About us:  Dokainish & Company is a global organization that has been providing world class professional consultancy services since 2011.
 We have recently launched our MENA operations, headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
This expansion supports our strategy to serve government and private sector clients in capital projects across construction, infrastructure, energy, and commercial developments.
  Overview:  Dokainish & Company is seeking an experienced Development Director to lead high-end retail delivery for a mixed-use project in downtown Dubai.
   From owning the business plan, asset brief, and end-to-end delivery of all luxury retail components, from concept refinement through handover.
 We need someone experienced with destination retail experiences that enhance project positioning while delivering financial performance.
    This is a full-time position, and the selected candidate must be based in Dubai, or in the UAE, willing to independently relocate to Dubai.
   Key Responsibilities:  Develop and deliver comprehensive business plan and asset brief for high-end retail offerings   Establish financial KPIs including cost estimates, leasing assumptions, NOI projections, and tenant incentive impacts   Define retail mix, tenant profile strategy, and leasing parameters aligned to project positioning   Lead technical design ensuring retail spaces meet luxury tenant requirements and destination retail standards   Coordinate ground plane activation, circulation design, and retail-residential integration   Manage consultant teams for retail-specific requirements (façade, signage, loading, back-of-house)   Drive tenant coordination process—technical requirements, design approvals, fit-out standards   Develop service charge structures ensuring operational sustainability without tenant resistance   Coordinate with leasing team on space planning, tenant allowances, and delivery schedules   Ensure retail delivery supports project launch and residential sales momentum   Navigate authority approvals for retail licenses, F&B operations, and signage regulations  Background & Requirements:  10+ years in luxury retail development with 5+ years in leadership roles   Proven delivery of high-end retail projects (luxury malls, mixed-use retail, lifestyle destinations)   Strong technical acumen across retail design, tenant coordination, and operational requirements   Demonstrated ability to develop business cases, financial models, and leasing-driven cost frameworks   Deep understanding of luxury retail market dynamics, tenant expectations, and destination retail trends   Experience managing tenant coordination processes and fit-out delivery   Track record balancing tenant requirements with developer objectives and budget discipline   Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development, or related field; MBA preferred   US, Canada, UK, or, Australian education preferred   Dubai/GCC market experience essential    What Success looks like:   Business plan and asset brief delivered with clear leasing strategy and financial parameters   Project delivered on budget with retail spaces meeting luxury tenant standards   Retail mix achieves target tenant profile with strong leasing velocity   Retail component enhances residential value proposition and project positioning   Service charges competitive with operational costs fully covered        Note: This role description is intended to provide a general overview of the position.
It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or qualifications required.