Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), held a high-level meeting with an influential delegation of prominent African business leaders and philanthropists to explore deeper collaboration across culture, creativity, and social development. The discussions aimed to identify shared priorities, boost cultural ties, and advance innovative, impact-focused initiatives that connect Africa and the UAE.
The delegation, led by His Excellency Badr Jafar, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy, was welcomed by Her Highness, who emphasized the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of creative industries and development. She noted that Dubai continues to evolve as a leading global hub for cultural exchange, talent empowerment, and cross-regional cooperation, driven by a commitment to fostering long-term, meaningful relationships with visionary partners around the world.
Her Highness was joined by senior UAE officials, including His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation; and Mansoor Hussain Lootah, CEO of the Corporate Enablement Sector and Chief AI Officer at Dubai Culture. Their presence reinforced Dubai’s mission to integrate culture, innovation, and development into its global engagement strategy.
The meeting further highlighted the emirate’s growing status as an international crossroads where creativity, knowledge exchange, and cultural diplomacy converge. Her Highness expressed deep appreciation for the delegation’s extensive philanthropic and economic impact across Africa, and praised the shared values and long-standing ties linking the UAE and African nations—relationships rooted in cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to human development.
The African delegation featured some of the continent’s most influential leaders across business, industry, and philanthropy. Among them were:
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Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group and the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative
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Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group and Founder of the Aliko Dangote Foundation
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Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich Tein, Founder of Elin Group and the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation
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Humphrey Kariuki, Executive Founder of Janus Continental Group and the Humphrey Kariuki Foundation
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Johann Rupert, Chairman of Richemont and Remgro, and Founder of the Rupert Education Foundation
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Mohammad Dewji, CEO of MeTL Group and Founder of the Mo Dewji Foundation
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Sir Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Celtel International and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
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Naguib Sawiris, Chairman of Orascom Investment Holding and Vice Chair of the Sawiris Foundation
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Dr. Patrice Motsepe, Founder of African Rainbow Minerals and Co-Founder of the Motsepe Foundation
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Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, CEO of African Fashion International and Co-Founder of the Motsepe Foundation
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Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, and Co-Founder of Higherlife Foundation
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Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Chair and Co-Founder of Delta Philanthropies and Co-Founder of Higherlife Foundation
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Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation
Their participation underscored the immense potential of Africa-UAE partnerships in driving cultural development, creative industry growth, and community-focused initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expanding cooperation, developing new cultural bridges, and working together on initiatives that nurture talent, support innovation, and promote sustainable development across both regions.
