Ghobash Group capitalizes on opportunities within promising industry sectors by either acquiring existing companies or establishing new businesses. Aligned with the needs of a growing portfolio, the Group established Aban Investment to administer a host of centralized business functions (finance, legal, HR, marketing, etc.) all aimed at delivering greater cost efficiencies, value and best practices to each of its business units.

The individual will be a highly motivated and experienced Emirati national responsible for overseeing all interactions between our organization and UAE government entities. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring in-depth knowledge of UAE regulations, particularly labor law and licensing requirements. The manager will be a key resource for the organization, ensuring full compliance and proactive engagement with government stakeholders. The individual will drive a shift from transactional to proactive service delivery, including digitizing and optimizing processes.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Government Engagement

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Proactively identify and build relationships with key government stakeholders and regulatory bodies at both federal and local levels, including all relevant ministries, departments, and free zone authorities.
• Represent the organization in all official government meetings, committees, and forums.
• Monitor and analyze new legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Maintain a strong network of contacts within various government departments.

2. Labor Law & Compliance

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on UAE Labour Law and Immigration procedures.
• Ensure full organizational compliance with all labor regulations, policies, and decrees.
• Oversee all labor and immigration-related documentation and processes, including visa applications, labor contracts, work permits, and residency permits for new and existing employees.
• Provide guidance to HR and management on employee relations, disciplinary actions, and termination procedures in accordance with UAE Labour Law.
• Manage and resolve any labor disputes with government authorities.

3. Licensing & Regulatory Affairs

• Oversee all company licensing, renewals, amendments, and approvals from various government bodies.
• Manage the end-to-end process for obtaining and maintaining all necessary permits and certifications for business operations.
• Ensure timely submission of all required documentation to avoid penalties.
• Maintain a complete and current repository of all licenses and regulatory documents.

4. Systems & Operations Management

• Directly manage and utilize all relevant government online portals and systems, including but not limited to ICP, Tasheel, Amer, Dubai Now, and various Free Zone portals.
• Implement efficient internal processes for managing government relations tasks and document flow.
• Evaluate and recommend new software or tools to improve department efficiency.

5. Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the government relations team.
• Foster a proactive and collaborative team environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide constructive feedback.

6. Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular reports to senior management on all government relations activities, successes, and challenges.
• Communicate effectively and coordinate with internal departments (HR, Legal, Finance) on all government-related matters.
• Draft and review official correspondence and applications for government submission.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Law, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.

Desirable

• Additional certification in HR or Labour Law

7+ years experience with at least 2 years as a manager in a GR department.