Page 422 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

10/29/25, 2:59 PM UAE spotlights $110 billion investments in Africa at UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025
Estimates further suggest that the travel and tourism industry could add approximately $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,” he added.

His Excellency said that Africa is home to a wealth of rich and diverse tourism assets – from coastal
resorts and pristine beaches to cultural, heritage and historical landmarks. These unique features present
vast opportunities for the UAE business community and serve as a vital gateway for investment and
expansion across various tourism activities.

“W e are committed to fully leveraging this platform to transform ideas into tangible and sustainable
tourism projects and partnerships that will help shape the future of economic development across the
African continent,” he said.

His Excellency also highlighted that air traffic between the UAE and the African continent has been
witnessing remarkable growth, with a total of around 550 weekly flights operated by Emirati and African
airlines. This robust air network plays a key role in connecting both regions, enhancing opportunities for
cooperation and integration across transportation, tourism and logistics sectors.

His Excellency further noted that tourism investments attracted by the UAE totaled AED28.8 billion in
2023, increased to AED32.2 billion in 2024, and are projected to reach AED35.2 billion in 2025 —
reflecting the nation’s forward-looking vision for comprehensive and sustainable tourism development.

Summit explores key investment opportunities in Africa’s tourism sector

The UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 aims to shape a sustainable investment vision,
connecting the UAE with the African continent and further advancing economic and investment
relations between the two sides. It also seeks to reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting
sustainable tourism and fostering new partnerships across the public and private sectors in all areas of
mutual interest.

The summit focused on exploring key investment opportunities for Emirati companies in Africa’s
tourism sector, including the development of tourism infrastructure, the construction of coastal resorts
and hotels and the creation of entertainment destinations and emerging tourism cities. Discussions also
explored participation in green and sustainable tourism projects—particularly resorts powered by
renewable energy—as well as potential Emirati investments in African regional airlines, urban transport
networks, online booking platforms and tourism-focused fintech solutions.

The summit also highlighted the diverse tourism investment opportunities available in the UAE market
for participants from African nations. These include business tourism, cultural centers and events, luxury
hotels and hospitality, as well as investments in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism, particularly within
nature reserves. Other areas of focus encompass family entertainment projects, theme parks, wellness
tourism and heritage tourism.

Bold visions and effective strategies to unlock Africa’s potential

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