Fractional Digital Product Manager in Dubai
I’m Karim Muhtar, a fractional digital product manager and interim head of product for companies in Dubai and across the UAE. I’ve lived and worked in Dubai, and I help teams decide what to build, plan it and get it launched.
Today I work with UAE teams from Beirut, just one to two hours behind Dubai time, and join on-site when a project needs it. I work in English and Arabic.
How a fractional product manager helps Dubai companies
- Product strategy for the UAE market: define who your product is for, how it stands out and what success looks like
- Roadmap and prioritization: focus your budget on the features that matter most to users and the business
- Discovery before development: user research, competitor analysis and quick tests before you commit to building
- Clear specs for your developers: user stories and flows, whether your team is in-house, outsourced or offshore
- Stakeholder and team leadership: keep founders, investors, designers and developers aligned sprint by sprint
- Launch and growth: plan the release for bilingual Arabic and English audiences, measure usage and improve
Why UAE startups and companies choose a fractional head of product
- Senior leadership without a Dubai salary. 20+ years of product, design and business experience, for the hours you actually need.
- I understand the region. Having lived and worked in Dubai, I know how UAE users and businesses behave and what bilingual products need.
- A founder’s mindset. As a co-founder of 6+ startups, I manage products with runway, budget and results in mind.
- Product and design together. I’m also a product design lead, so strategy turns into a usable product with fewer handoffs.
Products I’ve managed
Mobile apps, web platforms, SaaS, online shops and games across AI video, events and ticketing, e-commerce, e-sports, social media, property management, venue rental and more, with teams from 1 to 14 people.
How I work
A simple, repeatable rhythm, adapted to your team and stage:
- Audit: review your product, users, data and the UAE market
- Prioritize: agree on the product strategy and a focused roadmap
- Deliver: lead design and development in short sprints with regular demos
- Measure: launch, track real usage and keep improving
Flexible ways to hire me
Hourly, weekly, on a monthly retainer (full-time or part-time, as your fractional product manager or head of product) or per project. Tell me what you need and I’ll suggest the setup that fits your budget and timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Are you based in Dubai?
I lived and worked in Dubai, and I’m now based in Beirut, one to two hours behind UAE time. I work with Dubai companies remotely and can join on-site when a project needs it.
What is a fractional product manager?
A senior product manager who works with your company part-time or on a flexible basis, instead of as a full-time employee. You get senior product leadership for the hours you need.
How much does a fractional product manager in Dubai cost?
It depends on how many hours you need and for how long. I work hourly, weekly, on a monthly retainer or per project. Send me a short brief and I’ll reply with a clear quote.
Can you act as our interim head of product?
Yes. I can lead your product function while you hire a permanent head of product, or for as long as you need.
Do you also design the product?
Yes. I’m also a product design lead, so I can shape the user experience myself or guide your designers.
What do you need to get started?
A short description of your product, where it is today and what you want to achieve. A 20-minute call is usually enough to define the next steps.
Let’s talk about your product
Looking for a fractional or freelance digital product manager in Dubai? Message me on WhatsApp, email me or call.
Phone: