Over the past few years, East Africa has become an increasingly popular destination for high-end tourism, and one of its most compelling destinations is Zanzibar. Historically known for its white-sand beaches and spice bazaars, the island is gaining recognition as a tourism hub, attracting international investors and discerning travelers. According to the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, the archipelago has seen a 30 percent increase in tourist arrivals from 2020 to 2023, much of which can be attributed to the growth in developments. Amidst this shift are developers who are not just building resorts but reshaping Zanzibar’s place within the international hospitality industry.
One of the figures linked to this changing landscape is Samuel Saba, a businessperson and real estate developer whose efforts in East Africa, especially in Zanzibar, have become associated with the growth narrative of the region. Born on October 8, 1995, Saba was exposed to the business world at an early age. Growing up in a family with deep-rooted investments in property and aviation, he was introduced to the complexities of enterprise, risk-taking, and international expansion from a young age. His background was shaped by direct participation in his family’s business, where he began learning the principles of asset management, strategy, and cross-border investment.
That early experience helped lay the groundwork for Infinity Group LLC, the umbrella company overseeing a portfolio of businesses, including Infinity Developments Co Ltd. The company has focused its efforts on properties in the commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. Although it has expanded into the UAE and other international markets, it is the group’s work in Zanzibar that has garnered the most attention. In the 2020s, Saba, through Infinity Developments, began laying the foundation for projects that would reimagine the experience in the East African region.
Among the most notable of these projects is the Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences. Marketed under the Anantara brand, this oceanfront property was designed not only as a getaway but as an effort to combine international design concepts, regional cultural symbols, and upscale amenities to offer something distinctive to the region. The resort, located on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, features private homes, upscale dining venues, and a health spa, all nestled within a preserved natural environment. As tourism statistics from Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Tourism show, tourist expenditure has more than doubled since the introduction of integrated resort developments like Anantara.
The economic impact of the project went beyond tourism figures. The development created jobs during and after construction and stimulated interest from regional suppliers and international travel agencies. By 2024, the resort had been widely covered in tourism magazines and hotel reviews and was cited as a significant factor in Zanzibar’s increasing popularity among European and Gulf tourists. Forbes Africa, in an article published in 2025, recognized Saba’s contributions, noting his efforts in raising the expectations for real estate developers in emerging tourism economies.
Saba’s architectural decisions have also influenced trends throughout hospitality developments in East Africa. Infinity Hills, for example, blends modern minimalism with Swahili architecture, offering villas and suites that merge indoor and outdoor living spaces. By focusing on sustainable building methods and using local materials, the development responds to growing global interest in green design.
Acknowledgement of Saba’s work has come from both the government and industry sectors. In 2023, he was listed on the Arabian Business “Dubai 100” list, ranking #99 among leaders shaping the future of business in the region. Locally, he was awarded by the President of Zanzibar, who declared him the “Best Real Estate Developer in Zanzibar” for his contributions to the region’s tourism and infrastructure. While such awards are formal recognitions, they underscore the regional importance of the projects he has undertaken.
Beyond his development projects, Saba has also founded the Infinity Foundation, which supports educational and skill development programs for youth interested in careers as architects, designers, and construction professionals. Although less visible than his business ventures, the foundation reflects an even larger vision for long-term community investment and talent creation within the markets where his businesses are active.
In discussions with CEO Middle East, The Forbes Times, and Arabian Business, Saba has spoken about his approach to transforming the space in ways that balance commercial viability with cultural relevance. In a 2025 interview, he highlighted that the true potential in East Africa lies not in directly replicating Western developmental models but in adapting them thoughtfully to local contexts with respect and creativity.
Samuel Saba’s journey from early exposure to his family’s business to becoming a central figure in East Africa’s real estate industry illustrates how long-term vision, combined with sensitivity to local contexts, can drive economic change. While popular opinion and market dynamics will ultimately determine the legacy of his efforts, his role in Zanzibar’s renaissance continues to play a significant part in his professional journey thus far.
