HR Director

TalentsTide; Dubai; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentsTide is seeking an experienced HR Director (UAE National/Emirati) to lead the HR function for a prestigious Dubai government entity. The role requires deep knowledge of UAE labor law, government HR policies, and Emiratization initiatives, with responsibility for strategy, governance, and workforce development.

The ideal candidate has 12–15 years of HR experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership, and a proven track record in large-scale organizational transformation.

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience in a government or public sector context.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law and Dubai Government HR policies.
• Demonstrated capability in organizational development and workforce planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization’s HR strategy aligned with government objectives.
• Lead Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Learning & Development, and Compensation & Benefits.
• Ensure compliance with Dubai Government HR laws and governance standards.
• Advise executives on workforce planning, design, and change management initiatives.
• Drive Emiratization initiatives and national talent development programs.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Strategic planning

HR policies

Arabic & English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/BA

MBA/HRM (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic HR Director (UAE National/Emirati) to lead the Human Resources function for a prestigious Government Entity in Dubai. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that support organizational objectives, ensure compliance with Dubai Government regulations, and drive workforce excellence, employee engagement, and organizational development.

This is a senior leadership role requiring extensive experience within the Dubai Government sector and a strong understanding of UAE labor laws, government HR policies, and Emiratization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the organization's overall Human Resources strategy aligned with government objectives.
• Lead all HR functions, including Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations, and Organizational Development.
• Ensure full compliance with Dubai Government HR laws, policies, regulations, and governance standards.
• Advise executive leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, organizational design, and change management initiatives.
• Drive employee engagement, culture transformation, and leadership development programs.
• Oversee performance management frameworks and talent development strategies.
• Lead compensation and rewards programs in line with government policies and best practices.
• Manage HR budgets, workforce planning, and HR analytics to support strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
• Champion digital transformation and continuous improvement across HR processes and systems.
• Promote Emiratization initiatives and support national talent development programs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team.

Requirements

• UAE National (Emirati) with a Dubai Passport is mandatory.
• Minimum 12–15 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• Mandatory experience working within a Dubai Government entity.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree (MBA/HRM) is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CIPD, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent are an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Dubai Government HR policies and regulations
  • UAE Labour Law
  • Workforce planning
  • Organizational development
  • Performance management
  • Talent management
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Employee relations
  • Change management
• Proven experience leading large HR teams and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is highly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Business Partnership
• Organizational Development
• Talent & Succession Management
• HR Governance & Compliance
• Change Management
• Employee Experience
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Negotiation & Influencing Skills
• High Ethical Standards & Confidentiality