The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed the intention to collaborate with the United Arab Emirates to develop Abuja’s tourism potential.

During a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, on Monday, Wike emphasized Abuja’s significant tourism potential and the need for collaboration to realize it.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with the UAE, stating, “We believe in the relationship that Mr President is facilitating between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.“

Wike expressed admiration for Dubai’s transformation into a global tourism hub and envisioned a similar future for Abuja. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving this goal.

“We have a lot in common,” Wike said. “The United Arab Emirates especially Dubai city has become a tourist centre of the world, and that we also crave, so that Abuja should also be a tourist centre.“

He extended an invitation to the FCT to participate in discussions during President Tinubu’s upcoming visit to the UAE for the COP28 Climate Change Conference.

In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Shamsi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Nigerians on initiatives that benefit both countries. 

He confirmed the official invitation extended to President Tinubu to attend COP28, presenting an opportunity to solidify ties between Nigeria and the UAE.