Microsoft Office Suit
Mahi Farrag
Head, Corporate Affairs & Administration
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Dynamic corporate affairs leader with extensive experience in government relations and strategic stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to drive business development initiatives, enhance brand positioning, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Skilled in high-level negotiations, compliance, and policy advocacy, with a strong track record of building influential relationships that align with governance and public policy objectives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Head, Corporate Affairs & Administration
Petronas
04.2024 - Current
- Lead PETRONAS’ government relations, stakeholder engagement, and corporate affairs strategy in UAE, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with UAE government entities, ADNOC, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to facilitate approvals, compliance, and business development initiatives.
- Act as a key advisor to senior management, providing insights on political, regulatory, and policy developments that impact PETRONAS’ operations and long-term presence in the UAE.
- Oversee external affairs, corporate communications, and stakeholder management to enhance PETRONAS’ brand positioning and influence in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.
- Engage in high-level discussions with government officials, industry partners, and diplomatic representatives to advance PETRONAS’ strategic interests.
- Drive advocacy efforts to ensure PETRONAS’ activities align with national energy and sustainability policies while securing necessary government support.
- Advise on risk mitigation strategies related to government relations and regulatory affairs while ensuring compliance with local laws and corporate governance standards.
- Manage interactions with government authorities and coordinate efforts across internal departments to facilitate seamless approvals and licensing processes.
- Implement a structured stakeholder engagement framework to strengthen partnerships with key decision-makers and industry leaders.
- Represent PETRONAS in forums, government-led initiatives, and strategic collaborations to enhance industry influence and visibility.
- Coordinate and align government relations strategies with PETRONAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and other upstream offices to ensure consistency in global engagement and regulatory positioning.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for Stakeholder Relationship Management (SRM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ensuring alignment with UAE’s national community development and sustainability goals.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of UAE’s regulatory and political landscape, particularly in the energy and petroleum industries.
- Maintain a proven track record of building and sustaining high-level government relationships, engaging with ADNOC, UAE authorities, and international stakeholders.
- Exhibit outstanding leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to interact at the highest levels of government and industry.
Operations Manager
J&F Holdings
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Mainly responsible for coordinating and liaising between the Company and Government organizations / authorities and provide a key inter-face between the two.
- Provide quick, efficient, and reliable services for all Government related jobs such as Employment Permits, Entry Visas, Medical Examinations, miscellaneous jobs related to Immigration, Ministry of Labor & Consulates, and Business Licenses to the company and its group, adhering to the regular
amendments in rules and regulations within very short notices. - Respond effectively to the demands of the Company, employees, and their families to assist them on all government related services.
- Maintain positive relations with stakeholders at all times
- Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies.
- Manage the relations with media, draft speeches for company executives and advised on media talking points, review interview questions, etc
- Resolve problems, and provide exceptional service by suggesting effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Suggest and implement the policies and procedures of the company.
- Reviewed company's strategic plans and developed departmental goals and standards to support vision.
- Drafted speeches for company executives and advised on media talking points.
Head of Protocol and Government Affairs
British Embassy in UAE
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Act as the focal point of contact at all the government authorities in UAE
- Develop a broad and deep network of relationships with government authorities, public institutions, lead private organizations and media / press agencies.
- Manage and implement partnerships with major local and international institutions.
- Manage engagement with stakeholders at the senior government/ministerial level.
- Actively pursue opportunities to strengthen leadership profiles in existing markets of interest and identify new relevant opportunities.
- Oversee and monitor all media engagements needs for the Senior Level Team, including interviews, press conference and coverage reports.
- Write press releases, review and translate agreements and MOUs
- Help to coordinate and attend events in key markets of the region.
- Create programme for the official staff / Ministerial visits to UAE and ensure that the programme serves the objectives of the visit as well as the Department of International Trade at the British Embassy.
- Provide advice and regular update to the Senior Level Team regarding UAE laws.
- Serve as line manager; ensuring that the staff are clear on the requirements of their role and that performance criteria and objectives are developed to maximize the potential of staff.
- Lead the ministerial and VIP visits & logistics team.
- Manage the UK profile at Expo 2020 Dubai and build successful relationships with the participating countries that serve the UK political and international trade department objectives.
Senior Business Support Consultant
Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Interacted with UAE Government Authorities for any business related requirements
- Acted as a key member by managing the relationships with the vendors, consultants, stakeholders and media agencies.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior confllict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Identified new business opportunities and discuss them with the senior management.
- Communicated corporate objectives across all divisions through regular correspondence and schedules status updated.
- Established efficient workflow process, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall effectiveness of personnel and activities.
- Kept operations in compliance with policy regulations by developing and directing effective internal systems.
- Prepared and presented monthly reports and presentations to the senior management.
- Wrote press releases, handled corporate communications, reviewed and translated official documents and reports
- Acted as the focal point of contact for all media and press agencies.
Assistant Manager-Government Affairs&Communication
North25 Project Management LLC
10.2017 - 11.2019
- Handled the communication between the company and the government Authorities in UAE.
- Established Efficient workflow process, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall effectiveness of personnel and activities
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Established and managed relashionships with suppliers.
- Worked with the senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Complied with special requests from board members to identify and evaluate new business opportunities.
- Reviewed contracts and cost-share agreements with different government authorities and institutions.
- Capitalized on carefully built media relations to enhance outreach and public image.
- Promoted specific messages to internal and external stakeholders.
- Managed company events, exhibitions and meetings.
- Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations.
- Wrote engaging and successful press releases to control information and public opinion.
Senior Government Affairs Officer
Meraas Holding
11.2007 - 09.2017
- Handled the communication between Meraas Holding and UAE Government Authorities.
- Accomplished special objectives and projects according to requests from board members.
- Translated and reviewed official outgoing correspondences to government authorities and clients.
- Discussed land compensation requests with the vice president and responded to land department and plot owners accordingly.
- Developed and maintained productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support increased business.
- Participated in creating and implementing the company's policies and procedures
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Built and strengthened relationships with members of media in order to promote positive coverage.
- Cultivated productive relationships with major businesses, securing profitable partnerships.
- Increased revenues and supported business goals by developing public relations strategies and campaigns.
- Responded to requests for information from media or designated appropriate spokesperson or information source.
Education
Program Certificate - Global Governance
International Business Management Institute
Berlin, Germany 02.2022 - 02.2022
Certificate - Certified Business Administrator
The American Institute of Professional Studies
USA 01.2016 - 01.2016
Test of Legal English Skills Higher"Higher" - Legal Studies
Canadian University in Dubai
UAE 01.2014 - 03.2014
Bachelor of Arts - French Language And Literature
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt 09.1998 - 07.2002
Diploma - French Studies
Ministere De L'Education Nationale
Paris, France 09.1997 - 05.1998
Skills
Government Relations
Corporate Communication
Building Relationships
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Governance & Compliance
Negotiations
Media Relations
Public Policy
Advanced problem solving
Software
Oracle HRM System
Vault
Aconex
Photoshop
Awards & Achievements
2022, British Embassy in UAE
Appreciation Certificate in recognition of the outstanding performance in managing the programme of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales visit to UAE and the continuous efforts in building successful relationships with UK Stakeholders during Expo 2020 Dubai
2020, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
Appreciation Certificate in recognition of outstanding performance
2019, Meraas Holding & North25 Project Management LLC
Appreciation Certificate in recognition of outstanding performance and continuous contribution in company success.
Interests
Reading
Playing Piano
Calligraphy Art
Personal Information
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: 1st of April 1981
Nationality: Egyptian
Marital Status: Married
UAE Visa Status: Employment Visa
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Head, Corporate Affairs & Administration
Petronas
04.2024 - Current
Operations Manager
J&F Holdings
10.2022 - 03.2023
Program Certificate - Global Governance
International Business Management Institute
02.2022 - 02.2022
Head of Protocol and Government Affairs
British Embassy in UAE
06.2021 - 08.2022
Senior Business Support Consultant
Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
01.2020 - 01.2021
Assistant Manager-Government Affairs&Communication
North25 Project Management LLC
10.2017 - 11.2019
Certificate - Certified Business Administrator
The American Institute of Professional Studies
01.2016 - 01.2016
Test of Legal English Skills Higher"Higher" - Legal Studies
Canadian University in Dubai
01.2014 - 03.2014
Senior Government Affairs Officer
Meraas Holding
11.2007 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Arts - French Language And Literature
Cairo University
09.1998 - 07.2002
Diploma - French Studies
Ministere De L'Education Nationale
09.1997 - 05.1998
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