Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) convened a high-level ministerial roundtable meeting with more than 20 African nations in Dubai, resulting in a joint ministerial statement that sets out a new investment mapping to bolster collaboration and partnership in tourism, aviation, transport and logistics, infrastructure and digital transformation. The initiative positions tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic development in the UAE and across the African continent.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Held under the theme ‘Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda,’ the roundtable was attended by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, alongside tourism ministers and officials from more than 20 African nations. The ministers underscored their commitment to strengthening collaboration to facilitate investments and enhance air connectivity and infrastructure in Africa, and to innovate sustainable solutions and policies that bolster the resilience of the tourism economy in the face of global challenges.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri stated that the UAE and Africa stand at a pivotal moment in developing a resilient and sustainable tourism sector. This milestone is marked by the launch of a new investment mapping featuring diverse tourism projects in the fields of aviation, logistics services, infrastructure, and the digital sector, with an estimated total value of approximately $6 billion and the potential to generate 70,000 job opportunities in various countries of the African continent.
The joint effort aims to create a shift in the level of tourism partnerships between the UAE and Africa. It will pave the way for regional and global business communities to participate in UAE-Africa tourism investment projects, thus enhancing the position of tourism as a fundamental pillar of sustainable and comprehensive economic development.
The meeting focused on advancing cooperation to transform tourism from a cultural activity into a strategic pillar within the economic policies of the participating countries. It showcased the UAE’s model of tourism development and its success in attracting global investment to the sector, thereby enhancing economic diversification and contributing to national GDP growth. The discussions also underscored the role of international development agencies, global financial institutions, and the private sector in expanding Africa’s tourism industry.
During the roundtable, ministers reviewed global and regional economic developments and their implications for the tourism sector. They emphasized that tourism, aviation, trade, technology, and enabling infrastructure are key drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth, job creation, and deeper regional integration.
The ministers shared a vision of tourism-led growth that benefits communities, empowers women and youth, supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, protects the environment, and safeguards cultural and natural heritage. They recognized the role of private investment, policies, and public-private partnerships in delivering quality infrastructure, services, and skills.
The Joint Ministerial Statement outlined five priority areas to bolster joint efforts between the UAE and Africa during the upcoming stage. These include developing quality tourism infrastructure, investment facilitation, expanding air links, addressing climate change impacts, and supporting youth- and women-led enterprises.
The ministers reaffirmed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone of regional integration and competitiveness. They welcomed collaboration with strategic partners, including the UAE, whose engagement can mobilize capital and connectivity in ways that reinforce the implementation of AfCFTA and regional value chains.
The ministers recognized the UAE as a reliable partner in advancing the sustainable development of African economies, particularly in the tourism sector. They noted the UAE’s experience in leveraging tourism to attract international investment, diversify its economy, and contribute to long-term growth.
They also agreed on the importance of sharing knowledge, best practices, and capacity-building to replicate similar outcomes across African destinations. The participants valued cooperation with development finance institutions and international organizations to provide finance, technical assistance, and policy support.
The meeting concluded with the ministers expressing their appreciation for the efforts of the UAE government and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in hosting the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit and for their hospitality.