Profile

Samer Alkharashi

Director of UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East
UN Tourism

Samer AlKharashi is a Saudi diplomat and international development professional who was appointed in June 2024 as the first Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East. He combines an extensive diplomatic career with regional tourism leadership, advancing cooperation among Member States and stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism, investment, innovation, and inclusive growth across the region. Since assuming his role, he has established the Regional Office as a strategic platform for programme delivery, technical cooperation, and stakeholder engagement, positioning the Middle East as a hub for tourism policy dialogue, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. Under his leadership, the Office has expanded its engagement with governments, regional organisations, United Nations entities, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, and Affiliate Members. He regularly represents UN Tourism at international and regional forums, supporting the Middle East’s growing role in global tourism development.