Director of Events

The Director of Events is a senior commercial and operational leadership position at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The role is responsible for the resort’s events strategy, client lifecycle, VIP liaison, event execution, financial performance, team development, vendor partnerships, marketing collaboration, innovation and sustainability across luxury events.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement a long-term events strategy aligned with resort business goals and luxury positioning.
• Work with Sales and Marketing to identify opportunities across weddings, corporate retreats, launches, fashion shows and social events.
• Lead market research and competitive analysis to develop differentiated event offerings.
• Own client relationships from initial enquiry through post-event follow-up and maintain high-touch VIP service.
• Coordinate large events across Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Security and external vendors.
• Prepare detailed event briefs, timelines and contingency plans and maintain risk controls.
• Own event budgets, forecasts and revenue performance while balancing cost control and service quality.
• Negotiate client and vendor contracts and develop premium upselling opportunities.
• Lead, coach and develop event planners, coordinators and support teams.
• Use guest feedback to improve future event delivery and client satisfaction.
• Build relationships with luxury vendors and monitor their service performance.
• Collaborate with Marketing and PR teams on promotions, media launches and high-profile brand events.
• Track luxury-event trends and introduce relevant technology, décor and entertainment concepts.
• Incorporate sustainable practices and social-responsibility initiatives into event planning.

Candidate Profile

• Senior-level event leadership experience in luxury hospitality or a comparable high-end events environment is relevant.
• Strong financial, operational, commercial and people-leadership capabilities.
• Ability to manage VIP relationships and complex multi-department events.
• Strong vendor negotiation, project-management and risk-management skills.
• Creative approach to luxury experiences, innovation and event development.

Employment Details

• Company: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Application: Apply through the original vacancy link provided in this listing.

This full-time opportunity is suited to candidates who can combine technical or operational expertise with dependable communication, attention to detail and a strong customer or business focus. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively, follow company procedures, maintain professional standards and contribute to continuous improvement. Applicants should review the source vacancy carefully and ensure that their CV clearly reflects the experience, qualifications and skills requested for the position.