Hajar Bakhit Alketbi

Hajar Bakhit Alketbi is a distinguished Emirati professional with 19 years of expertise in Marketing and Communications. She has worked across high- profile international, regional, private, and public sector institutions, formulating strategic communication, marketing, and public relations initiatives that drive business excellence. She is currently the Director of Government Communications at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), where she oversees the ministry’s government communication strategy, ensuring alignment with its strategic vision. Her role includes developing and executing media, social media, events, and CSR strategies, managing the public image of the minister and leadership team, and transforming external stakeholder relations into strategic partnerships. She also served as the lead communications representative for MOCCAE at COP28, hosted in the UAE in 2023. Previously, Alketbi was the Director of Corporate Marketing, Media & Relations at Dubai Municipality (2018-2022), where she led the municipality’s marketing and communications strategy, revitalized its corporate image, and spearheaded public relations and corporate social responsibility efforts. She played a pivotal role in launching some of Dubai’s most significant infrastructure projects and aligning the municipality’s agenda with Dubai’s broader vision. Her contributions earned her the “Marketing Executive of the Year” award at the 19th International Business Awards 2022 and the “Female Executive of the Year in Government or Non-Profit” award at the 19th Women in Business Awards 2022. Prior to her tenure at Dubai Municipality, she served as Vice President of Corporate Communications, Public Relations & Sustainability at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) (2014-2018), where she successfully led media and communications outreach to international and regional audiences. Her work contributed to DIFC being ranked the #1 financial center in MEASA and #8 globally. Earlier in her career, Alketbi spent nearly a decade at Chalhoub Group (2005- 2014), where she rose through the ranks to become the Regional Marketing Department Manager for Carolina Herrera across the GCC and Levant. She was responsible for leading the brand’s marketing strategy and activations in seven countries, consistently securing the #1 position in PR and sales among all fashion brands in the group. In addition to her professional roles, Alketbi is an active mentor and masterclass speaker for startups, contributing to key programs such as the UN Women Program (in partnership with Nama Women Advancement Establishment), MISK Startups Accelerator (KSA), and Startupbootcamp. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Canadian University in Dubai and is a graduate of the UAE Government Leadership Program (Qiyadaat – Executive Leaders), organized by the Prime Minister’s Office. In 2024, Alketbi received two Globee Awards in Communication, further cementing her reputation as a leader in the field.