Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais Becomes First Woman to Lead UN Tourism

Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates has been appointed as the first woman to lead United Nations Tourism in its 50-year history since its establishment in 1975.

In a historic moment for the United Arab Emirates and the global travel industry, Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais has been appointed as the first woman to lead United Nations Tourism in its 50-year history since its establishment in 1975.

Her appointment was confirmed during the 123rd session of the United Nations Tourism Executive Council held in Segovia, Spain, where she received the majority of votes.

After approval by the United Nations General Assembly, she will officially assume office in January 2026 for a four-year term, which will be a proud and historic achievement for the UAE on the world stage.

This appointment, approved by 160 member countries, is not just a high-level placement—it is a part of history. This success is being seen as a direct reflection of the UAE’s continued commitment to its Vision 2040 goals of women’s empowerment and global leadership across the country.

About Sheikha Al Nowais

The industry that Sheikha Al Nowais is going to lead, her professional life reflects the dynamism and ambition of the economy of the United Arab Emirates.

She is a highly skilled Emirati business leader with more than 16 years of international experience, bringing to the United Nations a rare blend of corporate efficiency and global strategy.

Sheikha Al Nowais is officially set to begin her four-year term in January 2026. She is taking command at a crucial turning point for the industry, which is facing challenges such as climate change, technological acceleration, and geopolitical shifts.

United Nations Tourism

The history of United Nations Tourism began in 1934 with the establishment of the International Union of Official Travel Organizations, which after World War II evolved into the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO).

Recognizing the need for a more formal international body, the IUOTO General Assembly established the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1975, which officially became a specialized United Nations agency in 2003 and was renamed United Nations Tourism in 2004.