HARARE, Sept 5 – Emirati billionaire Mohamed Alabbar is preparing to expand his investment footprint in Africa through a major luxury hospitality development in Zimbabwe, according to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa said he held a “highly productive working meeting” with Alabbar, the founder of Dubai-based Emaar Properties, one of the United Arab Emirates’ largest property developers.
The meeting resulted in plans for a “massive new investment in premium hospitality” that could bring luxury hotels to Zimbabwe, the president said.
The proposed development would mark a significant potential entry by one of the Middle East’s most prominent real-estate investors into Zimbabwe’s hospitality market.
From Dubai’s landmark skyline to Zimbabwe
Alabbar founded Emaar Properties, which has developed major residential, commercial, retail and hospitality projects across international markets.
The company’s best-known development is the Burj Khalifa, the 828-metre skyscraper in Dubai that opened in 2010 and remains the world’s tallest building.
The landmark has become one of Dubai’s defining symbols and reflects the emirate’s transformation into a global destination for real estate, tourism and investment.
Zimbabwe is now seeking to attract a similar level of international expertise and capital into its hospitality infrastructure.
Mnangagwa said Alabbar’s proposed investment would generate thousands of jobs, create opportunities for local businesses and strengthen Zimbabwe’s appeal to international travellers.
Site inspections expected later this month
The project is expected to progress to the next stage later this month, when Alabbar and an executive delegation are scheduled to travel to Zimbabwe.
The delegation is expected to inspect potential development sites and work through the details of the proposed investment.
The engagement was facilitated by President Mnangagwa’s Special Advisor on Investment and Empowerment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, whom the president credited with supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy and attract international investment partnerships.
The precise investment value, locations and scale of the proposed development have yet to be disclosed.
Further details are expected after the site visits, including the potential hotel locations, brands involved and the overall size of the development.
Alabbar’s interest in Zimbabwe dates back to 2024
The latest announcement follows earlier indications of Alabbar’s interest in Zimbabwe’s property and hospitality sectors.
Reports in 2024 said the Emirati businessman was considering investments in luxury hotels and high-end residential developments in the country after discussions with Mnangagwa during the president’s visit to Dubai.
The renewed engagement comes as Zimbabwe seeks to increase foreign investment and develop infrastructure capable of supporting a larger tourism economy.
For the government, securing investment from a developer with Emaar’s international profile could provide both capital and global hospitality expertise as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen its position within Africa’s tourism market.
The proposed project also highlights growing interest from Gulf-based investors in Africa’s real estate, tourism and hospitality sectors, where rising travel demand and infrastructure gaps continue to create opportunities for large-scale developments.
