Taliban Government Takes Control of Kabul’s Luxury Serena Hotel”

The Taliban government has assumed control of Kabul’s luxury Serena Hotel, previously managed by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development for nearly two decades. The hotel ceased its operations on February 1, 2025, with management transitioning to the Hotel State Owned Corporation (HSOC), overseen by the Taliban’s finance ministry. The Serena Hotel had been a significant part of Kabul’s social landscape, catering to business travelers and foreign guests. Notably, it was the target of Taliban attacks in 2008 and 2014, resulting in multiple fatalities. Following the takeover, Kabul has been removed from the Serena brand’s list of destinations.