Page 64 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Press Release

His Excellency highlighted that between 2019 and 2023, Emirati companies invested more than
USD 110 billion in new projects across Africa, positioning the UAE among the world’s top four
investors on the continent—after the United States, China, and the European Union—and as the
leading global investor in terms of new project volume. These investments cover key sectors such
as renewable energy, tourism destinations, logistics corridors, and digital infrastructure, reflecting
the UAE’s belief that driving sustainable development in Africa is not only vital for the continent’s
future, but also essential for global growth and long-term economic stability.

African tourism: A key gateway for UAE investment

The Minister of Economy and Tourism continued: “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.”

His Excellency said: “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. We 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.”

His Excellency 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 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 — reflecting the nation’s forward-looking vision for comprehensive and sustainable
tourism development.

Sustainable investment vision

The summit 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

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