An article in Grazia magazine states that UN Tourism Secretary-General candidate Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is "leading the next generation of Emirati women to take on international roles."
"The UAE has always prided itself on its trailblazing women," said Quinn Catabui, Writer. "And it seems that in the latest move for women's empowerment, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is the figure to know about. A women of intellect, style and, most of all, undeniable leadership, Shaikha is leading the next generation of Emirati women to take on international roles."
Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais is an emerging Emirati leader gaining recognition for her advocacy in global tourism and cultural diplomacy. She is the founder of Al Nowais Investments and a champion of sustainability and youth empowerment, frequently representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at international forums. According to GRAZIA Middle East, she also plays a strategic advisory role within the tourism and hospitality sectors, reflecting the growing influence of Emirati women in shaping global narratives. Her leadership embodies the UAE’s progressive vision for female participation on the world stage.
The race for the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism has attracted six candidates from various regions, emphasizing a global push for inclusivity and regional representation in tourism leadership. Among these contenders is Al Nowais from the UAE. If elected, she would become the first woman from the Middle East to lead the organization. Key themes in the campaign include sustainable development, gender equity, and balanced regional voices in global tourism governance, as reported by Globe Banner.
According to the NYC Gazette, the election process involves a recommendation by the UN Tourism Executive Council scheduled for May 29–30, 2025, in Madrid. The final appointment will be made by the General Assembly during its 26th session in Riyadh between November 7–11, 2025. These discussions reflect broader debates about the future direction of the tourism sector and the role of the UN in promoting equitable and inclusive growth.
GRAZIA Middle East is a UAE-based edition of the international fashion and lifestyle magazine GRAZIA, launched by ITP Media Group in 2005. As detailed on their website, it targets stylish, career-driven women and covers fashion, beauty, and socio-political issues relevant to women in the region. GRAZIA Middle East blends global trends with local narratives, making it a unique voice in the regional media landscape.