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Press Release

UAE ministers hail election of Shaikha Al Nowais as UN Tourism
Secretary-General as a historic milestone in global tourism

leadership

H.E. Bin Touq: The election of the UAE candidate as Secretary-General of UN

Tourism highlights the nation’s pivotal role in advancing global tourism
development

Abu Dhabi, 02 June 2025 - Several UAE ministers hailed the election of Emirati H.E. Shaikha
Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism as a historic and commendable
achievement for the country on both the regional and global stage. This accomplishment reflects
the UAE’s leading position in tourism and the success of its strategic vision to support international
efforts in developing a sustainable and responsible tourism sector that drives economic and social
development for communities around the world.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council,
said: "Thanks to the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE today celebrates a new historic
milestone in its tourism sector: the election of the UAE’s candidate, H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais, as
Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term. This achievement reflects the UAE’s
pioneering and influential role in leading global efforts toward sustainable tourism development,
in close cooperation with international decision-makers and organizations across the global tourism
landscape. It also reaffirms the success of the UAE’s strategic vision in strengthening openness to
the world and building robust international partnerships that support its aspirations as a premier
tourism destination, both regionally and globally."

H.E. Bin Touq added: “We are proud to have earned the trust of the international community in
our national capabilities, as reflected in the election of Shaikha Al Nowais - the first Emirati and
Arab young woman - to the position of UN Tourism Secretary-General. This milestone highlights
the competence of our young national talent and their ability to gain international confidence in
leading high-level roles within specialized sectors such as tourism. It also reaffirms the prominent
status that Arab women have achieved on both regional and global stages.”

H.E. also commended her extensive experience and capabilities in representing the UAE at the
highest international levels, as well as her comprehensive vision for strengthening global
cooperation to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism development. Her leadership is

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