UAE President congratulates Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on historic appointment at UNWTO
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on her appointment as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The UAE President took to X to extend his wishes to Shaikha Nasser — the first woman to hold this position at the organisation.
"As the first woman to assume this significant position, her appointment reaffirms the UAE's commitment to empowering Emirati women in leadership roles and reflects the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver of sustainable economic growth," he wrote.
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also took to X to congratulate the new Secretary-General at UNWTO.
"She is a graduate of Zayed University, has 15 years of experience in the tourism sector, and has received numerous tourism awards and accolades. She is the first woman in the organization's fifty-year history to hold this position. She aspires to bring about a global transformation in the tourism sector," the Dubai Ruler wrote.
"Our young men and women represent our country and raise its name and flag high. We are proud of them, we rejoice for them, we brag about them to the world, and we advise them to represent the UAE with the name, status, and achievements it deserves," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
With its new UN role, the UAE can shape the conversation on the towns and cities of tomorrow
The UAE's election to the presidency of the General Assembly of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), along with its membership in the Executive Board, is both a profound honour and a significant responsibility. This achievement underscores the UAE's growing stature on the global stage and affirms international recognition of our progressive, human-centric approach to urban development and sustainability. Over the past five decades, the UAE has undergone an extraordinary transformation – from a collection of modest desert communities into a global exemplar of innovative, sustainable urbanisation. Cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have emerged as architectural landmarks and models of integrated infrastructure, smart technology and inclusive development, all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This evolution has been guided by long-term national strategies, including UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Vision 2031, which emphasise sustainability, innovation and community well-being. Our investments in smart city development, renewable energy and inclusive housing policies uniquely position us to contribute meaningfully to UN-Habitat's mission. At a time when the world faces intensifying challenges related to rapid urbanisation, climate change and widening socio-economic disparities, the role of UN-Habitat is more vital than ever. The UAE's leadership in the General Assembly and Executive Board comes at a pivotal moment – demanding pragmatic solutions, innovative thinking and inclusive action. As we assume this leadership role, the UAE is committed to close collaboration with member states and international partners. Our efforts will be anchored in three strategic priorities: advancing sustainable urbanisation, fostering innovation and ensuring that cities are resilient and responsive to the evolving needs of their populations. A special focus will be placed on strengthening urban resilience in the Global South, where infrastructure demands are most acute and populations are expanding rapidly. The UAE brings to this role not only financial and diplomatic resources, but also a deep, practical understanding of how to catalyse effective, scalable urban change. Public-private partnerships, technological innovation and climate resilience will be central to our approach – areas in which the UAE has demonstrated global leadership. These pillars will be instrumental in helping cities around the world adapt to a rapidly changing environment marked by ecological, economic and social uncertainties. Equally important is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We firmly believe that sustainable cities must also be equitable – places where women, youth and marginalised groups are not only included but empowered. The UAE has consistently promoted inclusive urban planning, and we will continue to champion this principle through our work with UN-Habitat. The UAE brings to this role not only financial and diplomatic resources, but also a deep, practical understanding of how to catalyse effective, scalable urban change In taking on this role, the UAE is ready to share its experiences, listen actively to the needs of diverse communities, and facilitate meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. We recognise the importance of humility in leadership and are committed to learning from others as much as we contribute. The UAE does not seek to lead alone, but to lead in partnership. We stand as an example of what is possible when vision, ambition and shared values come together in pursuit of a more sustainable, equitable urban future. Together, let us build cities that are not only smarter but more inclusive – cities that drive opportunity, protect our environment and embody the best of what humanity can achieve when united in purpose.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate market stabilising; investors confident in long-term growth
The Dubai real estate market is entering a healthy 'stabilisation phase' and investors are confident in long-term projects, according to brokerage and developer Asico. Following a period of remarkable growth where residential property prices surged by approximately 60 per cent between 2022 and early 2025, driven by strong international investor interest, the market is now entering a phase of stabilisation in 2025, said Asico. This transition indicates a move towards a more balanced and sustainable trajectory. Dubai real estate stabilisation phase Several key indicators point towards this stabilisation: Price adjustments: As of January 2025, the average price per square foot stood at AED1,484 ($404), reflecting a slight 0.57 per cent month-on-month dip, indicating a cooling from the rapid escalation witnessed in previous years Shift in demand: While luxury properties continue to attract interest, there's a noticeable shift towards mid-market and affordable housing. In 2024, two out of five ready home sales were valued at less than AED1m ($272,000), highlighting a broader market appeal and a move towards more sustainable growth Supply dynamics: Developers are responding to the evolving market by accelerating construction schedules, aiming to bring handovers forward by three to six months. This proactive approach is designed to meet the current demand and prevent potential shortages, contributing to market equilibrium Wail Abualhamail, Director of Real Estate at Asico, said: 'The current phase of stabilisation reflects the natural progression of a maturing market. We are seeing a shift from speculative buying towards more strategic, long-term investments. At Asico, we believe this evolution is a healthy sign, indicating investor confidence, improved regulation, and a more sustainable future for Dubai's real estate sector.' Despite the stabilisation, Dubai's real estate market continues to exhibit robust performance. In February 2025, the market recorded a 32 per cent increase in transaction volume and a 37 per cent rise in value compared to the same period in 2024, totalling more than AED50bn ($13.6bn). The off-plan market remains a significant driver of this activity, with a 38 per cent increase in volume and a 60 per cent increase in value year-over-year. Key areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, and Dubai Hills have been particularly popular for off-plan investments. The Dubai government's ongoing strategic initiatives are also playing a crucial role in bolstering the real estate sector. The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033, specifically focuses on enhancing the contribution of the real estate sector. Furthermore, policies such as the Golden Visa programme and the provision for 100 per cent foreign ownership in certain sectors have further strengthened investor confidence in the market. Asico said: 'As the market enters this phase of stabilisation, investors are presented with opportunities to make informed decisions in a more predictable environment'. The increasing focus on mid-market properties opens avenues for a broader range of investments, while the sustained overall demand underscores the market's long-term strength. According to Asico, this stabilisation period signifies a maturing of Dubai's property sector, where factors such as quality, thoughtful planning, and strategic location are expected to be the primary drivers of long-term returns, moving away from reliance on short-term speculation.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Born to ride: Emirati mother embarks on epic motorcycle journeys across Middle East
In 2022, mother-of-two Fatima Alloghani decided she was going to get a motorbike licence. It was the start of a journey that began with her learning to ride a bike with a Deliveroo driver in Dubai, before she headed off to explore northern Iraq. 'I didn't know how the streets would look while riding a bike,' the 46-year-old Emirati said of her earliest experiences as a motorcyclist, sparked into action by the boredom of the Covid-19 pandemic. Back then, she had no idea that her emerging passion would take her to the Alps, across Scandinavia, the Himalayas and much of the Middle East. She has managed her passion alongside being a mother to two daughters, aged 16 and 13, and has passed on her passion to them both, with her eldest due to turn 17 and attain her licence later this year. Bruised but determined As a learner, she started off with no ego. 'I remember a funny moment where I had to hire a Deliveroo driver with his motorcycle to come on a Saturday and ride with me because I was afraid something was going to happen to the bike or something was going to happen to me,' she told The National. Her first major trip came in the summer of 2023, when she joined a Spanish group going to the Alps. What she didn't realise is the crucial difference between street bikes and those designed for rough terrain and adventure. 'I was given a bike I'd never ridden before and suddenly I was on a trip for eight days, riding 2,500km, climbing different passes and mountains in the Alps.' Despite falling as soon as she got on the bike, Ms Alloghani was determined not to give up. 'I really, really did not want to fail,' she said. 'I was falling all the time in these mountains, sometimes getting hurt, sometimes not, sometimes coming back with bruises, sometimes not, but I kept going and I eventually got through the eight days.' Ms Alloghani said this trip became a crucial confidence-builder and the catalyst for the rest of her adventures. Challenging stereotypes The following year, Ms Alloghani managed to reach the peak of Khardung La, 5,400 metres up in the Himalayas. Getting there by bike was not without its challenges, but the main hurdle she faced was the fact she made the trip alone – something she is now immensely proud of. 'I was a little bit terrified and there was water, rain and fog, so I could not see at times. I was also hyperventilating because of the high altitude,' she said. 'I fell [off my bike] at the summit, so I had bikers coming around me, helping me. They asked what group I was with and I said I was alone and they all laughed.' When Ms Alloghani first started her motorcycle journeys, she feared she would be stigmatised as an Arab woman travelling in groups that were 90 per cent male. 'At the beginning 90 per cent, if not 95 per cent, of the riders were men,' she said. 'The space for a woman to enter that kind of hobby is not huge but I wanted to change that.' Her next step was to join motorcycle groups made up of GCC nationals, which mainly travelled across the Gulf region. 'I feel more safe and more happy being with my own people, which is something I hesitated to do in the first two years because I did not know how these Arab men would accept a woman riding with them,' she said. Staying optimistic Ms Alloghani enjoyed travelling with groups but said she found that the peace and quiet of travelling alone was valuable to her. 'You build a relationship with your motorbike where it's you, your bike, the road and your helmet, and then silence,' she said. 'You do a lot of soul-searching. [Before,] I never had the chance to cut the noise and just start analysing me, learning more about who I am and what I am. There's a certain beauty in doing that while riding a bike.' Her biggest solo trip was from Dubai to northern Iraq, in which she travelled for six days and passed through Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Ms Alloghani said young adventurers should always be optimistic and believe that wherever they are, and whatever happens, they will recover and someone will be there to help. 'I was leaving from Erbil, Iraq, to Zagreb, Croatia, and I had a pretty severe accident where the front visor of the bike broke and my helmet cracked. On the street, the bike fell and there was metres between me and a lorry. I almost thought the trip was over. 'A Kurdish family helped me up. They didn't let me just get up and leave. They took me to the hospital and, when I was done, they had me stay at their house for a couple of days and had my visor and helmet fixed.' Ms Alloghani said this incident reinforced her belief that good people are everywhere and they will stand by you. 'If you want to do something, don't wait, just do it. It will change your life. If you just wait, time will pass and age will catch up,' she said. 'The freedom to live and tradition don't have to be two different things, we can export our traditions by travelling and keep them at heart while doing so.'
