UAE, Africa Boost Cooperation in Tourism and Investment

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reaffirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to expanding its economic and tourism partnerships with Africa. Speaking at the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, Sheikh Mohammed said that Africa’s natural wealth and its drive for sustainable development align perfectly with the UAE’s vision for the future of global tourism.

He emphasized that both regions share a deep interest in exploring new avenues of cooperation and building a prosperous and sustainable economic future together.

Sheikh Mohammed met with delegates attending the summit, which was held under the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth”. The meeting took place at Expo City Dubai and brought together ministers, government leaders, and investors from across Africa.

His Highness welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of creating new economic and development partnerships with African nations. He stated that the tourism sector offers vast potential to strengthen cultural connections and promote sustainable economic growth. Sheikh Mohammed noted that such collaboration would help both sides achieve shared prosperity and build stronger ties rooted in mutual benefit.

During the discussions, Sheikh Mohammed praised Africa’s growing influence in shaping the future of the global economy. He pointed out that the continent’s natural resources, young population, and commitment to progress make it a promising partner for long-term cooperation.

He also highlighted that the partnership between the UAE and Africa in the tourism sector serves as a model of economic integration based on shared goals and trust. The collaboration, he said, reflects the UAE’s dedication to fostering sustainable development not only domestically but across emerging global markets.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “Tourism is a vital contributor to our national economy and offers great opportunities for new partnerships. The UAE-Africa partnership holds immense promise and has always been driven by a shared belief in discovering new paths for collaboration to shape a better tomorrow.”

He underlined the importance of sustainable tourism as a major pillar for economic development, cultural understanding, and job creation. The UAE’s approach, he added, is to work hand-in-hand with its African partners to build innovative projects that balance economic progress with environmental responsibility.

The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit attracted more than 350 participants, including ministers, decision-makers, and investors from 53 African countries. The sessions focused on ways to strengthen tourism, trade, and investment cooperation between the UAE and Africa.

The event also explored strategies to promote innovation in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and financing while supporting the development goals of African nations. It provided a unique platform for dialogue and collaboration between public and private sectors across both regions.

African tourism ministers attending the summit praised the UAE for its remarkable economic achievements and world-class tourism infrastructure. They commended the country’s forward-thinking development model and its success in becoming a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Delegates expressed hope that the UAE and African nations would continue to work together to unlock new investment opportunities and create sustainable tourism initiatives that empower local communities. They highlighted the UAE’s experience in innovation and infrastructure as an inspiring example for developing African tourism markets.

The meeting also discussed the key outcomes of the summit, which covered critical topics such as tourism financing, infrastructure development, and sustainable hospitality. By focusing on shared interests, both sides aim to boost investment flows, develop eco-friendly tourism services, and promote entrepreneurship across the tourism value chain.

The summit reaffirmed that closer UAE–Africa cooperation would play an important role in driving sustainable growth, expanding job opportunities, and supporting regional economic integration. The shared vision of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience remains central to this evolving partnership.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s meeting with African delegates underscored the UAE’s leadership in promoting international cooperation and sustainable economic growth. By deepening ties with Africa, the UAE aims to foster a future built on innovation, investment, and mutual prosperity.

The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 stands as a milestone in the partnership between the two regions—laying the foundation for a new era of collaboration that strengthens global tourism and supports long-term sustainable development.