Rotana has unveiled plans for Mogadishu Rotana, the first luxury five-star hotel in Somalia
Developed in partnership with Riverside Holding, the hotel is currently set to open in 2026. Located near Aden Adde International Airport, it will feature 321 keys, including 261 guest rooms and 60 serviced apartments, alongside amenities such as dining venues, a spa, event spaces, and retail outlets.
Part of a larger urban redevelopment project, the project is part of a master plan to redevelop the capital into a thriving urban destination. The development plans also include a convention centre, hospital, shopping mall, residential properties, business park, and school in the area.
The Mogadishu Rotana will be managed by Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai-based company and the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, with nearly a decade’s experience in managing hotels across the African continent.
Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: “This project aspires to set a new benchmark for luxury and service in East Africa, and we are immensely proud to be part of it. Our primary goal is to position the country’s first five-star hotel as a hub for international business, tourism, and cultural exchange. By leveraging Rotana’s expertise in delivering world-class service excellence, we hope to drive Somalia’s revitalisation through a transformation of its hospitality landscape. This hotel also marks a key addition to our portfolio and is a reflection of our commitment to the country and the wider Middle East and Africa region.”
Also commenting on the development, Jibril Hassan Mohamed, Chairman of Riverside Holding, said: “Collaborating with Rotana signifies a pivotal advancement in Somalia’s hospitality sector. This alliance brings world-class expertise to our development and underscores our commitment to Mogadishu’s economic and cultural renaissance. We are confident that this venture will set a new standard in the region and foster immense growth and opportunities. We extend our gratitude to all our partners whose support and dedication have made this vision a reality.”
Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said: “We are thrilled to have been entrusted with the management of what will be our first hotel in Somalia. We look forward to working closely with the teams at Riverside Holdings and Rotana.”
The new property marks Rotana’s 118th addition in the MENAT region and aligns with its expansion strategy, which includes new projects in Senegal, Ghana, and Egypt.
