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

Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of Noor Royal Holding, Her Excellency Sheikha Somayeh Noor welcomed and hosted His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, at the Noor Royal Museum in Dubai.

The meeting highlighted culture as a powerful foundation for building deeper ties, with discussions exploring cultural exchange, creative collaboration and stronger people-to-people connections. 

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, it provides a platform for bringing together leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and cultural figures to encourage cross-border dialogue and collaboration.

The conversation then turned to practical opportunities for investment and cooperation in energy, digital infrastructure, aviation and sports academy development, including initiatives supporting youth development, knowledge exchange and long-term institutional partnerships.

“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.” Sheikha Somayeh Noor said.

The talks come against a backdrop of significant and complementary economic opportunity. 

According to the World Bank, Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria is home to an estimated 237.5 million people and recorded GDP of approximately US$290.8 billion, alongside 4.0% real GDP growth.

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.

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.

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.”

Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, 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.

Olori Atuwatse III 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 Warri Kingdom.

Olori Atuwatse III, 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 toward identifying concrete initiatives and partnerships linking organisations, investors and cultural institutions in both markets. 

During the meeting, discussions included facilitating investment dialogue, developing sports and youth programmes, strengthening aviation and digital connectivity, and creating 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.