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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
|Project Manager/Officer
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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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
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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
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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
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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
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MBA with a Specialism
Strategy
Swiss School of Business & Management
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Executive Doctorate
Business Administration
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Master of Science
Strategic Brand Communication
University of Liverpool
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Post Graduate Award Degree
Business Administration
Zayed University
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Graduate Certificate
Tourism and Cultural Communication
University of Sharjah
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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.