Azizi begins rollout of $20bn hospitality portfolio as the Dubai-based developer moves forward with an ambitious plan to significantly expand the emirate’s tourism infrastructure. Azizi Developments announced that its hospitality division has laid the foundation for its first five-star hotel, marking the first step in a massive AED75 billion ($20.4 billion) investment program focused on hotels and hospitality projects.
The project signals the start of a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. The new hotel will be built inside the Azizi Riviera community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, a fast-growing district that has become a hub for residential, leisure, and tourism developments.
A major expansion of hotel capacity
Under the plan, Azizi Hospitality will develop a total of 151 hotels. The portfolio will include 100 four-star hotels and 50 five-star hotels, with more than 90 percent of the properties located in Dubai. Once completed, these developments are expected to add around 60,000 room keys to the emirate’s hospitality sector.
The scale of the project also reflects the growing demand for accommodation as Dubai continues to attract international visitors, business travelers, and investors. According to the company, the portfolio will create more than 75,000 jobs across the hospitality sector once all projects are completed. The developer confirmed that the first five-star hotel is one of ten hospitality projects currently in various stages of design, development, or construction. These projects are being delivered through Azizi’s internal teams, using the company’s in-house capabilities across development, construction, and project management.
A landmark project within Burj Azizi
A standout feature of the portfolio will be a seven-star hotel planned inside Burj Azizi. The upcoming tower on Sheikh Zayed Road is designed to become the world’s second-tallest building once completed.
The luxury hotel inside the tower is expected to serve as a flagship hospitality destination and add another landmark to Dubai’s skyline. The development aligns with the city’s long tradition of combining iconic architecture with high-end tourism experiences. Industry observers say such projects help maintain Dubai’s reputation for bold and ambitious construction initiatives that attract global attention and tourism.
Investment aligned with Dubai’s growth vision
Company leadership said the investment reflects strong confidence in Dubai’s long-term economic outlook. Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Developments, said the emirate continues to offer a stable and opportunity-rich environment for investors and developers. He noted that the company’s AED75 billion commitment is rooted in its belief that Dubai will remain a major global tourism hub in the years ahead.
Azizi also emphasized that the company’s plans align with the broader vision of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose leadership has focused on strengthening the emirate’s economy and tourism sector.
Building talent for the hospitality sector
As part of the initiative, Azizi begins rollout of $20bn hospitality portfolio alongside a new education effort. The company plans to establish the Azizi Hospitality Academy, a training institution designed to prepare future hospitality professionals in the UAE. The academy aims to provide internationally recognized training programs and help meet the growing demand for skilled talent in the country’s hotel and tourism industries.
Overall, Azizi begins rollout of $20bn hospitality portfolio at a time when Dubai continues to invest heavily in tourism infrastructure. With dozens of new hotels planned and thousands of jobs expected, the initiative could play a major role in supporting the emirate’s long-term tourism growth while reinforcing its reputation as a global destination for travel, lifestyle, and investment.
