Dubai: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 today in Dubai. The event, themed ‘Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth,’ brought together over 350 leaders, ministers, senior government officials, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit was part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) and organized in collaboration with The Bench. High-profile attendees included Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, alongside several African ministers of tourism. The summit also welcomed Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for 2026-2029, and other prominent figures from the tourism and hospitality sectors.
In his keynote address, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the UAE’s strategic role in the global tourism landscape, highlighting its achievements in tourism development driven by national talents. He noted the UAE’s commitment to sustainable growth and investment in Africa, marking the summit as a milestone in UAE-Africa economic and tourism cooperation.
Bin Touq elaborated on the UAE’s substantial investments in Africa, amounting to over USD 110 billion in new projects between 2019 and 2023. He highlighted the UAE’s position as a leading global investor on the continent, with investments spanning renewable energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
Tourism’s pivotal role in sustainable development and economic growth was underscored by the Minister of Economy and Tourism. He shared insights on Africa’s tourism potential, noting that the sector could contribute significantly to job creation and economic development. The minister also highlighted the robust air traffic between the UAE and Africa, facilitating enhanced cooperation and integration.
The summit aimed to strengthen UAE-Africa economic relations by exploring investment opportunities in Africa’s tourism sector, including infrastructure development and green tourism projects. It also showcased diverse tourism investment opportunities in the UAE for African participants, spanning luxury hotels, eco-tourism, and cultural events.
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, in her address, emphasized Africa’s rich tourism assets and the necessity of innovative strategies to unlock its potential. She outlined her vision to drive global tourism development, particularly in Africa, as she prepares to assume her role as UN Tourism Secretary-General.
The summit featured comprehensive discussions on the future of tourism in the UAE and Africa, fostering partnerships and exploring innovative investment models. In 2024, Africa saw a 12 per cent increase in tourist arrivals, reflecting the continent’s growing prominence as an investment destination.