Events Freelancer

Start Date: August 24, 2026
End Date: November 27, 2026
Duration: 3 months

Accountability

The Events freelancer reports directly to the Events Manager.

Responsibilities and Duties

Coordinate and oversee collaborative programming initiatives from planning through execution, including market concepts and community activations
Assist with event research and sourcing of new collaborators, vendors, suppliers, and programme ideas for the festival
Coordinate programme schedules and operation timelines of the festival in collaboration with the Art Jameel team
Coordinate with vendors and participants in the lead-up to, during, and following events, including leading communications, logistical requirements, schedules, operational needs, setup details, and on-site support to ensure smooth programme delivery and participant experience
Oversee the collection and management of required participant and vendor documentation including trade licences, IDs, agreements, social media assets and any required documents
Liaise directly with suppliers, including caterers, furniture providers and others for event requirements
Coordinate with Procurement for payments related to furniture, rentals, printing and other festival expenses
In the lead-up to the festival, support all production aspects with the Operations team of event delivery, including mapping, furniture allocations, booth assignments, wayfinding and signage oversight, collateral coordination, parking requirements and general event logistics
Carry out venue inspections before, during and after the event; be present for all walk-throughs
Support and oversee event setup, run-throughs, breakdown procedures, and event wrap-up processes
Coordinate and ensure that all necessary permits are secured, requesting required documentation from the Art Jameel Team and shepherding through the process where needed
Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures and operational requirements across all event activities.
Work with the Communications team to ensure all published event information is accurate and up-to-date
Provide visitor reception, registration, and event information during programmes, while encouraging engagement with newsletter sign-ups and the Centre’s wider facilities, including the shop, library, and restaurant
During events, actively check on all participants and all activated areas to ensure smooth programme delivery and visitor experience
Proactively identify and troubleshoot operational issues as they arise, escalating matters to the Events and Operations teams where necessary
Contribute to post-event evaluations, including surveys, debriefs, and identifying opportunities for future programme improvements
Manage all project delivery elements within deadlines

Requirements

License to work in the UAE (Freelance license such as Trader, Sole Proprietor, or Commercial Trade License) preferred
Excellent communication skills
A positive, solution-oriented attitude
Excellent interpersonal skills
Keen attention to details
Good organisational and coordinating abilities
Proactive and great level of creativity in carrying out assigned duties
Ability to multitask and prioritise assignments in the face of multiple duties
Good time-management skills
Excellent decision-making skills
Must be able to work in a team environment
Solid background in event production and/or management
Festival experience preferred
A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in events
Plus: Fluent in Arabic
UAE Drivers’ License