HRH Princess Haifa Al-Muqrin is quickly becoming a defining figure in Saudi Arabia’s push for global influence and cultural leadership. As the Kingdom’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, she represents a new generation of Saudi leaders — strategic, globally aware, and deeply rooted in national values.
Her role bridges diplomacy, education, and heritage preservation, positioning her as a powerful advocate for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — a bold roadmap for transformation.
A Strong Educational Foundation
Princess Haifa hails from the prominent Al-Muqrin family, where education and service were always top priorities. After earning her undergraduate degree in Economics from King Saud University, she went on to complete a Master’s at the University of London’s SOAS.
These academic experiences equipped her with a global perspective — a quality that now defines her leadership style.
A Career Built on Development and Diplomacy
Before her diplomatic appointment, Princess Haifa built a strong foundation in international development:
- World Bank – Worked on anti-poverty and human development programs.
- UNDP – Led efforts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Saudi Ministry of Economy & Planning – Played a vital role during Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency in 2020.
Her expertise in strategic planning and multilateral coordination made her a natural fit for a high-profile international role.
Championing Culture and Education at UNESCO
Appointed in 2020, Princess Haifa’s work at UNESCO has been transformative:
- Spearheading efforts to get Saudi heritage sites like AlUla and Al-Ahsa Oasis inscribed as World Heritage sites.
- Advocating for STEM education, especially for young women.
- Promoting Saudi Arabia’s intangible cultural heritage, from folk music to traditional crafts.
Through her diplomacy, she has helped redefine the global narrative around Saudi Arabia — showcasing it as forward-thinking, culturally rich, and inclusive.
A Visionary Leadership Style
Princess Haifa’s approach to leadership is built on three key principles:
- Strategic Alignment – Every step supports long-term goals, especially those of Vision 2030.
- Collaborative Leadership – She brings together governments, NGOs, and private sectors.
- Female Empowerment – Her visible role inspires Saudi women to lead with confidence and purpose.
Aligning With Vision 2030
Her initiatives contribute directly to Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambitions:
- Boosting soft power by showcasing Saudi culture on the world stage.
- Supporting cultural tourism to diversify the economy.
- Driving educational reform and empowering youth.
- Strengthening global partnerships through UNESCO and beyond.
Overcoming Challenges with Diplomacy
Global diplomacy isn’t easy. Princess Haifa has managed:
- Misconceptions about Saudi Arabia through storytelling and transparency.
- Institutional politics within multilateral bodies like UNESCO.
- Complex geopolitical environments where cultural advocacy requires finesse.
Her resilience, patience, and strategic insight continue to be key to her success.
Looking Ahead: Legacy in the Making
Princess Haifa’s goals remain ambitious:
- Gain recognition for more Saudi sites on the global heritage map.
- Position Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital education and women in STEM.
- Mentor future diplomats and leaders, especially women.
- Support the creation of world-class Saudi cultural institutions.
