Project Director – Rail – Abu Dhabi, UAE

About the Opportunity

Project Director – High-Speed Rail (Civils & Track)Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE An exciting opportunity to lead delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package on one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes – the high-speed rail link connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Acting on behalf of a leading Joint Venture partner, this role sits at the forefront of programme delivery, with full accountability for a complex, multi-disciplinary scope across civil works, track systems, and critical interfaces.

Role Overview

The Project Director will provide end-to-end leadership of a major delivery package, ensuring safe, on-time, and commercially successful execution within a highly complex, multi-stakeholder environment. You will act as the senior representative of the Joint Venture, interfacing at executive level with the client, consortium partners, consultants, and authorities, while maintaining full control of internal delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package across the high-speed rail corridor
• Provide strategic direction across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
• Manage multi-disciplinary railway scope, including:
  • Civil infrastructure (earthworks, structures, viaducts)
  • Track systems and alignment
  • Depot and interface coordination
• Oversee programme, cost, risk, and performance management
• Drive robust commercial governance, including:
  • Contract administration
  • Claims and change management
  • Risk mitigation strategies
• Act as the primary JV interface with client, partners, and authorities
• Ensure effective integration across consortium partners and supply chain
• Build and lead a high-performing project organisation, embedding strong delivery culture and accountability
• Ensure compliance with all local regulatory, safety, and quality standards

Candidate Profile

BSc in Civil Engineering (essential); MSc in Construction Management or similar preferred
Minimum 25 years’ experience in large-scale infrastructure delivery
Minimum 15 years in railway / high-speed rail projects
Proven track record as Project Director or equivalent on major rail programmes
Strong experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary rail scopes (civils, track, systems interfaces, depots)
Demonstrated success operating within Joint Ventures / international consortiums
Deep understanding of Middle East project environments, ideally UAE/GCC
Strong commercial and contractual expertise, including claims, risk, and change control
Proven ability to operate at executive stakeholder level while maintaining delivery control
PMP or equivalent certification advantageous
Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills

Why This Role

Landmark infrastructure programme of global significance
True programme-level leadership with executive exposure
Opportunity to shape delivery on a next-generation high-speed rail network
Long-term, high-impact role within a complex international JV environment