The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a leading foreign investor in Africa, with over $118 billion invested across various sectors over the past four years. While mining, energy, technology, and logistics have traditionally been the focus, tourism is emerging as a key area of investment, driven by both private capital and state-backed initiatives.
African governments are seeking to expand and diversify their hospitality offerings, and Emirati investors are responding with projects that combine commercial ambition with capacity-building objectives. From the Comoros to Morocco, and from Tanzania’s coastline to Egypt’s heritage sites, the UAE is playing a significant role in reshaping tourism infrastructure across the continent. This investment is not only driven by commercial interests but also reflects a broader diplomatic orientation, with tourism seen as a lever for economic diversification, job creation, and cross-regional connectivity.
UAE-based firms, such as Mayan Properties and Jumeirah, are taking a central role in Africa’s new tourism landscape, with investments in hotel projects, luxury resorts, and safari experiences. State-linked funds, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Mubadala, are also investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, including luxury hotels and heritage sites. These investments are not only providing much-needed infrastructure but also sending a signal to other investors, attracting additional partners to emerging destinations.
The UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit, held in Dubai, highlighted the UAE’s ambition to act as a long-term partner in Africa’s tourism development, with a commitment of $6 billion to the sector and a target of creating 70,000 jobs. The summit also emphasized the importance of frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area in improving intra-continental connectivity and investment flows.
Air connectivity between the UAE and Africa is already significant, with approximately 550 weekly flights, facilitating both tourism and business travel. As African economies diversify, the growing role of Emirati actors in tourism is likely to shape new forms of partnerships, with a focus on balancing commercial ambition with long-term development needs. The success of these investments will depend on the ability of governments and investors to generate shared benefits, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved.
