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ALMAL Real Estate Development and Sumosan Restaurant Group celebrated their partnership with an official signing ceremony at The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences, marking a significant milestone in the development’s premium dining and hospitality offering.
Held on 3 November 2026 at the project site on Al Marjan Island, the ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organisations. The official signing was led by Dmitriy Starovoitov, Founder of ALMAL Real Estate Development, and Janina Wolkow, Founder of Sumosan Restaurant Group, in the presence of Sylvain Eid, Partner at ALMAL; Vladimir Vysotski, CEO of ALMAL Real Estate Development; Hugo Goncalves, COO of Sumosan Restaurant Group; and Manuel Garcia, General Manager of The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences.
Following the ceremonial signing, the delegation toured the development, including the restaurant areas and mock-up room, reviewing construction progress and the future hospitality experience.
Internationally recognised for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, Sumosan brings more than two decades of culinary expertise and a presence across leading destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Its signature approach combines traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary creativity and refined hospitality.
Dmitriy Starovoitov, Founder of ALMAL Real Estate Development, commented:
“Our vision for The Unexpected Al Marjan Island extends beyond traditional luxury hospitality. Bringing Sumosan to Al Marjan Island is another important step in creating a destination that combines world-class dining, entertainment and exceptional guest experiences.”
Janina Wolkow, Founder of Sumosan Restaurant Group, added:
“We are delighted to bring Sumosan to The Unexpected Al Marjan Island. This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to introduce our distinctive Japanese dining experience to a new audience in one of the UAE’s emerging hospitality destinations.”
Sylvain Eid, Partner at ALMAL, commented:
“Sumosan is a natural fit for The Unexpected’s entertainment-led concept and aligns with the ambition to create a destination where exceptional dining, lifestyle and entertainment come together, offering guests experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.”
Developed by ALMAL Real Estate Development and operated by Palladium Hotel Group under The Unexpected Hotels & Residences brand, the five-star property comprises 319 hotel rooms and 103 residential apartments. The Ibiza-inspired destination will feature a combination of hospitality, dining, entertainment, beach club and rooftop experiences.
The ceremony follows the recent completion of the development’s superstructure, with façade, MEP installations and interior fit-out works now progressing across the property.