Manar Al Hinai

Leeds University Business School graduate Manar Al Hinai, is a marketing and branding consultant, content developer, and writer based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She was named Arab Woman of the Year 2011 and listed as one of the UAE’s 100 inspirational individuals in 2012 and 2014.

“From a young age I have known that I was born to make a difference in this world, and my experiences at Leeds have given me the skills, drive and determination to pursue this goal. I was inspired by what the MA in Diversity course at the Business School could offer me, because I live in a country with a very diverse community of expatriate workers and living in such an interconnected world, I knew this degree would help me"

Since graduation Manar has had a portfolio career - starting her own casual wear fashion line “Lucky Nooni”, working as a writer and contributing to a weekly column to the United Arab Emirates leading newspaper ‘The National’, along with columns in various publications such as Entrepreneur and Arabian Business magazine. She has also been a Senior Vice President and head of corporate communications at Invest AD - Abu Dhabi Investment Company, where she handled all marketing and communications activities, and currently manages a boutique Emirati consultancy ‘Move Consultancy’ offering creative branding and marketing services in the UAE and Oman.

Manar’s most recent venture is launching the first online magazine of its kind in the Arabian Gulf Region, Sekka, that will look at business, arts & culture, lifestyle in English. It's managed by Emiratis and written by mainly Arabian Gulf nationals or those who have lived in the Arabian Gulf region, with the aim to enhance society and culture by sharing daily, original, and exclusive stories of the region with the world.

Manar is also a philanthropist, and supports autistic children in her hometown by holding different functions that benefit the children and helps to raise awareness about the disorder. 

“Leeds University Business School has taught me to always achieve and not let anything stop me. If you have passion for what you are studying, or where you want to work, then nothing in this world can stop you. Always be positive, and accept any chance to learn something. There will be some ups and downs, but at the end it is all worth it.