Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar plans luxury hotel investment in Zimbabwe after Mnangagwa talks
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Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar is planning a major new investment in premium hospitality that will bring luxury hotels to Zimbabwe.
Mohamed Alabbar, the Emirati founder of Emaar Properties and the developer behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is planning a major new investment in Zimbabwe's hospitality sector, according to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa said he held a "highly productive working meeting" with Alabbar, describing him as the visionary founder of Emaar Properties. The meeting produced plans for a "massive new investment in premium hospitality" that will bring luxury hotels to Zimbabwe, the president said.
The development is expected to move into its next stage later this month, with Alabbar and an executive delegation scheduled to travel to Zimbabwe to inspect potential sites and finalise details of the project. Mnangagwa said the investment would create thousands of jobs, support local businesses and strengthen Zimbabwe's position as a destination for international travellers.
The engagement was arranged by the president's Special Advisor on Investment and Empowerment, Dr Paul Tungwarara. The announcement builds on earlier interest: in 2024, reports emerged that Alabbar was considering investments in luxury hotels and upscale residential developments in Zimbabwe following discussions with Mnangagwa during the president's visit to Dubai.
Emaar Properties, one of the UAE's largest property developers, developed the 828-metre Burj Khalifa, which opened in 2010, and has expanded into residential, retail and hospitality developments across international markets.