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MIDDLE EAST
What Makes a Great Diplomatic Party?
Rima Al-Sabah, wife of Kuwait Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah, is known as one of the top power hostesses in Washington.
"Every good party starts with a good reason," Rima says. "Then it's the combination of a good mix of guests, the right seating arrangement, excellent food, a beautiful setting and, when appropriate, special entertainment."
Giving 15-20 high-profile parties a year is not easy, although Rima makes it look that way. She is particularly known for her gala dinners (raising $1.5 million a night in some cases) that draw from the top tiers of government, society and corporate life. "The most crucial element is the reason, the cause. Then, plan far ahead. I like to send out invitations two months in advance."
Famous for attracting the most important VIP's in town, Rima says, "My husband and I have met and befriended the most fascinating people here." And why do their guests keep coming back? "Our guests know they are welcome in our home
and that they will be made to feel comfortable, appreciated and special."
Although she sometimes entertains for as few as 22 seated in the elaborate dining room at the Kuwaiti Residence on Tilden Street, her most famous parties are held in the tiled and trellised Fountain Room and can number up to 144.
If someone doesn't RSVP, Rima's gracious secretary Fay follows up. "Unfortunately, because of government schedules, some guests do not know until the last minute whether or not they will be able to attend. I understand that."
Although Rima, a self-proclaimed multi-tasker, masterminds the event, "I have a great team of three assistants but I, alone, am on top of every decision." She has a favorite caterer and florist but her "excellent Lebanese chef" does the Arabic menus.
We are left to wonder whether, with a baby boy expected in October, Rima and her husband will be having fewer parties this year. Uli — Gail Scott
 ARMENIA
AMBASSADOR: Tatoul Markarian
SPOUSE: Anna Aghumian CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 2225 R St. NW, 20008, 202-319-1976
 BAHRAIN
AMBASSADOR: Dr. Naser M. Y. Al Belooshi
SPOUSE: Sharifa Benammour CHILDREN: Three
EMBASSY: 3502 International Dr. NW,20008, 202-342-1111
RESIDENCE: 9101 Burdette Rd.,Bethesda,Md. 20817
 IRAN
AMBASSADOR: Dr. Mostafa Rahmani
SPOUSE:Mahboubeh Rahmani CHILDREN:Four
EMBASSY: 2209 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20007 202-965-4990
 IRAQ
AMBASSADOR: Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaida'ie
SPOUSE: Ying-yang
EMBASSY: 3421 Massachusetts Ave.NW, 20007, 202-742-1600
 ISRAEL
AMBASSADOR: Sallai Meridor
SPOUSE: No'a Meridor CHILDREN: Three
EMBASSY: 3514 International Dr. NW, 20008, 202-364-5500
 JORDAN
AMBASSADOR: Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein
SPOUSE: Princess Sarah Zeid CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 3504 International Dr. NW, 20008, 202-265-1606
 KUWAIT
AMBASSADOR: Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
SPOUSE: Rima Al-Sabah CHILDREN: Three
EMBASSY AND RESIDENCE: 2940 Tilden St. NW, 20008, 202-966-0702
 LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES
AMBASSADOR: Hussein Hassouna
SPOUSE: Nivine Hassouna
EMBASSY: 1100 17th St., NW, Suite 602, 20036, 202-265-3210
 LEBANON
AMBASSADOR: Farid Abboud
SPOUSE: Rim Hilal Abboud CHILDREN: One
EMBASSY: 2560 28th St. NW, 20008, 202-939-6300
RESIDENCE: 2841 McGill Terrace NW, 20008, 202-483-9255
 OMAN
AMBASSADOR: Hunaina Sultan al-Mughairy
SPOUSE: Fuad Al-Hinai CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 2535 Belmont Rd. NW, 20008, 202-387-1980
RESIDENCE: 2000 24th St. NW, 20008
 PALESTINIAN NATIONAL AUTHORITY
REPRESENTATIVE: Aflf Safieh
SPOUSE: Christ'l Safieh CHILDREN: Two
EMBASSY: 3120 18th St. NW, Ste. 200, 20036, 202-974-6360
RESIDENCE: 5120Yuma St., NW 20016
 QATAR
AMBASSADOR: Sheikh Ali Jassim Al Thani
SPOUSE: Eiman Hamad A. Al Kawari
EMBASSY: 2555 M St. NW, 20037, 202-274-1603
 SAUDI ARABIA
AMBASSADOR: Adel Al-Jubeir
EMBASSY: 601 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037, 202-337-4076
 SYRIA
AMBASSADOR: Dr. Imad Moustapha
SPOUSE: Rafif Al-Sayed Moustapha CHILDREN: One
EMBASSY: 2215 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008, 202-232-6313
RESIDENCE: 2600 Tilden Place NW, 20008
 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
AMBASSADOR: Saqr Ghobash
SPOUSE: Satma Ghobash CHILDREN: Seven
EMBASSY: 3522 International Ct. NW Suite 400, 20008, 202-243-2400
 YEMEN
AMBASSADOR: Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri
CHILDREN: Three
EMBASSY: 2319 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008, 202-965-4760
RESIDENCE: 4850 Glenbrook Rd. NW, 20016
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