UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Economic and Tourism Ties with Africa at Investment Summit
Dubai, 28 October 2025 — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its economic partnerships with the African continent. He underlined the continent’s significant growth opportunities and the vast potential for investment across sectors, with a special emphasis on tourism.
Meeting with delegates at the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025—which opened under the theme ‘Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth’—Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the alignment between Africa’s wealth of natural resources and ambitions for sustainable tourism growth, and the UAE’s global tourism vision. The summit convened tourism ministers, government leaders, and investors from across Africa, demonstrating the UAE’s proactive role in shaping global tourism and encouraging sustainable and inclusive growth.
Welcoming the delegates to the UAE at Expo City Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of shared visions and innovative ideas in advancing economic and development partnerships with African countries. He called for consolidating the foundational strengths of existing partnerships to open new paths of mutual benefit.
Sheikh Mohammed observed that the tourism sector has particular strength for driving sustainable growth and deepening cultural ties. He acknowledged the growing influence of Africa in the future global economy, citing the continent’s abundant opportunities and potential. He emphasized that UAE-Africa cooperation in tourism investment exemplifies economic integration guided by shared vision and mutual interests.
“Tourism is a vital contributor to our national economy and a sector that offers tremendous opportunities for continued growth and new partnerships. The UAE-Africa partnership holds immense promise and has always been characterised by a shared belief in discovering new avenues for cooperation to shape a better tomorrow,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
During the summit, Sheikh Mohammed received an update on key discussion areas in a gathering attended by more than 350 leaders, including senior government officials, ministers, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries. Central topics included measures to strengthen economic and tourism ties, the exploration of new partnership areas, and driving growth by attracting fresh investment into diverse sectors—especially tourism—to support the development aspirations of African nations.
Attendees also included Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. African tourism and investment ministers applauded the UAE’s pioneering economic and development model and its distinction as a leading global tourism destination. They commended the UAE’s comprehensive economic development and successful tourism sector, seeing it as an example for attracting global investment and building world-class infrastructure. Delegates expressed their hope for discovering new, untapped opportunities for collaboration and investment in tourism, aiding in the advancement of comprehensive development roadmaps for both the UAE and African countries.
Focusing on crucial areas of mutual interest, the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit addresses vital themes such as investment in tourism projects, financing, infrastructure, hospitality, innovative tourism services, and sustainable development.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
