UAE National - Director AI and Data Strategy

S J & Partners is supporting a high-profile, confidential mandate within the Abu Dhabi government ecosystem.

We are seeking a senior UAE National leader to define and deliver a nation-wide AI and data platform, enabling predictive insight, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making at the highest levels.

This role sits at the intersection of data, policy, and national strategy - with direct visibility across leadership and key stakeholders.

The Opportunity

This is a greenfield leadership role with full ownership of strategy through to execution.

You will:

• Define and lead the national AI & data roadmap aligned to long-term strategic priorities
• Oversee the end-to-end platform lifecycle (design → build → scale → optimisation)
• Drive predictive analytics, modelling, and decision intelligence capabilities
• Translate complex data into actionable insights for senior leadership and policymakers
• Establish robust data governance, privacy, and security frameworks
• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams (data science, engineering, analytics, policy)
• Manage technology partners, vendors, and system integrators
• Engage with government entities, regulators, and strategic stakeholders

Candidate Profile

We are looking for UAE National leaders with a strong blend of technical depth and strategic influence.

You will likely bring:

• 10+ years experience leading large-scale AI / data transformation programmes
• Deep understanding of the modern data stack (cloud, data lakes, pipelines, AI/ML models)
• Experience operating within government, semi-government, or regulated environments
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives at scale
• Strong track record managing cross-functional teams and external partners
• Experience with data governance, privacy, and national-scale data environments
• Ability to operate at both strategic and execution level

Why this role

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up, with real, visible impact at a national level. You will play a key role in advancing the UAE's long-term national agenda, aligned to programmes such as We the UAE 2031.