Appointed in 2018, she became the first GCC national to hold a senior leadership position within UN Tourism, and the first woman to lead the Middle East region. In her capacity, she oversees a diverse bloc comprising 13 member states, one special observer state, and 51 affiliate members. She has also served on the Board of the UN Tourism Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative for the Middle East, guiding policy and programmatic frameworks to promote inclusive growth.
Regional Director of the Middle East
Basmah Al-Mayman
Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), has been recognized among Forbes Middle East’s Most Powerful Travel & Tourism Leaders 2025 — a distinction that underscores her trailblazing role in advancing sustainable tourism and heritage preservation across the region.
Career Journey
• United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) – Regional Director for the Middle East (since 2018) • Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage – Director of Committees & International Organizations, International Cooperation Department • Liaison Officer with UN Tourism & Representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN Tourism Executive Council
Academic Credentials
• Master’s in Business Administration (with Honors) – AlFaisal University in partnership with the University of Oxford • Advanced Diplomas in International Relations, International Law, and Diplomatic Affairs – Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies
Leadership Impact
With an extensive background in tourism and cultural heritage, Basmah Al-Mayman has championed initiatives that bridge global best practices with regional priorities. Her leadership has strengthened multilateral cooperation, fostered sustainable tourism policies, and elevated the Middle East’s visibility on the global tourism stage — in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the broader vision for a resilient, inclusive tourism economy.
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