Reem Al-Hashimy: UAE Int'l Cooperation Minister & Face Of Calm Amid Attacks

Across Dubai, social media influencers are sharing reels expressing trust in the UAE’s leadership, even as the country faces ongoing attacks linked to Iran. Videos of daily life, fortified neighbourhoods, and reassurances from residents highlight public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain safety and stability. At the forefront of this message of calm is H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co‑operation, who has consistently emphasised that the UAE is fully prepared to protect its people.

“We possess one of the most capable defence systems globally, and we are confident in our ability to defend critical infrastructure and protect everyone living in the country,” she said, speaking to CNN.

But who really is Reem Al-Hashimy, and how did she become one of the most prominent voices in the UAE?

Know All About Her

Reem Al-Hashimy is one of the most notable individuals in the UAE today. As the Minister of State for International Cooperation, she has been instrumental in building partnerships globally, developing the UAE’s plans for safety, growth, and diplomatic presence globally. 

Born in 1978 in the UAE, Al Hashimy’s family history is one of service to the UAE. Her father, Dr Saeed Al Hashimy, is the former UAE Minister of State. Throughout her early years, Al Hashimy was exposed to the world of UAE governance.

Al Hashimy received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and French from Tufts University in the United States. Then, she earned a master’s degree from Harvard University. She concluded her academic career at Tsinghua University in China, where she received her PhD. 

Entry into Government and Diplomatic Career

Before she was appointed to the UAE cabinet, Al-Hashimy had several hats in international diplomacy, first as a commercial attaché and later as the Deputy Chief of Mission in the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Her entry into UAE politics came in February 2008, when she joined the government as the Minister of State. This marked the beginning of her long and ongoing journey to mould the UAE's image in the world arena.

The role of the Minister of State for International Cooperation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was given to her in February 2016. She controlled the UAE's development efforts worldwide and mapped strategic relationships of the country with nations around the world.

By forming stronger relationships with African, Asian and other developing nations, she expanded the UAE's worldwide footprint in terms of development efforts.

International Development and Global Influence

Al-Hashimy has been instrumental behind the scenes in the development of international development strategies. She is the chair of the UAE National Committee for the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that the country's development strategies are in line with the United Nations Development Programme's goals.

In 2011, Al-Hashimy was appointed to lead Dubai’s successful bid for Expo 2020 and later served as Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, overseeing the event that welcomed 24.1 million visitors. She also helped create the all-women Firdaus Orchestra and now serves as CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority.

She is also involved in other international development activities that include the leadership of the philanthropic Dubai Cares, an organisation that focuses on education and international development activities worldwide.

She made history in 2022 when she became the first Emirati woman politician to address the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level debate, which is an indicator of her rising power on the global scene.

Reem Al-Hashimy's career is a reflection of the modern concept of diplomacy that is no longer limited to political leadership, but also development in the international arena. From her initial foreign representation of the UAE to her current position as a major driver in the development of the UAE’s footprint in the world, she has come a long way.