Cheval Collection Hires Robert Nicolas as Sales Director
Robert Nicolas takes over commercial leadership for Cheval Collection's 282 Dubai serviced apartment keys across Palm Jumeirah and Expo City.
The short answer
Cheval Collection has named Robert Nicolas as cluster director of sales for its Dubai portfolio. Nicolas brings over two decades of UAE commercial experience to oversee 282 keys across The Palm and Expo City.
“Robert’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the UAE hospitality sector is invaluable to Cheval’s properties on The Palm and at Expo City. It’s a pleasure to welcome him on board as we enter our busiest time of the year, with the UAE’s event season and peak travel period on the horizon.”
The short version
- Robert Nicolas assumes cluster sales leadership for 282 keys across Cheval Maison – The Palm and Cheval Maison – Expo City.
- Cheval Collection holds more than 950 units globally following the March 2025 opening of its Expo City Dubai location.
- Saudi Arabia expansion plans include Cheval Ladun Living opening in 2027 and Cheval Maison Sulaymaniyah in 2028.
Cheval Collection has appointed hospitality veteran Robert Nicolas as cluster director of sales for its two Dubai properties, placing 282 serviced apartment units under his commercial leadership [1]. Nicolas brings more than 20 years of commercial hospitality experience across the United Arab Emirates to head sales at Cheval Maison – The Palm and Cheval Maison – Expo City [[1], [2]].
What are Robert Nicolas's immediate responsibilities in Dubai?
Robert Nicolas oversees commercial sales operations across Cheval Collection's two operational properties in the emirate, which collectively total 282 keys [1]. These include Cheval Maison – The Palm and Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai, an asset that launched in March 2025 [2]. Serviced Apartment News reported that Nicolas works alongside John Raffoul, cluster general manager for Cheval Collection Dubai, to steer revenue as the portfolio approaches peak travel months [1]. Raffoul confirmed the timing aligns directly with incoming demand spikes, stating that Nicolas joins ahead of the UAE's annual event calendar and winter high season [[1], [2]].
Where did Robert Nicolas gain his UAE hospitality experience?
Robert Nicolas spent over two decades directing commercial and sales teams across luxury hotels and serviced residences in multiple Emirates [[1], [2]]. According to eHotelier, his past leadership positions include senior commercial roles at The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Dubai, Sharjah's Chedi Al Bait, and the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa [2]. Nicolas also previously directed sales for a regional cluster of Anantara Hotels & Resorts properties located in Abu Dhabi [[1], [2]]. The move to Cheval Collection marks his official addition of the serviced apartment discipline to his commercial background [1].
How does the Dubai footprint fit into Cheval Collection's wider portfolio?
Cheval Collection manages more than 950 units globally across London and Dubai, expanding its international footprint through third-party management agreements and branded residences [2]. The addition of Cheval Maison – Expo City in March 2025 pushed the operator past the 950-unit milestone [2]. The table below outlines the group's established properties and confirmed development pipeline across the Middle East as documented by industry reports [[1], [2]]:
| Property Name | Location | Opening Date / Status | Role / Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheval Maison – The Palm | Dubai, UAE | Operational | Part of 282-key Dubai cluster [1] |
| Cheval Maison – Expo City | Dubai, UAE | March 2025 | Part of 282-key Dubai cluster [2] |
| Cheval Ladun Living | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 2027 | First group property in Saudi Arabia [1] |
| Cheval Maison Sulaymaniyah | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 2028 | Near King Salman Park [[1], [2]] |
What are Cheval Collection's future regional expansion plans?
Cheval Collection is using its United Arab Emirates base to support an expansion pipeline across the Gulf Cooperation Council, led by two confirmed projects in Saudi Arabia [1]. As Serviced Apartment News reported, the UK-based luxury operator will debut Cheval Ladun Living in Riyadh in 2027 [1]. That project represents the brand's inaugural property in the Kingdom [1]. In 2028, the company will deliver Cheval Maison Sulaymaniyah, situated close to King Salman Park in central Riyadh [[1], [2]]. eHotelier noted that the group plans to reveal additional properties and entries into new geographic markets in future announcements [2].
Reported by
This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.
- [1]Cheval Collection Names Dubai Cluster Sales Director— servicedapartmentnews.com
- [2]Cheval Names Robert Nicolas Cluster Sales Director— eHotelier
Frequently asked
+Who is the new cluster director of sales for Cheval Collection in Dubai?
Robert Nicolas has been appointed cluster director of sales for Cheval Collection in Dubai, bringing more than 20 years of commercial hospitality experience across the United Arab Emirates to the operator's portfolio.
+How many keys does Robert Nicolas oversee in Dubai?
Nicolas is responsible for 282 keys across two serviced apartment properties: Cheval Maison – The Palm and Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai.
+Which hotel brands did Robert Nicolas work with prior to Cheval Collection?
Before joining Cheval Collection, Nicolas held senior commercial positions at The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Dubai, Sharjah's Chedi Al Bait, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, and a cluster of Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi.
+When did Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai open?
Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai opened in March 2025, expanding Cheval Collection's global operating portfolio to more than 950 units across the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
+What upcoming hotel openings does Cheval Collection have planned in Saudi Arabia?
Cheval Collection plans to open Cheval Ladun Living in Riyadh in 2027 as its first Saudi Arabian asset, followed by Cheval Maison Sulaymaniyah near King Salman Park in Riyadh in 2028.
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