Director - Development

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 284 + billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

For the Good of Tomorrow

Dubai Holding is looking to hire a Director – Development reporting to the Executive Director – Master Development for its business company Dubai Holding Land Estates. The job holder is responsible for leading the strategic planning, design, and execution of large-scale master-planned communities and mixed-use developments. The role involves overseeing the end-to-end development lifecycle, from project origination and business planning, to master planning and product definition, to guiding the infrastructure planning, cost management and stakeholder engagement. This role will ensure the developments are designed to the highest technical standards, achieve their key business objectives, while realizing Dubai Holding’s vision for sustainable, world-class destinations. The job holder will work closely with internal and external stakeholders across a range of strategic and technical matters.

If you’re ready to embark on a dynamic journey where your talents are valued, and your contributions make a real impact, we would like to hear from you.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategy & Business Planning

• Develop and implement the master development strategy for large-scale land projects in alignment with Dubai Holding’s objectives.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies to identify development opportunities and ensure project viability.
• Define the rollout plan and land disposition strategy for master communities, balancing funding, product type release, built-to-sell and land to-sell assets, absorption, cashflow management and other logistical considerations.
• Engage with third-party investors, developers, and institutional partners on strategic asset transactions, joint ventures, and land sales within Dubai Holding’s portfolio.
• Guide the development of financial models and investment strategies.
• Prepare and present business cases, budget forecasts and risk analyses to senior leadership.

Development Management

• Oversee master planning efforts, ensuring optimal land utilization, sustainability, market competitiveness and alignment with overall development strategy.
• Develop product criteria including associated plot typology test fits to optimize viability of individual assets, views, functionality, efficiency and user experience.
• Implement detailed development sequencing and critical path methodologies to ensure efficient project rollout and adherence to key development milestones.
• Oversee and integrate large-scale, multi-disciplinary development activities, ensuring seamless connectivity and alignment between master plan components, infrastructure works, marine development, and detailed plot-level execution.
• Manage the impact assessment of development proposals on existing infrastructure and utilities, ensuring that capacity planning, load distribution, and future scalability are factored into the development strategy.
• Coordinate with key real estate stakeholders, including the Projects / Delivery team, the Residential Development team, Sales and Marketing, along with other Dubai Holding stakeholders in hospitality, commercial and retail sectors.

Design & Engineering Coordination

• Implement rigorous design reviews and value engineering exercises to refine design concepts, optimize project costs, and enhance functionality, ensuring seamless integration of infrastructure, landscape, and vertical components while maintaining the commercial integrity of the development.
• Oversee the coordination between vertical and horizontal assets, ensuring integration of infrastructure works (roads, utilities, marine, and landscape), plot configurations, and public realm design to achieve a cohesive built environment.
• Ensure all technical requirements for civil, structural, and MEP disciplines are comprehensively addressed and integrated into the development strategy, maintaining alignment with the approved master plan.
• Lead coordination efforts with technical teams and external design consultants to streamline engineering solutions, technical specifications, and infrastructure delivery plans.
• Manage the interface between infrastructure teams and real estate units to optimize plot servicing, utility load planning, and development capacities for each asset.
• Guide the resolution of engineering and design conflicts that impact the development timeline, leveraging advanced problem-solving methodologies and stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Alignment

• Provide strategic input and reporting to senior leadership on project performance, delivery risks, and key decision points, ensuring the portfolio is managed within approved funding and scheduling frameworks.
• Collaborate with project teams and champion the integration of innovative development solutions that enhance the long-term value proposition of the portfolio, balancing commercial considerations with technical feasibility and master plan objectives.
• Build strong relationships with regulatory bodies and approval agencies to facilitate efficient approval processes, navigate regulatory requirements, and address potential technical challenges.

Phasing Strategy & Implementation

• Oversee the preparation of detailed phasing plans, ensuring that infrastructure, utilities, and transportation networks are sequenced to support phased product launches and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with finance and development teams to align phasing with funding and investment strategies, ensuring that development timelines support the broader business and growth objectives.
• Identify potential risks and challenges related to phasing and infrastructure delivery, developing mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure timely and cost-effective project execution.

Who we are looking for:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience working in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of local engineering codes, infrastructure design standards, and project delivery methodologies.
• Demonstrated track record of managing high-profile land development portfolios with complex phasing, technical, and regulatory requirements

Education / Professional Certifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree or certification in real estate is preferred.
• Professional certifications in Real Estate (e.g., PMP, AICP, RICS) are preferred.

Technical Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of urban planning principles, land use regulations, and development processes.
• Proficiency in technical due diligence, site development, and infrastructure engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex technical issues and drive strategic decision-making.
• Proficiency in feasibility and financial assessments, both at a portfolio level and for scenario-oriented cost-benefit analyses.
• Expertise in managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating across various engineering and planning functions.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Complex Problem Solving
• Strong Communication skills & Stakeholder Management
• Leadership

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volumes of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.