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A company based in Dubai, known for its investments in construction, medical supply, real estate, and hospitality, is interested in investing over sh456.7 billion (approximately $120 million) in Uganda’s hospitality and industrial sectors.
This Dubai-based company is among the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with investments spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. By investing in Uganda, they aim to help the country become one of the top tourist destinations in Africa.
Their initial plans involve constructing two modern hotels in Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Western Uganda. Additionally, they intend to expand their investment to Murchison Falls National Park at a later stage
The president of the company, Engineer Hani Saliba, highlighted their vision to establish an airline company. This airline would facilitate domestic tourism by improving air transport between Entebbe and various national parks in Uganda.
Saliba expressed the company’s excitement about investing in Uganda, particularly in the tourism and industrial park sectors. They are eager to commence work as soon as possible and have allocated approximately $120 million for the initial investment.
Haliburg, the multinational company led by Saliba, operates across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Saliba emphasized the need for an organized domestic airline industry in Uganda to unlock the full potential of its tourism sector.
During their visit to the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) in Kololo, discussions revolved around the planned investment. The team, led by Uganda’s Counsel General to Dubai, Ambassador Henry Mayega, engaged with UIA officials to outline their investment plans.
The company previously met with President Yoweri Museveni at State House in March, where they shared their investment aspirations. Saliba expressed optimism about the smooth progression of their plans following their meeting with the UIA team.
Ambassador Mayega underscored the significance of the company’s investment plans, particularly in establishing an industrial park in Uganda. He emphasized the readiness of the investors to swiftly move into business and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
UIA director, Martin Muhangi, lauded Ambassador Mayega’s efforts in attracting investors from the Middle East to Uganda. He assured the company of UIA’s support, including facilitating the investment process and providing necessary tax incentives.
UIA aims to expedite the process by offering a 10-year tax holiday for industrial parks and providing land support for investments. They also commit to streamlining administrative procedures, such as licensing and permit acquisition, through their one-stop-center.