Head of Infrastructure

About Dubai Holding Land Estates:

Dubai Holding Land Estates oversees a diverse land portfolio strategically located across Dubai's most sought-after areas. With convenient access to major highways, nearby amenities, and flexible land use options, investors are presented with unique opportunities for development and growth.

Through the centralization of Dubai Holding's land bank, Dubai Holding Land Estates focuses on large-scale master plans, ensuring alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, whilst also supporting the business's commitment to sustainable urban development and strategic land portfolio management.

Job Purpose:

The role holder is responsible for leading infrastructure and planning, ensuring technical requirements align with the master development vision. The role ensures developments are supported through optimized infrastructure concept development, authority approvals while providing expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle. The role holder is also responsible for interfacing with key internal (Master Development, Urban Management, Technology Design and Delivery) and external stakeholders (external consultants, government authorities), ensuring interests are protected and all stakeholders are aligned with business expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop comprehensive long-term and short-term infrastructure strategies that align with Dubai Holding's master development vision, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective infrastructure services while adhering to statutory requirements/guidelines
• Lead the preparation of high-level concept development and infrastructure design briefs for Dubai Holding's marquee masterplans including Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands, Al Jaddaf, and other significant projects, ensuring each development's unique infrastructure requirements are met with innovative, technically sound, and cost-effective solutions
• Optimize capacity utilization across infrastructure systems to support future growth and operational efficiency while ensuring alignment with group's sustainability targets
• Establish strategic direction for Public Realm components of all Dubai Holding developments
• Direct the formulation and management of annual OPEX & CAPEX infrastructure budgets across Dubai Holding developments, providing leadership in long-term business planning for continuous enhancement of infrastructure assets
• Oversee infrastructure services, including value added services (VAS) submission reviews, master plan change requests reviews, and relevant stakeholder approvals across Dubai Holding's diverse portfolio of iconic developments
• Ensure a consistent approach to Infrastructure Development across projects.
• Lead cross-functional infrastructure resources across specialized disciplines including:
• Mobility & Access: Overseeing transportation planning, road networks, accessibility standards, and smart mobility solutions
• Dry Services: Managing power distribution systems, power master plans and phasing of substations, telecommunications infrastructure, and related utilities
• Wet Services: Directing water supply networks, sewerage systems, irrigation, stormwater management, and sustainable water solutions
• Public Realm: Creating distinctive, functional, and aesthetically superior public spaces that enhance community experience including Crystal Lagoons and Ponds.
• Drive the development, review, and approval of master plans, infrastructure modifications, land use changes, and GFA alterations, providing expert guidance on utilities planning, traffic impact studies, and capacity allocation
• Coordinate closely with other verticals of Dubai Holding (e.g, DHRE) throughout all project phases, aligning infrastructure design and delivery with master plan vision and strategic rollout objectives
• Oversee infrastructure parameter updates, technical assessments (LUC/AGFA/amalgamation), and allocation of utility plots and ROW issuance
• Optimize infrastructure designs for efficiency, cost, and sustainability, conducting VAS technical reviews for critical approvals
• Monitor infrastructure capacity and recommend optimization strategies that enhance system performance and reduce operational costs
• Develop and maintain Dubai Holding's infrastructure assets registry, directing operations and maintenance programs for existing and future infrastructure
• Conduct Value Engineering of Infra Systems at the different master planning stage gates.
• Maintain Infra as-built data base aligned with approved/constructed communities
• Ensure alignment of as-builts with GIS systems and utility companies
• Support master plan submissions by coordinating with authorities (e.g., RTA, DEWA, DM), ensuring oversight and alignment with the DH Corporate Stakeholder Engagement team as the lead
• Lead the Authorities Relations function, establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with government authorities and utility entities including RTA, DEWA, DM, etc.,
• Create streamlined approval frameworks with regulatory bodies and provide escalations support to resolve complex approval challenges
• Oversee relationships with government relations teams, coordinating external consultant engagements with regulatory stakeholders
• Direct high-level communications regarding Dubai Holding requests for master planning approvals, modifications, land use changes, and infrastructure permits
• Foster collaborative working relationships with internal departments, Dubai Holding entities, and external customers to ensure alignment of infrastructure solutions with stakeholder needs
• Maintain SOS and master plan approval trackers and flag challenges/delays.
• Establish frameworks defining methodologies for managing all infrastructure management related requests, that includes NOCs, completion certificates, TIS, and cost sharing agreements
• Create governance structures that ensure proper resource allocation across infrastructure teams, consolidating technical resources and developing specialist units to reduce resource dependency
• Partner with the other Dubai Holding verticals to ensure all infrastructure engineering activities comply with international standards and UAE regulations
• Create data-driven decision-making frameworks for infrastructure investments and optimization strategies
• Implement budget control mechanisms and performance monitoring systems for all infrastructure initiatives
• Coordinate with Delivery and Procurement teams to deliver in line with target budget, quality, and time commitments.
• Benchmark Dubai Holding's infrastructure practices against global leaders in master development to identify improvement opportunities
• Partner with the other Dubai Holding vertical and provide guidance on the innovation initiatives that introduce cutting-edge infrastructure solutions and sustainable technologies
• Drive digital transformation of infrastructure management processes, implementing smart systems that enhance efficiency and data visibility
• Lead a diverse team of infrastructure specialists organized across functional disciplines (Planning, Mobility & Access, Dry Services, Wet Services, Landscaping, and Authorities Relations)
• Establish a proper infrastructure planning team ensuring Dubai Holding has the internal capability and a single point of contact, integrating resources embedded in development teams
• Develop succession plans and professional growth pathways for infrastructure team members
• Set challenging yet achievable performance objectives aligned with Dubai Holding's strategic goals

Key Requirements:

• Minimum 20 years of experience in infrastructure development and project delivery (preferable) for large-scale developments
• At least 10 years in executive leadership positions managing multi-disciplinary infrastructure teams and complex project portfolios
• Demonstrated success leading infrastructure planning and implementation for premier master-planned communities, preferably within the UAE or GCC
• Proven track record collaborating with top-tier developers
• Extensive experience interfacing with UAE or GCC government authorities and regulatory bodies
• Strong background in managing technical consultant relationships and large-scale infrastructure contracts
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Management or related technical field required or a related field from a recognised institution
• Master's degree is preferred
• Expert knowledge of UAE infrastructure standards, building codes, and regulatory approval processes
• Advanced technical understanding across all infrastructure disciplines (transportation, utilities, public realm)
• Strategic vision with ability to translate corporate objectives into actionable infrastructure plans
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures
• Outstanding negotiation and influence capabilities, particularly with government authorities and service providers
• Strong business acumen with ability to identify value enhancement opportunities
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Superior communication skills with ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Proficiency with infrastructure planning tools, project management systems, and financial modelling
• Change management expertise with ability to lead teams through organizational transitions

About the Benefits:

At Dubai Holding, we're committed to nurturing the success and well-being of our colleagues. Join our dynamic and diverse team, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. We strongly believe in creating an empowered workforce that will help us build a connected city for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting the brightest minds and nurturing the most pioneering candidates who desire to make a great impact on the future of Dubai.