Shaikha Al Nowais becomes first woman to lead UN Tourism, takes charge as new Secretary-General

Shaikha Al Nowais will be the first woman to lead the United Nations Specialised Agency for tourism in its 50-year history. She will assume office in early 2026. In her address, the Secretary-General-elect said, “Responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance — each designed to make our sector more inclusive, resilient, and human.”