The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has appointed Shaima Salem Al Nahdi as Corporate Communication Director, reinforcing its leadership team as the emirate advances its economic diversification and investment ambitions.
Al Nahdi announced her new role on LinkedIn, marking another milestone in a career that spans government communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and public sector leadership. She assumes the position after serving in senior communication roles across several Abu Dhabi government entities.
Extensive experience across Abu Dhabi government institutions
Before joining ADDED, Al Nahdi served as Corporate Communication Director at the Abu Dhabi Crisis Management Center (ADCMC), a role she held from February to June 2026. Prior to that, she led the Coordination and Governmental Relations Section at the organisation for nearly two years.
Her career also includes leadership positions at the Abu Dhabi Media Office, where she headed Government Media Services, and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, where she led corporate communication and media initiatives for more than three years. Earlier, she held senior corporate communications and training roles at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
The breadth of her experience has given her exposure to crisis communications, government relations, media management and public engagement, making her one of the experienced communication professionals within Abu Dhabi’s public sector landscape.
Academic and leadership credentials support new role
Al Nahdi holds a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Abu Dhabi University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Quality and Strategic Management from the Higher Colleges of Technology. She also completed the Al Jadaara Leadership Development Program offered by the Department of Government Enablement in 2025.
Her academic background, combined with more than a decade of experience in government communications and organisational leadership, is expected to support ADDED’s efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and strategic messaging.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic growth narrative
As Corporate Communication Director, Al Nahdi will play a key role in shaping communication strategies that support ADDED’s mission of fostering economic growth, attracting investment and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness.
Her appointment comes at a time when government entities across the UAE are increasingly focusing on integrated communication strategies to support economic transformation initiatives and strengthen engagement with investors, businesses and the wider community.
