UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais Appointed First Woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The United Arab Emirates’ Shaikha Al Nowais has been officially confirmed as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations Specialised Agency for Tourism (UN Tourism), becoming the first woman to lead the organization in its 50-year history. Her appointment was ratified by the UN Tourism General Assembly held in Riyadh and will take effect at the beginning of 2026.

Extensive Leadership Experience-

Al Nowais brings a distinguished record of leadership and expertise from the private sector. She currently serves as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, one of the Middle East’s leading hospitality groups. In addition, she chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and sits on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for women in international tourism governance, symbolizing growing inclusivity and recognition of female leadership within the global travel industry.

Vision and Priorities for Global Tourism-

Addressing delegates at the General Assembly, Al Nowais described her appointment as a “triumph for all of us,” emphasizing unity and shared responsibility in shaping a sustainable and compassionate global tourism landscape.

She outlined five core priorities for her upcoming mandate:

• Responsible Tourism

• Capacity Building

• Technology for Good

• Innovative Financing

• Smart Governance

These pillars, she noted, aim to make the sector more inclusive, resilient, and human-centered, aligning with global efforts to advance sustainable development and equitable growth.

Confirmation and Assembly Highlights-

Al Nowais’s nomination was initially proposed by the UN Tourism Executive Council in May and formally approved by 160 Member States during the 26th General Assembly. The Assembly’s opening day also included updates on UN Tourism’s Programme of Work, focusing on investment promotion, innovation, education, and inclusive opportunities within the tourism sector.

Throughout the week-long event, delegates are set to participate in plenary sessions and committee meetings to discuss future strategies for strengthening the tourism industry’s contribution to economic and social development worldwide.

Shaikha Al Nowais’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the UAE and global tourism, reaffirming the nation’s growing influence in shaping international sustainability and hospitality standards.