Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman to Lead UN Tourism

Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates has been officially nominated to serve as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). If elected, she would be the first woman to lead the agency since its founding in 1975.

The nomination was confirmed during the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held in Segovia, Spain. Al Nowais received 24 votes in the final round, surpassing candidates from Greece, Mexico, and Ghana. Her appointment is hoped to be ratified at the UN Tourism General Assembly later this year, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Al Nowais brings over 16 years of experience in the global tourism and hospitality sector, most notably serving as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She is also a board member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group, and sits on the advisory board of Les Roches Hospitality Academy.

Her proposed leadership vision for UN Tourism centres on promoting responsible tourism, increasing opportunities for women and youth, leveraging digital transformation, and encouraging innovative financing and inclusive governance across the sector.

If confirmed, Al Nowais will begin her four-year term in January 2026, succeeding current Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.