The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The summit, themed 'Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth,' brought together over 350 leaders, ministers, and investors from the UAE and 53 African nations to explore collaborative opportunities in sustainable tourism.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Abdulla bin Toug Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that the UAE has positioned tourism as a bridge connecting peoples and cultures. He stated, 'Guided by the wise vision of our leadership - a vision that not only anticipates the future but also actively shapes it and achieves its milestones - the UAE has positioned tourism as a bridge connecting peoples and cultures around the world.'
A key outcome of the summit was a high-level ministerial roundtable that produced a joint ministerial statement. The statement sets out a new investment mapping to bolster collaboration in tourism, aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Projects submitted under this mapping are estimated to require a total investment of approximately USD 6 billion and are projected to generate 70,000 direct and indirect jobs collectively.
The joint statement outlines five priority areas: tourism, investment and infrastructure, aviation and connectivity, sustainability, and SME-financing and innovation. These areas aim to strengthen economic integration between the UAE and Africa by forging quality partnerships in tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure.
Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for the term 2026–2029, delivered a presentation titled 'The Future of African Tourism,' outlining a comprehensive development vision for driving Africa's tourism sector forward. The summit also featured panel sessions and presentations that explored future collaboration and investment opportunities.
The summit was held as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) in collaboration with The Bench. The event underscores the UAE's commitment to sustainable tourism development and its role as a global hub for investment and innovation.
