LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

There’s a new name on Kuwait’s horizon, and it’s one that the world’s most discerning travellers alreay know well. Nobu Hospitality, the globally celebrated lifestyle brand founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, is bringing its signature blend of refined living, world-class dining, and contemporary design to Kuwait for the very first time.

In partnership with United Real Estate Company (URC) – the real estate arm of KIPCO Group and Dhaliliyah Company, Nobu will open the Nobu Residences and Restaurant Kuwait at Hessah Plaza, a vibrant, walkable destination at the heart of the Hessah District Project.

The development promises to redefine luxury living in the region, featuring 90 exclusive serviced residences, flexible event and meeting spaces, and a flagship Nobu restaurant with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. For residents and visitors alike, it’s an invitation to live — and dine — in unmistakable Nobu style.

Where Kuwaiti Culture Meets Japanese Elegance

Known for its minimalist elegance and effortlessly cool ambiance, Nobu’s aesthetic has captivated cities from Malibu to Marrakech. In Kuwait, the brand is poised to weave its distinct DNA, a seamless mix of Japanese precision, Californian ease, and contemporary luxury, into the cultural tapestry of the Gulf.

Set within Hessah Plaza, Nobu Kuwait will anchor a district already emerging as one of Kuwait’s most exciting lifestyle destinations. With luxury boutiques, open-air cafés, and pedestrian-friendly promenades, the area is designed for those who appreciate sophistication in every detail.

“Our partnership with Nobu Hospitality demonstrates URC’s ability to attract world-class international partners,” said Sheikha Bibi Nasser Al-Sabah, Chairperson of URC. “It highlights Kuwait’s growing appeal as a premier destination for investors and visitors alike.”

A Vision for Modern Kuwait

Behind the project lies a shared vision — one that positions Kuwait as a new nexus of innovation and luxury in the Middle East.

“Our collaboration with Dhaliliyah Engineering Consultants aims to attract leading and rapidly expanding global luxury hospitality brands,” Al-Sabah added. “This reinforces the State of Kuwait’s position as a regional hub for excellence.”

Her Royal Highness Dr. Nouf Bint Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Saud, founder of Dhaliliyah Company, echoed that sentiment, describing the partnership as “a bold step toward redefining Kuwait’s real estate and hospitality landscape.”

“URC and Nobu are anchoring Hessah District as a premier destination for exclusive living, fine dining, and cultural experiences,” she said.

The Nobu Lifestyle Comes to Kuwait

For Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, the expansion marks a meaningful milestone.

“Kuwait has always been an important market for us,” Horwell noted. “We’re thrilled to bring the Nobu lifestyle here for the first time — not only expanding our Middle East footprint but introducing a dynamic new audience to what makes Nobu so special.”

The collaboration, he adds, aligns perfectly with URC’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable, design-led developments. Together, they aim to elevate Kuwait’s profile as a regional hub for luxury living, hospitality, and culture.

A New Destination for Global Travellers

When it opens, Nobu Residences and Restaurant Kuwait will become more than a place to stay or dine — it will be a destination in itself. From elegant interiors and culinary excellence to the unmistakable Nobu energy that pulses through its global properties, it’s set to bring a new dimension of lifestyle sophistication to Kuwait’s skyline.

For travellers who chase the world’s finest experiences, this is one address that belongs at the top of the list.