H.E. Hiba Obaid AlShehhi

Hiba Alshehhi serves as the Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. In her role, she acts as a national focal point for numerous multilateral biodiversity-related conventions, contributing significantly to the UAE’s achievement of first place globally in the Natural Marine Protected Areas Index. Under her leadership, the UAE has formed strategic partnerships to declare and expand protected areas across the nation, enhancing its environmental preservation efforts. Hiba spearheaded the development of the UAE's first national strategies for the conservation of sharks, turtles, and biodiversity, as well as initiatives to combat desertification. Her vision and leadership were critical in executing key policy decisions, including the ban on shark fin removal and export to protect endangered species and the implementation of measures to safeguard native plant species. Hiba is deeply committed to raising public awareness about