Reem Al Hashimy

Reem Al Hashimy, whose full name is Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, is an Emirati diplomat and senior UAE government official. She has served as the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation since 2016 and is also the CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority. She first entered the UAE Cabinet as a Minister of State in February 2008 and later became one of the key figures behind Dubai’s successful bid for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Her work goes far beyond the Expo project. Her career includes diplomatic service in Washington, international cooperation, sustainable development, education, humanitarian work, and government competitiveness. She also chairs the UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Dubai Cares, and the Board of Trustees of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. In 2026, her diplomatic responsibilities also included work related to Ukraine and international engagements at the United Nations.

Reem Al Hashimy Biography

The main details of her profile come from official UAE government and institutional sources.

Who Is Reem Al Hashimy?

Reem Al Hashimy began her career in the UAE diplomatic service before moving into senior government positions. Her early diplomatic assignments included serving as a Commercial Attaché and later as Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Her international standing grew considerably during Dubai’s campaign to host Expo 2020. After Dubai secured the bid, she took on a leading role in preparing the event and eventually served as Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai. Her connection with the Expo site continued after the event through her appointment as CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.

Education and Academic Background

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy studied International Relations and French at Tufts University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Harvard University and a doctorate from Tsinghua University in China.

Her academic background spans the United States and China and provided a strong foundation for a career focused on diplomacy, international relations, and cooperation between countries.

Early Diplomatic Career

Before joining the UAE Cabinet, Reem Al Hashimy worked within the country’s diplomatic service. She served as a Commercial Attaché before taking up the position of Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Those roles exposed her to diplomatic representation and international economic relations at an early stage of her career. The experience later supported her work on international negotiations and government-to-government relationships during Dubai’s Expo campaign.

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Reem Al Hashimy’s Government Career

In February 2008, Reem Al Hashimy joined the UAE Cabinet as a Minister of State. Dubai Cares also notes that she has overseen the International Affairs Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum since that appointment.

Her government responsibilities later expanded into areas such as national competitiveness, statistics and sustainable development. Before taking charge of international cooperation, she served as Chairperson of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, adding a domestic policy and data-focused dimension to her government career.

Reem Al Hashimy and Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai became the most internationally recognised project of Reem Al Hashimy’s career. She played a leading role in Dubai’s successful campaign to host the World Expo, which marked the first time the event came to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

As Managing Director of Dubai’s World Expo 2020 bid, she helped lead the campaign that won support from a majority of the 168 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions. Dubai secured the right to host the Expo in November 2013, after which her focus shifted from winning the bid to delivering the event.

In 2014, she became Managing Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Committee and Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau. The role brought her into the centre of preparations involving governments, international organisations, businesses and visitors from around the world.

Winning the Expo Bid

Dubai’s Expo campaign required a strong international case for hosting an event of such scale. The bid had to convince representatives of the Bureau International des Expositions and participating governments that Dubai could deliver a successful World Expo.

Al Hashimy’s diplomatic experience helped her engage with representatives from different countries and present Dubai’s vision on the international stage.

The campaign succeeded in November 2013, giving Dubai the right to host the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

The Diplomatic Dimension of Expo 2020

Expo 2020 was not simply a construction and events project. Bringing governments and national pavilions together also required careful diplomatic engagement because participating countries did not always share the same political interests.

In her 2025 memoir, When Ground Shifts, Al Hashimy gives a first-hand account of this side of the Expo. Reporting around the book describes the diplomatic challenges involved in bringing countries with difficult relationships into the same international event, including Israeli and Palestinian participation.

Her Expo work therefore drew heavily on the international-relations experience she had developed during her earlier diplomatic career.

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Delivering Expo 2020 During the Pandemic

Expo 2020 Dubai was initially scheduled for 2020, but organisers postponed it for one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event eventually opened in October 2021 and continued until March 2022.

The delay created major operational challenges. Organisers had to coordinate participating countries, travel, construction, and international visitors during a global health crisis. Al Hashimy’s memoir discusses the experience from her position as the minister responsible for the project.

The six-month Expo recorded approximately 24 million visits, according to contemporary reporting on the event and Al Hashimy’s book.

Worker Welfare and Expo Operations

Expo 2020 involved a large workforce and required systems to address worker concerns alongside the wider event operation. Reporting on When Ground Shifts describes a worker-welfare hotline that allowed workers to raise issues or request assistance.

The same reporting says the hotline received more than 800 calls. These figures come from coverage of Al Hashimy’s book rather than a current UAE government statistical release, so they are best presented as reported figures rather than independent government statistics.

The worker-welfare element also shows the scale of the Expo operation. Behind the pavilions and visitor areas, organisers had to manage workforce needs, operational procedures and support systems.

Cultural Legacy and the Firdaus Orchestra

Expo 2020 also produced cultural projects that continued beyond the event. The Firdaus Orchestra is one of the most notable examples: an all-women ensemble created for Expo 2020 under Reem Al Hashimy’s leadership.

The Aga Khan Museum describes the orchestra as bringing together musicians from nearly 24 nationalities. The project grew from a 2019 conversation between Al Hashimy and composer A.R. Rahman.

Al Hashimy later explained that she wanted the Expo’s cultural programme to create opportunities for female musicians from different parts of the world. The orchestra went on to become part of Expo’s wider cultural legacy and continued performing after the event.

From Expo 2020 to Expo City Dubai

Expo 2020 did not mark the end of Reem Al Hashimy’s involvement with the site. In 2022, Dubai established the Expo City Dubai Authority, and Resolution No. 28 of 2022 appointed her as its Chief Executive Officer.

The authority took responsibility for Expo City’s development and for maintaining relationships built during the Expo with countries, organisations, institutions and investment funds. It also supports Dubai’s position as a destination for major exhibitions and international events.

Her move from Expo 2020 to Expo City Dubai gave her a continuing role in the site’s development rather than ending her connection with the project when the Expo closed.

Expo City Dubai Long-Term Legacy

Expo City Dubai has developed the former Expo site around areas including sustainability, culture, education, business and international events. The official leadership profile continues to list H.E. Reem Al Hashimy as CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.

The authority also gave the former Expo site a permanent institutional purpose. Instead of ending its use after the six-month event, Dubai incorporated the area into its longer-term urban development and global-events plans.

Reem Al Hashimy’s Role in International Cooperation

In February 2016, Reem Al Hashimy became the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, a position she continues to hold in 2026.

According to Dubai Cares, her responsibilities include UAE bilateral relations with Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Pakistan and Small Island Developing States. Her portfolio therefore covers diplomatic relations alongside development and humanitarian cooperation.

Her international work remained active throughout 2026, with engagements involving India, Australia, the United Nations and Ukraine.

Diplomatic Engagements in 2026

During 2026, Al Hashimy continued representing the UAE in bilateral and multilateral engagements. Her work included discussions with Indian officials on bilateral cooperation and regional matters, as well as meetings with Australian officials on bilateral relations and economic and development cooperation.

She also took part in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in September 2026.

These activities show how her current responsibilities have moved well beyond Expo 2020. International cooperation and diplomacy now form a central part of her public role.

Reem Al Hashimy and Ukraine

A notable recent addition to her diplomatic responsibilities is her role as Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine.

In September 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified her in this capacity while reporting on her participation in the Pathways to Peace: The Second International Conference on the Return of Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War in Toronto on 28–29 September 2026.

The UAE Ministry reported that Canada recognised the UAE’s humanitarian efforts and mediation in facilitating the release of captives between Russia and Ukraine. Al Hashimy also discussed ways to strengthen UAE-Canada cooperation concerning Ukraine.

Sustainable Development and the SDGs

Reem Al Hashimy chairs the UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, which works on implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in line with UAE development priorities.

Her work in this area also connects with her earlier role at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. That position involved areas such as national statistics, competitiveness and development. Her career therefore brings together international cooperation, government data and sustainable development.

Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority

Before taking on her current international-cooperation portfolio, Reem Al Hashimy served as Chairperson of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the authority’s work in terms of improving the country’s global competitiveness through stronger statistics and data-based policymaking.

This role shows that her government career has not been limited to foreign affairs. It has also included domestic institutions, national performance and the use of statistics in policymaking.

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Dubai Cares and International Education

Reem Al Hashimy chairs the Board of Directors of Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organisation focused on expanding access to education in developing countries.

Her connection with Dubai Cares began before the completion of Expo 2020. The organisation has supported international education initiatives while also running community, volunteering and fundraising programmes in the UAE. Her role at Dubai Cares adds education and humanitarian work to her wider international-cooperation responsibilities.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Reem Al Hashimy also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The university’s 2026 materials continue to identify her in both this role and as UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation.

Her university role complements her own academic background at Tufts University, Harvard University and Tsinghua University. It also gives her a continuing role in the education sector alongside her government responsibilities.

Reem Al Hashimy’s 2025 Book

In March 2025, Reem Al Hashimy published her debut book, When Ground Shifts: The Story of Dubai Expo: Creating Hope in Times of Upheaval. Profile Editions published the book as her firsthand account of Dubai’s successful Expo bid and the work involved in delivering the event.

The publisher presents the book as an account of the international and personal challenges she faced while leading the Expo team. It also places the project within the wider story of the UAE’s international role, global events and international relations.

The memoir adds something that standard government biographies cannot provide: Al Hashimy’s own account of the decisions, uncertainty, international cooperation and pressures surrounding Expo 2020.

The Personal Perspective Behind the Expo

When Ground Shifts also gives readers a more personal view of the Expo project. The publisher describes Al Hashimy as a minister and mother to a young family while discussing the personal and professional pressures she faced during the years of Expo preparation.

Coverage of the book also examines the demands of leading the project alongside her personal experiences. That material adds context to a career otherwise documented mainly through official appointments and institutional responsibilities. The personal details remain part of her own account rather than a basis for adding unverified information about her family.

Reem Al Hashimy at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The book also became part of Reem Al Hashimy’s public cultural work.

At the 2026 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, she appeared in a session titled “HE Reem Al Hashimy: When Ground Shifts.” The festival presented the session as an account of the successes, challenges, and strategies behind Expo 2020 Dubai.

Her appearance alsoallowed hery to discuss the Expo experience beyond official government announcements and institutional profiles.

Awards and Recognition

In June 2026, Reem Al Hashimy received Italy’s Marisa Bellisario Award in Rome. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the award recognised her contributions to diplomacy, international cooperation and global partnerships.

The award adds a recent international honour to a career that includes Cabinet service, Expo leadership and diplomatic responsibilities. Her recognition also forms part of the wider record of women serving in senior public leadership positions, with Al Hashimy having been a UAE Cabinet minister since 2008.

Investment Corporation of Dubai Board Appointment

In September 2026, Dubai issued Decree No. 23 of 2026, establishing the Board of Directors of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy was named as one of its board members.

The appointment adds another institutional responsibility to her existing government and Expo City roles. It places her on the board of one of Dubai’s major investment institutions.

Reem Al Hashimy’s Current Roles in 2026

As of October 2026, her principal publicly documented roles include:

• UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation
• CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority
• Chair of the UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals
• Chair of the Board of Directors of Dubai Cares
• Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
• Member of the Board of Directors of Investment Corporation of Dubai
• Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine, according to a September 2026 UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs report.

Together, these positions cover diplomacy, international cooperation, sustainable development, education, philanthropy, humanitarian affairs, global events, and institutional leadership.

Reem Al Hashimy Career Timeline

Before 2008 — Diplomatic service: Served as Commercial Attaché and later Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.

February 2008 — Cabinet appointment: Joined the UAE Cabinet as a Minister of State.

2011 — Expo campaign: Took a leading role in Dubai’s campaign to host World Expo 2020.

November 2013 — Expo victory: Dubai secured the right to host Expo 2020 after the international bid process.

2014 — Expo leadership: Became Managing Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Committee and Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.

February 2016 — International Cooperation: Became UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation.

2021–2022 — Expo 2020: Expo 2020 Dubai took place from October 2021 to March 2022 after a one-year COVID-19 postponement.

July 2022 — Expo City: Appointed CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.

March 2025 — Author: Published When Ground Shifts: The Story of Dubai Expo: Creating Hope in Times of Upheaval.

January 2026 — Literature Festival: Appeared at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for a session about When Ground Shifts.

June 2026 — Ukraine: Participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference as part of the UAE’s international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

June 2026 — International recognition: Received Italy’s Marisa Bellisario Award.

September 2026 — ICD: Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

September 2026 — Ukraine diplomacy: Participated in the Pathways to Peace conference in Toronto as Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine.

What Is Reem Al Hashimy Best Known For?

Reem Al Hashimy is best known internationally for her role in Expo 2020 Dubai, but the Expo forms only one part of her career.

She began in the UAE diplomatic service, entered the Cabinet in 2008, helped lead Dubai’s successful Expo campaign, became Minister of State for International Cooperation in 20,1,6 and later took charge of Expo City’s authority. Her wider work covers sustainable development, education, philanthropy and humanitarian diplomacy.

Her 2025 memoir adds her own perspective on the Expo project, including the challenges of leading it through the COVID-19 period and a period of wider international uncertainty.

Reem Al Hashimy Career and Legacy

Reem Al Hashimy’s career has moved through diplomacy, federal government, international cooperation,n and major institution-building projects. She entered public service through the UAE diplomatic network, joined the Cabinet in 2008, and later became a central figure in Dubai’s successful Expo 2020 campaign.

Her work continued after the Expo closed. Through Expo City Dubai, she remained connected with the site’s long-term development, while her ministerial portfolio took her into bilateral relations, international development and humanitarian diplomacy. Her leadership roles at Dubai Cares, the UAE’s Sustainable Development Goals committee and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi also keep education and sustainable development within her public work.

Ground Shifts adds her own account of the Expo years to the official record. By October 2026, her portfolio also includes responsibilities linked to Ukraine diplomacy and the Investment Corporation of Dubai, extending her career well beyond the World Expo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Reem Al Hashimy?

Reem Al Hashimy is an Emirati diplomat and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. She is also CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.

What is Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy known for?

She is known for leading Dubai’s successful Expo 2020 bid and serving as Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

What is Reem Al Hashimy’s educational background?

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, a master’s degree from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Tsinghua University.

When did Reem Al Hashimy become a UAE minister?

She became a UAE Minister of State in February 2008 and Minister of State for International Cooperation in February 2016.

What was Reem Al Hashimy’s role in Expo 2020 Dubai?

She led Dubai’s successful Expo bid and later served as Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

What is Reem Al Hashimy’s role at Expo City Dubai?

She serves as CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, overseeing the site’s development and long-term legacy.

What is When Ground Shifts about?

It is Reem Al Hashimy’s first-hand account of the Expo 2020 bid and the challenges of delivering the event. It was published in March 2025.

What is Reem Al Hashimy’s role in Ukraine?

In 2026, she was identified as the UAE Foreign Minister’s Envoy to Ukraine and participated in diplomatic engagements related to the country.

What are Reem Al Hashimy’s current roles?

Her 2026 roles include Minister of State for International Cooperation, CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, and leadership roles at the SDG Committee, Dubai Care,s and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.