Project Director

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Kaplan International is hiring a Project Director in Dubai for a full-time hybrid, two-year fixed-term contract to lead the establishment and launch of a UK university campus and higher education institution in Dubai. You will scope, structure and drive end-to-end delivery to operationalise the new institution, partnering with senior leaders, international partners and government stakeholders. The ideal candidate has UK higher education or transnational education experience, a minimum of eight years in programme and project management with four to six years leading complex setups in Dubai, and a proven track record delivering cross-functional initiatives with strong knowledge of local regulatory licensing and operational approvals. A bachelor’s degree or higher, PMP or equivalent desirable, Arabic an advantage. Apply with CV and cover letter by 27 September 2026 using the links provided, and contact Kaplan Recruitment if you need support.

Project Director

Location: Dubai - Hybrid working arrangement

Working pattern: Full Time

Contract Type: 2 year Fixed Term Contract

Number of roles: 1

Salary: 400,000 - 500,000 AED (inclusive of basic + accommodation + transport)

We are seeking an experienced Project Director, initially focused on leading the establishment and launch of a UK university campus and higher education institution in Dubai.  This role is responsible for scoping, structuring, and driving the end-to-end delivery required to operationalise the institution. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead the creation of a new higher education institution from the ground up. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping academic, operational, and regulatory foundations while working with senior leaders, international partners, and government stakeholders in one of the world's most dynamic education markets. 

A detailed job description can be viewed here. If the link does not work for you, please copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/3yh32pfr.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Experience with UK higher education institutions or transnational education. 

  
  

• Minimum of 8 years of programme/project management experience, preferably in education, institutional setup, infrastructure, or complex multi-stakeholder environments, with at least 4-6 years leading complex setups within Dubai/UAE.

  
  

• Proven experience leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives in Dubai/UAE, with strong practical knowledge of local regulatory, licensing, contractor, and operational approval processes.

• Bachelors degree or higher. 

• PMP or equivalent programme/project management certification (Desirable)

• Arabic is an advantage. 
  
  

How to apply

Please apply with CV and cover letter no later than 27 September 2026. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.

Application Support  

If you require support completing your application please email the Recruitment Team [email protected].