Jameel Verjee
CityBlue Hotels
Founder and CEO
Born and raised in England, I have 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a passion for progress, people development and the creation of growth businesses.
I moved into entrepreneurship from one of the world’s leading law firms where I worked in London and Paris for five years. I left the law as a 3-year PQE qualified solicitor.
Today, as principal of The Diar Group, I wear various investment management hats. Day to day, however, I am the Founder and CEO of Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, CityBlue Hotels.
Having conceived and created the brand from the ground-up, I have developed CityBlue across Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. I have also evolved the brand offering into five categories, catering to different segments and needs of the African market.
In 2023, I was truly honoured to receive the “Creating Impact” award for Outstanding Contribution to Africa by the Advisory Board of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum.
“"You have arrived in the Middle East! Great content and extremely well attended."
Shafi Syed, VP hotel development and acquisitions, Trump Hotels
Recent News
What's been happening?
Saudi coworking firms merge to create largest local operator
Posted on Friday, July 28 2023
KSA: Saudi Arabian coworking company The Space has merged with fellow operator Vibes for an undisclosed value.
Letswork acquires Portuguese coworking operator
Posted on Friday, July 28 2023
UAE: Dubai-based coworking platform Letswork has acquired Portugal-based Krow for an undisclosed sumt.
JV targets $500 million GCC coliving portfolio
Posted on Friday, July 28 2023
KSA: Saudi Arabia’s Arbah Capital and UAE-based Strategic Housing Group (SHG) have created a joint venture to develop and roll out a coliving brand ca…
Lavanda and Aldar team up for UAE apartment rental platform
Posted on Friday, July 28 2023
UAE: Developer Aldar has partnered with UK-based proptech firm Lavanda to facilitate flexible short term stays for visitors to the Middle East.
InfinitSpace signs UAE properties
Posted on Friday, July 28 2023
UAE: InfinitSpace, a provider of flexible workspaces, has announced a partnership with UAE-based investment and holding company Sultan Holding.
Student property market set for growth in Dubai
Posted on Friday, July 28 2023
UAE: Demand for student accommodation in Dubai continues to outstrip supply, according to CBRE.
About IHM
International Hospitality Media are the premier specialist in online publishing; conference, exhibition and events, and advisory services for niche growth sectors of the hospitality industry.
