Government Relations Manager (EMIRATI)

Salt; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt is seeking an experienced professional to lead project-facing regulatory engagement in Abu Dhabi. You will own the authority engagement strategy, coordinate with internal and external teams, and build strong relationships with government entities to keep projects on track.

The role requires UAE regulatory expertise, the ability to manage multiple approval workstreams, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Qualifications

• Experience navigating UAE government regulatory processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple approval workstreams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the authority engagement strategy for assigned projects, ensuring regulatory requirements are anticipated early and incorporated into project plans.
• Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, contractors and external stakeholders to remove approval bottlenecks and maintain project momentum.
• Develop strong working relationships with public-sector entities and represent the organization during meetings and regulatory discussions.
• Maintain oversight of approval dependencies, upcoming deadlines, documentation gaps and potential risks, providing timely updates to management.
• Interpret changes in local regulations and authority procedures, translating them into practical actions for project and business teams.
• Improve permits and external approvals management by introducing clearer workflows, stronger tracking and better coordination across stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Problem-solving

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

This is a key project-facing role for an experienced professional who understands the UAE regulatory environment and can build strong relationships with government entities while supporting smooth project delivery.

• Own the authority engagement strategy for assigned projects, ensuring regulatory requirements are anticipated early and incorporated into project plans.
• Coordinate closely with internal teams, consultants, contractors, and external stakeholders to remove approval bottlenecks and maintain project momentum.
• Develop strong working relationships with relevant public-sector entities and act as a trusted representative during formal meetings and regulatory discussions.
• Maintain clear oversight of approval dependencies, upcoming deadlines, documentation gaps, and potential risks, providing timely updates to management.
• Interpret changes in local regulations and authority procedures, translating them into practical actions for project and business teams.
• Improve the way permits and external approvals are managed by introducing clearer workflows, stronger tracking, and better coordination across stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Law, Business, or another relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of UAE experience in a role involving government coordination, regulatory approvals, permitting, development, or project delivery.
• Strong familiarity with UAE authority procedures and confidence engaging with government and regulatory stakeholders at different levels.
• Proven ability to manage several approval workstreams at the same time while working within demanding project schedules.
• Strong communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle complex or sensitive matters independently.

This role offers the opportunity to play a central part in project delivery, build influential government relationships, and help navigate the regulatory landscape behind major development initiatives.

If you have strong UAE authority experience and enjoy solving complex approval challenges while keeping projects moving forward, we would love to hear from you.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted