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Hanson Search is a specialist PR Executive Search firm in the UAE, advising listed corporates, sovereign-backed entities, family conglomerates and international agencies on senior public relations appointments across the Emirates. We deliver PR Executive Search mandates spanning Chief Communications Officer, Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Managing Director and Partner-level hires across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE market.

The UAE communications landscape has evolved rapidly. Consequently, demand for senior PR leaders who can navigate regulatory communications, reputation management and stakeholder engagement at the highest level has grown sharply. Our PR Executive Search practice connects boards and executive committees with the communications leaders shaping the Emirates’ most influential organisations.

The UAE PR Executive Search Market

The PR Executive Search UAE market is distinctive. Senior communications leaders in the Emirates operate at the intersection of government relations, investor communications, regulatory disclosure and global brand reputation, often across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. Furthermore, the rise of Public Joint Stock Companies, DIFC and ADGM-regulated entities and sovereign portfolio companies has created sustained demand for Chief Communications Officers who can match international standards while navigating local cultural nuance.

Equally, the agency landscape has matured significantly. Global PR networks, regional independents and specialist consultancies all compete for senior talent, and the most sought-after candidates command international-level packages. Our PR Executive Search team understands this complexity intimately.

When UAE Organisations Engage Hanson on a Retained PR Executive Search

The PR Executive Search mandates we lead in the UAE typically cluster around moments of strategic transformation. Specifically, listed corporates engage us when building out senior communications functions to meet disclosure and investor relations requirements. Sovereign-backed entities partner with us on Chief Communications Officer appointments to shape narratives at portfolio and group level.

Equally, international PR networks engage Hanson on Managing Director and Partner-level appointments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Family conglomerates approach us when introducing professional communications leadership for the first time, and agencies preparing for regional expansion engage us to build senior bench strength ahead of growth.

Why Choose Hanson for PR Executive Search in the UAE

We operate as a senior boutique alongside the global majors. As a result, clients work directly with the partner who leads the PR Executive Search, rather than a layered team handing work down the chain. Equally, our independence allows us to access a wider candidate pool than firms constrained by extensive off-limits lists across the region’s largest communications employers.

Three principles anchor every PR Executive Search we deliver in the UAE. Firstly, we map the market exhaustively across in-house corporate affairs functions, sovereign portfolio companies, global agency networks and regional independents, because the right senior communications leader often sits outside the obvious search pool. Secondly, we assess shortlisted candidates against the dimensions sophisticated UAE clients prioritise: strategic communications credibility, regulatory and stakeholder fluency, regional cultural intelligence and the leadership presence to operate at board and executive committee level. Thirdly, we prioritise diversity of background and Emirati national representation wherever the mandate requires. Our B Corp certification reflects a settled commitment to responsible executive search at the top of the market.

Speak to Our PR Executive Search Team in the UAE

For a confidential conversation about PR Executive Search in the UAE, our team welcomes a direct introduction. We advise on senior communications appointments across listed corporates, sovereign-backed entities, family conglomerates, international agency networks and regional independents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates.

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    Latest jobs

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    • 09.06.2026

      VP of Communications, Global Conglomerate

      • Location: London
      • Salary: Competitive
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications
      A rare in-house opportunity for a senior communications professional to join one of the world's most ambitious and fast-moving private conglomerates at a pivotal moment in its global expansion.  This organisation has deep roots in real estate and infrastructure, but has in recent years made headline-grabbing moves into technology and AI — with $20 billion dollar investment...
      View job & apply
    • 03.06.2026

      Director of Marketing, Arabic Speaking, UAE

      • Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive Package
      • Specialism: Marketing
      Role Overview We are working with a leading organisation to appoint an Arabic-speaking Director of Marketing — a senior, high-impact role responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive brand, marketing, and communications strategy across a diverse portfolio of brands.
      View job & apply
    • 28.05.2026

      Chief Creative Officer, Marketing Agency, Riyadh  

      • Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Highly competitive, aligned with international industry standards for senior creative leadership.
      • Specialism: C-suite & Advisory, Marketing
      Chief Creative Officer — Riyadh  We're working with a newly established, research-based, strategy-led marketing agency in Riyadh to find a founding Chief Creative Officer. Backed by one of Saudi Arabia's most respected and diversified conglomerates, this agency is being built from the ground up to redefine the intersection of culture, strategy, and creativity across the MENAT region...
      View job & apply
    • 28.05.2026

      Freelance Senior Account Manager, PR, | London

      • Location: London
      • Type: Interim / Hybrid
      • Salary: £275-300 a day
      • Specialism: Consumer Communications, Editorial & Content
      Freelance Senior Account Manager, PR, | London We’re on the lookout for a freelance Senior Account Manager to step in and support our brilliant client – a boutique agency in growth mode – during a particularly busy period. About the Freelance PR Role You'll be a savvy, seasoned publicist with strong media relations skills and the abil...
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    • 22.05.2026

      Director of Communications, Abu Dhabi, UAE

      • Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Up to 60,000 AED plus benefits
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications
      Arabic-Speaking Director of Communications: Role Overview We are working with a leading organisation to appoint an Arabic-speaking Director of Communications, a senior, high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy across a diverse portfolio of brands.
      View job & apply
    • 21.05.2026

      Communications Coordinator, Global Design Practice, London

      • Location: London
      • Salary: Competitive
      Communications Coordinator — Global Design Practice We're working with a leading global design practice to find a proactive...
      View job & apply
    • 21.05.2026

      Manager, Financial Communications Role at a Listed Organisation, Abu Dhabi

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: AED 55,000 – AED 60,000 per month
      • Specialism: Financial Communications
      Manager, Financial Communications Role at a Listed Organisation in Abu Dhabi A leading international organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Manager, Financial Communications to join its Communications function. This is a high-impact role responsible for shaping how the organisation's financial performance and strategic narrative are conveyed to external audiences, in full compliance with regulatory requirements. About the Manager, Financial Communicat...
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    • 19.05.2026

      Senior Account Manger/Account Manager, Strategic Communications Consultancy, London

      • Location: London
      • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
      • Salary: Competitive
      • Specialism: Strategic Communications
      • Internal Role
      An ambitious and dynamic communications consultancy is seeking a Senior Account Manager or Account Manager with a passion for strategic communications. This role focuses on delivering high-impact campaigns across sectors such as energy and infrastructure, providing policy advice, and supporting clients in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. The position offers professional growth, exposure to senior clients, and opportunities to contribute to business development. Key Respon...
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    • 18.05.2026

      Events Content Lead, Abu Dhabi, UAE

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive Package
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications, Operational, Events
      A leading Abu Dhabi-based organisation is seeking an experienced Events Content Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping how its strategy, priorities and achievements are communicated through world-class events. This is a high-profile opportunity for a senior communications professional to join a well-resourced and influential organisation, working at the intersection of content, brand and corporate communications....
      View job & apply
    • 15.05.2026

      External Communications Manager, Corporate Communications, Abu Dhabi

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: AED 80,000 – AED 90,000 per month
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications
      About the External Communications Manager Role in Abu Dhabi A leading Abu Dhabi-based organisation is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping, protecting and enhancing its corporate reputation on both a regional and internation...
      View job & apply

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      Introducing
      Our Recruitment Experts

      Our team possesses a unique blend of industry expertise, advanced recruitment acumen, and professional assessment skills on a global scale. With an in-depth understanding of the market, we are perfectly positioned to help you hire the best talent that you need

      Meet the team

      • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

        Alice Weightman

        Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...

      • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

        Janie Emmerson

        Janie Emmerson: Janie leads Hanson Search’s UK & European based teams. From the London office, she guides and supports their...

      • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

        Katie Simpson

        Katie Simpson: Having previously spent 10 years in the communications industry, Katie brings real industry insights into the hiring process. Taking her...

      • Managing Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

        Amy Hayer

        Amy Hayer: Amy brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on healthcare communications and international...

      • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

        Barbara Ozanon

        Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...

      • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

        Nils Gerardin

        Nils Gerardin: Nils Gerardin is a seasoned executive search and recruitment consultant with nearly ten years of experience placing senior-level...

      • Search Director, MENA

        Amanda Dowie

        Amanda Dowie : MENA Search Director Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global...

      • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

        Madeleine Weightman

        Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...

      • Principal Consultant, Communications, Marketing & Digital Marketing

        Helena Ranger

        Helena Ranger: Helena is Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR, Marketing and Digital Marketing. She plays a pivotal...

      • UK Marketing Lead

        Daniela Mamica

        Daniela Mamica: Daniela is UK Marketing Lead, working across senior and leadership level roles. She brings a wealth of experience,...

      • Director, Hanson Capital MENA

        Alice Maltby

        Alice Maltby : Director, Investor Markets, UAE Alice Maltby is a Director at Hanson Search MENA, working within the firm’s...

      • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

        Peter Ferguson

        Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports some of the world’s most...

      • Head of Corporate and Financial

        Allyson Kurian

        Allyson Kurian: Originally from the US, Allyson specialises in corporate affairs and financial communications recruitment, working across both the US...

      • Senior Consultant, Communications, Europe

        Camille Chevallier

        Camille Chevallier: Having started her career as a comms professional, Camille spent 20 years in senior roles within leading agencies...

      • Head of Interim Communications

        Ben Mitchell

        Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...

      • Consultant, MENA

        Lexi Smith-Muller

        Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi has over 10 years’ experience of recruitment & talent acquisition, and over 6 years’ experience working in...

      • Senior Researcher

        Arlena Butt

        Arlena Butt: Arlena is a valued senior researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the team across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Health...

      • Researcher, MENA

        Nevena Ilievska

        Nevena Ilievska: With a degree in Psychology and nearly four years of experience in talent acquisition and research, Nevena has...

      • Executive Research Analyst

        Maja Tomovska

        Maja Tomovska: Over the past 5 years Maja has worked with international organisations and venture-backed companies across product, technology and...

      • Researcher

        Fani Mateska

        Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...

      • Researcher

        Ivana Cilevska

        Ivana Cilevska Ivana Cilevska is a Researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the European team across client mandates and contributing to...

      • Marketing Content Executive

        Reg Wheeler

        Reg Wheeler: Reg is a Marketing Content Executive at Hanson Search, supporting a range of marketing and content initiatives across...

      • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

        Robyn Field

        Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...

      • Marketing Lead

        Sam White

        Sam White: Marketing Lead Sam White joined Hanson Search in 2016, initially working as an internal recruiter after gaining experience...

      • Internal Recruitment & Operations Lead

        Katie Cubbon

        Katie Cubbon: Katie manages internal recruitment at Hanson Search, while also overseeing office management and business operations. With experience across...

      • Business Support

        Mirjana R.Dejanovska

        Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...

      • Business Support

        Ivana Stevanovska

        Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...

      • Advisor

        Michelle Milbourn

        Michelle Milbourn: Advisor Michelle is a seasoned executive search specialist with two decades of experience supporting founders and investors across...

      • Advisor

        Nicholas Watkins

        Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...

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      What people say about us

      Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.

      Talent Partner, Blakeney

      Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.

      Talent Partner, MHP Group

      The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.

      Head of Campaigns, Third Bridge

      Hanson Search has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting senior executives for RAK Tourism. They deeply understood the nature of the roles and people we need and provided excellent candidates.

      CEO, RAK Tourism

      Hanson Search quickly ‘got’ us. They were proactive in their search and responsive in their service right from the outset. Very happy client.

      MD, firstlightPR, Paul Davies

      Hanson Search understands our business and is able to identify very strong candidates at all levels.

      Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf, Rupert Young

      I’ve worked with headhunters for the past 20 years, but I’ve found Hanson Search has a better understanding of how to attract and secure the right talent for our market.

      CEO, Hanover, Charles Lewington