Historic First: Emirati business leader Shaikha Al Nowais appointed first woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism

Shaikha Al Nowais (Image credit score: Shaikha Al Nowais official webiste)

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has elected Shaikha Al Nowais as the subsequent Secretary-General of UN Tourism. She would be the first woman to guide the group since its institution in 1975, marking 50 years of its historical past.Nowais is ready to start her time period in January 2026 after the retirement of Zurab Pololikashvili, the present Secretary-General. The resolution of Nowais’ appointment was taken within the 123rd session of the UN Tourism council assembly held at Spain on May 30.As a Secretary-General, Nowais goals to deal with sustainability, digital transformation, financial empowerment, moral governance and cultural trade. Her aim is to construct an inclusive and progressive tourism sector that helps drive international prosperity.According to her official web site, Nowais’ imaginative and prescient is “to lead UN Tourism in promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that stimulates economic growth and enriches global communities.”Nowais, an Emirati business leader, has over 16 years of expertise within the international hospitality trade. She is at the moment the company vice-president of proprietor relationship administration on the Rotana lodge chain, the place she manages proprietor relations throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey.She has in depth expertise in company governance, sustainability and financial growth and is thought for her strategic imaginative and prescient in advancing international tourism initiatives.A graduate from Zayed University, Dubai majoring in Finance, Nowais additionally 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. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has congratulated Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as the brand new Secretary-General of UN Tourism.In a press release, Al Yamahi praised the achievement as a mirrored image of the good success of Emirati ladies at each regional and worldwide ranges. He credited this progress to the sturdy help and imaginative and prescient of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who continues to empower ladies and help their position within the UAE’s growth.He acknowledged that this achievement is a supply of delight for the UAE and the whole Arab world. It strengthens the presence of Arab ladies in international decision-making positions and exhibits that Emirati professionals can lead worldwide organisations with talent and excellence.