Principal Urban Planner

Job Description
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Urban Planner to lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex urban development projects across Dubai and the wider UAE region. The role involves providing strategic planning expertise, managing multidisciplinary teams, engaging with government authorities and stakeholders, and ensuring projects align with local planning regulations, sustainability objectives, and long-term urban development strategies. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in shaping master plans, urban policies, and transformative developments that enhance the built environment and support sustainable growth.
Your role
Lead the preparation and delivery of master plans, regional plans, strategic development frameworks, and urban design strategies.
Manage multidisciplinary teams of planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, and specialist consultants.
Provide technical leadership and quality assurance throughout all project phases.
Develop innovative planning solutions that balance economic, environmental, and social objectives.
Liaise with government authorities, regulatory agencies, developers, and key stakeholders.
Oversee land use planning, zoning assessments, transportation integration, and infrastructure coordination.
Prepare and review planning reports, feasibility studies, planning submissions, and policy documents.
Lead stakeholder consultations, workshops, and public engagement activities.
Monitor project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
Support business development activities, including client engagement, proposal preparation, and project presentations.
Mentor and develop junior planners and project team members.
Ensure compliance with local planning regulations, municipal requirements, and international best practices.
Promote sustainability, resilience, smart city initiatives, and transit-oriented development principles in planning solutions.
About you
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, or a relevant field is preferred.
Minimum 15+ years of professional experience in urban planning and master planning.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale urban development, mixed-use, infrastructure, and master planning projects.
Strong knowledge of UAE planning frameworks, development regulations, and approval processes.
Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with public and private stakeholders.
Excellent understanding of land use planning, urban policy development, sustainability, and smart city principles.
Strong report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Experience in client management and business development activities.
Proficiency in GIS, planning analysis tools, and industry-standard software.
Professional membership with recognized planning institutions such as RTPI, APA, PIA, or equivalent is desirable.
Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.
This includes:
Tax-free salary.
Life insurance coverage.
Medical insurance.
Annual leave balance.
Company gratuity scheme.
Discretionary bonus program.
Annual flight contribution.
Transportation & housing allowances.
Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, familycare, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.
Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.
About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Find out more.
Worker TypeEmployee
Job TypeRegular
At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.