Cheval Collection, the UK-based, award-winning luxury hospitality company with a growing number of properties in the UAE and wider Middle East, has appointed Robert Nicolas as Cluster Director of Sales for its two luxury serviced apartment properties in Dubai.
With over two decades’ experience in hospitality, Robert leads sales at the award-winning Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City which, collectively, have 282 keys.
A strategic, hands-on leader and an accomplished change agent, Robert has a proven track record of accelerating growth and maximising return on investment in competitive markets.
Before joining Cheval, which is expanding at pace in the UAE and across the region, Robert held senior commercial roles at several luxury hotels and serviced residences in the UAE, including The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Dubai, Sharjah’s Chedi Al Bait and Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, and a cluster of Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi.
John Raffoul, Cluster General Manager, Cheval Collection Dubai, said: “Robert’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the UAE hospitality sector is invaluable to Cheval’s award-winning 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.”
Commenting on his appointment, Robert Nicolas added: “Having worked across many segments of the market, I am now adding the serviced apartment sector to my resume. Cheval Collection is renowned for its stunning properties, first-rate amenities and giving guests the privacy, time and attention to make them feel at home. I am delighted to be on board and look forward to being part of the company’s continued growth and success in the region.”
Cheval’s Dubai properties are pet-friendly, conveniently-located with excellent transport links, and feature spacious, high-end studios and 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, each with their own kitchen and sweeping views. Both properties have a rooftop swimming pool, a gym and onsite dining outlets.
Cheval Maison The Palm opened in 2023 Cheval Maison Expo City Dubai became operational in 2025. Dubai is also home to Cheval’s first branded residences property – Cheval Residences Dubai Islands – launched in April this year.
In Saudi Arabia, Cheval is ploughing ahead with Cheval Ladun Living and Cheval Maison Sulaymaniyah, both in Riyadh. More properties, including new ventures in untapped Middle East markets, are coming soon.
