Overview
Frieze Abu Dhabi Events Senior Specialist Jobs in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates at Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
We are currently looking for an Events Senior Specialist to support Frieze Abu Dhabi on a 6-month freelance contract (July – December 2026).
Frieze Abu Dhabi is a new international art fair developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s leading cultural institutions, bringing Frieze’s curatorial approach and global reach to the UAE. The fair will sit within a wider cultural ecosystem that includes museums, foundations, artists and galleries from across the region and internationally.
Role Overview
Frieze is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Events Senior Specialist to oversee logistics and execute a variety of events, including VIP programs, private studio and collection visits, and partner activations across the UAE. The Events Senior Specialist will support the Head of Events on ensuring the smooth delivery of events and contribute to enhancing the Frieze brand through high-impact, memorable experiences.
This role requires a detail-oriented, strategic, and creative individual with a passion for the arts and a strong understanding of event logistics and stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning & Delivery:
- Working closely with the Head of Events and the Events and VIP teams, to action and deliver events for Frieze Fairs.
- Lead the logistical delivery of VIP Cultivation events year-round, focusing on regional fairs and work with the Head of Events to define strategy and process.
- Event types to deliver include but are not limited to: talks, tours, gallery walks, breakfasts, cocktails, lunches, dinners (seated and standing), and other networking or cultural engagements.
- This role will support on fairs and events outside of region as needed, pending schedules.
- Working closely with VIP team on deliverables which include covering government protocol and procedure for events in the region.
Stakeholder Management:
- Build and sustain strong relationships with internal teams (e.g., VIP, Partnerships, Studios, Production, Exhibitions, Design, Press, Marketing, and Publishing)
- Build and sustain strong relationships with external collaborators, including artists, galleries, sponsors, vendors, and venues (including liaising with local artists for the production or exhibition of work).
Budget Oversight:
- Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost control and timely delivery within allocated resources.
Logistics & Operations:
- Direct all logistical aspects of events, such as venue selection, catering, AV, transportation, signage, and staffing, ensuring flawless execution and attention to detail.
- Support other internal departments (such as Studios) in the selection and management of venues for a client or partner activation.
Team Coordination:
- Manage and delegate responsibilities to temporary event staff, contractors, and support teams.
- Collaborate with the Head of Events to strategize and execute the year-round events calendar across fairs.
Guest Experience:
- Create memorable experiences by managing guest lists, invitations, on-site services, and catering for all events.
Brand Integrity:
- Ensure all events align with Frieze’s brand identity, maintaining high standards and a consistent cultural ethos across all activations.
- Be available to be the Frieze representative during filming should client content capture arise outside of fair times.
Post-Event Analysis:
- Lead post-event evaluations to assess success, gather insights, and identify opportunities for future improvement and innovation on Frieze events.
Specific Role Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Head of Events on planning, logistics, and implementation of fair week events.
- Oversee and execute Frieze VIP Cultivation events in the region.
Requirements
- Bachelor in Event Management / Event & Festival Management, Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor in Cultural or Arts Management
- At least 4 years of event management experience, ideally in the arts, culture, or luxury sectors.
- Familiarity with the art world and working with high-profile clients is highly desirable.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end event management, from concept to post-event reporting.
- Exceptional project management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adept at collaborating with senior stakeholders, clients, and vendors.
- Comprehensive understanding of contemporary art fairs, gallery exhibitions, and cultural events.
- Proficiency in event management tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems is an advantage.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt and remain calm under pressure.
- Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with a focus on excellence in execution.
- Creative thinker who brings innovative solutions and adapts quickly in dynamic situations.
- Collaborative team player capable of taking initiative and working independently when needed.
- Deeply passionate about contemporary art, culture, and delivering unique experiences for diverse audiences.
Please note that frequent travel across the region as required (covered by Frieze), including evenings and weekends around major event dates.
The role may be required to support key events outside of the region as and when required.
Interested candidates are invited to apply or share their CV for consideration.
Title: Frieze Abu Dhabi Events Senior Specialist
Company: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Category:
