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Web Release
20 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
UAE ministers hail election of Shaikha Al Nowais as UN Tourism Secretary-General as a historic milestone in global tourism leadership
Several UAE ministers hailed the election of Emirati H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism as a historic and commendable achievement for the country on both the regional and global stage. This accomplishment reflects the UAE's leading position in tourism and the success of its strategic vision to support international efforts in developing a sustainable and responsible tourism sector that drives economic and social development for communities around the world. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, said: 'Thanks to the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE today celebrates a new historic milestone in its tourism sector: the election of the UAE's candidate, H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais, as Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term. This achievement reflects the UAE's pioneering and influential role in leading global efforts toward sustainable tourism development, in close cooperation with international decision-makers and organizations across the global tourism landscape. It also reaffirms the success of the UAE's strategic vision in strengthening openness to the world and building robust international partnerships that support its aspirations as a premier tourism destination, both regionally and globally.' H.E. Bin Touq added: 'We are proud to have earned the trust of the international community in our national capabilities, as reflected in the election of Shaikha Al Nowais – the first Emirati and Arab young woman – to the position of UN Tourism Secretary-General. This milestone highlights the competence of our young national talent and their ability to gain international confidence in leading high-level roles within specialized sectors such as tourism. It also reaffirms the prominent status that Arab women have achieved on both regional and global stages.' H.E. also commended her extensive experience and capabilities in representing the UAE at the highest international levels, as well as her comprehensive vision for strengthening global cooperation to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism development. Her leadership is expected to elevate the tourism sector to new heights of progress and prosperity while contributing meaningfully to the implementation of UN Tourism projects and initiatives. H.E. pointed out that the UAE's tourism sector achieved exceptional growth in 2024, driven by the launch of several key national initiatives designed to promote tourism within the country and attract international visitors. Notable developments included the fifth season of the 'World's Coolest Winter' campaign, the inauguration of the National Tourism Charter, and the adoption of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists—implemented in collaboration with UN Tourism as a guiding framework. These initiatives collectively support the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to position the UAE as the world's leading tourism brand by the next decade. Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized that the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism represents a significant milestone for the UAE and a proud achievement for Emirati women. Her Excellency added: 'Her appointment as the first woman to assume this position demonstrates the international community's confidence in her capabilities and highlights the UAE's leading role in advancing sustainable development globally.' Her Excellency noted that Shaikha's distinguished career in the private sector will bring a fresh perspective to UN Tourism, with a focus on delivering tangible results and enhancing the organization's operational efficiency for the benefit of the global tourism industry. His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said: 'Empowering and supporting Emirati women is a cornerstone of the UAE's wise leadership and its vision for a more prosperous and advanced future. The UAE continues to strengthen women's participation and contributions across all sectors, while ensuring their impactful presence on regional and international platforms. In this context, the selection of young Emirati Shaikha Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism reflects this forward-looking vision. It marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE's global leadership in promoting a safe, sustainable, and inclusive tourism sector that drives long-term growth and development.' His Excellency added: 'The election of H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais to this prestigious international position reflects not only her competence and professional excellence but also the international community's confidence in the UAE and its standing as a trusted partner in advancing sustainable development globally. It further reaffirms the esteemed position our nation has earned both regionally and internationally.' Underscoring the significance of the historic milestone, H.E. Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the election of the first Emirati woman by the UN World Tourism Organization demonstrates the continuous support and empowerment provided to Emirati women by the UAE's wise leadership. His Excellency further affirmed that the UAE's continued collaboration with the Organization and its member states has yielded tangible results. The Undersecretary expressed his confidence that Shaikha Al Nowais, with her robust expertise in tourism and hospitality, would redefine the future path of the industry's development.
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE ministers hail election of Shaikha Al Nowais as UN Tourism Secretary-General as a historic milestone in global tourism leadership
H.E. Bin Touq: The election of the UAE candidate as Secretary-General of UN Tourism highlights the nation's pivotal role in advancing global tourism development Abu Dhabi,June 2025 – Several UAE ministers hailed the election of Emirati H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism as a historic and commendable achievement for the country on both the regional and global stage. This accomplishment reflects the UAE's leading position in tourism and the success of its strategic vision to support international efforts in developing a sustainable and responsible tourism sector that drives economic and social development for communities around the world. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, said: 'Thanks to the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE today celebrates a new historic milestone in its tourism sector: the election of the UAE's candidate, H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais, as Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term. This achievement reflects the UAE's pioneering and influential role in leading global efforts toward sustainable tourism development, in close cooperation with international decision-makers and organizations across the global tourism landscape. It also reaffirms the success of the UAE's strategic vision in strengthening openness to the world and building robust international partnerships that support its aspirations as a premier tourism destination, both regionally and globally.' H.E. Bin Touq added: 'We are proud to have earned the trust of the international community in our national capabilities, as reflected in the election of Shaikha Al Nowais – the first Emirati and Arab young woman – to the position of UN Tourism Secretary-General. This milestone highlights the competence of our young national talent and their ability to gain international confidence in leading high-level roles within specialized sectors such as tourism. It also reaffirms the prominent status that Arab women have achieved on both regional and global stages.' H.E. also commended her extensive experience and capabilities in representing the UAE at the highest international levels, as well as her comprehensive vision for strengthening global cooperation to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism development. Her leadership is expected to elevate the tourism sector to new heights of progress and prosperity while contributing meaningfully to the implementation of UN Tourism projects and initiatives. H.E. pointed out that the UAE's tourism sector achieved exceptional growth in 2024, driven by the launch of several key national initiatives designed to promote tourism within the country and attract international visitors. Notable developments included the fifth season of the 'World's Coolest Winter' campaign, the inauguration of the National Tourism Charter, and the adoption of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists—implemented in collaboration with UN Tourism as a guiding framework. These initiatives collectively support the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to position the UAE as the world's leading tourism brand by the next decade. Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized that the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism represents a significant milestone for the UAE and a proud achievement for Emirati women. Her Excellency added: 'Her appointment as the first woman to assume this position demonstrates the international community's confidence in her capabilities and highlights the UAE's leading role in advancing sustainable development globally.' Her Excellency noted that Shaikha's distinguished career in the private sector will bring a fresh perspective to UN Tourism, with a focus on delivering tangible results and enhancing the organization's operational efficiency for the benefit of the global tourism industry. His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said: 'Empowering and supporting Emirati women is a cornerstone of the UAE's wise leadership and its vision for a more prosperous and advanced future. The UAE continues to strengthen women's participation and contributions across all sectors, while ensuring their impactful presence on regional and international platforms. In this context, the selection of young Emirati Shaikha Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism reflects this forward-looking vision. It marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE's global leadership in promoting a safe, sustainable, and inclusive tourism sector that drives long-term growth and development.' His Excellency added: 'The election of H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais to this prestigious international position reflects not only her competence and professional excellence but also the international community's confidence in the UAE and its standing as a trusted partner in advancing sustainable development globally. It further reaffirms the esteemed position our nation has earned both regionally and internationally.' Underscoring the significance of the historic milestone, H.E. Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the election of the first Emirati woman by the UN World Tourism Organization demonstrates the continuous support and empowerment provided to Emirati women by the UAE's wise leadership. His Excellency further affirmed that the UAE's continued collaboration with the Organization and its member states has yielded tangible results. The Undersecretary expressed his confidence that Shaikha Al Nowais, with her robust expertise in tourism and hospitality, would redefine the future path of the industry's development.
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tourism set for landmark year with projected Dh267.5b GDP contribution
27 May 2025 00:30 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE is poised to achieve a landmark year in tourism, with the sector projected to contribute Dh267.5 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing nearly 13% of GDP, according to new data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).This milestone comes alongside record-breaking international visitor spend, which is forecast to reach Dh228.5 billion, 37% above pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism is also surging, with Dh60 billion in spending expected this year - 47% higher than in 2019, underscoring the strength of the local travel market."The UAE continues to lead the way in global travel and tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth," Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said in a statement."With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE's remarkable tourism success story." Abu Dhabi Sees Robust Growth in Q1Complementing the national outlook, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is tracking exceptional growth. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), the emirate welcomed 1.4 million overnight visitors in Q1 2025, building momentum toward its target of Dh62 billion in tourism GDP contribution this year, a 13% increase over sector performance has mirrored this visitor growth. The first quarter of the year saw Dh2.3 billion in hotel revenues in the capital, marking an 18% year-on-year increase, while revenue per available room jumped 25% to Dh484. Occupancy rates averaged 79%, including during the holy month of Ramadan."Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results," said Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi."Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos, and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024."DCT highlighted the importance of cultural identity towards Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy. This has largely centred around the Saadiyat Cultural District, already home to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, which will soon be joined by the Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu to WTTC forecasts, the UAE's travel and tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory over the next decade, contributing nearly Dh287.8 billion to the economy by 2035. Employment in the sector is also projected to exceed 1 million jobs, further embedding tourism into the country's economic fabric. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
International Traveller Spend in the UAE to Reach a Record AED 228BN This Year, Reveals WTTC
Abu Dhabi, UAE - Latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that international visitor spend in the United Arab Emirates is set to reach a record AED 228.5BN in 2025, 37% above the previous peak of 2019. The global tourism body's annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows that Travel & Tourism in the UAE is set for another record year in 2025, with the sector forecast to contribute AED 267.5BN to the national economy, accounting for almost 13% of GDP. According to the research, by the end of the year, Travel & Tourism will also support more than 925,000 jobs. Domestic visitor spend is also projected to reach a record high at AED 60BN - 47% above 2019, highlighting the continued strength of the local travel market. These milestones reflect the UAE's leadership in driving innovation, sustainability, and seamless connectivity across its cities and attractions, powered by initiatives such as smart city development, world-class infrastructure, and a laser focus on visitor experience. The UAE continues to lead the way in global Travel & Tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth. With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE's remarkable tourism success story. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A look back at 2024 According to the data, in 2024 the sector contributed AED 257.3BN to the UAE economy and supported 898,600 jobs, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the country. Spending from international travellers reach AED 217.3BN, while domestic visitor spend injected AED 57.6BN into the national economy. What Does the Next Decade Look Like? Looking ahead to the next 10 years, WTTC forecasts the sector will contribute nearly AED 287.8BN to the economy by 2035, representing 10.4% of the national GDP. The workforce is expected to exceed 1MN jobs, underscoring the sector's central role in economic diversification and national growth. Across the Middle East The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector continues to grow at pace. In 2024, the region contributed $341.9BN to GDP and supported 7.3MN jobs. WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2025 with the GDP contribution set to reach $367.3BN. Jobs are forecast to reach 7.7MN. Jobs supported by the sector rose to 898,600, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the UAE. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. View source
