Creative Strategist (Events)

Creative StrategistLocation: UAE (with project work across the UAE and KSA)Department: Creative & StrategyExperience Level: 5+ yearsAbout the CompanyWe are working with a leading design company that creates impactful experiences across cultural, retail, entertainment, hospitality, and destination projects. They are looking for a Creative Strategist to join their growing team and play a key role in shaping strategic narratives, concepts, and experience-led solutions for high-profile projects across the region.The RoleAs Creative Strategist, you will sit at the intersection of research, storytelling, and experience design. You will transform cultural insights, market trends, and client objectives into compelling creative narratives, visual concepts, and guest experience frameworks.Working closely with creative leadership, designers, and project teams, you will help develop proposals and live project concepts from initial brief through to final delivery, ensuring every idea is strategically driven, culturally relevant, and creatively engaging.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Research & InsightReview client briefs, RFPs, and project requirements to understand objectives and define strategic direction.Conduct cultural, market, and audience research to inform creative concepts and experiences.Identify key insights and opportunity areas across sectors including retail, F&B, entertainment, and cultural experiences.Translate research findings into clear strategic recommendations and creative direction.Creative Concept & Narrative DevelopmentDevelop compelling creative narratives, storytelling frameworks, and concept directions for proposals and projects.Collaborate with senior creatives, designers, and multidisciplinary teams to bring strategic ideas to life.Create moodboards, concept decks, and visual references to communicate creative vision.Ensure strategic thinking is reflected throughout the creative and design process.Programming & Experience ActivationSupport the development of experiences, activations, installations, workshops, and event concepts.Research and recommend regional and international artists, partners, and collaborators.Work alongside internal teams and external partners to develop engaging creative solutions.Guest Experience & Strategic FrameworksPartner with the Head of Creative and Strategy to develop methodologies and frameworks that translate client objectives into memorable experiences.Define guest journeys, experience touchpoints, and engagement opportunities.Create strategic frameworks that support experience design and project delivery.Emerging Tools & InnovationUtilise AI tools such as Midjourney, Claude, and ChatGPT to enhance research, ideation, and early-stage visual concept development.Stay informed on emerging creative trends, technologies, and experience design practices.Requirements5+ years of experience in creative strategy, concept development, storytelling, experience design, or a related field.Experience working on experiential, cultural, destination, retail, hospitality, or entertainment projects.Strong understanding of the UAE and Saudi Arabian creative, tourism, and destination landscape.Proven ability to develop strategic narratives, creative frameworks, and presentation materials.Experience creating moodboards, storytelling decks, and concept presentations.Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.).Advanced skills using presentation tools such as Keynote and PowerPoint.Comfortable using AI tools to support creative ideation and concept development.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Arabic speaking is essential.Personal AttributesStrong storyteller with the ability to connect strategy and creativity.Highly collaborative, able to work across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.Willingness to travel across the UAE and KSA when required.