Table of Contents
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Job Overview
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About the Company
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Available Jobs at Careem
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Job Description
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Job Responsibilities
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Why This Role?
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Requirements
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How to Apply
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FAQs
Job Overview
Job Title: Director of Data Science (Machine Learning)
Company: Careem
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start Date: To be confirmed
Among the most senior Data Science Jobs in Dubai, this Director-level role at Careem offers a unique opportunity to define and scale artificial intelligence across one of the Middle East’s most influential technology platforms. The position sits at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and deep applied machine learning, with direct ownership of AI-driven outcomes across multiple business verticals.
About the Company
Careem is a pioneer of the region’s digital economy and a household name across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Built with a mission to simplify and improve people’s lives, Careem has evolved into an Everything App that enables transportation, food delivery, grocery ordering, payments, and more—all within a single ecosystem.
Since its founding in 2012, Careem has supported earnings for millions of Captains and served tens of millions of customers across more than 70 cities. Today, the company is entering a new growth phase powered by AI-first thinking, investing heavily in machine learning, data platforms, and generative AI to drive personalization, efficiency, and long-term competitive advantage.
Available Jobs at Careem
To support its rapid expansion and AI transformation, Careem regularly hires across data, engineering, and product leadership roles. Related openings often include:
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Senior Data Science Manager – Growth & Personalization
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Principal Machine Learning Engineer – AI Platform
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Head of Analytics – Marketplace Intelligence
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Staff Data Scientist – Ranking & Recommendations
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AI Product Manager – Generative AI Solutions
These roles complement the Director of Data Science position and reflect Careem’s long-term commitment to building world-class AI capabilities. (See more jobs in Dubai)
Job Description
The Director of Data Science (ML) role is one of the most impactful Data Science Jobs in Dubai for experienced leaders ready to operate at scale. You will lead Careem’s central machine learning and data science organization, overseeing a team of more than 30 specialists across multiple geographies and domains.
This role is designed for leaders who can move fluidly between technical depth and executive strategy. You will define Careem’s AI vision, translate complex machine learning capabilities into measurable business outcomes, and ensure AI is embedded into every critical product and operational decision.
From dynamic pricing and ETA prediction to fraud prevention, discovery ranking, and generative AI applications, your work will directly shape how millions of users interact with Careem daily.
Job Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Define and execute a multi-year AI and data science strategy aligned with company objectives
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Partner with product, engineering, and business leaders to prioritize high-impact AI initiatives
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Ensure scalability and standardization of ML systems across all Careem verticals
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Champion AI adoption and ensure investments deliver measurable ROI
Team Leadership & Development
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Build, inspire, and lead a high-performing data science and ML organization
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Create a culture focused on experimentation, accountability, and continuous learning
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Mentor senior ICs and emerging leaders to strengthen long-term talent pipelines
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Optimize team structure to support growth, speed, and ownership
Technical & Operational Excellence
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Oversee end-to-end ML lifecycle including data pipelines, feature engineering, model deployment, and monitoring
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Partner with engineering teams to strengthen ML infrastructure and MLOps maturity
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Lead innovation in Generative AI and Large Language Models
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Reduce time from experimentation to production through automation and tooling
Product Impact & Delivery
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Embed machine learning into user-facing features such as personalization, search, ranking, and integrity systems
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Establish clear AI success metrics aligned with company OKRs
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Promote a data-driven culture where experimentation informs product decisions
Cross-Functional Influence
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Represent data science leadership in executive forums and strategic planning
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Align closely with analytics, platform, and engineering teams on architecture and data strategy
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Act as a regional thought leader in applied AI and industry collaboration
Why This Role?
Among all Data Science Jobs in Dubai, this role stands out for its scale, authority, and long-term impact:
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Executive-Level Influence: Shape AI strategy at a company-wide level
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Massive User Impact: Your decisions affect tens of millions of users
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AI-First Environment: Real ownership of generative AI and LLM use cases
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Leadership Growth: Lead one of the largest applied ML teams in the region
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Flexible Work Culture: Hybrid model, remote flexibility, and unlimited vacation
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Purpose-Driven Mission: Build technology that improves daily life across emerging markets
This role is ideal for leaders who want more than technical excellence—it offers the chance to define how AI is applied responsibly and at scale in the Middle East.
Requirements
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10+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Applied AI
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Minimum 5 years leading large, high-performing technical teams
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Proven success deploying ML systems in production for consumer-scale platforms
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Experience with personalization, recommendations, marketplaces, or fraud detection
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Advanced degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field
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Strong ability to translate ML complexity into business value
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
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Passion for building product-centric, human-focused AI solutions
How to Apply
Senior Data Science Jobs in Dubai attract global competition, and this role is no exception. Candidates are encouraged to apply early with a strong profile that highlights leadership experience, scalable ML systems, and measurable business impact.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through Careem’s official careers platform. This is a high-visibility role with long-term growth potential for the right candidate.
FAQs
Are data science jobs in Dubai open to international candidates?
Yes, senior roles like this typically support international hiring and visa sponsorship for qualified professionals.
Is this a purely technical role?
No. While deep technical understanding is essential, this role is equally focused on strategy, leadership, and business impact.
Does Careem support hybrid work?
Yes, Careem follows a hybrid work model with flexibility and remote work options during the year.
Is generative AI experience mandatory?
Experience with generative AI and LLMs is highly valued, but strong applied ML leadership is the core requirement.
Why are data science jobs in Dubai growing rapidly?
Dubai’s push toward digital transformation, AI adoption, and global tech talent has made it a leading hub for senior data science and AI leadership roles.
Data Science Jobs in Dubai rarely offer this combination of scale, strategy, and real-world impact. The Director of Data Science role at Careem represents a defining opportunity for leaders ready to shape the future of AI in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems.