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 Director of Project reports directly to Executive Director of Special Project department.
The Projects’ team is mandated to be a creation hub of the next big ideas that will impact and benefit people, businesses, and governments starting with Dubai and rippling outward on a larger scale. The division focuses on creative ideation and taking advantage of current trends to deliver future focused solutions for today’s challenges, including but not limited to the exploration of innovation in transportation, education, water, space, renewable energy, technology and healthcare. They are responsible for planning, managing and executing projects launched by the Foundation, as well as supporting special projects on a local, federal and regional level.
Director of Projects As the Director of Special Projects, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dubai by leading high-impact, strategic initiatives that align with the Dubai Future Foundation’s (DFF) vision of fostering innovation and preparing the city for the future. This role demands a visionary leader capable of managing complex project portfolios, driving operational excellence, and ensuring successful outcomes. You will be responsible for both the strategic direction and operational execution of high-priority projects, leveraging your expertise to deliver groundbreaking solutions and ensure alignment with Dubai's future-focused goals.
Strategic Leadership & Vision:• Project Ideation & Strategic Alignment: You will lead the ideation, development, and execution of special projects, ensuring that each initiative aligns with DFF’s long-term vision and strategic objectives.• Global Trend Analysis: You will identify emerging global trends and technological advancements, translating them into actionable, innovative projects that benefit Dubai across various sectors (e.g., Future of Sectors, Future of Society, Future of Governments).• Innovative Problem Solving: You will provide thought leadership and develop innovative strategies to solve complex, interdisciplinary challenges, driving forward-thinking solutions in alignment with DFF’s mission.• Strategic Planning & Execution: You will guide and influence the strategic direction of the department, ensuring projects are scoped, planned, and executed effectively to meet organizational goals.
Operation Excellence & Project Management:• End-to-End Project Oversight: You will oversee the full project lifecycle, from conceptualization and strategic planning through to budgeting, execution, and post-project evaluation, ensuring operational efficiency and effective resource allocation.• Execution & Risk Management: You will establish clear objectives, timelines, and deliverables for each project, while proactively identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.• Cross-Functional Leadership: You will lead, motivate, and support cross-functional teams, ensuring that all project activities are carried out with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and excellence.• Operational Efficiency: You will optimize project management processes to enhance delivery speed, cost-effectiveness, and quality, ensuring that all special projects are executed seamlessly.
Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:• Team Building & Mentorship: You will build and nurture high-performing teams, providing mentorship and guidance to foster a culture of continuous improvement and leadership development.• Internal & External Collaboration: You will work closely with internal departments, key stakeholders, and external partners to ensure alignment and effective collaboration across all projects.• Stakeholder Communication: You will act as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders, maintaining transparent, proactive communication to ensure project objectives are met and expectations are managed.
Innovation, Impact & Organizational Growth:• Driving Innovation: You will lead the exploration and integration of cutting-edge ideas, technologies, and approaches that address Dubai’s most pressing challenges and advance its position as a global innovation leader.• Impact Measurement: You will ensure that each project has a measurable, sustainable impact on Dubai’s innovation ecosystem and contributes to the city’s global leadership in future technologies and policy.• Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building: You will promote a culture of knowledge-sharing and capacity building within DFF and across the broader ecosystem, fostering continuous learning and development within the organization.• Continuous Learning & Development: You will actively seek out new tools, methodologies, and best practices to improve project management and leadership capabilities. Encourage a culture of continuous professional development, ensuring the team stays at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.
Why this role is important? This role drives innovative, high-impact projects that align with DFF’s mission, strengthen Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub, and deliver transformative solutions to benefit people, businesses, and governments. Innovative and strategic project ideas, and lead and support those projects from ideation through to delivery. You will be a key part of the team working to create impact that will benefit the future of Dubai, the UAE and the region.
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’re looking for?• You will have a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).• You will have proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives to completion.• You will have strong track record in managing large-scale, complex projects across multiple disciplines, with a focus on operational efficiency and impact.• You will have exceptional ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from internal teams to external partners and senior leadership.• You will have a minimum of 12 years of experience in leading strategic projects or in management consulting, with a proven track record of success.• You will have fluency in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.• You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and complex information clearly to senior leadership and external stakeholders• You will have strong expertise in developing strategic proposals, managing diverse teams, and navigating complex stakeholder environments.• You will have an advanced skills in public speaking, presentation design, and tools such as Microsoft Office.• You will have an exceptional leadership and decision-making skills.• You will have strong negotiation and planning abilities with a dedication to meeting deadlines.• You will have ability to think critically, anticipate future trends, and develop innovative strategies that align with long-term organizational goals.• You will have excellent attention to detail and adaptability in fast-paced environments.