MAHRA RASHED AL SHAMSI
Summary
Strategic project management and political affairs professional with a strong background in diplomacy, international relations, and governmental initiatives. Expertise in translating national strategies into actionable projects and enhancing UAE’s presence on the global stage. Played a key role in strengthening UAE-Africa relations through strategic objectives and political analysis. Successfully contributed to the ministry winning the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Excellence Award.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Asia, Arab and GCC Strategic Relation
UAE Accountability Authority (Secondment)
11.2024 - Current
- Established Strategic Relations Department at UAEAA.
- Developed structural framework for sector encompassing KPIs and initiatives.
- Developed a comprehensive strategy targeting priority countries and initiatives in Asian, Arab, and GCC regions.
- Facilitated signing of MOUs with overseas entities.
Project and Initiatives Head of Section in the Strategy and Future Department
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
12.2019 - Current
- - Lead the execution of strategic projects, ensuring alignment with national and foreign policy objectives.
- - Spearhead cross-departmental collaboration to deliver high-priority initiatives, including partnerships with UAE embassies abroad.
- - Managed key projects that contributed to winning the
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Excellence Award
- For two consecutive years.
- - Oversee project governance, risk management, and performance tracking to optimize efficiency and impact.
- - Drive innovation in project delivery by implementing best practices in strategy execution and performance measurement.
Desk Officer in the African Affairs Department
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
05.2017 - 12.2019
- - Managed UAE’s diplomatic and political engagement with Southern African countries.
- - Developed strategic objectives to enhance UAE-Africa relations and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
- - Conducted in-depth political analysis on the UAE’s presence in Africa, providing key insights to policymakers.
- - Advised senior leadership on regional developments, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Education
Master - International Law, International Relations & Diplomacy; Defense & International Security
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi01.2021
Higher Diploma - UAE Diplomacy and International Relations
Anwar Gergash Diplomatic Academy
Abu Dhabi01.2017
Bsc. - International Affairs; Minor in Communication & Media Sci.
Zayed University
Dubai01.2015
High School Certificate - undefined
AlMa'arifa International Private School
Sharjah01.2010
Skills
- Strategic Project Management
- International Relations & Diplomacy
- Political Analysis & Policy Development
- Government Initiatives & Policy Execution
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Risk & Stakeholder Management
Certification
Security education for diplomats, Certification of completion of the E-learning course preparing for the United Nations General Assembly, Creativity and Innovation, The Protocol School Of Washington – Protocol Foundations and Business Etiquette Training
LANGUAGES
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Russian
Beginner (A1)
References
Reference available upon request
Timeline
Director of Asia, Arab and GCC Strategic Relation
UAE Accountability Authority (Secondment)
11.2024 - Current
Project and Initiatives Head of Section in the Strategy and Future Department
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
12.2019 - Current
Desk Officer in the African Affairs Department
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
05.2017 - 12.2019
Master - International Law, International Relations & Diplomacy; Defense & International Security
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Higher Diploma - UAE Diplomacy and International Relations
Anwar Gergash Diplomatic Academy
Bsc. - International Affairs; Minor in Communication & Media Sci.
Zayed University
High School Certificate - undefined
AlMa'arifa International Private School