about charbel el khouri
A Freelance Marketing Consultant in Dubai
As a recognized freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, I bring over 20 years of regional expertise. My approach blends traditional marketing with innovative digital and media communication strategies, tailored to the unique landscape of Dubai’s dynamic market.
The bilingual capabilities, coupled with a solid industry reputation as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, have been pivotal in designing marketing strategies that connect prominent brands and multinational entities to their desired audiences—translating into unparalleled achievements in the UAE market.
Also, my portfolio, reflecting my journey as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, showcases a robust track record of crafting compelling marketing narratives, driving key engagement metrics, fostering business growth, and ensuring consistent KPI attainment across a diverse range of clients in the region.
Anchored by a sharp analytical acumen and impeccable communication prowess, I thrive in orchestrating high-stake campaigns and managing intricate marketing challenges. As a dedicated freelance marketing consultant, I’m fervently committed to cultivating enduring client relationships in Dubai, with an unwavering ambition to propel businesses to their pinnacle of success.
Education
As a seasoned freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, my educational foundation has been pivotal in shaping my approach to modern marketing challenges. I hold a Master of Science in International Business with a specialization in High Tech Entrepreneurship, a degree that equipped me with a global perspective and an innovative mindset in business strategy. My academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, providing me with fundamental insights into business operations and management. Further complementing my expertise, I pursued a Master in Digital Marketing, which has been instrumental in keeping me at the forefront of digital trends and techniques in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing in Dubai and beyond. This blend of education has not only honed my skills but also deeply informed my strategic thinking and execution as a freelance marketing consultant.
Master of Science in International Business - High Tech entrepreneurship
September 2001 - September 2002
SEKMA, Sophia Antipolis, France
Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration
September 1998 - June 2001
American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Master Digital Marketing
June 2022 - August 2022
LinkedIn Learning, Online
Overview by Numbers for a Freelance Marketing Consultant in Dubai
Multilingual Proficient Freelance Marketing Consultant in Dubai
As a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, my multilingual proficiency is a cornerstone of my ability to effectively communicate across diverse cultural and professional environments. Fluent in English, rivaling the depth of my expertise in my native Arabic, I bring a unique advantage to the diverse market of Dubai. In addition to these, my conversational skills in French enable me to confidently engage in both casual and formal discussions, further enhancing my capabilities as a sought-after marketing consultant in the UAE.
Interpersonal Skills
Throughout my extensive career as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, in strategic management and communication, I’ve consistently prioritized effective interpersonal relations. My expertise in strategic planning, vital in the dynamic Dubai market, is underscored by successful projects and initiatives that showcase both foresight and adaptability. As a manager with experience leading diverse teams in the UAE, I’ve harnessed my skills in communications planning, ensuring clarity and cohesion at all levels. This proficiency, combined with my ability to delegate tasks effectively, has led to numerous successful outcomes in Dubai, establishing trust and collaboration with stakeholders and team members alike, and cementing my reputation as a skilled freelance marketing consultant.
Personal Information
43
Age
2
Dependents
Freelance Marketing Consultant in Dubai with Hight Industry Knowledge
With expertise spanning sectors such as digital marketing, brand development, and event management, my industry knowledge as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai encompasses deep insights into both established and emerging markets. This experience has made me a seasoned professional, well-versed in the nuances of each domain and particularly adept at navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in the UAE market.
- Online Marketing
- E-commerce
- Marketing Communications
- Marketing Strategy
- Business Development
- Sales Management
- Budgets
- Social Media Marketing
- Online Advertising
- Corporate Branding
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Integrated Marketing
- Marketing Management
- International Marketing
- B2B Marketing
- B2C Marketing
- Internal Communications
- Crisis Communications
- Digital Media
- Digital Strategy
- Digital Publishing
- Business Strategy
- Public Relations
- Market Research
- Product Marketing
- Strategic Partnerships
- Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Negotiations
- Online Video Marketing
- New Business Development
- Strategic Public Relations Planning
- Content Strategy
- Content Planning
- Social Media Optimization (SMO)
- Twitter Marketing
- Facebook Marketing
- Instagram Advertising
- YouTube Marketing
- Social Media ROI
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Link Building
- Keyword Advertising
Sample Projects
Transforming the Emirates Soil Legacy
Entrusted with the monumental task of shaping the Emirates Soil Museum’s future, my role as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai was pivotal from conceptualization to implementation.
- Strategic Planning: As a seasoned freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, I devised the overarching business strategy and operational plan to align the museum’s vision with its objectives.
- Brand Evolution: My expertise in brand development, honed through my experience in the diverse Dubai market, led the brand development phase, producing robust brand guidelines that echoed the museum’s ethos.
- Marketing & Outreach: Utilizing my skills gained as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, I created and implemented a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to position the museum as a leader in its field.
- Partnerships & Collaborations: Building on my extensive network in Dubai and the UAE, I formed key alliances, notably with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ensuring a smooth operational flow and the museum’s successful launch.
- Digital Presence: Leveraging my understanding of the digital landscape in Dubai, I designed and populated the museum’s website and social media platforms, capturing its essence in the digital realm.
- AR Integration: My collaboration with specialist agencies to integrate augmented reality, a testament to my innovative approach as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, significantly enhanced the visitor experience.
Through strategic planning, branding expertise, and tech innovation, the Emirates Soil Museum emerged as an emblem of commitment and forward-thinking in its domain, a project enriched by my comprehensive experience in marketing consultancy in Dubai.
Here's a Dozen More!
Revolutionizing Banking in the UAE: ABN AMRO's E-Branch Initiative
In the face of regulatory constraints in the UAE, we innovatively navigated the challenges by spearheading the launch of 25 state-of-the-art e-branches for ABN AMRO. This move transformed the traditional banking paradigm, offering a unique blend of digital convenience and personal touch.
• Addressed regulatory challenges, by bypassing the limitation of only 10 physical branches.
• Swift digital transformation, having completed the rollout of 25 e-branches in just three months.
• Blended experience, where I merged online banking convenience with traditional personalized services.
• Business strategy prowess, portrayed by crafting and presented a comprehensive business and marketing plan ensuring effective implementation.
This strategic digital pivot not only positioned ABN AMRO at the forefront of the UAE's digital banking transformation but also showcased the bank's adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Sheikh Zayed Polo Stadium Launch in UAE
At the heart of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, I led the successful launch of the Sheikh Zayed Polo Stadium, seamlessly merging luxury, sportsmanship, and entertainment.
• Marketing & Communications: Crafted and executed the full marketing and communications plan, drawing in a sizable audience.
• Event Conceptualization: Conceived the overarching event theme, marrying polo's elegance with grand entertainment.
• Entertainment Management: Organized diverse activities and capped the evening with a live concert.
• VIP Management: Efficiently managed exclusive guest invitations, ensuring an elite guest experience.
• Media Relations: Spearheaded both pre and post-event press conferences, amplifying event reach.
• Attendance Success: Surpassed client's attendance expectations threefold, hosting over 5,000 attendees.
Through strategic planning and impeccable execution, the event stands as a hallmark of excellence in the UAE's luxury sports events domain.
Matajer Malls: Sharjah's Retail Transformation
Working closely with the Matajer Malls marketing team over four years, I played a pivotal role in refining and executing innovative retail marketing strategies that turned these malls into standout destinations.
• Collaborative Strategy: Alongside a dedicated team, shaped a multi-faceted marketing approach for sustained growth.
• Unique Activations: Launched digital activations that garnered significant footfall and engagement, solidifying their community-centric retail approach.
• Promotional Mastery: Spearheaded promotional events that captured the essence of Sharjah's retail culture.
• Sustained Impact: Regularly reviewed and optimized strategies, ensuring Matajer Malls stayed ahead in a competitive landscape.
Through this comprehensive approach, Matajer Malls not only transformed the retail scene in Sharjah but also established themselves as the heart of their communities.
Empowering Al Zahia's Real Estate Vision in Sharjah
At the heart of Al Zahia's transformative real estate journey in Sharjah, I was instrumental in guiding the marketing team through a series of strategic decisions over a 12-month period.
• Refined Marketing Approach: Collaboratively tailored Al Zahia’s marketing and communications strategies, ensuring a blend of traditional and modern outreach methods.
• Activation and Promotional Events: Orchestrated impactful activation events that heightened brand visibility and engagement.
• Exhibition Tactics: Devised innovative exhibition strategies that effectively showcased Al Zahia's unique property offerings.
• Remarkable Outcome: Our holistic marketing efforts were pivotal in turning Al Zahia into a notable success in Sharjah's competitive real estate market.
The culmination of these strategic efforts positioned Al Zahia not just as another real estate venture, but as a landmark community in Sharjah's evolving urban landscape.
Elevating the AWA Water Leaders Forum
The AWA Water Leaders Forum transformed into an international sensation, connecting attendees from over 45 countries.
• Strategic Event Management: Played a pivotal role in orchestrating a seamless event, resulting in a 20% increase in attendance compared to similar industry forums.
• Branding Brilliance: Contributed to crafting a compelling brand narrative, emphasizing the urgency of water challenges and the promise of regional collaboration.
• Media Relations Mastery: My proactive approach garnered extensive media coverage, broadening the forum's reach and influence.
• Clear Communications: Strategized and implemented communication initiatives that effectively conveyed the forum's core messages, sparking insightful discussions and actionable outcomes.
The forum's success is a reflection of meticulous planning, compelling communication, and impactful branding.
EastNets Global Expansion: Revolutionizing Marketing & Amplifying Revenue
During EastNets' pivotal phase of international growth, I played a crucial role in transforming the marketing department and crafting strategies that saw not only a rejuvenation of brand presence but also a remarkable four-fold increase in annual revenue.
• Departmental Revamp: Restructured and refocused the marketing team to align with global outreach goals.
• Internal Marketing Communication: Rolled out a comprehensive internal marketing communication strategy, fostering synergy and ensuring alignment with EastNets' broader vision.
• Targeted Outreach Campaigns: Designed and executed campaigns that resonated with international audiences, enhancing EastNets' brand footprint across multiple regions.
• Revenue Surge: These concerted efforts directly translated to a historic quadrupling of annual revenue.
With these strategic initiatives, we not only met but often surpassed our ambitious sales targets, solidifying EastNets' position on the global stage.
ICBA's Brand Transformation: Elevating Agricultural Impact in Marginal Lands
In collaboration with the dedicated team at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), I was instrumental in leading a comprehensive rebranding campaign.
• Holistic Rebranding: Led a multi-faceted initiative to modernize ICBA's image and branding strategy.
• Biosalinity Magazine Relaunch: Enhanced content and design, resulting in a significant boost in readership and engagement.
• Website Revamp: Introduced a cutting-edge digital platform that showcased ICBA's pioneering work.
• Internal Communications Boost: Implemented strategies that fostered greater interdepartmental cohesion and clarity.
• Public Perception: Crafted targeted campaigns to enhance public image, particularly among prospective donors and stakeholders.
The collective efforts paid off, with ICBA witnessing a marked surge in stakeholder engagement and positioning itself as a modern, forward-thinking entity in the agricultural domain.
"Made in Lebanon" Initiative: Elevating National Industry to Global Heights
Spearheading a landmark initiative in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Industry, I conceived and led a project aimed at celebrating the richness of our local industries. Here's how I unfolded the vision:
• Conceptualization: Imagined and shaped the idea from scratch, turning vision into actionable plans.
• Partnerships: Secured pivotal collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Lebanese Ministry of Industry, Central Bank, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, and several private sector institutions. These partnerships were instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
• Strategic Documentation: Developed a robust business plan, crafting a compelling proposal that gained the endorsement of the Lebanese government and influential NGOs.
• Media Spotlight: Conceived and oversaw the production of a documentary-style TV program titled "Made in Lebanon". This series cast a spotlight on diverse Lebanese industries, serving both as an educational and promotional tool.
• Digital Extension: Envisioned and brought to life an online platform, further amplifying our message and reaching a broader audience.
• International Outreach: Extended the campaign's footprint internationally through touring exhibitions. This not only showcased Lebanese ingenuity but also resonated with the vast Lebanese diaspora worldwide, creating a sense of pride and connection.
• Marketing and Communications: Devised and managed an extensive marketing and communications plan, ensuring our message was consistent, impactful, and reached the intended audience seamlessly.
Through this comprehensive approach, we not only celebrated local achievements but also fostered global connections, highlighting the brilliance and potential of Lebanese industries.
Tejari.com's E-commerce Mastery: Pan-Global Success
At Tejari.com, I conceptualized and launched ten online e-commerce platforms tailored for diverse markets, from Shanghai to Milan. Under my leadership:
• Crafted unique business strategies for each platform.
• Oversaw all operations, from marketing to forging global partnerships.
• Consistently surpassed set targets, setting new performance benchmarks.
• Efficient management techniques led to 90% of Tejari's profits from just 40% of its revenue.
A testament to strategic acumen and operational excellence in the e-commerce domain.
HRA Abu Dhabi: Elevating Communication & Strategy
Working alongside the Human Resources Authority (HRA) in Abu Dhabi, I undertook a pivotal role in reshaping their communication approach. In just two months:
• Formulated and rolled out an all-encompassing marketing and communications plan.
• Crafted a strategic proposal for the Town Hall meeting.
• Overhauled HRA's website content in dual languages.
• Authored and released timely press statements, amplifying HRA's voice.
• Innovated HRA's social media engagement strategy.
• Managed crisis communications, safeguarding HRA's reputation.
The subsequent two months saw me oversee the successful realization of these strategies, solidifying HRA's market stature.
Elevating the International Quinoa Conversation in Dubai
At the heart of the prestigious International Quinoa Conference held at Zayed University, my contributions were instrumental in shaping the event's outreach and resonance.
• Strategic Planning: Spearheaded the comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, ensuring the event captured global attention.
• Media Engagement: Orchestrated robust media relations, resulting in broad coverage and amplifying the conference's impact.
• Conference Management: Seamlessly managed the intricate logistics of the conference and exhibition, guaranteeing a smooth experience for attendees.
• Elite Participation: Through meticulous outreach, attracted world-class speakers and a high-level audience, enhancing the caliber of discussions.
• Esteemed Patronage: The event was graced with the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, a testament to its significance in the UAE's academic and diplomatic spheres.
With the synergy of focused marketing efforts and elite participation, the International Quinoa Conference emerged as a landmark event, underscoring Dubai's role as a hub for groundbreaking discussions.
Tanurin Bakery's Ascendancy in Central Asia
In my pivotal role at Tanurin Bakery, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, I was at the forefront of transforming its business strategy, driving its brand, and steering two significant fundraising rounds.
• Strategic Development: Drafted the foundational business and operational plans that set the trajectory for Tanurin's growth.
• Branding Excellence: Championed a complete brand guideline initiative, capturing the essence and identity of the bakery, which resulted in a marked 20% increase in customer footfall post-rebranding.
• Investor Relations: Prepared a compelling investor deck that successfully secured an initial $1 Million in the first funding round.
• Marketing and Communication: Orchestrated a holistic marketing strategy, employing both traditional and innovative tactics tailored to the Central Asian market.
• Expansion Vision: Currently navigating a second funding round with an ambitious target of $25 Million, aiming to extend Tanurin's footprint across Central Asia.
With a successful first funding round and a promising future, Tanurin Bakery is poised to become a bakery beacon in Central Asia, with me steering its marketing and strategic endeavors.
Employment History
Marketing Strategist - Freelancer
C&H Communications (Bishkek)
May 2023 – Jul 2023
During my tenure at C&H Communications, I played a key role in shaping the ambitious water park project:
- Business Strategy: Developed a business blueprint addressing project feasibility, potential risks, and ROI projections. This foundation ensured the project's alignment with market needs and expectations.
- Holistic Marketing: Designed campaigns tailored for Bishkek's demographic, blending traditional advertising with digital platforms such as social media and influencer partnerships.
- Public Relations & Outreach: Established a communication strategy that integrated local media relations, content promotion, and online outreach, increasing the project's visibility.
- Investor Engagement: Crafted a data-driven investor pitch deck, emphasizing the venture's potential and unique propositions, attracting significant investment interest.
Marketing Communications Consultant
Seven Media (Abu Dhabi)
Dec 2022 – Apr 2023
Guiding the Communications Strategy at The Human Resources Authority of Abu Dhabi:
- Spearheaded tailored solutions to amplify brand profiles and foster meaningful client relations.
- Conceived and executed a holistic marketing plan, including digital outreach and content promotion.
- Ensured timely and budget-compliant delivery of projects, consistently exceeding stakeholder expectations.
- Produced detailed assessment reports, leveraging insights to optimize performance continually.
- Effectively navigated and resolved operational and strategic challenges, maintaining seamless operations.
Managing Partner & Marketing Strategist
C&H Communications (Dubai, Beirut)
Jan 2018 – Oct 2022
At C&H Communications, I shaped the strategic vision, fostered crucial client relationships, and steered the company to success across its two key locations, Dubai and Beirut.
- Strategic Development: Pioneered the long-term business plans, setting a clear direction for the agency's future.
- Client Engagement: Actively participated in business pitches, securing and nurturing pivotal client relationships.
- Financial Acumen: Meticulously managed budgets, guaranteeing optimal profitability and fiscal responsibility.
- Team Empowerment: Championed professional development while motivating a passionate and efficient team.
- Operational Excellence: Streamlined agency operations, ensuring peak productivity and effectiveness.
- Service Evolution: Adapted agency offerings in response to the evolving landscape of marketing trends.
- Risk Vigilance: Proactively recognized potential setbacks, ensuring the agency's full regulatory compliance.
- Transparent Communication: Engaged consistently with partners and stakeholders, providing key agency updates.
- Agency Ambassador: Elevated agency's reputation, representing its core values at industry-leading events.
- Pursuit of Excellence: Incorporated industry best practices, driven by continuous feedback and innovation.
- Holistic Campaign Management: Orchestrated multi-channel marketing strategies, from social media to traditional outlets, crafting impactful campaigns for a diverse clientele.
Senior Manager, Communications & Business Development
International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (Dubai)
Jan 2013 – Dec 2018
This tenure with ICBA underscored my capability to amalgamate communications and business development strategies, yielding tangible results and amplifying the organization’s regional impact.
- Strategic Business Development: Identified and cultivated business opportunities in line with the ICBA Strategy 2013-2023, strengthening B2B and B2G donor/partner relationships.
- Emirates Soil Museum: Led the conceptualization, design, and launch of this pivotal initiative in the UAE.
- Marketing and Communications: Established a comprehensive framework, incorporating offline, digital, and social media campaigns, content generation, and multi-channel marketing strategies.
- Event Management: Orchestrated over 50 significant events and conferences, including the landmark World Quinoa Forum, across the GCC, Middle East and North Africa, and Central Asia.
- Collaboration: Fostered partnerships with industry experts for seminars and conferences, enhancing regional outreach.
- Media Relations and PR: Commanded media strategies, sculpting a unified and effective outreach narrative to engage governmental entities and industry partners.
- Content Leadership: Acted as Editor-In-Chief for a monthly bulletin, highlighting crucial biodiversity and agricultural advancements.
Consultant - Marketing and Communications
Arab Water Academy (Abu Dhabi)
Apr 2009 – Dec 2012
At the Arab Water Academy, I proactively harnessed marketing and communication strategies to elevate the Academy’s initiatives, particularly its annual water conferences that spotlighted pressing regional water challenges.
- Flagship Conferences: Orchestrated and executed three major annual Water conferences, collaborating closely with the Ministry, to champion the UAE's role in addressing water security in the Arab region.
- Strategic Outreach: Devised and implemented the comprehensive marketing blueprint for the Academy, tailored for its diverse suite of conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Stakeholder Relations: Forged and sustained strong ties with governmental entities, ministries, water industry leaders, partners, and media outlets, positioning the Academy as a central hub for water discourse.
- Content Development: Innovatively crafted and disseminated both print and digital content, ranging from informative brochures to engaging online articles about water sustainability.
- Promotion & Awareness: Supervised the creation and distribution of impactful Academy promotional materials, ensuring consistent branding and message clarity across various channels.
Head of New Ventures
Tejari.com (Dubai)
Jan 2007 – Jun 2009
Overseeing the e-commerce division, I was instrumental in developing and scaling the new community portals. I introduced strategies and mechanisms to amplify online engagement and sales while collaborating with teams both domestically and internationally.
- E-commerce Leadership: Commanded the entirety of marketing, sales, and operational aspects for the platform.
- Portal Development: Piloted the creation of new community portals, formulating comprehensive strategies for marketing, sales, and operations.
- Engagement Boost: Successfully heightened portal user engagement, translating into significant upticks in online sales.
- Marketing Initiatives: Designed and implemented digital marketing campaigns to reinforce brand presence and drive sales.
- Content & SEO: Spearheaded SEO-driven content strategies for the portals, fueling web traffic and bolstering revenue streams.
- Collaborative Promotions: Worked closely with the marketing team to conceptualize and roll out crucial promotional materials.
- Budget Management: Drafted and monitored the financial plan for portal sales and operations.
- Team Supervision: Managed a vast sales team, including 40 domestic reps and over 30 international reps covering regions like the GCC, China, Bangladesh, and Italy.
Manager - Marketing and Communications
EastNets (Dubai)
Mar 2004 – Jan 2007
During my tenure at EastNets in Dubai, I steered the company’s marketing and communication strategies with a keen focus on B2B and B2G segments in the dynamic UAE market. By harnessing the power of strategic marketing and establishing strong regional relationships, I contributed significantly to EastNets’ growth trajectory.
- Holistic Marketing Strategy: Spearheaded comprehensive campaigns that encompassed online marketing, PR, and promotions tailored specifically for B2B and B2G audiences.
- Sales & Product Initiatives: Developed and implemented strategic sales and product marketing plans, targeting sectors such as Banking, Retail, Cinema, and FinTech in Dubai and the broader UAE.
- Budget Management: Took charge of the budget allocation, ensuring optimal use of funds for sales and marketing ventures.
- Event Presence: Managed EastNets' footprint in diverse events, which included exhibitions, seminars, and promotional tours across the UAE.
- Relationship Building: Established and strengthened relationships with pivotal business and governmental accounts, fostering mutual growth.
- IT Solution Marketing: Promoted an array of IT solutions, both hardware and software, to prominent regional clients.
- Lead Cultivation: Ensured the continuous flow of potential leads, sustaining robust sales momentum in the ever-evolving Dubai market.
My Clients
Throughout my illustrious career as a freelance marketing consultant in Dubai, I’ve built strategic partnerships with over 100 esteemed clients across diverse sectors. My crafted strategies, honed through years of experience in the dynamic Dubai market, have significantly benefited industries such as PR & Communications, Banking & Finance, Retail & Real Estate, and Events Management. Additionally, my innovative solutions for the Telecommunications, Government, E-Commerce, and NGOs sectors have consistently yielded remarkable outcomes in the UAE. From local Dubai establishments like restaurants and medical facilities to global operations in insurance and e-commerce, every partnership benefits from my unwavering dedication and comprehensive strategic insight as a freelance marketing consultant. Keen on harnessing my cross-industry expertise for your brand in Dubai or across the UAE? Let’s join forces.
