Senior Communications Manager - Middle East (5946)

BlackCube Labs; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced communications leader to drive media relations in the Middle East, elevating the brand as a trusted defense technology partner. You will shape narratives around AI and autonomy, aligning with cross-functional teams and regional priorities.

The role focuses on UAE markets and regional exhibitions, with ownership of media strategy and content development. You will collaborate with global teams to deliver compelling stories, manage risk, and ensure consistent

Qualifications

• 8+ years of communications experience in defense, aerospace, government, or technology sectors.
• Fluent written and spoken English; native Arabic is preferred.
• Ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Experience securing earned media in Middle East markets, especially UAE, KSA, Qatar.

Responsibilities

• Lead earned media and press strategy across the Middle East, engaging defense, tech and business journalists.
• Develop proactive media plans tied to milestones, partnerships and major events.
• Prepare executives for media interviews and manage on-site press logistics.
• Create regional content: press releases, bylines, speeches and talking points.
• Localize global narratives for regional context and stakeholder priorities.

Skills

Media relations

Arabic fluency

English fluency

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Come join a fast-growing team in a dynamic region to shape stories on the cutting-edge technologies that underlie Shield AI’s mission – to protect service members and civilians through intelligent systems and sovereign autonomy. In this role, you will be responsible for driving media relations and communications initiatives for Shield AI in the Middle East, elevating the brand in top-tier media and amplifying its credentials as a trusted, leading defense technology company.

By partnering closely with global communications, government relations and cross-functional teams in Asia and the Middle East, you will support strategic business initiatives and develop narratives around consequential and forward-looking technologies that are changing the defense landscape today.

What You'll Do

Earned Media & Press Strategy

• Own and grow Shield AI’s earned media footprint across the Middle East, building relationships with defense, technology and business journalists covering the region.
• Develop and execute proactive media strategies tied to product milestones, contract announcements, strategic partnerships and at major defense exhibitions and events.
• Serve as a regional point of contact for media inquiries, managing sensitive or reactive communications.
• Prepare executives and spokespeople for media interviews and other earned speaking engagements; run press logistics and on-site media management.
• Monitor news, industry trends and competitive intelligence.

Content development and Storytelling

• Develop regional content – including writing and editing press releases, bylines, talking points, speeches, executive briefing content – that articulates Shield AI’s technology and mission in a tangible and coherent manner to Middle East audiences.
• Localize and adapt global Shield AI narratives for regional context, cultural nuance and stakeholder priorities, while strengthening the core brand message.

Narrative & Positioning

• Shape and protect Shield AI’s narrative and reputation as a credible, consistent and trustworthy long-term defense technology partners.
• Build a consistent drumbeat of visibility that reinforces Shield AI’s commitment to the region.
• Anticipate and help manage narrative risk including geopolitical sensitivities and regional perceptions of foreign defense technology providers.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of communications experience, with time spent in defense, aerospace, government, technology sectors. Mix of in-house and agency experience welcome.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, political science, international relations or similar fields.
• Native Arabic-speaker with fluent English, with exceptional written and verbal storytelling skills and a keen eye for detail. Additional languages a plus.
• Familiarity with developing content and messaging, media relations, executive communications and issues management. Able to simplify complex concepts for non-technical and technical audiences alike.
• Proven track record with securing earned media coverage in Middle East markets, with a strong focus on the UAE, KSA, Qatar as priority markets.
• Deep understanding of the GCC defense and government landscape, including key stakeholders and cultural / political sensitivities.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills; able to identify opportunities for brand enhancement while also assessing gaps and possible risks.
• Experience working across cross-cultural teams and managing stakeholders.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to manage projects, deadlines and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in AI, autonomy and defense technology.

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.