Government Relations Associate (Emiratisation)

FashionUnited; Dubai; On-site; AED 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalhoub Group is seeking a Government Relations Associate (Emiratisation) to support regulatory approvals, licensing, and stakeholder coordination across retail operations in the UAE. The role involves close collaboration with government authorities, legal teams, and internal departments to ensure compliance and business continuity for over 300 stores.

The ideal candidate should be UAE National, possess a relevant bachelor's degree, and demonstrate fluency in Arabic and English with strong

Qualifications

• UAE National (Family Book).
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day government relations activities for Chalhoub Group across UAE.
• Coordinate licensing, permits, and regulatory approvals for stores and operations.
• Engage with government authorities, malls, and regulatory entities.
• Assist with documentation, reporting, and follow-ups to meet timelines.
• Support legal and administrative tasks for permits and trade licenses.

Skills

Arabic fluency

English fluency

stakeholder management

communication skills

problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Government Relations, International Relations, or related

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Government Relations Associate (Emiratisation)

Government Relations Associate (Emiratisation)

INSPIRE | EXHILARATE | DELIGHT

At Chalhoub Group, Government Relations plays a vital role in enabling our business to operate seamlessly across the UAE. From supporting new store openings and promotional campaigns to managing trade licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals, the team works behind the scenes to ensure our brands remain compliant and operational.

We are looking for a Government Relations Associate to join our Administration team. This is an exciting opportunity for an Emirati professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced, people-focused environment where every day is different. You'll work closely with government authorities, internal stakeholders, and legal teams to facilitate approvals, maintain compliance, and support business continuity across more than 300 stores throughout the UAE.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Government Relations Associate, you'll support the day-to-day government relations activities that enable Chalhoub Group's operations across retail, commercial, and corporate functions.

Government Relations & Licensing

Support trade license applications, renewals, amendments, and related government formalities.

Coordinate lease registration requirements following leasing agreements.

Assist with obtaining authority approvals required for new store openings and business operations.

Monitor compliance requirements and follow up with relevant government entities.

Permits & Regulatory Approvals

Prepare and process permits for promotions, sales campaigns, seasonal activations, and commercial initiatives.

Coordinate police permits, mall permits, maintenance approvals, and operational clearances.

Support approvals for after-hours work, fit-outs, maintenance activities, and other authority requirements.

Ensure all permits comply with government regulations and consumer protection requirements.

Authority & Stakeholder Coordination

Liaise with government authorities, municipalities, Civil Defence, police departments, malls, and regulatory entities.

Process approvals through relevant government and mall platforms.

Coordinate No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and required supporting documentation.

Follow up on requests to ensure approvals are completed within required timelines.

Support operational matters requiring coordination with external authorities.

Legal & Administrative Support

Support the Legal team with documentation, contracts, and notary requirements.

Prepare documentation for powers of attorney, trade licenses, and legal submissions.

Maintain accurate records and documentation related to permits, approvals, and compliance.

Assist with administrative reporting, trackers, and operational documentation.

Who You'll Work With

Internal Stakeholders

Government Relations Team

Leasing Team

Brand Teams

Store Operations

Mall Operations

Administration & Business Support Functions

External Stakeholders

Government Authorities

Police Departments

Consumer Protection Authorities

Mall Management

Notary Offices

Trustees and Government Platforms

What You'll Need to Succeed

UAE National (Family Book).

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Government Relations, International Relations, or a related discipline.

Previous experience in the private sector is preferred.

Skills & Attributes

Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and professionalism.

High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Ability to prioritize multiple urgent requests in a fast-paced environment.

Confidence representing Chalhoub Group with government authorities and external stakeholders.

A proactive mindset with strong follow-up and problem-solving abilities.

Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Ability to maintain reports, trackers, and documentation accurately.

Comfortable learning and using government portals and online approval platforms.

Working Style

This is a fully office and field-based role requiring regular travel and physical visits to government entities and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate should be comfortable with:

Frequent travel across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates based on business requirements.

Early working hours aligned with government authority operating times.

Managing urgent, time-sensitive requests with professionalism and accuracy.

Working closely with both internal teams and external authorities throughout the day.

Why Join Chalhoub Group?

Government Relations is one of the most business-critical functions within Chalhoub Group. Every permit, approval, trade license, and authority interaction contributes to keeping our stores operating, supporting new business opportunities, and ensuring compliance across the Group.

As a Government Relations Associate, you will:

Gain unique exposure to government authorities and regulatory processes across the UAE.

Work alongside experienced Government Relations and Legal professionals.

Develop expertise in licensing, compliance, stakeholder management, and operational governance.

Build relationships with key external stakeholders while supporting one of the region's leading luxury retailers.

Develop a strong foundation for a long-term career in Government Relations, Corporate Affairs, Administration, or Legal Operations.

What Success Looks Like

Confidently manage trade license, permit, and authority-related processes.

Build trusted relationships with government authorities and key internal stakeholders.

Deliver accurate documentation and timely follow-up on operational requests.

Demonstrate professionalism, ownership, and reliability when handling sensitive matters.

Support business continuity across Chalhoub Group's network of brands and stores.

Represent Chalhoub Group with integrity, discretion, and excellence in every interaction.

Job Title:

Government Relations Associate (Emiratisation)