Head of Real Estate Job Description UAE 2025
A Head of Real Estate in UAE earns between AED 360,000 and AED 720,000 per year. The role leads the corporate real estate function managing property acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, and portfolio strategy across UAE and GCC. MRICS qualification and 12 to 18 years of corporate real estate experience are required.
The Head of Real Estate role in UAE operates under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment contracts.
All employment contracts in UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Mainland UAE roles require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is 21 days per year for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Head of Real Estate earn in UAE?
A Head of Real Estate in UAE earns AED 360,000–720,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Head of Real Estate need in UAE?
UAE employers require 12–18 years of relevant experience for Head of Real Estate positions. Candidates with professional qualifications and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Head of Real Estates?
RFS sources Head of Real Estate candidates from its UAE facilities management network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Head of Real Estate does in UAE
A Head of Real Estate in UAE leads the real estate function for a corporate occupier, investor, or developer, managing property acquisition, disposal, portfolio optimisation, and leasing across UAE and potentially wider GCC markets. You own the real estate cost base and capital deployment decisions for the organisation’s property interests.
Key responsibilities
- Lead UAE real estate strategy covering acquisitions, disposals, leasing, and portfolio optimisation
- Manage all property transactions including office leases, retail leases, land acquisitions, and sales
- Negotiate lease terms and commercial property agreements with UAE landlords and developers
- Oversee the real estate portfolio performance including occupancy cost, lease renewals, and footprint
- Manage real estate legal due diligence and DLD, RERA, or Abu Dhabi ADREC transaction processes
- Coordinate with FM and workspace teams on fit-out, building handover, and exit reinstatement
- Manage real estate investment appraisals for acquisition or development decisions
- Build relationships with UAE developers (Emaar, Aldar, Nakheel) and real estate agents
- Manage RICS-compliant valuation processes for UAE property portfolio
- Present real estate portfolio performance and investment proposals to the CFO and Board
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in real estate, surveying, or business administration
- MRICS or RICS qualification strongly preferred
- 8 to 14 years real estate experience with at least 3 years as Head of Real Estate in UAE
- Deep knowledge of UAE real estate law, RERA regulations, and DLD transaction procedures
- Commercial lease negotiation experience with UAE landlords and major developers
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE developer, government, and authority engagement
- Demonstrated track record managing corporate real estate portfolios of 50,000 sqm or more in UAE
- Real estate investment appraisal and financial modelling skills
Head of Real Estate salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Government-linked entity or UAE SOE real estate | 480,000–860,000 |
| Multinational corporation UAE real estate function | 420,000–780,000 |
| REIT or real estate fund UAE | 440,000–820,000 |
| Corporate occupier real estate team (bank, retailer, airline) | 380,000–720,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Head of Real Estate roles carry a 90 day notice period in UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 governs end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Head of Real Estate in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
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UAE salary guide 2025
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UAE Market Data — Head of Real Estate 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 10,000 – 45,000 (varies by seniority)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
Construction — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
PMP / PRINCE2 for PMs. MRICS / MCIOB for QS/site roles. CIOB membership valued. NEC/FIDIC contract knowledge.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
Dubai Building Code (Dubai Municipality), Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC), RERA registration for Dubai projects, Trakhees approval for free zone projects, UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.
RFS HR Consultancy places head of real estate professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our construction recruitment services Dubai UAE or check the construction salary guide UAE 2025.
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