The UN Tourism Council has elected Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, to begin in January 2026.
Upon confirmation by the UN Tourism General Assembly, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais will make history as first female to lead UN Tourism in its 50-year history, said the press note.
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., it added.
Meanwhile, the 123rd meeting of the UN Tourism body also assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education.
According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said “Over the last eight years, UN Tourism has embraced a transformative vision putting tourism at the forefront of the global agenda to enhance its competitiveness and economic value.”
The Council also welcomed updates on the development of Thematic and Regional offices in Rabat of Morocco, it said.
The office will advance UN Tourism’s 2030 Agenda for Africa, and aims to position tourism as a key driver of development through innovation across the region.
