Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has highlighted the importance of positioning Nigeria as a gateway to the global Black community, noting the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) support in advancing this vision.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi, Musawa discussed strategies to deepen tourism and cultural collaboration between the two nations. She also congratulated Sheikha, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, on her historic appointment as the organization’s first female leader, praising her advocacy for women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and the advancement of the Global South.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, received in audience H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoubi Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit aimed at deepening cultural and… pic.twitter.com/YAdxGE1AhC
— FMACTCE_Nigeria (@Fmactce_Nigeria) October 9, 2025
“It is very important for us now, as a country and as a gateway to the global Black community, to empower ourselves in ways that ensure a certain level of independence. Tourism is power. We recognise its global significance and aim to foster a more strategic relationship with the UAE,” Musawa said.
She lauded Dubai’s transformation in tourism and highlighted the potential for collaboration in advancing tourism and cultural development between the two countries.
Ambassador Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi welcomed the proposals and expressed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties. “The UAE is now among the top five industrial countries. We should identify common interests in culture and tourism to build a stronger partnership. I have invited the Ministry to Abu Dhabi to explore specific areas of cooperation in tourism and culture,” he said.
The discussion also covered Sheikha’s forthcoming visit to Nigeria and potential collaboration in culture, tourism, and the creative industries.
