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Candidate for UN Tourism Secretary-General

Shaikha Al Nowais

“Creating an engagement in redefining global tourism through sustainability, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.”

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais

Shaikha Al Nowais is a distinguished leader in global tourism and hospitality, with on the ground experience in corporate governance, audit, sustainability, and economic development.

As Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, she has managed teams in spearheading strategic partnerships, inclusivity, development and more. Here she was instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency, and championing sustainable tourism initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey which was her remit.

Her leadership extends beyond hospitality; she serves as Chairwoman of the Tourism Working Group at the Abu Dhabi Chamber, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, member of the advisory board of the UAE Tourism Council and the Board of Trustees at Les Roches Hospitality Academy, where she drives policy advocacy, economic inclusion, and industry education.

A graduate in Finance from Zayed University, Shaikha brings 16+ years of extensive hands-on experience in the hospitality sector in the corporate network, equipping her with a strategic vision for advancing and supporting global tourism initiatives.
UN Tourism Candidacy

Shaikha's vision

To lead UN Tourism in promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that stimulates economic growth and enriches global communities.

UNWTO Candidacy

Shaikha's Vision

To lead UNWTO in promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that stimulates economic growth and enriches global communities.

Endorsements

The nomination of the UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais for the position of UN Tourism Secretary-General underscores the reputation enjoyed by the UAE in tourism field and its important and effective role in promoting the growth and sustainability of the global tourism sector. Moreover, it highlights the extraordinary experience gained by the country in this field over the past years.

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri

Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council
Abdullah