Zaria Court Kigali, a new multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex owned by Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, will be fully operational by July, according to the facility management. The multi-billion facility’s shared space opened its doors over the weekend with a high-energy event dubbed Beats & BBQ, drawing a number of Kigalians for music, grilled food, and community. Featuring top local DJs including Marnaud, Toxxyk, Junes, Higa, and Rusam, the event marked the official opening of the site’s shared public spaces. Strategically located near BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, the 2.4-hectare complex is set to become a key fixture in Kigali’s entertainment space. While core amenities like the 80-room hotel and hospitality outlets near completion, Zaria Court has entered its first phase of operations, with a soft hotel launch expected in June and a full opening scheduled for July, according to Walid Choubana, the facility manager. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Inside proposed Zaria recreational hub in Kigali Choubana told The New Times that, while the larger Zaria Court facility has hosted its first event over the weekend, the hotel itself is not yet operational. “We’re still setting up the rooms, the outlets, everything is still being worked on, however, we have a soft opening in the second week of June and the official launch is planned in July,” he said. Zaria Court Kigali is one brand with two separate management companies. The hotel building is managed by Aleph Hospitality, and the multi-purpose court and event space which hosted last weekend's DJ event falls under QA Venue Solutions (QA), the company that manages the adjacent BK Arena. “We’re only in charge of the hotel, the food and drinks outlets, and the sports bar,” he explained. According to Brand and Campus Manager Che Rupari, the multi-purpose court and event space, the shipping container retail, and the rest of the outside of the hotel building are also managed by QA Venue Solutions. He also confirmed that vendor spaces are fully booked, including businesses like Mr. Chips, Kivu Noir and Atelier Du Vin. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: How Zaria Court will look like upon completion Zaria Court Kigali is the first of its kind on the African continent and is envisioned as a hub for social and cultural gatherings, and is expected to create around 500 jobs, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Construction of the facility began in August 2023 and was officially launched by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri, a long-time friend of Rwanda. The facility will, upon completion, have an 80-room boutique hotel, restaurants, a rooftop club, a fitness center, wellness areas, co-working spaces, and a podcast studio. A multi-purpose court in the center of the property will host sporting events, festivals, performances, markets, and other activities.
