UAE Hosts Africa Tourism Summit to Promote Growth and Investment

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism will host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 on Monday, 27 October, at Madinat Jumeirah hotel in Dubai. The summit is held under the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth” and is part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025), organised by The Bench.

Aim to Strengthen Tourism Relations

The summit aims to enhance economic and tourism ties between the UAE and Africa while opening new opportunities for investment in various tourism sectors. It will highlight the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in the growth of Africa’s tourism industry and promote sustainable tourism initiatives across the regions.

Key Participants

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, will attend the summit. More than 350 participants are expected, including government leaders, ministers, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries. The event will provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and identifying partnership opportunities.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism and Investment

The summit reflects the UAE’s global leadership in tourism, promoting innovative investment solutions while emphasizing sustainability, diversity, and cultural preservation. It aims to harmonize economic growth with environmental and cultural stewardship, demonstrating the UAE’s successful tourism model.

Key Sectors and Discussions

The summit will focus on key tourism sectors, including financing, infrastructure, hospitality, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Six panel discussions will cover topics such as enhancing investment in tourism, cooperation between the UAE and Africa, and the role of tourism in driving economic growth and social development across the continent.

Digital Solutions and Innovation in Tourism

Sessions will highlight the importance of digital solutions, fintech, and improved logistical connectivity to make travel across Africa more sustainable and efficient. Advanced technologies and innovation will be promoted to enhance tourism destinations and visitor experiences, creating new avenues for investment and development.

Ministerial Roundtable Session

On the sidelines, a high-level ministerial roundtable will be held, featuring Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and more than 20 African ministers. The session will discuss strategies to strengthen tourism as a key economic driver in Africa and explore the UAE’s pioneering tourism model that attracts global investment and supports economic diversification.

Africa as a Growing Tourism Market

Africa is one of the fastest-growing tourism markets, with its hospitality sector expanding by more than 13% annually. The continent attracts over 74 million international visitors, offering promising opportunities for UAE investments and partnerships in sustainable tourism and hospitality development.

The UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 is expected to strengthen collaboration, promote sustainable practices, and boost tourism investment. By building strategic partnerships and sharing expertise, the summit will contribute to long-term growth and development in both regions.