UAE's Shaikha Al Nowais nominated to lead UN Tourism

UAE national Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been nominated to become the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) for the 2026 to 2029 term.

Al Nowais is the first Emirati woman to run for the position, and if elected, she will make history as the first woman from the region to hold this key leadership role.

Her nomination is a significant milestone for the UAE, highlighting the bold spirit and growing global presence of Emirati women.

Al Nowais has over fifteen years of extensive experience in spearheading initiatives within the tourism and hospitality sectors, both domestically and internationally.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been nominated to become the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization from 2026 to 2029, making her the first Emirati woman to run for this position. If elected, she would be the first woman from the region to take on this… pic.twitter.com/qUgOCMl36c

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) March 21, 2025