Lana Zaki Nusseibeh: An Emirati Woman Aspiring to Lead the UN

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, a senior Emirati diplomat and former ambassador to the United Nations, has emerged as a candidate for the organization’s top position. Nominated by the United Arab Emirates on October 21, 2026, she brings extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. If elected, she would become the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General, marking a historic milestone for the organization.

Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024. During her tenure, she held several prominent positions, including Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women. She also presided over the Security Council during the UAE’s elected membership in 2022–2023. Her diplomatic experience spans international security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development and institutional reform.

A significant feature of her candidacy is the collective endorsement of all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This regional backing strengthens her credentials and could help her build support beyond the Arab world. Her nomination also raises the prospect of an Arab-backed woman reaching the highest position in the UN system.

Her prospects will depend, however, on the broader geopolitical landscape. The UAE’s close relations with Israel, formalized through the Abraham Accords, may work in her favour among certain Western political constituencies. Nevertheless, it would be premature to assume that these ties guarantee support from influential Jewish organizations or political lobbies.

Ultimately, her selection will depend on whether she can secure the necessary support in the UN Security Council, particularly from its five permanent members. Her diplomatic record and regional backing make her a credible contender, but the outcome will be shaped by international negotiations and competing geopolitical interests.

Jebel Ali Port receives first shipment from Israel

According to media reports, Jebel Ali Port, a major Dubai port has received the first export shipments from Israel. The shipment has been sent by Emirati firm Kimoha from Ashdod of adhesive tape manufactured by Israeli company Davik. The shipment is the first to arrive in the United Arab Emirates and even more notably at one of the busiest ports in the world, since the Abraham Accords normalized ties between the two countries.

“We would like to congratulate Kimoha Entrepreneurs FZCO for adding value to the UAE and Israel diplomatic relations by initiating trade association with Israel-based establishments,” Dubai Ports World (DP), which operates the port, CEO and chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said in a statement.

“And we are glad that Jebel Ali Port could be an intrinsic part of the transfer from Israel to the UAE. We take great pride in being involved in this momentous achievement that is integral for both countries. This operation is just the beginning of trade and commerce activities. We are confident that this move will be the starting point for trade activities that will have a significant impact on both economies, and the business in the region. We are in complete support of the leadership of the UAE and will do everything in our capacity to foster trade ties with Israel and accelerate economic growth.”

“It is an honor to be able to partake and initiate a significant move that will greatly influence the trade exchange in the UAE and Israel,” said Kimoha chairman Kiran Asher.

“This move will go down in the history of the two countries. We cannot thank DP World enough for helping us to make this transfer a seamless process. We have been running operations from Jafza since 1988, and I must say that it is an ideal location to set industries and connect with the world. Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the UAE supported this transaction seamlessly.”

DP World is playing an active role since ties between Israel and the UAE were normalized. In early November, it teamed up with Israel Shipyards to try to win the tender to run Haifa Port, and the company is an expert at maximizing efficiency of harbors, even one as relatively small as Haifa's.