UAE, Africa agree on new investment mapping for tourism projects

The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism convened a high-level ministerial roundtable meeting with more than 20 African nations in Dubai, resulting in a joint ministerial statement that sets out a new investment mapping to bolster collaboration and partnership in tourism, aviation, transport and logistics, infrastructure and digital transformation. 

The initiative positions tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic development in the UAE and across the African continent, said senior officials at the meeting held on the sidelines of UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai.

Nearly $6 billion worth of tourism projects featured in the new investment mapping proposed by the participating countries.

Held under the theme 'Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda,' the roundtable was attended by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, alongside tourism ministers and officials from more than 20 African nations. 

The ministers underscored their commitment to strengthening collaboration to facilitate investments and enhance air connectivity and infrastructure in Africa, and to innovate sustainable solutions and policies that bolster the resilience of the tourism economy in the face of global challenges.

The meeting focused on advancing co-operation to transform tourism from a cultural activity into a strategic pillar within the economic policies of the participating countries. 

It showcased the UAE’s model of tourism development and its success in attracting quality global investment to the sector, thereby enhancing economic diversification and contributing to national GDP growth. 

The discussions also underscored the vital role of international development agencies, global financial institutions, and the private sector in expanding Africa’s tourism industry.

The joint ministerial statement from the African ministers identifies five key pillars to boost collaborative efforts: tourism, investment, sustainability, aviation & innovation. 

"Today, the UAE and Africa stand at a pivotal moment in developing a resilient and sustainable tourism sector. This milestone is marked by the launch of a new investment mapping featuring diverse tourism projects in the fields of aviation, logistics services, infrastructure, and the digital sector, with an estimated total value of approximately $6 billion and the potential to generate 70,000 job opportunities in various countries of the African continent," remarked Al Marri. 

This step aims to create a qualitative shift in the level of tourism partnerships between the UAE and Africa. 

It will also pave the way for regional and global business communities to participate in UAE-Africa tourism investment projects, thus enhancing the position of tourism as a fundamental pillar of sustainable and comprehensive economic development.

He emphasised the importance of tourism co-operation in the next phase to build new partnerships between the public and private sectors with the aim of exploring and developing innovative financing and investment tools in various tourism activities. 

During the roundtable, ministers reviewed global and regional economic developments and their implications for the tourism sector. 

They pointed out that tourism, aviation, trade, technology, and enabling infrastructure are key drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth, job creation, and deeper regional integration.

During the meeting, the ministers shared a vision of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism-led growth that benefits communities, empowers women and youth, supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, protects the environment, and safeguards cultural and natural heritage. 

They also recognised the catalytic role of private investment, sound policies, and effective public–private partnerships in delivering quality infrastructure, services and skills, it added.-TradeArabia News Service