Senior Communications Manager - Middle East (5946)

Shield AI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 280,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a senior communications leader to drive earned media and strategic messaging for the Middle East. This role elevates Shield AI in defense and tech journalism across the UAE, KSA, and Qatar.

You will coordinate with global teams to localize narratives, manage sensitive communications, and position Shield AI as a trusted regional partner in sovereign autonomy. You will work with cross-cultural teams, monitor trends, and shape a compelling regional narrative that aligns with

Qualifications

• 8+ years of communications experience, with time spent in defense, aerospace, government, technology sectors.
• 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.
• Familiarity with developing content and messaging, media relations and issues management.
• Proven track record securing earned media in Middle East markets, UAE/KSA/Qatar focus.
• Deep understanding of GCC defense and government landscape and sensitivities.
• Strong analytical skills; identify opportunities for brand enhancement and risks.
• Experience across cross-cultural teams and stakeholder management.
• Autonomy to manage projects, deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in AI, autonomy and defense technology.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow Shield AI’s earned media footprint across the Middle East with defense, tech and business journalists.
• Develop and execute media strategies tied to milestones, contracts, partnerships, and major defense events.
• Serve as regional media contact, manage inquiries and sensitive communications.
• Prepare executives for media interviews; coordinate press logistics and on-site coverage.
• Monitor news trends and competitive intelligence.

Skills

Earned media strategy

Media relations

Storytelling

Arabic fluency

English fluency

Content development

Crisis / issues management

Stakeholder management

Autonomy & project management

Interest in AI/defense tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.