Public Relations Officer - Government Relations & Licensing Specialist

Company Overview

Metaworld Consultant is a prominent private investment firm operating internationally across diverse sectors such as Finance & Tax Consulting, Real Estate services including property management and brokerage, Software Development, and Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies. The company's broad portfolio demands advanced financial management alongside strategic expertise to sustain global leadership and operational excellence.

Role Overview

The Government Relations & Licensing Specialist (also referred to as PRO) is tasked with overseeing comprehensive licensing, permit applications, regulatory compliance, and government liaison activities within the UAE. This pivotal client-facing role ensures clients secure, activate, and renew trade licenses, permits, approvals, visas, and NOCs efficiently and in full regulatory compliance, enabling seamless business operations throughout the UAE.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of client licenses, including applications, activations, amendments, and renewals across various business types.
• Manage licensing procedures across multiple authorities such as Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai Municipality (DM), Dubai Land Department (DLD), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and specialized bodies like DHA, KHDA, and DTCM.
• Coordinate licensing within various UAE Free Zones like DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DDA, among others.
• Prepare precise documentation aligned with current authority requirements and actively track and follow up on applications to resolve issues like additional documentation, inspections, or delays.
• Manage workforce lifecycle compliance related to labor permits, visas, and quotas in collaboration with government bodies, including full handling of immigration processes for multiple visa categories.
• Troubleshoot labor and immigration challenges, ensure WPS compliance, manage labor disputes, inspections, fines, and quota administration.
• Nurture strong relationships with government officials, represent company interests in communications and negotiations, and stay informed on regulatory updates to assist clients effectively.
• Act as the liaison for clients ensuring timely and compliant license activation and manage license portfolios proactively to prevent disruptions.
• Monitor regulatory changes to identify risks early and strategize mitigation plans, support clients during government audits and ensure timely payments of all related fees and fines.
• Collaborate internally with legal and operations teams and maintain knowledge management systems including SOPs and training resources for PRO workflows.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• At least 5 years of direct experience working with Dubai Municipality, DED, or other government entities in Dubai, or in a senior PRO role managing Dubai licensing.
• Extensive hands-on knowledge of licensing processes across multiple sectors such as general trading, F&B, construction, healthcare, education, tourism, professional services, and Free Zone company formation.
• Proven success managing high-volume and complex licensing cases with efficient turnaround times.
• Fluent Arabic and English communication skills (both spoken and written) essential for liaising with government bodies and preparing official documents.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills with the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Highly detail-oriented with zero tolerance for documentation errors.
• Proficiency with Dubai government digital platforms including DED e-Services, Dubai Now, Tas'heel for MOHRE, Amer & ICA Smart Services, DM Building & Permits portal, and DEQ system.
• Preferred: Previous employment with Dubai Municipality or DED, valid UAE driving license, familiarity with Free Zone regulations, bachelor's degree in relevant fields, and deep knowledge of labor and immigration laws.