PROFILE
Strategic advisor, international business leader and author
Michael Jacobsen is a strategic advisor and international business leader whose work spans government, international partnerships and the creative economy.
Drawing on more than 25 years of commercial experience and longstanding international relationships, he works with senior government leaders, institutions and corporations to shape strategic initiatives, build partnerships and advance international ambitions.
He is a senior advisor to the Abu Dhabi Government, working with senior leadership on strategic initiatives, international partnerships and the development of the Emirate’s cultural and creative economy. He also co-chairs an Australian Government-backed initiative to advance cultural diplomacy and strengthen engagement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
His career has encompassed international entertainment, media and leisure, including the development and operation of landmark concert, theatre and convention venues, the production of internationally successful music and theatrical productions, and the management of globally recognised intellectual property. His family office was a long-standing co-owner of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage, of which he was also a Global Producer—one of the most celebrated and commercially successful theatrical productions of its generation. His commercial activities have spanned Australia, Europe, Asia and the United States, contributing significantly to the development and economies of major cities and cultural destinations.
Building on this experience, Jacobsen expanded his work into government, public policy and international institutional affairs. He provides counsel to governments, institutions and NGOs on economic development, innovation, cultural capital and international partnerships.
His perspective is also sought by international corporations and family offices seeking to shape their strategy, expand into new markets and develop opportunities across media, culture and the creative economy.
Jacobsen is the author of two books, a contributor to a third, and a public speaker and media contributor. He brings a commercial, international and civic perspective to discussions on government, business and culture, and supports philanthropic initiatives across Europe focused on the performing arts and creativity.
He is a judge of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and has also been inducted into its Lifetime Hall of Fame. His contributions to government-led innovation and bilateral relations have been recognised with a national honour awarded by the President of the Slovak Republic.
Michael has a significant presence in the UAE and the wider Middle East. He brings commercial experience and longstanding relationships across government, business, media and culture to help organisations build partnerships, enter new markets and advance their ambitions.
Alongside his current work with the Government of Abu Dhabi and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, he is honoured to have worked with the Australian Government and the governments of the United Kingdom and the Slovak and Czech Republics. His work has also included the Council of Europe, the European Investment Bank, leading European think tank GLOBSEC, Penske Media Corporation and the European Broadcasting Union.