Head of Technology

A leading research, development and innovation organisation in Dubai is seeking an experienced Head of Technology to lead its technology function and establish a future-ready digital foundation from the ground up.

This is a strategic leadership position with end-to-end responsibility for the organisation's technology landscape, spanning infrastructure, applications, data, cybersecurity, AI and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the technology strategy and enterprise architecture

• Establish the technology function, governance, architecture and operating model

• Oversee infrastructure, cloud environments, applications and research technology platforms

• Lead technology architecture, integration and solution design

• Partner with senior leadership and research teams to translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions

• Drive cybersecurity, data governance and regulatory compliance

• Develop and implement data platforms, analytics and emerging AI capabilities

• Evaluate and adopt AI-native technologies, including LLM, RAG and intelligent automation

• Lead technology programmes, projects, vendors and strategic partners

• Build and develop a high-performing technology team

• Act as the key technology interface between the organisation and central IT functions

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering or a related discipline

• 10+ years of IT experience, including 3–5 years in a broad technology leadership role

• Strong experience across infrastructure, applications, cloud, data and enterprise technology

• Proven experience building or scaling technology functions in greenfield or evolving environments

• Strong solution architecture and enterprise architecture experience

• Experience with Azure, AWS, GCP or hybrid environments

• Strong understanding of cybersecurity and data protection frameworks, including ISO 27001, NIST, DESC ISR and UAE PDPL

• Experience with data platforms, data lakes, pipelines, analytics and data governance

• Exposure to AI, LLMs, RAG, agentic platforms and emerging technologies

• Strong programme and project delivery experience

• Proven vendor and stakeholder management experience

• Excellent communication and executive stakeholder management skills

• UAE/GCC government or semi-government experience is an advantage

• Arabic language skills are an advantage

The Opportunity

An opportunity to play a key role in shaping the technology foundation of a high-profile research and innovation environment, with significant scope to influence technology strategy, architecture, AI adoption, data and the future operating model.

Location: Dubai, UAE

Employment: Full-time

Level: Head

This is a confidential opportunity. The organisation's name and further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Interested candidates are invited to apply with their updated CV.