UAE Leadership Reshapes Global Tourism Landscape: New Opportunities for Africa
The United Nations’ tourism body has elected its first female leader, Shaikha Al Nowais of the UAE. This historic appointment signals a potential shift in global tourism, with significant implications for African travel professionals.
Al Nowais’s victory marks a turning point for the recently rebranded UN Tourism. Her background in the private sector, particularly with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, brings a fresh perspective to the organization. Her focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and youth and women empowerment resonates strongly with current industry trends.
For African travel agents, this leadership change presents exciting opportunities. Al Nowais has pledged to prioritize infrastructure investment, skills development, and SME capacity building in Africa. Her vision aligns with the continent’s need for improved infrastructure and skilled workforce to support its growing tourism sector.
The UAE’s growing influence in global tourism, coupled with Al Nowais’s commitment to cross-border collaboration, is expected to strengthen Gulf-Africa partnerships. This could translate into increased investment in African tourism projects, particularly in eco-tourism and sustainable destination marketing.
Al Nowais’s election also coincides with a critical juncture for global tourism. As the industry recovers from the pandemic, there’s a growing emphasis on greener and more inclusive policies. Her leadership will be instrumental in navigating these challenges and shaping a more sustainable future for tourism.
African tourism stakeholders can leverage this transition period by actively engaging in policy discussions, preparing proposals for tourism development projects, and developing strategies for SME capacity building. This proactive approach will position them to benefit from the new leadership’s focus on Africa.
Al Nowais’s four-year mandate, beginning in January 2026, will focus on balancing the needs of established tourism economies with the aspirations of emerging destinations. Her leadership will be closely watched as she seeks to modernize UN Tourism and build a more inclusive and resilient global tourism landscape.
The UAE’s experience in hosting major international events like Expo 2020 and COP28, combined with its investments in sustainable travel, provides a valuable model for African nations. Al Nowais’s leadership is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice exchange between the Gulf and Africa.
Her election also highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in driving tourism development. Al Nowais’s private sector background positions her to effectively bridge the gap between government interests and private sector innovation, fostering a more dynamic and collaborative approach to tourism growth.
While her election is undoubtedly a historic moment, the true impact of Al Nowais’s leadership will depend on her ability to deliver on her promises of inclusive development and sustainable growth. African tourism stakeholders should seize this opportunity to engage with the new leadership and contribute to shaping a future where tourism benefits all.
