Houda Ezra Nonoo (born 1964) is a Bahraini diplomat, business executive, and former ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States. She was appointed ambassador in 2008, becoming the first woman and the first member of Bahrain’s small Jewish community to hold the post. Nonoo presented her credentials to President George W. Bush in June 2008 and served in Washington, D.C., until 2013, when she was succeeded by her successor in the Bahraini diplomatic corps.
Early life and education
Nonoo was born in Manama, Bahrain, into a prominent Jewish family; her father, Ezra Nonoo, was a well‑known businessman and community leader. She attended primary and secondary schools in Bahrain before pursuing higher education abroad, obtaining a degree in banking and finance.
Career
Prior to her diplomatic appointment, Nonoo held senior positions in Bahrain’s financial sector, including roles in banking and real‑estate development. She was a board member of several private companies and contributed to initiatives aimed at promoting Bahrain’s economic diversification.
In 2008, the Bahraini government named her ambassador to the United States, a posting that also accredited her as non‑resident ambassador to Canada. During her tenure, she worked to strengthen bilateral relations, promote trade and investment, and enhance cultural exchange between Bahrain and North America. Nonoo was noted for her efforts to increase visibility of Bahrain’s religious and cultural diversity, particularly highlighting the historic presence of the Jewish community in the Gulf region.
After concluding her ambassadorship, Nonoo returned to the private sector, continuing her involvement in business and philanthropic activities. She has served on the boards of various charitable organizations and remains a prominent figure in Bahrain’s public life.
Personal life
Nonoo is married and has children. She is multilingual, speaking Arabic, English, and Hebrew. Her heritage and professional achievements have made her a notable example of religious and gender diversity within the diplomatic corps of the Middle East.
Recognition
Throughout her career, Nonoo has received acknowledgments from both Bahrain and international entities for her contributions to diplomacy, economic development, and interfaith dialogue.
