... UAE records 200 tourists from Nigeria with over 2,000 studying in UAE universities…. ambassador.
The UAE ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Fahad Obaid Al TAffaq says the continued cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE in travel and tourism has expanded tremendously over the last few years.
This is just as he disclosed that trade between both countries increased from $1.2 billion in 2017 to $1.5 billion in 2018.
Speaking at this year’s Akwaaba African Travel Market at the Eko hotel and suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. TAffaq said with 25 flights a week from Lagos, Abuja operated by Emirates and Etihad airways, with a competitive flight rate there had been a growing number from both sides.
” Today we are pleased to have more than 200 visitors from Nigeria approximately for tourism purposes, we have other 2,000 Nigerians who are studying at the UAE universities and we have more 20,000 permanent residents”.
In the area of trade, the UAE ambassador noted that trade growth with Nigeria came from businesses, small and middle entrepreneurs and tourism.
While applauding the vision of Akwaaba of promoting travel and tourism, the UAE ambassador commended the organization put together by the Akwaaba team.”I am impressed with the organization of Akwaaba especially the team”.
He said the event provides a platform to expand the horizon for tourism in Dubai and Nigeria, which means looking beyond the landmarks, “looking beyond business as usual, forging partnerships and exploring new attractions and diverse areas like arts, health care, history and fashion for both UAE and Nigeria have a lot to offer those in those sectors”.
Dr. TAffaq emphasized that the UAE is home for all as over 200 nationalities call Dubai their second home including Nigerians.According to him, this year, the UAE had announced it to be the year of tolerance where they embrace each other.
“We are glad to be promoting cultural exchange, promoting tolerance and interface dialogue, embracing each other, accepting each other, respecting the diversity of religion, cultural background, race, ethnicity and so on”, he added.
