In April 2019, Her Excellency Hala Badri was appointed as the Director-General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, a pivotal moment marked by a royal decree from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This appointment came after two decades of exemplary performance across critical business sectors including telecommunications, oil and gas, media, and real estate. Hala Badri’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to innovation, strategic excellence, and the cultural enrichment of Dubai.
A Visionary at the Helm
Her Excellency Hala Badri’s leadership has been transformative for the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Under her guidance, the Authority witnessed remarkable improvements in employee and customer satisfaction. Employee happiness increased by 24%, and the Authority’s ranking in customer happiness skyrocketed from 33rd in 2019 to 13th in 2022. This success is attributed to Badri’s strategic vision and her ability to foster a positive and productive work environment.
One of her significant achievements was the launch and execution of the sectoral strategy for 2020-2026. This strategy aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural landscape, promote the creative economy, and rehabilitate historic areas like Al Fahidi. Her leadership also secured Dubai’s bid to host the International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference in 2025, the first time this prestigious event will be held in the MENASA region.
Strategic Communications and Branding Expert
Before her tenure at Dubai Culture, Hala Badri was a senior advisor on strategic communications for ADNOC, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. She managed strategic communications and various projects that significantly enhanced the company’s brand image and equity. During this period, she was also seconded to the National Media Council, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the content strategy and visitor experience for the UAE National Pavilion at Expo 2020.
Her expertise in strategic communications was honed during her 11-year stint at Du, the UAE’s second telecommunications company. As the Executive Vice President of Brand and Communications, she was instrumental in creating a cohesive brand strategy that elevated Du to one of the region’s most valuable telecommunications brands. Under her leadership, the brand’s value surpassed AED 2 billion by 2016.
Championing Emirati Talent and Social Responsibility
Hala Badri’s commitment to nurturing Emirati talent is evident in her efforts to align strategic vision with employee productivity. She initiated several programs to cultivate the next generation of Emirati leaders, ensuring that many progressed from graduate trainees to mid-management and director-level positions. Her teams consistently comprised the highest number of Emirati employees, reflecting her dedication to national development.
Her passion for social responsibility is equally commendable. In 2014, she led the first implementation of Social Return on Investment (SROI) for any telecom company in the region, showcasing her commitment to long-term sustainability and community impact.
Advocate for Female Empowerment
A staunch advocate for female empowerment, Hala Badri has consistently championed women in ICT throughout her career. She broke stereotypes and paved the way for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. As the Vice Chairperson for the Dubai Women Establishment Board of Directors and a member of the Dubai Media Council, she has been a powerful voice for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Her contributions extend to various influential boards and councils. In March 2022, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Dubai Sports Council, and in April 2022, she joined the Board of Trustees of the Higher Colleges of Technology. Her roles in these prestigious institutions underscore her influence and dedication to fostering excellence in education, sports, and media.
Recognized Excellence
Her Excellency Hala Badri’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. She was named one of The Holmes Report’s 2018 Innovator 25 in EMEA and ranked 33rd on Forbes Middle East’s list of the 200 most powerful Arab women in the world. Additionally, she was listed as the 37th most powerful Arab businesswoman in listed companies, highlighting her remarkable impact and leadership.
Her academic credentials further attest to her dedication to excellence. She holds an MBA in Managing e-Business from Zayed University and a Higher Diploma in Communications Technology (Journalism) from the Higher Colleges of Technology, where she graduated with Distinction and Highest Honor. She has also completed prestigious leadership programs, including the UAE Government Leaders Program and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Program.
Leading Dubai’s Cultural Renaissance
Her Excellency Hala Badri’s tenure as Director-General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is marked by visionary leadership and transformative achievements. Her strategic initiatives have not only enhanced Dubai’s cultural landscape but also positioned the city as a global hub for creativity and innovation. As Dubai prepares to host the ICOM conference in 2025, her leadership continues to inspire and drive the cultural renaissance of this vibrant city.
Her story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to social responsibility, and an unwavering belief in the power of culture and creativity to shape a better future. Under her guidance, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is set to achieve new heights, making Dubai a beacon of cultural and artistic brilliance on the global stage.
