Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Elected Secretary-General of UN World Tourism Organisation

• The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) elected Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as its secretary-general
• On May 30, a vote of 35 member states at UNWTO headquarters in Madrid decided the election

On May 30, at the United Nations World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) headquarters in Madrid, 35 member states voted for Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais to be the organization's secretary-general. She is the first woman to occupy the role since the UNWTO was founded in 1975 and will start her four-year term in 2026.

Shaikha conveyed her profound respect for the appointment and dedicated the momentous accomplishment to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as Prime Minister, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai.

She called this achievement a source of pride for all Arabs and Emiratis, in addition to being a personal triumph. Al Nowais promised to use her position to guide the international travel industry toward sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. She also praised Her Royal Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her vital contribution to the empowerment of Emirati and Arab women.

She has worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for more than 15 years. He is well-versed in asset management, public-private partnerships, and hospitality investment strategy. She was the first woman appointed to the board of the Dubai Hotel Group under Dubai Chambers and was previously the Corporate Vice President of Owners' Relationship Management at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation.

She currently works for the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Middle East and Africa chapter, where she focuses on asset development and investment planning. She has been acknowledged for her contributions to sustainability and hotel brand performance, and she graduated from Zayed University with a degree in business administration and finance.

Shaikha laid out five strategic pillars for her term in her first public statement: technology-driven innovation, sustainable financing models, transparent governance, youth and women's empowerment, and responsible tourism. In order to address global issues like climate change and changing consumer behavior, she urged the industry to take immediate, concerted action.

Also emphasized the value of cooperation and resiliency in converting the tourism industry into one that fosters inclusive growth, economic opportunity, and environmental preservation. The UAE's leadership has praised her appointment as a historic moment for women's representation in international tourism governance as well as a major turning point for the country.