The Federal Government has expressed readiness to strengthen tourism and cultural relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as both countries explore new areas of collaboration to enhance investment, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi.

Musawa emphasized Nigeria’s strategic role as a gateway to the global black community and underscored the importance of empowering the nation through tourism and cultural partnerships.

“Tourism today is power. We recognize its global importance and are committed to building a more collaborative and sustainable relationship with the UAE. Our goal is to empower ourselves as a nation while fostering deeper cultural and economic ties,” the Minister said.

She also congratulated Sheikha, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, on her historic appointment as the first female to hold the position, describing it as a milestone for women, inclusivity, and the advancement of the Global South.

The Minister commended Dubai’s transformation into a global tourism hub and noted that Nigeria could learn from the UAE’s success story in diversifying its economy through tourism, culture, and creative industries.

Responding, Ambassador Al Shamsi welcomed Nigeria’s proposals and expressed the UAE’s readiness to expand cooperation across key sectors.

 “The UAE has become one of the world’s top five industrial nations. We see strong potential for partnership with Nigeria in tourism, culture, and the creative economy. I invite the Ministry to visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai to explore specific areas of cooperation,” he said.

The meeting also discussed the forthcoming visit of the UN Tourism Secretary-General to Nigeria and potential UAE investments in Nigeria’s film, music, and fashion industries.

Minister Musawa assured the UAE delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive growth, cultural exchange, and innovation across both nations.