Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, a seasoned Emirati diplomat and former UAE Ambassador to the UN, has been appointed as Minister of State. Known for her leadership in international diplomacy and her pioneering role as the first woman to represent the UAE at the UN, Nusseibeh brings decades of experience in global affairs and government service to her new role.
Dubai: The UAE government has announced the appointment of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh as the country’s new Minister of State, highlighting her long-standing service in diplomacy and international relations. The appointment marks another significant milestone in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its foreign policy and global partnerships.
Nusseibeh, who previously served as Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is widely respected for her ability to navigate complex diplomatic challenges with vision and integrity.
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From September 2013 to April 2024, Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, becoming the first Emirati woman to hold the post. Her tenure was marked by active engagement in peacebuilding, multilateral cooperation, and advocacy for women’s empowerment.
During her time at the UN, she was elected Vice President of the 72nd session of the General Assembly and also chaired the UN Women Executive Board in 2017. She co-chaired the "Friends of the Future of the UN" group, positioning the UAE as a leading voice in multilateral diplomacy.
Born into a distinguished family with Palestinian roots, Lana is the daughter of Zaki Nusseibeh, presidential advisor and renowned translator, and the granddaughter of the late Anwar Nusseibeh, a respected statesman.
She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, and later pursued a Master’s in Israeli and Jewish Diaspora Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Her academic foundation in history and international affairs has shaped her deep understanding of global challenges and regional dynamics.
Nusseibeh’s professional journey spans both global institutions and UAE government service. She began her career as a consultant at UNESCO in Paris and later worked as an analyst at the Gulf Research Centre. She also played a pivotal role as head of the IRENA taskforce, contributing to the development of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Since joining the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009, she has served in several high-level roles, including Director of Policy Planning and Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. She was also Deputy Sherpa for the UAE’s G20 participation and a member of the UK-UAE Ministerial Taskforce, reflecting her experience in global policy coordination.
Nusseibeh has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women and youth in diplomacy. In addition to her roles at the UN, she serves as a trustee of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy, where she continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of diplomats.
Her appointment as Minister of State reflects the UAE leadership’s confidence in her vision, experience, and ability to strengthen the nation’s position on the global stage.
