The election of Sheikha Al -Nuwais as Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism Organization

A number of ministers in the government of the UAE confirmed that the election of the UAE daughter, Sheikha Nasser Al -Nuwais for the position of Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, is a historical achievement of the United Arab Emirates on the regional and global scene, as this achievement reflects the pioneering position that the state enjoys, and its strategic vision aimed at supporting international efforts to develop a sustainable and responsible tourist sector that contributes to advancing the economic and social development of the peoples of the world.

Abdullah bin Touq Al -Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council said: “Thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, the UAE today is witnessing a new historical achievement added to the Emirati tourism sector, which is the victory of the UAE candidate, His Excellency Sheikha Al -Nuwais, the position of Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism Organization during the period from 2026 to 2029, which comes as a translation of the pioneering and influential role that the UAE plays in leading global efforts to achieve tourism development Sustainable, in cooperation with decision -makers and international organizations at the global tourism sector, it also confirms the success of the state’s vision in promoting openness to the world and building leading international relations that serve its orientations as a leading and global tourist destination.

He added: “We are proud to win the world’s confidence in our national cards and choose the sheikh of Nuis as the first Emirati and Arab young woman to hold the position of Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism, a step that reflects the efficiency of our young national cadres and their ability to have international confidence to lead high -level positions in specialized sectors such as the tourism sector, and also confirms the advanced position that Arab women have reached on the regional and international arena.”

His Excellency praised the expertise and capabilities of its happiness in representing the state at the highest international levels, and to provide an integrated and comprehensive vision on enhancing joint work to achieve sustainable and responsible growth of global tourism and push it to more advanced and prosperous levels, and contribute an effective role in implementing the projects and initiatives of the United Nations Tourism.

He considered that the Emirati tourism sector succeeded in achieving exceptional growth indicators during the year 2024, as well as the launch of many national initiatives aimed at encouraging tourism in the country and attracting international tourists, including the launch of the fifth season of the most beautiful winter campaign in the world, the inauguration of the National Tourism Charter, and the adoption of the International Blog for the Protection of Tourism as Guidance in cooperation with the United Nations Tourism, in order to support the achievement of the target of the national strategy. Tourism 2031 “, aimed at raising the state’s position as the best tourist identity around the world by the next decade.

For her part, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stressed that the election of Sheikha Nasser Al -Nuwais as Secretary -General of the United Nations Tourism Organization represents a prominent achievement of the UAE and Emirati women and that her appointment as the first woman to hold this position embodies the confidence of the international community with its efficiency, and reflects the pioneering position occupied by the UAE in supporting the sustainable development process in the world.

She pointed out that the vocational record of Al -Nuwais in the private sector will contribute to providing a new vision that focuses on achieving tangible results and enhancing the effectiveness of the organization’s work mechanism to serve the global tourism sector.

For his part, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said: “Attention to empowering and supporting Emirati women is a major axis in the vision of the rational leadership to build a more prosperous and advanced future, as the UAE is keen to enhance its participation and contribution to the development process at various levels, and support its influential presence in regional and global forums. The General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, in confirmation of this forward -looking vision, as well as an important step to establish the pioneering role of the UAE in developing a safe and sustainable environment for the global tourism sector, and in a way that contributes to advancing the growth of this vital sector.

He added: “The election of His Excellency Sheikha Al -Nuwais in this high international position is not only expressing its efficiency and professional distinction, but also reflects the confidence of the international community in the UAE and its credibility as an active partner in supporting the paths of sustainable development around the world, and confirms the prestigious position that the state has reached at the regional and international levels.”

For his part, Omar Obaid Al -Hossan Al -Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed the importance of this historical achievement achieved by the United Arab Emirates in the tourism sector, noting that the election of the first Emirati by the United Nations Tourism Organization confirms the continuous support and sponsorship of the UAE’s daughter from the rational leadership, and also confirms that the UAE’s continuous efforts with the organization and its member states have come from its fruits, and expressed its happiness that its happiness is that it The Emirates built Sheikha Al -Nuwais, with its strong and distinguished experiences in the tourism and hospitality sectors, which will contribute to achieving a qualitative shift in the regional and global tourism work.