Samah Hamad

Dr. Samah is a highly accomplished professional with 25 years of experience in leading institutions and programs focused on socio-economic development. She is specialized in human and talent development, economic and social development, entrepreneurship and innovation.

As the current Minister of Social Development in Government  No.19, under the leadership of H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, her efforts are concentrated on Gaza and extended tirelessly across the West Bank and Jerusalem. Dr. Samah possesses exceptional analytical skills with a focus on education, social development, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Samah has been dedicated to the growth of Paltel Group Foundation where she led the implementation of outstanding programs in education and entrepreneurship. One notable achievement includes cooperating with Stanford University and pro-Palestinian organizations in Silicon Valley to enhance 21st century skills among students through well-structured educational programs such as Code for Palestine and the Sesame Street program. Furthermore, she spearheaded the design and implementation of a seed investment fund for the Paltel Innovation Centre (Fikra), in addition to the largest scholarship program in Palestine, alongside the Decent Life Program, aiming at economically empowering underprivileged and impoverished families across Gaza and the West Bank. She played a pivotal role in managing Capacity Building programs at the local government sector funded by the Danish Fund through the World Bank, BTC, and GIZ, and served as a lead advisor to the Minister of Local Government and the Municipal Development and Lending Fund.

Dr. Samah’s strengths include managing grants and finance, enhancing international and private sector partnerships, and facilitating collaboration. After obtaining her PhD in Business Administration from Northampton University in the United Kingdom, focusing on venture capital in the Middle East and North Africa region, she began her venture investment journey through her membership in the Jordanian Beyond Capital network, where she invested in "Khibrati," a smart Jordanian app that connects professional experts with project owners. As an entrepreneur, she co-founded Basoom for Trade and Investment, and more recently, co-founded "Dars," where her commitment to education and empowering young women shines brighter than ever.

Moreover, Dr. Samah held influential positions on various boards, including the Business Women Forum (as the Chairwoman), the Massader Board (Palestine Investment Fund), and the Arab American University of Palestine (as a Trustee member) and the Rawabi English Academy.  Shewas a member of the General Assembly of the Rowad Society in Nablus and a member at the National Institute for Digital Transformation. She is an engineer with an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK, and a certified PMP from the Project Management Institute, USA. She is married with two sons and one daughter.