Hadya Al Alawi
News| Communications
Abu Dhabi,AZ
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished news editor, television presenter, and bilingual correspondent with over 14 years of extensive expertise in current affairs, communications, and editorial management. Proven track record in driving global news strategies and delivering impactful investigative reporting, while enhancing digital outreach and audience engagement in Arab-speaking audiences in the Middle East and Europe. Demonstrated success in coordinating international communication strategies and driving impactful campaigns within different frameworks. Fluent in Arabic and English, and experienced in navigating the unique media landscape of the GCC region. Adept at conducting exclusive interviews and leading large teams for high-quality original storytelling
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Foreign Editor
The National News at Abu Dhabi
3 2023 - Current
- Driving editorial excellence by managing a team of 30 reporters in the UAE, GCC and the wider Middle East, as well as globally
- Commissioning and overseeing the creation of high-quality original stories daily, ensuring adherence to highest editorial standards
- Writing exclusive and breaking news based on information provided by high level sources and influential decision-makers, producing impactful articles that are widely shared by leading organisations
- Overseeing global news strategy, expanding the foreign desk's network and leading investigations across the MENA region, enhancing The National News' international reach
- Managing cross-department collaborations for timely and comprehensive news coverage
- Analysing regional and international news trends, identifying key topics to inform strategic content development and audience engagement
- Training journalists on best practices for storytelling, and delivering compelling content, fostering a culture of excellence in reporting on complex global issues.
Senior Correspondent
TRT World at Istanbul
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Reported on breaking news stories across Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey, delivering timely updates and analyses for multimedia platforms
- Produced in-depth reports and conducted high-profile interviews for 'Strait Talk' and 'One on One' programmes, contributing to a notable increase in viewer engagement
- Collaborated with a dynamic team to create impactful stories and packages, adhering to the editorial values and consistently meeting tight deadlines under pressure
- Delivered on the screen live or recorded segments and in the field packages on current affairs and breaking news
- Produced exclusive packages through deployments and investigative reporting, focusing on original, human-focused journalism
- Worked effectively as part of a team, cooperated with other members and demonstrated a collaborative and supportive approach.
Bilingual News Reporter
BBC World News at London
06.2012 - 06.2021
- Developed and delivered high-impact bilingual news coverage across platforms, focusing on current affairs and breaking news
- Consistently delivered timely, accurate news analyses, significantly enhancing BBC's credibility and viewership in Middle Eastern coverage through impactful reporting and investigations on BBC News
- Conducted exclusive interviews with high-profile figures, including government officials and world leaders, providing authoritative insights on complex regional and international issues
- Reported extensively on human interest stories and humanitarian crises explaining the connection between politics, economy, and culture
- Obtained and verified information from officials, experts, journalists on the ground and NGOs to build impactful stories and investigations
- Analysed and explained the context of headlines from the Middle East live on primetime news programmes on BBC News, BBC World and BBC Arabic televisions
- Provided expertise on Middle Eastern matters, supporting colleagues and enhancing newsroom capabilities in regional coverage
- Built an extensive base of contacts over a decade and collaborated regularly with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
Project Leader
BBC Arabic Documentaries at London
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Led a digital project addressing Iraq's energy crisis, producing a first of its kind documentary and news report that garnered over 300K views
- Expanded youth engagement through strategic social media campaigns, creating interactive content that significantly boosted audience participation
- Developed team structure and exercised critical editorial judgment in challenging environments, ensuring high-quality content production in Iraq
- Analysed audience engagement to adjust the project's strategy, resulting in measurable increase in viewership and online interaction.
News Planning Producer
BBC Newsgathering and Planning at London
06.2011 - 06.2012
- Led the daily news agenda planning, coordinating with correspondents and editors resulting in comprehensive reporting on key political events across the Middle East and globally
- Drove extensive coverage of significant political events, ensuring BBC Arabic's position as a leading source for Middle Eastern news and analysis
- Followed emerging news trends and stories, positioning BBC Arabic at the forefront of breaking news and in-depth reporting on regional developments
- Fostered internal and external relationships to broaden news agenda and establish successful professional partnerships in the media industry.
Marketing and engagement Journalist
BBC Marketing and Audiences at London
06.2010 - 06.2011
- Developed and executed innovative multimedia strategies that significantly boosted audience engagement and expanded global reach
- Played a key role in launching 'Global Minds', fostering a thriving community for the BBC's global news audience with over 10,000 active members within the first 3 months
- Designed and implemented targeted online campaigns, analysing performance data to deliver actionable insights in weekly team meetings, and monthly reports to senior management.
Education
Global Diplomacy Initiative Certificate -
United Nations Institute for Training and Research at New York City
01.2020 - 04.2020
Master's degree (MA) in International Broadcast Journalism - undefined
Brunel University at London
01.2008 - 04.2010
Skills
Editorial Management
International Communication
Global News Strategy
Digital Outreach
Timeline
Senior Correspondent
TRT World at Istanbul
06.2021 - 03.2023
Global Diplomacy Initiative Certificate -
United Nations Institute for Training and Research at New York City
01.2020 - 04.2020
Project Leader
BBC Arabic Documentaries at London
09.2017 - 09.2018
Bilingual News Reporter
BBC World News at London
06.2012 - 06.2021
News Planning Producer
BBC Newsgathering and Planning at London
06.2011 - 06.2012
Marketing and engagement Journalist
BBC Marketing and Audiences at London
06.2010 - 06.2011
Master's degree (MA) in International Broadcast Journalism - undefined
Brunel University at London
01.2008 - 04.2010
Assistant Foreign Editor
The National News at Abu Dhabi
3 2023 - Current
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