UAE: Investment firm Shamal Holding will develop the Baccarat Hotel & Residences in downtown Dubai, set to open in 2026.
Baccarat Hotel & Residences will form part of a mixed-use development facing the Burj Khalifa and will mark the first location in the UAE for the brand.
The property’s twin towers, overseen by architectural firm Studio Libeskind, will offer 144 rooms and 49 branded residences designed by studio 1508, along with four food and beverage outlets.
SH Hotels & Resorts, the hotel brand management company under Starwood Capital Group, will operate the the hotel. The project will be managed by the group’s newly established regional team in London, under the leadership of Robert Koren who has recently been appointed as SVP and area managing director for EMEA.
Barry Sternlicht, chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to be partners in the development of this extraordinary hotel and residences in one of the top travel destinations in the world. The Baccarat brand celebrates the quality of light and where is the sun more spectacular than in the Middle East. Our artisans will work to create a spectacular property to take its place among the most revered in the world. We are excited for this project’s gleaming future.”
Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management officer at Shamal Holding, said: “Best known for its regal elegance, the Baccarat brand has one of the richest brand equities in the luxury hospitality sector, which aligns closely with Shamal’s long-term investment strategy to bring extraordinary experiences to the region.
“Dubai is known for its luxury hotel portfolio, and we are confident that this mixed-use development will be a new highlight for both residents and visitors. We are working closely with a range of exceptional partners as we curate this unique development and we look forward to contributing to Dubai’s hospitality offering and wider growth ambitions.”
Shamal Holding will collaborate with H&H Development, a real estate investor, developer, and asset manager based in Dubai. Miltos Bossinis, CEO at H&H Development, said: “The Baccarat brand presents an invaluable opportunity to create a truly bespoke and unique development that unites the heritage of Baccarat with the contemporary spirit, energy and dynamism of Dubai. We look forward to working with Shamal Holding and all of our partners on what will undoubtedly be an industry-defining project.”
