IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a franchise agreement with MGC Developments to launch Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II, marking the brand’s debut in Pakistan.
Scheduled to open in August 2028, the 150-key hotel will be located in Pakistan’s capital, joining IHG’s portfolio of more than 1,000 operational Holiday Inn hotels worldwide.
Holiday Inn, known for its rich heritage and continuous innovation, aims to cater to contemporary travelers with its signature Open Lobby concept at the new Islamabad location. This revolutionary design reimagines the traditional hotel lobby into a versatile space that blends work, leisure, and dining, offering guests a seamless and modern in-hotel experience.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, Middle East & Africa at IHG, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: “The signing of Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II is a significant milestone in our strategic expansion across the Southwest Asia region. With the capital city of Pakistan known for its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and strategic location, we are confident that our partnership with MGC Developments will further support the tourism sector, offering guests a comfortable stay and showcasing international standards of hospitality.”
Ch. Nouman Iftikhar, Founder & CEO of MGC Developments, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a globally acclaimed hospitality leader. This venture is part of our bigger goal to deliver hundreds of cutting-edge projects in Pakistan. We envision blending MGC’s distinctive experiences with IHG’s unmatched hospitality expertise while fulfilling the city’s hospitality needs and contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth.”
The signing highlights the potential within Pakistan’s untapped hospitality sector, which is expected to grow significantly due to rising demand. Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II will feature thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, bar, fitness center, outdoor pool, spa, meeting spaces, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel will also offer the brand’s popular ‘Kids Stay and Eat Free’ program, enhancing its appeal to families.
Strategically located in DHA Phase II, the hotel will provide guests with easy access to Islamabad’s vibrant cityscape, entertainment, recreation, and dining options. Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, including the Faisal Mosque, Shakarparian National Park, and Pakistan Monument, making it an ideal destination for both domestic and international tourists.
IHG currently operates 193 hotels across nine brands in South West Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. With a strong pipeline of 160 hotels slated to open in the next three to five years, IHG continues to strengthen its presence in key markets, including Pakistan. The launch of Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II reflects IHG’s commitment to expanding its footprint and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences in the region.