Diplomacy is a Message Beyond a Profession
Hend bent saad alshallash, Head of the Economic and Cultural Affairs Section at the Saudi Embassy
The Times Kuwait Report
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, diplomacy stands as a vital pillar of communication between peoples and states, serving as an effective tool for achieving stability and building bridges.
While historically dominated by men, women’s presence in diplomacy has become more visible today, proving that diplomacy is not defined by gender, but by competence and the ability to convey a message.
Within this framework, our series ‘Women in Diplomacy’ continues to highlight inspiring women who have made a meaningful impact in the diplomatic arena. Our guest in this week’s ‘Women in Diplomacy’ is Hend bent saad alshallash, head of the Economic and Cultural Affairs Section at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
She spoke to The Times Kuwait about her career, the challenges she faced, and her vision of the role of Saudi women in diplomacy.
“I grew up following the career of Prince Saud Al-Faisal, may God have mercy on him, admiring his culture and determination in delivering his message. He was a role model who inspired me to realize that diplomacy is not just a profession, but a deep national and humanitarian mission. Over time, my conviction grew that I wanted to be part of this proud Saudi legacy,” said Alshallash.
Speaking about the difficulties she encountered as a female diplomat, she said: “I cannot deny that the biggest challenge was the stereotype, since diplomacy has long been seen as a male-dominated field. But I managed to break that image by focusing on competence and achievement. Flexibility in dealing with different situations, along with hard and consistent work, are the real ways to overcome obstacles.”
She noted that the strong presence of women in diplomacy has reshaped the field. “Diplomacy is no longer confined to traditional files such as security, alliances, and trade. It now extends to humanitarian and developmental issues like education, health, and humanitarian aid. With her human sensitivity, a woman can bring new dimensions to this work,” she added.
Recalling defining moments in her career, Alshallash said,: “One unforgettable experience was representing the Kingdom at an international conference abroad, where I felt my country’s voice was truly present and heard.
“Another significant moment was in Kuwait, where I organized the visit of a Saudi delegation specializing in promoting service exports. That visit resulted in important meetings with Kuwaiti government entities, and we continue to see its impact today in strengthening trade relations and exchanging expertise,” she disclosed.
On the qualities she believes are essential for a successful diplomat, she said, “Effective communication and negotiation are crucial, but I firmly believe that cultural awareness is the most important foundation. A diplomat who understands and respects cultural differences can build trust faster and adapt more effectively to different negotiation environments.”
For young Saudi women aspiring to enter the diplomatic field, she says, “Being a woman is a strength, not a weakness. Your human sensibility, flexibility, and communication skills give you a greater ability to enrich diplomacy and convey your country’s message with depth and credibility.”
On diplomacy’s role in reflecting societal diversity, Al-Shlash went on to say, “Representing diversity enhances a nation’s soft power. Saudi Arabia has set a living example by empowering women and youth. A prime example is the appointment of six women as heads of diplomatic missions abroad. This presence reflects the diversity of Saudi society and projects a positive, influential image internationally.”
Summing up her experiences in Kuwait, Alshallash said: “I would describe it as an ‘effortless challenge’. Saudi–Kuwaiti relations are historic and deeply rooted, extending beyond governments to the heart of both peoples. This creates both an opportunity and a challenge for a diplomat to make a tangible difference. Thankfully, with the continuous support of our ambassador in Kuwait, I have been able to make a positive impact on the embassy’s activities and further strengthen bilateral relations.”
