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- Tasks: Lead legal aspects in sports and entertainment, driving department growth and team building.
- Company: Exclusive in-house role with a focus on sports and entertainment in the UAE.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunity to shape the future of sports law.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in a thriving sector and make a real impact in sports law.
- Qualifications: 10+ years PQE in commercial sports law, with GCC and KSA experience preferred.
- Other info: Work with a diverse team and engage with major sports organisations like FIFA.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Exclusive and new for 2026 - having just placed a projects director, we are further mandated for this in-house sports role in the UAE @ 10+ PQE. You will likely be an Aus / UK / US candidate. This will suit a general commercial sports and entertainment lawyer that is already in the ME or a lawyer keen to swap London. But you must have exposure to GCC sports work and more notably KSA sport work.
The role will report direct to the senior director and your 'want' should be to drive forward this department and business line. You will be responsible for all the legal aspects within the department including the sector's restructuring and regulatory framework across the GCC. The KSA region is fundamental and all experience here will be considered a plus.
You will lead a team of Arabic and English speaking lawyers and build a team with that in mind. Your experience will include advice on all issues regarding sports, but also on entertainment law, including contracts, intellectual property, sponsorship, media rights, and regulatory compliance. This will include, on a more day-to-day basis, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts and agreements.
You will be exposed to the relationships with national football teams, FIFA, and the AFC. Fundamentally, you will build a team of experts focusing on the commercial legal aspects of sports and drive the business forward; hence the seniority.
If this role is of interest please contact Dan Wake (Director) in confidence at dan.wake@elliswake.com or on (+44) 7894 085 790.
Dubai, Sports Director (10 PQE plus), In House / inhouse within Sports & Entertainment employer: Ellis-Wake
Contact Detail:
Ellis-Wake Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dubai, Sports Director (10 PQE plus), In House / inhouse within Sports & Entertainment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports and entertainment sector, especially those with ties to the GCC. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research the company and its recent projects in the sports arena. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about driving their business forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure your application highlights your experience in KSA sports work and any relevant regulatory frameworks. We want to see how you can bring value to the team right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Sports Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Dubai, Sports Director (10 PQE plus), In House / inhouse within Sports & Entertainment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in sports and entertainment law, especially any work you've done in the GCC or KSA. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive the department forward. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the challenges in the sports sector.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since you'll be leading a team, it's important to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've built teams or driven projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a diverse group of lawyers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellis-Wake
✨Know Your GCC Sports Landscape
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in the GCC sports sector, especially in KSA. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent regulatory changes, and major events. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the market.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team of lawyers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or driven a project forward, particularly in a sports or entertainment context.
✨Prepare for Complex Contract Discussions
Expect to dive deep into discussions about drafting and negotiating contracts. Brush up on your knowledge of intellectual property, sponsorship agreements, and media rights. Be ready to share specific examples of contracts you've worked on and the challenges you faced.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Given the diverse environment in the UAE, it's crucial to show that you understand and respect cultural differences. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated multicultural teams or clients in the past, and how you plan to build a cohesive team of Arabic and English speakers.
