Shaikha Al Nowais, the Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, is a distinguished leader in global tourism and hospitality, with extensive hands-on experience in corporate governance, audit, sustainability, and economic development.
As Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, she has managed teams in spearheading strategic partnerships, inclusivity, development and more. She was instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency, and championing sustainable tourism initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey which was her remit.
Her leadership extends beyond hospitality; she serves as Chairwoman of the Tourism Working Group at the Abu Dhabi Chamber, Board Member of Dubai Hotel Group under Dubai Chambers, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, member of the advisory board of the UAE Tourism Council and Global Hospitality Asset Managers Association, and the Board of Trustees at Les Roches Hospitality Academy, where she drives policy advocacy / Developmental economic policies, economic inclusion, and industry education.
With A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance from Zayed University, Shaikha brings 16+ years of extensive hands-on experience in the hospitality sector in the corporate network, equipping her with a strategic vision for advancing and supporting global tourism initiatives.
