Infinity Developments is proud to be featured by CNBC in a recent article highlighting the growing wave of investor interest from the Middle East in Zanzibar’s luxury real estate and hospitality market.
The feature focuses on how high-net-worth buyers from the region are increasingly looking beyond traditional investment markets in search of stable, lifestyle-driven destinations that offer long-term value, exclusivity and strong tourism potential.
At the centre of this growing trend is Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences, Infinity Developments’ flagship luxury hospitality and branded residences project, which CNBC described as rapidly emerging as one of East Africa’s most sought-after luxury investment opportunities.
According to the article, enquiries and commitments from Middle Eastern investors have risen significantly in recent months. This increase has been driven by several factors, including ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in parts of the region, as well as a broader shift toward safe-haven investments connected to hospitality, wellness and premium lifestyle assets.
The report further highlights Zanzibar’s growing position as an attractive destination for international capital seeking long-term stability, tourism growth and luxury real estate opportunities.
Infinity Developments Chairman and CEO Samuel Saba said the growing investor appetite reflects rising global confidence in Zanzibar’s future.
“We are seeing very strong interest from investors across the Middle East who are looking for destinations that offer stability, exclusivity and long-term value,” he said.
“Zanzibar is increasingly standing out because it combines political stability, natural beauty, growing infrastructure and a government that is actively supporting investment and tourism growth.”
Located along Zanzibar’s coastline, Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences forms part of Infinity Developments’ wider vision to position the islands within the global luxury hospitality and branded residences market.
The project combines high-end hospitality, branded residences and lifestyle-focused amenities under the internationally recognised Anantara brand, which operates luxury resorts and properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Indian Ocean.
CNBC also noted that globally recognised hospitality brands are becoming an increasingly important factor for investors, especially international buyers looking for professionally managed, income-generating assets in emerging destinations.
For many investors, branded residences linked to established luxury operators provide both lifestyle appeal and long-term asset security.
“The Anantara brand carries significant global recognition, particularly among Middle Eastern and Asian investors familiar with its luxury hospitality standards,” said one regional hospitality consultant familiar with the project.
“That brand strength immediately elevates Zanzibar’s visibility within the international luxury investment market.”
The feature also pointed to Zanzibar’s wider economic and infrastructure transformation under the leadership of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
Over the past several years, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has introduced reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, expanding infrastructure and strengthening the islands’ position as a globally competitive tourism and business destination.
Road upgrades, airport expansion projects and investment facilitation measures introduced through the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority are helping attract both tourism operators and foreign investors.
The expansion of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport has also improved connectivity to international markets, while ongoing infrastructure projects in Pemba and other parts of the islands continue to open new opportunities for large-scale hospitality and real estate developments.
According to Samuel Saba, these improvements are playing a major role in strengthening investor confidence.
“Investors are paying close attention to Zanzibar because they can see the long-term vision being implemented,” he said.
“There is a strong alignment between government policy, infrastructure development and private sector investment, and that creates confidence.”
The article also highlighted Zanzibar’s continued tourism growth, with the islands attracting increasing numbers of international visitors seeking luxury travel experiences centred around privacy, wellness, sustainability and culture.
These global tourism trends are driving rising demand for branded residences and premium hospitality products capable of competing with destinations such as the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius.
For Infinity Developments, Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences has been designed to meet this demand by bringing together luxury residences, premium hospitality facilities, wellness amenities and beachfront lifestyle experiences tailored to affluent international travellers and investors.
The project continues to progress according to schedule, with key milestones being achieved as planned.
Saba said maintaining delivery timelines remains a priority for the company as investor interest continues to grow.
“We understand the importance of execution and transparency, especially when dealing with international investors,” he said.
“The project is progressing according to plan, and we remain fully committed to delivering a world-class destination that meets the highest international standards.”
Beyond luxury tourism, CNBC also noted that the development contributes to local economic growth through employment creation, supply chain opportunities and increased international visibility for Zanzibar.
The growing interest from Middle Eastern investors reflects a wider movement of global capital toward politically stable, experience-driven destinations with strong tourism fundamentals.
For Zanzibar, this momentum represents an important new chapter in its economic growth.
For Infinity Developments, the rising demand surrounding Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences further reinforces the company’s belief that Zanzibar is rapidly becoming one of the Indian Ocean’s most promising luxury investment destinations.
“As the market continues to mature, we believe Zanzibar will increasingly attract global investors looking for secure, lifestyle-oriented opportunities,” said Saba.
“Anantara is part of that future.”
Source: CNBC Africa
