Everything to Know About Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy

Reem Al Hashimy is among the UAE’s most prominent diplomatic and strategic leaders, widely recognised for her role in strengthening the country’s global partnerships and advancing international cooperation initiatives. Her career reflects a blend of academic excellence, public service, and visionary leadership that has helped shape the UAE’s presence on the world stage.

Early Life and Academic Foundation

Born in the UAE in 1978, Al Hashimy pursued an international academic path that prepared her for a career in diplomacy and governance. She studied International Relations and French at Tufts University and later earned a master’s degree from Harvard University. She further expanded her global academic expertise by completing her doctorate at Tsinghua University, gaining insight into international policy dynamics across regions.

Diplomatic Career and Government Leadership

Al Hashimy began her career in diplomacy serving as a Commercial Attaché at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C., and later as Deputy Chief of Mission, where she worked on strengthening UAE–US relations.

In 2008, she was appointed as Minister of State in the UAE Cabinet at a notably young age, reflecting confidence in her leadership potential. By 2016, she assumed the role of UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, leading national efforts related to sustainable development, global partnerships, and multilateral diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Expo 2020 Dubai and Global Event Leadership

One of Al Hashimy’s defining achievements was her leadership role in bringing Expo 2020 Dubai to life. She played a central role in the successful bid and later served as Director General, guiding the event through unprecedented global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expo 2020 Dubai became the first World Expo hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, welcoming millions of visitors and showcasing innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural dialogue. Following the Expo’s success, she was appointed CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority in 2022 to oversee the long-term legacy of the site.

Leadership in Education and Humanitarian Work

Beyond diplomacy, Al Hashimy serves as Chairperson of Dubai Cares, a global organisation focused on expanding access to quality education in developing countries.

She also holds the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, supporting higher education and cultural exchange in the UAE.

Recent CNN Interview and Regional Tensions Discussion

In a recent interview with CNN, Al Hashimy addressed growing regional tensions in the Gulf, emphasising the UAE’s commitment to stability, dialogue, and responsible diplomacy.

During the discussion, she highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication channels among regional partners and stressed that sustainable progress in the Middle East relies on cooperation rather than confrontation.

At a subsequent media briefing, she reiterated the UAE’s stance on promoting peaceful resolution of disputes and supporting international efforts to reduce escalation risks in the region. She noted that the country continues to prioritise humanitarian concerns, economic stability, and long-term regional prosperity.

Global Voice for Cooperation and Development

Throughout her career, Al Hashimy has consistently represented the UAE’s vision of constructive global engagement. Her leadership style is often described as composed and strategic, focusing on building partnerships across cultures and institutions.

From diplomatic missions to global exhibitions and humanitarian advocacy, Reem Al Hashimy remains a significant figure in shaping the UAE’s international narrative and reinforcing its role as a bridge between regions.

Her ongoing work reflects the country’s ambition to balance development, innovation, and diplomacy in an increasingly complex global environment.