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Heba AlSamt: Pioneering Digital Media in the UAE
Heba AlSamt has emerged as a leading voice in digital media, playing an instrumental role in the UAE’s evolution into a digital-first society. As the Director of the Digital Media Department at Dubai Media Incorporated from 2011 – 2023 and Awaan Director in 2023 , Heba’s journey has been marked by her vision, innovation, and dedication to fostering connectivity and community through digital channels.
Heba’s foray into digital media began in 2009 with the launch of “Emiratweet,” the UAE’s first virtual social community. This groundbreaking platform allowed UAE residents to connect digitally, a novel concept at the time that quickly resonated with the public. Her success with Emiratweet led to her recruitment by Dubai Media Incorporated, where she was entrusted with the task of establishing its New Media Department the first of it’s kind in the government of Dubai. Here, Heba set the foundations for the Dubai Media’s digital communication, creating a bridge between government institutions and the public.
With her appointment as Director of the Digital Media Department, Heba reimagined the way Dubai Media Incorporated engaged with its audiences. She introduced strategic initiatives that enhanced the organization’s presence across social media platforms, mobile applications, and official websites.
Heba’s influence extends beyond her administrative roles. As the founding president of the International Social Media Club’s UAE Chapter, she has helped put the UAE on the global social media map. In addition, her roles as a mentor and trainer have allowed her to share her expertise with emerging leaders, including her time as a trainer at the Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy and as a member of the Women’s Sports Committee at the Dubai Sports Council, where she advocated for women’s representation in media and sports.
Her dedication to advancing digital media has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Middle East Excellence Award for Women Leaders and the Arab Women Award in digital media. These accolades highlight Heba’s contributions as a leader and a role model for Emirati women in technology and digital media.
Today, Heba continues to mentor, consult, and innovate, bringing her expertise to bear on the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Her journey from a visionary social media pioneer to a respected leader in digital media exemplifies her commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking media landscape in the UAE.
