Tourism Policy Specialist JOB

Job Title: Tourism Policy Specialist

Sector: Tourism

Department: Tourism Sector Management Office

Section: Tourism Policy

Direct Manager: Tourism Policy Section Head

Role purpose:

Supports the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of tourism-related policies in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s strategic

objectives. The role involves conducting in-depth research, policy drafting, stakeholder coordination, and the development of policy

recommendations that contribute to a sustainable and competitive tourism sector. The specialist ensures that policies are data-informed,

aligned with global best practices, and responsive to local socio-economic dynamics. 

Key responsibilities:

• Assist in drafting and designing tourism policy frameworks in alignment with best practices in public policy development and strategic planning.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of tourism policy evaluation methodologies and guidelines.
• Support the preparation of policy papers and briefing notes on tourism strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi’s tourism development.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative policy research and analysis to support data-driven decision-making.
• Benchmark regional and global tourism policy models, analyzing trends and innovations relevant to Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape.
• Analyze economic and market shifts to ensure policies remain responsive to evolving local and international tourism dynamics.
• Contribute to reputational risk analysis and alignment activities within DCT to support effective and informed tourism policy positions.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to gather input, align on policy direction, and support consensus-building.
• Assist in coordinating policy review and advocacy initiatives with tourism agencies, private sector operators, and community stakeholders.
• Provide administrative and analytical support throughout the policy lifecycle—from ideation to approval and post-implementation assessment.
• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into unit business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.
• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the unit by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.
• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned unit to foster a value driven culture within the organization.
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned unit activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure that all unit reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet DCT requirements, policies and quality standards.
• Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, by reporting incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 - 4 years of experience in Public Policy or Economics.

Experience

• Solid understanding of policy analysis, development cycles, and impact evaluation techniques.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Familiarity with the tourism industry and its socio-economic drivers locally and globally.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English; Arabic proficiency is a plus.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally with both government and private sector stakeholders.
• Familiarity with event licensing and regulatory requirements in the UAE