Urban Planning Specialist

Role Overview

The Urban Planning Expert leads the development, review, and continuous improvement of Dubai’s urban plan. The role focuses on guiding urban growth, aligning development with government priorities, and ensuring long-term sustainability through effective planning frameworks, policies, and implementation strategies.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, review, and update urban planning policies, regulations, and guidelines to monitor and manage urban growth in Dubai.
• Ensure urban development aligns with approved growth rates and targets outlined in the master urban plan.
• Continuously monitor implementation of planning frameworks and update them based on changing needs and priorities.
• Lead the update and enhancement of Dubai’s urban plan, defining development directions in coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Review urban planning legislation and propose improvements aligned with international best practices to strengthen Dubai’s global standing.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external entities to develop short- and long-term implementation plans for the urban strategy.
• Identify and help resolve challenges that may delay or obstruct plan implementation.
• Review and improve five-year urban development plans and ensure alignment with the master urban plan.
• Track implementation of related projects and prepare progress reports with clear recommendations.
• Prepare studies, analysis, and planning proposals to support effective execution of the urban plan.
• Comply with information security, confidentiality, and governance requirements.
• Perform additional planning-related tasks as required.

What We’re Looking For

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or Urban Design.

Experience

• 8–10 years of relevant experience (UAE Nationals)
• 15–18 years of relevant experience (Non-UAE Nationals)

Technical & Professional Skills

• Urban and regional planning
• Master planning and development strategies
• Urban sociology and quality-of-life planning
• Policy development and regulatory review
• Strategic planning and implementation monitoring

Core Skills

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking
• Ability to translate policy into actionable plans
• Collaboration with multi-disciplinary stakeholders
• High execution standards and attention to detail
• Innovation and creative problem-solving
• Strong sense of accountability and professional ethics

Work Environment

• Combination of office-based and field work
• Field work accounts for approximately 40–60% of the role
• Individual contributor role with no direct people management

Ethics, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure all planning activities comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Maintain transparency, integrity, and fairness in decision-making
• Identify and report risks, compliance gaps, or unethical practices
• Disclose and manage conflicts of interest appropriately

Strong understanding of urban planning principles and practices
2. Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for urban planning and design
3. Ability to conduct thorough research and analysis to inform urban planning decisions
4. Excellent communication skills to collaborate with stakeholders and present findings effectively
5. Project management skills to oversee urban planning projects from conception to completion
6. Knowledge of zoning laws, environmental regulations, and other legal considerations related to urban planning
7. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address complex urban development challenges
8. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and requirements in a fast-paced urban planning environment.