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Lama Barakat

Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Global Business Leader| Strategic Advisor in Investment & Growth | Expert in Hospitality, Mega Events,International Partnerships & Fintech Innovation | Certified Protocol & Etiquette Trainer
18.0 yrs experienceManagement Consulting
Jun 2025

The move

MoveDubai Business Women Council (DBWC) → Smartkey Solutions
TitleMember → Chief Growth Officer
LocationDubai → United Arab Emirates
Career arcRooted in UAE★
Cross-border moveNo — same country
Native languageArabic
Years in UAE19.3
Total experience18.0 years
Smartkey Solutions headcount11-50 employees
Smartkey Solutions industryIT Services and IT Consulting
Smartkey Solutions HQBeirut
Smartkey Solutions founded2025
Smartkey Solutions typePublic Company

Career arc

  1. Chief Growth OfficerJun 2025 — Present
    Smartkey Solutions· United Arab Emirates
  2. MemberOct 2023 — Present
    Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC)· Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
  3. Founder | CEOMay 2023 — Present
    Spectraevents· Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
  4. General ManagerNov 2021 — Mar 2023
    Power International Holding· Doha, Qatar· Full-time
  5. Regional General ManagerOct 2019 — Oct 2021
    Abu Dhabi National Hotels Compass ME LLC· Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
  6. Deputy General ManagerOct 2018 — Oct 2019
    Renaissance Services· Oman
  7. Director of Contracts & CommercialJun 2014 — Oct 2018
    Royal Catering Services L.L.C.· Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia· Full-time
  8. Director of SalesJan 2014 — Jun 2014
    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts· Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
  9. Director of Sales and MarketingJan 2013 — Jan 2014
    Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi· Abu Dhabi
  10. Area Assistant Director of Sales - Area Sales office - Abu Dhabi & Al AinFeb 2008 — Jan 2013
    Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC· Abu Dhabi

Education

Languages

  • French · Full professional
  • Arabic · Native or bilingual
  • Chinese · Elementary
  • Spanish · Elementary
  • English · Full professional

Top skills

Problem SolvingCross-functional Team LeadershipAccount Portfolio ManagementCreativity and InnovationStandard Operating Procedure (SOP)Strategic Leadership

About

Founder and Strategic Investment Advisor with 18+ years of leadership across the GCC, Africa, and international markets.I work with investors, governments, and private sector leaders to structure cross-border partnerships, unlock market entry opportunities, and scale ventures in complex environments.My experience includes advising and leading ventures, managing multi-million-dollar portfolios, and delivering high-level engagements across public and private sectors. I specialize in connecting the right stakeholders, aligning interests across cultures, and turning strategic relationships into executable deals. With a strong foundation in protocol, diplomacy, and executive engagement, I operate effectively in high-stakes environments where precision, trust, and cultural intelligence matter. M

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