UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit

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FHS

WORLD

27 October 2025
08:30–13:00

Held as part of FHS World, this summit aims to enhance economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and African nations.

Under the Patronage of

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri

Minister of Economy and Tourism, United Arab Emirates

Brought to you by:

Why Africa

Africa's tourism and hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, with 577 hotels and resorts in development, totaling 104,444 rooms, a 13.3% year-on-year increase, outpacing global growth. International tourist arrivals reached 74 million in 2024, up 12% from 2023 and 7% above 2019 levels.

Ministry of Economy & Tourism partners with The Bench to host 'UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit' at FHS World 2025

The event will gather 250+ senior officials, investors, and tourism leaders from 53 African nations to drive partnerships and boost investment in hospitality, tourism, and related sectors.

"The UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit will serve as a strategic platform for exchanging insights and expertise between the UAE and African nations, supporting sustainable development efforts through the establishment of projects and partnerships that serve mutual interests. This aligns with the objectives of 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which aims to position the country as a leading global hub for the new economy, driven by international partnerships and future-focused sectors."

H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor

Assistant Undersecretary of Support Services Sector at Ministry Of Economy, UAE

"We are honoured to partner with the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism to launch the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit as part of FHS World 2025. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to accelerate investment and development across Africa's hospitality sector. The UAE has long served as a bridge between global capital and emerging markets, and this new platform will strengthen the connections between African nations and the international investment community. Together, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters meaningful dialogue, unlocks deal flow, and drives long-term economic growth across the continent."

Jonathan Worsley

Chairman & CEO of The Bench

2025 Agenda

08:30 - 08:40

10 minutes

Welcome Remarks – His Highness

08:40 - 08:45

5 minutes

Summit Opening

08:45 - 09:10

25 minutes

The African Growth Story: Macro-Economic Insights

09:10 - 09:50

40 minutes

One Continent, Many Destinations – Building Africa’s Tourism Economy

09:50 - 10:15

25 minutes

Fireside Chat – Catalyzing Tourism Growth Through Strategic Investment

10:15 - 10:45

30 minutes

Linking Destinations – Strategies for a More Connected Africa

10:45 - 11:15

30 minutes

Networking Coffee

11:15 - 11:30

15 minutes

Numbers that Matter – Understanding Africa’s Hotel Performance

11:30 - 11:55

25 minutes

Africa’s Talent Pipeline – Empowering the Future of Tourism & Hospitality

11:55 - 12:25

30 minutes

Direct from the Destination – Unfiltered Investor Perspectives

12:25 - 12:50

25 minutes

Financing the Future – Capital Flows into African Opportunities

12:50 - 13:00

10 minutes

Closing Remarks

View Full Agenda

Please note that this is an invitation-only event for select C-level operators and investors, and registration does not guarantee attendance for all applicants.