Authority Architect Liaison

Job Purpose

The Authority Architect Liaison is responsible for managing all architectural authority submissions, approvals, and coordination activities for projects in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The role ensures that all architectural designs comply with applicable authority regulations and that approvals are obtained within the project schedule while maintaining effective communication between the design team, authorities, clients, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary architectural focal point with all relevant authorities in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
• Coordinate authority approvals throughout Concept, Master Planning, Design Development, Building Permit, Construction and Completion stages.
• Prepare, review and submit architectural packages through relevant authority portals.
• Follow up on submissions, coordinate responses to authority comments and secure approvals.
• Review architectural drawings for compliance with planning, zoning, accessibility, sustainability, and Fire & Life Safety requirements.
• Coordinate with Architecture, Structural, MEP, Landscape, Interior Design and Infrastructure teams to address authority comments.
• Manage approvals from authorities including Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, Dubai Development Authority, Nakheel, Dubai Holding, Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA, RTA, RAK Municipality, RAK Civil Defence, Marjan and other applicable authorities and utility providers.
• Maintain authority comment trackers and ensure timely closure of all observations.
• Maintain approval schedules, identify risks and report project status to project management.
• Maintain submission records, approval registers and authority correspondence.
• Support Project Managers and clients regarding authority requirements and approval strategies.
• Monitor regulatory changes and continuously improve submission processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 5–8 years of architectural experience.
• Minimum 3 years of UAE authority liaison experience.
• UAE driving licence preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Dubai and RAK Building Regulations.
• Authority approval procedures and permit processes.
• Architectural detailing and coordination.
• Accessibility, sustainability and Fire & Life Safety requirements.
• BIM coordination and authority submission systems.

Software Skills

• AutoCAD
• Revit
• Navisworks (preferred)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Office
• Autodesk Construction Cloud / BIM 360
• Authority online submission portals

Key Competencies

• Communication
• Coordination
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Negotiation
• Planning and organization
• Client relationship management

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Authority approval success rate.
• First-time submission acceptance rate.
• Approval turnaround time.
• Number of authority comments.
• Approvals achieved within project programme.
• Reduction of authority-related delays.
• Client satisfaction.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person