Business Development Manager - Events | UAE Government & Institutional

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager – Events to drive new business opportunities, build strategic client relationships, and secure event projects across the UAE.

The ideal candidate must have a strong background in the events industry, preferably within an Events Agency or Event Management Company, with proven experience developing business and securing projects in Abu Dhabi and/or Dubai.

Experience working with UAE government entities and developing business related to government events is mandatory for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the UAE events market.
• Build and maintain relationships with potential and existing clients.
• Identify opportunities with government, semi-government, corporate, and institutional organizations.
• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of event-related opportunities.
• Generate leads through networking, market research, referrals, industry relationships, and direct outreach.
• Arrange and lead client meetings, presentations, and business discussions.
• Understand client requirements and coordinate with internal teams to develop suitable event proposals and solutions.
• Prepare and present commercial proposals, quotations, and pitches.
• Negotiate commercial terms and support the business through the closing stage.
• Maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Work closely with event operations, production, creative, and management teams to ensure successful project handover.
• Develop long-term strategic partnerships and identify opportunities for account growth.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience in Business Development / Sales within the Events industry.
• Previous experience working for an Events Agency, Event Management Company, Experiential Agency, or similar organization.
• Mandatory experience securing or developing business related to UAE government events or government entities.
• Proven business development experience in Abu Dhabi and/or Dubai.
• Demonstrated experience dealing with UAE government entities, authorities, semi-government organizations, or institutional clients.
• Strong understanding of the UAE events market and business development environment.
• Proven track record of generating leads, developing opportunities, pitching, negotiating, and closing event projects.
• Strong existing network within the UAE events, government, corporate, or institutional sectors is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to independently develop opportunities and convert relationships into business.

Preferred Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Previous employment with a reputable Events Agency / Event Management Company.
• Experience working on government events in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or elsewhere in the UAE.
• Established professional relationships within UAE government or semi-government entities.
• Experience with official ceremonies, government conferences, forums, exhibitions, national events, corporate events, or large-scale public-sector projects.
• A proven ability to generate and close new event business.