Sheikha Somayeh Noor and the Olu of Warri Strengthen Nigeria-UAE Investment and Cultural Ties

High-level meeting in Dubai explores opportunities spanning energy, digital infrastructure, aviation, sport and the creative economy

Dubai, UAE - 21 September 2026 - Her Excellency Sheikha Somayeh Noor welcomed His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, to the Noor Royal Museum in Dubai recently for discussions focused on deepening economic, investment and cultural ties between the Warri Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

The meeting, which was held earlier this month, highlighted culture as a powerful foundation for building deeper ties between the UAE and the Warri Kingdom, with discussions exploring opportunities for cultural exchange, creative collaboration and stronger people-to-people connections. Building on this shared cultural understanding, the conversation extended to practical opportunities for investment and cooperation across energy, digital infrastructure, aviation and sports academy development, alongside initiatives supporting youth development, knowledge exchange and long-term institutional partnerships.

The talks come against the backdrop of significant and complementary economic opportunity. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country is home to an estimated 237.5 million people and recorded GDP of approximately US$290.8 billion, alongside 4.0% real GDP growth, according to the World Bank. The UAE's real GDP reached AED 1.77 trillion in 2024, growing by 4.0%, with non-oil sectors contributing 75.5% of national output. Together, these figures point to substantial potential for partnerships linking Nigeria's population, natural resources and market scale with the UAE's capital, logistics infrastructure, trade networks and innovation capabilities.

HE Sheikha Somayeh Noor, the Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of Noor Royal Holding, said: "Our conversation reflected a shared belief that culture can be a gateway to deeper economic relationships. There is real potential to build partnerships that create opportunities for young people, encourage investment and connect the UAE and the Warri Kingdom through business, innovation and the arts."

Connectivity between the two markets is also strengthening. Emirates currently operates seven direct flights a week between Dubai and Lagos, with a scheduled flying time of just over eight hours, providing an important bridge for business, tourism and cultural exchange.

HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri and traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people in Nigeria's Delta State, said: "The Warri Kingdom is committed to building purposeful international partnerships that translate dialogue into opportunity. The UAE's experience in investment, infrastructure and innovation presents exciting possibilities for collaboration, particularly in sectors capable of creating jobs, developing talent and generating long-term value for our people."

HM Olori Atuwatse III, the Queen Consort of Warri, added: "Cultural exchange and youth empowerment are central to building relationships that endure. By creating opportunities for our young people to engage through education, sport, entrepreneurship and the creative arts, we can build a partnership that is both economically meaningful and deeply human."

The visit marks an initial step towards identifying concrete initiatives and partnerships capable of linking organisations, investors and cultural institutions in both markets. Areas discussed included opportunities to facilitate investment dialogue, develop sports and youth programmes, strengthen aviation and digital connectivity, and create platforms showcasing the cultural and creative heritage of the Warri Kingdom and the wider region.

Sheikha Somayeh Noor said the Noor Royal Museum can serve as a platform for convening leaders, investors, cultural figures and institutions around initiatives that combine commercial opportunity with cultural understanding and long-term social impact.

ABOUT NOOR ROYAL HOLDING

Noor Royal Holding is a UAE-based organisation led by Sheikha Somayeh Noor focused on fostering international partnerships across business, investment and culture. Through its activities and the Noor Royal Museum in Dubai, the organisation provides a platform for bringing together leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and cultural figures to encourage cross-border dialogue, collaboration and long-term relationships. Under H.E. Sheikha Somayeh Noor's leadership, Noor Royal Holding seeks to strengthen connections between the UAE and international markets while supporting initiatives that promote investment, cultural exchange and positive social impact.

ABOUT THEIR MAJESTIES THE OLU AND OLORI OF WARRI

His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, is the 21st Olu of Warri and traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people in Nigeria's Delta State. He ascended the throne in August 2021 and has championed a forward-looking vision for the Warri Kingdom centred on economic development, education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation and international engagement.

Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, is a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose work focuses on education, women and youth empowerment, social enterprise and community development. Together, Their Majesties are working to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiri people while developing partnerships and initiatives that create sustainable economic and social opportunities for the Warri Kingdom.