Armani partners for hotel expansion

DUBAI – The Armani Group has announced a 20-year exclusive worldwide joint venture with Dubai’s Symphony Global, the private investment company of Mohamed Alabbar, to develop future Armani Hotels & Resorts, including branded residences, in select global destinations.

Armani Group, already with hotels in Dubai and Milan and the Armani Hotel at Diriyah Gate, Riyadh scheduled to open in 2027, said the vision for this expansion reflects a long-term commitment to luxury hospitality, where architecture, interiors, service, and atmosphere form a seamless and enduring expression of the Armani aesthetic.

Based in Milan and Dubai, the creative, strategic, and operational centers of the partnership bring together the Armani Group’s extensive experience in translating its design language across hospitality, residential, and mixed-use projects, alongside Symphony Global’s expertise in creating landmark destinations such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa, home of the first Armani-branded hotel.

Alabbar also founded digital commerce platform Noon and holds major shareholdings in Americana, one of the region’s largest food and beverage operators.

The joint venture structure provides both capital and operational expertise for sustained expansion. Symphony Global’s resources and development experience complement Armani Group’s design capabilities and brand equity. The exclusivity deal signals a commitment to building a substantial portfolio rather than pursuing opportunistic single-property deals.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the agreement is renewable for an additional 10 years.