Prime Highlights:
- Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has made history as the first Emirati woman elected Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism).
- Her election highlights the UAE’s growing influence in shaping international tourism policies and promoting sustainable global tourism.
Key Facts:
- Al Nowais secured support from over 160 member states during the 26th UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh and will serve from 2026 to 2029.
- In her address, she emphasized tourism’s role in connecting cultures, promoting peace, and driving sustainable development through partnerships and skills training.
Background
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has made history as the first Emirati woman elected Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism). She secured the position with the support of more than 160 member states during the 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly held in Riyadh.
The organisation’s Executive Council elected Al Nowais in May, and she will officially start her term in 2026, serving until 2029. Her appointment marks an important milestone for the UAE and the Arab world, showing that the country is playing a bigger role in shaping international tourism policies.
In her speech to the General Assembly, Al Nowais thanked everyone for trusting her leadership. She emphasized that tourism is not just an economic activity; it connects people and cultures and promotes peace and sustainable development.
She shared her vision for global tourism, showing how to turn challenges into opportunities and change tourism systems to serve communities better while boosting national economies. She also called for partnerships so UN Tourism can train, build skills, and share knowledge with developing countries.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, praised Al Nowais’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation. He said the election reflects international recognition of the UAE’s leadership in sustainable tourism and cultural exchange.
The UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh also featured a series of high-level discussions addressing the future of global tourism and strategies for sustainable growth worldwide.
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