Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
From representing the UAE at the United Nations to advancing international talks on the global development agenda and building partnerships across continents, Dr. Najla Al Zarooni has built a career around one belief: diplomacy is ultimately about people.
Today, the international relations expert and host of global talks has been working closely with international organisations, governments, financial institutions, technology providers and the private sector to accelerate the global development efforts.
She is also a host of Global Southing Podcast, visiting trainer at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and founder of Global Influence Catalyst Platform, an initiative dedicated to strengthening international strategic communication and public diplomacy.
With a PhD in International Relations, two master’s degrees in diplomacy and international relations, including one from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, and a bachelor’s degree in international studies, Dr. Al Zarooni has combined academic excellence with years of diplomatic practice.
Representing a nation with global influence
Having served within the support team of the UAE Mission to the United Nations in New York, Dr. Al Zarooni says these experiences transformed her understanding of the global development agenda and UAE’s strategic positioning in international affairs.
“The UAE is no longer viewed as a small country,” she said. “We are now a middle power that diplomatically contributes to shaping the global agenda.”
For her, representing the UAE abroad extends beyond promoting national interests. It is also about demonstrating the country’s capabilities, showcasing Emirati talent and contributing to international stability through dialogue, cooperation and partnership.
Her stints with multilateral and intergovernmental organisations has also broadened her perspective.
“When you work internationally, you are not only thinking about your own country. You are thinking about collective global efforts to achieve development, security and stability,” she said.
At the same time, she believes Emiratis working in international organisations play an important role in reflecting the country’s values while proving that UAE professionals can successfully contribute to solving global challenges.
Soft power, public, and climate diplomacy
Soft power, public and climate diplomacy are closely linked to sustainable development.
Dr. Al Zarooni’s work focuses on bringing together governments, media, investors, technology providers and development organizations and partners.
She says climate diplomacy is not only about reducing emissions but also about improving lives. “Even a small change can transform communities over time.”
As emerging economies gain greater influence through platforms such as BRICS, Dr. Al Zarooni believes the UAE is uniquely positioned to accelerate international cooperation.
She points to the country’s strategic geographic location, world-class logistics, aviation, ports, digital infrastructure and growing expertise in artificial intelligence as strengths that make it an effective global partner.
A long-time researcher specialising in China and East Asia, Dr. Al Zarooni has closely followed the evolution of the UAE’s partnerships across the region.
She notes that relations have moved far beyond oil exports to become comprehensive strategic partnerships spanning education, artificial intelligence, food security, healthcare, technology and infrastructure.
She cites the UAE-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as an example of this transformation, pointing to collaboration during the Covid-19 pandemic, when vaccine production in the UAE supported distribution to other countries.
Today’s partnerships with China, India, South Korea, Singapore and Central Asian countries demonstrate how diplomacy can create new opportunities not only bilaterally but also for cooperation in regions such as Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
Preparing the next generation of diplomats
As an internationally certified trainer of diplomatic cadre and government officials, Dr. Al Zarooni believes tomorrow’s diplomats will require a different set of skills from previous generations.
Digital diplomacy, she says, has become essential.
“Official representatives today must have both a physical and a digital presence, reflecting the UAE solid excellence and positive stories” she said.
Through her hosting Global Southing Podcast and founding Global Influence Catalyst Platform, Dr. Al Zarooni works with different governmental and semi-governmental institutions to strengthen international communication capabilities, communicating the Emirati narratives to the rest of the world.
As an Emirati woman working in international relations, academia, media and leadership, Dr. Al Zarooni says the greatest challenge has not been proving women’s capabilities but balancing professional responsibilities with family and personal life.
International travel, high-level meetings and global conferences require careful time management alongside her roles as a wife, mother, daughter and educator.
She recalls recently participating as the only woman among more than 20 international experts setting at an international forum—an experience that made her proud of how far Emirati women have come.
Looking ahead, Dr. Al Zarooni believes public diplomacy and soft power is becoming increasingly integrated into every profession.
