Hargeisa, – (Hornpost) – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro), accompanying by his Minister of Investment and Industry, H.E. Saed Mohamed Burale today officially inaugurated the Serene Saravor Premier Hotel, the first internationally recognized five-star hotel established in the capital, Hargeisa.
The new hotel, part of the renowned Saravor Premier chain of luxury hotels operating in many major cities around the world, marks a historic milestone in Somaliland’s investment and hospitality sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Investment and Industry, Saed Mohamed Burale, emphasized the significance of the project for the nation:
“Mr. President, today we have a landmark that represents the very signs of Somaliland’s recognition. Instead of only a reception space, we now have a permanent home and venue where visiting international delegations will be hosted as we await the world’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland.”
Minister of Investment and Industry of the republic of Somaliland, Saed Mohamed Burale stressed that the facility will not only serve as a business hub but also as a diplomatic gateway for Somaliland to host international leaders and delegations “This is a source of national pride. Today, Somaliland has joined the ranks of countries with internationally branded five-star hotels. This venue will provide the hospitality, dignity, and prestige our nation needs as it continues its pursuit of international recognition.”
The Minister shared personal reflections about his long friendship with the hotel’s owner, Mr. Abdikarim Mohamed Iid in his remarks said “Honestly, today is a day of great happiness for me. Chairman Abdikarim Mohamed Iid is my brother. Somalis say you never truly know how closely people are connected—he and I grew up together, studied in the same school from grade one when we were just five years old. When your brother achieves success, it means more than the success of a stranger. That makes today extra special for me.”
The Minister commended investor Abdikarim Mohamed Iid, the owner of the hotel, for his courage and commitment in bringing such a large-scale investment to Somaliland:
“Investor Abdikarim Mohamed Iid entrusted his resources to his homeland with confidence. This project, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, sets a clear example for Somaliland’s entrepreneurs to invest more broadly in their country across different sectors.”
Minister Burale also revealed that the first official government document he signed as Minister was a tax exemption to encourage the development of this hotel by saying “I am deeply honored that the President entrusted me to serve as the Minister of Investment and Industry of Somaliland. On the very first day I took office, the first document I signed was the tax exemption to encourage the progress of this hotel project. Investor Abdikarim Mohamed Iid has shown true courage. He trusted his wealth in this land, investing what today is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. Our entrepreneurs must follow this example and invest even more in diverse sectors within our homeland.”
The Minister stated by urging wealthy Somalilanders to follow suit and expand their investments locally, ensuring that the nation’s resources remain within its borders while boosting development and employment “As the Minister of Investment, I see it as my responsibility to account for the wealth flowing into our nation from abroad and loccaly. Today, with this project, we have a new gateway for all investors coming into our country. I urge Somaliland’s wealthy entrepreneurs to expand their investments beyond what has been done so far.”
Finally, Minister Burale explained the significance of the hotel’s international brand “I am delighted that Hargeisa and the Republic of Somaliland now have a prestigious 5-star hotel under the global name Serene Saravor Premier. We were briefed by its CEO about the high reputation these hotels hold around the world. Mr. President, I sincerely thank you for attending and inaugurating this important project despite the many national responsibilities on your shoulders. My gratitude also goes to everyone who made this possible.”
The opening of Serene Saravor Premier Hargeisa is expected to create numerous job opportunities, attract international investors, and enhance Somaliland’s profile as a growing hub for trade, investment, and diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
Hornpost staff Reporter
