Expert Profile

H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi is a distinguished leader in international diplomacy, security, and education. As a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates, he chairs the Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee, guiding national policy on key issues. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Al Nuaimi has made significant contributions to countering extremism, fostering peace, and advancing educational reforms.
In international diplomacy, Dr. Al Nuaimi serves as Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Additionally, he represents the Arab Geopolitical Group within the IPU and helps shape global security frameworks. He also leads the IPU Taskforce for the Peaceful Resolution of the War in Ukraine, spearheading diplomatic efforts to mediate peace talks. His leadership extends to promoting gender equity in governance as Chair of the IPU Gender Partnership Group, emphasizing the inclusion of women’s voices in global decision-making.
A staunch advocate for peace in the Middle East, Dr. Al Nuaimi played a pivotal role in championing the Abraham Accords, the historic agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE. He has emphasized the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, cultural engagement,
and youth empowerment as foundations for lasting regional peace. His efforts have paved the way for collaboration in fields such as technology, education, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Al Nuaimi is a prominent proponent of interfaith dialogue, having been instrumental in advancing the Human Fraternity Document, signed in 2019 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. This milestone in global interreligious relations advocates for tolerance and coexistence values that Dr. Al Nuaimi has championed throughout his career.
His leadership in countering extremism is exemplified by his role as the founding chairman of Hedayah, an international center dedicated to combating radicalization. Under his guidance, Hedayah has developed preventive strategies focused on community engagement, education, and rehabilitation for those affected by extremist ideologies.
Dr. Al Nuaimi’s work in fostering peace within the Muslim world includes his involvement as the first Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, an independent international organization established in 2014 to promote peace within Muslim communities. The council brings together distinguished Muslim scholars, leaders, and dignitaries to discourage sectarian conflicts and address sources of division and fragmentation in the Muslim world.
In addition, Dr. Al Nuaimi founded and chairs The World Council for Muslim Communities, established in 2018. This organization serves as an expert platform aimed at integrating Muslim societies by reforming and rationalizing the efforts of Muslim organizations globally. The council seeks to enhance the performance of these organizations, support cultural and social harmony, and improve the quality of life for Muslim communities worldwide.
In 2023, with a vision for a world built on empathy and unity, Dr. Al Nuaimi founded the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to breaking down walls of division and cultivating a deeper, more profound understanding among diverse communities. Through the empowerment of youth as peacebuilders, fostering inclusive interfaith dialogue, and implementing powerful conflict resolution strategies, the Manara Center strives to transform visions of peace into reality. It stands as a beacon of hope, lighting the way toward a future where coexistence and harmony triumph over discord.
Dr. Al Nuaimi’s impact extends to education, where he has held prominent roles, including Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and as a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. His work in education policy reform has advanced the UAE’s standing as a leader in research and innovation, aligning the nation’s educational system with international standards.
An accomplished author, Dr. Al Nuaimi has written extensively on topics such as counter-extremism, coexistence, and political Islamism. His publications include “National State: Imagining a World Without Narrow Nation States”, “Diversity and Coexistence: Fostering Acceptance in a Diverse and Open Society”, and “Political Islamism: Myth and Reality”.
H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi’s career embodies a holistic approach to global security, integrating diplomacy, education, and intercultural dialogue. His dedication to peace, youth and women empowerment, and countering extremism continues to inspire initiatives aimed at building a more secure, tolerant, and interconnected world.