The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to host a major new platform for international cooperation in tourism. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit, which will take place on 27 October 2025 in Dubai, within the framework of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025).
The gathering aims to strengthen economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and African nations, with a particular focus on unlocking investment opportunities across tourism, hospitality, infrastructure and related services. By building new bridges between the Gulf and African markets, the summit hopes to consolidate the UAE’s role as a leading international partner in sustainable development and investment.
High-level participation
The summit is expected to attract more than 250 senior participants, including government officials, investors and decision-makers from 53 African countries. Among them will be tourism ministers, representatives of investment promotion agencies, and business leaders engaged in hospitality development.
A highlight will be the presence of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism. As Travel Tomorrow previously reported, Al Nowais will become the first woman to lead the organisation when she assumes office in January 2026. Her involvement brings additional weight to the summit’s discussions on how tourism can act as a driver of sustainable growth and international cooperation.
Shaikha Al Nowais makes history as UN Tourism’s first woman nominee for Secretary-General 🙋🏻♀️
— Travel Tomorrow (@TravelTomorrowX) June 2, 2025
📸 @BuscardiniPR @UNWTO #ShaikhaAlNowais #UNTourism #Tourism #Travel #ResponsibleTourism #Sustainability pic.twitter.com/URTBIG8XxQ
A shared platform for investment
The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit is being organised in partnership with The Bench, curators of FHS World. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the collaboration was signed by Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry, and Daria Smith, Portfolio Director of The Bench, in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism.
According to Al Maidoor, the summit is designed not only to be a forum for dialogue but also a launchpad for new projects and partnerships that serve mutual interests. “This aligns with the objectives of We the UAE 2031, which aims to position the country as a global hub of the new economy, driven by international partnerships and future-focused sectors,” she explained.
For Jonathan Worsley, Chairman and CEO of The Bench, the partnership highlights the UAE’s pivotal role in connecting global capital with emerging markets. “This new platform will strengthen connections between African nations and the international investment community,” he said, adding that the environment will encourage meaningful dialogue, facilitate funding opportunities and support long-term economic growth.
Why it matters for tourism
Tourism continues to be a central pillar of the UAE’s growth strategy and is expected to contribute nearly 13% to national GDP. By positioning itself as both an investment hub and a tourism destination, the UAE seeks to strengthen its global leadership role while supporting international cooperation.
For Africa, the summit represents a unique chance to showcase tourism projects, infrastructure initiatives and hospitality ventures that can attract investment and accelerate development. With growing global interest in South–South cooperation, the UAE is emerging as a gateway for capital flows into Africa, particularly in industries that combine economic growth with cultural and environmental sustainability.
A turning point?
The October summit could mark a turning point in Gulf–Africa tourism relations, laying the groundwork for deeper integration and mutual benefits. Delegates will explore collaboration between public institutions and private stakeholders, with a long-term vision of creating shared prosperity.
By situating the summit within the influential FHS World platform, organisers are ensuring that the conversations resonate well beyond the Gulf and Africa, contributing to the wider international debate on sustainable tourism and investment.
With the expected presence of high-level stakeholders, institutional backing, and the involvement of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism, the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit is set to be more than just a meeting. It has the potential to become a catalyst for sustainable economic partnerships that extend far beyond the event itself.
