**Annual conference on investments in the tourism sector between the OAE and Africa 2025**
In Dubai, the "Conference on investments in the tourism sector between the OAE and Africa 2025" was launched, which is part of the global initiative "Global Conference on sustainable tourism 2025". Under the "Strengthening ties for the sustainable development of the tourism sector" initiative, the "Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism" has brought together government leaders, business and investors to discuss prospects for the development of ties between African countries and the creation of new projects in the African region.
The key conference included a plenary session of the heads of state, which started the launch of the "Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism" initiative, which united the heads of state, business and investors to discuss prospects for the development of ties between African countries and the creation of new projects in the African region. The planned events include 6 panel discussions, which, according to the organizers, will create 70 thousand new jobs in the African continent.
**OAEC investments in the African region**
From 2019 to 2023, Emirati companies invested over 110 million dollars in projects on the African continent, which allowed the country to enter the list of the top five largest investors in the region along with China and European partners. The OAEC is identified as a leader in the creation of new projects, and not only in attracting existing ones.
**Importance of the tourism sector**
Participants noted the need to reform the tourism industry from the traditional sector in the key directions of the economy. The Minister of Economy and Tourism of the OAEC, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, noted: *"We have achieved an important step in the creation of the sustainable tourism industry, which united the heads of state, innovation in the transport sector and new investment mechanisms. Our goal is to demonstrate that the stability of the tourism sector in this sector is crucial for the long-term development, not only in the OAEC, but also in Africa."*
**Development of aviation and logistics**
The current route of air communication between the OAEC and African countries covers 550 routes to 20 African countries, which provides direct access to key economic sectors of the continent. The discussions also touched upon the modernization of logistics chains and customs services, which can shorten bureaucratic barriers and increase the efficiency of all participants in the supply chain.
**Prospects for development**
According to the Ministry of Tourism, in 2023, the number of tourists in the OAEC reached 28.8 million dirhams (about 7.85 million dollars), in 2024 — 32.2 million dirhams (8.78 million dollars), and in 2025, it is expected to grow to 35.2 million dirhams (9.6 million dollars). These indicators show the strengthening of the connection of the African tourism market with the global tourism industry.
**Participants and guests**
At the conference, more than 350 representatives of the government, business and SMEs from 20 African countries took part. Among them were ministers of tourism, directors of large companies and experts. Participants were visited by ministers of tourism, which the OAEC used to promote the development of the tourism industry and investment in the hospitality and tourism sectors, opening up new opportunities for joint projects in the field of hospitality and tourism.
In conclusion, it can be said that the conference was not only a platform for discussing current issues, but also a strategic platform that can help strengthen the ties between the OAE and Africa, both economically and socially significant.
