Chalhoub Group has been officially appointed Ambassador of Altagamma in the Middle East and Coordinator of the Altagamma Club Dubai, formalising its role as a gateway for Italian and British luxury brands seeking growth in the GCC.
The appointment was announced during the Altagamma Club held in Dubai on 29 January, supported by Boston Consulting Group, where Matteo Lunelli and Stefania Lazzaroni – Chairman and CEO of Altagamma – confirmed the Group’s mandate.
The move comes as the GCC’s personal luxury market continues its upward trajectory. Forecast to reach approximately USD 15 billion by 2027, the region is growing at an average annual rate of 6 per cent, driven by resilient local consumption, tourism inflows, affluent expatriate growth, and continued retail expansion.
For European luxury houses, the opportunity is significant – but so is the complexity. GCC consumers are globally connected, digitally sophisticated and highly discerning. Many shop internationally as well as locally, making regional strategies inseparable from global brand positioning.
Chalhoub Group, historically known for supporting the growth of French luxury culture in the Middle East, is now deepening its collaboration with Italy’s and Britain’s leading luxury associations – Altagamma and Walpole – to help brands translate heritage into local relevance.
“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 with organisations 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,” says Patrick Chalhoub – Executive Chairman at Chalhoub Group
The collaboration extended beyond symbolic partnership. During ShopTalk Luxe, where Chalhoub Group acted as a content partner, the Group coordinated engagement sessions for Altagamma and Walpole delegations visiting the Middle East. Activities included media meetings, retail tours across leading malls, market insight sessions and curated networking opportunities.
These initiatives provided Italian and British brands with first-hand exposure to local dynamics and consumer behaviour – an increasingly critical step as the Middle East emerges as one of luxury’s most influential growth engines.
“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,” says Matteo Lunelli – Chairman at Altagamma.
“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,” says, Charlotte Keesing, Director at Walpole.
The initiative aligns with Chalhoub Group’s Vision 2033 “Bridging Horizons”, focused on strategic partnerships, omnichannel development and nurturing high-potential brands.
As luxury recalibrates globally, the Middle East is no longer an expansion market — it is a strategic one. Chalhoub Group’s formalised partnerships with Altagamma and Walpole position it at the centre of that conversation.
