In February 2016, Reem Al Hashimy was sworn in as Minister of State for International Cooperation, in the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Prior to this, Reem led the UAE’s bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.

She currently serves as the Managing Director for the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau and is a member of the Higher Committee of Dubai Expo 2020, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum.

She continues to serve as the chairperson for Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organization with the aim of improving access to quality education in developing countries.

She also manages the Vice President’s Office for Political Affairs.

Since her first ministerial appointment in February 2008, Her Excellency has held the sub-saharan Africa portfolio within cabinet.

She was also the former chairperson of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, which drives the UAE’s global competitiveness across many sectors.

Her Excellency completed her undergraduate degree at Tufts University, earning a BA in International Relations and French, followed by an MA from Harvard University.

She also holds a PhD degree from Tsinghua University.