Olu of Warri, UAE Investor Sheikha Somayeh Noor Explore Economic, Cultural ties

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has held talks with investor Sheikha Somayeh Noor in Dubai on opportunities to strengthen investment and economic cooperation between the Warri Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to a statement, the meeting, held at the Noor Royal Museum, focused on using cultural exchange as a foundation for stronger relations between the Warri Kingdom and the UAE, while exploring practical opportunities for cooperation in energy, digital infrastructure, aviation, sports and youth development.

Discussions also covered creative collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening people-to-people connections between both markets.

The engagement comes amid significant economic opportunities in Nigeria and the UAE. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has an estimated population of 237.5 million and a recorded GDP of about $290.8 billion, alongside 4.0 per cent real GDP growth, according to the World Bank.

The UAE’s real GDP reached AED 1.77 trillion in 2024, growing by 4.0 per cent, while non-oil sectors accounted for 75.5 per cent of national output.

The figures highlight opportunities for partnerships connecting Nigeria’s population, natural resources and market potential with the UAE’s capital, logistics infrastructure, trade networks and innovation capabilities.

Sheikha Somayeh Noor said the discussions reflected a shared belief in the ability of culture to open the way for deeper economic relationships.

“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,” she said.

Connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE is also supported by direct air links, with Emirates operating seven weekly flights between Dubai and Lagos.

Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri and traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people in Delta State, said the Warri Kingdom was interested in international partnerships that could translate discussions into tangible opportunities.

“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,” he said.

The monarch said cultural exchange and youth empowerment would be important to building sustainable relationships between the two sides.

“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,” she said.

The visit marks an initial step towards identifying concrete initiatives that could connect organisations, investors and cultural institutions in Nigeria and the UAE.

Areas discussed included investment facilitation, sports and youth programmes, aviation and digital connectivity, as well as platforms for showcasing the cultural and creative heritage of the Warri Kingdom and the wider region.

Sheikha Somayeh Noor said the Noor Royal Museum could provide a platform for bringing together leaders, investors, cultural figures and institutions around initiatives that combine commercial opportunities with cultural understanding and long-term social impact.