Director, Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village

About the Al Qasimi FoundationThe 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.

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development (25%)
• 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.
• Operations & Visitor Experience Management (20%)
• 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.
• Cultural Programming & Tourism Activation (20%)
• 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.
• Stakeholder, Government Relations & Conservation (15%)
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with government entities, tourism authorities, cultural organizations, local communities, and strategic partners.
• Coordinate with RAK Municipality, Civil Defense, RAK Department of Antiquities & Museums (RAK DAM), tourism authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Represent AJAH in meetings, forums, conferences, media engagements, and public initiatives.
• Secure approvals, permits, and regulatory compliance requirements for heritage, infrastructure, and event activities.
• Coordinate with heritage specialists, archaeologists, consultants, architects, and government authorities on heritage-related projects.
• Monitor the condition, sustainability, and integrity of heritage assets and ensure proper conservation planning.
• Financial Management & Resource Planning (10%)
• Develop and manage operational budgets, heritage project budgets, and long-term financial planning initiatives.
• Monitor expenditures, financial performance, and resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Support fundraising, sponsorships, grants, and partnership opportunities that contribute to AJAH initiatives and projects.
• Ensure proper procurement practices, contractor management, and financial governance standards.
• Team Leadership & Organizational Culture (10%)
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams across heritage, operations, events, tourism, and support functions.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and performance-driven culture across AJAH operations.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Main

Duties

• Lead and oversee all operational, heritage, tourism, and cultural activities across AJAH. Lead and oversee the marketing and promotion of Ajah as a premier tourist destination locally and internationally.
• Ensure preservation and protection of heritage assets and cultural identity.
• Monitor project implementation, operational readiness, and service delivery standards.
• Manage consultants, contractors, operators, vendors, and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with safety, operational, and heritage preservation standards.
• Prepare strategic reports, operational updates, budget reports, and development recommendations.
• Support long-term destination development and tourism activation initiatives.
• Drive stakeholder coordination and institutional partnerships.
• Ensure readiness of the site for visitors, events, cultural programs, and tourism activities.
• Performance Expectations
• Successfully position AJAH as a leading heritage and cultural destination in the UAE. Ensure high standards of heritage preservation, operational readiness, and visitor satisfaction.
• Deliver strategic projects and initiatives within approved timelines and budgets.
• Successfully activate cultural programming and tourism engagement initiatives.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and institutional coordination.
• Achieve operational excellence while preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the site.
• Drive continuous improvement and long-term sustainability initiatives across AJAH operations.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Heritage Management, Archaeology, Architecture, Tourism Management, Cultural Studies, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or related discipline. Master’s degree is strongly preferred. Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in heritage management, tourism destinations, cultural institutions, or large-scale public destination management.

Strong experience managing heritage sites, museums, cultural districts, tourism destinations, or public attractions. Experience working with government authorities, tourism entities, and cultural stakeholders is highly desirable. Experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and operational management. Skills &

Competencies

• Strong understanding of heritage preservation and destination management principles.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational development capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong operational management and project delivery capabilities.
• Financial management, budgeting, and resource planning experience.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence and heritage preservation.
• Experience within the UAE or GCC region is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required;
• Arabic is preferred.
• Management

Skills

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex operations effectively.
• Strong planning, execution, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in contractor management, partnership development, and institutional coordination.
• Organizational Fit
• Strong passion for heritage preservation, culture, and community engagement.
• Commitment to preserving the cultural identity and historical significance of AJAH. Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and strategic leadership.
• Ability to work within a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and public-facing environment.
• Collaborative mindset with strong stakeholder and community sensitivity.
• Compensation &

Benefits

Competitive, tax-free salary. Comprehensive health insurance. Professional development opportunities. Value-driven organizational culture. Reporting Structure & Team DynamicsReports to: Executive Director. Works closely with: Heritage, Operations, Tourism, Events, Administration & Finance teams.

External coordination with government entities, consultants, contractors, tourism authorities, cultural organizations, and service providers. Manages: AJAH operational teams, heritage teams, contractors, and outsourced service providers.