Najla AlKaabi
Executive-level AI strategy, platform, governance, and transformation leadership
The move
MoveMinistry of Foreign Affairs → du
TitleExecutive Director / International Cooperation → Head/VP of AI
LocationUnited Arab Emirates → Dubai
Career arcBoomerang (UAE-educated, foreign stint)★
Cross-border moveNo — same country
UAE federal / sovereign destinationYes ★
Years in UAE8.4
Total experience12.4 years
du headcount1,001-5,000 employees
du industryTelecommunications
du HQDubai
du typePublic Company
Career arc
- Head/VP of AIAug 2024 — Present
du· Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time - Director of Digital and Emerging ServicesMay 2021 — Aug 2024du· Full-time
- Executive Director / International CooperationMay 2012 — Dec 2018
Ministry of Foreign Affairs· United Arab Emirates· Full-time - Director of IT Professional Services and DevelopmentDec 2011 — May 2012
ALROWAD IT Solutions· Full-time
- Java Application DeveloperSep 2008 — Feb 2009
METRO Deutschland GmbH· Germany· Full-time
Education
- George Mason UniversityMaster's degree · Information SystemsPresent
- Harvard Kennedy SchoolMid-Career Master · Public Administration2016 — 2017
- United Arab Emirates UniversityBachelor's degree in Computer SciencePresent
Top skills
IT StrategyGovernmentPublic PolicyStrategic PartnershipsStrategic ThinkingNegotiation