He came to Rwanda in September to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with government promising to invest $230 million.After two months, he is again back—this time to inspect projects in which his Frw125 billion is to be invested.Accompanied by 9 other members of the investment team to inspect some of the facilities, they discovered that they need more land, if their multi billion dream investments in Rwanda are to be realised.Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman Dubai World particularly needs more 100 hectares of land around Kigali Golf Course. Here, he plans to construct a five star hotel, restructure the Golf Course to meet international standards and build 300 luxurious residential units targeting to accommodate high ended tourist and customers. The Golf Course occupies only 80 hectares of land.Several homes in this upscale residential area may be demolished; meaning hundreds of residents will be displaced if the multibillion investments kick-off. But Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Director General Francis Gatare said displacing residents is not news.“The property owners will be expropriated at market value.” Sulayem believes Rwanda is a future tourist destination in the world because of the wide range of attractions the country offers and the good business environment. He describes Rwanda as the best country to invest in.“Rwanda has a great potential. Nature is its biggest asset. And a lot of people want to see nature,” he said after enjoying an encounter with gorillas.In this place, he plans to develop the Gorilla Nest Lodge to offer accommodation to hundreds of tourist who flock this breathtaking Volcanoes National Park to track gorillas. Development starts The engineering team is already in the country working on drawings,” he told the press at the Kigali International Airport on Saturday night. Dubai World’s investment in the tourism sector is part of the group’s vision to become a leading player in conservation-based game reserve operation and land conservation.Reporters were told that Dubai World is already a key player in the tourism sector in South Africa. Vincent Karega, Minister of State in charge of Investment Promotion and Industry said government is facilitating the investor with basic infrastructure like connecting water, electricity and giving them permits to access properties. He said government will also open an office in Kigali to coordinate the projects and fast track the investments. What is Dubai world?Dubai World is a major holding company that manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses and project that have made Dubai a leading hub for commerce and trading.Chaired Sulayem, Dubai World was mandated with a vision to continue expanding Dubai’s aggressive growth, at home and abroad. It comprises of development, investment, marine services, commodities, and ports and free zone divisions.With its coming to invest in Rwanda, Dubai World is seen as a powerful growth engine with an unprecedented collection of companies including in Asia, America and Africa.Ends
