President Abdirahman Irro inaugurates Somaliland’s first 5-Star international hotel

President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), on Monday, officially inaugurated the Serene Sarovar Premiere Hotel in Hargeisa, marking a historic milestone in the country’s hospitality sector.

The Serene Sarovar Premiere is the first international branded five-star hotel in Somaliland and has been built to global standards over nine years.

With 134 fully furnished rooms and a wide range of modern facilities, the property is set to redefine hospitality in the Somali region.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, investors, and industry leaders, including the hotel’s owner, Abdikarim Mohamed Eid, the Global CEO of Sarovar Hotels, the Mayor of Hargeisa, and the Minister of Investment Promotion and Industrial Development.

In his remarks, President Irro described the development as a symbol of progress, economic growth, and investor confidence in Somaliland’s peace and stability.

He emphasised the importance of modern hotels in boosting tourism, attracting conferences, and enhancing the quality of services available in the country.

“This project demonstrates the confidence investors have in our governance and stability. It also highlights the role of hospitality in creating jobs, hosting international engagements, and showcasing Somaliland to the world,” he said.

The President praised Eid for his commitment and urged other entrepreneurs to invest in projects that support national growth and employment.

The Serene Sarovar Premiere features state-of-the-art amenities, including multiple dining outlets, a spa, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and conference halls with capacity for up to 800 guests.

 As a Sharia-compliant facility, it aligns with cultural norms while offering world-class luxury.

Ajay Bakaya, Chairman of Sarovar Hotels and Director of Louvre Hotels India, said the launch strengthens Sarovar’s footprint in East Africa, where it already operates in Kenya.

“We are proud to launch Serene Sarovar Premiere Hargeisa, a landmark property that reflects our commitment to investing in high-potential emerging markets,” he said.

Abdikarim Mohamed Eid, the hotel’s owner, traced the project’s inspiration to a vision sparked years ago while overlooking Hargeisa.

“Many years ago, a friend and I stood on this hill, and he remarked, ‘This location would be perfect for a hotel with a view of the entire city.’ That inspired me to bring this vision to life,” he said.

 Eid noted that his father had established one of Hargeisa’s earliest hotels half a century ago, and he was proud to continue that legacy with Somaliland’s first five-star facility.

The hotel is expected to generate local employment, attract international travellers from Africa and the Gulf, and boost Somaliland’s visibility as a business and tourism destination.

Sarovar Hotels, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality groups with over 140 hotels across India, Nepal, and Africa, operates the property under its Sarovar Premiere brand. The chain is part of Group du Louvre, a global hospitality group managing more than 1,700 hotels across 60 countries.

Speakers at the event emphasized that the Serene Sarovar Premiere will play a vital role in advancing Somaliland’s tourism industry, creating jobs, and drawing investment into the country’s economy.