UAE Ambassador on Global Vision, Greece at Webster Athens

Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Hellenic Republic speaks to Webster Athens students about UAE vision.  Photo by Fotis Grivas 

Webster Athens students on April 8 attended a lecture by H.E. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Hellenic Republic. 

The ambassador, who has an impressive background in business and diplomacy, delivered a speech, “The Current Status and the UAE Vision for the Future.” He highlighted the UAE’s rich international trade connections, its commercial and economic contributions to the global economy, and emphasized the importance of both historical and modern achievements. Special attention was given to the strong and growing ties between Greece and the UAE in recent years. 

UAE Ambassador Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, center, with Rector Botopoulos, left, Webster Athens students and Dr. Ioannis Nomikos, head of the History, Politics and International Relations Department, right.  Photo by Fotis Grivas 

Students showed strong engagement, asking questions about UAE relations with the United States and China, with Dennis from the Philippines raising those topics, while others explored the UAE’s cultural and creative pursuits in the arts and sciences. The discussion concluded with an inspiring exchange, including a question from Mary, a student from the United States, about the UAE’s interest in space exploration. Mary remarked, “The chance to have this class is so valuable for discovering information about a country so far from my own.”

Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos presents a commemorative plaque to UAE Ambassador to Greece Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri in recognition of his contribution to Webster Athens students’ understanding of intercultural dialogue and academic diplomacy.  Photo by Fotis Grivas

“For nations like Greece, which host a U.S. university campus such as Webster Athens, it is a challenge to build a network of contacts that promotes friendship and educational cooperation, often closely linked to embassies,” said Webster Athens Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos. “The UAE ambassador’s lecture is a good example of this.” 

Al Dhaheri, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Greece since 2024, brings an extensive background in diplomacy, energy and international business. Previously serving as ambassador to China and nonresident ambassador to Mongolia, Al Dhaheri also held senior roles in the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Group) and represented the UAE at OPEC for over a decade. 

The Ambassadors’ Forum is an annual series hosted by the Department of History, Politics and International Relations at Webster Athens. It offers students a deeper understanding of diplomacy and international relations through lectures delivered by ambassadors and state representatives. Topics range from foreign policy and international organizations to global security, multilateral issues and cooperation frameworks such as the United Nations, European Union and NATO.   
  
Through events like the Ambassadors’ Forum, Webster Athens reaffirms its commitment to global citizenship, intercultural dialogue and academic diplomacy.   
  
About Webster Athens – Webster Athens is the only fully owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion, preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world. 
 
For more information about Webster Athens and its scholarship opportunities, contact Webster Athens Admissions.