ABU DHABI (WAM)
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), congratulated Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak affirmed that this achievement is the fruit of the UAE leadership’s insightful vision in supporting and empowering Emirati women — a vision laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and carried forward by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him.
This vision established a comprehensive and integrated approach that enhances women's capabilities and enables them to advance in various fields, proving their merit on international platforms.
H.H. praised the pivotal role played by Emirati women across all domains, emphasising that this victory is not only a reflection of the UAE's successful strategy in optimally investing in women's potential, but also a true embodiment of the ambition and unwavering determination of Emirati women to serve their nation and humanity as a whole.
Her Highness stressed that this milestone further strengthens the UAE’s model of women’s empowerment.
Sheikha Fatima affirmed that the election of Sheikha Al Nowais as the first woman to hold this prestigious position marks a new milestone in the UAE’s journey of achievements and reflects the growing international confidence in the excellence and capabilities of Emirati talent.
She expressed her confidence in Sheikha Al Nowais’s ability to drive transformative change in the global tourism sector in service of humanity and sustainable development.
She concluded by emphasising that Emirati women will continue to be essential partners in the comprehensive development journey and ambassadors of UAE values in international forums, carrying the message of a nation that places human empowerment at the heart of its developmental and civilisational aspirations.
This historic win is an extension of the series of successes achieved by Emirati women at both regional and international levels. It reflects the increasing global recognition of the UAE's pioneering role in shaping the future and presenting inspiring female role models who contribute effectively to building a more sustainable, just, and progressive world.