Head of Middle East

Head of Middle East

United Arab Emirates

We are working with a leading global investment platform who is seeking to appoint a Head of Middle East, based in the UAE. This senior leadership role will be responsible for driving business development, managing the regional investment pipeline, and shaping the firm’s long-term growth strategy across the GCC and wider MENA region.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Market Development

• Develop and execute the regional growth and investment strategy, identifying high-potential markets and sectors within the GCC.
• Lead origination and market development initiatives, sourcing quality opportunities in line with the firm’s global investment objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders — including investors, developers, government entities, and advisors — to enhance the firm’s regional visibility and reputation.
• Monitor macroeconomic, regulatory, and market trends to provide strategic insights to the global leadership team.
• Represent the platform in high-level meetings, conferences, and industry forums across the Middle East.

Pipeline Management & Investment Alignment

• Oversee and maintain the regional deal pipeline, ensuring a consistent flow of relevant and actionable opportunities.
• Assess opportunities at an early stage to determine strategic fit, commercial potential, and alignment with the firm’s investment criteria.
• Collaborate closely with the investment analysis and financial modelling team in Singapore, who will conduct detailed financial underwriting and due diligence.
• Coordinate with global investment and asset management teams to prioritise and advance selected opportunities.
• Provide oversight and guidance throughout the review process, ensuring timely communication, reporting, and decision-making.

Stakeholder Management & Representation

• Act as the firm’s senior representative in the Middle East, maintaining credibility and trust with partners, investors, and local authorities.
• Support partnership discussions and high-level negotiations, ensuring alignment with global standards and strategic goals.
• Build a strong understanding of local partnerships and regulatory environments to facilitate efficient market entry and project delivery.
• Mentor and oversee a small local team, fostering collaboration and alignment with the organisation’s global culture and values.

Key Requirements:

• 10-15+ years of experience in real estate investment, fund management, development, or corporate strategy, ideally within a global investment manager, institutional investor, or developer.
• Deep-rooted experience and network across the GCC, with a strong understanding of regional investment markets, key players, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven success in business development, origination, or strategic partnerships, ideally having managed or built regional pipelines.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to evaluate complex opportunities at a strategic level.
• Excellent relationship management skills and established connections across sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and developers.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a global organisation and coordinate with cross-border teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Real Estate, or a related discipline; an MBA or CFA qualification is advantageous.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Must be fluent in English & Arabic