NOHM Hospitality takes control of Baoli and plans global expansion

NOHM Hospitality has acquired a controlling stake in Baoli, the Cannes nightlife and dining brand, after first bringing it to Dubai under franchise in 2022. The UAE-based group now plans to expand the concept into more international resort and party destinations, starting with sites under review in St Tropez, Bodrum and Courchevel.

Why it matters: - NOHM Hospitality is moving from franchise operator to brand owner, giving a Dubai-based group control of a recognized European hospitality name. - The deal signals continued Gulf investment in luxury dining and nightlife, while reversing the usual flow of European brands expanding into the region. - Baoli’s Dubai performance gives NOHM a launchpad for wider global growth.

What happened: - NOHM Hospitality acquired a controlling stake in Baoli, the Cannes restaurant and nightlife brand. - The deal was signed in Paris on Oct. 12, 2026. - NOHM Hospitality already held the franchise licence for Baoli Dubai at J1 Beach. - Baoli Dubai opened in November 2024.

The details: - NOHM Hospitality is the food and beverage arm of Downtown Ventures, a DIFC-based investment house. - Downtown Ventures says it has spent more than 40 years building businesses across hospitality, real estate, technology and pharmaceuticals. - Sanjeev Nanda, managing director of Downtown Ventures, took over the family hotel group in 2005. - Nanda has been behind Taj Dubai, Billionaire Mansion and Toto’s in London. - Brandon Joseph, senior vice president of strategy and business development at Downtown Ventures, led the negotiations and structuring. - NOHM’s relationship with Baoli began in 2022, when the company secured the Dubai franchise. - Baoli has operated in Cannes since 1999 and is known for its festive dining format. - Downtown Ventures says Baoli Dubai became one of the city’s most talked-about beachfront venues. - Dubai welcomed 6.97 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. - Western Europe was Dubai’s largest source market in that period. - Sanjeev Nanda said the brand has strong recall and sees “great potential for global expansion.”

Between the lines: - The acquisition gives NOHM a flagship brand with European heritage and a ready-made identity in luxury hospitality. - Control of Baoli also deepens Downtown Ventures’ connection to France, where the brand was born. - The move reflects how Dubai operators are increasingly exporting concepts outward, not just importing them. - Christophe Caucino, founder of Baoli, said the partnership will help the brand reach new cities without losing the identity that made Cannes and Miami successful.

What’s next: - NOHM Hospitality is considering Baoli openings in St Tropez, Bodrum and Courchevel. - The company has not announced opening dates for those markets. - Further global rollout will likely depend on how the Baoli Dubai model translates to other luxury destinations.

The bottom line: - Baoli is now effectively a UAE-controlled global growth story, with Dubai as the base for its next phase.