The party whisperer of Dubai: How Nicolas Brochet went from Paris banker to beach club king

By Manjusha Radhakrishnan

And yes, he made his first million dirhams at 25. No big deal.

“I worked early. I didn’t love studying, but I jumped into the restaurant scene fast.”

Was there an extravagant purchase? Not a yacht, surprisingly.

“I love beautiful cars, sure. But what I love most is sharing. Even before owning restaurants, I’d host dinners at home for 50 people. Two to three times a week. With a chef. What’s the point of luxury if you don’t share it?”

Perfume, philanthropy, and… a book?

Brochet’s next project isn’t just another lifestyle brand. It’s a book — a love letter to Dubai.

“It’s a surprise. I’ll tell you more before Christmas,” he teases. “But it’s my way of giving something back to the city that gave me everything.”

He’s also thinking about charity work. “The world feels heavy now. I want to create a legacy — something that spreads happiness. Dubai, to me, symbolises peace and joy.”

Top tips from the man who knows everyone

If you’re new to Dubai and dreaming of making it big, Brochet’s advice is simple: network like your life depends on it.

“In Dubai, your day can change over one coffee meeting. People are open. You can meet anyone. Crypto experts, artists, restaurateurs — everyone is accessible.”

And when asked what advice he’d give his 20-year-old self?

“Follow your dreams. If you don’t love what you do, you won’t be happy. Time flies. Don’t waste it.”

Final Question: Success or Failure — What taught you more?

“Both,” he says. “You need some failure to understand life. But I’ve been lucky — every restaurant I’ve done has been a success. They’re still running, even the ones I opened years ago in Paris.”

Interesting bit? He loves potatoes.

Yes, really.

“As a kid, I only liked potatoes. My parents took me to the best restaurants, and the chef would joke, ‘The bill is low — your son only eats pommes de terre!’” he says, laughing.

Now? He’ll bring out the wagyu and ceviche.

“Next time, we lunch together,” he insists. “It’ll be beautiful.”

And that, in a nutshell, is Nicolas Brochet: part bon vivant, part businessman, and all heart. A man who arrived in Dubai and didn’t just build a career — he built a life.

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