Shaikha Al Nowais Set to Become First Female UN Tourism Head

The UN Tourism Executive 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 become the first woman to hold the position.

Shaikha's nomination will be put to the UN Tourism General Assembly for their approval. The nomination represents a landmark first for the sector, as the first woman leader of UN Tourism in its 50-year history.

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.