Georgia supports the UAE for UN Tourism candidacy

In an unexpected step, the Georgian government abolished Zuraba Pololikashvili’s support, they were appointed candidate for Secretary General at the UN Secretariat in 2026. Official sources show that this was a unilateral decision by adding that Georgia would not release another candidate. Instead, they expressed support for Shaiha Nava, a candidate of the United Arab Emirates.

Georgia’s withdrawal and official statement

Government spokesman, as reported by Georgian Interpressnews, said the situation: “The Georgian government really presented the name Zurab Pololikashvili to consider the United Nations World Tourism Organization. We really confirm that Georgia will now support the UAE candidate for the role of the Secretary -General in the UN World Tourism Organization. “

With this recall, there are five disputes over the UN leading position: Mexico, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana and Tunisia.

Von Zuraba Pololikashvili

Pololikashvili has been holding the post of UN Secretary -General since January 2018 and is looking for a third term. He took over the position of Taleb Riffia from Jordan. Prior to the role of UN tourism, Palalikashvili held key positions in Georgia, including the ambassador to Spain, the Minister of Economic Development, as well as the Deputy Foreign Minister. In addition to these roles, he once acted as CEO of FC Dinamo Tbilisi, which is the leading professional football club of Georgia.

However, the third term attempts faced obstacles. Back in October 2023, during the UNWTO General Assembly to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the proposal to update the mandate for an additional term was rejected. It should be noted that Spain, a very important player in the tourism world, did not support this proposal.

Shaikha nasser al nowais: nominee and UAE perspective

Shaiha Nasser Al Navais, a UAE candidate, in most cases a reliable business. She graduated from the University of Zaida in Dubai with a specialty business administration and is currently working with the Vice -President to Manage Corporate Relations for Rotana Group. Rotana is a well -known hotel management company operating in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey. As part of the group of the group, it is a very close connection with the hospitality industry. To the Rotana, Al -Novat, he spent about three years in KPMG in Abu -Dabi, having gained an audit experience.

Funds for UN Tourism

Georgia’s support for Al -Navia shows a potential strategic shift and can change the racing dynamics. As these five candidates remain, the competition for the main place of the UN Secretariat for Tourism is certainly intensified. This organization, which plays a decisive role in managing the global tourist policy, will come with a new leader who will come in 2026, who could manage his priorities in potentially completely different directions.

As the selection process moves forward, the world will watch closely how every candidate presents his vision of what the future awaits for global tourism.