Shamal Holding, the Dubai-based investment firm behind some of the emirate’s most iconic developments, has announced a landmark partnership with Cheval Blanc, the luxury hospitality brand under LVMH, to launch the first Cheval Blanc maison in the Middle East.
Slated to open in 2029, the property will be a private island retreat, offering ultra-exclusive accommodation and beachfront residences, combining Cheval Blanc’s hallmark refinement with Shamal’s vision for high-end placemaking. The new development reinforces Dubai’s ambition to expand its global luxury footprint and aligns with the emirate’s 2030 tourism and investment vision.
“This project exemplifies our long-term strategy to curate globally distinctive destinations and pioneer hospitality firsts in the region,” Shamal Holding said in a statement.
An Intimate Island Escape With 70 Bespoke Keys
Set against a pristine coastal landscape in the Arabian Gulf, the upcoming maison will include:
- 30 suites and
- 40 private pool villas,
all designed with Cheval Blanc’s signature design aesthetic — minimalistic, serene, and integrated with nature.
In addition, a limited number of branded beachfront residences will be offered for private ownership, allowing ultra-high-net-worth individuals to invest in a rare blend of lifestyle and asset class, complete with full Cheval Blanc service access.
Elevated Design Meets Art de Recevoir
The architecture will reflect an intentional blend of modern refinement and ecological sensitivity, celebrating both the natural setting and the brand’s quiet elegance. The development will incorporate personalised wellness programmes, haute cuisine, and curated lifestyle experiences, in line with Cheval Blanc’s ethos of art de recevoir (the art of hospitality).
“This launch marks a major step in Cheval Blanc’s selective global expansion strategy, designed to meet the evolving expectations of our most discerning guests,” the company noted.
Strategic Significance For Dubai’s High-End Hospitality Market
Cheval Blanc Dubai represents a significant milestone for the regional luxury hospitality sector, bringing one of LVMH’s most exclusive brands into a maturing, yet still fast-growing, premium market. The partnership also underscores Shamal Holding’s role as a strategic place-maker, reinforcing Dubai’s credentials as a destination for ultra-luxury living and tourism.
The project adds to Cheval Blanc’s selective portfolio, which includes maisons in Courchevel, Paris, Saint-Barthélemy, St-Tropez, and the Maldives — and now, for the first time, in the GCC.
–Input GDMO
