UN Tourism Elects Shaikha Al Nowais As First Female Secretary-General In Historic Move For Emirati Leadership

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been elected as the new Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for 2026–2029. Her election was confirmed by a majority vote from over 160 countries. This announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly's 26th session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attended by a UAE delegation led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.

Al Nowais's appointment marks a historic achievement as she becomes the first woman and the first Emirati to lead the organisation since its inception 50 years ago. This milestone highlights the international community's trust in Emirati leadership and the UAE's success in empowering women on a global scale. The UAE has long been recognised for its commitment to gender equality and leadership development.

Abdullah bin Touq expressed his gratitude to all UNWTO member states for their support in electing an Emirati woman to this significant role. He emphasised that this achievement motivates further efforts to enhance the UAE’s contribution to shaping a sustainable future for global tourism. The UAE's advanced infrastructure and cultural diversity have positioned it as a leading tourism destination worldwide.

The UAE is committed to supporting UNWTO programmes and strengthening international partnerships in tourism. This includes sharing expertise, promoting collaboration between governments and private sectors, and advancing sustainable tourism goals. The country's aviation sector plays a crucial role in connecting East and West, making it a global hub for economic and cultural exchange.

Al Nowais expressed her gratitude to UNWTO member states for their trust, affirming her commitment to this global responsibility. She stated, "Tourism is not merely an economic industry; it is a bridge for human connection and a cornerstone for promoting understanding, peace, and sustainable development among peoples and cultures worldwide." Her vision focuses on innovation, empowerment, sustainability, and developing human capabilities.

She highlighted that her achievement was possible due to the visionary leadership of the UAE, which supports empowering Emirati women across all sectors. Her leadership aims to make tourism inclusive, creating opportunities for youth, women, and local communities while driving sustainable growth and cultural exchange globally.

Strategic Discussions at UNWTO General Assembly

The 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly included intensive meetings covering strategic topics related to international tourism programmes. Discussions focused on enhancing tourism sustainability at regional and global levels, developing human capital in tourism, promoting digital transformation in destinations, and improving tourism experience quality among member states.

The assembly also explored pathways for advancing sustainable tourism models that protect environments and local communities while driving global economic growth. These discussions aim to ensure that tourism remains a key pillar of inclusive economic development for future generations.

Future of Global Tourism

The session addressed rebuilding global tourism post-pandemic on stronger foundations balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Al Nowais outlined her vision for leading global tourism by turning challenges into opportunities and redesigning systems to meet local needs while strengthening national economies through partnerships.

Her focus includes expanding support for developing countries through training, capacity-building, financing, and knowledge sharing. This approach aims to enhance the organisation’s capacity to support sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

This election signifies not only a milestone moment for the UAE but also reflects its distinguished position in global tourism diplomacy. It confirms the country's growing role in promoting sustainable development through cultural exchange among nations.

With inputs from WAM