Page 413 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

10/29/25, 2:53 PM UAE outlines USD 6 billion investment in African tourism industry
pandemic. Estimates suggest the industry could add approximately USD 168 billion to Africa’s economy and
generate more than 18 million new jobs over the next decade. The continent is home to diverse tourism assets,
from coastal resorts and pristine beaches to cultural, heritage and historical landmarks, presenting vast
opportunities for investment and development.

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Between 2019 and 2023, Emirati companies invested more than USD 110 billion in new projects across Africa,
covering sectors such as renewable energy, tourism destinations, logistics corridors, and digital infrastructure.
These investments have positioned the UAE among the world’s top four investors on the continent and the
leading global investor in terms of new project volume. Air traffic between the UAE and Africa has also been
growing, with around 550 weekly flights operated by Emirati and African airlines. Tourism investments attracted
by the UAE reached AED 28.8 billion in 2023, increased to AED 32.2 billion in 2024, and are projected to reach
AED 35.2 billion in 2025.

“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. It has become a key driver for
attracting investment and entrepreneurs, strengthening the growth and
competitiveness of the national economy, and a source of pride
through its pioneering achievements across all its verticals, led by
national talents who have earned global trust to hold high-level
positions. The UAE is an exceptional model for tourism development,
marked by qualitative leaps in its policies and tourism infrastructure,
aligned with global best practices. These include the adoption of
pioneering national initiatives and strategies, pumping investments
into various tourism fields, building distinguished tourism projects
across the country, in addition to opening new airports, expanding the
airline network in cooperation with strategic partners worldwide,
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
enhancing internal transport networks, and providing high-quality
tourism services. This has all contributed to cementing the UAE’s
status as a leading destination in today’s global tourism landscape,”
said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism
Council.

“The UAE continues to play an active role as a developmental partner for the African continent through its
consistent support for sustainable economic and tourism growth. In this context, hosting this summit under the
patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflects our steadfast commitment to expanding
Emirati investments in Africa and building fruitful partnerships with counterparts in both the public and private
sectors. The summit also marks a new milestone in strengthening economic and tourism cooperation between the
UAE and the African continent,” he added.

“Tourism is one of the key drivers of sustainable development and global economic growth. Beyond being a
leisure activity, it plays a crucial role in creating employment, empowering small and medium- sized enterprises,
and fostering economic and investment cooperation between countries. In Africa, the sector is still recovering
from the pandemic. International data indicates that prior to the crisis, it supported over 22 million jobs and
contributed around USD 180 billion to the continent’s GDP. Estimates further suggest that the travel and tourism
industry could add approximately USD 168 billion to Africa’s economy and generate more than 18 million new
jobs over the next decade, highlighting the significant potential of this sector to advance sustainable
development,” said Bin Touq.

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