World Bank names Dahlia Khalifa as Middle East division director

The World Bank has appointed Dahlia Khalifa as division director for the Middle East department, covering Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

Based in Amman, Khalifa succeeds Jean-Christophe Carret, who held the position for four years. A World Bank source told L'Orient-Le Jour the change is part of the institution's regular staff rotation.

Khalifa, an Egyptian-American national, joined the World Bank Group in 2004 after a career in investment banking and strategy consulting. Most recently, she served as regional director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa at the International Finance Corporation, based in Lagos, Nigeria. She has also held leadership roles in business climate, macroeconomics, trade, competitiveness and youth employment.

In her new role, Khalifa will oversee the World Bank's strategic engagement in the five countries under her division, with priorities including private sector development, job creation, infrastructure, human capital, sustainable and inclusive growth, governance, and evidence-based public policy dialogue and reforms.

She holds a doctorate from Georgetown University in Washington, where she also earned a master's degree in international law and governance. She also earned bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from the American University in Cairo.

In June 2025, the World Bank approved a $250 million loan for Lebanon under the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring essential services in areas affected by the war between Israel and Hezbollah.