On October 13th, 2025, the glittering Bulgari Resort Dubai played host to a night of wisdom, wit, and wonder as The Akademy welcomed Patrick Chalhoub for an intimate fireside chat, a celebration marking 70 years of the Chalhoub Group’s trailblazing legacy in luxury.
In a conversation effortlessly steered by The Akademy Ambassador, Nisreen Shocair, Patrick opened up about what it truly means to lead with purpose, passion, and perspective. With his signature blend of humility and gravitas, he reflected on the Chalhoub Group’s evolution, from its storied beginnings to its standing today as a bridge between global luxury maisons and the ever-evolving Arab world.
From nurturing homegrown creativity to championing innovation rooted in tradition, Patrick’s insights were a reminder that true leadership isn’t about longevity, it’s about legacy. His words carried the quiet power of experience and the spark of someone who never stops learning.
The evening wrapped on a sweet note (quite literally) with a bespoke cake-cutting ceremony led by Patrick himself. Designed by celebrated cake artist Penelope d’Arcy Graham, the creation was more than dessert, it was an edible ode to seven decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and heart.
For The Akademy, Dubai’s hub for curious minds, bold thinkers, and lifelong learners, this event marked more than a milestone. Guided by its mantra, “Never Stop Learning,” the evening set the tone for a new season celebrating visionary ideas, cultural dialogue, and the timeless art of reinvention.
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