161 AI Leadership jobs in the United Arab Emirates

Sales Director

We are seeking a Sales Director to lead our sales initiatives for cutting-edge conversational AI products. You will be responsible for strategizing and driving revenue growth with a focus on voice bot solutions.

This role offers an exciting challenge for seasoned professionals who can lead cutting-edge technology projects to success. You will have the opportunity to work with industry leaders, leveraging your expertise in project management and leadership.

As a Project Director, you will be responsible for overseeing multiple software implementation projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints. Your strong analytical skills, coupled with excellent communication and technical understanding, will enable you to drive project success and foster collaboration among cross-functional teams.

• Develop and execute project plans, emphasizing high-quality deliverables and customer satisfaction.
• Leverage experience in process industries like oil & gas, petrochemicals, or similar sectors to inform strategic project decisions.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including R&D, Support, Product Management, Sales, and Customer Success teams.

• A minimum of 14 years of project management leadership experience with IT initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Strong team-building skills, with a willingness to travel at least 25% of the time.

You will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to the company's mission-driven goals. Our dynamic work environment fosters growth, innovation, and creativity, providing opportunities for professional development and advancement.

At Cisco, we are revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era. Our solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across their digital footprint. We power the future.

We experiment and create meaningful solutions fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology. Our worldwide network of experts collaborates with empathy to make big things happen globally.

Our impact is everywhere because our solutions are everywhere. We are a team that works together to drive innovation and growth.

Cisco seeks a highly skilled and dedicated Director to lead a critical AI infrastructure program within the Middle East. This role will be an integral part of the AI Infrastructure team, responsible for driving product solutions, managing day-to-day relationships, and overseeing technical and operational aspects of a specific AI project.

• Product Solution Leadership

Drive the adoption and integration of Cisco's comprehensive product portfolio (hardware, software, and services) to meet unique technical and operational demands of AI infrastructure within sovereign cloud environments. This includes understanding and influencing product roadmaps across various organizations such as AI networking, AI compute, Optics, CHG (Common Hardware Group), Security, and more.

• Technical Expertise

Apply deep technical and operational understanding of hyperscale cloud environments, AI infrastructure, and sophisticated networking to the program. This includes analyzing customer network architecture (Front-End, Back-End, Backbone) and identifying Cisco's positioning and opportunities.

• Program Execution

Lead the successful planning, execution, and delivery of a designated strategic AI infrastructure program, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and Cisco's strategic objectives.

• Senior Product Leadership

10+ years of dynamic experience in program management, technical sales, solutions architecture, or product management within the networking, ASIC, or network software domains, with a consistent track record of leading large-scale, complex technology programs.

• In-Region Expertise

Demonstrated experience working within the Middle East region, with a strong understanding of local business practices, cultural nuances, and regulatory environments.

• Deep Technical Competence

Extensive technical and operational understanding of hyperscale cloud environments, AI infrastructure, and data center networking, including experience with network / ASIC product management and/or network software product management.

Cisco offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco's flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use.

All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco's Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next.

Foreground is partnering with a regional digital transformation consultancy headquartered in the UAE to appoint a visionary and commercially grounded Head of AI Strategy based in Dubai. With a portfolio of enterprise and public-sector clients across the GCC the firm is entering a growth phase driven by demand for scalable AI-enabled solutions across industries. This appointment is a foundational hire tasked with building and leading the firms AI practice from the ground up.

Role Purpose

To architect and operationalize a commercially viable AI consulting practice that advises enterprise and government clients on how to leverage artificial intelligence machine learning and data science to solve business challenges improve decision-making and unlock new value streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the firms AI strategy practice roadmap including service models solution architecture and client engagement frameworks tailored to sector-specific use cases.
• Partner with business development to identify high-impact AI opportunities and lead client-facing strategy development for proposals pilots and scaled engagements.
• Oversee the design and delivery of AI solutions spanning automation predictive modeling natural language processing recommendation systems and computer vision.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of AI consultants data scientists and solution architects; oversee third-party vendor relationships and technology alliances.
• Engage directly with C-level clients to understand business pain points assess data infrastructure maturity and translate these into actionable AI strategies with clear business cases.
• Lead the development of IP accelerators frameworks and methodologies that differentiate the firms approach to AI consulting in the GCC market.
• Serve as the firms subject matter expert on emerging AI trends contributing to thought leadership strategic forums and regional policy dialogues.
• Ensure that all AI work complies with regional data privacy laws ethical AI guidelines and public-sector compliance requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15 years of experience in technology strategy digital transformation or enterprise architecture with at least 5 years focused specifically on artificial intelligence machine learning or advanced analytics.
• Proven experience advising senior stakeholders in both public and private sectors on the adoption and implementation of AI-based systems.
• Deep understanding of the AI ecosystem including data platforms algorithm design model governance and solution delivery in cloud-native environments (AWS Azure GCP).
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Data Engineering or a related field; MBA or PhD is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of the UAE and GCC regulatory landscape around data privacy AI ethics and digital innovation policy.
• Exceptional executive presence presentation skills and the ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear commercially meaningful outcomes.

Foreground is partnering with a regional digital transformation consultancy headquartered in the UAE to appoint a visionary and commercially grounded Head of AI Strategy , based in Dubai. With a portfolio of enterprise and public-sector clients across the GCC, the firm is entering a growth phase driven by demand for scalable, AI-enabled solutions across industries. This appointment is a foundational hire tasked with building and leading the firms AI practice from the ground up.

Role Purpose

To architect and operationalize a commercially viable AI consulting practice that advises enterprise and government clients on how to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to solve business challenges, improve decision-making, and unlock new value streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the firms AI strategy practice roadmap, including service models, solution architecture, and client engagement frameworks tailored to sector-specific use cases.
• Partner with business development to identify high-impact AI opportunities and lead client-facing strategy development for proposals, pilots, and scaled engagements.
• Oversee the design and delivery of AI solutions spanning automation, predictive modeling, natural language processing, recommendation systems, and computer vision.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of AI consultants, data scientists, and solution architects; oversee third-party vendor relationships and technology alliances.
• Engage directly with C-level clients to understand business pain points, assess data infrastructure maturity, and translate these into actionable AI strategies with clear business cases.
• Lead the development of IP, accelerators, frameworks, and methodologies that differentiate the firms approach to AI consulting in the GCC market.
• Serve as the firms subject matter expert on emerging AI trends, contributing to thought leadership, strategic forums, and regional policy dialogues.
• Ensure that all AI work complies with regional data privacy laws, ethical AI guidelines, and public-sector compliance requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, or enterprise architecture, with at least 5+ years focused specifically on artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced analytics.
• Proven experience advising senior stakeholders in both public and private sectors on the adoption and implementation of AI-based systems.
• Deep understanding of the AI ecosystem, including data platforms, algorithm design, model governance, and solution delivery in cloud-native environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, or a related field; MBA or PhD is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of the UAE and GCC regulatory landscape around data privacy, AI ethics, and digital innovation policy.
• Exceptional executive presence, presentation skills, and the ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear, commercially meaningful outcomes.

Join to apply for the Head of AI Strategy (HAI001) role at Foreground.

Foreground is partnering with a regional digital transformation consultancy headquartered in the UAE to appoint a visionary and commercially grounded Head of AI Strategy, based in Dubai. The firm has a portfolio of enterprise and public-sector clients across the GCC and is entering a growth phase driven by demand for scalable, AI-enabled solutions across industries. This appointment is a foundational hire tasked with building and leading the firm's AI practice from the ground up.

To architect and operationalize a commercially viable AI consulting practice that advises enterprise and government clients on leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to solve business challenges, improve decision-making, and unlock new value streams.

• Define and execute the firm's AI strategy practice roadmap, including service models, solution architecture, and client engagement frameworks tailored to sector-specific use cases.
• Partner with business development to identify high-impact AI opportunities and lead client-facing strategy development for proposals, pilots, and scaled engagements.
• Oversee the design and delivery of AI solutions spanning automation, predictive modeling, natural language processing, recommendation systems, and computer vision.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of AI consultants, data scientists, and solution architects; oversee third-party vendor relationships and technology alliances.
• Engage directly with C-level clients to understand business pain points, assess data infrastructure maturity, and translate these into actionable AI strategies with clear business cases.
• Lead the development of IP, accelerators, frameworks, and methodologies that differentiate the firm's approach to AI consulting in the GCC market.
• Serve as the firm's subject matter expert on emerging AI trends, contributing to thought leadership, strategic forums, and regional policy dialogues.
• Ensure that all AI work complies with regional data privacy laws, ethical AI guidelines, and public-sector compliance requirements.

• 15+ years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, or enterprise architecture, with at least 5+ years focused specifically on artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced analytics.
• Proven experience advising senior stakeholders in both public and private sectors on the adoption and implementation of AI-based systems.
• Deep understanding of the AI ecosystem, including data platforms, algorithm design, model governance, and solution delivery in cloud-native environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, or a related field; MBA or PhD is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of the UAE and GCC regulatory landscape around data privacy, AI ethics, and digital innovation policy.
• Exceptional executive presence, presentation skills, and the ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear, commercially meaningful outcomes.

• Director

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology

• Business Consulting and Services

Foreground is partnering with a regional digital transformation consultancy headquartered in the UAE to appoint a visionary and commercially grounded Head of AI Strategy , based in Dubai. With a portfolio of enterprise and public-sector clients across the GCC, the firm is entering a growth phase driven by demand for scalable, AI-enabled solutions across industries. This appointment is a foundational hire tasked with building and leading the firms AI practice from the ground up.

Role Purpose

To architect and operationalize a commercially viable AI consulting practice that advises enterprise and government clients on how to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to solve business challenges, improve decision-making, and unlock new value streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the firms AI strategy practice roadmap, including service models, solution architecture, and client engagement frameworks tailored to sector-specific use cases.
• Partner with business development to identify high-impact AI opportunities and lead client-facing strategy development for proposals, pilots, and scaled engagements.
• Oversee the design and delivery of AI solutions spanning automation, predictive modeling, natural language processing, recommendation systems, and computer vision.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of AI consultants, data scientists, and solution architects; oversee third-party vendor relationships and technology alliances.
• Engage directly with C-level clients to understand business pain points, assess data infrastructure maturity, and translate these into actionable AI strategies with clear business cases.
• Lead the development of IP, accelerators, frameworks, and methodologies that differentiate the firms approach to AI consulting in the GCC market.
• Serve as the firms subject matter expert on emerging AI trends, contributing to thought leadership, strategic forums, and regional policy dialogues.
• Ensure that all AI work complies with regional data privacy laws, ethical AI guidelines, and public-sector compliance requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, or enterprise architecture, with at least 5+ years focused specifically on artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced analytics.
• Proven experience advising senior stakeholders in both public and private sectors on the adoption and implementation of AI-based systems.
• Deep understanding of the AI ecosystem, including data platforms, algorithm design, model governance, and solution delivery in cloud-native environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, or a related field; MBA or PhD is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of the UAE and GCC regulatory landscape around data privacy, AI ethics, and digital innovation policy.
• Exceptional executive presence, presentation skills, and the ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear, commercially meaningful outcomes.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 08/05/2025

Position Title: Head of Data / AI Strategy & Governance Location: Dubai, UAE Job Type: Full-Time

About myZoi myZoi is a Standard Chartered Ventures fintech that ischanging lives for the better, for those who deserve it the most. We arecommitted to promoting global financial inclusion by offering affordable,accessible, and transparent financial services to the underbankedpopulations.

Our vision

To deliver a level playing field for the unbanked andunderbanked in accessing essential financial services through innovative,data-driven solutions that foster financial inclusion in an affordable,convenient, and transparent fashion.

The Role We are seeking atransformative Head of Data & AI Strategy - an enterprise-wide leaderresponsible for defining the strategic data and AI vision for myZoi. This rolewill play a pivotal role Win establishing an AI-enabled data ecosystem,ensuring governance, integrity, and actionable insights are embedded across allfunctions of the business.

You will be entrusted to craft and lead adata-driven culture, accelerate enterprise-wide AI adoption, and ensureresponsible governance by designing scalable data architecture, leading datagovernance initiatives, overseeing ethical and responsible AI integration,driving data literacy, and unlocking data value to power strategicdecision-making, innovation, and regulatory compliance.

KeyResponsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Enterp rise transformation

• Define and implement the overall enterprise data andAI strategy aligned with global growth, innovation, and operational excellencegoals.
  
• Act as a strategic partner to the executive leadershipteam, influencing business decisions and company direction through datainsights.
  
• Lead enterprise data monetization initiatives,developing new revenue streams leveraging AI and data products.
  
• Lead the development of data models,pipelines, and platforms to support analytical, AI, and operational needs.
  
• Drive a data and AI-enabled transformation across allfunctions, fostering a strong data culture and change adoption at all levels ofthe organization.
  
• Ensure data architecture is scalable andsupports cloud-native, real-time, and AI-driven processing.
  
• Establish data quality, lineage, and master datamanagement frameworks to support business information and AI/ML use cases
  
• Build and lead a cross functional high-performing datateam, covering data/AI governance, architecture, andimplementation.
  

DataStrategy & Architecture

• Develop and maintain the enterprise data strategy,shaping and scaling its impact as a core enabler of business innovation andintelligence .
  
• Collaborate with the leadership team to aligndata and AI strategy with organizational priorities.
  
• Lead the development of data models,pipelines, and platforms to support analytical, AI, and operational needs.
  
• Ensure data architecture is scalable andsupports cloud-native, real-time, and AI-driven processing.
  
• Establish data quality, lineage, and master datamanagement frameworks to support business information and AI/ML use cases
  
• Build and lead a cross functional high-performing datateam, covering data/AI governance, architecture, andimplementation.
  

Data Use & AI Enablement

• Work with all functions (like product, innovation,marketing, engineering, operations, etc.)toidentify opportunities for data driven AI/ML applications across theorganization.
  
• Drive integration of machine learning and intelligentautomation to enhance decision-making and customer experiences.
  
• Promote data and AI literacy across theorganization through training, tools, and awareness campaigns.
  
• Monitor emerging AI trends and appropriate tools toensure myZoi remains on the leading edge of innovation.
  

Data& AI Governance

• Develop and implement data governanceframeworks, including data ownership, stewardship, classification, and datalifecycle management.
  
• Work with Innovation, Technology, Risk &Compliance on Data & AI governance, including model transparency, biasmitigation, and ethical use standards.
  
• Define and implement data/AI standards,policies, and framework across the organization.
  
• Ensure high levels of data quality, accuracy, andcompliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, BCBS239, AI, and otherlocal regulations).
  

Risk,Security, and Compliance

• Ensure data and AI security, privacy, and riskcontrols are effectively designed and implemented in alignment with risk, legaland regulatory frameworks.
  
• Def ineaccess control and security frameworks for data assets
  
• Engage with senior leadership, regulators, andindustry bodies on data and AI governance matters.
  

Qualifications& Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in dataarchitecture, AI/ML, enterprise data strategy and governance, preferably withinfintech, financial services, or highly regulated industries.
  
• Proven record of accomplishment in designing,scaling, and managing enterprise-wide data and AI initiatives in cloud and hybrid environments (preferablyleveraging AWS tech stack).
  
• Strong knowledge of data governance tools, AI modellifecycle, metadata management, MDM, and data quality practices.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work across businessand technology domains, Deep expertise in cloud data platforms (AWSpreferred), data governance tools, ethical AI, and compliance frameworks.
  
• Strong leadership skills with experience managingdiverse, cross-functional teams and drivingcollaboration and results.
  

Skills& Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with deep technical expertise indata and AI,
  
• Capable of translating business vision into actionablestrategies.
  
• Inspirational leader who champions innovation,collaboration, and organi z ationaltransformation.
  
• Excellent communicator with stakeholder engagement andchange management skills.
  
• Focused on driving measurable outcomes and creatingstrategic value from data and AI investments.
  
• Strong analytical mindset, attention todetail, and commitment to data integrity and responsible AI use.
  
• Collaborative and proactive problem-solverwith a passion for enabling innovation through data and AI.
  

At myZoi we strive to create a both a productand a team that embraces equality, inclusion, diversity and freedom. We wantpeople who can be themselves and bring their own brand of value to the team.Come and join us!

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 08/05/2025

Position Title: Head of Data / AI Strategy & Governance Location: Dubai, UAE Job Type: Full-Time

About myZoi myZoi is a Standard Chartered Ventures fintech that ischanging lives for the better, for those who deserve it the most. We arecommitted to promoting global financial inclusion by offering affordable,accessible, and transparent financial services to the underbankedpopulations.

Our vision

To deliver a level playing field for the unbanked andunderbanked in accessing essential financial services through innovative,data-driven solutions that foster financial inclusion in an affordable,convenient, and transparent fashion.

The Role We are seeking atransformative Head of Data & AI Strategy - an enterprise-wide leaderresponsible for defining the strategic data and AI vision for myZoi. This rolewill play a pivotal role Win establishing an AI-enabled data ecosystem,ensuring governance, integrity, and actionable insights are embedded across allfunctions of the business.

You will be entrusted to craft and lead adata-driven culture, accelerate enterprise-wide AI adoption, and ensureresponsible governance by designing scalable data architecture, leading datagovernance initiatives, overseeing ethical and responsible AI integration,driving data literacy, and unlocking data value to power strategicdecision-making, innovation, and regulatory compliance.

KeyResponsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Enterp rise transformation

• Define and implement the overall enterprise data andAI strategy aligned with global growth, innovation, and operational excellencegoals.
  
• Act as a strategic partner to the executive leadershipteam, influencing business decisions and company direction through datainsights.
  
• Lead enterprise data monetization initiatives,developing new revenue streams leveraging AI and data products.
  
• Lead the development of data models,pipelines, and platforms to support analytical, AI, and operational needs.
  
• Drive a data and AI-enabled transformation across allfunctions, fostering a strong data culture and change adoption at all levels ofthe organization.
  
• Ensure data architecture is scalable andsupports cloud-native, real-time, and AI-driven processing.
  
• Establish data quality, lineage, and master datamanagement frameworks to support business information and AI/ML use cases
  
• Build and lead a cross functional high-performing datateam, covering data/AI governance, architecture, andimplementation.
  

DataStrategy & Architecture

• Develop and maintain the enterprise data strategy,shaping and scaling its impact as a core enabler of business innovation andintelligence .
  
• Collaborate with the leadership team to aligndata and AI strategy with organizational priorities.
  
• Lead the development of data models,pipelines, and platforms to support analytical, AI, and operational needs.
  
• Ensure data architecture is scalable andsupports cloud-native, real-time, and AI-driven processing.
  
• Establish data quality, lineage, and master datamanagement frameworks to support business information and AI/ML use cases
  
• Build and lead a cross functional high-performing datateam, covering data/AI governance, architecture, andimplementation.
  

Data Use & AI Enablement

• Work with all functions (like product, innovation,marketing, engineering, operations, etc.)toidentify opportunities for data driven AI/ML applications across theorganization.
  
• Drive integration of machine learning and intelligentautomation to enhance decision-making and customer experiences.
  
• Promote data and AI literacy across theorganization through training, tools, and awareness campaigns.
  
• Monitor emerging AI trends and appropriate tools toensure myZoi remains on the leading edge of innovation.
  

Data& AI Governance

• Develop and implement data governanceframeworks, including data ownership, stewardship, classification, and datalifecycle management.
  
• Work with Innovation, Technology, Risk &Compliance on Data & AI governance, including model transparency, biasmitigation, and ethical use standards.
  
• Define and implement data/AI standards,policies, and framework across the organization.
  
• Ensure high levels of data quality, accuracy, andcompliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, BCBS239, AI, and otherlocal regulations).
  

Risk,Security, and Compliance

• Ensure data and AI security, privacy, and riskcontrols are effectively designed and implemented in alignment with risk, legaland regulatory frameworks.
  
• Def ineaccess control and security frameworks for data assets
  
• Engage with senior leadership, regulators, andindustry bodies on data and AI governance matters.
  

Qualifications& Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in dataarchitecture, AI/ML, enterprise data strategy and governance, preferably withinfintech, financial services, or highly regulated industries.
  
• Proven record of accomplishment in designing,scaling, and managing enterprise-wide data and AI initiatives in cloud and hybrid environments (preferablyleveraging AWS tech stack).
  
• Strong knowledge of data governance tools, AI modellifecycle, metadata management, MDM, and data quality practices.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work across businessand technology domains, Deep expertise in cloud data platforms (AWSpreferred), data governance tools, ethical AI, and compliance frameworks.
  
• Strong leadership skills with experience managingdiverse, cross-functional teams and drivingcollaboration and results.
  

Skills& Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with deep technical expertise indata and AI,
  
• Capable of translating business vision into actionablestrategies.
  
• Inspirational leader who champions innovation,collaboration, and organi z ationaltransformation.
  
• Excellent communicator with stakeholder engagement andchange management skills.
  
• Focused on driving measurable outcomes and creatingstrategic value from data and AI investments.
  
• Strong analytical mindset, attention todetail, and commitment to data integrity and responsible AI use.
  
• Collaborative and proactive problem-solverwith a passion for enabling innovation through data and AI.
  

At myZoi we strive to create a both a productand a team that embraces equality, inclusion, diversity and freedom. We wantpeople who can be themselves and bring their own brand of value to the team.Come and join us!