Director, Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (AQF) is a leading philanthropic organization based in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The Foundation supports the social, cultural, and economic development of RAK and the wider UAE through research, policy engagement, capacity development, and community programming.

The AJAH Director will lead the overall strategic direction, operations, preservation, development, and management of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village (AJAH), one of the most significant cultural heritage destinations in the United Arab Emirates. The role is responsible for overseeing heritage conservation, tourism activation, cultural programming, site operations, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability initiatives while preserving the historical authenticity and cultural integrity of the heritage village.

The position combines strategic leadership, heritage destination management, operational oversight, community engagement, and institutional coordination to establish AJAH as a leading regional and international heritage and cultural destination. The successful candidate will work closely with government authorities, tourism entities, cultural organizations, consultants, local communities, and internal departments to support the vision and objectives of AJAH and Ras Al Khaimah Heritage initiatives.

The AJAH Director will oversee multidisciplinary functions including heritage preservation, operations, visitor experience, events and programming, infrastructure readiness, financial planning, partnerships, and organizational development while ensuring alignment with heritage conservation standards, tourism objectives, and community engagement priorities.

This role requires a highly experienced and visionary professional with a strong background in heritage destination management, cultural institutions, tourism development, or large-scale public destination operations. The successful candidate should demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder management, financial oversight, and operational management capabilities, with the ability to lead complex projects and multidisciplinary teams within a dynamic heritage and tourism environment.

• Develop and implement the strategic vision, operational plans, and long-term development roadmap for AJAH.
• Lead the transformation of AJAH into a world-class heritage, tourism, and cultural destination while preserving its historical authenticity.
• Establish governance frameworks, operational procedures, policies, and performance standards for the site.
• Identify strategic opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives that support heritage preservation, tourism growth, and community engagement.
• Ensure alignment with the broader vision and objectives of Ras Al Khaimah Heritage and related government entities.

• Oversee day-to-day site operations, visitor services, infrastructure readiness, and operational excellence across the heritage village.
• Ensure the site maintains high standards of safety, cleanliness, presentation, accessibility, and visitor satisfaction.
• Lead the development of visitor experiences, interpretive journeys, and heritage storytelling initiatives.
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions.

• Lead the planning and implementation of cultural programs, exhibitions, festivals, public events, workshops, and educational initiatives.
• Support tourism activation initiatives that position AJAH as a premier cultural and heritage destination.
• Collaborate with tourism boards, destination marketing organizations, cultural institutions, and event organizers.
• Promote local arts, crafts, traditions, storytelling, and community participation through programming activities.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with government entities, tourism authorities, cultural organizations, local communities, and…