Our client is a boutique real estate developer in Dubai, renowned for delivering bespoke, high-quality projects across the UAE. With a focus on ultra-luxury mixed-use developments, the company operates with a lean and agile structure, offering a dynamic environment for senior leaders to take ownership of complex projects from inception to delivery.
The Development Director will take leadership responsibility for a flagship ultra-luxury development consisting of hotels, branded residences, retail, and commercial assets. This individual will oversee the full development lifecycle, from feasibility analysis and business planning through to investment approvals, design, construction, and final handover.
This is a pivotal role in a growing organization, requiring a hands-on leader who thrives in smaller, fast-moving teams while managing multiple stakeholders, consultants, and contractors across every stage of development.
Key Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end development cycle for a multi-phase mixed-use project, ensuring alignment with business objectives and investment strategies.
Conduct feasibility studies, prepare financial models, and present business plans for board approval.
Manage investment approval processes, including coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
Oversee in-house and external design consultants to ensure timely delivery of high-quality design solutions.
Drive project delivery through construction, ensuring compliance with budget, timeline, and quality standards.
Implement development policies, procedures, and governance frameworks for effective project management.
Engage with operators, contractors, investors, and local authorities to ensure project success.
Report directly to senior leadership, providing updates on risks, progress, and outcomes.
Client-side experience with a reputable developer, investment group, or master developer.
Proven full lifecycle development experience, including recent hands-on project delivery through construction and handover.
Strong exposure to hospitality and residential projects, ideally including branded residences.
Excellent knowledge of the UAE market and development regulations.
Commercially astute, with a strong grasp of feasibility, investment, and financial analysis.
Exceptional stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
Comfortable operating in a lean organization with a hands-on, solutions-driven mindset.