Director of Development – Hotel & Real Estate

About the role

The Director of Development will lead Al Futtaim Group’s hotel and real‑estate development portfolio in the UAE and the region. Reporting to senior leadership, you will oversee the full project lifecycle—from opportunity identification and market analysis through financing, construction, and delivery—ensuring projects meet timeline, budget, and quality targets.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for real‑estate projects aligned with the company’s long‑term vision.
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies and competitor analysis to identify new development opportunities.
• Manage project financials, including budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling, while monitoring costs and mitigating financial risks.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (finance, design, project management, procurement) to drive seamless execution from inception to completion.
• Build and maintain relationships with financial institutions, contractors, consultants and regulatory bodies, communicating progress and addressing concerns.
• Identify and mitigate market, financial and operational risks, ensuring compliance with local regulations, safety standards and sustainability practices.
• Lead, mentor and inspire multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Integrate green building standards and emerging technologies to minimise environmental impact.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on project status, risks and performance.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in real‑estate or hotel development, preferably within the UAE or GCC.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder‑management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver large‑scale projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent analytical, communication and decision‑making skills.

Required skills

• Financial modelling
• Budgeting and cost control
• Market research and feasibility analysis
• Risk management
• Compliance with regulatory and sustainability standards