Head of Government Relations

Thrifty Car Rental UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Thrifty Car Rental UAE is seeking a Head of Government Relations & Legal to bridge management and UAE and Oman regulators. You will ensure 100% legal compliance, oversee licenses and permits, and proactively secure government contracts to grow revenue.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in government relations or legal affairs in the GCC, with leadership experience, native Arabic, and professional English to negotiate with high‑level authorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field.
• 10+ years in Government Relations or Legal Affairs in GCC, with 5+ in leadership.
• Native-level Arabic and professional English fluency.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE Federal Laws and Oman Royal Decrees.

Responsibilities

• Bridge management and regulatory bodies in UAE and Oman.
• Drive revenue by securing government contracts and tenders.
• Oversee licensing, permits, and compliance across fleet operations.
• Lead litigation support and fleet regulatory compliance.

Skills

Regulatory liaison

Government relations

Legal leadership

Arabic fluency

English communication

Education

Bachelor's in Law

Master's preferred

Tools

Regulatory databases

Job description

Role Overview:

The Head of Government Relations & Legal will serve as the primary bridge between the management and the regulatory bodies of the UAE and Oman. You will be responsible for ensuring 100% legal compliance with Federal and Emirates’ laws, rules and regulations across a large fleet, securing and renewing critical operating licenses, Permits and approvals. Proactively driving revenue by securing government contracts and tenders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Government Liaison

• Regulatory Representation: Act as the face of the company with key Govt Departments and entities including but not limited to:
• Traffic authorities such as RTA/DOT
• MOHRE
• Police authorities
• Departments of Economy
• Department of Tourism
• Federal Transport Authority
• Other local or federal bodies issuing permits and licenses for various purposes activities conducted by the business.
• Licensing & Permits: Oversee the end-to-end process for trade licenses, tourism permits (DTCM), and specialized vehicle rental permits (RTA TARS system).
• Policy Advocacy: Monitor and interpret legislative shifts including, changes in UAE Laws, rules and regulations or Omanization quotas and advise the management on strategic pivots.

B2G Sales & Business Development

• Government Revenue Growth: Identify and lead "First Step" initiatives to secure vehicle leasing and rental contracts with government and semi-government bodies and Govt. companies and institutions (e.g., DEWA, Municipality, RTA, ADNOC, Oman Air, Ministries Departments).
• Tender Management: Oversee the legal and commercial review of government RFPs and tenders.
• Strategic Networking: Build a high-level network of decision-makers with senior management & procurement departments of government entities & position the Group as a preferred mobility partner.

Legal & Compliance Oversight

• Litigation Management: Guide and Support respective CRG legal teams in successfully managing litigations, especially the debt recovery cases with customers, recovery of vehicles from defaulting customers and Manage external legal counsel. Conduct regular review of ongoing litigations and suggest effective ways to achieve organizational goals.
• Fleet Compliance: Manage/supervise the traffic departments of all CRG entities & ensure the fleet meets all technical and safety standards as per government regulations.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Administration, or Business Management. A Master’s is a plus.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in Government Relations or Legal Affairs in the GCC, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Direct experience in the automotive or logistics sector is highly preferred.
• Language: Native-level fluency in Arabic (essential for government negotiations) and professional fluency in English.
• Jurisdictional Knowledge: Deep understanding of the UAE Federal Laws and Oman Royal Decrees affecting commercial businesses.