Born in Beirut, Hoda Chahine Kanaan is married to Salim Kanaan and is the mother of three boys and grandmother to three grandchildren. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Public Health from the American University of Beirut.

Hoda began her career with UNICEF, working on community health awareness programs in underserved regions. After moving to Abu Dhabi, she joined the UAE Ministry of Health, where she served for nearly four decades. She was notably the first Lebanese woman to join the Ministry as a technical paramedic specialist in public health, contributing significantly to the development of the UAE’s healthcare delivery system.

Following her retirement, Hoda dedicated herself to philanthropic work, participating in initiatives with the Red Crescent, the UAE Women Association, Al Duniya Helwa, the Children’s Cancer Center in Lebanon, SOS, and Maison de Repos for the elderly. She is also a founding member of The Art Circle, a nonprofit organization promoting art appreciation and supporting local UAE artists.

Hoda is socially active and enjoys swimming, exercising, traveling, and playing bridge.