Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is making headlines across the global tourism and hospitality industry. As the first Emirati woman nominated for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, she stands as a symbol of progress, inclusion, and visionary leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field.
UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais named UNWTO secretary-general for 2026–2029. Executive Council – 123rd session held on 29 – 30 May, 2025, Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Segovia, Spain. The Council consisted of Full Members elected by the Assembly in the proportion of one Member for every five Full Members.
Following protocol, the Council elected Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, to begin in January 2026. Her nomination will be put to the UN Tourism General Assembly for their approval, in October 2025.
The nomination represents a landmark first for the sector, as the first woman leader of UN Tourism in its 50-year history. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is an Emirati business leader with over 16 years of experience in global hospitality. As Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, she has overseen owner relations across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. A graduate of Zayed University in Finance, she also 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.
FIJET congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on her appointment as UN WTO Secretary General. Her expertise and vision continue to be vital for the future of global tourism and we look forward to her continued engagement in the sector. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contributions of all candidates in this important selection process.
