His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri was received by Her Excellency Sheikha Somayeh Noor at the Noor Royal Museum in Dubai to explore new avenues for economic, investment, and cultural collaboration between the Warri Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
The monarch, with his Queen, according to reports, highlighted cultural understanding as a foundation for economic cooperation, pointing toward potential joint efforts across energy, digital infrastructure, aviation, sports academies, youth development, and institutional partnerships.
The meeting underscores the potential to expand economic ties between the two regions, backed by the UAE’s capital and trade networks alongside Nigeria’s market scale and resources.
HE Sheikha Somayeh Noor, Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of Noor Royal Holding, noted: “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.”
HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, emphasised the kingdom’s commitment to strategic international growth:
“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 highlighted the role of youth and creative collaboration in driving long-term partnerships:
“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.”
Supported by strong air connectivity—including regular direct flights between Dubai and Lagos—the visit represents an initial step toward concrete initiatives linking investors, institutions, and creative hubs across both markets. Sheikha Somayeh Noor added that the Noor Royal Museum aims to serve as a convening platform to bridge commercial opportunities with cultural impact.