Sara Ahmed AboAli

About Me

I am an economist with a strong academic background, holding a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Granada, where I graduated with distinction and ranking among the top students. As one of the top three women from Africa in my program, I have a strong foundation in economic theory and research. 

My research passion lies at the intersection of Behavioural and Experimental Economics, with a particular focus on Health Economics. I am driven by a commitment to improving economic development and humanitarian outcomes through research that informs policy. My academic journey fuels my passion for deepening my understanding of economic policies, practices, and applications. 

Through my academic journey, I have developed a deep commitment to advancing economic theory and policy, particularly in areas that address pressing global challenges, including health disparities and economic development. My aim is to contribute to academic discourse, providing evidence-based solutions that can inform policies and practices in these fields.

My Motivation

 My academic journey, which has been shaped by a strong interest in behavioural economics and health-related research, has driven me to explore challenges such as health disparities, unemployment, and the role of economic development in social entrepreneurship. 
Through my research, including publications like “Business on Human Scale: Egypt’s Renaissance” and “Building Competitive Identity rather than Branding the Nation,” I have honed the analytical and methodological skills necessary to tackle these complex issues.
 My professional experiences with organizations like UNHCR, UN-RCO, and UN-ESCWA have deepened my understanding of the intersection between economics and global development. I am motivated by the pursuit of academic excellence and aim to contribute to the body of knowledge on economic development and policies that address contemporary challenges.

 My research interests specifically focus on behavioral barriers to health-related decision-making, and I strive to use rigorous research to inform meaningful policy changes. Ultimately, I aspire to develop and advocate for policies that foster sustainable economic development, improve public health outcomes, and contribute to societal well-being through evidence-driven approaches. 

Academic Work

My academic work demonstrates my passion for rigorous economic research and data-driven analysis. One of my most significant contributions is "Building Competitive Identity rather than Branding the Nation," presented at the Rebranding Egypt Summit (RES) in 2022. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for developing a nation’s competitive identity, emphasizing long-term cultural strategies rather than short-term branding, while addressing global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

 Another important work is "Business on Human Scale: The Case of Learning," presented at the University of Granada in 2019. This research is a continuation of my previously published work, which focused on the prevailing issue of unemployment in Egypt and the obstacles encountered by entrepreneurs. It also focuses on integrating social entrepreneurship into the Egyptian education system. The research provides valuable insights into fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. 

 
My earlier research, "Business on Human Scale: Egypt’s Renaissance," presented at the Cairo University International Conference on Business Sciences (CUCBS) in 2018, focuses on overcoming obstacles faced by small businesses in Egypt and highlights the importance of social entrepreneurship.
 
Through these works, I aim to contribute to economic development through data-driven, impactful research, addressing real-world challenges and advancing economic theory. 

Professional Experience

My professional and academic journey bridges economics research with real-world policy applications. My experiences range from policy analysis and research to teaching and project management, all of which have contributed to my ability to bridge theoretical economics with real-world applications.  I have worked with international organizations and universities, focusing on data-driven analysis, economic policy evaluation, and applied research in development and health economics. 

• Economist, United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) 

Conducted policy analysis and research on sustainable development goals (SDGs), drafting policy briefs and providing actionable insights. 

• Research Assistant, University of Granada 

Contributed to academic research, developed economic models, analysed data, and supported faculty in research projects. Managed bilingual content for the Master’s in Economics program’s social media. 

• Project Management Assistant & Lecturer, UN ESCWA 

Designed training sessions on project management, supported research initiatives, and delivered lectures integrating economic theory and practice. 

• Community-Based Protection, UNHCR 

Designed and implemented surveys and field assessments to identify protection gaps; produced analytical reports linking empirical findings to policy interventions. Coordinated outreach activities for refugees, assessing needs and contributing to detailed analytical reports. 

• Property Insurance Banker, National Bank of Egypt (NBE) 

Developed expertise in financial analysis, policy management, and client relations. 

• English Instructor, Emirate Training Center 

Delivered English language instruction tailored to diverse learner needs.