Director of Research and Insights

About the role

Arada, a developer of communities focused on health, happiness and sustainability, is looking for a Director of Research and Insights in Dubai. The role leads the transformation of the company into a more data-intelligent organization, overseeing global research in real estate and adjacent sectors such as fitness, healthcare, education, F&B and hospitality, as well as macro and micro economic trends, customer buying patterns and urban development innovations. It also covers selection and management of external consultants and the rollout of tools that give teams access to real-time, actionable data.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the research agenda aligned with corporate strategy and emerging opportunities, and oversee market intelligence
• Build an in-house platform for real-time data analysis and visualization
• Prepare RFPs, select and manage external consultants for feasibility, high and best use, demand-supply, product market fit, benchmarking and cost studies
• Track policy, regulatory and macroeconomic developments and assess their strategic impact
• Provide market and strategic input for investment committee papers on new investments, joint ventures, partnerships and M&A
• Analyse market trends, customer behaviour, economic data and competitor activity, and design dashboards and reporting for leadership
• Identify and implement AI and data tools that improve data collection, processing and distribution
• Act as a strategic liaison with research firms, industry bodies, government and regulators, and lead, mentor and develop the research team

Required profile

• Master's degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business, Data Science or a related field
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in consulting, real estate research, data strategy or urban development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of the UAE and broader GCC real estate markets
• Ability to turn complex data into clear business recommendations, with excellent leadership, collaboration and communication skills

Required skills

• Business intelligence tools such as Power BI and Tableau
• Advanced Excel and spatial or statistical tools such as GIS, Python and R
• Strategic analysis and financial modelling
• Exposure to sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, education and F&B is an advantage