Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Rawad Sabra

Rawad Sabra

Dubai,UAE

Summary

Media professional with over 10 years of experience in the OTT and digital content ecosystem, specializing in content strategy, acquisitions, ad monetization, and strategic partnerships. Proven track record in negotiating high-value content deals, driving revenue through innovative advertising solutions, and building successful collaborations with telecom operators and content providers. Experienced at aligning content and commercial strategies to enhance user engagement and platform growth. Known for a deep understanding of audience behavior, content performance metrics, and emerging trends across AVOD, SVOD, and hybrid models. Skilled in stakeholder management, cross-functional leadership, and delivering scalable business solutions in fast-paced digital environments.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work history

Business Development Content Manager

HUAWEI
Dubai, UAE
01.2020 - Current

Content Strategy & Acquisitions:

• Identify and negotiate licensing deals with global and regional content providers (studios, broadcasters, indie producers).

• Develop acquisition strategies that align with platform positioning, audience preferences, and ROI targets.

• Analyze performance data to inform future content investment decisions.


Ad Sales & Monetization:

• Develop and manage relationships with advertisers, brands, and media agencies to drive SVOD/AVOD revenue.

• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, product, ad ops) to develop innovative advertising solutions and packages.

• Monitor ad inventory performance and optimize pricing and fill rates.


Telco & Strategic Partnerships:

• Establish and manage telco partnerships for bundling, billing integration, and co-branded campaigns.

• Collaborate on content distribution and user acquisition strategies via telco networks.

• Negotiate mutually beneficial commercial agreements and maintain strong relationships with key telco stakeholders.


Market Intelligence & Reporting:

• Monitor competitor activities, content trends, and regional market shifts to identify new opportunities.

• Provide regular updates and business reviews to senior management.

• Track KPIs related to partnerships, revenues, and content performance.

Mobile Product & Content Operations Manager - OTT

VIU
Dubai, UAE
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Identify, evaluate, and negotiate licensing deals with content providers to acquire premium Asian content for Viu's platform
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key content partners to secure exclusive and high-demand titles
  • Develop programming strategies and content schedules to optimize viewer engagement and retention
  • Oversee the localization process, including subtitling, dubbing, and metadata tagging, to ensure high-quality content delivery across multiple languages and regions
  • Implement quality assurance processes to maintain content integrity and compliance with regulatory standards and licensing agreements
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to content consumption, viewer engagement, and audience demographics
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align programming initiatives with strategic objectives and business goals
  • Manage content acquisition budgets and expenditures effectively
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape in the OTT video streaming space
  • Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities and potential threats.

Digital Product Manager

OSN
Dubai, UAE
01.2014 - 01.2018
  • Monitor and optimize the performance of OSN Play's digital streaming platform
  • Coordinate with content providers, licensors, and internal teams to manage the ingestion, metadata tagging, and scheduling of content
  • Collaborate with product managers and UX designers to improve the user interface, navigation, and functionality of OSN Play
  • Investigate and resolve technical issues and performance bottlenecks affecting OSN Play's digital platform
  • Manage relationships with third-party vendors, service providers, and technology partners
  • Analyze user behavior data, performance metrics, and customer feedback to optimize OSN Play's digital product operations
  • Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and efficiency gains
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align operational activities with business objectives and priorities.

Programing Content Manager

OSN
Dubai, UAE
04.2011 - 01.2014
  • Identify, evaluate, and acquire a diverse range of content to meet the programming needs of OSN's linear channels
  • Develop and maintain programming schedules for multiple channels
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and execute content strategies
  • Monitor ratings, audience feedback, and market trends to evaluate the performance of programming initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and content licensing agreements
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with content providers, production studios, distributors, and other external partners
  • Oversee the quality control process for programming content
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of programming initiatives and promotional campaigns.

Social Media and Feedback Leader

OSN
Dubai, UAE
01.2009 - 03.2011
  • Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies aligned with OSN's brand objectives
  • Oversee the creation and curation of engaging content for OSN's social media channels
  • Monitor and respond to inquiries, comments, and messages from followers
  • Foster meaningful interactions with OSN's social media followers
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to plan and execute social media advertising campaigns
  • Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of customer feedback
  • Generate actionable insights from social media and feedback data
  • Manage and mentor a team of social media specialists and feedback analysts
  • Collaborate with internal teams to align social media and feedback initiatives with business goals and priorities.

Senior Technical Executive

OSN
Dubai, UAE
01.2007 - 10.2009
  • Provide customer support and assistance
  • Diagnose and resolve technical issues reported by customers
  • Monitor customer interactions and technical support tickets
  • Stay updated on OSN's product offerings and technical specifications
  • Serve as a point of escalation for unresolved customer issues
  • Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and troubleshooting procedures
  • Mentor and train junior customer service and technical support agents
  • Collaborate with internal teams to enhance team performance and capabilities.

Education

MBA - Business Adminstration

Ascencia Business School
UAE, Dubai
09.2023

High School -

Abu Dhabi International School
Dubai

Skills

    Content Acquisition & Licensing

    Content Strategy & Programming

    OTT & Digital Media Business Models (AVOD/SVOD/TVOD)

    Ad Sales & Revenue Monetization

    Strategic Partnerships (Telcos, OEMs, Content Providers)

    Contract Negotiation & Deal Structuring

    Media Rights & Distribution Agreements

    Market & Audience Analysis

    Content Performance & Analytics

    Go-to-Market Strategy for Content Launches

    Cross-Functional Collaboration (Product, Legal, Marketing, Tech)

    Stakeholder & Vendor Management

    Budgeting & ROI Analysis

    Campaign Planning (Co-branded with Telcos or Brands)

    CRM & Partner Relationship Management

References

-Fuad AlMasood: +971 50 103 0757

-Ahmed AlDemery: +971 50 761 9224

-Wessam Kattan: +971 50 955 7357

Languages

Arabic
Native
English
Advanced
C1

Timeline

Business Development Content Manager

HUAWEI
01.2020 - Current

Mobile Product & Content Operations Manager - OTT

VIU
01.2018 - 12.2019

Digital Product Manager

OSN
01.2014 - 01.2018

Programing Content Manager

OSN
04.2011 - 01.2014

Social Media and Feedback Leader

OSN
01.2009 - 03.2011

Senior Technical Executive

OSN
01.2007 - 10.2009

MBA - Business Adminstration

Ascencia Business School

High School -

Abu Dhabi International School
Rawad Sabra