H.E. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri

BIOGRAPHY

H.E. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri is the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Hellenic Republic, a position he assumed in 2020. A seasoned diplomat and accomplished businessman, he has built a distinguished career bridging public service and the private sector, advancing the UAE’s international relations while promoting sustainable economic partnerships abroad.

Before his appointment to Athens, Dr. Al Dhaheri served as the UAE’s first Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China from 2011 to 2017, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties during a period of rapid growth in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Under his leadership, the UAE became China’s largest Arab trading partner and an increasingly important player in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Alongside his diplomatic service, Dr. Al Dhaheri has held senior positions in the UAE’s private sector. He is a founding partner of Ali & Sons Holding Group, one of the country’s leading diversified conglomerates, and has been active in sectors ranging from energy and infrastructure to finance and real estate. His dual experience has given him a unique perspective on fostering economic diplomacy and public–private collaboration.

Dr. Al Dhaheri holds a PhD in International Relations from Durham University in the United Kingdom, an MBA from the American University in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Marymount University. He is also known for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding, frequently speaking at international forums on issues of sustainable development, investment, and global cooperation.

In Athens, H.E. Dr. Al Dhaheri continues to advance the UAE’s strategic partnership with Greece, promoting collaboration in renewable energy, shipping, tourism, and technology, while also deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries.