UAE's Sunset Hospitality Group Bags US$25 Million Investment

UAE-headquartered global lifestyle hospitality company Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has secured a US$25 million investment from the private credit business line of the New York-based investment manager, Goldman Sachs Asset Management.   

The investment from Goldman Sachs is set to provide SHG with the capital needed to further drive its global expansion. In fact, SHG is now gearing up to open new hotels under its METT Hotels & Resorts banner in Barcelona, Milan, Sitges, and Singapore in 2025, which is part of its broader goal to manage or operate 20 hotel properties by 2026. 

“This is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group CEO of SHG, told Inc. Arabia in an interview. “From my perspective, the key to this partnership with Goldman Sachs has been our strong focus on performance, growth, and diversification. Goldman Sachs has shown solid confidence in the segment we operate in, and in SHG’s ability to consistently deliver results.” 

The new capital builds on an earlier $35 million investment made by Goldman Sachs in 2022, which, according to Gonzalez, signals its continued vote of confidence in SHG. “The fact that they're now increasing that [initial] investment with an additional $25 million really speaks volumes, and it’s a clear reflection of the strength of our track record, and, more importantly, the potential they see in where we’re headed,” Gonzalez added. 

Since the first investment by Goldman Sachs in 2022, SHG has more than doubled its footprint—from just over 40 venues in nine countries then, to 87 venues in 25 countries today. Its pipeline now includes 43 upcoming projects, which will bring the group’s global presence to 130 venues, including 12 under the METT Hotels & Resorts banner. 

Beyond organic growth, SHG is also pursuing expansion through mergers and acquisitions. Following its acquisition of the Hong-Kong based award-winning hospitality group Maximal Concepts in 2024, the company intends to invest further in lifestyle hospitality businesses that complement its brand portfolio. 

A SHG property under its METT Hotels & Resorts brand. Image courtesy SHG. 

According to Gonzalez, Goldman Sachs’ backing of SHG serves as an indication of how GCC-born companies with international aspirations are commanding attention on the global stage. 

“This investment is a strong signal of how global investor appetite is shifting, especially towards GCC-born ventures that are scaling internationally with a clear, ambitious vision,” Gonzalez said. “Investors are recognizing the maturity and global potential of companies in this region.” 

Gonzalez also pointed to macroeconomic instability in traditional markets as a prompt for investors to explore new frontiers. “On a microeconomic level, there’s no denying that the current turbulence in Europe and the US—rising operational costs, inflation, and overall uncertainty—has prompted investors to look more closely at stable environments,” he explained. “The UAE, and Dubai in particular, stands out as a safe and forward-looking hub. From where I stand, the shift in investor appetite is a reflection of the region’s growing influence on the global economic stage.” 

For entrepreneurs in the UAE and the wider GCC looking to replicate SHG’s trajectory in their businesses, Gonzalez's advice was, “Stay focused on your purpose, and never lose sight of your people,” he said. “At SHG, our success has been driven by a clear vision, a disciplined approach to expansion, and most importantly, a team that believes in what we’re building.” 

He also emphasized that sustainable global growth hinges on organizational culture and executive discipline. “People are at the heart of everything we do—our culture, our operations, our guest experience,” he explained. “Without the right people, you can’t scale sustainably. As for balancing fast-paced global growth with operational excellence, it comes down to consistency in values and agility in execution. We’ve built a strong foundation rooted in quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of our markets. That allows us to grow with confidence, while staying true to who we are.” 

Pictured in the lead image is Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group CEO of SHG. Image courtesy SHG.