Shaikha Al Nowais Appointed First Woman to Lead UN Tourism from 2026

A historic appointment marks a new era for global tourism leadership

UN Tourism has confirmed Shaikha Al Nowais as its next Secretary-General, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the United Nations’ specialised agency for tourism in its fifty-year history.

Meeting in Riyadh, the Organisation’s 26^th General Assembly formally ratified Al Nowais’s nomination, signalling strong Member State support for her leadership. She will begin her term at the start of 2026, succeeding Zurab Pololikashvili.

Al Nowais currently serves as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels and holds several leadership roles within Abu Dhabi’s tourism and business sectors. She chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group, serves on the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, and is a board member of Les Roches Hospitality Academy.

Addressing the Assembly following her confirmation, Al Nowais said, “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. Together, we carry the belief that tourism, at its best, can uplift nations and unite humanity.”

Looking ahead to her upcoming mandate, she outlined five strategic priorities for her tenure, “Responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance — each designed to make our sector more inclusive, resilient, and human.”

Al Nowais also paid tribute to Pololikashvili, commending his “vision, commitment, and role in strengthening UN Tourism’s voice and global presence.”

Her appointment for the 2026–2030 term was the highlight of the opening day of the General Assembly. The nomination, first made by UN Tourism’s Executive Council in May 2025, was confirmed by the Organisation’s 160 Member States in accordance with established protocol.

The General Assembly, which convenes representatives from across the world, will feature four plenary sessions and several meetings of seven specialised committees. Discussions will focus on advancing UN Tourism’s shared Programme of Work, built around investment promotion, innovation, and expanding education and opportunities in the global tourism sector.

The 26^th General Assembly follows the conclusion of the 124^th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, the Organisation’s highest executive body, which provided updates on strategic initiatives and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening sustainable growth across the sector.

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