Rotana Announces First Five-Star Hotel in Somalia

In collaboration with Riverside Holding, Rotana is constructing the first luxury hotel in Somalia, the Mogadishu Rotana. The five-star hotel is slated for completion in 2026 and will comprise 321 keys, including 261 guest rooms and 60 hotel apartments. The hotel’s facilities will encompass fitness and spa centers, a variety of dining options, event venues, and retail spaces.

The hotel’s design achieves a unique blend of modern sophistication with local cultural elements, aiming to be a symbol of Mogadishu’s revival. Situated near Aden Adde International Airport, the hotel forms part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the capital city. Other planned developments include a convention center, hospital, shopping mall, residential properties, a business park, and a school.

Aleph Hospitality will manage the Mogadishu Rotana’s day-to-day operations. The Dubai-based company, the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, brings its extensive hotel management experience and regional knowledge to the project.

Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, expressed his pride in the project and stated that they aim to establish the hotel as a center for international business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Barnes emphasized Rotana’s commitment to transforming Somalia’s hospitality industry and contributing to the country’s revitalization efforts.

Similarly, Jibril Hassan Mohamed, Chairman of Riverside Holding, expressed optimism about collaborating with Rotana, stating that it represents a significant advancement in Somalia’s hospitality sector. He expressed confidence that the project will set a new regional standard and contribute to Mogadishu’s economic and cultural renaissance.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, expressed excitement about managing their first hotel in Somalia and looks forward to working with Riverside Holdings and Rotana.

The Mogadishu Rotana will be the 118th property in Rotana’s portfolio, which also includes an upcoming 140-key sustainable hotel apartment in Dakar, Senegal, and other luxury hotel projects in Accra, Cotonou, Cairo, and Luxor. Rotana manages 81 hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, serving over six million guests annually.