UAE nominates Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais for UN Tourism Secretary-General role

In a historic move, Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais has been officially nominated by the United Arab Emirates for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the UAE Government Media Office announced on Friday.

Her candidacy is for the 2026 to 2029 term, and if elected, Sheikha Nasser would become the first Emirati woman—and the first woman from the region—to assume such a high-ranking leadership position within the global tourism body. This milestone marks a significant moment in the UAE’s ongoing commitment to gender representation and leadership on the international stage.

“My nomination by the UAE to run for this position is reflective of the importance our country places on empowering Emirati women in leadership positions. It emphasizes the country’s efforts in promoting joint action to enhance the growth and sustainability of the sector regionally and internationally,” Sheikha Nasser said.

Sheikha Nasser earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Zayed University in 2006. She currently serves as the Corporate Vice President – Owners’ Relationship Management at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC.

She holds the distinction of being the first female board member of the Dubai Hotel Group under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Global Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) MEA Chapter.

In addition, Sheikha Nasser chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber's Tourism Working Group and plays a key role in hospitality education and development through her positions on the Board of Trustees of the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches and the Hospitality Advisory Committee.