Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Elected as First Female and Emirati Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has, by a majority vote of over 160 member countries, confirmed Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as its new Secretary-General for the 2026–2029 term, following her election by the Executive Council in May.
Al Nowais’s confirmation marks a historic first — she becomes both the first woman in the world and the first Emirati to lead the organization since its founding 50 years ago, representing a landmark moment for global tourism leadership and women’s empowerment.
The announcement was made during the 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 7–11 November, with the participation of a UAE delegation led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
The UAE delegation celebrated the appointment as a testament to the international community’s confidence in Emirati leadership and to the country’s sustained efforts in advancing women’s roles in global institutions.
“We are witnessing a milestone moment — not only for the United Arab Emirates but for the entire Arab region and the global tourism sector,” said Abdullah bin Touq. “The election of the first woman to lead the world tourism system reflects unanimous international recognition of the UAE’s distinguished position in tourism and economic diplomacy. It also reaffirms our growing role in promoting sustainable tourism and cultural exchange among nations.”
He credited the achievement to the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
“Their vision champions excellence, innovation, and the empowerment of national talent to make meaningful contributions in international organizations — solidifying the UAE’s role as a trusted global partner,” he added.
Bin Touq expressed his gratitude to UNWTO member states for their confidence in electing an Emirati woman to this leadership role, emphasizing that this historic milestone will inspire further efforts to strengthen the UAE’s contribution to a sustainable and prosperous global tourism future.
He also underscored the UAE’s global standing as a leading tourism destination, supported by world-class infrastructure, sustainable investment, and cultural diversity rooted in values of tolerance and openness. The UAE, he noted, remains committed to advancing UNWTO programmes, fostering international partnerships, and promoting sustainable tourism development worldwide.
In her address to the General Assembly, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais expressed deep gratitude to all member states for their trust and support, pledging to serve with integrity, vision, and inclusiveness during a period that demands innovation and cooperation.
“Tourism is not merely an economic industry; it is a bridge of human connection and a cornerstone for promoting understanding, peace, and sustainable development among peoples and cultures,” she said.
Al Nowais credited the UAE’s unwavering support for women’s empowerment across all sectors — particularly tourism — as key to her success, affirming that this achievement reinforces the UAE’s influential role in shaping global tourism policy.
“Together — governments, organizations, private sector partners, and civil society — we will lead a new phase of collaborative work based on innovation, empowerment, and sustainability,” she said. “Our goal is to make tourism an inclusive sector that creates opportunities for all — especially youth, women, and local communities — to drive sustainable growth and cultural exchange.”
She outlined her vision for global tourism leadership, centered on turning challenges into opportunities, redesigning tourism systems to better serve local communities, and strengthening national economies through strategic partnerships, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing — especially in developing countries.
The 26th UNWTO General Assembly featured extensive deliberations on key strategic issues, including tourism sustainability, digital transformation, human capital development, and innovation in global destinations.
Participants also discussed strategies for advancing sustainable tourism models that balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation, ensuring that the global tourism sector remains a pillar of inclusive and resilient economic development for future generations.
