Nusseibeh UN bid set to burnish UAE’s global business appeal, say analysts

The UAE’s decision to nominate Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh for the post of UN Secretary-General could enhance the country’s reputation as a stable and well-connected business centre, indirectly boosting foreign direct investment and tourism, a prominent business figure has said.

Bal Krishen, chairman of The Century Group, described the candidacy as a credible one that would raise the UAE’s diplomatic profile and strengthen its attractiveness as a leading financial and tourism destination. “The economic gains would likely be indirect but still noteworthy,” he added.

Global perception and investor confidence

A UAE national at the helm of the United Nations, Krishen argued, would reinforce global perceptions of the country as “a reliable, well-connected and forward-looking partner”. Such qualities, he noted, carry weight with investors, multinational companies and international institutions when they decide where to commit capital and base their operations.

Nusseibeh formally entered the race for UN Secretary-General last week. She served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024, and held roles including Vice-President of the General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women. She was granted the rank of minister in December 2021.

If appointed, she would become the first woman to lead the UN and the second Arab to hold the position, following Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Nusseibeh has said she is running not because of her gender, but because she is “optimistic about the future of the United Nations”.

Regional focus and diplomatic dividends

Krishen predicted that greater UN attention and events could shift towards the region if Nusseibeh becomes Secretary-General. The UAE’s priorities — including climate action, tolerance and women’s empowerment — could gain international traction, opening opportunities in climate finance, clean energy and humanitarian work, areas where Abu Dhabi and Dubai are already active. A senior UN post would also raise the visibility of Emirati diplomats and professionals within the global system.

The chairman noted that the UAE already possesses a strong economic base, pointing to its sovereign investment capacity, its role in trade, aviation, logistics and finance, and its growing position in technology and the energy transition. The nomination, he said, provides “visible proof of political standing”, given that few countries can field a credible candidate for the world’s most senior multilateral post.

Prestige matching economic strength

Krishen added that the bid would reinforce the UAE’s convening power on issues shaping the global economy — from development finance and climate action to technology governance — building on its leadership in hosting COP28. “In a nutshell, her nomination shows a nation whose diplomatic reach now matches its economic ambitions,” he said.

Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Academy, said the nomination reflects the UAE’s “confidence in Emirati talent” and its commitment to multilateral cooperation. Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General, called it “a significant milestone in Emirati diplomacy”. He said it demonstrates the UAE’s belief that its positive influence starts with investing in its people, and that women must have a decisive voice in shaping national policy.