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Burj Khalifa developer Mohamed Alabbar is looking to expand his business interests in Africa with a major luxury hotel investment in Zimbabwe.
Alabbar is the founder of Emaar Properties, the Dubai-based property giant behind the Burj Khalifa.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said talks with the Emirati billionaire produced plans for a major investment in the country’s hospitality sector.
The proposed project could bring new luxury hotels to Zimbabwe. It could also create jobs and support the country’s growing tourism industry.
Zimbabwe luxury hotel plans move forward
According to Business Insider Africa, Alabbar is preparing to deepen his investment footprint in Africa through the proposed Zimbabwe project.
Mnangagwa described his meeting with Alabbar as highly productive.
He said the discussions resulted in plans for a major investment in premium hospitality.
However, the project has not yet been finalised.
Alabbar delegation expected in Zimbabwe
The plans could move forward later this month.
Alabbar and an executive delegation are expected to travel to Zimbabwe to inspect possible sites. They will also work on details of the proposed development.
So far, the value of the investment has not been disclosed.
The locations, hotel brands and overall size of the project also remain unclear. The upcoming visit could provide more details.
Investment could create thousands of jobs
Zimbabwe hopes the project will provide a major boost to its tourism sector.
Mnangagwa said the investment could create thousands of jobs and support local businesses.
In addition, the government hopes new luxury hotels will strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a destination for international travellers.
The country has been seeking more foreign investment as it works to expand its tourism infrastructure.
Alabbar has shown interest before
This is not Alabbar’s first reported interest in Zimbabwe.
In 2024, reports suggested that he was considering investments in luxury hotels and high-end residential developments in the country.
Those discussions followed a meeting with Mnangagwa during the Zimbabwean president’s visit to Dubai.
The latest talks suggest those plans could now be moving closer to reality.