03/08/2026
Dr.Shagufta M. Zubair (ChSci MISFT): Transforming Food Safety Through Innovation, Policy, and Global Leadership
We are delighted to announce the prestigious inclusion Dr.Shagufta M. Zubair - Prinicipal Food Studies & System Officer, Dubai Municipality among the esteemed Global 200 Women Power Leaders of 2026 in the category of Food Safety, Sustainability, Digital Transformation.
Shugufta Zubair is redefining the future of food safety through a rare combination of scientific expertise, regulatory excellence, & visionary leadership. As Principal Food Permit Officer at Dubai Municipality, she has become one of the driving forces behind the emirate's world-class food safety ecosystem, shaping policies & digital innovations that safeguard millions of residents & visitors while setting new international benchmarks for regulatory excellence.
With over a decade of experience spanning biotechnology, public health, international law, food safety, & quality management, Zubair has established herself as a respected authority in regulatory governance & food systems transformation. Holding a Master of Laws in International Commercial Law from the University of Birmingham Dubai & a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Manipal University Dubai, she combines scientific knowledge with legal & policy expertise to deliver practical, future-focused solutions.
At Dubai Municipality, Zubair has played a pivotal role in developing landmark initiatives that continue to strengthen food safety standards across the emirate. She co-authored the Dubai Food Code 2020, led the development of the Certified Person in Charge (PIC) certification framework, & established comprehensive regulatory guidelines for food transportation & delivery systems. Her leadership has also accelerated the digital transformation of food safety services through the integration of advanced technologies, data analytics, & AI-powered approval processes developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, creating more efficient, transparent, & intelligent regulatory systems.
Beyond policy development, Zubair is widely recognized for her ability to build strategic partnerships & drive knowledge exchange across government, academia, & industry. She has been instrumental in organizing the Dubai International Food Safety Conference, one of the world's leading food safety forums, while designing specialized programs that enhance the capabilities of food safety professionals & trainers across the region.
Her influence extends well beyond the UAE. A Chartered Food Scientist, member of the Institute of Food Science & Technology (UK), contributor to the GFSI Middle East & Africa Workgroup, & expert supporting World Health Organization initiatives on foodborne disease, Zubair actively contributes to advancing global food safety standards. Her published research on COVID-19 food safety measures further underscores her commitment to protecting public health through evidence-based practice.
Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Shugufta Zubair continues to shape the future of food safety, demonstrating how visionary leadership can transform regulatory systems into engines of public trust, sustainability, and global resilience.