Cheval Collection Brings Luxury Serviced Residences to Dubai South’s Waterfront

A landmark partnership signals Dubai South's evolution into a mixed-use destination, with a British luxury hospitality operator set to introduce 193 units of sophisticated accommodation to the master development's premium South Bay community by 2030.

The waterfront district of Dubai South is preparing to welcome a new dimension of refined hospitality. Cheval Collection, the award-winning British luxury operator, has signed an agreement to develop Cheval South Bay, a curated collection of serviced apartments and branded residences that will reshape the residential landscape of this sprawling aviation and logistics hub.

The development will comprise 193 units in total: 98 serviced hotel apartments alongside 95 branded residences, all scheduled to open in 2030. Located within South Bay, a premium waterfront neighbourhood at the heart of Dubai South’s Residential District, the project will benefit from proximity to a kilometre-long lagoon and direct connectivity to South Bay Mall, creating an integrated living and leisure environment.

Nabil Al Kindi, Group CEO of Dubai South, described the partnership as a significant step in the master development’s expansion into hospitality operations. “Our agreement with Cheval Collection marks an important milestone in bringing a renowned, experienced international operator to our growing residential offering,” he noted, emphasising how the development will strengthen Dubai South’s appeal as an integrated destination where aviation, logistics and residential living converge.

For Cheval Collection, the venture represents substantial growth in the Middle East. Mohammed Alawadhi, CEO of Cheval Collection, underscored the region’s importance to the company’s trajectory, positioning Cheval South Bay as a major milestone in the group’s continued regional expansion. The property will be Cheval’s fourth in the UAE and sixth across the Middle East, bringing its regional portfolio to exceed 800 units with further developments in progress.

The project reflects Dubai South’s broader evolution. As a master development focused on aviation, logistics and real estate, the district has seen major investments from global operators. As we reported, Iron Mountain has established its first UAE logistics hub at Dubai South, whilst flydubai opened a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance centre at the site, underlining the district’s appeal to major operators seeking integrated operational and residential environments.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Whilst Cheval South Bay is located in Dubai, the development reflects broader trends in the UAE’s real estate and hospitality landscape that hold significance for the broader emirates. The project demonstrates how master developments across the nation are increasingly diversifying beyond single sectors, attracting international luxury operators and creating mixed-use communities that balance commercial, residential and leisure functions. This approach to integrated urban development has become a hallmark of UAE planning strategy.

The expansion of Cheval Collection’s regional portfolio underscores growing investor confidence in UAE hospitality and residential markets. As international luxury brands continue to establish presence across emirates, the broader competitive environment encourages elevated standards of design, service and sustainability across the sector, benefiting residents and visitors throughout the nation.

Source: WAM