Nobu Hospitality has announced plans to open the first Nobu Residences and restaurant in Kuwait, in partnership with United Real Estate Company (URC), the real estate arm of KIPCO Group, and Dhaliliyah Company.
Located at Hessah Plaza within the Hessah District Project, the development will feature 90 luxury serviced residences, flexible meeting and event spaces, and a signature Nobu restaurant overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
The project marks Nobu’s debut in Kuwait and expands the global lifestyle brand’s presence in the Middle East. Blending Japanese design aesthetics with Kuwaiti culture, Nobu Residences Kuwait aims to deliver an upscale living and dining experience in one of the country’s most prominent mixed-use developments. The Hessah Plaza location is designed as a walkable hub for retail, dining, and entertainment, positioning it as a focal point for the city’s luxury lifestyle sector.
Partnership to Elevate Kuwait’s Luxury Landscape
The partnership brings together Nobu Hospitality, URC, and Dhaliliyah Company to establish a new benchmark for integrated luxury living in Kuwait. The launch underscores URC’s strategy to attract international hospitality brands that enhance the country’s growing appeal to investors, residents, and visitors.
“Our partnership with Nobu Hospitality demonstrates URC’s ability to attract world-class international partners and highlights Kuwait’s growing appeal as a premier destination for investors and visitors,” said Sheikha Bibi Nasser Al-Sabah, Chairperson of URC. “Our partnership with Dhaliliyah Engineering Consultants aims to attract leading and rapidly expanding global luxury hospitality brands, thereby reinforcing the State of Kuwait’s position as a premier regional hub for innovation and excellence.”
Her Royal Highness Dr. Nouf Bint Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Saud, founder of Dhaliliyah Company, said: “URC and Nobu are redefining Kuwait’s real estate and hospitality landscape—anchoring Hessah District as a premier destination for exclusive living, fine dining, and cultural experiences.”
Nobu’s Continued Middle East Expansion
Nobu Hospitality, co-founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, continues to expand across the Middle East, where it already operates in cities such as Riyadh, Doha, and Dubai. The addition of Kuwait strengthens its regional footprint while tapping into a growing market for high-end residential and hospitality offerings.
“We are excited to introduce Nobu Residences and Restaurant Kuwait,” said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. “Kuwait has always been an important market for us, and we are thrilled to bring the Nobu lifestyle here for the first time, which not only expands our footprint in the Middle East but also brings the Nobu lifestyle to a vibrant new market. We are honored to partner with URC, whose forward-thinking vision and commitment to innovative and sustainable developments make them an ideal collaborator for this landmark project.”
The Nobu brand, renowned for its distinctive blend of Japanese minimalism and contemporary design, will integrate local influences into the Kuwait project. The new residences are expected to cater to both residents and business travellers seeking high-end serviced living, complemented by the brand’s signature dining and wellness offerings.
According to the partners, the development reinforces Kuwait’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for luxury hospitality and lifestyle innovation. The new Nobu Residences and restaurant at Hessah Plaza are set to enhance the city’s profile as a destination for global brands and discerning travellers alike.
