United Nations Volunteer, World Food Programme (WFP)
Jamal Alhaj is a Foreign Policy Analyst and Partnerships professional currently serving with the United Nations World Food Programme in Dubai, as part of the United Nations Volunteers. In his role, he supports WFP’s engagement with Gulf government donors and partners, as well as the expansion of its private-sector partnerships.
From 2018 to 2024, Jamal worked at Etihad Credit Insurance, the UAE’s federal export credit company, where he led government and international partnerships that contributed to the country’s non-oil trade expansion and foreign economic diplomacy. He has also held roles in other federal entities and the Government of Dubai.
He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in International Relations from Zayed University and the University of Wollongong. His analysis focuses on middle power politics in the Gulf, economic and network-centric statecraft, and how Gulf states convert economic capital into political and diplomatic influence.