Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We are a global collective dedicated to sustainable development.

We operate in more than 90 offices in over 38 countries, over 18,000 planners, designers, engineers and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world with creativity and passion.

As a global practice of over 300 architects at the heart of Arup, we harness imagination, technical rigour and deep experience, to create innovative and remarkable outcomes for our clients.

We believe in designing buildings and environments that are purposeful, simple, efficient and beautiful. These four priorities help us to shape all kinds of buildings, from stadiums to bridges to metro stations or places of work.

Our team enjoys unparalleled access to Arup’s world-class specialists together with cutting edge hardware and software which together allow us to take on the most challenging projects for our clients.

Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Data Centre Senior Architect / Design Manager to join its growing architectural team in Dubai. This role involves leading significant and complex data centre projects (in the UAE and Saudi Arabia). The successful candidate will work within large, multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable ‘Total Architecture’ solutions.

Lead and manage design teams on major projects in the Data Centres sectors. Engage with clients, statutory bodies, stakeholders, and contractors, ensuring effective communication and collaboration (in the UAE and Saudi Arabia). Oversee design development, reviews, and presentations using tools such as drawings, physical models, and virtual models.

Passionate about implementing automation in design and delivery within a BIM environment.

Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to produce fully coordinated project deliverables, including BIM models, drawings, schedules, and specifications. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Potentially relocate to site-based offices as required.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people with:

· Bachelor’s degree in architecture.

· Experience working on medium to large-scale data centre projects, with deep expertise in the sector.

· Proven experience across all design stages, from feasibility to construction, with a strong understanding of the UAE and/or KSA building code and authorities requirements.

· Demonstrated ability to deliver projects prioritizing holistic design and sustainability.

· Proficiency in Revit is a plus.

· Fluency in spoken and written English, with strong graphic communication skills.

· Knowledge of commercial aspects of projects and contracts is a plus.

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Benefits include cover under the UAE Healthcare Plan (private medical insurance with dental cover up to a limit), Life Assurance and Personal Accident Insurance cover. These are funded by us and made available to all permanent staff in order to support and safeguard your financial, physical and mental wellbeing.

We also offer Schooling allowance for up to 3 children who live in the UAE (caps apply), Professional subscriptions (reimbursement for up to 3 subscriptions to a limited amount approved by the Firm), interest free loans for house rental costs, employee assistance programme (counselling) and holiday trading (buy or sell of up to 5 days holiday per year).

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.

Closing Date: Friday 21 January 2026