Shaikha Al Nowais: First woman to lead UN Tourism

31-05-25

In a historic milestone for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Princess Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates has been elected as the first woman to hold the position of Secretary-General, marking a significant change in the organization's leadership since its founding in 1975.

Al Nowais was elected during the 123rd meeting of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held at the Royal Site of San Ildefonso in Segovia, Spain. In the second round of voting, the United Arab Emirates’ candidate received 24 votes, defeating Greek contender Harry Theoharis, who secured 11 votes. Other candidates, including Mexican Gloria Guevara and Ghanaian Muhammad Adam, were eliminated in the first round.

This appointment must still be ratified by the UN Tourism General Assembly, scheduled to take place in November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, Al Nowais will officially take office in January 2026, succeeding Georgian Zurab Pololikashvili, who has led the organization since 2018.