Woman named Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais assumes leadership role at United Nations tourism body.
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Readies for a Change of Guard
In a trailblazing moment for gender representation within global institutions, Emirati Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais has been elected as the next Secretary-General of the UNWTO, shattering the glass ceiling as she becomes the first woman to hold the position since the organization's inception in 1975. This milestone event took place during the 123rd session of the UNWTO Executive Council in San Ildefonso, central Spain, on Friday.
Securing a decisive victory in the second round of voting, Al Nowais garnered 24 votes, outnumbering her main rival, Greek candidate Harry Theoharis, based on UN agency sources quoted by the Spanish news agency EFE. With her appointment set to be ratified by the UNWTO General Assembly, convening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this November, Al Nowais' tenure will commence in 2026 and extend until 2029.
Al Nowais' ascension in a highly contested field ensures she will succeed Zurab Pololikashvili, who has served as Secretary-General for eight years. The contenders included Mohamed Adam (Ghana), Habib Ammar (Tunisia), Gloria Guevara (Mexico), and Harry Theoharis (Greece).
Sheikha Al Nowais boasts a 16-year career in the tourism and hospitality industry, distinguished by her current role as the Executive Vice President of Owner Relations at the prominent Rotana Hotel Management Corporation. She also chairs the Tourism Working Group at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Educated in Business Administration and Finance at Zayed University in Dubai, Al Nowais commenced her professional journey with KPMG in financial auditing and internal control, before joining Rotana in 2012 as Director of Internal Audit. Under her leadership since 2018, she has been pivotal in building strategic relationships with stakeholders and hotel owners at Rotana.
Al Nowais is a vocal champion for women in business and tourism, holding memberships with the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council and the Les Roches Hospitality Academy. Her election is viewed as a significant milestone for gender equality and a testament to the increasing influence of Gulf nations in international affairs.
The UAE appreciates Al Nowais' historic achievement, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressing enthusiasm about her qualifications and the potential positive impact on global tourism. Al Nowais' vision for the future of tourism stresses innovation, resilience, and environmental responsibility, aligning with the broader goals of the UNWTO to stimulate sustainable economic growth through tourism.
As the UNWTO marks its 50th anniversary this year, Al Nowais assumes the presidency amidst a strong market recovery in international tourism, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. According to Spain's Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, who attended the session, Al Nowais' win underscores growing confidence in her leadership abilities. Over 300 delegates from more than 30 countries participated in the vote, underscoring the magnitude of this global decision. The United Nations body, established to shape sustainable tourism policies, foster international collaboration, and promote responsible tourism practices, will be under Al Nowais’ guidance as the Executive Council oversees its operative efficiency and fiscal budget.
- The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will witness a shift in leadership as Emirati Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais, an advocate for women in business and tourism, steps into the role of Secretary-General.
- Al Nowais' appointment underscores the increasing influence of Gulf nations in international affairs, serving as a significant milestone for gender equality.
- In the realm of science, business, and policy-and-legislation, Al Nowais' vision for the future of tourism emphasizes innovation, resilience, and environmental responsibility.
- Al Nowais' tenure at the UNWTO aligns with the organization's mission to stimulate sustainable economic growth through tourism, addressing the broader concerns of health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
- With diversity-and-inclusion as a priority, Al Nowais' leadership will guide the UNWTO in shaping sustainable tourism policies and promoting responsible tourism practices, engaging delegates from various nations, including finance, career, and leadership sectors.
- As the UNWTO marks its 50th anniversary this year, the organization will navigate through the recovery of international tourism amidst geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, under the guidance of Sheikha Al Nowais' vision.
