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 DevelopmentDevelop 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 AlignmentOversee 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 & RepresentationAct 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