Abu dhabi: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that the UAE is solidifying its place as a key strategic investment partner in Africa, ranking fourth globally with investments totaling over US$110 billion from 2019 to 2023. This positions the UAE just behind the US, China, and the European Union in terms of investment scale.
According to Emirates News Agency, more than US$70 billion of these investments have been directed toward green, energy, and renewable energy sectors, highlighting the UAE’s leadership among Arab and GCC investors in Africa. In a statement given on the sidelines of the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, Bin Touq revealed that the summit presented investment cooperation opportunities between the UAE and over 20 African countries. More than 100 projects, valued at over US$6 billion, were showcased, which are anticipated to generate over 70,000 jobs across the continent.
Bin Touq noted the presence of over 20 African ministers in discussions aimed at enhancing the tourism sector, reflecting the UAE’s pivotal role in supporting effective and sustainable investments in Africa. He emphasized that the UAE is a leading and strategic partner in African investment, with rapidly expanding economic and investment ties. Tourism, alongside energy, infrastructure, logistics, and real estate, ranks among the top five Emirati investment sectors in Africa.
The minister stressed that tourism and investment partnerships with African nations are crucial for expanding opportunities for Emirati companies, opening new markets, and facilitating knowledge exchange, thereby strengthening economic integration and national competitiveness. He added that under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the country remains committed to being an active development partner. Hosting the summit reflects the UAE’s dedication to enhancing its investment presence and fostering productive partnerships, aiming to create a new tourism investment map linking the UAE and Africa and elevating bilateral relations to new levels of progress and prosperity.
On the domestic front, Bin Touq underscored the summit’s significance in highlighting promising investment opportunities within the UAE’s markets, particularly in business tourism, luxury hotels, and sustainable and eco-tourism. He disclosed that tourism investments in the UAE reached AED28.8 billion in 2023, increased to AED32.2 billion in 2024, and are projected to reach AED35.2 billion in 2025, showcasing the country’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional investment opportunities.