Reem Al Hashimy 2026: UAE's Voice of Diplomacy Amid Crisis and Peace Efforts
DUBAI, UAE – March 4, 2026 – In a year defined by regional upheaval and diplomatic challenges, Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy has emerged as one of the most visible and steady voices of the United Arab Emirates on the global stage. As Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, Al Hashimy has navigated a tumultuous first quarter of 2026 with remarkable poise—addressing the nation during unprecedented Iranian attacks, representing the UAE on the newly formed Gaza Executive Board, and continuing to champion Dubai's vision as a global hub for innovation and urban development .
From a high-stakes CNN interview on March 1 to the quiet diplomacy of Latin American tours and ConTech innovation hubs, Al Hashimy's portfolio in 2026 reflects the UAE's multifaceted approach to foreign policy: one that combines crisis management, peace-building, and long-term economic partnerships .
The CNN Interview: A Nation Addresses the Crisis
On March 1, 2026, just days after Iran launched over 137 ballistic missiles and 200 drones at the UAE and other Gulf states following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Al Hashimy sat down with CNN's Becky Anderson in Dubai . The interview, conducted amid a region on edge, provided a critical window into the UAE's official response and its message to residents.
Key Excerpts from the Interview
Becky Anderson: "It is hard to overstate just how shocking these images are to UAE residents who are used to this country being a beacon of safety and stability as Iran now threatens the quote 'heaviest offensive in its history' following the Supreme Leader's death."
HE Reem Al Hashimy: "Thank you very much, Becky, for having me. It's a really unprecedented time for us. This is something we've tried to avoid in the last couple of weeks and months, as we had encouraged dialogue and deescalation. Unfortunately, we're at a situation right now where Iran has, through very unjustifiable and very unlawful measures, taken attacks not just to the UAE, but also to the rest of the Gulf and beyond. That is something that we do not accept" .
Al Hashimy sought to reassure residents while being candid about the gravity of the moment. She emphasized the UAE's defensive capabilities:
"We have one of the best defence systems in the world, and we are confident that we will be able to continue to support our infrastructure and protect the people who live here. I know it's a scary time for a lot of the residents. You had mentioned that because you're right. We don't hear these types of loud sounds, but at the same time, those are sounds of interception and where there has been damage, that has been primarily debris" .
The Call for De-escalation
Throughout the interview, Al Hashimy balanced strength with an unwavering commitment to diplomacy:
"We continue to urge deescalation. We are working with our partners all around the world and receiving from them assurances not only of support and coordination but also severe condemnation that this has taken a much larger regional standpoint by really implicating other countries in the Gulf as well" .
When asked whether the UAE might shift from its position of not allowing US bases to launch attacks from its territory to a more combative role, Al Hashimy was clear:
"We have, before this began, been very clear about not having our territories be used to attack Iran. We have always encouraged dialogue, and we have wanted to make sure that it doesn't amount to this, because our region, Becky, doesn't need another war. By the same token, if it needs to come to that, it will come to that. And really, the ball is in Iran's court right now" .
A Message to the People
Perhaps most importantly, Al Hashimy delivered a personal message to UAE residents:
"Really to emphasise that you are safe with a leadership that cares for you and that will do everything they possibly can to ensure that that safety continues. I want to highlight again, Becky, that we need to salute our defence forces, law enforcement, all of the civil defence teams and police forces that, really, it's just been quite loud and there's been some debris at different places. But otherwise, we've been quite safe in comparison to some other very, very horrible war zones" .
Gaza Peace Efforts: The 'Board of Peace' Appointment
Just weeks before the regional crisis erupted, Al Hashimy had been appointed to one of the most significant diplomatic roles of her career. On January 20, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had accepted Washington's invitation for the UAE to join the Gaza 'Board of Peace' —a committee proposed by US President Donald Trump to oversee reconstruction and governance in Gaza .
A Historic Diplomatic Role
The UAE appointed Al Hashimy to the Gaza Executive Board, which was established to coordinate between Gaza's national administrative committee and President Trump's peace committee . The board's mandate includes:
Overseeing Gaza's reconstruction
Supporting efforts to restore peace
Strengthening international cooperation
Mobilizing resources for recovery
In a statement on January 17, 2026, Al Hashimy welcomed the announcement of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan and the formal establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) , a temporary transitional body established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 2803 .
Al Hashimy's Statement on the Appointment
"Her Excellency expressed her pride in being appointed to the Gaza Executive Board, affirming that the appointment reflects the international community's confidence in the UAE's leading role and its steadfast approach to supporting peace and transforming challenges into meaningful opportunities for the people of Gaza, and for the peoples of the region as a whole" .
She added: "The UAE believes that achieving lasting peace requires the concerted efforts of the international community and effective governance of the Gaza Strip in a way that ensures the legitimate rights and aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people, contributes to stability, and supports the peace process toward a more secure and prosperous future for the region" .
Latin America Tour: Deepening Global Partnerships
Before the regional crisis and the Gaza appointment, Al Hashimy began 2026 with an official tour of South America, visiting Guyana and Ecuador as part of continued efforts to deepen cooperation and strengthen the UAE's partnerships with both countries .
In Guyana: A School and Strategic Talks
In Guyana, Al Hashimy met with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and members of the Cabinet. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with particular attention to cooperation and investment opportunities in:
A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Yas School of Inspiration in Crane, Guyana—the first school serving children with special needs in the country. The ceremony was attended by President Irfan Ali and the First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali .
In Ecuador: CEPA Negotations and Innovation
In Ecuador, Al Hashimy met with Vice President María José Pinto, Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, and Cabinet ministers representing Energy, Infrastructure, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Telecommunications .
Discussions explored new opportunities in:
Al Hashimy commended Ecuador for prioritizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations with the UAE, highlighted by the successful conclusion of the second round of negotiations. She noted this as an important step toward strengthening the broader economic partnership between the two countries, further supported by the upcoming inauguration of the Ecuador Trade Office in Dubai .
Expo City Dubai: A Living Lab for Innovation
Beyond her diplomatic portfolio, Al Hashimy continues to lead Expo City Dubai Authority as CEO, transforming the legacy of Expo 2020 into a permanent platform for global collaboration and innovation .
The ConTech Innovation Hub
On January 28, 2026, in the presence of Al Hashimy and His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Expo City Dubai Real Estate Developments to establish a ConTech innovation hub at Expo City Dubai .
The hub will support the development, testing, and deployment of advanced solutions in construction and next-generation urban systems, including:
Modular construction
Digital twins
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Internet of Things (IoT)
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
The hub will activate Expo City Dubai as a "living lab" for cutting-edge pilot projects and technology demonstrators that advance sustainable development. It is part of Expo City's Green Innovation District, an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and a flagship hub for sustainable industrial growth .
Asia-Pacific Cities Summit
In October 2025, Al Hashimy delivered the opening address at the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum, held for the first time in the Middle East at Expo City Dubai . She emphasized Dubai's role as a dynamic hub for global innovation and collaboration:
"This summit is more than just a gathering; it goes to the core of what cities are meant to do—serve their people, adapt to pressures, and continue to deliver amid challenges. We're not here to pretend perfection, but to share both our successes and our failures, and to learn from each" .
Reflecting on Dubai's evolution, she described the city's transformation from a modest coastal town into a thriving global crossroads, attributing this progress to Dubai's constant willingness to adopt new technologies, build strategic partnerships, and embrace fresh ideas. Curiosity, she said, has always been the city's engine of growth .
In February 2026, Al Hashimy also hosted an executive dinner for mayors and city leaders from more than 30 cities across the Arab world at Expo City Dubai, following the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit . The gathering provided a platform for discussing a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous Arab urban future, addressing regional challenges including water resilience, rapid growth, and youth employability .
Leadership Philosophy: Diplomacy, Development, and People
Al Hashimy's approach to governance reflects a deep belief in the power of relationships—whether between nations, cities, or individuals. Her 2026 activities demonstrate a consistent thread: the UAE's commitment to being a constructive partner, a voice of moderation, and a hub for innovation.
Key Themes in Al Hashimy's 2026 Portfolio
Background: A Career of Service
Al Hashimy gained prominence following the speech she delivered at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. She also chairs the UAE's National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Dubai Cares . As CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority since June 2022, she has overseen the transformation of the technologically advanced and people-centric city .
Conclusion: A Leader for Turbulent Times
As 2026 unfolds, Reem Al Hashimy stands at the intersection of several critical narratives: the UAE's response to regional aggression, its commitment to Palestinian peace-building, its deepening ties with Latin America, and its vision for sustainable urban futures. Whether addressing the nation on CNN during a missile crisis, welcoming international leaders to Expo City Dubai, or championing the rights of children with special needs in Guyana, she embodies a distinctly Emirati approach to leadership—one that combines pragmatism, principle, and an unwavering focus on people.
In her own words, delivered during that tense March 1 interview: "We will really leave no stone unturned to make sure that that continues to be the case for all of our citizens and residents alike" .
For Al Hashimy, 2026 is proving to be a year that tests that promise—and she is meeting the moment with grace, resolve, and an unshakeable belief in the power of dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions: Reem Al Hashimy 2026
Q: Who is Reem Al Hashimy?
A: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy is the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority. She is a key figure in UAE foreign policy and a leader in the country's diplomatic and urban innovation efforts .
Q: What did Reem Al Hashimy say in her March 2026 CNN interview?
A: In a March 1, 2026 interview with CNN's Becky Anderson, Al Hashimy addressed the Iranian attacks on the UAE, reassured residents of their safety, emphasized the UAE's defensive capabilities, and called for de-escalation while affirming the UAE's right to defend itself .
Q: What is Reem Al Hashimy's role in the Gaza peace process?
A: Al Hashimy was appointed to the Gaza Executive Board (part of the "Board of Peace" proposed by President Trump) in January 2026. The board oversees Gaza's reconstruction, coordinates between administrative committees, and supports peace efforts .
Q: What is the ConTech Innovation Hub at Expo City Dubai?
A: Launched in January 2026 under Al Hashimy's leadership, the ConTech hub supports development and testing of advanced construction technologies including 3D printing, robotics, AI, and net-zero solutions, positioning Dubai as a global platform for urban innovation .
Q: What did Reem Al Hashimy accomplish during her Latin America tour?
A: In January 2026, Al Hashimy visited Guyana and Ecuador. She inaugurated the Yas School of Inspiration (a special needs school) in Guyana and advanced CEPA negotiations with Ecuador, strengthening bilateral ties in trade, innovation, and education .
Q: What is Expo City Dubai's role under Al Hashimy's leadership?
A: Expo City Dubai serves as a permanent platform for global collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. Under Al Hashimy, it hosts international summits, serves as a "living lab" for urban technologies, and fosters partnerships between cities worldwide .
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