JOB PURPOSE

The Section Head Permits is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end permits function for media-related activities in Dubai, ensuring efficient, compliant, and timely processing of permits for filming, TV/film production, events, and related activities. Importantly, the Section Heads Permits is responsible for streamlining processes, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and enhancing the overall experience for media companies through a responsive and enabling permits ecosystem. The role holder is expected to demonstrate leadership skills, financial and budget management acumen and carry out his/her duties in accordance with the relevant business policies and procedures.

No.

Key Focus Area

                                                    Key Accountabilities

1.   

General Responsibilities

·      Develop the strategy for Permits to support the overall Media Permits and Licensing and DMC vision, direction and strategic objectives

·      Ensure the successful implementation of the strategic vision for Permits to achieve the strategic objectives set out for the Media Permits and Licensing department in line with the department and DMC’s vision and objectives

·      Lead the teams within Permits to deliver the objectives set out within the section

·      Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with CEO, Executive Directors and Directors across DMC, working together when needed to support and deliver the DMC strategy

·      Develop and manage the Permits budget, working with Finance to secure funds and ensuring proper tracking of the allocated budgets across the team

·      Ensure monthly KPI reports are generated, shared with the Strategy & Governance Excellence department on time and supported by documentation to aid in capturing and calculating the KPI metrics

·      Develop talent within the Permits team, focusing on soft skills as well as technical skills development

·      Ensure compliance with audit findings and reports, implementing necessary changes, policies and risk mitigation strategies to strengthen compliance with local government and global requirements.

·      Implement digitization strategies where possible, ensuring digital solutions for key processes are applied and utilized to drive higher efficiencies and effectiveness.

2.   

Permits Processing and Service Delivery

·      Oversee the end-to-end processing of permits for media activities, including filming, film/TV production, events, and related operations.

·      Ensure all permit applications are reviewed, processed, and approved within defined service-level timelines.

·      Establish clear workflows, guidelines, and service standards for permit issuance.

·      Monitor application volumes and allocate resources to ensure efficient handling of peak demand periods.

·      Act as the escalation point for complex, urgent, or high-priority permit requests.

3.   

Process Optimization and Digital Enablement

·      Lead continuous improvement of permitting processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and user experience.

·      Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to reduce turnaround times and administrative friction.

·      Collaborate with digital and IT teams to enhance permitting platforms, automation, and online services.

·      Support the implementation of unified portals and digital tools for permit applications and tracking.

·      Drive the adoption of innovative solutions (e.g. automation, AI-assisted workflows) to improve operational performance.

4.   

Cross-Entity Coordination and Approvals

·      Coordinate with relevant government entities (e.g. municipalities, law enforcement, free zones) to facilitate permit approvals.

·      Ensure alignment and consistency in requirements across different regulatory stakeholders.

·      Establish clear communication channels and escalation mechanisms with partner entities.

·      Support the harmonization of permitting requirements to reduce duplication and complexity.

·      Facilitate fast-track approvals for priority and high-impact media projects.

5.   

Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

·      Ensure all permits issued comply with applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines.

·      Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements impacting media permits.

·      Support audits and ensure compliance with internal governance and external regulatory standards.

·      Identify risks related to permitting processes and implement mitigation measures.

·      Ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and audit trails for all permit activities.

6.   

Stakeholder Experience and Service Excellence

·      Ensure a seamless and positive experience for media companies applying for permits.

·      Provide clear guidance, support, and communication throughout the permitting process.

·      Address stakeholder queries, complaints, and feedback in a timely and effective manner.

·      Develop service standards that reflect a proactive, enabling, and business-friendly approach.

·      Monitor satisfaction levels and implement improvements to enhance stakeholder experience.

Job Specifications

Key Interactions & Nature of Interaction

Internal:

·         Work closely with the Director Media Permits and Licensing to align on strategic vision and strategies across Permits.

·         Collaborate with Head of Licensing to ensure aligned initiatives to achieve the overall strategic vision across Media Permits and Licensing

·         Collaborate with Business Development and Investments and Projects to ensure the permits processes are supportive of operational requirements

·         Collaborate with Corporate Support for procurement, finance and human resources needs across projects, partnerships and collaborations, and internal employee needs.

External:

·         Government entities, municipalities, Dubai Police, and relevant authorities to align on permit issuance

Technical Skills

·         Expert: Permitting processes and regulatory environments

·         Proficient: Process design and service delivery optimization

·         Proficient: Government coordination and stakeholder management

·         Proficient: Digital systems and workflow tools

·         Proficient: Command of written and spoken Arabic and English

Behavioural Competencies

·         Enabling change - Proficient

·         Effective communication - Advanced

·         Leading and inspiring others - Proficient

·         Decision making and problem solving – Advanced

·         Financial awareness – Proficient

·         Team Management and People Development – Advanced

Experience Required

Functional Experience

·      6–8 years of experience in permitting, regulatory operations, or government service delivery

·      Experience managing end-to-end approval processes involving multiple stakeholders

·      Experience in process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives

·      Familiarity with media, events, or production environments is preferred

Leadership/Supervisory

·      Minimum 5 years leading and managing teams

·      Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams

·      A minimum of 3 years managing a budget

Education and Qualification Required

·      Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or a related field

Key Performance Indicators

·      Application Processing Volume: Percentage growth in number of permits issued annually for media and gaming businesses.

·      Film Production Permit Issuance Rate: Percentage growth of film and TV production location permits issued.

·      International Film Production Permit Issuance Rate: Percentage growth of production location permits issued to international.

·      Time to get Permits: Reduction in the average time taken to obtain permits within a specified period

·      Film Production Permit Turnaround Time: Average time taken to issue permits for media, gaming, and production companies.

·      Customer Satisfaction Rate: Percentage of permit applicants who report satisfaction with the process.

·      Number of Online Touchpoints to get Permits: Reduction in the average number of online touchpoints required to obtain permits within a specified period

·      Online Permit Requests: Growth in online requests for permits

·      Online Time for Completing Permits-Related Tasks: Time it takes to complete a permit-related task online