Several ministers from the United Arab Emirates government have stated that the election of Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi as the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization is a historic achievement for the UAE, illustrating the nation’s prominent status on both regional and global stages. This accomplishment reflects the success of the UAE’s strategic vision aimed at supporting international efforts to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector that drives economic and social development worldwide.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Mari, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, expressed that under the guidance of wise leadership, the UAE has achieved another historic milestone in its tourism sector with Sheikha Al Nuaimi’s victory as Secretary-General from 2026 to 2029. This reflects the UAE’s influential role in leading global efforts for sustainable tourism development, in collaboration with decision-makers and international organizations within the tourism sector, and affirms the success of the UAE’s vision to enhance its global relations and establish itself as a leading tourist destination.
He stated, “We take pride in gaining the world’s confidence in our national talents, with Sheikha Al Nuaimi becoming the first young Emirati and Arab to hold the position of Secretary-General. This milestone showcases the competence of our young national workforce and their ability to gain international trust in leadership roles within specialized fields such as tourism, thereby highlighting the advanced status of Arab women on both regional and global fronts.”
He commended her expertise and ability to represent the country at the highest international levels, presenting a comprehensive vision to enhance collaborative efforts for responsible and sustainable global tourism growth and contributing effectively to the implementation of projects and initiatives of the World Tourism Organization.
His Excellency noted that the UAE’s tourism sector achieved exceptional growth indicators in 2024, along with the launch of numerous national initiatives designed to promote tourism within the country and attract international visitors. These initiatives include the fifth season of the “Most Beautiful Winter” campaign, the introduction of a national tourism charter, and the adoption of an international code for tourist protection as a guideline in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, all supporting the objectives of the “National Tourism Strategy 2031,” which aims to elevate the UAE’s position as a premier tourism identity globally by the next decade.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized that the election of Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization represents a significant accomplishment for both the UAE and Emirati women. Her appointment as the first woman in this role underscores international trust in her capabilities and reflects the UAE’s leading role in supporting sustainable development globally.
She mentioned that Al Nuaimi’s extensive experience in the private sector will contribute to a new vision focused on achieving tangible results and enhancing the efficiency of the organization’s operations for the benefit of the global tourism sector.
Additionally, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, stated that empowering and supporting Emirati women is a key component of the leadership’s vision to build a more prosperous and advanced future. The UAE is committed to enhancing women’s participation and contributions to development across various sectors and supporting their impactful presence in regional and global arenas. In this context, the selection of Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization reaffirms this forward-looking vision and marks a significant step in solidifying the UAE’s leadership role in fostering a safe and sustainable environment for global tourism, contributing to the growth of this vital sector.
He added, “Sheikha Al Nuaimi’s election to this prestigious international position not only reflects her qualifications and professional excellence but also demonstrates the international community’s trust in the UAE as a credible partner in supporting sustainable development pathways worldwide. It underscores the esteemed status the UAE has achieved regionally and internationally.”
Moreover, His Excellency Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed the importance of this momentous achievement for the UAE in the tourism sector. He noted that electing the first Emirati to the World Tourism Organization confirms the ongoing support and care for Emirati women by the leadership and highlights that the UAE’s continuous efforts with the organization and its member states are bearing fruit. He voiced his confidence that Sheikha Al Nuaimi, with her strong and exceptional experience in tourism and hospitality, will contribute to a transformative change in the regional and global tourism landscape.