UAE’s Sheikha Al Nowais elected first woman to lead UN Tourism in Riyadh – Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
In a landmark vote at the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 26th General Assembly in Riyadh, Emirati Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais was elected Secretary-General for the 2026–2029 term, with support from more than 160 countries. Her appointment marks the first time both a woman and a UAE national will lead the organization in its 50-year history.
Al Nowais’s selection followed her nomination and approval by the Executive Council, completing all required candidacy and election procedures.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, who led the national delegation, hailed the outcome as a historic milestone. He highlighted the UAE’s decades-long investment in advanced infrastructure, sustainable strategies, and a culture of openness and tolerance that has positioned the country as a global tourism hub. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to support the organization’s future programs and to strengthen international partnerships through the exchange of best practices and expertise.
In her remarks, Al Nowais emphasized that tourism is more than an economic driver; it serves as a bridge of human connection and a key pillar for fostering understanding, peace, and sustainable development among cultures worldwide.
The assembly brought together ministers and officials from across the globe, including Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani. Discussions focused on enhancing sustainability in tourism at regional and global levels, building human capacities and skills within the sector, and advancing digital transformation and innovation across destinations to elevate visitor experiences and boost member states’ competitiveness.
Al Nowais will take office in 2026, with the organization expected to advance initiatives centered on sustainability, skills development, and technology adoption—areas highlighted during the assembly as critical to the sector’s resilience and inclusive growth.
