The UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, concluded with a joint ministerial statement that sets out a new investment mapping for tourism, aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation across Africa. The summit, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, brought together over 350 leaders, ministers, senior government officials, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African nations.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasized the UAE's commitment to positioning 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."
The summit featured panel sessions and presentations exploring the future of tourism in Africa and ways to enhance collaboration between the UAE and African nations. 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 Africa's tourism sector.
A key outcome was the high-level ministerial roundtable meeting with participation from more than 20 African nations, resulting in a joint ministerial statement. The projects submitted by participating countries under the investment 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 statement also outlines five priority areas: tourism, investment and infrastructure, aviation and connectivity, sustainability, and SME-financing and innovation.
The summit was held as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) and in collaboration with The Bench. This initiative underscores the UAE's role in fostering sustainable tourism ventures across Africa, leveraging its position as a global hub for investment and innovation. The joint statement marks a significant step toward economic integration and partnership between the UAE and African nations, creating new opportunities for growth and development.
