Page 472 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

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.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect, UN Tourism, said: "Africa is rich in diverse and
exceptional tourism assets. Unlocking this potential requires bold visions and effective strategies
to attract investment and financing for infrastructure development, improve destination
connectivity, and empower the skills and capabilities of local human capital."

During the summit, Al Nowais outlined her ambitious vision to drive global tourism development in
her upcoming role as UN Tourism Secretary-General, emphasising the need for innovative,
actionable solutions that generate lasting impact, especially in Africa, where tourism can serve as a
vital engine for economic, social, and cultural progress, and a catalyst for local community
development across nations.

She added: "Today, we are witnessing a landmark global event hosted by the UAE, bringing together
leaders, ministers, and officials from the UAE and African nations. This summit offers a powerful
opportunity to foster partnerships across all tourism sectors, exchange expertise, and unlock new
avenues for sustainable, integrated tourism investment between public and private sectors."

The summit featured engaging, wide-ranging discussions on the future of the tourism sector in the
UAE and Africa. It provided an integrated platform for exchanging insights on accelerating tourism
transformation across the African continent, developing innovative partnership models between
governments and the private sector, and boosting investments in infrastructure. The sessions also
explored fostering innovation in hospitality and travel services, building sustainable tourism
ecosystems, expanding cooperation opportunities, and reinforcing tourism's role as a key driver of
economic growth in Africa.

In 2024, the African continent welcomed around 74 million tourists - marking a 12 per cent increase
compared to that of 2023. This figure accounts for approximately 5.3 per cent of the 1.4 billion
international trips recorded globally. These statistics underscore the rapid expansion of Africa's
tourism sector and reaffirm its growing significance as an attractive destination for UAE
investments.

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