Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud, daughter of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, was appointed as the first female ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Washington in July 2019. She took on this role less than a year after the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, which put her in the challenging position of rehabilitating the reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the eyes of the United States. Despite these difficulties, Princess Reema has been working to restore friendly relations between the two countries, leveraging her ties to powerful figures in Washington and her own background growing up in the U.S.
Her upbringing in Washington, attending an elite school and interacting with prominent political figures, has given Princess Reema a unique perspective on relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. She has been actively engaged in efforts to heal the rift between the two countries and build mutual understanding. With the help of Saudi Arabia’s lobbying and publicity efforts, Princess Reema has played a key role in navigating the shift in relations from the Trump administration’s embrace to the more critical stance of the Biden administration.
Despite the challenges she faces, Princess Reema’s family ties and personal connections in Washington have proven to be valuable assets in her diplomatic efforts. She has worked to build relationships with key lawmakers on Capitol Hill, advocating for Saudi interests and promoting a positive image of the kingdom in the U.S. Princess Reema’s ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from journalists to politicians to business leaders, has been instrumental in advancing Saudi Arabia’s agenda and addressing concerns raised by critics.
Princess Reema’s role in shaping Saudi foreign policy has become even more crucial in recent months, as she has been involved in high-level discussions on key issues such as the conflict in Yemen and efforts to normalize relations with Israel. Her efforts to promote gender equity and diversification at home, while also advocating for Saudi interests abroad, reflect a broader strategy to improve the kingdom’s image and strengthen its ties with the U.S. Princess Reema’s background as a woman from Saudi Arabia who spent significant time in the U.S. gives her a unique perspective on how to navigate these complex diplomatic challenges.
As Saudi Arabia’s fortunes in Washington continue to evolve, Princess Reema remains a central figure in efforts to rebuild a positive relationship with the U.S. Despite lingering tensions over issues like the Khashoggi murder and the conflict in Yemen, Princess Reema has been working diligently to find common ground and advance mutual interests. Her approach, characterized by open dialogue and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, reflects her commitment to promoting a new vision of Saudi Arabia and fostering constructive relations with the United States.
In the midst of ongoing diplomatic challenges and shifting political dynamics, Princess Reema’s efforts as Saudi ambassador to the U.S. have been instrumental in shaping the course of relations between the two countries. Her multifaceted approach, which includes advocacy for gender equality, economic cooperation, and peace initiatives, reflects a broader strategy to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States. With her unique background, diplomatic skills, and personal connections, Princess Reema continues to play a crucial role in advancing Saudi interests and promoting a positive image of the kingdom in Washington and beyond.
