RIYADH: The UAE’s Shaikha Al-Nowais has been elected secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization, becoming the first woman — and the first Gulf national — to lead the global tourism body in its 50-year history. Her four-year term will begin in January 2026, following confirmation by the 26th UNWTO General Assembly held in Riyadh from Nov. 7 to 11. Al-Nowais was first endorsed in May by the organization’s Executive Council after securing a majority of member votes during its session in Madrid.

RIYADH: More than 160 delegates from across the world are in Riyadh for the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, with the opening ceremony and first plenary set to…

RIYADH: The UAE’s Shaikha Al-Nowais has been elected secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization, becoming the first woman — and the first Gulf national — to lead the…