Senior Projects Manager- Programs

Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website: www.dubaifuture.ae

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

The Senior Project Manager reports directly to the Executive Director- Dubai Centre for AI and is part of DFF’s Projects structure.

The Programs team connects AI innovators, researchers, and industry leaders through specialized accelerators, AI sprints, policy dialogues, and AI capability-building initiatives to position Dubai as a global leader in AI-driven solutions. The program team is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and delivering large-scale initiatives that align with Dubai’s strategic vision. These programs address global and regional challenges while leveraging innovation, technology, and partnerships to create transformative solutions for the future.

Senior Project Manager – Programs

As the Senior Project Manager – Programs for the Dubai Future Foundation, you will be managing AI-focused programming cohorts from start to completion, ensuring that projects contribute to Dubai’s AI ecosystem, align with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI, and drive real-world AI applications. You will manage complex projects, teams, processes, budgets and delivery milestones. You will consistently and proactively lead and encourage the team’s creative thinking and critical analysis process to help shape ideas into project deliverables that meet the strategic objectives of the Dubai Future Foundation. You will manage relationships and identify, plan and close new partnership agreements to enrich the Dubai Centre for AI.

Project Management

1. You will lead multiple strategic AI initiatives including managing budgets, project milestones, coaching and developing the team, setting objectives, monitoring and tracking and post project reporting.
2. You will be expected to present your projects ideas by creating strategic, well-thought, evidence-based proposals including budgets, resource requirements and timelines. You will also strategically assess the risks, benefits, and opportunities of your projects.
3. You will be part of workflow special project teams which develop cross-function projects assigned from senior management to address specific strategic goals.
4. You will provide regular reporting to management on the project cohorts and highlights stages, milestones, achievements, etc.
5. You will delegate tasks and manage the workload of the project team to ensure delivery is efficiently managed and milestones delivered on time.
6. You will need to openly communicate with team members to ensure that all projects are running smoothly and regularly feedback to the Head on operations and administration.
7. You will make decisions relating to the projects based on authority matrices and support, train and develop the project team.

Third Party Relationships

1. You will work closely with the teams to ensure the full cycle of the AI initiatives run smoothly and partners engagement is optimized.
2. You will work closely with project partners throughout the process and ensure regular communication, procurement and logistics are in place.
3. You will work closely with Corporate Services and other internal teams to ensure procurement, invoices, production and any additional requirements are met.
4. You will work together with the strategy team, Thought Leadership and other departments to see where collaborations could be beneficial, and support continued disruptive thinking to enhance the quality of ideas and projects.

Why this role is important?

This role makes the biggest impact by being strategic, organised and proactive and bringing in new partnerships. You will play a key role in ensuring the successful execution of AI-focused programs, solidifying Dubai Centre for AI as the leading hub for AI research, deployment, and global collaboration.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with passionate people, support shapers of the future as well as work that has an impact, not only on the organization or the UAE but all of humankind.

You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas and innovation.

Who we are looking for?

1. You will have a minimum of 8 years’ experience with specific experience with a focus in Artificial Intelligence.
2. You will have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
3. You will have additional training and qualification in project management is required.
4. You will have strong people management skills, be able to clearly communicate direction and strategy and mobilize resources quickly.
5. You will have advanced English and Arabic language communication with additional languages a plus!
6. You will demonstrate strong negotiation, planning and dedication to completing projects with an ability handle deadlines, multiple projects and different stakeholders.
7. You will be proactive, professional, curious and a self-learner interested in exploring global and regional ideas and trends.
8. You will be a team player and willing to support where needed to ensure the projects run smoothly.
9. You will have experience using strong Microsoft Office skills including project management tools.