Dubai – On October 27, 2025, Dubai will host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit, held in conjunction with the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025), one of the largest global gatherings for the hospitality and tourism industry.
The Summit was announced by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and will aim to strengthen partnerships between the UAE and Africa, with a particular focus on enhancing investments in tourism, hospitality, and related services.
Speaking about the event, Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry, said the Summit will act as a “strategic platform for exchanging insights and expertise,” aligning with the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision, which positions the country as a global hub for future-focused industries.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench (the organizers of FHS World), highlighted that the UAE has long served as a bridge between international capital and emerging markets. The Summit, he said, is another step toward unlocking “long-term economic growth across the continent.”
Building Bridges Between the UAE and Africa
Africa and the UAE already share strong ties, and this summit is expected to push those relationships further ahead.
The event will have over 250 high-level participants, including tourism ministers, investors, and senior government officials from 53 African countries. During the summit in Dubai, discussions will center around collaboration, trade, and tourism growth.
This is a big deal not just for investors, but also for travelers. The Summit will highlight opportunities for cross-border projects in areas like tourism infrastructure, hospitality development, and cultural exchange, making travel between Africa and the UAE even more exciting and accessible.
Some African Stats
- Top African Visitors: Tourists from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco make up some of the biggest travel segments to the UAE.
- Workforce Presence: Thousands of Africans work across hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tour companies, and airports, bringing cultural diversity and world-class hospitality to visitors.
- Travel Spending: African tourists contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the UAE’s economy through hotels, shopping, and entertainment. A lot of products being sold in Africa are shipped from the UAE, from car parts & accessories, perfumes, electronics, among others.
- Flight Connectivity: Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai continue to expand routes into Africa, making travel between the two regions easier and quite affordable. It is cheaper to fly to Dubai or Sharjah than to fly from one African country to another.
Africans in the UAE: Driving Tourism and Hospitality
Africa’s contribution doesn’t stop at tourism.
Many Africans have also set up roots and built careers in the UAE, especially in hospitality, hotels, customer service, and real estate industries.
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The upcoming Summit will further explore how both regions can tap into these synergies, boosting not only tourism numbers but also creating more opportunities for work, exchange, and investment.
What This Means for Travelers and Businesses
For travelers, this could mean new flight routes, fresh holiday destinations, and smoother travel experiences between Africa and the UAE.
For businesses, it’s an open door to collaboration, whether that’s developing new resorts, creating cultural exchange programs, or expanding investment in Africa’s booming hospitality sector.
With both regions brimming with youthful energy, untapped potential, and a shared passion for growth, the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit promises to be a turning point.
