Who became the first female ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States?

Princess Rima bint Bandar made history by becoming the first female ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, a landmark achievement reflecting the kingdom’s gradual steps toward gender inclusion in diplomacy. Appointed in 2019, Princess Rima’s appointment symbolized both her personal accomplishments and Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance women’s representation in government and international affairs.

Princess Rima comes from a prominent Saudi family and has extensive experience in public service and international relations. Before her ambassadorial role, she worked in various capacities supporting cultural, educational, and philanthropic initiatives, both in Saudi Arabia and abroad. Her appointment as ambassador to the U.S. was a historic milestone, as she became the first woman to represent Saudi Arabia at such a high diplomatic level in Washington, D.C., reflecting the kingdom’s evolving policies on women’s participation in leadership roles.

As ambassador, Princess Rima bint Bandar has played a pivotal role in strengthening Saudi–U.S. relations, focusing on areas such as diplomacy, trade, cultural exchange, and collaboration in global security and development. Her leadership demonstrates the growing impact of women in shaping international relations, and she has become a role model for aspiring female diplomats in the region.