Islamabad is gearing up for a major hospitality milestone as preparations to build the capital’s first 7-star hotel move forward ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
According to reports, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has invited international firms to participate in the project through a global tender, pushing the plan into its final administrative and technical stages.
Officials have confirmed that the ultra-luxury hotel will be constructed in Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone, chosen for its proximity to key government institutions, diplomatic enclaves and national landmarks. The project is expected to be developed either under a public–private partnership or as a joint venture with global companies, in line with CDA’s strategy to attract foreign investment and international hotel brands.
The planned 7-star property aims to match the standards of top global capitals. It is expected to include:
- World-class conference halls for high-level international meetings
- Modern seminar and meeting rooms with advanced technology
- Spacious banquet halls for state functions and diplomatic events
- Ultra-luxury guest rooms and suites for VIPs and foreign dignitaries
- Multi-storey parking to handle official convoys and delegations
- A high-end, modern security system compliant with international protocols
Officials say the hotel is being designed as a priority project to host distinguished guests during the SCO summit and future high-profile events, ensuring secure, top-tier accommodation for visiting heads of state and delegations.
CDA believes the development will upgrade Islamabad’s hospitality infrastructure and help elevate Pakistan’s image globally, positioning the Red Zone as not just a political and diplomatic centre, but also a luxury destination. Urban planners view the hotel as part of a broader trend of modern architecture and high-end development in Islamabad, complementing the city’s growing skyline of mixed-use and hotel projects.
While earlier proposals had hinted at a 7-star hotel near Srinagar Highway, the latest tender and confirmed Red Zone location signal a more concrete move toward execution, with a clear focus on SCO-related hospitality needs and long-term diplomatic tourism.
As the project advances, observers will be closely watching whether the hotel — or at least its core facilities can be completed in time to fit into the high-stakes diplomatic calendar surrounding the SCO summit and other international events in the capital.
