Emaar Properties, the Dubai developer behind the Burj Khalifa, is moving into Zimbabwe with plans for luxury hotels in Harare and Victoria Falls.
Emaar's Zimbabwe plan outlined
The developer has identified two distinct locations: Harare for business‑focused hotels and conference centres, and Victoria Falls for high‑end leisure addresses facing the falls. A delegation of senior Emaar executives will travel to Zimbabwe in late September 2026 to inspect shortlisted sites and outline the financial and operational framework of the project.
Details such as the number of rooms, the specific brands to be used and the delivery schedule have not been disclosed, but local authorities have already spoken of thousands of direct and indirect jobs that the projects could generate.
https://www.tiktok.com/@larevuedeshotels/video/7449346168917658902
Why Zimbabwe is attracting luxury hotel investors
Zimbabwe recorded 1,777,569 international arrivals in 2025, a 10 % increase year‑on‑year, up from around one million in 2022. The same year, accommodation and catering services grew by 12.8 % according to ZIMSTAT, signalling a strengthening tourism sector that can support upscale hospitality offerings.
In Harare, the supply of conference‑ready hotels remains limited, creating an opportunity for Emaar to cater to regional summits and investor delegations. At Victoria Falls, the aim is to retain affluent leisure travellers who currently make only brief stop‑overs before moving on to neighboring destinations.
Financial backing and regional impact
Emaar Development reported 22.4 billion dirhams in sales and 6.7 billion dirhams in net profit in the first half of 2026, providing solid financial footing for the African expansion. The group already operates the Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels + Resorts, and the Armani Hotel Dubai within the Burj Khalifa, and maintains a presence in over eighteen countries.
The dual‑city strategy reflects Emaar’s broader approach: delivering business‑oriented hospitality in capital cities while offering premium leisure experiences at iconic natural attractions. By bringing its brand portfolio to Harare and Victoria Falls, Emaar seeks to add world‑class options to Zimbabwe’s growing tourism landscape.
