UN Tourism has confirmed Shaikha Al Nowais as its next Secretary-General. She will take office at the start of 2026 and will be the first woman to lead the United Nations agency for tourism in its five decade history.
Her selection followed the formal confirmation by 160 member states during the 26th General Assembly. She had been nominated earlier by the UN Tourism Executive Council. The appointment was the key outcome on the opening day of the Assembly, which also included plenary sessions and committee meetings focused on global tourism priorities.
Shaikha Al Nowais brings wide experience from the private sector. She has served as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber Tourism Working Group and sits on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
In her address to the Assembly, she described her election as a shared achievement. She said the tourism sector touches millions of lives. She also announced five priorities for her term. Responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing and smart governance. She said these priorities will guide efforts to build an inclusive and human centered tourism sector.
She also acknowledged the work of the outgoing Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, praising his leadership and his role in strengthening the agency’s global presence.
The General Assembly followed the 124th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, where members reviewed the Programme of Work focused on investments, innovation and expanded educational opportunities.
