Her Excellency Hend Al Otaiba is the Founder of HAO Strategies and a senior leader in strategic communications and global affairs. From 2021 to 2024, she served as the United Arab Emirates’ Ambassador to France, becoming the first Emirati woman to hold the post. Prior to her ambassadorship, Ambassador Al Otaiba served as an Advisor to the UAE Foreign Minister and as the UAE’s official spokesperson.

Her contributions have been recognised with the First Class Order of Zayed II, conferred by the UAE President in acknowledgment of distinguished national service, and the title of Commander of the National Order of Merit of France, awarded by President Emmanuel Macron.

Ambassador Al Otaiba continues to champion cross-cultural dialogue and the empowerment of women in leadership on international platforms.