The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through expanded cooperation in tourism, culture, and the creative economy.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, received the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoubi Al Shamsi, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Directors, and senior officials, alongside a high-level UAE delegation.
Discussions centered on enhancing cultural and tourism partnerships to drive innovation, investment, and mutual growth. Ambassador Al Shamsi commended Nigeria for its collaboration and revealed that Emirates Airline flights to Lagos and Abuja will resume by early 2026, alongside ongoing efforts to ease visa processes for Nigerians.
He also invited the Minister and her team to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to explore investment and cooperation frameworks.
The Permanent Secretary proposed the creation of an annual Nigeria–UAE Cultural and Tourism Exchange Festival to alternate between both countries, showcasing film, music, fashion, art, and cuisine. He also recommended setting up working groups to draft formal cooperation agreements.
Minister Musawa expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continued partnership and confirmed Nigeria’s plan to formalize engagements through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering tourism, culture, and creative industry projects. She praised the UAE’s global leadership in tourism and cultural innovation and congratulated Sheikha Mai on her appointment as Secretary-General of UN Tourism, describing it as a milestone for women and the Global South.
The meeting also explored UAE investment opportunities in Nigeria’s hospitality, film, fashion, and music sectors, including a proposed flagship hotel in Abuja or Lagos.
Minister Musawa emphasized that the partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes creative enterprise, tourism growth, and international cooperation. She described the engagement as a landmark in Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and a step toward sustainable creative and economic development.
Both parties reaffirmed their shared vision to deepen collaboration, foster cultural understanding, and drive inclusive growth through strategic partnerships in the years ahead.
