Senior Urban Planning Lead — Master Plans & Policy

ATKINSREALIS OVERSEAS - DUBAI BRANCH; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Life insurance coverage

Medical insurance

Annual leave balance

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in Dubai seeks a Principal Urban Planner to lead master planning, regional plans, and urban design strategies across Dubai and the UAE.

You will manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with government authorities, and ensure projects meet planning regulations, sustainability goals, and long-term urban strategies.

The role emphasizes leadership, client management, and delivery of complex developments with a focus on smart city principles and resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or related field.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, or relevant field preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of professional experience in urban planning and master planning.
• Knowledge of UAE planning frameworks, development regulations, and approval processes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with public and private stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of master plans, regional plans, strategic development frameworks, and urban design strategies.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams of planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, and specialist consultants.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance throughout all project phases.
• Develop innovative planning solutions balancing economic, environmental, and social objectives.
• Liaise with government authorities, regulatory agencies, developers, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee land use planning, zoning assessments, transportation integration, and infrastructure coordination.
• Prepare and review planning reports, feasibility studies, planning submissions, and policy documents.
• Lead stakeholder consultations, workshops, and public engagement activities.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
• Support business development activities, including client engagement, proposal preparation, and project presentations.
• Mentor and develop junior planners and project team members.
• Ensure compliance with local planning regulations, municipal requirements, and international best practices.
• Promote sustainability, resilience, smart city initiatives, and transit‑oriented development principles in planning solutions.

Skills

Project leadership

Team management

Urban planning

GIS proficiency

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Public speaking

Client management

Education

Bachelor's in Urban Planning

Master's in Urban Planning

Tools

GIS

Planning software

Job description

AtkinsRéalis in Dubai seeks a Principal Urban Planner to lead master planning, regional plans, and urban design strategies across Dubai and the UAE.

You will manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with government authorities, and ensure projects meet planning regulations, sustainability goals, and long-term urban strategies.

The role emphasizes leadership, client management, and delivery of complex developments with a focus on smart city principles and resilience.