Boost for Somalia’s tourism as first five-star hotel to be built near Mogadishu Airport
By Hassan Mohamed |
The hotel will feature 321 luxury accommodations, including 261 guest rooms and 60 serviced apartments. Amenities will include a fitness centre, spa, multiple dining options, and a convention centre.
Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Hotels on Friday signed an investment agreement with Somalia’s Premier Bank to establish the East African nation’s first five-star hotel. The luxury property will be located near Mogadishu’s main airport.
The signing ceremony, held in Dubai, was attended by Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador Hussein Halane, alongside senior officials from both Rotana and Premier Bank.
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The hotel will feature 321 luxury accommodations, including 261 guest rooms and 60 serviced apartments. Amenities will include a fitness centre, spa, multiple dining options, and a convention centre. The design will blend modern sophistication with local cultural influences, a growing trend in contemporary hospitality projects.
The property will be constructed on land leased by Premier Bank from Somalia’s government as part of the Gateway Project, a public-private partnership initiative inaugurated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, hailed the partnership as a milestone in Somalia’s hospitality sector.
“This venture will set a new benchmark for luxury and service excellence in Somalia, positioning the country’s first five-star hotel as a hub for international business, tourism, and cultural exchange. By leveraging Rotana’s expertise, we aim to contribute to Somalia’s revitalisation and transform its hospitality landscape,” said Barnes in a statement.
The Mogadishu Rotana will join Rotana’s portfolio of over 80 hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey.
Boosting Somalia’s tourism and economy
Premier Bank CEO Jibril Hassan Mohamed expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to catalyse growth in Somalia’s tourism and hospitality industries.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward for Somalia’s hospitality sector. By collaborating with Rotana, we are bringing world-class expertise to Mogadishu and reaffirming our commitment to the city’s economic and cultural renaissance,” Jibril stated.
The announcement has been welcomed by Mogadishu residents, who anticipate that the investment will transform the city’s skyline and generate much-needed employment opportunities.
Somalia has a predominantly youthful population with limited job prospects. Feisal Abdikadir, a waiter in a local Mogadishu restaurant, expressed optimism about the project’s potential.
“This is wonderful news. We really need international brands like Rotana to invest here. They bring opportunities, exposure, and decent jobs for our youth,” Feisal told Eastleigh Voice.
Despite decades of instability, Somalia is now experiencing its longest period of peace in recent history, attracting international investors like Rotana.
With its pristine, turquoise waters spanning over 3,000 kilometres—the longest coastline on mainland Africa—Somalia has vast untapped potential for tourism and economic development.
This investment marks a significant step in the country’s journey towards revitalisation, showcasing Somalia’s promise as a destination for international business and leisure.
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