IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for its first Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel, in Islamabad — in partnership with Square Nine Estate Developers Pvt Ltd.

Scheduled for a 2026 opening, the hotel reaffirms IHG’s strategic commitment to expand its presence in key international markets, in line with market demands.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites The Avenue Islamabad will join a portfolio of more than 3,000 operating Holiday Inn Express hotels and 650+ in the pipeline, globally. As IHG’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand, Holiday Inn Express brand is known for offering efficient, dependable hotels that champion simple and smart travel.

Strategically located in the capital city of Islamabad, the upcoming Holiday Inn Express & Suites will offer convenient and contemporary hospitality experience to guests. Surrounded by the city’s captivating landscape, the hotel will be an ideal destination for those looking to explore Islamabad’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. With its seamless fusion of comfort and accessibility, the hotel will cater to the diverse needs of both leisure and corporate visitors, embodying the essence of refined hospitality in the heart of Islamabad's dynamic business environment.

As part of The Avenue project, an upscale mixed-use development featuring retail units, the completed Holiday Inn Express & Suites will add 150 rooms to Islamabad's accommodation landscape. The hotel will be designed to cater to the evolving needs of today's smart, technologically savvy travellers, and will feature a main lobby, an all-day dining restaurant, lounge, four meeting rooms, along with a well-equipped gym.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are pleased to partner with Square Nine Estate Developers to bring our iconic Holiday Inn Express brand to Pakistan. The brand is known worldwide for delivering smart, efficient stays and is a great fit for a market like Islamabad. We look forward to providing world-class hospitality to our guests visiting the city when we open our doors in 2026.”

Waleed Malik, CEO of Square Nine Estate Developers Pvt. Ltd. said: “It is an honor to partner with one of the world’s leading hotel groups to introduce the Holiday Inn Express brand to Pakistan. This partnership signifies our commitment to introducing world-class hospitality to Islamabad's thriving landscape. IHG's globally renowned brand aligns seamlessly with our vision for The Avenue, offering contemporary and efficient stays experience for both business and leisure travelers. We believe this venture will contribute positively to the city's hospitality sector and enhance the overall appeal of The Avenue as a destination.”

The Holiday Inn Express brand continues to be the first choice for the increasing number of travellers who need a simple, engaging place to rest, recharge and get a little work done, globally.

IHG currently operates 109 hotels across eight brands in the Middle East, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, voco, and Six Senses.