Page 63 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Press Release

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for the term 2026–2029; Her
Excellency Yomna Elbahar, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt; His Excellency
John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya; Jonathan
Worsley, Chairman and CEO of The Bench; along with a number of senior investors and global
chief executives in the tourism and hospitality sectors at regional and international levels.

UAE tourism: A bridge connecting peoples and cultures

In his opening speech at the summit, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: “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.”

Pioneering national policies and initiatives for tourism sector development

H.E. Bin Touq added: “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, 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.”

Summit: A new launchpad for strengthening UAE-Africa economic and tourism partnership

H.E. stated: “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 His Highness 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.”

UAE Investments in the African Continent

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