Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Congratulates Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on Historic UNWTO Appointment
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Her Highness described the milestone as a testament to the UAE leadership’s enduring commitment to empowering Emirati women, rooted in the visionary principles of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and upheld by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. She affirmed that this achievement is the outcome of an integrated national approach that fosters women’s capabilities and positions them as influential leaders on the global stage.
In her statement, Sheikha Fatima praised the pivotal contributions of Emirati women across all sectors, underscoring that this historic victory is not only a symbol of UAE’s successful strategy in investing in human capital but also a powerful reflection of Emirati women’s ambition and resolve to advance national and global development.
“This milestone strengthens the UAE’s pioneering model of women’s empowerment,” Her Highness stated, adding that Sheikha Al Nowais’s appointment represents a new chapter in the UAE’s record of international accomplishments, and reaffirms the world’s growing confidence in the excellence of Emirati talent.
Sheikha Fatima expressed her full confidence in Sheikha Al Nowais’s ability to effect meaningful progress in the global tourism industry, in alignment with international goals for sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development.
She concluded by reaffirming that Emirati women will remain vital partners in the national development journey, and ambassadors of the UAE’s values in international forums. “Emirati women carry the message of a nation that places human empowerment at the heart of its civilisational mission,” she said.
The appointment of Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais marks a historic first: she will become the first woman ever to lead the UN World Tourism Organisation in its 50-year history, with her term beginning in January 2026, subject to formal approval by the UN Tourism General Assembly.
Al Nowais is a distinguished Emirati business leader with over 16 years of experience in global hospitality. As Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, she has led owner relations across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye. A Zayed University graduate in Finance, she chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group, and serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
This landmark achievement adds to a growing list of global recognitions for Emirati women, reinforcing the UAE’s international role in shaping inclusive futures and empowering female leadership to build a more sustainable, equitable, and forward-looking world.
