World Bank Appoints New Division Director for the Middle East Department

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2026 – The World Bank announces the appointment of Ms. Dahlia Khalifa as Division Director for the Middle East Department, covering Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. She succeeds Mr. Jean-Christophe Carret, who has served in the role for the past four years. Based in Amman, Ms. Khalifa will lead the World Bank’s strategic engagement across the five countries, working closely with governments, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to support country priorities and advance the Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet, creating more and better jobs for everyone. In her new role, Ms. Khalifa will guide the Bank’s support across a broad development agenda, including private sector-led job creation, foundational infrastructure, human capital, sustainable and inclusive growth, governance, and evidence-based policy dialogue and reform. She will oversee the provision of financing, knowledge, policy advice and advisory services tailored to the diverse needs and opportunities of each country. Ms. Khalifa joined the World Bank Group in 2004 and brings deep development expertise with focus on finance, investment and private sector development. Before assuming her current role, she served as IFC’s Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria, where she led investment and advisory operations. She has senior Group leadership roles spanning investment, climate, macroeconomics, trade, competitiveness and youth employment.