Data Protection Director (UAE National)

Job Description Roles & Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of the Authority's data protection and governance strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives, Dubai Strategic Plan 2030, Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and relevant federal regulations. Provide strategic leadership in establishing policies, frameworks, and governance models that strengthen data protection, regulatory compliance, and digital trust across the Emirate. Oversee the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide data protection, privacy, and governance programs, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and international best practices. Drive the adoption of innovative technologies, digital solutions, and advanced security controls to enhance data protection, data accessibility, risk management, and organizational resilience. Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of data protection risks while monitoring compliance across government entities and ensuring effective incident response and corrective actions. Provide expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders on data governance, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends, while fostering strategic partnerships with local, regional, and international organizations. Establish and monitor strategic and operational performance indicators, oversee research and benchmarking initiatives, and drive continuous improvement to enhance service delivery and organizational performance. Represent the Authority in executive committees, government forums, and international engagements, promoting best practices in data protection and supporting Dubai's vision as a global leader in digital governance. Build and lead high-performing teams by driving employee development, performance management, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, and customer-centricity across the department. Prepare executive reports and strategic recommendations for senior leadership, ensuring effective governance, informed decision-making, and the successful delivery of the Authority's strategic objectives. Desired Candidate Profile Lead, plan, and oversee all programs, initiatives, and technical activities related to data protection and governance at both the institutional and authority levels. Drive the implementation of advanced data protection frameworks and digital security solutions to ensure a secure, reliable, and resilient environment for data exchange, sharing, and accessibility. Ensure compliance with all applicable local and federal legislation, regulatory requirements, and data governance standards while promoting transparency and trust in data management. Enhance customer experience by ensuring the highest levels of data reliability, security, and availability. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create strategic value from data, improve user satisfaction, and establish strong partnerships with government entities, regulatory bodies, and industry organizations. Contribute to strengthening the emirate's digital ecosystem and supporting its vision of delivering a world-class digital experience and maintaining global competitiveness. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 6 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Master's Degree in Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role. PhD in Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Employment Type Full Time Company Industry RecruitmentPlacement FirmExecutive Search Department / Functional Area DBADatawarehousing (IT Software) Keywords Director Of Data PrivacyData Breach ResponseCybersecurityPrivacy Impact AssessmentVP Of Privacy And ComplianceGDPR ComplianceRisk ManagementChief Privacy Officer Get real-time job updates only on our App