The Government of Zimbabwe has entered into a strategic partnership with T Ten Global Sports to enhance the nation’s global profile and attract significant foreign investment. This initiative aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of showcasing Zimbabwe as ‘Open for Business’ and leverages international platforms to highlight the country’s substantial economic potential.

With a viewership exceeding 500 million on television and OTT platforms, and a social media reach of 2.5 billion across 100 countries, T Ten’s cricket leagues offer Zimbabwe an unparalleled opportunity to promote its investment prospects. The partnership will officially be launched at the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 in Abu Dhabi, positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for international business.

Speaking on the partnership, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said, “Zimbabwe is open for business, and this partnership with T Ten Global Sports is a testament to our commitment to engaging with the world. Through T Ten’s extensive reach, we will showcase Zimbabwe as a thriving hub for investment and innovation. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in building our nation’s global reputation and economic future.”

Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe has experienced notable economic growth. In 2023, Zimbabwe’s GDP was valued at $26.54 billion, reflecting a 4.5% growth rate from the previous year. The nation has also attracted significant investments across various sectors including the beverage industry, mining sector, real estate and infrastructure, renewable energy and agriculture modernization.

Varun Beverages, the bottling partner of PepsiCo, has invested over $40 million, creating employment opportunities and bolstering the manufacturing sector.  Zimbabwe is endowed with vast mineral resources, including lithium, platinum, gold, and diamonds. Investments from companies such as Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and Prospect Resources are positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the global green energy revolution.

UAE-based conglomerate Mulk International is developing the $500 million Zim Cyber City in Mount Hampden, Harare. This state-of-the-art mixed-use development is set to transform Zimbabwe’s real estate landscape, offering high-end residential and commercial spaces. Collaborations with international firms are underway to harness Zimbabwe’s abundant solar and hydropower resources, supporting sustainable energy solutions and reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. Partnerships with global agribusinesses have enhanced Zimbabwe’s agricultural output, ensuring food security and creating export opportunities.

Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of T Ten Global Sports further said, “We are honored to partner with Zimbabwe to deliver this transformative vision. Through T Ten’s five global leagues, we will ensure that Zimbabwe’s message reaches key markets, connecting the nation with influential investors and creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”

There are numerous unparalleled opportunities for global investors in Zimbabwe across various sectors. The country is home to vast reserves of lithium, platinum, gold, nickel, and rare earth minerals, essential for the global renewable energy and technology industries. With a growing industrial base and favorable policies, Zimbabwe provides opportunities in food processing, automotive assembly, and consumer goods production.

Abundant sunshine and river systems make Zimbabwe ideal for large-scale solar and hydropower projects, attracting renewable energy investors globally. Rapid urbanization and modernization efforts create lucrative opportunities in construction, transport, and logistics.

Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Investment Advisor, UAE further said, “This partnership reflects Zimbabwe’s forward-looking strategy for international outreach. By leveraging T Ten’s global media presence, we will amplify the message that Zimbabwe is ready for business and global partnerships. It has been a privilege to contribute to this historic initiative.”

Through its collaboration with T Ten Global, Zimbabwe will gain exposure across the five cricket leagues’ (Abu Dhabi T10, US Masters T10, Lanka T10 Super League, African T10, Sri Lanka T10) influential markets. It allows the nation to engage audiences in the Middle East and Asia, and also target North America’s business leaders. The partnership further helps Zimbabwe in strengthening their presence in South Asia’s thriving markets and highlighting Zimbabwe’s leadership in Africa.

This partnership represents a bold step toward economic reform, global engagement, and solidifying Zimbabwe’s position as a premier investment destination.

The 2024/25 Dubai Endurance Season got underway at Dubai International Endurance City with a healthy dose of excitement as MRM Stables became the first unit to strike when claiming the campaignopening Seeh Al Salam Endurance Challenge by a mere second courtesy of star rider Saif Ahmed Al Mazrouei, who delivered aboard Magic Glenn Torque. 

Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the 119km four loop ride witnessed stiff competition from all the major stables involved in endurance riding in the UAE, with a total of 119 rider-horse pairings venturing into the sands of the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. 

And it was Al Mazrouei and his 13yearold companion who won with a consistent approach that witnessed them stay close to the top of an evolving leaderboard. The pair posted a time of four hours, 12 minutes and 16 seconds (4:12:16), which was a mere second quicker than the 4:12:17 recorded by F3-1 Stables pair of Hamad Humaid Al Tamimi and 765 Sargon, even as third placed F3 Stables pair of Rashed Mohammed 

Al Mehairi and A’Bandom’s Rockabilly cantered in third a further 26 seconds behind in 4:12:43.  Al Mazrouei started the day in seventh, 20 seconds off the pace set by Al Tamimi, who was quickest over the 40-km first loop, but was dethroned from the summit during the course of the 32km second loop by his MRM teammate Mansour Al Faresi, riding Tatarinu, the latter erasing a massive 2min21sec deficit and climbing into top spot from 25th. Al Faresi seemed to have control going into the 20km final loop after holding on to the summit at the end of the third spanning 27km. However, with plenty of reserve left in Magic Glenn Torque’s tank, Al Mazrouei, third at the end of the penultimate loop, was able to rev up his mount significantly and went from 26.99kph over the third to 34.4kph over the fourth, which guaranteed him success despite a hard push from Al Tamimi, who made his bid for success from fourth. Al Mehairi finished a comfortable third. 

Meanwhile, Zabeel 2 Stables clinched victory in the Al Wasl Endurance Cup for Private Stables after Ebrahim Fayed Al Shamsi’s nervewracking success in the 101km contest aboard Bobang Al Andalus. The pair completed the four loop ride in a time of 3:30:46, denying Al Ain Endurance Stables’, represented by Uruguayan Federico Ferber and his mount HC Nael, by fractions of a second. Zabeel 3’s Saeed Ghanim Al Marri took third aboard Woodbourne Wednesday. Board Member and General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, presented the winners with their trophies. “It was a very good effort from all of the stables to have their horses and riders ready for a very exciting finish on the opening day of the season,” commented Dr Al Adhab. 

“We have a long season ahead of us, but that finish to the first ride shows, it is going to be a very exciting season and we wish all of those involved all the very best for what lies ahead.” 

The season at Dubai International Endurance City includes a series of top rides with its worldrenowned HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and the Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival, the two showpiece events on its calendar. 

Resorts World Cruises, the World-Class Cruise Line that Knows the Gulf Best had arrived in Dubai with the Resorts World One commencing her first sailing from 1 November 2024 onwards. The 1800-passenger cruise ship departs from the Port Rashid Cruise Terminal 2 in Dubai three times a week to the Gulf destinations.

A special celebratory event was held on the ship today with close to 600 invitees to commemorate this milestone event. Resorts World Cruises’ President, Mr. Michael Goh and its senior management welcomed onboard regional dignitaries, authorities, members of the press and key influencers. The port-stay event included a series of special memento presentations with invitees having the chance to experience the onboard LIVE performances, the wide array of cuisines and a guided ship tour of the ship’s accommodations, facilities and offerings.

As part of the inaugural sailing celebration, guests can look forward to special added-value promotions. This includes receiving complimentary Food & Beverage Onboard Credits valued at AED 700 or US$190 per cabin for sailings in November for both the 3-Night Oman Cruise and the 2-Night Qatar Cruise. During the deployment, the Resorts World One will provide exciting new vacation options from Dubai for the weekend with the 2-Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise departing Fridays. Guests can also look forward to the 2-Night Doha (Qatar) Cruise departing Wednesdays and the 3-Night Muscat-Khasab (Oman) Cruise departing Sundays. For longer cruises, guests may combine the itineraries to become a 4-, 5- and 7-Night cruise.

“We have been counting down the days and we are delighted that the Resorts World One has arrived in Dubai and is ready to sail. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the local and regional governments, authorities, travel business partners, media and our guests for the support. We are looking forward to bringing unique experiences to the Gulf region and we are excited to launch our first cruise with a special onboard Diwali celebration for the entire week,” said Mr. Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises.

Mr. Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai extends its warmest congratulations to Resorts World Cruises on the successful launch of its new services, which it is proud to be the homeport for. This significant development underscores Dubai’s ongoing growth as a premier cruise destination, attracting world-class operators, and providing exceptional experiences for global travellers seeking to explore the region, as envisioned by our leadership, and in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. As we embark on an exciting new season, we would like to extend our gratitude to our partners and stakeholders, whose unwavering support has made this possible. Together, we look forward to further reinforcing Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region.”

The Resorts World One is certified by the highly reputable Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and The Standards and Metrology Institute with the ship offering certified Halal cuisines, including vegetarian / Jain cuisine; and Muslim-friendly onboard offerings, which will provide peace of mind for Muslim guests from the Gulf and across the region.

For more information or bookings, please visit www.rwcruises.com or email to enquire@rwcruises.com or contact your local travel agent.