UAE’s Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais becomes UNWTO Sec-General, replacing Georgia's Zurab Pololikashvili

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has elected Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the United Arab Emirates’ candidate, as its new Secretary-General. Al Nowais secured the post with the backing of 24 member states, surpassing the required minimum of 18.

Al Nowais replaces Zurab Pololikashvili, who had served two terms as Secretary-General. This year, the Georgian Dream government in Georgia withdrew Pololikashvili’s candidacy for a third term and confirmed its support for the UAE candidate.

This decision followed speculation in media, about a possible secret agreement between Georgia and the UAE to back Al Nowais.

Pololikashvili accused Georgia's ruling party of withdrawing his candidacy over a staffing dispute. He alleged that his refusal to dismiss an assistant, a former diplomat who quit her post in protest following the GD Government's decision late last year to halt the country's EU integration until 2028, had led to the withdrawal of his candidacy.