Across the Middle East, millions of people look to stronger economies, better infrastructure, quality education and greater employment opportunities to improve their lives. Behind many of the programmes and partnerships supporting these aspirations are development leaders whose work shapes policies, investments and long-term growth, often far from the public eye.
One of those leaders is Dahlia Khalifa.
The World Bank recently appointed Khalifa as Division Director for its Middle East Department, placing her at the forefront of the institution’s strategic engagement across Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Based in Amman, Jordan, she succeeds Jean-Christophe Carret, who served in the role for the past four years.
Her appointment is more than a career milestone. It reflects over two decades of experience in international development and positions her to help shape one of the World Bank’s most significant regional portfolios. Working closely with governments, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders, Khalifa will support country priorities while advancing the World Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
Leading Development Across a Complex Region
The Middle East presents a diverse development landscape. While countries across the region have unique priorities and challenges, they also share aspirations for stronger economies, greater resilience and inclusive growth.
As Division Director, Dahlia Khalifa will oversee the World Bank’s engagement across a broad development agenda. Her responsibilities include supporting private sector-led job creation, strengthening foundational infrastructure, investing in human capital, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, improving governance, and advancing evidence-based policy dialogue and reform.
She will also oversee the delivery of the World Bank’s financing, knowledge, policy advice and advisory services, ensuring that support is tailored to the needs and opportunities of each country.
A Career Dedicated to Development
Dahlia Khalifa joined the World Bank Group in 2004, building a career centred on development finance, investment and private sector development.
Over the years, she has developed extensive expertise in helping countries strengthen investment environments, expand economic opportunities and encourage private sector participation as a driver of sustainable growth. Her work reflects the World Bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting economic transformation through practical, evidence-based development solutions.
Her appointment to lead the Middle East Department recognises both her technical expertise and her ability to guide complex regional development programmes.
What You Need to Know About Dahlia Khalifa
While her new leadership role has attracted international attention, there are several key facts that define Dahlia Khalifa’s professional journey:
- She joined the World Bank Group in 2004, giving her more than two decades of experience within one of the world’s leading development institutions.
- She specialises in finance, investment and private sector development, areas that play a vital role in economic growth and job creation.
- She now serves as Division Director for the World Bank’s Middle East Department, overseeing the institution’s engagement across Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
- Based in Amman, Jordan, she works closely with governments, development partners and the private sector to advance country priorities.
- She succeeds Jean-Christophe Carret, who held the position for the previous four years.
- Her work supports the World Bank’s mission to reduce poverty, promote shared prosperity and help countries build more resilient and inclusive economies.
The Impact of Her Leadership
Leadership within international development institutions extends far beyond managing projects. It involves building partnerships, shaping policy discussions and ensuring that investments deliver meaningful results for communities.
In her new role, Dahlia Khalifa will help guide programmes that support employment, infrastructure, governance and sustainable economic development across a region that continues to face both opportunities and complex challenges.
Her leadership also reflects the growing influence of women in global development and international finance. Around the world, more women are taking on senior roles within multilateral institutions, helping shape policies that influence economic growth, investment and development outcomes for millions of people.
Looking Ahead
As Dahlia Khalifa begins this new chapter, she assumes responsibility for one of the World Bank’s most strategically important regional portfolios.
By working alongside governments, development partners and the private sector, she will contribute to initiatives designed to strengthen economies, expand opportunities and improve lives across the Middle East.
Her appointment is not only a recognition of professional excellence but also a reminder that effective development leadership requires collaboration, expertise and a long-term commitment to creating sustainable solutions that benefit people and communities.
A Woman to Watch
Behind every development strategy are leaders committed to creating opportunities for others. Dahlia Khalifa’s journey demonstrates that expertise, vision and purposeful leadership can influence policies that shape economies and improve lives across borders.
Amazons Watch Magazine celebrates Dahlia Khalifa as she embarks on this new chapter of leadership at the World Bank. Her journey represents a new generation of global leaders, demonstrating that meaningful progress begins with informed leadership, strong partnerships and an unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact.
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