Saturday December 28, 2024
Premier Bank CEO Jibril Hassan Mohamed and Rotana executives sign the agreement for the development of Mogadishu Rotana, Somalia's first five-star hotel. SUPPLIED
Mogadishu (HOL) — Rotana, the internationally renowned hotel management company, has announced plans to construct the first five-star hotel in Somalia, marking a major economic and urban development milestone. The Mogadishu Rotana, set for completion in 2026, will feature 321 keys, including 261 guest rooms and 60 hotel apartments. This flagship property will blend modern sophistication with Somali cultural elements, symbolizing Mogadishu's resurgence as a thriving urban destination.
The hotel will be strategically located near Aden Adde International Airport as part of the $400 million Gateway Complex Project. This transformative initiative includes a convention center, a 300-bed hospital, a school, premium residential units, a shopping mall, and a business park. It complements the broader "New Mogadishu" development strategy, which aims to revitalize the capital's economic landscape and attract international investments.
The project is a joint effort between Rotana and Riverside Holding, with day-to-day operations managed by Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai-based hospitality firm. Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, emphasized the project's significance, stating, "This hotel aspires to set a new benchmark for luxury and service in East Africa, becoming a hub for international business, tourism, and cultural exchange."Jibril Hassan Mohamed, chairman of Premier Bank and Riverside Holding, echoed this optimism, highlighting the project's potential to elevate Somalia's hospitality standards and drive economic growth. "This venture symbolizes a pivotal advancement in Somalia's hospitality sector and underscores our commitment to Mogadishu's cultural and economic renaissance."
Aleph Hospitality's founder, Bani Haddad, expressed enthusiasm about managing the Mogadishu Rotana, marking the company's first foray into Somalia. "We are thrilled to bring our expertise to this groundbreaking project, which will undoubtedly play a significant role in Somalia's recovery and growth," Haddad stated.Mogadishu Rotana will join Rotana's expanding portfolio, which includes 81 operational properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. The company plans to add 37 new hotels, including a sustainable property in Dakar, Senegal, and luxury developments in Accra, Cairo, and Cotonou.
The Mogadishu Rotana forms part of a larger master plan spearheaded by the Somali government to modernize the capital and attract global investment. Launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Gateway Complex includes a convention center capable of hosting 5,000 attendees, a 300-bed hospital, a shopping mall, residential units, a school, and a business park. The broader "New Mogadishu" initiative also incorporates a $650 million plan to develop a modern airport and port to bolster trade and connectivity.