Economic relations between Dubai and Africa

Dubai has long been a favored destination for African travelers, attracting over 127,000 overnight visitors from Nigeria alone in 2015. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Stella Obinwa, Regional Director at Dubai Tourism, shed light on the strategic efforts made by Dubai to promote itself as a prime destination for African tourists, particularly from countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. These efforts include targeted marketing campaigns, partnerships, and incentives to boost travel from African nations to Dubai. Despite facing economic challenges, Obinwa remains optimistic about the resilience of the travel industry, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant and maintaining strong ties with potential visitors during tough times. While acknowledging the current downturn in travel numbers, she foresees a resurgence in travel activity once economic conditions improve. Obinwa also highlights the significance of Dubai as an investment hub for African businesses, facilitated by initiatives like the Dubai Chamber of Commerce's African business forums. These forums provide a platform for investors to explore opportunities in Africa and forge partnerships with local counterparts. She underscores the mutual benefits of fostering closer economic ties between Dubai and Africa, citing Dubai's remarkable development journey as a source of inspiration for other nations, including Nigeria. Obinwa's insights offer a glimpse into the dynamic relationship between Dubai and Africa, navigating through challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and collaboration.