Endowed with a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge of the TV universe, TV expert Mai El Khalifa joined Dubai Media Incorporated in June 2009, initially as Executive Producer, before being appointed Head of Production and Planning in September 2010 for Dubai One TV.
She currently is a senior editorial figure with accountability for the Dubai TV’s outsourced produced content, setting editorial priorities for the commissioned formats and supervises independent production companies.
Previously her mission at Dubai One was to modernize and rejuvenate the new positioning and ambition of the production department, while in this position; she led all development and production of the network’s in-house programs and special coverage’s. She brings a unique perspective to television thanks to her overall vision that is both strategic and operational which enabled her to successfully consult on numerous network development projects.
Sudanese-born Mai El Khalifa earned her Degree in Fashion Design from The American Intercontinental University in London. Straight off college she briefly dipped her fingers in the world of Luxury Fashion as Merchandising and Sales executive for Joseph, before joining Middle East Broadcasting Corp (MBC) in London as a Fashion researcher and associate producer in 1995.
Two years after, she was selected as a News Producer with a team from London to develop a world-class news network for Abu Dhabi TV. Six years later and after a promotion to News Production manager in 2000, she moved to Dubai taking a position as Head of Production for the Dubai Business and within six months moved the channel from a six-hour-broadcasting channel to a 24hr the broadcasting model.
In 2004, Mai accepted an invitation as a Director of Business Development and Media Consultant for Afras holdings, a group of companies with activities in trade, telecom, mining, construction and retail. In 5 years, she oversaw the growth of the company by 300% and gained vast international experience, well-honed business acumen with her time divided between the GCC, Africa and UK.
Mai El Khalifa brings extensive knowledge to the constantly changing TV technology world, viewer tastes and expectations, along with her leadership and managerial expertise and strategic vision for Dubai Media Incorporated’s development in the Pan Arab market. Her latest successful projects was the ground-breaking primetime entertainment show Fashion Star, which brings for the first time to the region a unique business fusion between the TV and Retail industry.
Overall developing a well-rounded skillset in business and TV spanning over two decades, Mai is characterized by her passion for the profession, her rare energy, and the desire to share her exceptional experience with her network, clients and team constantly developing in a competitive industry. Mai is an artist, executive media coach and an aspiring entrepreneur who enjoys congregating in a creative, elegant atmosphere to celebrate innovative ventures.