Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Hend Al Otaiba, founder of HAO Strategies, a global strategic advisory firm, has been appointed Chair of Consello UAE and Senior Strategic Adviser, according to a media statement.
The move comes as Consello, a leading global advisory and investment platform, announced a strategic partnership with HAO Strategies to jointly serve key UAE institutions and global corporations looking to establish or expand their presence in the UAE.
Al Otaiba, who previously served as the UAE’s Ambassador to France and held senior positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as the Ministry’s official spokesperson, has built her career around international collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue. She has been recognised for advancing strategic partnerships between nations and institutions.
Speaking to Aletihad, Al Otaiba said: “The collaboration is intentionally complementary. HAO Strategies provides strategic advisory grounded in a deep understanding of the UAE’s priorities, policy landscape, and institutional context. Consello brings international reach, sector expertise, and access to global corporate and investment networks.”
She said her work with Consello would focus on “shaping and facilitating high-value international partnerships and cross-border growth initiatives that align with the UAE’s strategic ambitions.”
“HAO Strategies will continue to support its government clients while benefiting from the broader global connectivity, market intelligence, and partnership channels that Consello offers,” she added. “This structure ensures clarity of mandate and preserves the integrity of both roles. The shared objective is to enable meaningful collaboration that contributes to long-term value creation and advances the UAE’s economic and strategic vision.”
To a pointed question from Aletihad, Al Otaiba clarified that HAO Strategies will continue to operate independently. “The firm remains focused on advising government institutions and national stakeholders on strategic initiatives that support the UAE’s long-term development objectives. Its mission, mandate, and client base remain unchanged.”
Wendy Clark, Partner and President at Consello, said: “Hend’s distinguished diplomatic career and proven leadership experience make her an invaluable partner as we expand our work in the UAE. Consello’s operational expertise combined with Hend’s local insight and trusted relationships will provide unmatched value to our clients and joint efforts.”
Consello, which has offices in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Dublin, Belfast, London, Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, provides advisory expertise across corporate advisory, M&A, management consulting, talent, and sports and entertainment. Its investment arm, Consello Capital, focuses on identifying and transforming high-potential mid-market companies through capital and strategic support.
HAO Strategies, headquartered in the UAE, operates at the intersection of business opportunity and strategic communications, drawing on the expertise of strategists, sovereign leaders, legal advisers, and academics to help clients access complex markets and build long-term partnerships.
