Head of Cyber Security - New Entity Setup | Abu Dhabi, UAE

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Cyber Security to establish and manage all cyber affairs for a prestigious new entity in Abu Dhabi. This strategic role involves defining cyber security strategies, managing vendor relationships, and driving AI security initiatives. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience and deep knowledge of cyber frameworks. Join a prestigious organization with significant funding and autonomy to shape the cyber landscape.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cyber security leadership roles, ideally in greenfield setups.
• Experience gained in the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi.
• Expertise in managing vendor relationships and outsourced security services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and define the overarching cyber security strategy.
• Design the cyber security stack and manage third-party vendors.
• Establish and maintain cyber controls and governance mechanisms.

Skills

Strategic cyber security leadership

Vendor management

AI security expertise

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

Head of Cyber Security - New Entity Setup

Head of Cyber Security - New Entity Setup

Michael Page Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Lead the strategic build-out and AI security for a prestigious new entity
• Must have senior cyber security leadership experience in new entity setup

• Lead the strategic build-out and AI security for a prestigious new entity
• Must have senior cyber security leadership experience in new entity setup

About Our Client

We are seeking a super-advanced cyber security leader to establish and oversee all cyber affairs for a new entity from the ground up. This strategic role is critical in designing the entire cyber security posture and managing all vendor relationships.

Job Description

• Strategic Cyber Leadership: Lead and define the overarching cyber security strategy and framework for the entire entity from its inception.
• Digital Stack & Vendor Management: Design the complete digital cyber security stack and be solely responsible for the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of all third-party security vendors and managed security service providers (MSSPs). We will not be building an in-house operational team for execution.
• Cyber Controls Ownership: Establish, implement, and maintain robust cyber controls and governance mechanisms to ensure the highest levels of security resilience.
• AI Security Specialisation: Drive the security strategy specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives, ensuring secure development, deployment, and operation of all AI-driven systems.

The Successful Applicant

• Proven experience as a strategic cyber security leader (e.g., Head of Cyber, CISO, Cyber Security Director), ideally with a track record of setting up "greenfield" cyber functions or for new entities.
• Professional experience gained in the UAE (preferably Abu Dhabi)
• Demonstrable expertise in managing complex vendor relationships and outsourced security services.
• Deep knowledge of cyber security frameworks, controls, and governance, with the ability to implement them effectively.
• Significant and hands-on experience in AI security, including understanding of AI/ML model vulnerabilities, data security in AI pipelines, and secure AI system design.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at executive levels.
• A forward-thinking, proactive, and problem-solving mindset, comfortable with significant autonomy and responsibility.

What's on Offer

You'll join a prestigious organisation in Abu Dhabi with significant funding and a clear mandate for ambitious growth. You'll have the autonomy to shape the entire cyber landscape, working with world-class vendors and influencing the security of groundbreaking initiatives from day one.

Contact
Ian Pollington

Quote job ref
JN-072025-6798578

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