A bridge, together with Italian and British Luxury Associations, Altagamma and Walpole, to support European brands in understanding the GCC market
The personal luxury market in the GCC continues to grow at a strong pace, with an average annual growth forecast of 6%, bringing the sector to approximately USD 15 billion by 2027.
This expansion is driven by solid local consumption, steady tourist flows, an increasing population of affluent expatriates, the opening of new retail centers, and the entry of luxury brands.
At the same time, the skincare segment is performing strongly, and e-commerce is accelerating rapidly, particularly through pure digital players, outperforming global growth. In this favorable macroeconomic context, GCC consumers (who often also purchase globally outside the region) are globally connected, digitally sophisticated, and highly discerning, making the GCC one of the most influential luxury markets internationally.
In this context, Chalhoub Group, historically known for supporting the growth of French luxury culture in the Middle East, continues to act as a facilitator and trusted partner for international brands. Over decades, the Group has developed deep knowledge of local consumers, retail ecosystems, and cultural nuances.
This expertise helps them navigate the region, anticipate trends, and create meaningful experiences for GCC consumers. Thanks to this, and to its active participation and ongoing dialogue with Altagamma and Walpole, Chalhoub Group is recognised as a bridge for Made in Italy and British luxury in the Middle East, reinforcing its role as a luxury thought leader.
“Luxury is about culture, heritage, and meaningful connections. Chalhoub Group’s journey began seven decades ago with French luxury brands, supporting their growth and helping bring their culture to the Middle East. Over time, this experience has evolved through collaborations with Italian and British luxury houses, among others, allowing us to deepen our understanding of European craftsmanship and creativity.
Supporting and partnering withorganisations like Walpole and Altagamma in the GCC market is a privilege, and we look forward to strengthening our connections and creating value for both brands and consumers alike.”
Patrick Chalhoub – Executive Chairman at Chalhoub Group
Altagamma is the leading association representing Italy’s High-End Cultural and Creative Industry. Since 1992, it brings together the country’s most iconic brands, champions Italian excellence, uniqueness and lifestyle, and promotes them worldwide. Distinctive for its cross-sectoral nature, Altagamma unites 121 leading brands across seven sectors: fashion, design, jewellery, food, hospitality, motors and yachting.
Altagamma Mission is both to strengthen the growth and international positioning of Italy’s high-end industry and contributing to the country’s overall economic development. In Italy, the high-end segment generates €144 billion, accounts for 7.4% of GDP and over 70% of exports, and employs nearly 2 million people directly and indirectly — representing 8.2% of total employment.
Walpole, the official body representing British luxury, champions the interests of the UK’s most distinctive luxury brands in the UK and internationally. It supports its members’ long-term global growth through market insight, strategic advocacy, and access to influential networks and partnerships. By promoting British luxury on the world stage, Walpole showcases the distinctive blend of heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship that defines British excellence, helping brands build relevance, resilience, and visibility in key international markets.
“The GCC is one of the most compelling growth markets for British luxury, with exports rising to 14 percent in recent years. Consumers value heritage and craftsmanship but also expect innovation and exceptional experiences.
With major luxury retail developments underway across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, British brands that invest in storytelling and localisation are well positioned to succeed. It has been an honour to lead the delegation to the GCC alongside Altagamma and our long-term partner Chalhoub Group.” Charlotte Keesing, Director at Walpole
The collaboration is based on a practical and immersive approach, allowing brands to understand the GCC market from all angles. Through workshops, training sessions, market analysis, and the sharing of insights, Chalhoub Group facilitates the understanding of a complex and sophisticated context, supporting brands in building sustainable and culturally relevant strategies.
A concrete example of the Group’s contribution is represented by the activities organised on the occasion of ShopTalk Luxe, for which Chalhoub Group was a content partner. During the event, the Group coordinated a series of engagement moments for the delegations of Altagamma and Walpole visiting the Middle East, including meetings with local media, visits to the main malls in the region, sessions to share market insights, and networking opportunities.
These initiatives allowed Italian and British brands to gain deeper insight into local dynamics, emerging trends, and GCC consumer expectations, putting the Group’s role as a cultural and commercial bridge between Europe and the Middle East into practice.
On the occasion of the Altagamma Club, held in Dubai on January 29 with the support of Boston Consulting Group, Matteo Lunelli and Stefania Lazzaroni, respectively Chairman and CEO of Altagamma, officially appointedChalhoub Group as Ambassador in the Middle East and Coordinator of the Altagamma Club Dubai.
The appointment recognises the Group’s ability to support Italian brands in understanding the GCC market, connecting culture, retail, and consumers, and creating dialogue between European brands and the region’s sophisticated shoppers.
“Over the past months, we have witnessed significant changes in the luxury market, including an increasing demand for experiences and a growing focus by brands on emerging geographies. Among these, the Middle East stands out as one of the most dynamic regions.
Dubai, in particular, has become one of the most desirable destinations worldwide, with a rapidly expanding entertainment and cultural offering and, for luxury brands, an ideal environment in which to experiment with new concepts in events, retail, presentations, and shows. Our Altagamma Club aims to foster cross-fertilisation among its members and key partners.
We are pleased that Chalhoub Group is the Ambassador of Made in Italy in the region. I am confident that this network will be well-positioned to seize the significant opportunities offered by this market, to share insights and best practices, and to develop projects that help promote our creations and the Italian lifestyle”.
Matteo Lunelli – Chairman at Altagamma
This initiative reinforces Chalhoub Group’s commitment to interpreting the transformations of global luxury and building lasting relationships between brands, markets, and consumers.
In line with the Vision 2033 “Bridging Horizons”, the Group confirms its growth strategy through strategic partnerships, omnichannel development, and the nurturing of high-potential brands, always putting deep market and consumer knowledge at the center.
