Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud: Navigating Diplomacy in Washington
Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud, daughter of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, has taken on the challenging role of Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. Her journey from attending an elite school in the suburbs of Washington to occupying her father’s old job has been filled with obstacles and triumphs.
Arriving in Washington less than a year after the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Princess Reema faced the daunting task of rehabilitating Saudi Arabia’s image, particularly that of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Navigating the transition from the Trump administration’s warmth to President Biden’s skepticism towards the kingdom was no easy feat.
However, in the midst of shifting alliances and tensions, Princess Reema has played a crucial role in fostering a grudging détente between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. With the assistance of the kingdom’s powerful lobbying and publicity efforts, she has worked tirelessly to highlight the positive aspects of Saudi-U.S. relations and promote a new vision of the kingdom to the American public.
Despite facing criticism and challenges, Princess Reema has proven to be a dynamic and thoughtful leader on Middle East issues. Her efforts to engage with lawmakers, build relationships across party lines, and advocate for Saudi modernization have not gone unnoticed.
From her early days in Riyadh to her current position as ambassador, Princess Reema has shown resilience and determination in polishing Saudi Arabia’s image on the world stage. As she continues to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape in Washington, her role as a Saudi woman promoting change and fostering dialogue remains crucial in shaping the future of U.S.-Saudi relations.
