Tag Archives: Shaikha Al Nowais

Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, met with His Excellency Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, in Abu Dhabi. The meeting focused on advancing collaboration in the tourism sector and explored opportunities to forge partnerships that foster cultural and tourism initiatives supporting knowledge exchange and economic development in tourism and related sectors. Her Excellency Shaikha Al Nowais reaffirmed her commitment to working with global partners, particularly China, to develop strategic projects in sustainable and cultural tourism. She noted that China’s dynamic tourism industry is a key driver of tourism and cultural exchange, as well as the growth of global tourism markets. H.E. said: “We value China’s continuing efforts to drive tourism and promote partnerships in this field. We look forward to expanding collaboration in the areas of education, training, and tourism innovation through launching training programmes globally to elevate the preparedness of the tourism workforce, enrich cultural tourism experiences, and support rural community development through sustainable tourism.” During the meeting, both sides discussed several priority areas of mutual interest, including initiatives to empower local communities and opportunities to leverage China’s expertise and resources. They also explored ways to enhance tourism mobility across countries and regions through bilateral and multilateral collaboration, aligned with the United Nations’ global tourism frameworks. Both parties affirmed the importance of aligning international efforts to strengthen tourism’s role as a bridge between people and cultures, and as a catalyst for sustainable development and youth empowerment. They emphasized the need for renewed policies that embrace diversity, foster innovation, and ensure the sustainable use of resources.

TravTalkME is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement for the region and the global tourism sector: Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, has been elected as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism. This historic appointment marks her as the first female Emirati to hold this prestigious international position. A trailblazer in the hospitality industry, Shaikha Al Nowais has long championed gender diversity and the empowerment of women in the workplace. Under her leadership, Rotana has implemented progressive policies focused on equal pay, access to education and training, and supportive workplace environments for all employees—regardless of gender. Her election not only reflects her outstanding contributions to tourism and hospitality but also signifies a bold step forward for female representation in global leadership. As Secretary-General, she is expected to bring fresh vision and inclusive leadership to the future of international tourism.