Hamad Hisham Al Shirawi is an Emirati executive and entrepreneur whose commitment to autism and developmental support is rooted in personal experience. He understands the importance of finding trusted professionals, navigating services and building consistent support around an individual and their family.

This commitment led him to help establish NEEDS Dubai in partnership with NEEDS Center USA, bringing experienced behavioral specialists to the UAE. As Strategic Partner, Hamad focuses on the organisation’s strategic direction, partnerships and long-term development. Working alongside its clinical leadership, he builds connections with families, schools and healthcare professionals to support a coordinated approach to care—at home, at school and in everyday life.

Hamad brings more than 15 years of experience across government, international business and strategic partnerships. He serves as Director of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Dubai Future Foundation, with previous experience at Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Tourism and Mubadala. His background brings an emphasis on accountability, thoughtful service design and building organisations that deliver lasting value.

He holds an Executive MBA from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah. He is also a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development’s Impactful Leaders Programme and is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at SDA Bocconi School of Management.

Through NEEDS Dubai, Hamad’s aim is to combine international expertise with an understanding of the local community, helping individuals and families access dependable, personalised support that respects their circumstances, priorities and aspirations.