Nigeria and UAE announce collaborative tourism ventures including Koko Beach Resort and Rotana Hotel to boost economic and cultural cooperation.
DUBAI: Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates are embarking on a promising partnership to develop joint tourism initiatives that will not only enhance bilateral economic ties but also foster deeper cultural collaboration. This was affirmed by Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, during the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai.
Musawa revealed that three key tourism and hospitality projects have been earmarked for cooperation with Emirati investors: the Koko Beach Resort in Lagos (already 12% complete), a Cultural Centre in Abuja, and a new Rotana Hotel planned for either Abuja or Lagos. These projects, she said, will help attract UAE-based investment into Nigeria’s growing tourism and creative economy sectors.
The strategic collaboration is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to diversify its economy through tourism. According to the minister, the partnership will not only build investor confidence but also create lasting cultural and economic bridges between the two countries.
Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Musawa emphasised that the long-term goal is to establish a sustainable, mutually beneficial tourism partnership. “These joint projects will open new doors for collaboration between our nations. They are not just about economic gain but also about celebrating shared cultural richness,” she said.
The initiatives reflect Nigeria’s deliberate strategy to grow its creative economy and offer global investors tangible entry points into one of Africa’s most culturally rich destinations. For the UAE, the partnership expands its already robust international tourism portfolio while reinforcing its role as a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world.
As the projects move forward, the tourism and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE is poised to deepen, unlocking new avenues for knowledge exchange, job creation, and mutual prosperity.
