Head of Programming & Events, UAE Expo Office

Overview

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain the UAE Expo Office’s master programming strategy, in alignment with office-wide goals and long-term participation strategy.
• Lead the development of Expo-specific programming frameworks that reflect the UAE’s thematic positioning, engagement priorities, and soft power objectives.
• Ensure programming is strategically linked to the pavilion’s purpose and contributes to uncovering new value, narratives, and partnerships for the UAE.

Program Design & Development

• Oversee the design and delivery of robust programming calendars, including National Day celebrations, talks, performances, thematic weeks, institutional engagements, and cultural activations.
• Translate Expo-wide opportunities into meaningful UAE-led programs that reinforce the UAE’s leadership in innovation, diplomacy, and global collaboration.
• Collaborate with operations, communications, and guest experience teams to ensure seamless integration across pavilion workstreams.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with UAE institutions, international organizations, knowledge entities, and cultural stakeholders.
• Serve as the principal programming liaison to UAE government bodies, Expo organizers, and external partners.
• Ensure that the pavilion becomes a trusted platform for high-level engagement with the host nation and priority audiences.
• Facilitate the meaningful integration of private sector and institutional partners into the programming offer.

Delivery & Operations

• Lead all aspects of programming operations from concept to delivery, including timeline planning, creative briefs, and content curation.
• Ensure programs meet global standards for accessibility, inclusion, and cultural relevance.
• Provide on-site leadership and quality assurance during major events and VIP engagements.

Measurement & Legacy

• Define and track KPIs to measure programming reach, quality, and strategic impact.
• Embed knowledge-sharing and legacy-building into the design and documentation of programming.
• Produce post-Expo reviews and impact reports to capture lessons learned and inform future participations.

Leadership & Budget

• Lead the procurement, contracting, and oversight of agencies and partners delivering programming content.
• Manage the programming budget and ensure efficient, high-impact delivery.
• Supervise and mentor cross-functional teams working on content and programming.