The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has elected Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi as its Secretary-General for the term from 2026 to 2029, with more than 160 member states supporting her candidacy. Sheikha Nasser’s recent election by the Executive Council followed her noteworthy success in completing the necessary nomination and election processes as outlined by the organization’s protocol.
This announcement was made during a meeting attended by a delegation from the UAE, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Mari, Minister of Economy and Tourism, at the 26th General Assembly of the organization, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to November 11.
With this appointment, Sheikha Al Nuaimi becomes the first woman and the first Emirati to lead the organization, which has been in existence for 50 years. This achievement underscores the international recognition of Emirati talent and its crucial role in shaping the future of global tourism, while also highlighting the UAE’s commitment to empowering women and enhancing their presence in leadership roles worldwide.
Abdullah bin Touq expressed, “We are at a historic juncture, not just for the UAE but for the entire Arab region and the global tourism sector. The unanimous support for Sheikha Nasser reflects the esteemed position of the UAE in tourism and economic diplomacy. It also confirms the growing leadership role the country plays in promoting sustainable tourism development and fostering cultural connections among nations.”
He added that this accomplishment is a testament to the wise leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who have emphasized excellence, innovation, and empowering national talents to make significant contributions within international organizations.
Abdullah bin Touq also extended his gratitude to the member states of the UNWTO for their trust and support in selecting an Emirati leader for this role, emphasizing that this historical milestone motivates further efforts to shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for global tourism.
He noted that through the vision of our esteemed leadership, the UAE has established itself as a premier global tourism destination over the past decades, thanks to its advanced infrastructure, strategic sustainable investments, and a diverse cultural landscape grounded in values of tolerance and openness.
The UAE remains committed to supporting the organization’s programs and initiatives going forward while enhancing international partnerships in the tourism sector to ensure the exchange of best practices and promote a collaborative approach among governments, the private sector, and civil society to achieve sustainable tourism goals. Furthermore, the UAE’s air transportation sector has been pivotal in enhancing its position on the global travel landscape, forming a vital connection between the East and the West and facilitating the movement of travelers, businesspeople, students, and tourists, thereby establishing the UAE as a global hub for economic, cultural, social, and intellectual exchange.
In her statement, Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi expressed heartfelt thanks to all member states of the UNWTO for their confidence and support in her assumption of this international responsibility during a time that necessitates collective efforts and ambitious vision. She emphasized her belief that tourism is not only an economic industry but also a bridge for human connection and a fundamental pillar for fostering understanding, peace, and sustainable development among cultures.
She also acknowledged that her achievement is a result of the UAE leadership’s wise vision and commitment to empowering Emirati women across various sectors, including tourism, which has emerged as a key driver for sustainable development. This accomplishment further solidifies the UAE’s role in shaping global tourism policies and trends in the years to come.
Sheikha Nasser stated, “We will collaboratively lead a new phase of cooperation among governments, organizations, the private sector, and civil society, focusing on innovation, empowerment, and sustainability, alongside developing human capacities. Our goal is to make tourism an inclusive sector that opens opportunities for everyone, particularly for youth, women, and local communities, thus fostering sustainable growth and global cultural exchange.”
She affirmed that her vision for leading the global tourism organization centers on transforming challenges into opportunities, redesigning tourism systems to meet local community needs, enhancing national economies, and fostering partnerships to expand the organization’s capacity to support developing nations through training programs and capacity building. This approach will also improve access to funding and partnerships, enabling these nations to benefit from successful experiences and practices.
During the current session, a series of intensive meetings were held by the UNWTO General Assembly and Executive Council, discussing a wide range of strategic issues related to international tourism program implementation. The discussions focused on enhancing the sustainability of the tourism sector at both regional and global levels, developing human skills and competences in tourism, and supporting digital transformation and innovation across tourist destinations worldwide to improve the quality of tourism experiences and boost the competitiveness of member states.
These meetings marked the beginning of a new phase in restructuring the role of tourism within the economies of member states, particularly in light of current global challenges, including climate change, rapid digital transformations, and evolving traveler behaviors, while paving the way for enhancing sustainable tourism models that respect the environment and local communities, support global economic growth, and create new opportunities for innovation and investment. Thus, the tourism sector could become a vital contributor to comprehensive economic growth that is sustainable for future generations.
The ongoing meetings have involved in-depth discussions about the future of global tourism in the post-recovery phase from the pandemic, recognizing the increasing need to rebuild the sector on more resilient, sustainable, and diversified foundations.
Attendees underscored the importance of reshaping international tourism models to be better equipped to support global economic growth, create job opportunities, stimulate innovation, and balance economic growth requirements with environmental and cultural resource conservation.