Director of Development – Real Estate & Hospitality

About the role

The Director of Development will lead Al Futtaim’s strategic vision for real‑estate and hospitality projects across the MENA region. Reporting to senior leadership, the role oversees the full lifecycle of development, from market analysis and planning through financial management, risk compliance and delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for real‑estate development, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s long‑term vision.
• Conduct comprehensive market research, feasibility studies and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities.
• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting and modelling, monitoring project costs and mitigating financial risks.
• Manage the development lifecycle from inception to completion, coordinating finance, design, project management and procurement teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with financial institutions, contractors, consultants and regulatory authorities.
• Identify and mitigate market, financial and operational risks while ensuring compliance with local regulations and sustainability standards.
• Lead cross‑functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation, mentorship and professional growth.
• Integrate green building standards and emerging technologies to enhance sustainability and long‑term value.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business or related field.
• 10‑15 years of experience delivering large‑scale, complex real‑estate developments, preferably in the MENA region.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities with strong analytical and financial modelling expertise.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability, innovation and stakeholder collaboration.