Senior Projects Manager - Dubai Future Labs (UAE Nationals)

Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website:www.dubaifuture.ae

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

The Senior Projects Manager of the Dubai Future Labs reports directly to the Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs.

Dubai Future Labs are focused on driving innovative ideas through rigorous scientific testing to push the existing boundaries of research applications. The R&D department is an open-innovation research concept integrating concurrent research with innovative processes and both private and public partnerships. The department is focused on the co-creation, experimentation, and evaluation of innovative ideas and technology in real-life test cases as well as applied research in the fields of robotics.

Senior Projects Manager

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Projects Manager to lead and coordinate cross-functional initiatives in research, development, and innovation. Operating in a fast-paced and agile environment, this role is responsible for driving the execution of strategic projects, ensuring timely delivery with exceptional quality, and facilitating effective collaboration among internal teams, external partners, and key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings strong program management acumen, a passion for innovation, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder ecosystems with clarity and precision.

Responsibilities

● You will lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of research and innovation projects from inception to completion, including participating in initial meetings, coordinating with clients and partners, carrying out daily execution of the project plans, and supporting where needed.

● You will work with the DFL team to help clients establish and understand their business cases to ensure value exists in each project, clarifying project aims and outcomes, and identifying benefits.

● You will define clear project scopes, milestones, and deliverables in line with strategic priorities.

● You will maintain high standards of quality while meeting strict deadlines.

● You will serve as the central liaison among collaborators, industry partners, funding bodies, and internal departments.

● You will establish communication plans and engagement protocols to ensure alignment and transparency across all stakeholders.

● You will proactively identify and mitigate risks related to partnership dynamics or project integration.

● You will adhere to project governance frameworks, reporting mechanisms, and performance indicators.

● You will monitor project budgets, resource allocation, and compliance with institutional and contractual requirements.

● You will drive process improvements to accelerate delivery and foster a culture of continuous innovation.

● You will support project proposals, reporting, and intellectual property coordination as required.

● You will track emerging trends in research and innovation to inform project planning and stakeholder engagement.

● You will need to openly communicate with team members to ensure that all projects are running smoothly and regularly feedback to the Project Manager on the operations and administration of all projects.

● You will work closely with corporate and government partners to create valuable partnerships with clients who can innovate to solve problems and create new solutions.

Why this role is important?

This role makes the biggest impact by being organised, and able to manage a few projects while also supporting the team in achieving project deliverables. You will be directly involved in creating successful partnerships which are instrumental in successful Dubai Future Labs projects. Your role in the organisation will help create a positive reputation for the Dubai Future Labs

Position: Senior Projects Manager Dubai Future Foundation

as a world-class living lab in the Middle East and help bring the UAE into the future.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with passionate people, support shapers of the future as well as work that has an impact, not only on the organization or the UAE but on all of humankind.

You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects and work in a highly diverse and fast-paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas and innovation.

Skills

● You will have bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

● You will have PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification preferred.

● You will have minimum 7–10 years of experience in project or program management, preferably in a research, R&D, or innovation environment.

● You will have proven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects on time and within scope.

● You will have strong interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, and able to clearly communicate and adapt to changing requirements and meet tight and changing deadlines.

● You will have exceptional planning, organizational, and execution capabilities.

● You will be able to navigate ambiguity, prioritize multiple projects, and operate in high-pressure environments.

● You will be excellent in written and verbal communication skills in both spoken and written English. Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is an additional asset.

● You will be familiar with research environments, technology commercialization, or public-private partnerships is an asset.

● You will be a team player and willing to support where needed to ensure the programs run smoothly.

● You will be familiar with agile management methodologies and related tools.