In a historic milestone for the UAE and global tourism, Shaikha Nazeer Al Nowais has been appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026 to 2029 term. The appointment received unanimous support from over 160 member states during the 26th UNWTO General Assembly, held in Riyadh from November 7th to 11th 2025.

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This follows her earlier election by the UNWTO Executive Council in May 2025. Her selection marks two firsts in the organization’s 50-year history. She is the first woman and the first person from the UAE to lead the UNWTO. The achievement highlights the global confidence in leadership from the UAW and reflects the nation’s commitment to empowering women in international roles.

The UAE delegation, led by Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, welcomed the appointment. He described it as a historic moment for the UAE, the Arab region, and the international tourism community. Bin Touq emphasized that Shaikha Al Nowaís’s leadership demonstrates the UAE’s growing role in promoting sustainable tourism and fostering cultural exchange worldwide.

He also noted that this accomplishment aligns with the version of UAE leaders President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who have consistently supported innovation, excellence, and the development of national talent for global impact.