Page 22 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (International)

Press Release

UAE hosts UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit forging a shared

vision for sustainable tourism ventures across Africa

Abu Dhabi, 29 October 2025 - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and
Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the UAE-Africa Tourism
Investment Summit 2025. The summit, held recently in Dubai under the theme ‘Building Bridges
for Sustainable Growth,’ witnessed extensive participation from over 350 leaders, ministers, senior
government officials, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African
nations.

The summit, held as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) and in collaboration
with The Bench, was attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of
Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.

In his opening speech at the summit, H.E. Bin Touq 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 UAE 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 Summit convened a series of panel sessions and presentations that explored the future of
tourism in Africa and ways to develop tourism and investment collaboration between the UAE and
African nations. The sessions contributed to strengthening economic integration in the continent
by forging quality partnerships in tourism, hospitality, tourism infrastructure, tourism project
financing and innovation.

Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for the term
2026–2029, delivered a presentation titled ‘The Future of African Tourism’, in which she outlined
a comprehensive development vision for driving Africa’s tourism sector forward.

In addition, the Summit hosted a high-level ministerial roundtable meeting with the participation
of more than 20 African nations, resulting in a joint ministerial statement that sets out a new