Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
Timeline
Generic
SARAH YOUSSEF

SARAH YOUSSEF

Abu Dhabi,UAE

Summary

Experienced Office Manager & Executive Assistant with 12+ years of expertise in administration, HR support, and operations across UAE and GCC. Skilled in executive support, immigration services, vendor negotiation, budgeting, and workflow optimization. Proven record in streamlining processes, ensuring compliance with UAE labor & immigration laws, and improving cost efficiency. Proficient in ERP and HR systems (D365, Oracle, SAP, Workday, ServiceNow) and UAE government portals (MOHRE, ICP, Free Zones). Recognized for problem-solving, confidentiality, and stakeholder management at C-Suite and director levels.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
2008
2008
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Office Manager

New York University
Abu Dhabi
08.2025 - 09.2025
  • Provide high-level support to the Director of Immigration & Government Relations, including complex calendar management, travel coordination, confidential correspondence, and document handling.
  • Prepare executive briefings, reports, presentations, and meeting agendas for strategic decision-making.
  • Serve as gatekeeper, prioritizing communications to maximize Director’s efficiency.
  • Manage daily operations of the Immigration Department, ensuring compliance with policies and smooth workflows.
  • Coordinate with HR, Finance, Procurement, Facilities, and Legal to align immigration operations with university-wide processes.
  • Maintain trackers for visa applications, compliance renewals, and deadlines.
  • Act as first point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders requiring immigration support.
  • Liaise with MOHRE, ICP, Immigration, and Free Zone authorities, as well as external PROs, ensuring timely case resolution.
  • Support government inspections, audits, and official visits.
  • Assist in departmental budgeting and prepare reports.
  • Manage purchase requests (PRs), purchase orders (POs), and vendor invoicing.
  • Negotiate with vendors to ensure cost savings and compliance.
  • Organize departmental meetings, workshops, and training.
  • Prepare compliance reports and data presentations for senior leadership.

Office Manager

CWB Limited
Abu Dhabi
09.2023 - 07.2025
  • Oversaw operations across multiple GCC offices, including setup, relocations, and facilities management.
  • Managed vendor contracts, supplies, and procurement while ensuring budget compliance.
  • Organized firm-wide travel logistics, events, and team-building activities.
  • Ensured renewal of company licenses and regulatory filings.
  • Coordinated employee onboarding/offboarding and maintained accurate HR documentation.
  • Handled visa applications, medical insurance renewals, and labor law compliance.
  • Supported HR with contracts, offer letters, and policy updates.
  • Provided C-Suite & Partner-level support, managing calendars, travel, and international meeting coordination.
  • Drafted, proofread, and finalized reports, board presentations, and executive correspondence.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality in executive decision-making processes.

HR Administrative Assistant

Asayel Investment LLC
Abu Dhabi
08.2021 - 06.2023
  • Managed contracts, vendor negotiations, office budget, and facilities maintenance.
  • Handled renewal of licenses and compliance filings.
  • Organized travel, visas, and accommodation for employees.
  • Supported HR with employee records, payroll coordination, recruitment, and interviews.
  • Revised policies to align with changing UAE labor regulations.

Facilities and Maintenance Officer

Montana General Maintenance
Abu Dhabi
08.2020 - 08.2021
  • Oversaw building operations, maintenance, and vendor contracts.
  • Coordinated with stakeholders on facilities upgrades and safety standards.

Administrative Assistant

Related Companies
Abu Dhabi
06.2015 - 04.2019
  • Managed office administration, facilities, and HR support for site-based staff.
  • Coordinated with HR on visas, onboarding, and compliance matters.
  • Provided PA support: scheduling, correspondence, and travel.
  • Assisted with finance processes (invoices, purchase orders, payments).

Receptionist/Secretary

Maximus Air LLC
Abu Dhabi
01.2012 - 06.2015
  • Provided front office, correspondence, and document control support.
  • Assisted HR with visa processing, leave management, and employee requests.

Administrative Coordinator

ELS Language Center
Abu Dhabi
08.2008 - 01.2012
  • Coordinated student services, office administration, and HR documentation.
  • Supported academic staff with scheduling, events, and compliance.

Education

Diploma - Computer Science

Khawarzmi International College

Skills

  • Executive & Administrative Support
  • Office & Facilities Management
  • HR Policies, Employee Relations & Recruitment
  • Immigration & Compliance (UAE Labor Law, Free Zone Regulations)
  • Procurement, Vendor Negotiation & Contract Management
  • Budgeting, Expense Control & Financial Reconciliation
  • Project & Event Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Government Liaison
  • Confidential Document Handling & Risk Management
  • ERP & HR System: D365 (Microsoft Dynamics), Oracle, SAP, Workday, ServiceNow
  • Government Portals: MOHRE, ICP, Free Zone Portals
  • Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

LANGUAGES

Arabic
Native
English
Fluent

Timeline

Office Manager

New York University
08.2025 - 09.2025

Office Manager

CWB Limited
09.2023 - 07.2025

HR Administrative Assistant

Asayel Investment LLC
08.2021 - 06.2023

Facilities and Maintenance Officer

Montana General Maintenance
08.2020 - 08.2021

Administrative Assistant

Related Companies
06.2015 - 04.2019

Receptionist/Secretary

Maximus Air LLC
01.2012 - 06.2015

Administrative Coordinator

ELS Language Center
08.2008 - 01.2012

Diploma - Computer Science

Khawarzmi International College
SARAH YOUSSEF