Director of AI
Senior leadership for AI functions at 20+ engineers — managing managers, owning a multi-system roadmap, sitting at exec table.
Director mandates exist in the GCC organisations that have already passed through the Head-of-AI stage and now need a layer above. Typically you manage 2–4 managers and 15–40 engineers, own a portfolio of systems rather than one, and partner with C-level on multi-year strategy.
Most of these mandates sit inside PIF portfolio companies, G42 operating companies, and the largest regional banks. Headcount expansion in this layer has accelerated through 2025 and 2026.
What you'll typically own
- Manage managers. Set leadership standards for the AI function, including hiring rubrics and career frameworks.
- Own a multi-system roadmap across applied AI, platform, and research-adjacent work.
- Sit at the executive table — direct contribution to organisational strategy, not just AI strategy.
- Make the strategic calls on team shape, vendor relationships, and infrastructure.
- Represent the function externally — vendors, regulators, partner organisations, and the regional ecosystem.
Profile fit
Must have
- 15+ years engineering with at least 6 in leadership roles, including managing managers.
- Track record running an AI / ML / data organisation at meaningful scale (20+ engineers).
- Comfort with executive politics in a culture where seniority and protocol matter.
- Strong delivery instinct — Directors who default to strategy decks struggle here.
- Demonstrated hiring at scale — typically having grown a function from 10 to 40+ before.
Nice to have
- Prior GCC, Middle East, or comparable emerging-market leadership.
- Background that spans both technology depth and commercial / P&L exposure.
- Sector depth in one of: financial services, energy, government / sovereign, telco.
- Established network in the regional AI ecosystem.
Indicative package
Total fixed monthly base, tax-free. Long-term incentives are standard at Director level — phantom equity, deferred cash, or RSU equivalent — typically 30–80% of base. Sign-on can be substantial for buyout of vested equity.
| UAE · AED · per month | KSA · SAR · per month | |
|---|---|---|
| Director (15–20 yrs) | AED80,000–110,000/mo | SAR90,000–125,000/mo |
| Senior Director (20+) | AED110,000–150,000/mo | SAR125,000–170,000/mo |
| Bonus typical | AED35–50% | SAR35–50% |
USD equivalent: approximately $260,000–$555,000 per year before bonus and LTIs.
Location & corridor
KSA
Riyadh almost exclusively. On-site 5 days.
UAE
Abu Dhabi and Dubai. On-site 5 days at Director level is typical.
Visa & relocation
Full executive package. Schooling at top-tier international schools is funded. Spouse work authorisation and career support are negotiated. Relocation is bespoke and includes business-class flights, 90+ days serviced accommodation, full shipping, and a one-off settling-in payment.
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