Executive Director - Internal Audit (Real Estate)

Dubai Holding; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Dubai Holding is seeking an Executive Director - Internal Audit (Real Estate) to lead risk-based internal audit activities across its Real Estate portfolio. The role delivers independent assurance on governance, risk management, internal controls and compliance, while guiding strategic audit plans and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate has 13+ years in Internal Audit/Risk/Assurance with Big4 background and UAE/GCC experience, and holds relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Accounting, Finance, Real Estate or related
• Master’s degree preferred in related field
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA, CISA, CRMA, RICS or equivalent
• Advanced data analytics, CAATs, AI-enabled audit techniques and reporting tools

Responsibilities

• Direct, lead, and oversee Internal Audit activities across the Real Estate portfolio.
• Identify and monitor strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, project and technology risks.
• Develop and maintain a risk-based Annual Audit Plan aligned with objectives and risk priorities.
• Promote data analytics and technology-enabled assurance to enhance coverage and insight.
• Oversee assurance, advisory, investigation, and special review engagements across real estate functions.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulators to enhance assurance and reduce duplication.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Data analytics

Audit governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Finance/Real Estate

Master’s degree (MBA/Finance/Real Estate) preferred

CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA, CISA, CRMA, RICS or equivalent

Job description

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 284+ billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

For the Good of Tomorrow

Dubai Holding is looking to hire an Executive Director - Internal Audit (Real Estate) at Dubai Holding. The role holder is responsible for providing independent assurance and strategic advisory services on governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance across Dubai Holding Real Estate. The role will lead the delivery of the risk-based Internal Audit Plan to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen governance, safeguard assets, and support the achievement of business objectives in accordance with Global Internal Audit Standards and Dubai Holding Internal Audit methodologies.

Key Accountabilities:

Internal Audit Planning & Risk Assessment: Strategic Leadership

• Direct, lead, and oversee Internal Audit activities across the Real Estate portfolio, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance.
• Support executive management in identifying, assessing, and monitoring key strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, project, technology, and fraud risks, and provide recommendations to strengthen risk mitigation and control effectiveness.
• Lead risk assessments across development, asset management, property operations, community management, leasing, sales, and support functions to develop and maintain a risk-based Annual Audit Plan aligned with organisational objectives and risk priorities.
• Define and communicate the strategic vision, priorities, and value proposition of the Internal Audit function, ensuring alignment with business objectives, emerging risks, industry trends, and stakeholder expectations.
• Promote the use of data analytics, continuous auditing, and technology-enabled assurance techniques to enhance audit coverage, efficiency, and insight generation across the Real Estate portfolio.

Audit Planning & Execution

• Lead the development and execution of the risk-based Internal Audit Plan, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, key risks, and stakeholder expectations.
• Direct and oversee internal audit activities, resources, methodologies, and quality assurance processes to ensure the effective delivery of audit objectives and approved audit plans.
• Ensure consistency in audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up activities across the Real Estate portfolio in accordance with Dubai Holding Internal Audit methodology and Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Oversee assurance, advisory, investigation, and special review engagements across real estate development, asset management, property operations, leasing, sales, facilities management, financial, technology, compliance, project, and fraud risk areas.
• Manage relationships with co-sourcing partners, external auditors, and other assurance providers to enhance audit coverage, efficiency, and coordination of assurance activities.
• Drive the adoption of data analytics, continuous auditing, and technology-enabled assurance techniques to improve audit effectiveness, efficiency, and business insight.
• Continuously review and enhance audit methodologies, tools, and practices to ensure alignment with evolving risks, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and leading practices across the real estate sector.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Oversee the communication of significant audit findings, emerging risks, control weaknesses, and thematic observations to senior management, ensuring timely reporting and resolution of key issues.
• Support the GCIAO in the preparation of audit reports, executive summaries, and presentations for senior leadership and governance forums, as required.
• Provide strategic insights and practical recommendations to strengthen governance, risk management, internal controls, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance across the Real Estate portfolio.
• Engage with business stakeholders to agree risk-based corrective actions, monitor implementation progress, and promote accountability for addressing identified control gaps.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, co-sourcing partners, and other assurance providers to enhance assurance coverage, minimise duplication of effort, and support a coordinated assurance approach.

Issue Follow-up & Remediation

• Oversee the monitoring and follow-up of audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective resolution of identified risks, control deficiencies, and compliance issues.
• Review and challenge management action plans to confirm that corrective actions adequately address root causes and mitigate underlying risks.
• Escalate significant overdue actions and high-risk unresolved issues to executive management, as appropriate, to support timely remediation and effective risk management.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of audit observations, action plans, and remediation progress across the Real Estate portfolio, including development projects, asset management, property operations, leasing, and support functions.

Governance, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all audit activities are conducted in accordance with Internal Audit policies, methodology, and applicable professional standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of audit methodologies, tools, and practices to enhance the effectiveness of audits across the Real Estate portfolio, including development, asset management, property operations, leasing, and facilities management.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging risks in real estate development, asset management, property operations, construction, and related sectors.
• Promote the adoption of leading practices, data analytics, and innovative audit techniques to strengthen governance, risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

What we’re looking for:

• 13+ years of progressive Internal Audit, Risk Management, or Assurance experience, including significant leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex risk-based audit plans within large real estate developers, property management organisations, asset management businesses, or diversified conglomerates.
• Proven experience managing audit teams and engaging with Executive Management, Audit Committees, and Board members.
• Strong experience in auditing real estate development, asset management, property operations, leasing, sales, facilities management, capital projects, and related support functions.
• Experience in identifying strategic, operational, financial, compliance, project, and technology risks across the real estate value chain.
• Big 4 audit and/or consulting experience is highly desirable.
• Experience in UAE/GCC regulatory environments, real estate regulations, and international business operations is preferred.

Education/Professional Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Accounting, Finance, Real Estate, Economics, or a related discipline from an accredited and recognised university.
• Master’s degree (MBA, Finance, Real Estate, Risk Management, Accounting, or a related field) preferred.
• Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA, CISA, CRMA, RICS, or equivalent.
• Additional certifications in governance, risk management, compliance, real estate, project management, data analytics, or leadership are advantageous.
• Expert knowledge of Internal Audit Standards (IIA IPPF), risk-based auditing, governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.
• Strong understanding of real estate development, asset management, property operations, leasing, sales, facilities management, and related business processes.
• Experience auditing development projects, capital expenditure programmes, procurement, contract management, project delivery, and operational controls across the real estate value chain.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting (IFRS), investment governance, asset valuation, compliance, fraud risk management, and operational auditing.
• Knowledge of enterprise risk management, corporate governance frameworks, and UAE real estate regulatory requirements.
• Experience with audit management systems (e.g., TeamMate+ or equivalent).
• Advanced data analytics, CAATs, AI-enabled audit techniques, and reporting tools.
• Understanding of cybersecurity, digital transformation, ERP systems, and technology-related risks.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to align assurance activities to organisational objectives.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capabilities with the ability to assess complex business environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level reporting.
• High levels of integrity, independence, professionalism, and objectivity.
• Strong planning, organisational, and project management abilities.
• Collaborative and results-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement and value creation.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volumes of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.