UAE’s Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais Nominated for UNWTO Secretary-General Post
Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, has been nominated by the United Arab Emirates for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026-2029 term. Her candidacy underscores the UAE’s commitment to global tourism leadership and sustainable development.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in the global tourism arena by nominating Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026-2029 term. This nomination reflects the UAE’s dedication to enhancing its influence in international tourism and promoting sustainable development within the sector.
Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais: A Profile
Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais is a prominent figure in the UAE’s hospitality industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Sciences with a focus on Finance from Zayed University, Dubai, which she obtained in 2006. Her professional journey began at KPMG, where she spent two and a half years refining her financial and analytical skills. During her tenure at KPMG, she was responsible for auditing financial statements, developing audit plans, and assessing internal controls to ensure procedural efficiency.
In May 2011, Al Nowais joined Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, as Director of Internal Audit. Her expertise and dedication led to her current role as Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in maintaining high standards and driving operational efficiencies across Rotana’s diverse portfolio, which includes hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey.
UAE’s Commitment to Global Tourism
The UAE’s nomination of Sheikha Al Nowais aligns with its broader strategy to play a pivotal role in global tourism. The country was recently re-elected to the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2025-2029 term, a testament to its ongoing commitment to the sector. This re-election was announced during the 51st meeting of the UNWTO Regional Committee for the Middle East, held in Doha. The UAE delegation, led by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, discussed various initiatives aimed at fostering tourism growth and sustainability in the region.
The UAE’s active participation in the UNWTO Executive Council underscores its dedication to shaping global tourism policies and promoting sustainable practices. The country’s efforts are geared towards enhancing the competitiveness of its tourism offerings and adapting to global trends, including digital and environmental advancements.
The UNWTO Secretary-General Election
The election for the UNWTO Secretary-General position is scheduled for May 29-30, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Sheikha Al Nowais is among six candidates vying for the post. The other candidates include Muhammad Adam of Ghana, Habib Ammar of Tunisia, Gloria Guevara of Mexico, Harry Theoharis of Greece, and the incumbent Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili of Georgia.
Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and visions for the future of global tourism. The election will be a pivotal moment for the UNWTO as it seeks to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era.
Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais’s nomination for the UNWTO Secretary-General position highlights the UAE’s strategic vision to influence global tourism policies and promote sustainable development. Her extensive experience in the hospitality industry and commitment to excellence position her as a formidable candidate. As the election approaches, the global tourism community will be keenly observing the developments, anticipating leadership that will steer the sector towards resilience and growth in the coming years.
