Adel al-Jubeir reached international prominence as a spokesman for the Saudi government during the Gulf War, appearing in 1991 to articulate the Kingdom's position during Operation Desert Shield. Born in Al Majma'ah in 1962, he built a diplomatic career that spans decades of service as an ambassador, policy advisor, and government minister.
Early Education and Professional Foundations
Al-Jubeir completed his formative schooling across diverse regions, including Saudi Arabia, Germany, Yemen, Lebanon, and the United States. He attained a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics with highest honors from the University of North Texas in 1982. This was followed by a Master of Arts in international relations from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in 1984. He later received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from the University of North Texas in 2006.
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Appointed to the Saudi Diplomatic Service in 1987, Al-Jubeir served as a special assistant to Ambassador Prince Bandar bin Sultan at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. During the early 1990s, he participated in the Madrid Peace Conference and the Multilateral Arms Control Talks. By 2000, he held the title of Director of the Saudi Information and Congressional Affairs Office, eventually ascending to the role of Saudi Ambassador to the United States in 2007, a post he maintained until 2015.
Ministerial Roles and Climate Diplomacy
He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2018. Subsequently, he transitioned to the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, becoming the second non-royal to hold this specific office. In 2022, he expanded his portfolio by assuming the role of Climate Affairs Envoy. As a member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, his professional work remains focused on foreign policy, regional security, and international institutional representation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 February 1962, Al Majma'ah
- Citizenship: Saudi Arabia
- Education: University of North Texas, Walsh School of Foreign Service
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia: 2015-2018
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs: 1997
- Awards: Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
What is his current role in the Saudi government?
He serves as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, a member of the Council of Ministers, and the Climate Affairs Envoy.
Did he serve as an ambassador?
Yes, he served as the Saudi Ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2015.
