Abdalla Al Najjar - Head of Events, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence

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Work Background

MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence)Head of Events

Mar. 2020United Arab EmiratesSkills: Creative Strategy

MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence)Head of Events

Mar. 2020Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesI am responsible for leading the conception and implementation of virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. I strategically determine and evaluate occurrences to accelerate MBZUAI's commercial growth and enhance the company's global reputation and brand value. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement an event strategy to drive the university’s vision forward. Ensure the Event strategy aligns with the overall business unit's objectives. Manage the business team, and direct their growth yearly. Coordinate requirements and expectations with stakeholders, and monitoring logistics for events with 300+ attendees. Develop scope of work (creative briefs) for tendering process. Collaborate with the University's MARCOM and social media department to deliver brand consistency in marketing materials and social media communications. Oversee event staffing requirements and supervise onsite employees while coordinating multiple complex events simultaneously. Acquire contracts and negotiate agreements with vendors and suppliers, ensuring cost-effective solutions. Coordinate onsite filming with external production crews and high-level speakers for mission-critical content. Develop event appearances, equipment lists, layouts, schematics, timeframes, and staffing arrangements. Achieve desired goals by optimizing catering, facilities, security, and production quotas, resulting in an average of $100K in revenue generation per event day. Monitor and manage event budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control. Successfully executed major events such as, the grand opening of MBZUAI, the first student induction ceremony, Commencement ceremony, GITEX Global Exhibition, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and many others. Recruited and provided training/coaching for the organizing committee to ensure smooth event operations. Consistently strive to create exceptional event experiences, build strategic partnerships, and drive the university's mission forward.

Etihad AirwaysMarketing Campaign Manager

Nov. 2017 - Mar. 2020Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesAssociated with relevant stakeholders to collect and assess internal business requirements, and ensured that marketing plans and actions fit with business needs. Engaged extensively with external partner agencies to create and execute marketing campaigns and activities efficiently. Maintained partnership among Etihad and Apple Music for an online music campaign Rebranding efforts for the Super-Seller program Airline ancillary onboard campaign Nurse-on-board campaign The campaign Stopover Abu Dhabi Family Friendly Airline marketing initiative USCPB's global marketing campaign, "Go Your Own Way. ● Developed and implemented multiple fresh B2B and B2C marketing programs in budget-friendly. Attained business objectives by implementing and monitoring conversion-focused marketing initiatives across key channels in order. ● Supported and provided Abu Dhabi formula 1 (yearly event) / delivered “Little VIP” campaign, it’s re-branding and launching new onboard ancillaries for kids / Fly unlimited, campaign, Australia market to utilize certain benefits with Etihad. Sponsored Saudi football tram “AL Etihad” and launched a big campaign in the KSA market.

Etihad AirwaysEvents and Sponsorship Manager

Oct. 2015 - Oct. 2017The United States of America, New York City- Project managed Etihad’s sponsorship assets in the Americas. - Managed the complete participation cycle of Etihad in the Global Business Travel Association (GPTA). - Managed the hospitality program for VIP guests. - Planned and organized sponsorship events by liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including sales, marketing, partners, and external agencies. - Managed ticket distribution and follow-up processes for changes, amendments, or cancellations. - Identified sponsorship partners and finalized deals. - Targeted new sponsors for Etihad that were aligned with the company’s goals. Successfully managed the following events and activations: - Activated sponsorship assets NYCFC, NYFW, Verizon Center, and NYC Fashion Week. - Managed the activation of the yearly ZAYED marathon at Central Park, New York. - Brought NYC Fashion Week on board as part of the global fashion world to become one of Etihad’s leading sponsors in the US

Etihad AirwaysManagement Team

Jan. 2015 - Sep. 2015Milan, Lombardy, ItalyOversaw media communications, including press releases, and assisted in managing sponsors and related events. Served as project manager of all events inside the Etihad pavilion at Expo Milano. Delivered accurate reporting and coordinated with Head Office about Etihad’s pavilion performance daily. ● Directed production and media section for the Etihad Group Pavilion at Expo Milano 2016. ● Engaged with Italian media for coverage on daily basis related to Etihad pavilion, invited VIPs to pavilion such as Italian ministers, UAE highness, celebrities such as David Beckham, and lady gaga.

Ministry of LabourHead of Media Production

Mar. 2014 - Dec. 2014UAE, DubaiManaged media production for the Ministry as well as established the Ministry's production plan and strategy. Coordinated with external stakeholders, including PR agencies, newspapers, and media outlets, to ensure the visibility of significant projects in the media. Delivered exceptional assistance to executives with record filing, department finances, budget preparation, personnel concerns, and essential housekeeping duties, as well as coordinating and directing office services. ● Enhanced Ministry's media operations by examining internal processes, formulating recommendations, and implementing procedural and policy improvements. ● Maximized overall performance by hiring and supervising twelve staff.

Hayatt FMRadio Presenter

Sep. 2009 - Dec. 2012UAE, Dubai- News reporter and writer - Voice over for radio commercials - Controlled production quality

Dubai TVPresenter / Producer

Sep. 2008 - Feb. 2014Dubai, UAEPerformed as well educated, an experienced journalist and media personality to represent Dubai TV. Promoted tolerance and global understanding of international issues by presenting and producing two morning TV shows such as Dubai Morning Show and Youm.com. Build innovative story ideas for trending topics and created news series where applicable. Managed and maintained high-quality outgoing news in both written and digital formats. Covered an array of topics with specialization in city/local government, legal, and environmental issues. Organized most important events in UAE and MENA region, including the Film Festival, Fashion Week, Arab forum, IDEX, GITEX, ART Dubai, Dubai Shopping Festival, Health Exhibition, and Government Submit. Organized interviews with international celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Yamani (the musician), Julia Boutros, and many others. ● Utilized great storytelling skills and an excellent track record as a staff reporter in print and digital media. ● Organized live numerous major events and conferences such as covering the grand opening of Dubai Metro in 2009 and the grand opening of Burj Khalifa in 2010. ● Conducted interviews with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai about Dubai’s new vision in 2014. ● Develop unique stories on a daily basis and in a 24/7 environment by collaborating with reporting team. ● Achieved targeted goals by performing and editing stories to be featured on-air at 6, 7, and 9 am newscasts. ● Acted as the news presenter and bulletin writer for daily political news and television feature stories in 2013. ● Directed 35+ interviews live including city government officials. Delivered high-quality articles and TV coverage under very tight deadlines and in high-stress situations.

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