- Strategic Partnership : Armani Group and Mohamed Alabbar’s Symphony Global LLC have established a global joint venture with 20-year exclusivity to develop Armani Hotels & Resorts in select international destinations, building on the proven success of existing properties in Dubai and Milan.
- Experienced Leadership Combination: The partnership unites Armani Group’s decades of translating its design language across hospitality and residential projects with Symphony Global’s track record in creating landmark destinations, led by Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar and creator of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa.
- Dual Operational Headquarters: Based in Milan and Dubai, the joint venture’s creative, strategic, and operational centers reflect the global scope of the collaboration and position the partnership to execute on international development opportunities.
- Proven Hospitality Success: The expansion builds on the established performance of Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Hotel Milano, with Armani Hotel at Diriyah Gate, Riyadh scheduled to open in 2027, demonstrating strong appeal to today’s global luxury clientele.
- Long-Term Business Model: The joint venture follows Armani Group’s established approach of decades-long strategic partnerships, similar to those with Luxottica and L’Oréal, emphasizing sustained collaboration over short-term opportunism.
Armani Group Announce a New Worldwide Hospitality Expansion Joint Venture with Symphony Global
Armani Group has signed a worldwide joint venture with Symphony Global, the private investment company of entrepreneur Mohamed Alabbar, to develop future Armani Hotels & Resorts across select international markets.
The 20-year partnership marks a significant expansion of the relationship that produced Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Hotel Milano, positioning the collaboration as one of the most ambitious design-led hospitality ventures in recent years.
The joint venture operates with global exclusivity from dual headquarters in Milan and Dubai, combining the creative and operational expertise of both organizations. This structure reflects the international scope of the partnership and provides the infrastructure to execute development opportunities across multiple continents.
Mohamed Alabbar brings extensive experience in creating landmark developments through his role as founder of Emaar, one of the world’s leading real estate and hotel development companies. His portfolio includes Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa. Alabbar also founded Noon, the Middle East’s leading digital commerce platform, and holds major shareholdings in Americana, one of the region’s largest food and beverage operators.
His private investment firm, Symphony Global LLC, has demonstrated capabilities across real estate, hospitality, retail, technology, and consumer goods sectors.
The partnership builds on a foundation of proven performance. Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Hotel Milano have established the viability of translating the Armani aesthetic into luxury hospitality and residential environments.
The upcoming Armani Hotel and Residences at Diriyah Gate in Riyadh, scheduled to open in 2027, along with various Armani branded residences being developed globally, validates the brands appeal in luxury hospitality and real estate markets.
The expansion vision, articulated by Giorgio Armani prior to his recent passing, positions hospitality and residences as an extension of the brand’s core design philosophy. Architecture, interiors, service, and atmosphere are treated as integrated components of the Armani aesthetic rather than separate operational functions.
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 20-year exclusivity period signals a commitment to building a substantial portfolio rather than pursuing opportunistic single-property deals.
The synergy between Armani’s residential and hospitality portfolios creates potential for integrated mixed-use developments. Future projects may combine Armani Hotels with Armani Residences, offering residents access to hotel services and amenities while providing hotels with stable, long-term occupants who embody the brand’s lifestyle values.
The joint venture positions both partners for long-term growth in luxury hospitality. Armani Group gains development capabilities and capital access through Symphony Global, while Alabbar’s firm secures exclusive rights to develop hotels under one of the world’s most recognized luxury brands.
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