But Reuters news agency said that on arriving at Harare Mr Mugabe had told reporters in the local Shona language: "I had gone on a family matter to Dubai concerning one of my children.
Wakaalada wararka Reuters ayaa sheegtay in markii uu ku soo laabtay Mugabe magaalada Harare inuu u sheegay saxafiyiinta isagoo ku hadlayay luqada dalkiisa ee Shona: "Waxaan u aaday Dubai arrimo quseeya mid ka mid ah carruurteyda.