Zafir Rashid and Teramir Group expand hospitality ventures into Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Brazil

Time Business News

a day ago

Zafir Rashid, founder and managing director of Teramir Group, is advancing a series of new experiential hospitality initiatives in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Brazil. These developments represent a strategic international expansion of Teramir's footprint into key emerging markets, with a focus on family-driven resort experiences and immersive recreational destinations.
The projects are in various stages of planning and negotiation. Each location has been selected based on demand patterns, tourism infrastructure potential, and alignment with national or regional goals to increase long-term visitation. Zafir Rashid's development philosophy centers on creating destination environments with strong local relevance, commercial viability, and multi-generational appeal.
In the United Arab Emirates, Rashid is in active discussions with private stakeholders and institutional partners to bring a new family resort concept to Abu Dhabi. The project, now in early design ideation, will focus on curated entertainment spaces, indoor-outdoor attractions, and hospitality infrastructure tailored to children and family groups.
The proposed development would integrate accommodations with themed play zones, performance spaces, and educational exhibits designed to encourage longer guest stays. Initial planning documents suggest the resort will also feature wellness and dining amenities that allow parents to relax while children engage in supervised recreational activities.
'We're seeing strong interest from partners in Abu Dhabi who understand the value of well-structured, high-impact entertainment spaces,' Rashid said. 'It's a market that is open to fresh concepts with long-term vision.'
The site under review is located near established tourism corridors, with easy access to airports and other cultural landmarks. The project is expected to support Abu Dhabi's broader objective of positioning itself as a year-round family destination rather than a short-stay transit hub.
Feasibility studies are underway, and Teramir is currently assembling a consortium of design, operations, and brand licensing partners. More information will be released once zoning approvals and capital structure agreements are finalized.
Rashid is also pursuing opportunities in Egypt, where he is studying multiple sites along the Mediterranean coast and the Red Sea. The focus is on integrating heritage elements with modern hospitality programming to attract both domestic and international travelers.
Egypt has experienced a resurgence in tourism activity in recent years, supported by government investment in infrastructure and global marketing efforts. Rashid's team is reviewing land opportunities that allow for low-density construction, high visual impact, and connection to regional narratives.
Initial concepts include a mixed-use resort with beachfront villas, immersive exhibits, and cultural programming tied to Egypt's identity as a cradle of civilization. The development is intended to function as both a leisure retreat and an educational destination, blending relaxation with cultural engagement.
'Egypt offers a rare opportunity to combine ancient stories with modern experiences,' Rashid said. 'Our goal is to create something that reflects the spirit of the land while providing comfort and entertainment for families.'
Discussions are ongoing with local planning authorities and tourism officials. While no site has been formally announced, Teramir is actively modeling project timelines and investment frameworks. The group is also exploring potential public-private collaborations to ensure infrastructure support and alignment with national tourism objectives.
In Brazil, Teramir is evaluating land in the northern coastal region for a large-scale hospitality development aimed at families with young children. The resort will feature a kids-themed hotel, on-site attractions, water features, and a range of recreational programming built around outdoor exploration.
Rashid noted that licensing restrictions prevent public disclosure of affiliated brand partners at this stage. However, he confirmed the project will center on a unique concept designed to appeal to both local residents and international guests seeking accessible, high-energy family environments.
The site under consideration includes direct beach access, allowing for water-based recreation such as swimming lagoons, lazy rivers, and boating activities. Early renderings include a main hotel structure, separate guest cabins, a food court, performance space, and an adventure park zone.
'This is one of the most promising markets for family tourism in South America,' said Rashid. 'We are committed to identifying communities where we can create long-term economic impact while delivering exceptional guest experiences.'
Local permitting, environmental assessments, and site acquisition negotiations are in progress. Rashid is also engaging with Brazilian tourism authorities to explore potential partnerships and incentive programs. The aim is to align the project with regional tourism growth targets while preserving natural assets and creating meaningful employment opportunities.
These projects reflect Rashid's global expansion strategy, which focuses on identifying high-potential sites and developing hospitality assets tailored to local conditions. Rather than relying on generic templates, each project is designed to reflect the unique culture, environment, and consumer behavior of its location.
Across all markets, Teramir favors immersive experiences, multi-use layouts, and strong recreational programming. The company's developments are typically anchored by hospitality but incorporate entertainment, education, and wellness to appeal to both children and adults.
The international growth into Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Brazil also represents a geographic diversification beyond Teramir's previous concentration in North America and the Gulf. Rashid's long-term vision includes building a portfolio of assets that spans continents while maintaining high brand equity and asset durability.
'We are not interested in one-size-fits-all development,' said Rashid. 'Each destination has its own rhythm, and we build around that rhythm using strong design, careful financing, and local insight.'
While each project is in a different phase, Rashid expects progress across all three countries in the coming year. Design work in Abu Dhabi is furthest along, with concept partners already engaged. The Egypt and Brazil initiatives are advancing through land evaluations, regulatory consultation, and brand alignment processes.
Teramir is currently finalizing preliminary feasibility packages and master plans, which will guide the next stage of investment and permitting. Once architectural models and capital terms are approved, the company will begin releasing images, brand names, and estimated opening timelines.
Hiring for local teams is also expected to begin once sites are secured. Rashid confirmed that Teramir's approach emphasizes community integration, local sourcing, and long-term economic contribution in each region where it operates.
Additional updates will be issued as negotiations advance and stakeholder agreements are signed. For now, the projects in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Brazil represent a significant next chapter in Teramir's expansion into global family travel and destination entertainment.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS