Associate Project Manager – Programs

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:

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

Associate Project Manager reports directly to the Executive Director- Dubai Centre for AI and is part of DFF's Projects structure.

The Programs team connects AI innovators, researchers, and industry leaders through specialized accelerators, AI sprints, policy dialogues, and AI capability-building initiatives to position Dubai as a global leader in AI-driven solutions. The program team is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and delivering large-scale initiatives that align with Dubai's strategic vision. These programs address global and regional challenges while leveraging innovation, technology, and partnerships to create transformative solutions for the future.

Associate Project Manager – Program

As a Dubai Future Foundations' Associate Project Manager – Program, you will be managing AI-focused programming cohorts from start to completion, ensuring that projects contribute to Dubai's AI ecosystem, align with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI, and drive real-world AI applications. You will be leading the full process including managing budgets, resources, tracking and delivery milestones. You will consistently and proactively contribute to building partnerships, planning and identifying and initiating client contact to bring in new business.

Project Management

• You will assist in developing AI-focused project plans, ensuring alignment with Dubai's AI ecosystem, including AI policy, AI infrastructure, and AI talent development.
• Accelerators, Platforms of the Future and Dubai Future Foundation.
• You will be assisting in the project cycle including managing budgets, project milestones, monitoring and tracking and post project reporting.
• You will work closely with the Project Manager and Analysts - Foresight to ensure project cohorts are running efficiently and on time.
• You will be assisting in planning, identifying partners, initiating contact and negotiating contracts and engagement.
• You will take a part in project update meetings, client meetings and provide regular reporting on ongoing and pipeline projects.
• You will need to openly communicate with team members to ensure that all requirements are clearly explained.
• You will ensure that all project tracking is done through tracking software or Microsoft to create transparency.

Third Party Relationships

• You will help in engaging with AI research institutions, startups, and global AI leaders to facilitate impactful partnerships that drive AI adoption and commercialization.
• You will work closely project partners throughout the process and ensure regular communication, procurement and logistics are in place.
• You will work closely with Corporate Services and other internal teams to ensure procurement, invoices, production and any additional requirements are met.

Why this role is important?

This role makes the biggest impact by being organised, proactive, initiating and building strong relationships. "You will play a key role in ensuring the successful execution of AI-focused programs, solidifying Dubai Centre for AI as the leading hub for AI research, deployment, and global collaboration.

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 all of humankind.

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

Skills

• You will have a of a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
• You will hold a certification or a master's degree in Artificial Intelligence.
• You will have a minimum of 4 years' experience with proven success in supporting multiple projects with a passion for future focused innovation.
• You will have good people management skills, be able to clearly communicate and adapt to changing requirements.
• You will have intermediate English and Arabic language communication with additional languages a plus
• You will be proactive, professional, curious and a self-learner interested in exploring global and regional challenges and trends.
• You will have excellent attention to detail, be able to multi-task and meet tight and changing deadlines.
• You will have experience using strong Microsoft Office skills, including project management tools.