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Government Affairs Lead - Middle East (UAE or Saudi Arabia based)

Cohere· Government & Public Policy
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Hybrid (Dubai), Hybrid (United Arab Emirates), Hybrid (Riyadh)Full-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Government Affairs Lead for the Middle East responsible for establishing and strengthening Cohere's presence in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf Coast countries, shaping AI policy and digital transformation initiatives, and supporting regional growth in regulated industries.

Responsibilities

  • Report directly to Cohere's Head of EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy, and develop and execute the regional government affairs strategy across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
  • Serve as Cohere's primary government affairs representative across the region, building relationships with ministries, regulators, government authorities, public-sector organizations, sovereign entities, and innovation agencies.
  • Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments affecting AI, cloud computing, data governance, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies in the region.
  • Support policy advocacy by developing consultation responses, policy submissions, briefing materials, executive talking points, and engagement strategies related to AI regulation, digital economy, technology policy, and public procurement.
  • Partner with commercial and public sector sales teams to support business development opportunities across government, financial services, telecommunications, energy, and other regulated industries.
  • Collaborate with communications, marketing, and PR teams to ensure consistent messaging on responsible AI and technology policy.
  • Represent Cohere in industry associations, public-private partnerships, conferences, and policy forums across the Middle East.
  • Develop and manage relationships with external government affairs consultants, advisors, and trade associations in the region.
  • Ensure all government engagement, lobbying, and political activities comply with local laws, regulations, and company policies.
  • Contribute to broader regional government affairs initiatives across the GCC and support cross-functional projects with international stakeholders.

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in government, ministerial office, public policy, diplomacy, public-sector consulting, regulatory affairs, corporate government affairs, or a leading industry association.
  • Strong understanding of the policymaking and public-sector landscape in UAE or Saudi Arabia, with ability to develop expertise across both markets.
  • Experience building trusted relationships with senior government officials and public-sector stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with AI policy, digital transformation, innovation policy, cloud technologies, public procurement, or technology regulation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; professional proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
  • Strong analytical skills to translate policy developments into actionable business implications.
  • Collaborative mindset across international, cross-functional teams and time zones.
  • Entrepreneurial, self-starter with stakeholder management and project execution skills.
  • Passion for AI and emerging technologies and shaping policy environment for responsible AI adoption.
  • Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, business, economics, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Skills

Required:Policy analysisPublic policyEnglish communication
Nice to have:Arabic proficiency

Benefits

  • Weekly lunch stipend of $75/£75 or equivalent
  • Full health and dental benefits including mental health budget
  • RRSP matching, 401K, Pension Scheme
  • 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months
  • Annual enrichment benefits (arts & culture, fitness, workspace improvement, education & learning stipend)
  • 6 weeks paid vacation (30 working days)
  • Travel budget to other offices and annual company offsite
  • Remote-friendly with office lunches and co-working benefit
  • $500 home office stipend
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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