Profile

Samer Alkharashi

Director
UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East

Appointed as the UN Tourism Regional Director for the Middle East office in June 2024, Mr. Samer Al-Kharashi is a distinguished Saudi Arabian diplomat, bringing his extensive expertise to the UN Tourism’s mandate. Al Kharashi earned a High Diploma in Diplomatic Studies from the Prince Saud Alfaisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2002) and a Bachelor of Law from King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1999). His education includes notable programs at Harvard University, Cranfield University, and the European School of Protocol, which focus on leadership, international law, and diplomatic etiquette. His diplomatic career started as an Attaché in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia in 2000, and he subsequently held leading positions such as Vice Consul for Citizen Affairs at the General Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Geneva (2003-2007), Adviser for the minister assistant of Foreign Affairs (2008-2017), and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister for Political and Economic Affairs (2017-2019). Al-Kharashi held the position of the Deputy Head of Mission of the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 2019 to 2022. Apart from his duty as a Minister Plenipotentiary since 2019, he took part in significant international forums and conferences. AL-Kharashi was also involved as a member of Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (2008), as well as in several other multilateral and bilateral engagements and sub-commissions. His vast exposure enables him to provide a strategic perspective that is consistent with the UN Tourism’s goals. Since his appointment, he actively engages in supporting sustainable tourism development and increasing the region's global tourism competitiveness. He is also an honorary member of the Saudi Intangible Heritage Association and serves as a member of the jury for the 3rd edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards.