Latest news with #SheikhaAlNowais
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheikha Fatima congratulates Al Nowais on UNWTO appointment
Recognition of UAE's vision for women empowerment Sheikha Fatima affirmed that this achievement reflects the success of the UAE leadership's vision for empowering Emirati women—initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and advanced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. This approach fosters women's capabilities and supports their advancement across all fields. A milestone in Emirati women's global contributions She praised the essential role of Emirati women in various domains, noting that this achievement is not only a result of national empowerment strategies but also a testament to Emirati women's ambition to serve their nation and humanity. She stressed that this milestone enhances the UAE's global model of women's empowerment. International confidence in Emirati leadership Sheikha Fatima highlighted that Sheikha Al Nowais's election—the first woman to hold the UNWTO Secretary-General position—demonstrates international confidence in Emirati excellence. She expressed confidence in Al Nowais's potential to lead global tourism transformation and promote sustainable development. Emirati women as key development partners Sheikha Fatima concluded by reaffirming that Emirati women will remain integral partners in national development and global representation, carrying forward the UAE's message of human empowerment and sustainable progress. UNWTO appointment and background of Sheikha Al Nowais The UNWTO confirmed that Sheikha Al Nowais will begin her term in January 2026, pending formal approval by the UN Tourism General Assembly. This marks a landmark achievement as she will be the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history. Al Nowais is a seasoned Emirati business leader with over 16 years of global hospitality experience. As Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, she oversees owner relations in regions including the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye. She holds a Finance degree from Zayed University and serves on multiple leadership boards, including the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Fatima bint Mubarak congratulates Sheikha Al Nowais on her election as UNWTO Secretary-General
31 May 2025 17:19 ABU DHABI (WAM) H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), congratulated Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak affirmed that this achievement is the fruit of the UAE leadership's insightful vision in supporting and empowering Emirati women — a vision laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and carried forward by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him. This vision established a comprehensive and integrated approach that enhances women's capabilities and enables them to advance in various fields, proving their merit on international platforms.H.H. praised the pivotal role played by Emirati women across all domains, emphasising that this victory is not only a reflection of the UAE's successful strategy in optimally investing in women's potential, but also a true embodiment of the ambition and unwavering determination of Emirati women to serve their nation and humanity as a whole. Her Highness stressed that this milestone further strengthens the UAE's model of women's Fatima affirmed that the election of Sheikha Al Nowais as the first woman to hold this prestigious position marks a new milestone in the UAE's journey of achievements and reflects the growing international confidence in the excellence and capabilities of Emirati expressed her confidence in Sheikha Al Nowais's ability to drive transformative change in the global tourism sector in service of humanity and sustainable concluded by emphasising that Emirati women will continue to be essential partners in the comprehensive development journey and ambassadors of UAE values in international forums, carrying the message of a nation that places human empowerment at the heart of its developmental and civilisational aspirations. This historic win is an extension of the series of successes achieved by Emirati women at both regional and international levels. It reflects the increasing global recognition of the UAE's pioneering role in shaping the future and presenting inspiring female role models who contribute effectively to building a more sustainable, just, and progressive world.
Travel Daily News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Zurab Pololikashvili withdraws from UN Tourism race
Georgia withdrew support for Zurab Pololikashvili's third term. Five candidates now vie for the position of UN Tourism Secretary-General. Zurab Pololikashvili, the current Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), has officially withdrawn his candidacy for a third term. This development marks a significant shift in the leadership race for the 2026–2029 mandate. The Georgian government, which had initially supported Pololikashvili, has now endorsed the candidacy of Sheikha Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates, signaling a notable geopolitical realignment in global tourism diplomacy. The official candidates for UN Tourism Secretary-General: With Zurab Pololikashvili out of the race, five contenders remain: Sheikha Al Nowais (United Arab Emirates): Director of Internal Audit at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC, Al Nowais brings private sector expertise with a focus on sustainability and resilience in tourism. Her candidacy is strongly backed by the UAE government and reflects the growing influence of the Gulf in international tourism. Gloria Guevara (Mexico): Former Mexican Minister of Tourism and ex-President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Guevara is seen as a strong contender due to her leadership experience in both public and private sectors. Harry Theoharis (Greece): Former Minister of Tourism of Greece, Theoharis campaigns on principles of transparency, digital transformation, and limiting the Secretary-General's mandate to two terms. Habib Ammar (Tunisia): Senior official at Tunisia's Ministry of Transport and former Tourism Minister, Ammar emphasizes sustainable development and increased regional cooperation. Mohammed Adam (Ghana): Former Ghanaian ambassador to Spain, Adam aims to strengthen Africa's voice and visibility within UN Tourism. What's next? The UN Tourism Executive Council, comprising 35 member states, is scheduled to meet in Madrid on May 29–30, 2025, to nominate one candidate. The final vote will take place during the General Assembly in November 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Strategic implications Georgia's decision to withdraw Zurab Pololikashvili's candidacy may reshape the balance of power within UN Tourism. It enhances the visibility of candidates such as Al Nowais and Theoharis, each representing differing priorities—from regional influence and private sector alignment to institutional reform and transparency. This election will define the global tourism agenda for the next four years. Key focus areas include sustainability, crisis management, digital innovation, and bridging the public-private sector divide. Tourism professionals worldwide are watching closely, as the outcome will shape policy frameworks and funding priorities for the global travel and hospitality industry.
