Diogo BernardoDigital Strategy Freedom Let's talk

Independent strategist

Digital strategist.
Creative thinker.
Hands-on partner.

I’m Diogo, an independent strategist based in Dubai. With 14 years of experience in social media and digital marketing, and over three years working with leading and emerging AI tools, I help brands and agencies turn business goals into digital strategies, content and campaigns.

AI with a clear purpose

The capabilities of an agency.The experience of a director.

AI makes it possible to bring more capabilities into one independent practice. I lead the strategy and make the decisions, with AI supporting content creation, process automation and client prospecting.

Content creation

Develop ideas and create content with AI, guided by a clear strategy and a consistent brand voice.

Process automation

Automate repeatable tasks and connect your tools, with human judgement guiding the process.

Client prospecting

Research potential clients, identify relevant opportunities and support more focused outreach.

14

years of
experience

10

years across the UAE
& Saudi Arabia

4

years across Portugal
& Angola

Selected brands.

Experience across sectors.

01 / The approachContext before content.

Good strategy starts with
the right questions.

Three questions.
One clear direction.

  1. Audience

    Who are we trying to reach?

  2. Insight

    What do they care about?

  3. Action

    What should happen next?

I turn those answers into a clear direction for platforms, campaigns and content.

How I can help
02 / Selected experiencePlaces. People. Participation.

Different worlds.
One connected perspective.

From global destinations to passionate communities.
Experience built in the real world.

A palm-lined path in Dubai with Burj Al Arab in the backgroundDestination & tourism

Visit Dubai

Giving places a voice.

Digital and social strategy that connects a destination with its audiences, its culture and the experiences it offers.

Selected experience through Create Group.

Maraya’s mirrored facade reflecting the desert landscape of AlUlaCulture & destination

Royal Commission for AlUla

A sense of place.

Social media strategy consulting in a destination shaped by heritage, culture and extraordinary landscapes.

Selected consulting experience.

Runners taking part in the Burj2Burj half marathon in DubaiSport & community

Burj2Burj · Dubai half marathon

More than a finish line.

Marketing and social media for the Burj2Burj half marathon: a shared city, a collective challenge and a community brought together through sport.

Through World’s Iconic.

Sporting CP supporters filling the Alvalade stands with green and white scarves raised

Sport & participation

Sporting CP. Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Digital strategy and social media management at Sporting Clube de Portugal. Strategy, content planning and live coverage experience for Dubai Fitness Challenge through Create Group.

An Emirates Airbus A380 in flight

Aviation, consumer & lifestyle

Brands with a world of stories.

Emirates through Havas and Create Group. Chanel and Ralph Lauren through Havas. Hertz through Create Group. A perspective that connects brand strategy with paid social experience.

03 / How I can helpFrom the bigger picture to the next move.

Direction. Content.
Possibility.

Bring me in for a focused project,
an agency pitch or ongoing strategic support.

01

Digital & social
media strategy

A clear role for your brand, your channels and your content, built around your audience and business priorities.

  • Audience & platform strategy
  • Campaign frameworks
  • Channel & content direction
02

Content &
campaign planning

Turn strategic intent into stories and a practical editorial plan, with support for campaigns and live events.

  • Content strategy & planning
  • Creative briefs & editorial direction
  • Event & live coverage planning
03

Agency pitches &
new business

An independent strategic partner when you need a fresh perspective, a convincing narrative or extra senior capacity.

  • Research & strategic thinking
  • Pitch narrative & development
  • Senior consulting support
04

Practical AI
integration

Explore where AI can support your team’s research, planning and content workflows, with human judgement at the centre.

  • Workflow exploration
  • AI-assisted research & planning
  • Practical workshops & team sessions

04 / The person behind the work

A strategist.
A collaborator.
Always curious.

Portuguese roots.
A Dubai perspective.
Experience across borders.

My 14 years of experience span 10 years across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and four across Portugal and Angola. At Create Group, I progressed through social, content and paid media roles to Strategy Director.

Since 2023, I’ve worked independently with brands and agencies. Alongside consulting, my background includes university teaching, sports marketing and community-led events.

Digital Strategy Freedom is the brand behind my independent practice. You work directly with me: a senior partner who can step back, connect the dots and get involved.

Diogo BernardoIndependent digital & social media strategist
05 / Start a conversationDubai-based. Open to working across borders.

What’s your
next chapter?

A new brief, a pitch, a campaign
or a challenge worth thinking through.

Let's talk diogo@digitalstrategyfreedom.com