Omar Saif Ghobash is an Emirati diplomat, author, cultural patron, and thinker known for his work in international relations, public diplomacy, and contemporary Islamic thought.
Born on June 4, 1971, in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. He is the son of Saif Ghobash, the UAE's first Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who was tragically assassinated in 1977. His mother is of Russian descent.
Education:
He attended Rugby School in Warwickshire, UK.
Earned a degree in Law from Balliol College, University of Oxford (1992).
Completed a Bachelor of Science in Pure and Applied Mathematics through the external program of the University of London.
Diplomatic Career:
Ghobash has held prominent diplomatic and foreign policy roles within the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Ambassador to the Holy See
Advisor to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs
Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy (2019–2025)
Ambassador to France (2017–2018)
Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2008–2017)
Early diplomatic service included legal affairs representing the UAE Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Literary & Intellectual Work
Ghobash gained widespread international acclaim as an author following the publication of his book " Letters to a Young Muslim" (2017) Picador. The book is structured as a series of letters addressed to his eldest son. It explores modern Muslim identity, diversity of thought, critical thinking, responsibility, and navigating moderate faith in a complex, globalized world while countering extremist ideologies.
Cultural & Educational Initiatives
Played a pivotal early role in discussions and negotiations that established New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD).
Co-founded The Third Line, a prominent contemporary art gallery in Dubai supporting Middle Eastern artists. Serves as a patron of Arabic literature and translation, including support for the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation (named in memory of his father).
Chairs the UAE selection committee for the Rhodes Scholarship and serves on advisory panels focused on international relations, culture, and counter-radicalization.
