Her Excellency Hala Badri: A Visionary Leader Shaping Dubai’s Cultural Landscape
Her Excellency Hala Badri is a highly accomplished and visionary leader who currently serves as the Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), a role she has held since April 2019. Appointed by a royal decree from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Hala Badri’s leadership is transforming Dubai into a global cultural hub. Her extensive experience in diverse sectors such as telecommunications, oil and gas, media, and real estate has equipped her with the strategic vision needed to drive Dubai’s cultural and creative industries forward.
Hala Badri’s journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in Dubai’s cultural scene is underpinned by a solid educational foundation. She holds an Executive Master in E-Business from Zayed University and a Higher Diploma in Communication Technology (Journalism) from the Higher Colleges of Technology. Additionally, she completed the International Directors Program at INSEAD, honing her leadership skills and expanding her strategic vision.
Career in Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, and Media
Before taking the helm at Dubai Culture, Hala Badri had a remarkable career in several sectors, where she contributed to the development of key organizations. In telecommunications, she served as the Executive Vice President of Brand and Communications at du, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s brand strategy and its position in the competitive market.
Her career also spans the oil and gas sector, where she worked as a Senior Advisor on Strategic Communications for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), shaping communications strategies that elevated the company’s position in the global market.
Furthermore, Hala Badri gained significant experience in the media and real estate sectors, where she was instrumental in strategic planning and operational excellence. This diverse experience enabled her to bring a multidisciplinary approach to her leadership role at Dubai Culture.
Leadership at Dubai Culture
As the Director General of Dubai Culture, Hala Badri’s leadership has been transformative. She has been a driving force behind the development and implementation of major cultural initiatives in Dubai. One of her most significant achievements has been the launch of the Dubai Public Art Strategy, which aims to enhance the city’s cultural infrastructure and establish Dubai as an international center for public art.
Under her leadership, Dubai was awarded the opportunity to host the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference in 2025. This achievement marked a significant milestone, making Dubai the first city in the MENASA region to host the prestigious event, further solidifying the city’s growing cultural influence.
Shaping Dubai’s Cultural Identity: Leadership, Vision, and Global Impact
Hala Badri’s dedication to cultural growth extends beyond her role at Dubai Culture. She holds influential positions on several boards, including the Dubai Women Establishment, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, and the Dubai Media Council. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the Higher Colleges of Technology and the Rashid and Latifa Schools Establishment. Her leadership has earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in the region by Forbes and a place among the Middle East’s Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company in 2024.
Hala Badri’s vision for Dubai is to establish the city as a global leader in culture and innovation, shaping its cultural identity through diversity and sustainable development. Her strategic direction continues to drive Dubai’s cultural growth, positioning it as a beacon of excellence and creativity.
