Government Relations Manager (UAE National)

We are looking for a seasoned Government Relations Manager to manage and strengthen the company's relationships with key government entities, regulators, public sector stakeholders, and relevant industry bodies across the UAE.

This is a strategic role that requires a confident, credible, and well-connected professional who can represent the company effectively, build trust with government stakeholders, and support business priorities through proactive engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of the UAE government landscape, excellent Arabic and English communication skills, and the ability to navigate sensitive and nuanced conversations with diplomacy and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and strengthen relationships with key government entities, regulators, ministries, municipalities, authorities, and relevant public sector stakeholders.

Represent the company in meetings, discussions, events, and engagements with government bodies and institutional stakeholders.

Position the company's value proposition clearly and persuasively to secure support, collaboration, and alignment from relevant government entities.

Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, endorsements, collaborations, and initiatives with government stakeholders.

Support senior leadership in preparing for government meetings, including briefing notes, talking points, stakeholder context, and follow-up actions.

Monitor regulatory developments, government priorities, public policy updates, and sector-specific changes that may impact the business.

Work closely with internal teams, including Legal, Communications, Strategy, Product, Sales, and Leadership, to ensure consistent messaging and alignment in government-facing discussions.

Manage sensitive conversations with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgement.

Support the planning and execution of government-related events, roundtables, partnerships, announcements, and official engagements.

Maintain a strong understanding of protocol, cultural sensitivities, and expectations when engaging with UAE government stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

Proven experience in government relations, public affairs, corporate affairs, stakeholder management, or a similar role, preferably within the UAE.

Established relationships with UAE government entities, regulators, or public sector stakeholders are highly preferred.

Strong understanding of the UAE government ecosystem, regulatory environment, and public sector engagement protocols.

Fluent Arabic speaker, with strong English communication skills.

Ability to engage comfortably and confidently with local stakeholders, senior officials, and government representatives.

Strong personality, executive presence, and the ability to represent the company with credibility and confidence.

Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.

High level of discretion, emotional intelligence, and judgement when handling sensitive or nuanced matters.

Ability to translate business priorities into compelling narratives for government and public sector stakeholders.

Experience supporting senior leadership in strategic stakeholder engagement is preferred.

Emirati candidates, or candidates with deep UAE market experience and strong cultural fluency, are highly encouraged to apply.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a confident and trusted relationship builder who understands how to operate within the UAE government landscape. They should be able to build credibility quickly, manage complex stakeholder conversations, and represent the company's interests in a polished, persuasive, and culturally aware manner.

They should be proactive, commercially aware, and comfortable working with senior leadership to secure meaningful support from government entities for strategic business priorities.

Key Skills

Government relations

Stakeholder management

Arabic and English communication Public sector engagement Strategic partnerships

Regulatory awareness

Negotiation and influencing Executive presence

Cultural fluency

Relationship building

Diplomacy and discretion