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Shaikha Al Nowais – Image Credit UN Tourism
Shaikha Al Nowais has been confirmed as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations Specialised Agency for tourism, starting her term in 2026.
Shaikha Al Nowais will assume the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations Specialised Agency for Tourism at the beginning of 2026. She will be the first woman to lead the agency in its 50-year history. The 160 Member States confirmed her appointment during the 26th General Assembly of the agency.
Al Nowais brings experience from the private sector, having served as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also holds leadership positions within the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
During her address to the Assembly, Al Nowais outlined her priorities for her upcoming term. These include responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance. Her agenda aims to enhance inclusivity, resilience, and human-centric approaches within the tourism sector.
Her nomination was initially made by the UN Tourism’s Executive Council in May, following which it was presented for confirmation at the General Assembly. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the agency, highlighting a shift towards increased diversity in leadership roles.
The confirmation of the new Secretary-General was a key event at the General Assembly, which also included four plenary sessions and meetings of seven specialized committees. These sessions follow the 124th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, where updates on the Programme of Work were provided. The program focuses on boosting investments, supporting innovation, and expanding education and opportunities within the tourism sector.
Al Nowais will succeed the current Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.
