Suhaila Saqer Ghubash

VP for Festival Planning and Operations at Dubai Economy and Tourism

Speaker

Suhaila Ghubash is a visionary leader and award-winning executive with over two decades of experience driving Dubai’s global reputation as a premier destination for festivals, events, and retail innovation. As Vice President at the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (an agency of Dubai Economy and Tourism), she has been instrumental in conceptualizing and executing landmark events that have transformed the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

Beginning her journey as a volunteer at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2000, Suhaila rose through the ranks to become one of the UAE’s most prominent Emirati women in government leadership. Today, she oversees major initiatives such as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Ramadan in Dubai, Union Day, and Eid in Dubai, alongside pioneering projects like the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Fashion, Creations Fashion Show, and Modesh World—one of the region’s largest family edutainment destinations.

Recognized for her trailblazing contributions, Suhaila has received numerous accolades, including:

• Golden Women Awards – Best Woman Leader in Government (2024)
• Emirati Women Achiever Award (2024)
• FEMINA Women Achievers Award (2015)

She has represented Dubai and the UAE on regional and global stages, serving as a panelist and speaker at major platforms such as IFEA in Colorado, Disney’s International Women’s Day, Gulfood, and the Khaleej Times “We the Women” conference. Suhaila has also served on national committees including Expo 2020, the UAE National Day Federal Committee, and the Dubai Quality of Life Committee.

Her strategic expertise spans end-to-end event development, sponsorship and alliance building, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of sustainable marketing strategies with annual budgets exceeding AED 60 million and generating revenues above AED 100 million.

Suhaila holds a Master’s in Marketing Communications from Middlesex University Dubai and a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from the American College of Dubai. She is also a Certified Festival & Events Executive by the International Festivals & Events Association.

Beyond her professional role, Suhaila is deeply committed to mentoring emerging talent, championing women in leadership, and enriching Dubai’s global brand through storytelling, culture, and creativity.