Advisor | Urban Planning

Job Purpose:

To provide high-level strategic , technical , and policy advisory to the Director General on urban planning , sustainable mobility , and land use integration .

The role aims to ensure that RTA’s infrastructure , urban development initiatives , and transport strategies align with Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 , RTA’s Strategic Plan , and the Emirate’s long-term urban policy framework .

Key Responsibilities:

1.Strategic and Policy Advisory:

• Advise the Director General on urban development and transport-related policy directions, frameworks, and initiatives.
• Develop, review, and recommend urban and mobility policies , ensuring alignment with Dubai’s strategic urban vision and government legislation .
• Evaluate the impact of emirate-level policies on RTA’s projects and recommend adjustments or new policy proposals where needed.
• Contribute to the creation of urban planning and transport governance models , ensuring clear policy coordination across sectors.

2.Integrated Urban Planning:

• Provide expert analysis on master plans , zoning frameworks , and major development projects .
• Ensure the integration of land use , public transport , and mobility planning into a coherent urban strategy .
• Endorse planning studies that support , walkable , and transit-oriented urban development .

3.Policy Development and Institutional Alignment:

• Collaborate with Dubai Municipality , Supreme Committee of Urban Planning , and other government bodies to harmonize planning and transport policies .
• Draft and propose policy papers , frameworks , and position statements on behalf of RTA leadership .
• Support interagency working groups to monitor and assess policy implementation outcomes .

4.Technical and Research Leadership:

• Lead urban policy research on topics such as sustainable mobility , city resilience , and urban form optimization .
• Benchmark RTA’s urban planning policies against international best practices (e.g., Copenhagen , Singapore , London ).
• Evaluate policy performance using measurable indicators ( urban density , modal share , accessibility , emissions ).

5.Governance and Oversight:

• Review consultant submissions , master plans , and urban studies for policy and technical compliance .
• Provide recommendations to improve planning efficiency , governance transparency , and stakeholder collaboration .
• Monitor the execution of urban policy decisions and prepare reports for senior leadership and the RTA Board .

6.Advisory Representation:

• Represent RTA in strategic policy forums , steering committees , and intergovernmental taskforces related to urban development .
• Promote RTA’s leadership in policy innovation for sustainable cities within the country and regional platforms .

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s or PhD in Urban Planning , Urban Policy , Transport Planning , or Public Administration .
• 15+ years of experience in urban planning , transport strategy , and policy development within large public sector entities or international consultancies .
• Deep understanding of urban governance , policy design , and institutional coordination frameworks .
• Proficiency in GIS , urban analytics , and mobility data modeling .
• Excellent communication , policy writing , and strategic presentation skills in Arabic and English .

Core Competencies:

• Strategic and policy formulation.
• Urban and regional planning expertise.
• Governmental relations and regulatory awareness.
• Data-driven decision-making and scenario planning.
• Leadership in sustainable mobility and smart city policy innovation.