Lama Sulaiman, the first woman deputy chairman of the JCCI, says it was a strong possibility as women have been nominated for the secretary-general post in the past. Sulaiman told Arab News that a secretary-general would be announced only after Ramadan, adding that there were no regulations preventing women from holding such positions.

The position fell vacant when Hani Abo Ras, who had previously held the post, was appointed mayor of Jeddah in place of Adel Fakieh, who had become minister of labor. Aisha Nato, a JCCI board member, had earlier said that she had spoken to chairman Saleh Kamel, who had confirmed that no law prevents a woman from becoming secretary-general. This position needs only a qualified person, said Nato, and women have a better chance due to their business experience.