The UAE is strengthening its position as one of Africa’s most significant strategic investors, ranking fourth globally—after the US, China, and the European Union—with total investments exceeding $110 billion between 2019 and 2023, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.

More than $70 billion of this capital has been directed toward green, energy, and renewable energy projects, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership among Arab and GCC investors driving sustainable growth across the continent.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, Bin Touq said the event highlighted new investment opportunities between the UAE and more than 20 African nations. Over 100 projects worth $6 billion were presented, with the potential to create 70,000 jobs across Africa.

He added that the strong ministerial participation from African countries reflects the UAE’s expanding role in shaping long-term, sustainable partnerships across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, logistics, real estate, and tourism.

According to Bin Touq, tourism has become one of the top five sectors for Emirati investment in Africa, positioning it as a cornerstone for economic cooperation and private sector growth.

He noted that such partnerships are crucial for opening new markets, driving innovation, and promoting knowledge exchange—key enablers of stronger economic integration and competitiveness.

Guided by its leadership’s vision, the UAE continues advancing inclusive, development-driven investments across Africa. Hosting the summit, Bin Touq added, reflects the nation’s ambition to establish a new investment roadmap linking the UAE and Africa, fostering shared prosperity and growth in high-potential sectors such as tourism.

At home, the minister highlighted that the summit also showcased the UAE’s thriving tourism ecosystem, particularly opportunities in business travel, luxury hospitality, and sustainable tourism.

Tourism investments in the UAE have maintained steady growth—rising from AED 28.8 billion in 2023 to AED 32.2 billion in 2024, with projections reaching AED 35.2 billion in 2025. The upward trajectory underscores the country’s status as a leading destination for tourism and investment, driven by innovation, sustainability, and world-class infrastructure.