Principal AI Architect - Azure AI

Reqiva; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Reqiva in Abu Dhabi seeks a high-impact Principal AI Architect to lead enterprise-scale AI architecture initiatives. You will drive strategy, reference architectures, and governance for scalable, secure AI deployments across Azure AI platforms.

The role requires deep expertise in Generative AI, ML, agentic AI, and comprehensive experience in regulated industries, with strong leadership for cross-functional teams and enterprise transformation.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in enterprise or solution architecture.
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Azure AI technologies, including Azure OpenAI.
• Proven experience defining enterprise architecture strategies and reference architectures.
• Deep knowledge of Generative AI, machine learning and agentic AI architectures.
• Experience establishing AI governance frameworks and standards.
• Knowledge of data architecture, cloud platforms and security architecture.
• Familiarity with TOGAF and enterprise architecture methodologies.
• Experience in large-scale enterprise transformation programmes.
• Experience in banking, financial services or regulated industries.
• Excellent stakeholder management and technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead enterprise AI architecture strategy and roadmaps.
• Develop reference architectures and architectural standards for enterprise AI solutions.
• Design scalable AI architectures incorporating Generative AI, ML and agentic AI technologies.
• Establish AI governance frameworks and architectural best practices.
• Provide architectural leadership across Azure AI and cloud-based AI solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and support vendor technology selection.
• Ensure AI architectures align with security, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with technical teams and senior stakeholders to support enterprise-wide AI adoption.

Skills

Azure AI

Generative AI

AI governance

Enterprise architecture

Stakeholder management

Cloud security

Tools

Azure OpenAI

Job description

Principal AI Architect

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Salary: Based on experience
Working Arrangement: Onsite
Employment Type: Contract

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal AI Architect to lead the design and development of enterprise-scale AI solutions in Abu Dhabi.

This senior leadership position requires extensive experience in enterprise architecture, Azure AI, Generative AI and AI governance, with responsibility for defining architectural strategy and ensuring the successful deployment of scalable, secure and compliant AI solutions.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in enterprise transformation, combining strategic architectural leadership with deep technical knowledge of modern AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead enterprise AI architecture strategy and roadmaps.

• Develop reference architectures and architectural standards for enterprise AI solutions.

• Design scalable AI architectures incorporating Generative AI, machine learning and agentic AI technologies.

• Establish AI governance frameworks and architectural best practices.

• Provide architectural leadership across Azure AI and cloud-based AI solutions.

• Evaluate emerging technologies and support vendor technology selection.

• Ensure AI architectures align with security, compliance and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with technical teams and senior stakeholders to support enterprise-wide AI adoption.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, solution architecture or related disciplines.

• Strong expertise in Microsoft Azure AI technologies, with Azure OpenAI experience highly relevant.

• Proven experience defining enterprise architecture strategies and reference architectures.

• Strong understanding of Generative AI, machine learning and agentic AI architectures.

• Experience establishing AI governance frameworks and standards.

• Strong knowledge of data architecture, cloud platforms and security architecture.

• Experience with TOGAF and enterprise architecture methodologies.

• Proven involvement in large-scale enterprise transformation programmes.

• Previous experience within banking, financial services or other regulated industries.

• Excellent stakeholder management and technical leadership skills.