Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Nominated by the UAE for Secretary General of UN World Tourism Organisation
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President – Owners’ Relationship Management at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC, has been nominated by the UAE to run for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) for the 2026-2029 term. This nomination underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in global tourism and reflects its pivotal role in the sector.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, expressed that the UAE’s strategic and dynamic position in the global tourism landscape continues to flourish, fostering regional and global cooperation for tourism development. He highlighted that the UAE’s strong relationship with UN Tourism and its recent re-election to the UN Tourism Executive Council for the 2025-2029 term reinforce its leadership in driving innovative and sustainable tourism projects.
Al Marri also emphasized that the candidacy of Shaikha Al Nowais, a distinguished leader in the UAE’s tourism sector, represents the country’s global tourism achievements and its pivotal contributions to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Shaikha Al Nowais, the first Emirati woman to run for this prestigious position, has a notable career spanning over 15 years in the hospitality and tourism industries. Her extensive experience includes leading key initiatives both in the UAE and globally, and she is recognized for her role in driving innovation, sustainability, and workforce development in tourism. Should she be elected, Shaikha Al Nowais will become the first woman from the region to lead UN Tourism, further exemplifying the increasing leadership of Emirati women in international forums.
Shaikha Al Nowais currently holds several influential roles in the tourism and hospitality sectors. She is the first female board member of the Dubai Hotel Group under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Global Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) MEA Chapter, and chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group. In addition, she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, contributing to the development of future leaders in the tourism sector.
Expressing her gratitude for the nomination, Shaikha Al Nowais said: “This candidacy reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering Emirati women in leadership roles and advancing joint efforts to drive the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector globally.” She added that tourism is a crucial driver of economic growth, job creation, and intercultural connectivity, and emphasized the importance of integrating innovation and sustainability into the sector’s future.
Shaikha Al Nowais also outlined her vision for the future of global tourism, focusing on six key pillars:
- Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Growth: Leveraging tourism as a force for economic development, job creation, and cultural preservation.
- Digital Transformation and Smart Tourism: Integrating advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to enhance tourism experiences and infrastructure.
- Economic Inclusion and Empowerment: Ensuring equal participation in the sector for women, youth, and diverse social groups.
- Education and Capacity Building: Strengthening professional development through training initiatives to ensure long-term sector growth.
- Resilience and Crisis Management: Building tourism’s ability to adapt to global challenges, including climate change and economic disruptions.
- Collaboration as a Driver of Success: Promoting partnerships among governments, businesses, and communities to create a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
Shaikha Al Nowais also emphasized the importance of empowering young professionals, particularly women, and highlighted the critical role of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the future of tourism.
With numerous accolades throughout her career, including recognition for her contributions to sustainability and excellence in hospitality, Shaikha Al Nowais continues to shape the future of the tourism industry, both in the UAE and internationally.
