Development Director jobs in United Arab Emirates

Our client a leading Real Estate Developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Senior Development Director to lead the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of a diverse development portfolio. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving growth, maximizing returns, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with corporate objectives, market demand, and regulatory requirements. Role Purpose You will be responsible for setting and executing the development strategy across multiple asset classes, overseeing the full development lifecycle from opportunity identification through to delivery. The role requires strong commercial acumen, leadership capability, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships in the UAE market.

• Develop and implement the organization’s development strategy aligned with overall business objectives, focusing on value creation and risk mitigation
• Identify, evaluate, and progress new development opportunities through market analysis, feasibility studies, and investment appraisals
• Lead cross‑functional teams through concept design, master planning, and development execution, ensuring quality, cost, and time objectives are achieved
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders including investors, government authorities, consultants, and strategic partners
• Provide strategic input into design and master planning to ensure alignment with market trends, customer expectations, and commercial objectives
• Monitor project performance, budgets, and timelines, proactively resolving risks and issues
• Collaborate closely with delivery, sales, and marketing teams to ensure the successful realization of project vision and business cases
• Lead negotiations with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to secure commercially favourable outcomes
• Oversee project budgets, financial forecasts, and profitability across the development portfolio
• Drive sustainability and ESG initiatives, embedding environmental and social considerations into project planning and execution
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, approvals, and legal requirements, working closely with legal counsel
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders to support positive project outcomes
• Champion continuous improvement within the development function, enhancing processes, governance, and efficiency

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 20 years’ experience in real estate development
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership or executive development role
• Strong experience delivering large‑scale developments within the UAE or wider GCC

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex developments simultaneously
• Strong commercial, financial, and investment appraisal expertise
• In‑depth knowledge of Abu Dhabi planning regulations, zoning, and approvals processes
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
• Strong stakeholder management capability across public and private sectors
• Analytical and strategic mindset with sound decision‑making ability
• Arabic language skills are preferred

Why Apply This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role within a well‑capitalised developer delivering landmark projects in Abu Dhabi. The position offers long‑term career growth, strategic influence, and the opportunity to shape high‑profile developments across the emirate.