Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, has been awarded the Marisa Bellisario Award, one of Italy’s highest honours recognising outstanding women leaders for their achievements in diplomacy, government, business, innovation, culture, and humanitarian work.

The award was presented during the 38th Marisa Bellisario Award ceremony in Rome by Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy. The recognition places Al Hashimy among an exceptional group of global women leaders and reflects growing international recognition of the UAE’s commitment to empowering women in leadership.

The honour comes at a significant moment in UAE–Italy relations, following the State Visit of President Sergio Mattarella to the UAE in January 2026. Throughout her career, Al Hashimy has played a key role in advancing international cooperation, strengthening global partnerships, and leading landmark initiatives such as Expo 2020 Dubai, including the Women’s Pavilion, which celebrated the role of women in driving progress.

Accepting the award, Al Hashimy dedicated the recognition to Emirati women, describing it as a reflection of the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering women to contribute confidently on the global stage. She also highlighted the growing partnership between the UAE and Italy across trade, innovation, sustainability, culture, education, and regional cooperation.

Previous international recipients of the award include Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Madeleine Albright, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Nadia Murad, placing Al Hashimy among a distinguished group of internationally recognised women leaders.