In a significant move to strengthen tourism collaboration, the UAE has actively participated in the African Tourism Investment Summit (SATIS 2025) held in South Africa. The summit features key discussions aimed at enhancing investment opportunities in Africa’s burgeoning tourism sector. Notably, the UAE’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering bilateral relations and sustainable tourism development across the continent.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Mari, Minister of Economy and Tourism, participated yesterday in a discussion session titled “Dialogue of G20 Investor Leaders and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC),” which was held as part of the first edition of the African Tourism Investment Summit (SATIS 2025) in South Africa. The session was attended by a group of Arab and African tourism ministers, government officials, executives in the global tourism sector, and senior representatives from leading global tourism companies.
The session focused on enhancing cooperation opportunities between the public and private sectors in various tourism fields, addressing common priorities in the development and growth of tourism at both the African and global levels. This includes digital innovation, sustainability, and stimulating local and international investments, as well as exchanging insights on the mechanisms needed to provide exceptional tourism experiences for visitors in various tourist areas across the continent.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq emphasized that the UAE, thanks to the guidance of its wise leadership, has presented a unique model in developing its tourism policies and infrastructure based on best global practices. The UAE has been keen to adopt national initiatives and strategies to enhance the growth of the tourism sector and support its competitiveness regionally and globally, while injecting investments into various tourism fields.
During his participation in the session, he clarified that the UAE continues to strengthen its presence on the African continent as a key development partner by supporting sustainable tourism projects and establishing strategic partnerships that contribute to job creation, stimulate economic growth, and enhance cultural, economic, and tourism cooperation between continents. All these efforts reflect the country’s commitment to its developmental responsibilities regionally and internationally.
He pointed out that the tourism sector in Africa is one of the vital sectors that significantly contributes to the growth of the African economy. The continent boasts rich and diverse tourism assets, such as coastal resorts, stunning beaches, and heritage, cultural, and historical sites. These assets provide numerous opportunities for investors and business leaders from both the public and private sectors to enter African markets.
He added that investment in the tourism sector is not only measured by its contribution to GDP but also by what it adds to local communities through the creation of new job opportunities, the development of national competencies, and the enhancement of sustainability practices. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, particularly within the G20 framework, to ensure more inclusive and resilient growth of global tourism.
He reviewed the most promising investment opportunities in the UAE’s tourism sector, such as projects for expanding hotel infrastructure and tourist resorts, investment in environmental and sustainable tourism, as well as projects related to family entertainment and cultural centers.
He further added that the UAE market offers strong investment opportunities in the digital transformation of tourism, including smart platforms and virtual experiences. The amount of tourism investments attracted by the UAE reached AED 28.8 billion in 2023, and it is expected to rise to AED 35.2 billion by 2025, reflecting the country’s vision for integrated tourism development.
His Excellency called for capitalizing on the opportunities provided by UAE tourist destinations and resorts, highlighting that the country has a flexible investment environment and advanced procedures and facilities for establishing businesses. Results indicate the success of the tourism sector in the UAE, where its contribution to GDP has risen to AED 257.3 billion in 2024.
In the context of enhancing international relations, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism confirmed the signing of 38 memoranda of understanding and three executive action programs with prominent tourism markets, contributing to increased tourism exchange and attracting tourism investments. The UAE’s participation in the African Tourism Investment Summit reflects its deep commitment to supporting sustainable tourism development efforts in Africa and exploring cooperation opportunities in this field.