Her Excellency Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy stands as a central figure in the United Arab Emirates’ strategic rise as a global economic and diplomatic powerhouse. As the Minister of State for International Cooperation and the CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, her influence spans from high-level foreign policy to the management of massive urban legacy projects. Her leadership is characterized by a blend of intellectual depth, diplomatic tact, and a commitment to sustainable development that resonates both within the UAE and on the international stage.
For investors and policy analysts, her career trajectory offers a roadmap of how the UAE has successfully integrated into the global economy. By managing complex bilateral relations and leading the Middle East’s first World Expo, Al Hashimy has redefined the role of a modern diplomat. This article explores her background, her strategic decisions during times of global upheaval, and her current role in shaping the UAE’s future.
Reem Al Hashimy’s Early Career in the UAE Foreign Service
Born in 1978 in the Emirate of Dubai, Reem Al Hashimy was raised in a family with a distinguished record of public service. Her father, Dr. Saeed Al Hashimy, previously served as a UAE Minister of State, providing her with an early understanding of governance and national responsibility. This foundation in public service guided her toward an elite international education.
She completed her undergraduate studies at Tufts University in Massachusetts, where she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Relations and French in 1999. Her academic pursuits continued at Harvard University, where she earned a Master of Arts degree. Later in her career, she further solidified her expertise by obtaining a PhD from Tsinghua University in China, reflecting her commitment to understanding diverse global perspectives, including those of the world’s second-largest economy.
Al Hashimy began her professional career in the diplomatic service, serving as the Commercial Attaché at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.. She was later promoted to Deputy Chief of Mission, a role that placed her at the heart of the UAE-U.S. bilateral relationship. During this period, she was intimately involved in negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations and coordinated outreach to political and business stakeholders.
Her Appointments Shaping UAE International Engagement?
The career of Reem Al Hashimy is marked by a series of rapid advancements and historic milestones that align with the UAE’s own developmental goals.
- 1978: Born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- 1999: Graduated from Tufts University with degrees in International Relations and French.
- 2008 (February): Sworn in as a Minister of State in the UAE Cabinet at the age of 29, becoming one of the youngest ministers in the government.
- 2011: Appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to lead the bid for hosting the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.
- 2013 (November): Led the successful bid for Expo 2020, marking the first time the event would be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
- 2014 (June): Appointed as Managing Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Committee and Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.
- 2016 (February): Appointed as Minister of State for International Cooperation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- 2021 (October): Oversaw the official opening of Expo 2020 Dubai after a one-year delay caused by the global pandemic.
- 2022 (July): Appointed as the CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority to manage the legacy of the Expo site.
- 2026 (April): Represented the UAE at the Semafor World Economy Summit and the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro, navigating complex regional security issues.
Businesses should pay close attention to these milestones as they reflect the UAE’s long-term commitment to international integration and economic diversification.
Also Read: Mohamed Alabbar Emaar’s Founder Billion-Dollar Vision That Transformed Dubai
How Reem Al Hashimy Helped Make Expo 2020 a Success?
Perhaps the most visible achievement of Reem Al Hashimy’s career was the successful delivery of Expo 2020 Dubai. As the Managing Director and Director General, she was responsible for a “mega-event” that required coordinating with hundreds of participating nations and thousands of contractors. The project was not merely about construction; it was a diplomatic exercise in “connecting minds” to create a shared future.
Despite the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a one-year postponement, the event eventually welcomed 24.1 million visitors between October 2021 and March 2022. Al Hashimy’s leadership during this period focused on “creating hope in times of upheaval,” a theme she later explored in her debut book, When Ground Shifts. She emphasized that while hope was the goal, “trust was a method”—a trust founded on experience and demonstrated through actions.
The impact of Expo 2020 on the UAE economy was profound. It catalyzed infrastructure development in South Dubai and reinforced the city’s status as a global hub for tourism and business. The transition of the site into Expo City Dubai, under Al Hashimy’s leadership as CEO, ensures that the multibillion-dollar investment continues to yield returns as a “Green Innovation District” and a sustainable residential and business community.
Al Hashimy and the UAE’s Diplomatic Outreach
In her capacity as Minister of State for International Cooperation, Al Hashimy manages the UAE’s bilateral relations with several critical regions, including India, Pakistan, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her role involves more than just ceremonial duties; she is a key negotiator in complex regional conflicts.
For instance, she has been a vocal representative of the UAE’s role in Yemen, focusing on the liberation of the port city of Hodeidah and the provision of humanitarian relief to the Yemeni people. Furthermore, she played a significant role in the historic reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, demonstrating the UAE’s ability to act as a mediator in the Horn of Africa.
Her diplomatic approach is increasingly focused on multilateralism. In 2025 and 2026, she has been a prominent figure at BRICS ministerial meetings, engaging with counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss trade and political alignment. This shift highlights the UAE’s strategy of maintaining strong ties with Western allies while expanding its influence within the emerging “Global South.”
Why “Trust” Matters — Al Hashimy on Any Deal With Iran
In recent years, Al Hashimy has had to navigate an increasingly volatile regional security environment. In April 2026, following a period of heightened tension and direct attacks attributed to Iranian-backed proxies, she took a firm stance on international security. Following a drone attack that hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport in March 2026, she spoke candidly about the lack of trust in the Iranian regime.
“We are not fools,” Al Hashimy stated in a high-profile interview, emphasizing that any deal with Iran must ensure lasting peace rather than simply “kicking the can down the road”. She argued that while the UAE used its oil wealth to build an economic powerhouse, other regional actors used their resources for nefarious nuclear programs, missiles, and proxies.
This “maximum pressure” approach aims to protect the critical Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supply flows. For global markets, this stance is vital. Any disruption in the strait leads to skyrocketing oil prices, affecting everything from air travel to food costs globally. For investors, this trend is worth watching as it directly impacts global inflationary pressures and energy security.
Dubai Cares and Its Mission for Better Education
Beyond hard diplomacy, Al Hashimy is a champion of the UAE’s “soft power” through sustainability and education. She chairs the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aligns the UN’s 2030 agenda with the UAE’s national development priorities. This role ensures that the country’s growth is not just rapid, but also environmentally and socially responsible.
In the realm of philanthropy, she serves as the Chairperson of Dubai Cares, a global organization founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The organization focuses on improving access to quality education for children and young people in developing countries. Under her guidance, Dubai Cares has expanded its reach, impacting millions of lives and reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian aid as a pillar of its foreign policy.
Additionally, her role as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi highlights her commitment to establishing the UAE as a regional hub for higher education and cultural exchange. By bringing world-class educational institutions to the Emirates, she is helping to build a knowledge-based economy that can thrive in a post-oil era.
Keeping Peace Through Dialogue and Partnerships
The primary challenge facing Al Hashimy and the UAE government is the ongoing instability in the Middle East. The risk of regional escalation—particularly involving maritime trade routes and energy infrastructure—remains a constant threat to economic stability. The weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz by regional actors could undermine years of economic progress.
Furthermore, the transition of Expo City Dubai into a self-sustaining urban center is a long-term project that requires constant private sector investment and high occupancy rates. While the initial legacy plan is robust, global economic downturns could slow the development of this “city of the future”.
However, the outlook remains positive. Al Hashimy’s ability to maintain “unwavering positions” on violence while keeping the door open for “conversation and ties” suggests a sophisticated diplomatic strategy. Her recent meeting with the Israeli Ambassador in October 2024, despite regional tensions, underscores the UAE’s commitment to the Abraham Accords and the belief that normalization is a historic necessity for regional prosperity.
Final Thoughts
Reem Al Hashimy has transformed the role of a government minister into that of a global executive. Whether she is addressing the UN General Assembly—as the first female Emirati politician to do so—or managing the intricate details of a multi-billion dollar real estate project, her focus remains on building a “model of economic prosperity”.
Her career demonstrates that for a small nation to have a large impact, it must lead through innovation, education, and firm diplomatic principles. As the UAE continues to navigate the complexities of 2026 and beyond, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the country remains a stable, prosperous, and influential player on the world stage.
This could shape the market in the coming months as the UAE further integrates into the BRICS alliance and continues its ambitious sustainability projects.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Reem Al Hashimy is a senior government official in the United Arab Emirates. She currently serves as the Minister of State for International Cooperation and the CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.
She was the Managing Director of the bid committee and later the Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau. She is widely credited with leading the successful effort to bring the World Expo to the Middle East for the first time.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and French from Tufts University, a Master’s degree from Harvard University, and a PhD from Tsinghua University in China.
As Minister of State for International Cooperation, she manages the UAE’s bilateral relations with various regions, oversees international aid, and chairs the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals.
Yes, she is the Chairperson of Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organization that aims to improve access to education for children in developing countries.
She has taken a firm “maximum pressure” stance, stating that “trust is earned” and that the UAE will not be “fools” regarding Iranian policies that threaten regional stability and the Strait of Hormuz.
Expo City Dubai is the legacy site of Expo 2020. It is a sustainable, tech-enabled urban district that serves as a hub for business, tourism, and residential living, with Al Hashimy serving as its CEO.
Her debut book, When Ground Shifts, tells the story of Expo 2020 Dubai and discusses themes of leadership and creating hope during times of global upheaval.
Dwayne Paschke is a seasoned content strategist and AI automation specialist with over nine years of experience at the intersection of journalism and digital innovation. A versatile force in the media landscape, Dwayne has built a reputation as an expert content writer and investigative journalist, contributing high-impact pieces to various reputable news websites.
