We are representing a global leading global investment and real-estate development platform focused on large-scale, mixed-use projects linked to sports, entertainment, and lifestyle destinations.
Job Title: Head of Real Estate Investment and Capital Formation – MENA Location: MENA (preferred base: Dubai or Abu Dhabi) Reports to: Founder Function: Senior leadership role responsible for driving growth, partnerships, capital formation, and entity establishment across the MENA region for a global investment and real-estate development platform focused on large-scale, mixed-use projects linked to sports, entertainment, and lifestyle destinations. Role Purpose The Head of Real Estate Investment & Capital Formation will lead the development, execution, and management of the real estate investment strategy across the GCC and MENA markets. This senior leadership role is responsible for sourcing high-quality investment opportunities, structuring transactions, raising capital from institutional and private investors, and driving value creation across the real estate portfolio. The ideal candidate is a highly analytical, commercially driven investment professional with a strong regional network and a proven track record in real estate acquisitions, development financing, and capital structuring. Key Responsibilities Capital Formation & Investor Relations -Lead fundraising efforts across GCC and global markets targeting sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, UHNWIs, family offices, and strategic partners. -Develop compelling investment memoranda, pitch decks, financial models, and due-diligence packages. -Build long-term relationships with capital providers and maintain ongoing communication, reporting, and portfolio updates. -Oversee structures for equity, debt, mezzanine, and JV capital solutions to support acquisitions and developments. Deal Execution & Transaction Management -Manage all phases of the investment lifecycle: sourcing, underwriting, structuring, negotiations, closing, and post-acquisition value creation. -Lead cross-functional teams including legal, finance, development, asset management, and external advisors. -Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and governance frameworks across relevant jurisdictions. -Oversee third-party advisors such as valuers, technical consultants, financial advisors, and legal counsel. Experience -10–15 years of progressive experience in business development, investment origination, or capital markets within real estate, infrastructure, or private equity sectors. -Proven track record in establishing new entities or regional offices, including managing legal registration, licensing, and operational readiness. -Demonstrated success in raising institutional and sovereign capital, with deal values exceeding USD 500 million. -Deep network across MENA governments, sovereign funds, institutional investors, and developers. -Proven ability to manage complex negotiations, structure high-value transactions, and oversee cross-border execution. -Strong understanding of regional business environments, including QFC, DIFC, ADGM, and KSA regulatory frameworks. -Strong commercial and financial acumen with understanding of IRR, NPV, and deal modeling fundamentals. -Exceptional stakeholder management and C-suite engagement capabilities. -Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial and execution-driven mindset. -Effective communicator with outstanding presentation and negotiation skills. -Fluent in English; Arabic proficiency strongly preferred. -High level of integrity, discretion, and political sensitivity. -Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Finance, or related discipline; MBA or advanced qualification preferred. -Willingness to travel extensively across the region and internationally. -Comfortable leading both strategic initiatives and hands-on execution in a growth-stage environment.