The Sudanese government in conjunction with Diar Real Estate Investment Company will develop a major tourist and residential resort on the banks of the Blue Nile in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

Nasser Hassan Al Ansari, chief executive officer of Qatari Diar, said: "This is a vote of confidence by Qatari Diar in the future of Sudan and a signal to the world that this country can attract major overseas investment.

"This will be a mixed-use development with a five-star hotel, restaurants, cafes, retail and commercial facilities and a sports club. The resort will be surrounded by residential villas and offices for which there is currently high demand in Khartoum."