Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Executive Education & Leadership Development
Accomplishments
Professional Appointments and Committee Memberships:
Timeline
Generic

AFRA ALHAJERI

Abu Dhabi,UAE

Summary

Results-driven and ambitious business leader with a strong track record in transformative leadership, strategic execution, and continuous improvement. Known for a competitive edge and a tenacious approach to overcoming challenges, delivering measurable results, and exceeding expectations. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, driving organizational growth, and cultivating high-performance cultures. Ready to take on complex leadership roles with a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and impactful decision-making.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Executive Director Planning and Projects

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
Abu Dhabi, UAE
05.2024 - Current
  • Directed staffing requirements, managed priorities and coordinated workflows to uphold productivity objectives.
  • Supervised budgets and timelines, ensuring progress met project scope targets.
  • Allocated resources to teams and projects based on need, performance and availability.
  • Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.

Acting Executive Director Planning and Projects

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
Abu Dhabi
04.2023 - 05.2024
  • promote collaboration between the government and private sector to achieve common goals, such as improving housing products and living conditions/standards for citizens
  • Develop a strategic partnership model that can be an effective way to foster partnerships with the government, semi-government entities, non-profit organizations, and communities to mobilize resources and promote innovation in housing development projects.
  • Cultivated strong work culture and high standards to drive employee retention and performance.
  • Generated and achieved regional revenue goals, exceeding targets within company growth strategies.
  • Supervised budgets and timelines, ensuring progress met project scope targets.
  • Devised and implemented long-term strategy to drive progress in key areas.

Projects Management Director

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
Abu Dhabi
11.2019 - 04.2023
  • Carrying out the duties of Acting Executive Director of Planning and Projects Sector, as required by the work interest during the leave of Executive Director.
  • Refined execution of project plans to overcome challenges and deliver high-quality results.
  • Management of housing projects portfolio (government housing projects, infrastructure projects) in Emirate of Abu Dhabi and develop strategic plans for priorities of project implementation
  • Disbursing loans for maintenance, demolition and reconstruction according to priorities of the neighborhoods of residential areas
  • Monitored operations to assess and highlight results.

Infrastructure Section head

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
Abu Dhabi
01.2017 - 11.2019
  • Acting Head of Governmental Housing Projects section (from Jan, 2018 to Feb, 2019
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Kept employee workloads fair and balanced to achieve objectives while maintaining high job satisfaction.
  • Follow-up and supervision of all infrastructure projects in Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Which are implemented by municipalities and Abu Dhabi General Services Company - Musanada
  • Managing Public Housing Rehabilitation Committee in Emirate of Abu Dhabi
  • Managing Housing Projects Implementation Committee

Project Manager - Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
Abu Dhabi
07.2015 - 01.2017
  • Establishment of Infrastructure Department in Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
  • Follow-up of infrastructure projects with implementing agencies in Emirate of Abu Dhabi
  • Preparing supply studies within study of supply and demand for Abu Dhabi Housing Authority at Emirate of Abu Dhabi
  • Coordination with concerned sectors regarding loan injection plans and allocation plans Government housing in housing projects at level of Emirate of Abu Dhabi
  • Preparing memorandums of understanding with the authorities with direct relations to planning sector and Projects (Musanada, department of municipal affairs)

Recreation Facilities Projects Manager

Al Ain Municipality
Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi
05.2011 - 07.2015
  • Defined project scope, guidelines, milestones and task allocation to establish and maintain clear progress plans.
  • Designed project presentations and reports for executive teams.
  • Project manager for completion, development and maintenance of Al Hayer Park and Walkway
  • Engineering supervision of group of development projects within maintenance contracts In northern sector
  • Member of joint team committee between Al Ain Municipality and Abu Dhabi Planning Council Urban
  • Committee member joint team between Department of Municipalities and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority

Engineer Projects in Parks

Al Ain Municipality
Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi
03.2009 - 05.2011
  • Engineering supervision of group of development projects within maintenance contracts In northern sector
  • Representative of northern sector in project to implement ISO systems IMS (Quality Management 9001, environmental management 14001, occupational health and safety management 18002, and management Complaints 10002)
  • Chairman of Technical Committee for People's Housing in Northern Sector

Education

Project Management - Mini Master

George Washington University
Dubai
/2010 - /2011

Bachelor of Architecture Engineer - Architecture Engineer

UAEU
Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi
/2003 - /2009

Skills

  • Communication Skills
  • Operations management
  • High-value project management
  • Employee management
  • Business planning
  • Staff development
  • Strategies and goals

Languages

Arabic
Fluent
English
Fluent

Certification

  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)Project Management Institute (PMI)
    Foundation-level certification demonstrating understanding of project management principles and practices.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)Project Management Institute (PMI)
    Globally recognized credential for experienced project managers, demonstrating leadership and expertise in managing projects.
  • Certified Abu Dhabi International Code Council (ADICC)
    Credentialed in compliance with building codes and standards within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
  • NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
    Internationally respected certification providing foundational knowledge in managing workplace health and safety.
  • Lead Auditor – OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems)
    Qualified to audit occupational health and safety systems in accordance with OHSAS standards.
  • Lead Auditor – ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems)
    Certified to conduct audits of environmental management systems in compliance with ISO standards.
  • Lead Auditor – ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems)
    Certification to audit quality management systems with a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Executive Education & Leadership Development

  • Executing Strategy for ResultsLondon Business School
    Developed strategic execution skills to drive measurable results across organizations.
  • Emirates Leadership Initiative ProgramHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education
    Participated in a specialized leadership development initiative focused on public and private sector leadership in the Gulf region.
  • Change Management ProgrammeINSEAD Executive Education
    Gained tools and frameworks for leading change in complex environments.
  • The Leadership Lens
    Explored leadership styles and their impact on organizational culture and effectiveness.
  • The Power of Leaders
    Focused on the influence and responsibility of leadership in high-stakes environments.
  • Coaching for High Performance Skills
    Developed coaching techniques to drive individual and team performance.
  • Leaders Create More Leaders
    Emphasized mentoring and empowerment strategies to cultivate future leadership talent.
  • Inspirational Leadership
    Strengthened skills in motivating teams and aligning vision with execution.
  • Multiplying Leadership to Create Future Leaders
    Learned strategies to foster scalable leadership and develop leadership pipelines.

Accomplishments

  • Gulf Housing Week Participation – Qatar, May 2024
    Represented the United Arab Emirates during the 22nd Meeting of Ministers Concerned with Housing Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), contributing to regional policy dialogue on sustainable housing development.
  • Panel Moderation – Gulf Housing Week, May 2024
    Successfully moderated key discussion panels, facilitating high-level conversations on housing innovation, regional collaboration, and future urban planning trends in the GCC.
  • Recognition by GCC General Secretariat – 2023
    Honored for the successful implementation of the “Emirati Neighborhood” initiative in Abu Dhabi’s housing projects, aligned with the UAE Government Guidelines Manual.
  • Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Construction Awards – Algeria, December 2024
    Awarded Third Place for outstanding housing project execution, demonstrating excellence in planning, design, and community impact at the regional Arab level.
  • UAE House of Sustainability Guide – COP28 Presentation, December 2023
    Prepared the UAE House of Sustainability guide and presented it at COP28 under the theme: “Housing Programs in the UAE – A Sustainable System for Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources.” The guide showcases innovative policies and practices that align with global climate goals and national environmental strategies

Professional Appointments and Committee Memberships:

  • Member, Board of Directors – Al Ain Club
    Active contributor to the strategic planning and governance of one of the UAE's premier sports organizations.
  • Committee Member – Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Preparedness in the Social Sector
    Collaborated with stakeholders to develop and implement contingency plans to protect vulnerable populations.
  • Committee Member – Damage and Property Assessment (Supporting Bodies)
    Participated in post-crisis assessments to evaluate infrastructure and property damage, ensuring accurate reporting and recovery strategies.
  • Committee Member – Abu Dhabi 2040 Plan
    Involved in shaping the long-term strategic vision for urban development and sustainability in Abu Dhabi.
  • Committee Member – Social Cases and Housing Applications
    Reviewed and approved social welfare cases and housing applications to support community wellbeing.
  • Committee Member – Weather Recovery with Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Centre
    Supported inter-agency coordination for recovery operations following severe weather events

Timeline

Executive Director Planning and Projects

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
05.2024 - Current

Acting Executive Director Planning and Projects

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
04.2023 - 05.2024

Projects Management Director

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
11.2019 - 04.2023

Infrastructure Section head

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
01.2017 - 11.2019

Project Manager - Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority
07.2015 - 01.2017

Recreation Facilities Projects Manager

Al Ain Municipality
05.2011 - 07.2015

Engineer Projects in Parks

Al Ain Municipality
03.2009 - 05.2011

Project Management - Mini Master

George Washington University
/2010 - /2011

Bachelor of Architecture Engineer - Architecture Engineer

UAEU
/2003 - /2009
AFRA ALHAJERI