Qatar Tourists and Investments Targeted by Zanzibar

Zanzibar is trying at its best to attract Qatar tourists, taking advantage of the Islands’ tourism attractions and appeal.

The warm Indian Ocean beaches, historical and cultural heritage sites of Zanzibar are now pulling big crowds of holidaymakers from the Middle East.

Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi had visited Qatar in May and attracted tourism investors and other business people in Qatar to invest in the islands of Zanzibar. Dr. Mwinyi said the Zanzibar government was interested in developing heritage and conference tourism, banking on the attractive tourist resorts available on the island.

The Zanzibar president noted that the close relations between Qatar and Zanzibar had achieved significant development in attracting and safeguarding sustainable investments. He invited Qatari businessmen to explore Zanzibar’s host of opportunities in infrastructure, real estate, tourism, hospitality, agriculture, industry, and energy.

Dr. Mwinyi underscored the strategic location of Zanzibar, saying it is accessible to a number of economic blocs including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), which all offer a huge market for investors. He said:0

“We need to establish health tourism, energy, and conference tourism as new areas to invest.”

His accompanying delegation included officials from various economic authorities in Tanzania and Zanzibar, including the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and Tanzania Investment Centre.

While in Doha, Dr. Mwinyi met with the Vice Chairman of the Qatar Business Council, Mr. Muhammed Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, and stakeholders from the private sector of industry, inviting them to invest in Zanzibar where multiple opportunities are available.

Potential investors, led by the Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Business Council, Mr. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Kowari, expressed the desire to invest in Zanzibar and Tanzania in general, while admiring the environment and culture of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consisting of Zanzibar Island (locally, Unguja), Pemba Island, and many smaller islands. Zanzibar island itself is approximately 90 km long and 40 km wide.