Omar Khalifa

PROFILE
A multitalented journalist with five years experience reporting, writing and producing
international news and programmes for a global news network. Omar has an innovative and
highly acclaimed multimedia portfolio, adding a vibrant dimension to his outstanding
professional work. His sharp understanding of news and programming in the digital media age
has made him a very relevant and significant addition to the modern news production
environment.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Producer, Al Jazeera English (Dec 2009 – Present)
Responsible for producing Al Jazeera English’s flagship programme, The Rageh Omaar Report, as well
as other one-off shows. Frequently operate second camera and edit on final cut and adobe
softwares for television and online output. Undertake photo and videojournalism projects for
english.aljazeera.net. Generate show content, manage programme budgets and schedules and
conceive new programme ideas.

Online Journalist, Al Jazeera English (Nov 2006 – Dec 2009)

Digital Producer Wrote, reported and edited news for english.aljazeera.net. Directed output, coordinated staff
omarkhalifa.com duties and developed interactive elements in cooperation with news producers and
correspondents. Wrote headlines, summaries, and articles in the production of in-house and wire-
+974 6668 2804
khalifa_omar@hotmail.com service content. Managed online video output, whilst developing new workflow patterns for
hosting multimedia content.
4 Al Khair Street,
Al Soudan, Political Officer, Mayor of London’s Office (Jun 2006 – Oct 2006)
Doha, Research, fact-finding and analysis activities on behalf of the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone.
Qatar. Point of liaison for London boroughs, the Corporation of London, sub-regional partnerships and
PO Box 23127
associated bodies and organisations. Prepared reports, briefings and presentations to the Mayor,
Assembly Members and senior managers.

International Affairs Writer, Diplo Magazine (Mar 2006 – Oct 2006)

Wrote articles on international affairs for a vibrant, international politics-design magazine.

Research Assistant, Institute for Public Policy Research (Jan 2006 – Apr 2006)
Assisted with research, fundraising and dissemination activities within the International Programme
of the UK’s leading progressive think-tank. Organised symposiums on Middle East reform; hosting
academics, journalists and participants from key UK government departments. Regularly assisted
with OpEds, commentaries and the writing of policy papers. Helped to develop the Middle East
Programme, examining economic, media and political reform.

Consultant, PNO Consultants (Oct 2005 – Jan 2006)

Identified UK and EU grant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. Acquired new
clients via direct telephone contact and meetings around the UK. Fund Manager for finance
initiatives and point of contact for public sector grants consultancy in the UK. Liaised with
governmental agencies and all nine regional development agencies on a daily basis. Helped develop
the PNO business plan.

Fraud Investigations Officer, Bank of America (Jun – Sep, 2002 – 2004)

Investigated cases of counterfeit, mail order and lost/stolen credit card fraud. Located points of
compromise and deception; liaised with fraud units in the banking industry and police officers
across the UK in order to intercept and reduce criminal activity. Analysed illicit methods of
fraudulent activity in the UK, and monitored anti-fraud techniques.

EDUCATION
MA International Relations, University of Manchester, (2004 - 2005).
First Class Dissertation: Democratisation in the Middle East.
BA (Hons) Politics and Economics, University of Newcastle, (2001 – 2004).
Awarded Degree Class: 2:1 (Top three finish).
Languages
English, native | French, basic | Spanish, basic.

INTERESTS
Filmmaking – Omar’s pursuit of feature and short films has gained the attention of Oscar-
nominated individuals, leading him to become a master of DSLR-filmmaking and to establish a
multimedia company in the UK, OakLeaf Productions.

Photography – Travelling to various locations around the world, Omar has built up a portfolio in
digital and film photography, which has been shown in exhibitions in the UK, Middle East and US.

Sport – Having represented England Independent Schools in international football at a young age
and having been a county-level swimmer and tennis player, sport has long played a big part in
Omar’s life.