Hala Albarrak: A Visionary Leader in International Affairs
Hala Albarrak stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's strategic efforts to solidify its global presence, particularly in international diplomacy and cross-sector partnerships. As a dynamic and results-driven professional, her career has spanned pivotal roles across government entities, enabling her to shape, promote, and execute Saudi Arabia’s international strategy, with a particular focus on fostering relations in key sectors such as communications, space, and technology. Through her leadership and global network, Albarrak has become a vital figure in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a national initiative aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and enhancing its global influence.
An Expanding Career in Global Diplomacy
Currently serving as the External & International Affairs Advisor at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning, Hala Albarrak plays a critical role in coordinating the Kingdom’s global strategy. Her efforts are directed toward fostering international partnerships that align with the socio-economic goals set forth by Vision 2030. Albarrak's work centers on ensuring that Saudi Arabia's participation in global platforms like the World Economic Forum in Davos effectively represents the nation's aspirations and economic priorities. She facilitates international engagement, strengthens ties with international stakeholders, and leads high-level policy discussions, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains a key player on the global stage.
Prior to her current role, Albarrak has held multiple leadership positions that have reinforced her expertise in international relations. Her tenure at the Saudi Space Commission exemplifies her capability in steering international dialogue and cooperation in cutting-edge industries. At the Space Commission, she managed international relations and public communication, building partnerships that support Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning role in space science and exploration. Albarrak's leadership during international visits, including high-profile events such as the ASE 32nd Congress and SPACE20 during the G20, positioned Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to global space initiatives.
Additionally, Albarrak’s role at the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) allowed her to expand her influence in the global technology and communications sectors. There, she built relationships with foreign governments and organizations, evaluated cooperation opportunities, and worked on initiatives aligned with CITC’s goals, further enhancing the Kingdom's international standing in these vital sectors.
Building Bridges Between Saudi Arabia and the World
A significant chapter of Hala Albarrak’s career unfolded during her time at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Paris, where she served as the General Supervisor of Businessmen's Affairs. In this role, Albarrak acted as a liaison between Saudi and French business communities, facilitating dialogues that led to stronger economic collaboration between the two countries. Her coordination of high-level government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings, including during HRH's official visits and the Franco-Saudi CEO Forum, strengthened diplomatic ties and promoted new economic opportunities.
Her earlier career, which includes positions in human resources and marketing, demonstrates her versatility and ability to excel in various fields. Whether managing public relations during her internship at La Duree or optimizing human resource processes at Dar Al-Liwa Security Consultation & Information, Albarrak's capacity for leadership has consistently shone through.
Educational Foundation and Global Perspective
Hala Albarrak’s international outlook is supported by an impressive academic background that spans prestigious institutions around the globe. She holds an MBA in Business Diplomacy from INSEEC Grande Ecole, where she honed her strategic planning and diplomatic skills. Additionally, Albarrak pursued intensive business English at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), further refining her communication abilities in a global context.
Her education also includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from Al Yamamah University, with supplemental coursework in International Marketing from The University of British Columbia. This robust academic foundation has equipped her with the tools to navigate the complexities of international relations, strategic planning, and diplomacy.
A Vision Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Future
As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its Vision 2030 goals, leaders like Hala Albarrak are essential in ensuring that the Kingdom's voice is not only heard but respected on the global stage. Albarrak’s ability to bridge gaps between Saudi Arabia and its international counterparts—whether in the space sector, technology, or global economic forums—underscores her value as a forward-thinking leader. Her work in enhancing Saudi Arabia's global presence, particularly through fostering diplomatic and business relations, has contributed significantly to the Kingdom’s progress.
Hala Albarrak’s commitment to her country’s future, alongside her proven track record in international affairs, makes her a standout figure in Saudi Arabia’s public sector. As the Kingdom continues its journey toward economic diversification and global leadership, Albarrak's expertise and vision will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's path forward.