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As the Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Her Excellency Hala Badri exemplifies innovative leadership, driving the transformation of Dubai into a global cultural hub. Since July 2022, her strategic foresight, commitment to empowering women, and innovative initiatives have significantly contributed to Dubai's cultural and creative industries, positioning the emirate as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Driving Strategic Innovation
Hala Badri’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Dubai’s cultural landscape through innovative strategies that have far-reaching impacts. Under her guidance, Dubai Culture has launched numerous initiatives, including the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which aims to increase the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP to 5% by 2026. This initiative is a testament to her visionary leadership in transforming Dubai into the global capital of the creative economy. She has overseen the development of key cultural projects such as the Al Quoz Creative Zone, which has become a thriving hub for art and culture, attracting talent worldwide.
Her leadership was also instrumental in securing international cultural events, including the ICOM General Conference 2025, which will be hosted in Dubai for the first time in the MENASA region. This achievement highlights her success in positioning Dubai as a global cultural destination.
Empowering Women and the Community
Hala has consistently championed female empowerment and gender equality. As Vice Chairperson of the Dubai Women Establishment and a key member of the Dubai Sports Council Women and Sports Committee, she has led initiatives promoting female advancement in the UAE. Through her leadership, women have gained significant visibility and support in the cultural and creative sectors.
Her mentorship has nurtured numerous women in creative industries, helping them rise to leadership positions. Hala’s influence extends beyond Dubai, as she actively supports initiatives that elevate women’s contributions in various sectors, inspiring a new generation of Emirati women to pursue careers in culture and creativity.
Hala also contributed to the long-term cultural visa initiative, attracting global talent to Dubai while ensuring women and other underrepresented groups are supported in their creative endeavours.
Commitment to Mentorship and Lifelong Learning
Hala’s leadership philosophy is rooted in mentorship and continuous learning. She has personally guided her team and the wider community, advocating for the importance of education and skills development in achieving professional success. Under her mentorship, three of her team members have ascended to CEO positions, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Her approach to leadership is empowering, providing her team with autonomy and fostering a culture of learning. Hala has focused on building second-line leadership within Dubai Culture, ensuring sustainable growth and continuity.
Hala’s dedication to inclusivity is further evidenced by her initiatives to support People of Determination. Through partnerships with organisations like the Dubai Center for Special Needs, she has developed programs that integrate people of determination into the cultural scene, enhancing their quality of life.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Under Hala’s direction, Dubai Culture achieved a 90.4% employee happiness score in 2024, showcasing her ability to create a positive, supportive work environment. This has led to higher productivity and success across Dubai Culture’s initiatives, contributing to the emirate’s broader economic goals.
Hala’s ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her commitments is further testament to her exceptional leadership skills. She actively participates in numerous boards and committees while driving Dubai’s cultural and creative agenda. Her dedication to improving the quality of life for the community, especially women, reflects her holistic approach to leadership. Through her tireless efforts, Dubai is now recognised as a global centre for culture and creativity, making her a deserving candidate for Most Innovative Woman of the Year.
Nomination Title: Her Excellency Hala Badri
