H.E. Nehal Badri is a visionary media leader and the Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, where she plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction, governance, and global positioning of Dubai’s media landscape. With extensive experience in media policy, regulation, and industry development, she has led transformative initiatives that strengthened Dubai’s creative and media ecosystem, spanning film, gaming, talent development, and content industries.

Under her leadership, the Council advances key policies, regulatory frameworks, and strategic enablers that support a future-ready media sector while fostering collaboration across government, industry, and global platforms such as the World Economic Forum. She was instrumental in the establishment and strategic alignment of the Dubai Media Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and was appointed Secretary General in 2022 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

H.E. Nehal is committed to nurturing the next generation of media professionals through partnerships with academic institutions. She serves on the governing board of the American University in Dubai and the advisory board of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Communication.

Previously, she held senior leadership roles at the Government of Dubai Media Office, including Director of Strategy & Excellence and Director of Brand Dubai, where she led major strategies, policies, and unification efforts that elevated Dubai’s global presence.

H.E. Nehal holds a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School, a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Emmanuel College and Massachusetts College of Art, and a holds a Board Certificate from the Hawkamah Institute of Directors. She is widely recognized for her strategic foresight, impactful execution, and dedication to advancing Dubai as a global media hub.