Kabul Serena Hotel Taken Over by Taliban

The Kabul Serena Hotel, a symbol of luxury in Afghanistan, has closed its operations after its management was taken over by a corporation run by the Taliban, marking the end of an era in the country's hospitality industry.

The hotel, which was rebuilt in 2005 after being heavily damaged during decades of war, was a favorite among foreigners and diplomats. However, it was not a symbol of Kabul and its society. The Hotel State Owned Corporation, which has taken over the management, confirmed the takeover and stated that it is fit to operate the hotel despite the Serena Hotels group's contract being terminated five years early.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has taken over management of the Kabul Serena Hotel, a luxury property that was previously run for nearly 20 years by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. The hotel was popular with business travelers and foreign guests but was targeted by Taliban attacks in the past, including a 2014 assault that left 9 people dead, including an AFP journalist and his family members.

The hotel's website still lists the handover date of February 1, 2025, and the hotel's management has been taken over by the Hotel State Owned Corporation (HSOC). The statement from the hotel mentions that since its opening in 2005, the hotel has been an integral part of Kabul's social fabric and a symbol of commitment to the people of Afghanistan, but it has been removed from the Serena brand's list of destinations.

The closure of the hotel marks a significant change in the hospitality industry in Afghanistan and has raised concerns about the future of luxury hotels in the country. The takeover of the hotel's management by the Taliban has also sparked questions about the group's ability to manage such a high-profile property.