Taking office on 23 February 2019, Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud became the first woman in the history of Saudi Arabia to serve as an ambassador. Appointed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, she represented her nation in the United States until 2025, a role previously held by her father, Bandar bin Sultan.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born in Riyadh in 1975, she is the daughter of Bandar bin Sultan and Haifa bint Faisal. Her lineage connects her to the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud, as his great-granddaughter. She spent significant years in the United States, where she pursued higher education at George Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in museum studies. During her academic tenure, she engaged in internships at L'Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Sackler Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
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Returning to Riyadh in 2005, she entered the retail sector, serving as CEO of Alfa International Company Limited from 2007 to 2015. In her capacity managing the Harvey Nichols store in Riyadh, she implemented workplace initiatives to facilitate female employment, including the introduction of a nursery for employees. She also founded the social enterprise Alf Khair in 2013, which aimed to expand professional opportunities for women. Her advocacy for economic integration was recognized by Fast Company in 2014.
Public Policy and Sports Diplomacy
In 2016, she transitioned into government service as Vice President of Women’s Affairs at the Saudi General Sports Authority. She later became the first woman to lead a multi-sports federation in the Kingdom as President of the Mass Participation Federation. Her public sector work included driving physical education initiatives for girls and promoting active lifestyles. In 2020, she joined the International Olympic Committee, where she contributes to commissions focused on gender equality, diversity, and sustainability.
Fast facts
- Born: 1975, Riyadh
- Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States: 2019-2025
- Education: George Washington University
- International Olympic Committee Member: 2020
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What was her primary role in the retail industry?
She served as the CEO of Alfa International Company Limited and managed the Harvey Nichols store in Riyadh, where she focused on increasing female employment.
Did she hold any specific sports leadership positions?
Yes, she served as the President of the Mass Participation Federation and is a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Achievements
- ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States (2019–2025)
- member of the International Olympic Committee (from 2020)
- Educated at George Washington University
