Dubai — Dubai-based Azizi Developments on Tuesday unveiled a Dh75 billion hospitality investment plan to build 151 hotels across the UAE, the company said as it marked the groundbreaking for its first five-star property. The developer said the programme will add roughly 60,000 room keys and is expected to create more than 75,000 jobs in the sector.
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Hotel development plan
Azizi Hospitality, the developer’s hospitality arm, will deliver the portfolio under the Dh75 billion programme. The planned mix comprises 100 four-star hotels, 50 five-star hotels and one seven-star hotel, with over 90% of the hotels earmarked for Dubai, the company said.
Room capacity and jobs
Azizi’s announcement places the incremental room supply at about 60,000 keys once the full pipeline is delivered. The company estimates the construction and operation phases will produce in excess of 75,000 direct and indirect jobs across hotel operations, construction, and supporting services.
Groundbreaking and rollout
The group has already broken ground on its first five-star hotel, located within Azizi Riviera in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, signalling the start of the rollout. Company statements say several projects are now in various stages of design and construction as the wider programme is mobilised.
“Dubai has consistently proven itself to be one of the world’s most stable, forward-looking and opportunity-rich destinations. The emirate’s leadership has built an environment that inspires confidence among investors and developers, enabling bold projects that contribute to its global standing,” said Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Developments.
“Our Dh75 billion investment in hospitality reflects our long-term commitment to Dubai and our strong belief in its continued growth as a global tourism hub. We remain fully aligned with the emirate’s economic and tourism ambitions, helping attract visitors from around the world while reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a city that continues to set new global benchmarks,” he added.
Flagship tower and luxury offering
Among the headline elements of the plan is a flagship luxury hotel set to be housed within Burj Azizi, a proposed mega-tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. The developer describes the project as including a seven-star offering intended to act as a high-profile landmark within its hotel portfolio.
Workforce development
As part of the programme, the group said it will establish a hospitality academy to train staff for the expanding hotel network, aiming to build skilled hospitality capacity to service the new properties as they open. Company posts and statements from senior management referenced the academy and its training remit.
Azizi’s leadership has also indicated an appetite to access capital markets to support growth. The group is exploring funding options, including a potential sukuk issuance in the range of $500 million to $1 billion, according to company disclosures.
