AUC Alumna Rania Al-Mashat Egypt's New Minister of Tourism

Press release

Published January 15th, 2018 - 12:10 GMT

AUC Alumna Rania Al-Mashat is the first woman to hold this position.

Rania Al-Mashat, who graduated from The American University in Cairo (AUC) in 1995, has been appointed Egypt's new Minister of Tourism the first woman to hold this position.

As a leading expert in monetary policy and international economics, Al Mashat has worked with prominent financial institutions in Egypt and worldwide since graduating from AUC with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. At the International Monetary Fund (IMF), she served as adviser to its chief economist, Professor Maurice Obstfeld, and senior economist. She also played a key role in working to modernize and develop the Central Bank of Egypt as assistant sub-governor and head of its Monetary Policy Department.

Recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award from AUC, Al-Mashat is well-known as a global economist. In 2017, she participated in the World Economic Forum’s “Investing in Peace,” a panel composed of influential global figures. She was among a list of 10 renowned economics experts whose input was sought for a World Economic Forum article discussing making the world a fairer place. In 2014, the World Economic Forum named her a Young Global Leader for her commitment to bettering Egypt through her impactful work.

Background Information

American University of Cairo

Founded in 1919, AUC is a leading English-language, American-accredited institution of higher education and center of intellectual, social and cultural life of the Arab world. Its community of students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, alumni and other generous sponsors represent more than 60 countries. The University stands as a crossroads for the world’s cultures and a vibrant forum for reasoned argument, spirited debate and understanding across the diversity of languages, facilities and human experiences.