Johannesburg  - Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe is in hospital in Dubai, according to a report by the South African Times Wednesday.

The paper reported that Mugabe, 85, was secretly flown to the Gulf city on Sunday, where he was joined by his daughter Bona who travelled from Hong Kong.

Mugabe's office has only said that he had travelled to Dubai for private reasons. He was last seen in public last Tuesday, following his return from a visit to Namibia.

The paper reported that Mugabe was thought to be undergoing treatment by a urologist who for many years had treated the Zimbabwean head of state for prostrate problems. There has been open speculation in the past that Mugabe might be suffering from prostate cancer.

South African President Jacob Zuma is due to visit Mugabe in Harare on Thursday.

The paper quoted a source close to Zanu-PF as saying that Mugabe "was in Dubai and is on his way back as we speak, to prepare for Zumas visit. I know he was holidaying, but he might have used the trip for medical check-ups." (dpa)