Abdalla Banialnajjar
Dubai,DU
Summary
Strategic and tactical event executive with 20 years of experience, specializing in leading high-performing roles and responsibilities across different industries.
My career began in media and journalism and expanded to include marketing, communications, and events. I have led multiple high-profile events involving various stakeholders and professionals, delivering impactful events with global outreach, particularly in the dynamic markets of the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
My international portfolio includes successful New York, Milan, and London projects, showcasing a deep understanding of different cultural and business environments. My leadership approach revolves around innovation, strategic time management, and resource optimization to create impactful experiences that elevate brand reputation and drive business success.
My extensive knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership abilities equip me to lead growth and innovation in a progressive organization. My dedication to excellence and passion for success make me an ideal candidate for leadership positions in various businesses.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
HEAD OF EVENTS
MBZUAI
03.2020 - Current
- Led and delivered memorable events that exceeded expectations, increasing targeted audience satisfaction and enhancing brand exposure.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals tailored to specific needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the university's objectives and priorities.
- Established clear objectives and goals for each event, drove execution toward goals, and measured and monitored results to track impact.
- Managed complex timelines and resource allocation for multiple concurrent projects without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Consistently met the business goals by identifying new opportunities and expanding the university's stakeholder base internally and externally.
- Supported organizational growth by recruiting, training, and mentoring top talent in the events industry.
- Negotiated contracts with venues and suppliers for favorable terms that benefited both parties involved in the event strategic planning process and overseas executions.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent branding across all aspects of event production.
- Generated significant cost savings through efficient budget management and effective vendor negotiation tactics.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Spearheaded all events and initiatives, upgraded the event communications process, and introduced event software for daily workflow and documentation, leading to a 60% increase in potential attendees annually.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive branding across all aspects of event production.
- Established the strategic policies for Event Management and built the team.
- Drove a 100% increase in brand exposure at GITEX GLOBAL and ADSW/WFES, solidifying the university's presence in the industry.
- Managed the university's participation at COP28, Dubai.
- Successfully delivered 217 high-profile events and 89 strategic marketing campaigns, resulting in a remarkable 60% boost in engagement.
- Registered 317 external suppliers/stakeholders, dealt with 89, and contracted with 9 as base needs.
Events and Sponsorship Manager
Etihad Airways
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Enhanced company reputation through strategic selection of reputable sponsors that aligned with our core values and mission.
- Created successful B2B and B2C marketing programs that drove engagement and profitability.
- Managed event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial success.
- Developed event marketing strategies to maximize attendance and engagement.
- Coordinated venues, catering, and transportation logistics while maintaining client relationships.
- Secured sponsorship partners and oversaw on-site management and troubleshooting.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of sponsors, ensuring timely delivery of contractual benefits and maintaining strong relationships.
- Launched a campaign for Saudi football team 'AL Etihad' and activated sponsorship assets for NYCFC and NYFW.
- Leveraged data analysis to track sponsorship performance metrics, optimizing strategies for maximum ROI.
- Led the rebranding of the Super-Seller program and managed the annual Abu Dhabi Formula 1 event.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create impactful sponsorship materials, attracting new partners and increasing visibility.
- Contacted corporate representatives, government officials or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes and activities.
- Contacted corporate representatives, government officials or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes and raise funds.
- Directed activities of external agencies, establishments or departments developing and implementing fundraising strategies and programs.
- Established goals and procedures for solicitation, funds management, and disbursement.
- Directed production for the Etihad Group Pavilion at Expo Milano 2016, hosting VIPs like David Beckham and Lady Gaga.
- Streamlined sponsor management processes, enhancing efficiency and communication.
- Managed budgets for staff operations to keep costs low and maximize profits.
- Organized successful sponsored events by effectively coordinating logistics, promotional materials, and partner involvement.
HEAD OF MEDIA PRODUCTION
MINISTRY OF LABOR
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Established the Department of Media Production
- Developing comprehensive production plans and strategies
- Hired and managed a team of twelve staff members
- Planned the budget and managed all expenses related to media production
- Collaborated with key stakeholders to ensure the visibility of critical projects in the media
- Enhanced media operations through strategic recommendations and procedural improvements
- Developed and implemented a strategic plan for the media production department
- Managed six employees in the Media Production Department at The Ministry of Labour.
- The budget was saved by 73% by introducing a new software system and new filming production items included in the strategy's annual plan.
- Managed and trained six employees in The Production Department at the Ministry of Labour.
TV Presenter
DUBAI MEDIA INCORPORATED (DUBAI TV)
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Hosted "Dubai This Morning" for 5+ years, mentoring and engaging audiences.
- Mentored/presenter, sharing knowledge of industry best practices and cultivating a supportive work environment.
- Produced and conducted 350+ live interviews with international celebrities.
- Managed media coverage for major events like the Dubai Metro and Burj Khalifa openings.
- Collaborated on innovative show segments, driving significant ratings boosts.
- Designed impactful sets that enhanced storytelling and viewer engagement.
- Anchored popular programs with consistently high ratings.
- Represented the station at public events, elevating brand visibility.
- Conducted research for insightful interviews, building valuable source relationships.
- Exceeded sales targets as part of fundraising campaigns or sponsored initiatives by leveraging personal appeal as an influential presenter.
Education
Bachelor of Media Relations and Communication - Digital Communications And Multimedia
Hamadan Bin Mohamed E-university
Dubai, UAE03.2019
Degree in Speech Technique And Communication For New Medi - Meeting And Event Planning
I'instutut Francis
France, Paris10.2010
Bachelor of Media and Communications - Journalism, Broadcast
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
UAE06.2008
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Event Management
- Team leadership
- Budget management
- Vendor negotiation
- Content development
- Event Operations management
- Logistics coordination
- Risk Management
- Data-driven Decision Making
- Creative Direction
- New Business Development
Personal Information
Nationality: UAE NATIONAL (FAMILY BOOK)
Timeline
HEAD OF EVENTS
MBZUAI
03.2020 - Current
Events and Sponsorship Manager
Etihad Airways
01.2015 - 01.2020
HEAD OF MEDIA PRODUCTION
MINISTRY OF LABOR
01.2014 - 01.2015
TV Presenter
DUBAI MEDIA INCORPORATED (DUBAI TV)
01.2009 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Media Relations and Communication - Digital Communications And Multimedia
Hamadan Bin Mohamed E-university
Degree in Speech Technique And Communication For New Medi - Meeting And Event Planning
I'instutut Francis
Bachelor of Media and Communications - Journalism, Broadcast
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
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