planning, including venue design, staging, audiovisuals, security, permits, and crowd flow.
• Manage vendor sourcing, contracts, and negotiations, securing best value while maintaining high quality.
• Liaise with government bodies, sponsors, and partners to align on requirements and approvals.

Creative & Audience Experience

• Work with creative teams to produce engaging activations, performances, and experiences.
• Ensure inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and innovation in festival programming.
• Elevate audience engagement through digital tools, social media integration, and experiential zones.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams, volunteers, and vendors to deliver seamless operations.
• Act as the key contact for sponsors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Drive alignment across multiple stakeholders while ensuring smooth collaboration.

Monitoring & Impact Assessment

• Track KPIs including attendance, satisfaction scores, sponsor ROI, and media reach.
• Deliver detailed post-event evaluations with actionable recommendations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Events Management, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive event management experience, with at least 3 years in large-scale public events/festivals.
• Proven success in delivering festivals with 10,000+ attendees or multi-day programming.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, crowd safety, permits, and vendor management.
• Creative mindset with the ability to curate unique, memorable experiences.
• Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Resilient under pressure with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in project management and budgeting tools; MS Office expertise required.