Who Is Samir Hulileh—and Why the UAE Sees Him as Gaza’s Post-War Governor

In the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape of post-war Gaza, one name has suddenly dominated headlines: Samir Hulileh. A soft-spoken Palestinian economist and businessman, pre-positioned by U.S. and Emirati actors to potentially assume leadership over Gaza once the conflict subsides.

Samir Hulileh: A Profile

• Born 1957, Kuwait; educated in Beirut; held senior positions in the Palestinian Authority—Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Minister for Economy.
• Today, CEO of PADICO—Palestine Development and Investment Company—and sits on boards like the Palestinian Stock Exchange and PALTEL.

The Media Campaign

Recently, Hulileh appeared in major Arab media platforms—Ma’an, Al-Arabiya, The National—presenting himself as the potential “governor” of Gaza. He confirmed his candidacy was encouraged by the White House in July 2024—but emphasized he would only step forward with the Palestinian Authority’s agreement.

PA Backlash

The Palestinian Authority issued a sharp rebuke, condemning Hulileh’s statements as an attempt to bypass the PA and implementing what it referred to as an Israeli strategy to separate Gaza permanently from the West Bank.

The UAE Factor

This is where the UAE’s role becomes decisive. Behind-the-scenes discussions between the UAE, U.S., and Israel have focused on establishing a provisional administration to govern Gaza after the war—until a reorganized, reformist PA can assume authority.

Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a key architect, leveraging its unique ties with Israel and influence in Washington to shape Gaza’s transition—and ensuring any interim government aligns with its strategic interests.

A Shadow Rival: Mohammed Dahlan

Geopolitically, Hulileh competes against Mohammed Dahlan, Fatah’s ex-security chief now exiled in the UAE. Dahlan retains key ties with Israeli, Egyptian, and Jordanian power centers—making him another Emirati-favored candidate for post-war governance.

Abu Dhabi’s Strategy: Control via Reconstruction

Gaza’s reconstruction represents immense financial resources and geopolitical leverage. A technocratic governor installed with Emirati/U.S. backing would allow Abu Dhabi to direct aid flows, maintain influence, and cement a governance model favoring international oversight over Palestinian self-determination.

Implications

• Sovereignty and legitimacy: Installing a foreign-embedded governor may undermine Palestinian claims to self-rule and legitimacy.
• PA’s weakening: Hulileh’s rise could further marginalize the PA, reinforcing technocratic rule aligned with external interests.
• Hamas exclusionary strategy: UAE and allies enforce a governance model that excludes Hamas entirely, undercutting existing governance structures.

Conclusion: The UAE’s Gaza Gambit

Samir Hulileh’s emergence as a candidate for Gaza’s post-war leadership is no accidental narrative. It represents a calculated Emirati strategy to shape Gaza’s destiny—leveraging media, diplomacy, and reconstruction funding to implant a compliant technocrat at the helm.

As Gaza bleeds under war, the question of who will govern its ruins becomes ever more urgent—and fraught with geopolitical intrigue. Hulileh, backed by UAE interests, is at the center of that struggle.