News DeskDubai, UAE – Rotana, a leading hotel management company in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye (MENAT), has announced the signing of Mogadishu Rotana, the first luxury hotel in Somalia, in partnership with Riverside Holding. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the five-star property will feature 321 keys, including 261 guest rooms and 60 hotel apartments. The hotel will also offer a fitness center, spa, multiple dining options, event facilities, and retail spaces, blending modern sophistication with local cultural influences.
Located near Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu Rotana is part of a transformative master plan to redevelop the capital into a vibrant urban destination. The master plan includes a convention center, hospital, shopping mall, residential properties, business park, and school, aiming to revitalize Mogadishu.
Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai-based company and the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, will manage the hotel. With nearly a decade of experience managing hotels across Africa, Aleph Hospitality will oversee daily operations, delivering exceptional hospitality services.
Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, stated, “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.”
Jibril Hassan Mohamed, Chairman of Riverside Holding, added, “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.”
Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, expressed excitement about managing their first hotel in Somalia and working closely with Riverside Holdings and Rotana.
Mogadishu Rotana will be Rotana’s 118th property in the region, complementing their expanding portfolio in Africa. Rotana is also set to open the Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026, along with other luxury projects in Accra, Cotonou, Cairo, and Luxor.
Rotana currently operates 81 hotels across the MENAT region, serving over six million guests annually, and continues to expand its global footprint with new projects in the UAE and international markets.
