Visionary and Pioneer, Diplomat and Academician.
Dr. Ibrahim Al Ghais Al Mansoori, an eminent scholar and former diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, died on February 14, 2024 in Dubai. Born on November 18, 1947, Dr. Ibrahim has many contributions in the fields of law, international diplomacy and media. He had important roles in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the establishment of the Emirates News Agency, marking a period of transformation in the country’s communications. His academic and professional efforts have left an indelible mark on the country’s intellectual and cultural fabric.
Dr. Ibrahim obtained his master’s and doctorate degrees from Ain Shams University, Faculty of Law, Cairo in 1968. He married the granddaughter of Yahya Pasha Ibrahim, former Egyptian Prime Minister and architect of the 1923 Egyptian constitution, with whom he had four children.
He has played a series of high-level roles in the UAE government, including that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he organized diplomatic seminars bringing together key political and cultural figures, promoting dialogue and understanding between the Arab intellectual and political communities. During his tenure, he engaged with a large number of international leaders and dignitaries, reflecting his significant influence on the regional and global scene.
Dr. Ibrahim Al Ghais Al Mansoori was instrumental in founding Wakalat Anbaa Al Emarat (Emirates News Agency WAM) in 1976, serving as its first director and creating the country’s new approach to communications and media. His establishment of WAM was a significant milestone, heralding an era of transformation in information dissemination in the UAE. This initiative under his leadership not only enriched the country’s media landscape, but also underlined the importance of a solid, credible information platform, crucial to the global exchange of information.
Dr. Al Mansoori then left his mark at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs where he served as Editor-in-Chief of Minar Al Islam magazine. His leadership extended to the role of Director of the Amiri Diwan in Ras Al Khaimah, after which he passed on his knowledge and experience as a university professor at the United Arab Emirates University. In his later years, Dr. Al Mansoori devoted himself to reading, writing and research, contributing his ideas and thoughts through his column ”Aqolu Lakom- I Tell You” in Al Ittihad newspaper in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Ibrahim’s indelible legacy continues vibrantly through his daughter, Heba Al Mansoori, who has indeed become a formidable figure in her own right, reflecting her father’s pioneering spirit and vision. His leadership and innovative efforts in the fields of media technology and marketing have both honored his father’s legacy and blazed new trails in these sectors. As founder and CEO of BIZ COM , Heba took an important step by creating her marketing agency, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence. Heba is also co-founder of Middle East and Africa Market Place (MEAPMP) , an essential platform in the field of ad technology. In addition, it created ConSynSer which redefined content syndication services in the region, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and quality of service. Heba Al Mansoori not only continued her father’s legacy, but also shaped her own, demonstrating her profound impact on the digital landscape.
The departure of Dr Al Mansoori represents a significant loss for the UAE, for his family and for all those who had the honor of knowing him. His unparalleled contributions to academia, diplomacy and the media have left an indelible mark on the nation, embodying a legacy of intellectual rigor, diplomatic finesse and visionary leadership. As a distinguished academician, respected diplomat and pioneer of the media landscape, Dr Ibrahim’s work has enriched the cultural and intellectual fabric of the UAE and positioned it as a beacon of knowledge and progress on the global stage. His lasting legacy will ensure that his memory and achievements will be remembered and revered for years to come.
