01
Geoeconomics & the New Global Order
How economics, investment, regulation, and diplomacy are reshaping international power.
Speaking
Conversations for a changing world
Lubna has appeared on BBC and CNN and has addressed governments, global audiences, and multilateral institutions across the United Nations system, including the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council. She has convened roundtables at the World Economic Forum and speaks on geoeconomics, global governance, leadership, and institutional change, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to international, policy, and business audiences.
02
The Gulf & the Changing Architecture of Global Power
The Gulf’s evolving role in global economic and geopolitical affairs.
03
Leadership Across Institutions
A personal keynote on leadership across law, government, banking, and diplomacy.
04
Corporate Governance & the Boardroom
How boards decide, govern risk and hold leadership to account, from her years as Group Chief General Counsel and Group Company Secretary of Emirates NBD and as Founding Chair of the 30% Club GCC Chapter.
05
The Boardroom Meets the Diplomatic Table
What business and diplomacy can learn from each other about influence, governance, and decision-making.
06
Women, Leadership & Economic Participation
What institutions must do to create genuine pathways for women’s leadership and economic participation.
07
Law, Reform & Institutional Change
How legal and regulatory architecture can enable economic and institutional transformation.
Keynotes · Executive dialogues · Board retreats · Roundtables · Moderation · University lectures
A moderated conversation, board retreat, or closed-door roundtable is often the best use of my experience: an intelligent room grappling with a difficult question.
On the RecordSelected appearances
- 2024Panellist, “The right to development and economic, social and cultural rights: Reinforcing the Nexus”United Nations side event, Palais des Nations, Geneva · 13 May 2024Programme →
- 2022Led the UAE delegation, High-Level International Conference on Human Rights, Civil Society and Counter-TerrorismMálaga · May 2022Read →
- 2021Panellist, “COVID-19 and Right to Education: Current Impact and Future Consequences”Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, online · 25 March 2021Read →
- 2017Speaker on the economic landscape of the MENA region and its entrepreneurship trends, Today for Tomorrow conferenceSaïd Business School, University of Oxford · 2017
- 2015BBC 100 WomenThe first woman from the region to present in the BBC 100 Women season · 2015
- 2011Speech, ACT Middle East Deals of the Year AwardsDubai · November 2011
- 2010Talk to students, Sharjah Women’s CollegeSharjah · May 2010Read →
- 2009Panellist, BBC World News televised debate on corporate governance and the global financial crisisDoha · June 2009
- 2009Presented a paper on the panel “Intergenerational Dialogue: Resolutions for the Major Global Challenges”Kiel, Germany · 2009
What audiences say
“Speaking at the House of Lords on Arab women’s leadership during a period of global realignment is a powerful signal. A privilege to witness Arab women shaping this discourse.”
“What resonated with me most was her quiet strength, clarity of vision, and the grace with which she spoke about responsibility in leadership across cultures and regions.”
“Such a wonderful heartfelt tribute to my beloved UAE and the Arab world. A speech that honours friendship and cooperation beyond entrepreneurship.”
“She spoke candidly about leadership under pressure, the realities of multilateral diplomacy, and what it truly means to be a bridge builder in environments where national interests and global obligations intersect.”
“Defying categorization. An outlier, in the best possible sense, and setting standards.”
“You have always oozed so much calm, resolve and serenity, the true mark of a leader.”
“Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story and advice with us all!”