Dr. Bandar M.H. Hajjar has been President of the Islamic Development Bank since 2016. As development enters a new era, Dr. Hajjar is reimagining the traditional role of a development bank. Through his strategic programme, the IsDB is empowering people for a sustainable future by building global partnerships and driving innovation through a value chain approach to development. Dr. Bandar is also consolidating the bank’s position as a global leader in Islamic finance and the largest issuers of Sukuk.
Prior to this appointment, he served as Minister of Hajj between 2011- 2016, where he introduced 25 initiatives to develop and enhance the services provided to the Hajj and Umrah performers.
In 2005, Dr. Hajjar formed a coordinating council of seven NGOs under the umbrella of the National Society for Human Rights to monitor the first municipal elections held in Saudi Arabia. He believes upholding human rights and dignity is paramount. In 2004 he established a national non-governmental human rights society, along with 40 Saudi men and women
In 1998, Dr. Hajjar was selected as a member of the Shura Council, serving on the Council for three consecutive terms, spanning 12 years. He was appointed Vice-Speaker of the Council, a position he held for three years.
Dr. Bandar Hajjar holds a bachelor's degree with First-Class Honours in Economics and Political Sciences from King Saud University, Riyadh, a master's degree in Economics from Indiana University, USA. and a Ph.D. in Economics from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.
