RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – 9 November 2025 – Shaikha Al Nowais has been officially confirmed as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, becoming the first woman to lead the specialized UN agency in its 50-year history. Her nomination was formally ratified by the Organization’s General Assembly during a session in Riyadh, reflecting broad support from its 160 Member States.
Ms. Al Nowais will assume her role at the start of 2026. She brings extensive experience from the private sector, including her position as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. Her leadership extends to serving as Chair of the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group, and she holds board positions with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
In her address to the Assembly, Ms. Al Nowais highlighted the shared potential of tourism to unite people and uplift nations: “This is a triumph for all of us. It is a shared moment that reflects our collective vision for a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate world of tourism. Together, we represent the hopes of millions whose lives are touched by this sector.”
She also outlined five core priorities for her tenure: responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance, aiming to make the tourism sector more inclusive, resilient, and human-focused.
Paying tribute to her predecessor, Zurab Pololikashvili, Ms. Al Nowais commended his “vision, commitment, and role in strengthening UN Tourism’s voice and global presence.”
Her appointment follows a nomination by UN Tourism’s Executive Council in May and confirmation by the 26th General Assembly, which opened shortly after the 124th session of the Executive Council. Delegates at the Assembly will participate in plenary sessions and specialized committee meetings focused on investment, innovation, education, and opportunities within the tourism sector.
Ms. Al Nowais’ historic appointment marks a significant step toward gender diversity in global leadership and signals a renewed focus on inclusive, sustainable, and transformative tourism worldwide.
