Sunset Hospitality Group secures $35mn funding for global expansion

Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group known for developing and operating high-end hospitality concepts has secured $35 million funding from Goldman Sachs Asset Management to accelerate global expansion.

Founded a decade ago the Group is currently present across nine countries worldwide. It owns and operates AURA, Azure Beach, SUSHISAMBA, Isola, Black Tap, L’amo, Ammos, Drift Beach and METT Hotels & Resorts, among others.

The funding will support Sunset Hospitality Group’s ambitious international expansion plans, including the opening of flagship property METT Hotel & Beach Resort in Marbella in summer of 2023. In addition, the Group is actively exploring additional opportunities within the Mediterranean region, the UK, the US and Asia.

“We are very proud to receive the support of Goldman Sachs. This is a powerful testament to our performance and potential, and the result of the hard work of our incredibly talented team,” said Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group. “The investment is a sign of confidence in Dubai and the UAE as a hub of entrepreneurship and a growing centre for hospitality. We are very excited for this new chapter, and we look forward to proving our potential and accelerating our growth.”

“Sunset has developed a number of strong brands over the last decade, underpinned by strong management team and solid financial profile. We look forward to supporting the company’s ambitious growth plans and being part of the journey ahead,” added Patrick Ordynans, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

As part of SHG’s growing portfolio, earlier this year the team opened DREAM at the Address Jumeirah Resort and Spa (JBR), a dining and entertainment concept on Dubai’s most popular coastline. It was followed by the opening of L’Amo Bistro del Mare, an upscale Italian seafood restaurant at Dubai Harbour. In June, a partnership with MJS Holding in Saudi Arabia led to the opening of the first Black Tap in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

Upcoming openings this year include Mott 32, a popular Chinese restaurant founded in Hong Kong; a new high-energy lounge concept ATTIKO in the rooftop of W Mina Seyahi; and Signor Sassi, the iconic Italian restaurant from London which will open in St Regis The Palm. Beyond Dubai, SHG aims to open 15 additional international venues cementing its presence across 14 countries by the end of the 2023.

“We remain committed to growth within the UAE and wider GCC region,” Gonzalez stated. “However, we also want to take our team’s talent and ambition further afield and apply all the know-how we have developed over the past decade and export the Dubai standards of hospitality to a wider stage. We are actively looking at acquisition opportunities to continue our exponential growth around the world and the support of Goldman Sachs is fundamental to this new phase of our company.”