Nakheel to build resorts in Djibouti

Dubai: Dubai World company Nakheel will develop two island resorts in Djibouti, where it has built the country's first five-star hotel.

Nakheel plans to build boutique hotels and villas on the islands, located close to Djibouti City.

James Wilson, chief executive officer of Nakheel Hotels and Resorts, told Gulf News the islands are suitable for developing resorts, spas and diving facilities similar to the tourism facilities that exist in the Maldives.

"We are still working on the investment plan," Wilson said.

A mountain-top spa is also being developed in the economically underdeveloped but strategically located East African nation, which has seen a string of projects launched by Dubai-based companies.

DP World, another Dubai World company, is building a $400-million container terminal in the Doraleh area. It already manages the Port of Djibouti and the country's international airport.

Nakheel has invested $130 million in the first phase of the Djibouti Palace Kempinski.

When completed the hotel will have more than 400 rooms, a beach club and retail arcade, luxury villas and entertainment centres.

Dubai is now showcasing its Djibouti investments to secure tourism projects in other African countries.

New locations being considered for hotel investments are Kenya, Mozambique, Swaziland and Bots-wana.

"The African continent has significant growth potential. We recently committed $2 billion in South Africa's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and are actively pursuing other investment opportunities throughout the continent," Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem told a conference of African leaders in Djibouti on Friday.

"As the Middle East and Africa continue to forge stronger ties we encourage all African leaders to identify their own investment requirements and approach international investors rather than wait for foreign direct investment," he said.