Sheikha Fatima congratulates Al Nowais on UNWTO appointment

May 31, 2025 / 8:50 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), congratulated Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Recognition of UAE’s vision for women empowerment

Sheikha Fatima affirmed that this achievement reflects the success of the UAE leadership’s vision for empowering Emirati women—initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and advanced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. This approach fosters women's capabilities and supports their advancement across all fields.

A milestone in Emirati women's global contributions

She praised the essential role of Emirati women in various domains, noting that this achievement is not only a result of national empowerment strategies but also a testament to Emirati women’s ambition to serve their nation and humanity. She stressed that this milestone enhances the UAE’s global model of women's empowerment.

International confidence in Emirati leadership

Sheikha Fatima highlighted that Sheikha Al Nowais’s election—the first woman to hold the UNWTO Secretary-General position—demonstrates international confidence in Emirati excellence. She expressed confidence in Al Nowais’s potential to lead global tourism transformation and promote sustainable development.

Emirati women as key development partners

Sheikha Fatima concluded by reaffirming that Emirati women will remain integral partners in national development and global representation, carrying forward the UAE’s message of human empowerment and sustainable progress.

UNWTO appointment and background of Sheikha Al Nowais

The UNWTO confirmed that Sheikha Al Nowais will begin her term in January 2026, pending formal approval by the UN Tourism General Assembly. This marks a landmark achievement as she will be the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.

Al Nowais is a seasoned Emirati business leader with over 16 years of global hospitality experience. As Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, she oversees owner relations in regions including the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye. She holds a Finance degree from Zayed University and serves on multiple leadership boards, including the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.