Nigeria, UAE deepen cultural and tourism ties for mutual growth

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has emphasized the importance of empowering Nigeria as a gateway country to the black global community, highlighting the UAE’s support in achieving this goal.

The Minister made this known in Abuja on Wednesday when she met with the United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to Nigeria H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi, to discuss ways to strengthen tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.

She congratulated Sheikha, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, on her historic appointment as the first female Secretary-General, noting that she is opening doors for women, inclusivity, and the power of the global south.

“It is very important for us now, as a country and as a gateway country to the black global community, to empower ourselves in a way that gives us a certain level of independence. Tourism now is power. We all know the importance of Tourism globally but we need to have a more curative relationship with the United Arab Emirates. We want to empower ourselves in a way that gives us a certain level of independence,” Minister Musawa said.

Minister Musawa highlighted Dubai’s success in transforming tourism and the potential for alignment between Nigeria and UAE in tourism and culture.

Earlier, H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi welcomed the proposals and expressed commitment to strengthening ties.

“The UAE has become one of the top five industrial countries so let us find a common interest in culture and tourism to build a stronger relationship. I invite the Ministry to Abu Dhabi to see the development in Dubai to explore specific areas of cooperation in tourism and culture,” the Ambassador said.

The discussion also touched on Sheikha’s upcoming visit to Nigeria and potential cooperation in culture, tourism, and creative industries.

The UAE plans to invest in Nigeria’s film, music, and fashion industries. The Minister invited UAE officials to explore cooperation areas and assured them of Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties.