Emirati billionaire Mohamed Alabbar, the developer behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is planning a significant investment in Zimbabwe’s luxury hospitality sector.
Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties, met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who described the meeting as "highly productive." The discussions centered on plans for a "massive new investment in premium hospitality" that will introduce luxury hotels to Zimbabwe, aiming to boost tourism.
Emaar Properties is a major real estate developer in the UAE, known for its iconic projects including the Burj Khalifa, which has stood as the world's tallest building since its completion in 2010. The company has expanded its reach into residential, retail, and hospitality developments globally.
Mnangagwa stated that the investment is expected to generate thousands of jobs, provide support for local businesses, and enhance Zimbabwe's appeal as an international travel destination. The next phase of the project is anticipated to begin later this month, with Alabbar and a delegation scheduled to visit Zimbabwe to scout locations and finalize project details.
This initiative follows previous indications of Alabbar's interest in Zimbabwe's hospitality market. Reports from 2024 suggested the businessman was exploring investments in luxury hotels and upscale residential properties in the country, following discussions with Mnangagwa during the president's visit to Dubai.
For Zimbabwe, this proposed development represents a strategic effort to attract globally recognized hospitality and property developers, aligning with the government's objectives to increase foreign investment and expand tourism infrastructure. The specific scale and financial value of Alabbar's latest investment proposal have not yet been disclosed, pending the upcoming site inspections.
