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3/28/25, 1:24 PM Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Nominated by the UAE for Secretary General of UN World Tourism Organisation - The Gulf Observer
its recent re-election to the UN Tourism Executive Council for the 2025-2029 term
reinforce its leadership in driving innovative and sustainable tourism projects.

Al Marri also emphasized that the candidacy of Shaikha Al Nowais, a distinguished
leader in the UAE’s tourism sector, represents the country’s global tourism

achievements and its pivotal contributions to the industry’s growth and sustainability.

Shaikha Al Nowais, the first Emirati woman to run for this prestigious position, has a
notable career spanning over 15 years in the hospitality and tourism industries. Her
extensive experience includes leading key initiatives both in the UAE and globally, and
she is recognized for her role in driving innovation, sustainability, and workforce

development in tourism. Should she be elected, Shaikha Al Nowais will become the first
woman from the region to lead UN Tourism, further exemplifying the increasing
leadership of Emirati women in international forums.

Shaikha Al Nowais currently holds several influential roles in the tourism and hospitality

sectors. She is the first female board member of the Dubai Hotel Group under the
Dubai Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Global Hospitality Asset Managers
Association (HAMA) MEA Chapter, and chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism
Working Group. In addition, she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Abu Dhabi

Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, contributing to the development of future leaders in
the tourism sector.

Expressing her gratitude for the nomination, Shaikha Al Nowais said: “This candidacy
reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering Emirati women in leadership roles and
advancing joint efforts to drive the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector

globally.” She added that tourism is a crucial driver of economic growth, job creation,
and intercultural connectivity, and emphasized the importance of integrating
innovation and sustainability into the sector’s future.

Shaikha Al Nowais also outlined her vision for the future of global tourism, focusing on

six key pillars:

1. Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Growth: Leveraging tourism as a force for

economic development, job creation, and cultural preservation.

2. Digital Transformation and Smart Tourism: Integrating advanced technologies
like AI and blockchain to enhance tourism experiences and infrastructure.

3. Economic Inclusion and Empowerment: Ensuring equal participation in the sector

for women, youth, and diverse social groups.

4. Education and Capacity Building: Strengthening professional development
through training initiatives to ensure long-term sector growth.

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