Program Director – Data, AI & Digital Transformation | UAE

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Onsite
Experience: 15+ Years
Language: Arabic and English – Arabic Mandatory

• Information Technology (IT) & Software
• Business Development
• Engineering & Technical
• Government & Public Sector

We are looking for an experienced Program Director with 15+ years of experience leading large-scale Data, Analytics, Digital Transformation, or Technology programmes. The role requires senior-level leadership across programme governance, executive stakeholder management, commercial and contract management, delivery, budgets, risks, and strategic transformation.

The successful candidate will lead complex Data and AI transformation programmes
, working with government or enterprise stakeholders across the UAE/GCC. Strong knowledge of enterprise data platforms, data governance, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Purview, and Power BI will be essential for this role.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a professional seeking continued career growth in enterprise technology transformation, Data & AI strategy, and government digital transformation. Relevant professional certifications and executive-level training can further support leadership development.

• Lead large-scale Data, Analytics, Digital Transformation, and Technology programmes.
• Provide strategic direction and executive leadership across programme delivery.
• Manage executive and C-level stakeholders.
• Lead programme governance and Steering Committee activities.
• Manage commercial relationships, contracts, and delivery partners.
• Lead Data and AI transformation initiatives.
• Oversee enterprise data platform and data governance programmes.
• Provide strategic oversight of Microsoft Azure, Fabric, Purview, and Power BI initiatives.
• Manage programme budgets, risks, schedules, dependencies, and delivery performance.
• Establish and maintain programme governance frameworks.
• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and programme updates.
• Coordinate multiple work streams and delivery teams.
• Ensure strategic outcomes and business objectives are achieved.
• Manage transformation programmes involving government and enterprise clients.

• 15+ years of professional experience.
• Proven experience leading large-scale Data, Analytics, Digital Transformation, or Technology programmes.
• Fluency in Arabic and English;
  Arabic is mandatory.
• Strong executive stakeholder and C-level management experience.
• Proven programme governance and Steering Committee leadership experience.
• Strong commercial and contract management expertise.
• Experience leading Data and AI transformation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of data governance and enterprise data platforms.
• Experience with:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Microsoft Fabric
  • Microsoft Purview
  • Power BI
• Strong risk, budget, and delivery management capabilities.
• UAE/GCC government project experience.
• Proven experience managing multi-million-dollar transformation programmes is preferred.
• Strong track record of delivering strategic outcomes for government or enterprise clients.

Programme Leadership | Data Transformation | AI Transformation | Digital Transformation | Enterprise Data Platforms | Data Governance | Microsoft Azure | Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Purview | Power BI | Programme Governance | Steering Committees | Commercial Management | Contract Management | Risk Management | Budget Management | Executive Stakeholder Management

The source job description does not specify a salary or compensation package, so no salary estimate has been added.

This senior leadership position offers significant exposure to Data & AI transformation, enterprise data platforms, digital transformation, government technology programmes, and executive-level programme governance
. Relevant cloud, data, AI, programme management, and leadership certifications can support continued professional development and progression toward senior transformation and technology leadership positions.