Noora Sultan Saqer Al Suwaidi
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Dedicated Professional experienced in policy development, complex negotiation, and strategic planning. Achieved significant business and partnership development through effective alliance maintenance and the monitoring of key performance indicators. Focused on driving organisational success and fostering continued growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Director – International Exchange Office
American University of Sharjah
Sharjah, UAE
2024.08 - Current
- Developed strategy, process, crisis management, and policies to build alliances with regional and international universities and institutes for funding and trilateral global partnerships
- Collaborated closely with Ministry of Foreign Affairs' academic attache in aligning with UAE's National Strategy for Higher Education 2030
- Led and coordinated international delegation visits for partnership negotiations the international delegation visits in partnership negotiation and funding programs.
- Initiating partnership dialogue with top international conglomerates (specifically North America and South America) in developing international internship programs for our students (graduates and undergraduates) and professors/researchers.
- Created remote executive programmes with MIT, Columbia University, HEC Paris, National University of Singapore, Peking University, FGV Brazil and Barcelona Innovation Hub (The official Football Club)
- Established comprehensive performance analysis report for AUS Board of Trustees, detailing growth metrics of International Exchange Office
- Established the annual UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Scholar program for AUS
- Created accelerated scholarship program between AUS and top QS universities, Mubadala Capital Brazil, MGX Abu Dhabi for top-performing students and faculty
- Established the annual Architecture Program between AUS and Venice University IUAV as the first GCC participant in the Biennale Student residence in Urban Planning and Architecture.
- Led the research partnership between the College of Engineering and the Dubai AI Innovation Hub at the Annual Global Leaders in Safety & Protection meetings, supported by Dubai Civil Defense.
- Member of the European Association for International Education andThe Association of International Educators (NAFSA)
Regional Director Europe & Americas
Dubai Chambers
Dubai
2023.01 - 2024.02
- Achieved business objectives and benchmarks through strategic planning which increased the performance of the Europe and Americas to 88.3% in comparison to year 2022.
- Defined business strategies and roadmaps for Europe and Latin America to drive performance across sales, promotions and campaigns that lead to 195 identified business opportunities.
- Enhanced performance of regional branches through targeted management strategies and reorganisation of roles for Latin America and Europe Chief Representatives to cover neighbouring countries.
- Initiated and reviewed weekly and monthly reports from Chief Representatives management to identify areas of opportunity globally for business expansion and attraction.
- Generated large volume of leads to coordinate meetings and sales pitches. By November I closed our KPIs in attracting 67 SME (majority tech startups) and 6 Multi National Companies valued between $100 million to $300 million in revenue and value.
- Initiated hiring push and training of industry-renowned candidates to drive organisational improvements and pool in their network portfolio (Europe Global Chief Representatives)
- Established and maintained operational standards for 10 location offices globally.
- Deployed promotional campaigns to support regional initiatives, including the Roundtable Dialogue with Italian Confindustria, connecting multinational manufacturing companies with UAE family-owned businesses.
- Fostered relationships with embassies to assist in the formation of country business councils.
- Directed day-to-day work of 15 employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
Advisor to Chairman & CEO (UAE/KSA) (Part Time)
Graff UAE (Al Mannai Group of Companies)
Dubai
2022.01 - 2022.06
- Provided strategic recommendations to board of directors on group's effectiveness and future plans, informing decision-making and guiding organisational direction.
- Initiated soft power strategy to foster partnerships with governmental, cultural institutes, museums & Royal charity foundations, strengthening brand positioning in the region.
- Established marketing strategy encompassing dinner gala, media, press conferences & PR for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and UAE to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Created strategy in relaunching the brand in Saudi Arabia and Qatar & Egypt repositioning it toward the high end & lifestyle Jewellery
- Drafted & Executed the Commercial and client treatment plan to drive traffic and bring brand visibility to Bayt Damas
- Presided over departmental meetings of company board of directors weekly .
- Presided over departmental meetings of company board of directors weekly.
- Guided decision-making processes by fostering consensus among team members and proposing actionable solutions.
Business Development Advisor (GCC)
Van Cleef & Arpels (School of Arts and Jewelry)
GCC and Paris
2014.06 - 2021.12
- Developed new GCC royal institutes & HNI database for VCA in the field of art and culture (15 royal & HNI institutes globally)
- Elevated the brand presence amongst the patrons & connoisseur while building potential to present creations to the right clients ensuring that deals are closed (2 million dollars annually)
- Lead project of establishing a permanent home in the Middle East for VCA L'ecole des Arts Joailliers in terms of finding the patron (the Ruler of Sharjah and Saudi Arabia, Misk Foundation) as the partner investor as well as the nominating the Middle East board members.
- Nominated by Board for 7-month assignment in Europe, France for Richemont program ‘Vie ma Vie’ to develop soft power artisan institute for international market.
- Guided VCA in creating distinctive events and platforms to enhance brand visibility and awareness among high purchasing power demographics in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, UK, and France.
- Repositioning and creating the business strategy for VCA after entering the Saudi Market independently from commercial partners.
- Created Partnership and Patronge 'sector' and integrated it into the Marketing department
- Leveraged product knowledge amongst clients to achieve revenue goals and retain clients
- Prepared with Board and its professors of L'ecole in France in creating content for their Arabic and English lectures in Art, History and Craftsmanship globally. ( 4 new subjects created)
- Collaborated with cross-department teams to develop strategies that leveraged emerging customer trends.
Deputy Senior Manager
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
Dubai
2012.03 - 2013.05
- Identified best practices in risk management through collaboration with Institute of Risk Management, International Risk Governance Council, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
- Formed and assigned senior Risk Champions representing their divisions across DEWA to assist in the contribution of Risk Awareness and providing divisional information relevant to risk management.
- Validated critical documentation, ensuring adherence to industry regulations and maintaining robust reporting practices.
- Oversaw maintenance of internal records, applying knowledge of industry regulations.
- Optimised internal operations by implementing inventory documentation controls, enhancing accuracy and compliance.
- Facilitated the Business Continuity Management (BCM) Forum in Abu Dhabi, coordinating logistics and participant engagement.
Assistant Project Manager
Prime Minister Office
Dubai
2010.07 - 2012.02
- Managed multiple high-level projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project standards.
- Led and motivated talented project teams, consistently achieving against KPIs.
- Managed stakeholder expectations across multiple high-value projects, facilitating effective communication and engagement.
- Collaborated across teams to align and execute business strategy, ensuring cohesive project delivery.
- Developed analytics tools to track project progress and impact.
- Created project presentations and reports for executive teams, summarising key insights and project outcomes.
Project Manager, Business Development
Dubai Health Authority
Dubai
2009.09 - 2011.06
- Secured investment for Dubai Gynecology & Fertility Center (DGFC) and Dubai Diabetes Center (DDC), enabling establishment of specialty medical services.
- Partnered with Standard Chartered to facilitate investment in specialised medical centres, enhancing healthcare service offerings.
- Collaborated with Mubadala (Abu Dhabi) to privatize some medical services offered by government hospitals
- Coordinated Breast Cancer Awareness Program and event for DHA Headquarters and Dubai Hospitals, raising community health awareness and engagement.
Human Resource Analyst & Project Manager GITEX
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai
2005.08 - 2009.06
- Collaborated with Business Development, Human Resources, and Watson Wyatt to manage HR project implementing grading and salary structure, job description development, and competency framework design.
- Supported recruitment efforts for senior positions by coordinating interviews and screening candidates.
- Conducted research on implementing the Senior Executive Training Program
- Conducted research of competitive International Exhibitions and Conferences in the ICT Industry
- Developed strategy for GTW road shows in partnership with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE embassies in Europe, Middle East, and North America, incorporating new membership nomination mechanism.
- Established and managed presence of the Government Sectors with Key Exhibitors in Participation
- Oversaw sponsorship and branding initiatives for conferences, increasing visibility for key exhibitors including Prime Minister's Office, Ruler's Court, Centre for Documentation and Research, Dubai International Financial Centre.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
Management Associate, Marketing Analyst
Exchange, NASDAQ
Dubai
2004.03 - 2005.05
- Developed marketing strategy proposal for DIFX Marketsite, aligning with goals of physical financial centre within DIFC Gate building
- Producing & implementing the marketing Image Strategy for the launch of the DIFX (NASDAQ)
- Coordinated website layout design for DIFX (NASDAQ), enhancing user experience and visual appeal
- Facilitated content and campaign planning for team, advising on effective marketing formats including website content and social media
- Coordinated and implemented the DIFC's internal magazine.
Education
Diploma - International Studies
EAIE: European Association for International Education
Amsterdam 2025.11 - 2025.11
Certification - Diamond Grading and Pearls, Jewelry
Gemological Institute of America
USAThe Master of Arts (M.A.) - Diplomacy and International Affair
ZAYED UNIVERSITY
Abu DhabiBusiness Continuity Management Certification - Crisis & Risk Management, Risk Management
Business Continuity Management Certification
DubaiExhibition Management Degree - Exhibition
Global Association of Exhibition Industry (UFI)
Ravensberg, GermanyBachelor of Science - Marketing, Communication Strategy
ZAYED UNIVERSITY
DubaiHigh School Diploma - Science And Arts
Al Mawakeb Private School
DubaiSkills
- International partnerships
- Policy development
- Strategic planning
- Business strategy
- Complex negotiation
- KPI monitoring
- Sales development
- Relationship retention
LANGUAGES
Arabic: Native
English: Master/Proficient
French: Upper Intermediate
Affiliations
- Certified Scuba Diver
- Active volunteer in mentorship programs
Timeline
Diploma - International Studies
EAIE: European Association for International Education
2025.11 - 2025.11
Director – International Exchange Office
American University of Sharjah
2024.08 - Current
Regional Director Europe & Americas
Dubai Chambers
2023.01 - 2024.02
Advisor to Chairman & CEO (UAE/KSA) (Part Time)
Graff UAE (Al Mannai Group of Companies)
2022.01 - 2022.06
Business Development Advisor (GCC)
Van Cleef & Arpels (School of Arts and Jewelry)
2014.06 - 2021.12
Deputy Senior Manager
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
2012.03 - 2013.05
Assistant Project Manager
Prime Minister Office
2010.07 - 2012.02
Project Manager, Business Development
Dubai Health Authority
2009.09 - 2011.06
Human Resource Analyst & Project Manager GITEX
Dubai World Trade Centre
2005.08 - 2009.06
Management Associate, Marketing Analyst
Exchange, NASDAQ
2004.03 - 2005.05
Certification - Diamond Grading and Pearls, Jewelry
Gemological Institute of America
The Master of Arts (M.A.) - Diplomacy and International Affair
ZAYED UNIVERSITY
Business Continuity Management Certification - Crisis & Risk Management, Risk Management
Business Continuity Management Certification
Exhibition Management Degree - Exhibition
Global Association of Exhibition Industry (UFI)
Bachelor of Science - Marketing, Communication Strategy
ZAYED UNIVERSITY
High School Diploma - Science And Arts
Al Mawakeb Private School