Alya Al Hebshi

UAE Government Expert Level Professional | Strategic Communications Expert
Abu Dhabi, AE.

About

An accomplished UAE Government Expert Level Professional with 17 years of executive experience, Alya Al Hebshi excels in leading strategic transformation and communications across government and semi-government sectors. Recognized as a Global 200 Women Power Leader 2024, she translates complex strategies into tangible execution, specializing in Future Foresight, ESG/Sustainability, and transformational leadership to drive high-level results and organizational excellence.

Work

Abu Dhabi Local Government Authority
|

Expert - Special Projects and Partnerships and Knowledge & Impact Sectors

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Led high-impact, cross-functional projects and strategic relationships at an executive level, contributing to the authority's overall strategy and government mandate.

Highlights

Developed and reviewed communication and participation strategies, setting clear goals and policies, and providing technical advisory to management, resulting in identified development opportunities.

Defined and prioritized the Authority's strategic communication and participation plans, ensuring alignment with overarching government objectives.

Developed comprehensive external communication plans and procedures, including report generation, to enhance public engagement and visibility.

Implemented innovative technologies to significantly increase work efficiency and productivity within communication and participation programs.

Established and enforced regulatory controls to ensure the quality and strategic alignment of communication and participation processes with sector objectives.

Conducted in-depth analysis of studies, data, and media opinion surveys to inform and enhance communication and participation programs, preparing comprehensive reports for leadership.

Managed and delivered diverse strategic projects and initiatives across special projects, partnerships, and knowledge & impact sectors, contributing to the Authority's mandate.

Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA)
|

Head of Outreach & Engagement

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Directed external relations and communications for the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), driving strategic partnerships and brand management to advance holistic early childhood development.

Highlights

Directed the Outreach team and key partners to deliver high-profile projects, ensuring alignment with the Abu Dhabi 2035 Strategy and achieving ECA's strategic objectives.

Cultivated strategic, mutually-supportive relationships with public and private entities, securing vital partnerships essential for achieving ECA's goals and objectives.

Managed comprehensive communications and public relations strategies, collaborating with ECA leadership and partners to execute co-created internal and external communications initiatives.

Oversaw digital and traditional marketing efforts, including brand positioning research and the development of a unique brand identity that resonated with stakeholders and clients.

Spearheaded corporate brand management, leading the development of a brand architecture with 5 sub-brands and driving initiatives like 'Promoting AD as Destination for ECD Practitioners' and 'Why ECD Matters' exhibit at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Orchestrated high-impact events and activations, including annual anniversaries and leadership offsites, for the Chairman, Board of Trustees, and leadership team.

Monitored and tracked the progress of communication and PR activities, identifying opportunities for optimization and ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and performance targets.

Sharjah Asset Management
|

Corporate Communications Office Manager

Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Led corporate communication and marketing initiatives for Sharjah Asset Management, enhancing reputation and driving strategic alignment.

Highlights

Served as the Chief Communications Lead, reporting directly to the CEO and managing all marcomms, events, and PR for the CEO's Office.

Conceptualized, created, and executed high-impact corporate communication and marketing projects and initiatives, driving brand visibility and engagement.

Strategically maintained and enhanced Sharjah Asset Management's reputation, aligning communication efforts with the organization's ongoing transformation.

Designed and developed comprehensive media relations strategies to promote, protect, and build SAM's reputation, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

Planned and executed departmental marketing strategies, significantly increasing brand recognition and conversion rates, and establishing a robust ROI strategy with measurable marketing metrics and CSR scores.

Managed and executed the marketing and communication budget, including CAPEX & OPEX, ensuring alignment with SAM's strategic goals, ROI targets, and deliverables.

Developed and implemented crisis communication management processes, effectively mitigating risks and protecting organizational reputation during critical events.

Etihad Airways
|

Graduate Manager

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Managed corporate communication initiatives and operational functions, focusing on content development, marketing campaigns, and staff training.

Highlights

Contributed to the Corporate Communication department, focusing on content development and marketing campaign planning for UAE Culture-oriented themes.

Delivered foundational classroom training in advanced managerial skills, leadership, communication, and sales systems to enhance team capabilities.

Led corporate operations and functional initiatives, ensuring efficient workflow and achievement of business objectives.

ImageNation Abu Dhabi (part of Abu Dhabi Media Company)
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Project Manager/Officer

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Managed media production projects and campaigns for ImageNation Abu Dhabi, overseeing content creation and media plan execution.

Highlights

Collaborated with the UAE cultural media team, managing scriptwriters, producers, and directors for major news, documentary, PR, and marketing communication projects.

Supervised professional production crews and on-camera talent, ensuring high-quality execution of media projects.

Developed and executed comprehensive media plans for TV, radio, and print campaigns, reaching target audiences effectively.

Baynounah Media Group (former part of Abu Dhabi Media Company)
|

Project Coordinator

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Coordinated media projects, content research, and program development for Baynounah Media Group, focusing on local market needs.

Highlights

Coordinated with the UAE cultural media team, supporting scriptwriters, producers, and directors for news, documentary, PR, and marketing communication projects.

Conducted extensive content research, opinion polls, and surveys, providing critical insights into local market media content requirements.

Developed and launched cutting-edge programs and documentaries, successfully educating and spreading awareness among the public.

Managed post-production processes for media projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.

Standard Chartered Bank
|

Emiratization Officer

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Drove Emiratization initiatives at Standard Chartered Bank, developing HR strategies and creating content to support national talent integration.

Highlights

Collaborated with departments as a consultant to increase and empower Emiratis, guiding line managers on policy implementation and procedure adherence.

Developed engaging content and creative collateral for Emiratization campaigns, significantly boosting program visibility and participation.

Formulated HR planning strategies with line managers, addressing immediate and long-term staffing needs and skill development for Emiratis.

Dubai Media City
|

Trainee/Part-time job in Production and Management

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Gained foundational experience in production and management within the media industry, supporting various projects and operational tasks.

Highlights

Supported various production and management tasks, contributing to project execution and operational efficiency.

Assisted in the coordination of media projects, gaining hands-on experience in project workflows and team collaboration.

Learned industry best practices in media production and management, fostering foundational skills for a career in communications.

Education

Edinburgh Business School - Heriot Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

MBA with a Specialism

Strategy

Swiss School of Business & Management
Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Executive Doctorate

Business Administration

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States of America

Master of Science

Strategic Brand Communication

University of Liverpool
Liverpool, England, UK

Post Graduate Award Degree

Business Administration

Zayed University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Graduate Certificate

Tourism and Cultural Communication

University of Sharjah
Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Bachelor

Mass Communication

Awards

Global 200 Women Power Leader

Awarded By

The White Page International - UK

Recognized for sustained success in implementing strategic transformation, innovation, and future foresight.

Multiple Leadership and Professional Excellence Awards

Awarded By

Various

Recipient of numerous awards recognizing leadership and professional excellence within the UAE Government and broader sectors.

Multiple Recognitions within UAE Government

Awarded By

UAE Government

Received multiple recognitions from high-profile UAE Government officials, including H.E. Omar Alolama, H.E. Sanaa Suhail, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for significant contributions.

Asia's Top 100 Power Women Leaders

Awarded By

The White Page International - UK

Acknowledged as a top leader among women in Asia for significant professional contributions.

Languages

Arabic
English
French
Japanese

Certificates

MCMI Title (Senior Member of The Charter Management Institute)

Issued By

The Charter Management Institute (CMI) – UK

MPM Master Project Manager® Certification and Followship

Issued By

IBS International Board of Standards - GAFM Global Academy of Finance and Management ®

Train the Trainer - CPD Certified Diploma - Level 3 Diploma (CPD Certified)

Issued By

CPD Certified

Train the Trainer & Performance Coaching - CPD Certified

Issued By

CPD Certified

MMC Master Management Consultant ™™ Certification and Fellowship

Issued By

IBS International Board of Standards - GAFM Global Academy of Finance and Management ®

CNN Academy Fellowship & Journalism Certification

Issued By

CNN Academy

Sustainability and Green Economy Certifications

Issued By

UN Assistant Secretary-General, Executive Director, UNITAR

UAE Government Excellence Model Certified Assessor

Issued By

UAE Government

Dubai Quality Group Awards Panel Assessor

Issued By

Dubai Quality Group

Advisory Council Board Member

Issued By

Various Boards

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) Fellow

Issued By

Dubai Future Foundation

ICF Coaching Certificate

Issued By

Sharjah Capability Development

Diploma in Project Management

Issued By

Advance Learning Academy

Train the Trainer & Leadership & Management - CPD Certified Diploma CPD - Level 5 QLS Endorsed Diploma CPD

Issued By

CPD Certified

Executive Leadership Programme

Issued By

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford – U.K

Professional Certificate in Strategic Management

Issued By

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania – U.S

Professional Diploma - Govt. Excellence Assessor GEM 2.0

Issued By

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University – UAE

Skills

Strategic Planning

Business Strategy, Strategic Formulation, Policy & Priority Definition, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Partnership, Contract Management.

Communication & Public Relations

Broad Communication, Communications Strategy, Strategic Stakeholder Relations, Public Speaking, Crisis Communication, Social Media Management, Social & Behavioral Change Communications, Media Relations, Government Relations.

Organizational Excellence & Innovation

Future Foresight, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Strategic Transformation, Business Excellence, Innovation Management, Process Improvement, Quality & Alignment, Innovation & Efficiency.

Leadership & Management

Executive Leadership, Project Management, Team Leadership, Change Management, Coach Leadership/ICF Coaching, Talent Development, Performance Management.

Research & Data Analysis

Research And Data Science, Audience Behavior Analysis & Insights, Investigative Journalism, Data-driven Decision Making, Policy Influence.

Brand & Marketing

Strategic Brand Management, Brand Identity Development, Digital Marketing, Campaign Management, Event Management, Customer Loyalty Programs.

Consulting & Advisory

Technical Advisory, Management Consulting (MBB-based), HR Planning Strategies.

ESG & Sustainability

ESG/Sustainability Development, Sustainable Business Development, Social Impact.