UAE Hosts First UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit in Dubai 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is getting ready to host a historic event that will bring Africa and the Middle East closer together. On October 27, 2025, Dubai will welcome the first-ever UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit. This major gathering will be held under the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025), a global platform for tourism and hospitality growth.

The summit will highlight investment opportunities, partnerships, and future growth in tourism and related industries. With representatives from all 53 African nations expected, the event will strengthen cooperation and show how the UAE can act as a gateway to Africa’s rising markets.

Why the UAE-Africa Summit Matters

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced that this first-of-its-kind event will focus on building economic bridges between Africa and the UAE. The goal is to promote tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, and investment partnerships.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with The Bench, a London-based company that organizes FHS World. The signing was attended by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, along with senior officials. This agreement means that both the UAE and The Bench will work together to promote the event and attract global investors.

For the UAE, this is more than just a summit. It is a way to strengthen its role as a global hub while helping Africa attract the investments needed for its tourism and economic future.

Who Will Attend the Summit

The summit is set to attract more than 250 senior officials and business leaders. Attendees will include:

• Government officials and tourism ministers
• Investment agencies from Africa
• Private sector investors and CEOs
• Global tourism and hospitality leaders

The gathering will allow Africa’s tourism leaders to connect with global investors, while giving the UAE an opportunity to highlight its strength as an investment gateway.

Shared Goals of UAE and Africa

During the announcement, Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry, stressed that the summit is about more than business. It is about creating sustainable partnerships that benefit both regions.

She explained that the event supports the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to make the UAE a global hub for the new economy. This national plan focuses on international cooperation, sustainability, and innovation.

Africa, with its fast-growing tourism sector, can benefit greatly from this partnership. By working together, the UAE and Africa can exchange knowledge, attract investments, and develop projects that support long-term growth.

FHS World: A Global Hospitality Platform

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World) has become one of the most important global gatherings in tourism and hospitality. Originally launched as the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in 2006, it later expanded into FHS, reflecting its global vision.

FHS brings together leaders to discuss:

• New investment opportunities in tourism
• Trends in hospitality and sustainable travel
• Innovation and technology in the industry
• Building partnerships across countries
• Developing leadership and talent in tourism

By hosting the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit under FHS World 2025, Dubai ensures the event has maximum global impact.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman and CEO of The Bench, said he was proud to work with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. He highlighted the UAE’s role as a bridge between global capital and new markets, saying the summit will unlock deals that benefit Africa for years to come.

What the Summit Offers

For participants, the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit promises clear opportunities:

• Public-private partnerships in tourism and hospitality
• Discussions on infrastructure projects and new developments
• Exclusive insights into upcoming tourism initiatives across Africa
• Networking with investors and government leaders
• Access to UAE’s financial networks and global business links

The event is not only about promoting investment in Africa. It also strengthens Dubai’s role as a world leader in trade, tourism, and innovation.

Why Dubai is the Perfect Host

Dubai is an ideal host city for this summit. The UAE has built a reputation as a global investment hub with world-class infrastructure and connectivity.

Africa is one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism regions. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and Tanzania are attracting millions of visitors every year. By linking these markets with the UAE’s investors and expertise, the summit will open new doors for cooperation and growth.

Dubai’s central location, strong aviation connections through Emirates and Etihad Airways, and advanced business environment make it the perfect meeting point for Africa and the world.

Long-Term Impact of the Summit

The UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit is not just a one-day event. It is designed to create long-term partnerships that drive growth in both regions.

For Africa, the summit means more foreign investment in tourism and infrastructure, leading to jobs, growth, and cultural exchange.

For the UAE, it reinforces its role as a trusted global partner and a gateway for business between continents. The summit is expected to encourage multi-billion-dollar investments and build stronger ties across industries like real estate, aviation, and technology.

Building the Future Together

The first UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai marks the start of a stronger partnership between Africa and the UAE.

By bringing together leaders, investors, and decision-makers from both regions, the UAE is showing its commitment to building sustainable and inclusive growth. The summit also reflects the UAE’s 2031 national vision, which focuses on cooperation, innovation, and a future-driven economy.

As Africa continues to rise as a tourism and investment destination, the UAE stands ready as a reliable partner and global connector. The summit will play a key role in shaping the future of tourism, investment, and development for both Africa and the UAE.