Burj Khalifa Developer Eyes Zimbabwe for Luxury Hotel Expansion

On September 5, 2026, Mohamed Alabbar, the Emirati billionaire and founder of Emaar Properties, announced a substantial luxury hospitality investment destined for Zimbabwe. Alabbar, widely recognized for his role in developing Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, aims to expand his global footprint into the African market.

Business Insider Africa reports that this new venture specifically targets Zimbabwe's luxury hotel sector. The move follows what Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa described as a productive meeting with Alabbar, yielding plans to develop high-end hotels. The stated goal is to elevate Zimbabwe's tourism profile and stimulate economic growth.

Our take: This signals a notable pivot towards an underserved market for ultra-luxury hospitality. While Africa has seen increasing interest from prestige brands, Zimbabwe presents a unique landscape with significant untapped potential. Alabbar's track record with Emaar suggests an ambition for large-scale, transformative projects. The challenge will be navigating local infrastructure and talent development to meet true luxury standards. If successful, this could be a bellwether for other major developers eyeing emerging luxury destinations on the continent.