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Sheikha Al Nuwais of the UAE is the Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism
appointment of Emirati Sheikha Al Nuwais as Secretary-General of the organization for the period 2026-2029, making her the first woman and the first Gulf citizen to hold this UN position.
The organization’s executive council had elected Al Nuwais last May to take up the position, before the General Assembly adopted the appointment resolution with a majority of more than 160 countries.
This decision is a significant milestone in the organization’s journey, as it coincides with a new phase in the global tourism journey that begins in the heart of Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia is hosting the 26th session, from November 7 to 11, which is the largest in the organization’s history, with representatives from more than 150 countries participating.