Principal Urban Planner

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Urban Planner to lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex urban development projects across Dubai and the wider UAE region. The role provides strategic planning expertise, manages multidisciplinary teams, and ensures alignment with local regulations and sustainability objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of master plans, regional plans, strategic development frameworks, and urban design strategies.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams of planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, and specialist consultants.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance throughout all project phases.
• Liaise with government authorities, regulatory agencies, developers, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee land use planning, zoning assessments, transportation integration, and infrastructure coordination.
• Prepare and review planning reports, feasibility studies, planning submissions, and policy documents.
• Lead stakeholder consultations, workshops, and public engagement activities.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful execution.
• Support business development activities, including client engagement, proposal preparation, and project presentations.
• Mentor and develop junior planners and project team members.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of professional experience in urban planning and master planning.
• Demonstrated experience leading large‑scale urban development, mixed‑use, infrastructure, and master planning projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE planning frameworks, development regulations, and approval processes.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with public and private stakeholders.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Professional membership with recognized planning institutions (e.g., RTPI, APA, PIA) is desirable.

Required skills

• Smart city principles
• Land use planning
• Urban Planning
• Sustainability
• Master planning
• Urban Design
• GIS planning analysis tools

What we offer

• Tax‑free salary
• Life and medical insurance
• Annual leave and gratuity scheme
• Discretionary bonus program
• Annual flight contribution
• Transportation and housing allowances
• Employee wellbeing program with 24/7 access to finance, legal, health, and fitness specialists