The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Fahad Al TAffaq, has disclosed that trade between Nigeria and UAE increased from $1.2bn in 2017 to $1.5bn in 2018.
He said that the continued cooperation of the two nations in travel and tourism expanded tremendously over the last few years.
Speaking at this year’s Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, the envoy said with 25 flights a week from Lagos and 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,” he said.
In the area of trade, the UAE ambassador noted that trade growth with Nigeria came from businesses, small and medium entrepreneurs and tourism.
While applauding Akwaaba’s vision of promoting travel and tourism, the ambassador commended the event put together by the Akwaaba team.
He said the event provided a platform to expand the horizon for tourism in Dubai and Nigeria.
