Director of Research Development

Direct message the job poster from Arada The Director of Research plays a critical leadership role in transforming Arada into a more data-intelligent organization. This position is responsible for overseeing research initiatives related to real estate markets, customer behavior, economic trends, and innovation in urban development. The role also involves managing external consultants and driving the implementation of tools and processes that improve access to real-time, actionable data across the organization. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with strategic thinking and organizational change management to empower senior leadership and commercial teams with high-impact insights. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and execute Arada's research agenda in alignment with corporate strategy and emerging business opportunities. Oversee market intelligence efforts and manage external consultants supporting feasibility, trend forecasting, and benchmarking—especially in new sectors Arada is entering. Deliver actionable insights through analysis of property market trends, customer behavior, economic data, and competitor activity. Design and manage dashboards and reporting systems for leadership, ensuring insights are timely and user-friendly. Identify and implement AI and data tools that enhance the collection, processing, and distribution of real-time data across departments. Improve the accessibility and impact of data within the Sales, Marketing, and Product teams. Work cross-functionally to embed data-driven thinking into day-to-day operations and decision-making processes. Act as a strategic liaison with external research firms, academic institutions, and consultants to support knowledge acquisition and innovation. Lead and develop a high-performing research team, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and analytical rigor. QUALIFICATION Bachelor's degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business, Data Science, or a related field Master's degree is highly preferred. EXPERIENCE Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in real estate research, data strategy, or urban development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. Proficiency in business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), advanced Excel, and spatial or statistical tools (e.g., GIS, Python, R). SKILLS Strong understanding of the UAE and broader GCC real estate markets. Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable business recommendations. Seniority level Seniority level Director Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Business Development and Finance Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Arada by 2x Get notified about new Director of Research Development jobs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates . Business Development - Vice President - Public Sector - Dubai Multi-Property Director of Engineering(MH Jaddaf, MEA Creek) Technical Director and KAM – Network Infrastructure Director, Valuation

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