Raquel Patricia Arbaje Soneh de Abinader

Raquel Patricia Arbaje Soneh de Abinader is a Dominican businesswoman, children’s literature author, and the First Lady of the Dominican Republic. As the wife of President Luis Abinader, she assumed the role of First Lady on 16 August 2020. Known for her intellectual depth, cultural fluency, and commitment to social causes, Raquel Arbaje has taken a distinctive approach to her position, reshaping public expectations around the First Lady’s role in Dominican society.

Early Life and Family Background
Raquel Arbaje was born into a prominent Dominican family of Lebanese heritage. Her father, Elías Arbaje Farah, was a successful entrepreneur in the mattress manufacturing industry, and her mother, Margarita Soneh, also came from a family with a strong business and cultural background. Raquel is the third of four siblings, raised in an environment that valued education, family, and community service. Her family’s multicultural roots provided her with an early exposure to diverse customs and traditions. Her uncle, Bartolo Soni, the older brother of her mother, was a well-known professional boxer, adding a layer of public recognition to the family name.

Education and Linguistic Skills
Raquel Arbaje pursued higher education at the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in Santo Domingo, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Business Administration. Her academic excellence was matched by her linguistic aptitude—she is fluent in Spanish, English, and French, and has conversational abilities in Italian and Portuguese. Her multilingualism and educational background have greatly supported her international engagements and enhanced her effectiveness in public communication.

Professional Life and Creative Endeavors
Arbaje has carved out a diverse professional path, blending business acumen with creative expression. As a businesswoman, she has participated in various commercial ventures. However, her passion lies in storytelling and education for children. She is a published author of children’s literature, aiming to instill moral values and cultural pride in younger generations. One of her most notable projects is “Mi cajita de valores” (My Little Box of Values), a musical piece she recorded with all proceeds directed to benefit Don Bosco, a nonprofit organization for disadvantaged children.

Personal Life and Marriage
Raquel married Luis Abinader, an economist and political leader, forming a strong partnership based on shared values and mutual support. Together, they have three daughters: Graciela Lucía, Esther Patricia, and Adriana Margarita. The family is known for its unity, discretion, and emphasis on education and civic engagement. Beyond her supportive role as a spouse, Raquel has actively participated in political life; notably, she co-wrote the anthem for the Modern Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Moderno, PRM), which her husband co-founded in 2014.

Health and Resilience During the Pandemic
During the 2020 presidential campaign, Raquel Arbaje and Luis Abinader both contracted COVID-19. The couple’s openness about their diagnosis, recovery, and return to the campaign trail helped destigmatize the virus and reinforced public health awareness at a critical time in the nation’s battle against the pandemic.

Role as First Lady
Raquel Arbaje’s tenure as First Lady marks a clear departure from tradition. Upon assuming the role on 16 August 2020, she and President Abinader announced the elimination of public funding for the Office of the First Lady, aligning with their campaign promise to reduce unnecessary government expenditure and increase transparency. Arbaje instead proposed a lean administrative model, focused solely on managing her official schedule and public service initiatives. This approach emphasized her belief in minimalism in governance and showcased her commitment to modernizing the image and function of the First Lady in the Dominican Republic.

In her public appearances, Arbaje emphasizes family, values-based education, gender equity, and support for children and vulnerable communities. Her background as an author and philanthropist informs her tone—empathetic, articulate, and focused on long-term impact.

Legacy and Influence
Raquel Arbaje continues to redefine the scope and influence of a First Lady. Her combination of humility, intellect, and forward-thinking leadership serves as a model for civic-minded citizens and young women alike. She remains a powerful symbol of the balance between public responsibility and personal authenticity in the evolving political and cultural fabric of the Dominican Republic.

• Date Of Birth: 21 September 1970
• Country: Dominican Republic
• President/ Head Of State: President Luis Abinader
• Years in Office: 16 August 2020 - Present