Sheikha Rima al-Sabah

Philanthropist Sheikha Rima al-Sabah, former journalist and wife of Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United States Sheikh Salem al-Sabah, was appointed as UNHCR's National Goodwill Ambassador in the U.S. in January 2015.

“I am honored to be a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, an organization that has long been close to my heart and one that assists millions worldwide who are fleeing war and conflict,” said Sheikha Rima.

Sheikha Rima has an unwavering commitment to humanitarian issues and a genuine commitment to help those in need through her philanthropic and fundraising work in Washington, DC, that has helped raise millions of dollars to fight malaria, build schools and fund hospitals for children.

Her dedication and passion for philanthropy helps to mobilize further life-saving support and resources for our work globally and particularly the mega-crisis in the Middle East.

Sheikha Rima is the founder and chairman of the Kuwait-America Foundation’s annual gala dinner that has raised more than $16 million for various causes and organizations. In 2005, Sheikha Rima raised funds for USA for UNHCR, the independent fundraising charity for UNHCR, to assist Iraqi women and children refugees, and in 2015, her annual gala dinner raised funds for Syrian refugees in the Middle East.