In an era where diplomacy is evolving to reflect the changing global landscape, two trailblazing women — Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s first female ambassador to the United States, and Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador there — are redefining the face of Middle Eastern diplomacy in the U.S.
Their appointments mark historic milestones for their respective nations, symbolizing progress, leadership, and the growing role of women in international affairs. Both ambassadors bring a wealth of experience from business, media, and public service, using their platforms to strengthen bilateral relations, advocate for cultural understanding, and advance strategic partnerships.
Their presence in Washington is not just a testament to their individual achievements but a reflection of the shifting dynamics in the Gulf, where women are increasingly at the forefront of leadership and global engagement.
Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah
Kuwait’s Ambassador in Washington
Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah made history in 2023 by becoming Kuwait’s first female ambassador to the United States. Appointed on March 12, 2023, she presented her credentials to President Joe Biden on April 19, 2023, marking a significant milestone in Kuwait’s diplomatic representation.
Born in 1974, Sheikha Al-Zain pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Boston University’s College of Communication in 1996. She furthered her studies with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.
Her professional journey is distinguished by a blend of media entrepreneurship and public service. She co-produced the film “Amreeka,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and garnered the Fipresci Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Best Film Award at the Cairo International Film Festival. Additionally, she co-produced “Journey to Mecca,” a film depicting the travels of Islamic scholar Ibn Battuta.
In the realm of public service, Sheikha Al- Zain served as Kuwait’s Undersecretary of State for Youth Affairs, where she played a pivotal role in drafting the country’s first National Youth Policy. Her tenure contributed to Kuwait being recognized as the Youth Capital of the Middle East by the Arab League.
Demonstrating a commitment to fostering creative industries, Sheikha Al-Zain founded the National Creative Industries Group (NCIG) KSCC. The organization focuses on producing impact-driven content that bridges Eastern and Western markets.
Under her leadership, NCIG partnered with Netflix in 2021 to launch the first scriptwriting lab in the Middle East and North Africa region, aiming to elevate the narratives emerging from the region. Since her appointment as ambassador, Sheikha Al-Zain has actively engaged in strengthening Kuwait-U.S. relations. She participated in a panel discussion at the University of Virginia’s Ambassador Series, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations and addressing pressing international developments. Her efforts reflect a dedication to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across various sectors, including security, economic, and cultural domains.
In interviews, Sheikha Al-Zain has expressed gratitude for her upbringing in a women-empowered household, crediting strong female role models for shaping her perspective. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and advocates for narratives that promote peace, plurality, and understanding. Ambassador Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah’s multifaceted career, spanning media, entrepreneurship, and public service, positions her as a dynamic and influential figure in international diplomacy. Her tenure as Kuwait’s ambassador to the United States not only marks a historic first but also embodies a progressive vision for Kuwait’s role on the global stage.
HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador in Washington
Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud has been serving as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States since February 23, 2019.
Appointed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, she is the first woman in the country’s history to hold this significant diplomatic position. Born in 1975 in Riyadh, Princess Reema is the daughter of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who served as the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. from 1983 to 2005, and Princess Haifa bint Faisal.
Growing up in Washington, D.C. , she was immersed in diplomatic life from an early age. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Museum Studies from George Washington University, reflecting her deep appreciation for culture and history. Upon returning to Saudi Arabia in 2005, Princess Reema embarked on a career that blended entrepreneurship with social advocacy.
She served as the CEO of Alfa International, a luxury retail corporation, where she was instrumental in integrating women into the workforce, a progressive move in the Kingdom at the time. Her tenure at Alfa International included overseeing the operations of the Harvey Nichols store in Riyadh. In 2013, she founded Alf Khair, a social enterprise aimed at providing professional opportunities for women, thereby promoting economic diversification and female empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Her commitment to social causes extended to health awareness; she played a pivotal role in organizing a nationwide campaign for breast cancer awareness, which included setting a Guinness World Record in 2015 for the largest human awareness ribbon.
Princess Reema transitioned to public service in 2016 as the Vice President of Women’s Affairs at the General Sports Authority (GSA) in Saudi Arabia. In this role, she developed policies and programs to benefit women and children throughout the Kingdom. Her efforts led to the inclusion of physical education for girls in public schools and the licensing of female gyms, marking significant milestones in the promotion of women’s participation in sports.
In 2017, she was appointed as the President of the Saudi Federation for Community Sports, becoming the first woman to lead a federation covering sporting activities for both men and women. Her leadership has been recognized internationally; in 2020, she became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), further solidifying her influence in the global sports arena.
As Ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema has focused on strengthening Saudi-U.S. relations across various sectors, including economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and security collaboration.
Her tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize the Kingdom’s image and promote the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing dependence on oil and diversifying the economy. Her blend of cultural insight, business acumen, and commitment to social reform continues to play a crucial role in shaping the evolving narrative of Saudi Arabia on the global stage.