Shaikha Al Nowais makes history as First Female Emirati Elected UN Tourism Secretary-General
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Get up to 9-day break around UAE's Eid Al Etihad holiday; here's how
6 Aug 2025 00:23 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)For readers who like to plan early, Eid Al Etihad – UAE's National Day holiday – offers a prime opportunity to enjoy an extended festive break. This year, the official public holidays fall on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December some smart leave planning, it is possible to convert those mid-week days into a nine-day holiday by applying for leave on December 1, 4 and 5. This would mean a continuous break from Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 7 – an ideal window for a staycation, domestic exploration, or family for the celebration were announced on Union Pledge Day, marked on July 18, which commemorates the original signing of the UAE's Declaration of Union in 1971. The Eid Al Etihad programme is being led by the UAE Government Media Office, with Eisa Alsubousi, Director of Strategic and Creative Affairs, confirming that this year's theme will focus on partnership, inclusion, and shared national identity. Although the exact venue for the official national celebration has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to be staged at a nationally significant landmark. Last year's ceremony was hosted at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, and similarly, a prominent natural or cultural location is likely to be chosen for this year's main event. The ceremony typically features a high production show that combines storytelling, performances, technology, and national addition to the main event, various zones across all seven emirates will be activated as part of Eid Al Etihad celebrations. These zones will offer live entertainment, fireworks displays, cultural performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Fireworks are expected at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi like every year. In addition, several locations such as JBR Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Festival City, Dubai South, and Hatta in Dubai, as well as in the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. In Global Village, fireworks and themed entertainment will run every night from November 29 to December elements will feature heavily, with traditional dance and musical performances, Emirati cuisine, heritage installations, and exhibitions all planned. Drone light shows and projection mapping on landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa will be part of the visual spectacle, along with themed audio experiences and community-led are also expected to implement safety protocols in line with those enforced during previous years. These include a ban on unauthorised vehicle parades, prohibited use of car spray foam and noise horns, and a requirement to keep vehicle number plates visible at all times. Decorations must be respectful and avoid obstructing the driver's view, and only officially sanctioned UAE flags or scarves should be displayed on vehicles. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that violations will be met with appropriate penalties, and that public safety will remain a top priority throughout the looking to make the most of the break by maximising their time off, applying in advance. This makes the 2025 edition of Eid Al Etihad a particularly attractive moment to travel, unwind or spend quality time attending the wide range of public events on details about the main ceremony location, full events calendar, and related offers or initiatives will be announced by the authorities in the coming weeks. Residents are advised to follow official updates from the UAE Government Media Office and related channels. The 54th anniversary of the UAE's founding is shaping up to be a national milestone rich in colour, symbolism and participation, offering a memorable end to the year for those who prepare early.
Sharjah 24
10 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Irthi celebrates 10 impactful years of empowering artisans
The council marks this milestone with a series of events and initiatives throughout the year, reaffirming its commitment to empowering women artisans, as well as reviving traditional handcrafts and introducing them to the world through a contemporary vision that preserves their cultural essence while enhancing their economic presence. A decade of empowerment and growth Since its inception in 2015, Irthi has embodied the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi to build a sustainable creative economy led by women, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for empowering artisans. Originating in Sharjah, the council has expanded its efforts to 13 countries worldwide, and 840 artisans, reflecting rapid growth in training programmes, production, skills transfer, and cultural exchange. Under Her Highness's leadership, the council has successfully integrated traditional skills within contemporary design and has launched various collections inspired by Emirati heritage, such as, 'Al Taif,' 'Moui,' 'Tilad,' 'Nadd,' 'Sofra,' among others. This transformation has elevated crafts from everyday utility to artistic symbols rich in cultural significance and national identity. A global model for heritage revival and renewal Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, stressed that supporting traditional crafts is key to the UAE's cultural project. She noted that Sharjah has transformed the sector into an economic and social pillar reflecting community identity, enabling individuals, especially women, to contribute to development. BinKaram stated Irthi's decade-long journey has championed a global renewal of heritage, strengthening Emirati crafts internationally while establishing local appreciation of artisanal creativity as a national resource. This enhances identity, serves the community, and opens prospects for Emirati women and the creative sector. The Irthi Director General congratulated Emirati artisans for their indispensable role in reinforcing national identity, emphasising their efforts to preserve heritage for future generations. 'Since Irthi's establishment ten years ago, under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, our priority has been to reposition crafts as a genuine opportunity for empowerment, particularly for women, and to restore artisans to their rightful place as creative women who contribute to development. We believe that what women artisans offer is not only of material value but also plays an important role in reshaping the community's relationship with its heritage,' she added. Marking its tenth anniversary, Irthi has planned over 7 local and international events, including those in Sharjah, London, Basel, and Moscow, as well as more than 5 new strategic partnerships. Activities at these events will include workshops, exhibitions, and expert panel discussions, and the council is also set to debut new collections merging heritage aesthetics with contemporary innovation. Innovation and global recognition Guided by Her Highness's vision for crafts as cultural dialogue, Irthi strengthened its global presence through various notable partnerships including the likes of Bulgari, Cartier, Design Miami, and Asprey. These collaborations showcased Emirati crafts at prestigious events worldwide, including those in Paris, London, Dubai, Moscow, Shanghai, Milan, and São Paulo. Irthi also played a major role in Sharjah's 2019 designation as a UNESCO Creative City in Crafts and Folk Arts, recognising it as the home of the authentic 'Talli' craft and a global centre for contemporary craft innovation. Knowledge transfer and heritage documentation Irthi preserves craft heritage through documentation and contemporary presentation, producing research papers and publications such as 'Palm Fibre,' 'Crafting Natural Dyes,' 'Perfume,' 'Recipes for the Future', and 'Architecture of Culture.' In 2024 alone, the council organised over 60 workshops that saw nearly 1,400 participants. Community programmes, including embroidery workshops have implemented Emirati, Palestinian, Jordanian, and Pakistani techniques and designs, alongside local crafts like 'Safeefa' and 'Faroukha,' creating spaces for skill exchange and integration between the UAE, Middle East, and Asia. These initiatives also promote associated cultural values and narratives to broader audiences. A continued vision and sustainable impact The ten-year milestone of Irthi's establishment marks the launch of a new phase of empowerment and innovation, as the council continues its efforts to support artisans locally and globally, promote sustainability in the crafts sector, and explore new avenues for skills and market development. With every new initiative and collection, Irthi reaffirms its commitment to revitalising traditional crafts within contemporary life, expanding their cultural and socioeconomic impact, ensuring that Emirati craft heritage remains alive, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations to embrace creativity, pride and cultural identity .
Dubai Eye
12 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Bobescui, has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, alongside Moldovan and Emirati delegates during his official visit to the UAE. The tour comes a day after the UAE and Moldova signed a mutual waiver of entry visas to facilitate tourism and business exchange. Bobescui, accompanied by Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, toured the halls and external corridors, and was briefed about the mosque's message of coexistence and tolerance. The tour also showcased the mosque's unique collections, showcasing the finest art and architectural designs from Islamic civilisation throughout the ages. Bobescui also visited the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. At the end of the tour, he was presented with a copy of the book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Stream of Peace that highlights the mosque's architectural art through a collection of photos that won the "Spaces of Light" award.
