A consortium of Italian and British Luxury Associations, Altagamma and Walpole, to support European brands in the GCC
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 US$ 15bn 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 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.
Meaningful connections
“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. 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,” explained Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman, 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.
Multi-sectoral
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 €144bn, accounts for 7.4% of GDP and over 70% of exports and employs nearly 2mn 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.
Retail developments
“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,” affirmed Charlotte Keesing, Director, 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.
Initiatives
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 29 January 2026, Altagamma Club, with the support of Boston Consulting Group; Matteo Lunelli, Chairman and Stefania Lazzaroni, Chief Executive Officer, Altagamma, officially appointed Chalhoub 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.
Key partners
“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,” affirmed Lunelli.
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 centre, a press statement concluded.
