Shaikha Al Nowais | |
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| 7th Secretary-General designate of the World Tourism Organization | |
| Assumed office 1 January 2026 [1] | |
| Preceded by | Zurab Pololikashvili [1] |
Shaikha Al Nowais is an Emirates born businessperson who is the Secretary-General of UNWTO aka UN Tourism.
She worked[ clarification needed ] at Rotana Hotels [2] as the Corporate Vice President. She was a director of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and the Les Roches Hospitality Academy. She led the board of the Abu Dhabi Chamber's Tourism Working Group. [3]
In 2025 she was chosen to succeed Zurab Pololikashvili as the Secretary-General of UNWTO. [4] She became the first woman to hold this position when her name was ratified by the UN General Council. [3] [1] Her appointment was lauded by the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a victory for the Emirates. [5]
In October 2025 she met[ clarification needed ] Rebeca Grynspan at UNCTAD16 [6] in Geneva. [7]
 | This article needs additional or more specific categories .(October 2025) |