Alya AlYassi, an Emirati writer and media expert, has always been ahead of her time. Her journey from creating magazines as a school student to shaping national communication strategies reflects her creative vision, innovation, and dedication to media. From publishing groundbreaking books to advocating for a National Media Museum, Alya has worked to preserve the UAE’s media identity while positioning the nation as a global hub for international media organizations and content creators.
Her book “Our Media Identity” was first launched in 2011 as her Bachelor’s capstone project, with a second edition released in 2014. Both editions, launched under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, documented the evolution of Emirati media and became important references for researchers and industry professionals. Complementing this, Alya has long been a strong advocate for the establishment of a National Media Museum in the UAE—a space dedicated to preserving the country’s media history and inspiring future generations.
A Passion for Media at a Young Age
Alya’s connection with media began long before university. At just 16, she created a postage envelope she presented to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, symbolizing her early desire to contribute to the nation’s cultural identity. Before even completing high school, she had already created 56 magazines, including the first electronic magazine in the Arab world. Her talent and entrepreneurial spirit earned her early recognition, leading Zayed University to invite her into its media program.
Academic Excellence and Professional Growth
Alya completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Media from Zayed University, and she is now pursuing a PhD in media studies. Alongside academia, she has participated in several prestigious programs, including the Government Innovation Expert Diploma from the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Center in collaboration with Cambridge University. She also trained in media leadership and government communications at global institutions such as the London Business School.
A Visionary in Government Communications
Over the years, Alya has worked as the Director of Government Communication departments across several ministries. In these leadership roles, she oversaw strategies that ensured clear and transparent communication with the public while aligning with national goals.
Her contributions have also extended to academia, where she taught at Zayed University’s College of Media & Communication. There, she shared her expertise with students and helped bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, emphasizing media’s role in social development and national identity.
Authoring a Groundbreaking Book and Preserving UAE Media History
The launch of her book Our Media Identity was a landmark moment in her media path, earning recognition as the Best Graduation Project at Zayed University. Her valuable research captured the evolution of newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms in the UAE.
The idea of establishing a National Media Museum is one of Alya’s strongest advocacies. She envisions a museum that would act as both a cultural archive and an educational hub—preserving past milestones while also providing future generations with a deeper understanding of how media shaped the UAE’s journey from local storytelling to global presence.
Recognition and Influence in the UAE Media Landscape
Alya’s contributions to the media and communications sector have earned her recognition from leading figures and institutions in the Arab world. In 2018, she was honored for her leadership in media by Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud.
Beyond government service, Alya has made her mark as a writer and thought leader. She has published weekly articles in Al Khaleej and contributed to several other regional publications in both Arabic and English. Her writings examine the role of media in shaping national identity, the opportunities of digital transformation, and the challenges that faces media in an AI era and open spaces.
Her insights also highlight how the UAE has grown into a hub for international media organizations, content creators, and innovators. With world-class infrastructure and forward-looking strategies, the UAE continues to attract global talent while supporting local voices.
Alya’s Vision for the Future
For Alya, media is not just a profession—it is a platform for building bridges between heritage and innovation. She advocates for empowering young Emiratis to lead the next wave of media growth, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of global media transformation.
Her vision combines respect for the UAE’s media history with a commitment to embracing emerging technologies. By preserving history while driving innovation, Alya continues to influence the nation’s communication landscape and inspires the next generation of media leaders.
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