First Rixos-branded 5-star hotel to open in Iraqi capital soon
Fettah Tamince tours future luxury hub in Baghdad
DUBAI: In a bold and strategic move, Fettah Tamince, the visionary Founder and Chairman of the Rixos hospitality brand, visited Baghdad last week. His visit underscores a major step in Baghdad’s transformation into a global tourism hub.
Tamince inspected the highly anticipated Rixos Baghdad Hotel & Residences, a premier development led by Estithmar Holding, situated at the heart of Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone.
The development is poised to become the first-ever Rixos-branded five-star hotel in Iraq, symbolising both Rixos’ intent to break into untapped markets and Baghdad’s growing appeal on the international hospitality map. The project reflects Iraq’s broader ambitions to modernise its capital and attract high-end global investment.
Iconic development
The Rixos Baghdad Hotel & Residences is designed to deliver a world-class hospitality experience while remaining rooted in Iraq’s cultural richness. It includes 322 refined hotel rooms, 159 upscale residences, 9 exclusive hotel villas, and 6 signature restaurants. Guests will also enjoy a world-class wellness centre and leisure facilities including dedicated padel and tennis courts.
This luxurious blend of local heritage and international standards is expected to redefine luxury hospitality in Iraq. The development aligns with Rixos’ global portfolio of standout destinations in Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Montenegro, and beyond – each known for combining cultural authenticity with five-star opulence.
Economic catalyst
Developed by Estithmar Properties, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding, the Rixos Baghdad project carries significant economic implications for Iraq. It is expected to fuel job creation across construction, supply chain, and service industries during both its build and operational phases. Iraqi professionals will play a key role in this transformation, bringing local talent to the forefront of a globally recognised brand.
Estithmar Holding, a Qatari-listed powerhouse with 83 subsidiaries operating in eight countries, brings deep operational expertise and investment muscle to the table. With a workforce of over 28,000 professionals from 100 nationalities, Estithmar’s footprint in Iraq signals a long-term commitment to boosting the nation’s infrastructure and hospitality potential.
Global vision
The Baghdad project marks an important step in Rixos Hotels’ expansion strategy. Since its founding in 2000, Rixos has established itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury hotel chains. Known for its all-inclusive experiences, wellness-focused spas, award-winning entertainment, and innovative children's programming, Rixos has earned global accolades from prestigious bodies including the American Five Star Diamond Award, World Travel Awards, and TripAdvisor.