Since its inception in 2013, Dubai Design District (d3) has quickly become the city’s go-to cultural hub for creative talents. As well as being home to many regional offices of fashion, beauty, luxury, and lifestyle brands, d3 has become a platform that brings together freelance talents in the creative field.

It is also home to some of the UAE’s newest and most iconic events such as Dubai Fashion Week, Sole DXB and Dubai Design Week. Most recently it was revealed that d3 will soon be home to a series of exceptional residences, for the first-time giving UAE residents the chance to live at the heart of the creative community.

Heading up the vision and progression of Dubai Design District (d3) is Senior Vice President Khadija Al Bastaki. Since joining the group her vision has always been to position Dubai as a global cultural hub and to bring together talented creatives. So far, her mission is successful with the city’s cultural scene being transformed over the past decade, and there’s so much more to come. Most recently,  Dubai Fashion Week launched in partnership with d3, inviting regional and international brands to showcase their collections in Dubai and there are plans in the works for more events that will bring the community even closer together. The success is clear, but the work is not fully done yet. We find out more as we talk to Khadija Al Bastaki.

MICHAEL CINCO – Dubai Fashion Week

How do you think Dubai Design District (d3) has developed as a community and platform for creatives, and where is it today? 

Dubai Design District (d3) provides a shared address for the entire creative community, as a freelancer ecosystem designed to encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration; essential ingredients to feed innovation and ambition. Events at d3 are staples in Dubai’s event calendar and highlight our cauldron of different ethnicities, skills, and business types. It’s our way of facilitating new opportunities for investment and partnerships in the community and expanding the reach of our customers to new audiences. Our multipronged approach has established d3 as a global creative ecosystem and a key contributor to the creative economy.

We have seen many events and exciting happenings – how do you think these have elevated it as an area of culture and arts?

Dubai Design District is definitely on the map for some of the city’s most anticipated events. High-profile events like Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Design Week and Sole DXB significantly amplify regional talent to a global audience and underscore the diversity of Dubai’s creative scene. We approach our events with an innovative lens to keep each season fresh and entertaining while widening the pool of coverage, brands, buyers, and stakeholders we attract. This hands-on involvement has attracted several creative businesses and talent to set up shop in d3.

MARAMAR HALIM AW 23-24 DFW

Can you give us an insight into the growth and development of the plans for d3? 

We plan to keep Dubai in the driver’s seat of any conversation around creativity, innovation, and culture. Dubai Fashion Week was a significant new chapter for us. We evolved Arab Fashion Week into an event that appropriately reflected Dubai’s global creative and fashion hub status. While elevating homegrown and regional creatives remains a fundamental part of our business, we are also a growth-focused platform for international firms and creatives looking to enter new markets in the UAE and MENA region. Exporting Arab and local talent while empowering foreign creatives ensures a well-rounded and sustainable creative economy.

How do you see your position and responsibility within the community, and how can you use that to support this growth?

We are deeply passionate about the creative industries, and I want to continue using my position to bring well-deserved attention, investment, and opportunity to talents. On one side, we use our global network and relationship with key public and private stakeholders to deliver novel experiences and opportunities that amplify their local, regional, and international visibility. Promoting collaborations is key to this. We can further drive our efforts by tapping into our parent company. d3 is a member of TECOM Group PJSC, a status we share with other leading business districts such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Industrial City and more. We want to bridge any gaps between the creative and design industries with these other vital economic sectors to show how different brands can work together and pave their own path.

How would you describe the cultural and fashion scene in the UAE today, and how do you think it has changed?

Dubai Design District was launched in 2013, and the difference we see in Dubai’s creative ecosystem between then and now is incredible. Talent has become bolder, braver, and more experimental. We have a much larger global community exploring design in all its outfits. Emirati creatives have also become strong and active participants, innovating local culture and heritage with modern influences. Platforms like in5 and new business and visa regulations have also enhanced the ease of doing business and made the creative industries a more viable sector to join.

Dubai Design District

What do you think D3 can do to support this further? 

As a global creative ecosystem, we align closely with the government’s vision to position Dubai as a global creative capital. The way d3 is structured as a district, integrated ecosystem and event platform all in one is to empower Dubai’s creative and cultural scenes. We want to serve as a bridge between our public and private partners to create a holistic creative ecosystem. It is why we are such champions of collaboration – by coming together, we can make lasting and impactful moves that resonate globally.

In this issue, we talk about success – what does success mean to you?

Success means never settling for the status quo. Our motto at d3 is to Rethink the Regular, something we instil in how we operate and encourage our creatives to do the same. Whether it’s events, the solutions we offer our customers, how we approach partnerships or solve problems, we always strive to think outside the box. Seeing that curiosity and innovation reflected by customers in our district feels like success.

As a woman in a powerful position, how do you make sure your voice is heard?

I am fortunate to be part of an organisation like TECOM Group that empowers me to take chances, grow and learn every step of the way. The Group values equity and equal opportunity. What is important to me is ensuring that other women, whether in the business or our creative community, have the platforms, mentorship, and opportunities to grow and succeed.

Dubai Design Week

What is the biggest challenge you face today in what you do?

The creative industry is a fast-moving and competitive sector globally. The environment and support systems that businesses and talent need to achieve sustainable growth can change rapidly, impacted by trends, current events, and consumer preferences. That’s compounded by the creative economy’s large and all-encompassing category, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works one day might not work the next. These complexities make for a thrilling challenge that forces my team always to think creatively and tailor solutions as needed. This commitment keeps us – and Dubai’s creative community – agile and ahead of the curve.

Can you tell us a little about the residences in the plans for d3?

Meraas’ Design Quarter at d3 will invite people to live in the beating heart of Dubai’s creative community. Along with convenient access to the broader city, residents can enjoy d3’s high-end fashion and lifestyle boutiques, art galleries, studios, and popular restaurants and cafes. Conversely, our retailers will have access to a new and easily accessible consumer audience. The first phase of the Design Quarter at d3 will house more than 550 units across three towers. Construction is set to begin this year and is expected to be completed in May 2027.

Downtown Design

What are some of the events we can look forward to in the coming year?

There’s a lot to look forward to this year! Dubai Fashion Week is gearing up for its second edition, where designers worldwide will showcase fall and winter fashions at shows and events across d3 and Dubai. Sole DXB also recently announced its return from 8-10 December with an agenda of live music, DJ sets, fashion, film screenings, talks, workshops, sports tournaments, and activations by top brands. Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design are poised to return as always. There’s never a dull moment!

How would you describe your overall vision for d3?

Dubai is funnelling great energy into enhancing the creative economy and transforming the Emirate into an international destination for creativity. Our vision is to play an integral role in enabling this ambition. We provide an ecosystem that allows creatives to experiment, flourish, inspire, and come together to rethink the regular. To keep this momentum going, we plan to facilitate more exciting local, regional, and international partnerships demonstrating Dubai’s talent potential while cementing the emirate’s position as a global destination for design, art, and culture.

Dubai Fashion Week announcement event

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Progress is less about speed and more about direction. Critically analysing whether our partnerships, investment and innovation are serving our overarching mission and vision help us determine our efforts’ short- and long-term impact. Our goal is neither quantity nor speed but ensuring that we deliver high-quality experiences and opportunities that drive growth for our community and the industry as a whole.

Mandarin Oriental is celebrating the upcoming Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with at exclusive afternoon tea.

Available at Noor Lounge, The Rosebery Afternoon Tea features an exquisite menu inspired by the best of British heritage from Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Taking cue from the dishes that are served at The Royal table, including some of King Charles’ favourites the tea includes Clarence Court egg truffle sandwiches, freshly baked scones, hand-made pastries and traditional fruit cakes all served with carefully selected tea and preserves.

 

The set-up and menu pay tribute to a quintessentially British tradition as well as Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park – the iconic home of The Rosebery – that has had the honour of welcoming the British Royal Family throughout the years.

Guests enjoying The Rosebery Afternoon Tea at Noor Lounge can delight in the Traditional Coronation Afternoon Tea menu priced at AED 400 for two, which includes a selection of delicate sandwiches, warm scones served from unique hanging cake stands and accompanied by Cornish clotted cream, strawberry jam, and rose petal jelly.

Other delectable treats include exquisite hand-made pastries such as The Crown, an indulgent After Eight chocolate mousse with mint gel and sponge cake, and a bespoke menu of white, green, black and herbal teas.

The exclusive tea will be available until 30th June.

As one of the watch industry’s most successful icons Jean Claude Biver is until today an inspiration to many other leaders, working with some of the world’s most established brands.

With a career spanning five decades, he has become a legacy in the industry and is renowned for turning brands around and putting his unique outlook on some of the world’s most successful watchmakers. Throughout his career, he has worked on the board of Directors at Swatch Group, as CEO of Hublot, CEO of TAG Heuer, and as Head of Watches and Jewellery at the LVMH Watch Group, producing impressive turnarounds and results at all. His experience spanning over five decades has given him a unique outlook on the industry and has taught him many lessons. In 2019 at the age of 70, Jean Claude Biver announced his retirement from the industry, but there was always this feeling amongst his colleagues and watch collectors that it wouldn’t be the end of his professional journey for him.

Then, earlier this year at Watches & Wonders Jean Claude announced along with his son and now partner, Pierre, the launch of Biver Watches. An ultra-high-end exclusive watch brand that brings together all his knowledge and experience, as well as the youthful influence of his 23-year-old son. Biver has called upon the best experts in each field of watchmaking to create museum-quality timepieces that will meet the needs of those customers looking for something unique and exclusive. As the brand reveals the first novelties in the collection, we had the honour of talking with Mr Biver to find out more about the brand and how he is transferring his wealth of knowledge and success to his son.

You are a legacy in the industry and an inspiration to many others – why did it take until now to launch this?

Why did it take 50 years?! That’s a good question! I started in 1973 as a young employee at Audemars Piguet and I stayed there until 1979. Then I joined Omega in the product development department. In 1981,  I acquired the brand Blancpain,  which was at that time, a dormant brand. From 1982 onwards I redeveloped Blancpain from nothing. When myself and my partner purchased it, nothing existed anymore – the factory had been sold, the furniture was sold, and there was no stock – we only bought the name, and it was only registered in Switzerland and that’s how we acquired it at such a low price. Then in 1992, after ten years I sold the brand and joined Swatch Group, where I stayed for ten years. In 2003 I had the opportunity to buy a stake in the shares of Hublot and I developed this brand from 2003 to 2019. And in 2019, when I was 70 years old, I thought it was time to retire. That was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made because, at that point, I was not aware that you cannot retire from a passion. The Passion or love for what you do is stronger than anything and if you try to separate from it, it’s like retiring from life, and nobody wants to do that!

So, I realised that this was the time for me to start again and do something that I have always dreamt of; to create a very small, exclusive, extremely high-quality brand. Similar to what I did with Blancpain at the beginning, but this time I didn’t want to do it alone, I wanted to work on it with my son. And I wanted to share my knowledge, my mistakes, and my success with him and that would give me additional motivation. It is a privilege for me to be able to transfer my passion to him and it gives a very important meaning to what I’m doing now.

Biver Watches

What is one of the biggest lessons you have learnt along the way?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is to always come back from setbacks. In life, there is always another success in the horizon, but you need to focus on that and move away from the defeat to use it as something that will enable you to move to the next step.

What do you think Biver Watches is bringing to the industry that is not already out there? 

The foremost element is the extraordinary quality that exists in the invisible parts of the watch. With ninety per cent of watches today, there is a focus on perfecting the elements you can see, to have all these parts in the best finishes possible. But the elements you cannot see don’t have as much attention and on the contrary, I believe that to be a truly luxury product that respects the art, even what you cannot see should be decorated as if you can see it. And that’s what makes it art. And so, all of the parts in our watches even the invisible parts will be designed as though they are visible.

How was the feedback at Watches & Wonders?

The feedback in general was excellent, but you must always be careful of the feedback you receive. Everything I hear is very positive because nobody dares to tell me the truth or criticise me because of who I am! So, people are being in general very positive. Nevertheless, because I have the experience, I take the positive elements with a lot of attention and care. But what I must say is that people were impressed by the concept of mastering the invisible. All our screws are black polished, even if you cannot see them. We need forty minutes to assemble each screw. We have 70 screws in each watch, and each screw needs 17 additional minutes to be black polished, this is what made people say “Wow”. It’s something that’s never been seen before and it’s very special. Only a few brands can afford to work in this way.

I need to add that you also don’t see the soul of a watch, but the soul is there. If you master a project that’s of the highest quality possible, it creates perfection, it gives the watch a soul, and if you have that, you cannot go wrong. I am only interested in perfection, whatever the price. Long after the price is forgotten, quality remains.

Biver Watches

How would you assess the watchmaking industry today? 

The watchmaking industry is going through a big evolution because slowly people are discovering small artisans and brands and they are discovering that small is beautiful. People are questioning what real art is and what is marketing! They are slowly becoming more aware and looking for real art and real brands and that is something I believe we are seeing happen before our eyes. There is a high demand, but the higher demand,  the more people will be saying they want something different or unique. This is a trend that is taking over at the moment, and it is what we want to tap into with our brand. We want to be a brand that creates art, that makes special pieces. We want our clients to be able to come and talk to me, we can go to them if they want to buy a watch, they don’t even need to go to a shop. We are working on human relations and offering personalised services and I think people are hungry for this.

How is it working with your son and how do you complement each other when you’re working together? 

We complement each other thanks to the difference in age and experience. My son is 23 years old, and I am now 74. That means I must learn from him. I need to learn from the younger generation, I already know how people of my generation think, so what should I learn from them? But from the young generation, I believe I can learn a lot about their tastes, their philosophy, how they behave, and what they want – the young generation is our future, and I cannot live in only the past. Because now we’re together every day, I am influenced by my son, I learn from him, and he learns from me, so I think it’s the perfect coupling. He brings the knowledge of my new generation and if I combine that with my knowledge then you are complete. Once you master the past and the future there are no limits to what you can do.

What is a lesson you would like to transmit to your son?

The most important element that I want to teach him is to be honest, true and to always respect nature, yourself, your friends, and your family and even to respect your enemies. Respect is the biggest sign of love you can give. The second thing I want to teach him is not to worry about mistakes. You must always turn mistakes into positives. Always forgive and never accuse someone else of causing your mistakes. You can only learn if you make mistakes. And the third lesson I’m giving him is to share. These are the essential elements of life, and your life cannot be fulfilled if you don’t follow them.

What is a message you would send to your fans and customers in the Middle East? 

The message I want to tell them is the great feeling I always get when I arrive in the Middle East and that’s the feeling of light and happiness from the people. That’s the reason I love the region, the light, the smell, the food, and the people, I just love it!

The UAE’s astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has become the first Arab to complete a spacewalk after successfully finishing a six-and-a-half-hour mission in the darkness of space. The mission which he completed alongside his American colleague Stephan Bowen saw the UAE national working on two major tasks assigned by NASA.

As they exited the International Space Station, the pair’s spacesuits switched to battery power before exiting their current base. The first task was to prepare the ISS for a future solar array installation, followed by a second more complicated task to remove an old piece of communication hardware for refurbishment. Unfortunately despite the eight bolts being loosened around the communication device, the pair were unable to complete the latter and were instructed to return to the ISS by NASA, but overall the spacewalk was considered a success, with no hiccups or safety issues for the pair.

Al Neyadi was congratulated by Dubai’s leaders including His Highness President Shiekh Mohamed and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “With this week’s new discoveries by the Hope probe, the achievements of the Rashid rover mission, and Sultan Al Neyadi’s first ever spacewalk by an Arab astronaut, the UAE continues to make a meaningful contribution to space exploration and advancements in science,” President Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commented: “After three years of intensive training, today we saw Sultan Al Neyadi on the first mission to walk in outer space, carrying out tasks of installing new parts and maintenance on the International Space Station. The first Emirati, first Arab and first Muslim to walk in outer space. Proud of that. They say that two-thirds of the stars in the sky bear Arabic names. Arabs are capable, Arabs are coming, Arabs are creative, if we decide to focus on science and invest in youth.”

Sultan Al Neyadi is due to take part in more than 200 science experiments during his six-month stay aboard the International Space Station.

Benefit Cosmetics has revealed a new skincare line following in the footsteps of its popular POREfessional primer.

This full collection of colourfully designed products has been specially developed to help minimise the look of pores, leaving you with clearer-looking skin.

The collection consists of six high-performing ingredients packed with efficacious ingredients plus one multi-tasking tool. Each product has been clinically proven, dermatologically tested, and designed to be gentle on the skin.

The new collection is available at Sephora stores across the Middle East.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrated the reopening of its iconic New York store evening with a star-studded event.

The Fifth Avenue store which will now be known as “The Landmark” with inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Anthony Ledru, President and Chief Executive Officer at Tiffany & Co., Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product and Communications at Tiffany & Co., and Gal Gadot cut the Tiffany Blue^® ribbon at the ceremony.

Into the evening, guests were welcomed at The Landmark where a star-studded party was hosted at Tiffany Flagship Next Door, the House’s previous temporary flagship store.

Katy Perry performs

The who’s who of Hollywood and the fashion industry arrived in style to be the first to witness the renovation of the store which first opened its doors in 1940. The night featured a performance from Katy Perry, followed by an exclusive DJ set by Mark Ronson.

See some of the best dressed from the night below:

Brooklyn Beckham Peltz and Nicola Beckham Peltz

Anya Taylor-Joy

Gal Gardot

Blake Lively

Mark Ronson

Hailey Bieber

Mark Wahlberg

Katy Perry 

For the first time since the creation of the famous Terracotta powder in 1984, Guerlain is launching a new foundation as part of its iconic franchise.

Thanks to its scientific expertise and refined knowledge of powder and pigment, Guerlain is defining the contours of a new-generation complexion with Terracotta Le Teint,  a liquid foundation, formulated with 95% naturally-derived ingredients that combine the lightness of a powder with the perfection of a foundation.

Its long-wear, no-transfer formula is designed to give a beautiful healthy glow as if you were returning from an outdoor escape. Enriching the Terracotta line, this new product has been designed by Guerlain based on the trifecta of Earth, Air and Light.

The collection also includes the new Terracotta Luminizer, a true innovation in Guerlain’s range of face powders. This new Terracotta shimmering powder reproduces this distinctive, dazzling and sensual sunlight through a fine illuminating powder that creates a radiant glow all day long.

With 96% naturally-derived ingredients*, Terracotta Luminizer’s formula is composed exclusively of shimmer and pigments of natural origin. The naturally-derived pearls create a subtle golden glow, playing on multidimensional reflections.

The two new products are now available at Guerlain stores and points of sale globally.

Saudi International Luxury Week will arrive in Saudi Arabia next most with its first edition in Jeddah after the success of its sister event in Riyadh.

The exhibition will see over 120 international jewellery brands exhibiting fine and high jewellery collections, showcasing the best in exquisite gemstones, creativity, heritage and savoir-faire, and offer a unique opportunity for jewellers to share their craft with discerning Saudi Arabian clientele.

Amrapali

Participating brands include fabled family high jewellery Maison Moussaieff Jewellers, bespoke gemstone artisans ITCO Jewelry of New York, Parisian watchmaker Charles Oudin, innovative Italian jeweller Ferri Firenze, pearl experts Yoko London, Middle Eastern Nsouli and edgy yet elegant designers AWKN1, amongst others.

ITCO

The events will also see a host of interactive seminars and experiences on offer, including a series of educational talks. The Jeddah event will see Middle Eastern jewellery experts address current topics such as the Art of Jewellery Making to Design Trends and Sustainability, and in Riyadh, DANAT – Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones, will touch on the sourcing of Gemstones, the History of Pearls, and the world of Diamonds.

Ferri Firenze

Open to the public, Jeddah International Luxury Week will run from 8-11 May 2023 at the Jeddah Hilton, followed by Riyadh International Luxury Week from 16-19 May at
Al Faisaliah Hotel.

For registrations and attendance, please visit: http://www.saudiluxuryweek.com/

Tom Ford has revealed his final collection for his namesake brand.

The Autumn 2023 collection by Tom Ford will be the last the designer will create for his own brand after it was revealed earlier this year that Ford had sold the company to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion USD.

There has been much speculation about what would come next for the brand and for Ford but after an announcement on the brand’s Instagram account, it is clear they will be parting ways.

A statement read: “Tom Ford, in his final collection for his eponymous brand, has turned to his archives and reissued his favourite looks from the past 13 years.”

The designer is honouring some of his most iconic looks, many of which were worn by Hollywood celebrities for iconic moments across the decades.

The campaign stars a stellar lineup of supermodels including Karlie Kloss, Amber Valletta, Joan Smalls, Karen Elson and Caroline Trentini.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for him and for the Tom Ford brand.

An impressive new art installation is arriving in Venice this month, bringing together artistic design with watchmaking craftsmanship co-commissioned by TBA21 – Academy and Audemars Piguet Contemporary.

Artists Petrit Halilaj & Álvaro Urbano have created the new installation titled Lunar Ensemble for Uprising Seas at Ocean Space in Venice, within the historic deconsecrated San Lorenzo Church.

The artists have created an evolving ecosystem comprising over 30 large-scale sculptures of hybrid aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial creatures, set beneath an egg-shaped moon that appears to have the same materiality as the walls of the former church. The installation is inspired by a popular song in Spain titled Ay mi pescadito, where young fish go to school at the bottom of the sea to study forms of survival and belonging. The artists have created an installation which explores cohesion as well as resistance or disharmony between different species, or between living organisms and objects.

The sculptures range in scale and shape, with no creature being realistic to this world. All are in a state of evolution with a mix of features for survival underwater, on land as well as in the sky. The sculptures’ metallic skins reflect the sunlight onto the church’s walls, ceilings, and floors, modifying the perception of the space over the day. Each sculpture doubles as a musical instrument, producing sounds from music boxes and other DIY techniques, however, only human interaction makes them come to life with sound. Together, they attempt a “melody” inspired by the song Ay mi pescadito and underwater noises, which do not easily harmonize.  The difficulty in achieving a perfect melody mirrors the complexity of creating perfect synchrony in the material world.

Throughout the exhibition run, a cast of musicians and performers will activate the installation at varying durations and intervals. In between performances, gull costumes, which Halilaj and Urbano will wear for two appearances, will be situated within the exhibition, welcoming visitors to the space as sculptures. They represent creatures from the Venice lagoon observing the evolving ecosystem from above. It is the gulls which coordinate the shared performance, bringing the collective action of the creatures together.

The curatorial team at Audemars Piguet Contemporary and Casavecchia worked closely with Halilaj and Urbano to develop and support the creation of the co-commissioned installation. The duo shares a life together in Berlin yet typically maintains separate practices. This project is a unique opportunity to see the artists work together on a large-scale installation. Like previous works, this installation explores and negotiates the space between two realities: the human and the natural world. Both of their practices imbue personal, playful elements that work to ask questions of societal norms.

Opening Hours:

Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Address:

Ocean Space

Chiesa di San Lorenzo

Castello 5069

30122 Venice

A new sustainable swap shop concept is arriving in Dubai this May.

The Global Fashion Exchange has partnered with Istituto Marangoni Dubai encouraging residents to take part in a large-scale swap shop, with the chance to donate and “swap” unwanted clothing and accessories.

The event will take part on 4^th May and encourages residents to drop off their unwanted clothes ahead of the event at Istituto Maragoni before returning to browse through a vast selection of unwanted second-hand clothing.

The swap shop is designed to promote sustainable shopping in the UAE as well as bring together a community of fashion-conscious men and women.

Find out how to sign up by following @istitutomarangonidubai on Instagram.

ZEGNA has revealed ZEGNA X, a new digital ecosystem that personalises the luxury shopping experience using artificial intelligence. Developed in partnership with Microsoft ZEGNA X is a new way of shopping that offers each customer a completely tailored experience.

The new system integrates Microsoft’s Azure services, using the most up-to-date technology combines with the highest quality and most realistic configurator ever created, to offer customers a truly unique shopping experience.

ZEGNA shares Microsoft’s focus on customer-centric solutions which aligns perfectly with ZEGNA’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The use of CRM and Marketing Automation from Microsoft Dynamics 365 help to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency, all while providing a high-quality customer experience.

ZEGNA X presently accounts for more than 45% of ZEGNA boutiques’ revenues in geographies in which normal travel and movement have resumed post-COVID. As of today, ZEGNA X is being fully incorporated beyond the pilot program. This service has and will continue to empower our style advisors to serve our customers on a one-on-one basis by allowing them to send images of our products via SMS, e-mail, social media, WhatsApp, and WeChat.

ZEGNA believe that the collaboration with Microsoft will lead to groundbreaking innovations in luxury service. With this shared belief in mind, today, ZEGNA is announcing the strengthening of this collaboration with the aim of further exploring the power of AI in the service of luxury retail and ultimately elevating the path for today and tomorrow.   The goal for ZEGNA is to empower and transform its organization to achieve the perfect service in luxury, affirming its leading position in digital clienteling.

The two companies are creating a joint steering committee to combine the related expertise to shape the current and future technological innovation provided by Microsoft for ZEGNA needs, and to deliver new solutions and services that aimed to become in the future new industry standards.

Edoardo Zegna, CMDSO

Edoardo Zegna, Chief Marketing, Digital and Sustainability Officer of ZEGNA, said: “Today represents another important milestone for ZEGNA and the future of luxury is clienteling. In 2022 ZEGNA boosted its investment in customer-driven-technologies, allocating more than €5 million to the ZEGNA X ecosystem. We will continue to increase investment in this direction in 2023 with other new developments. We are proud to set a new benchmark for the ultimate level of luxury clienteling, connecting data through AI, personal storytelling and product creation. ZEGNA X is our unique value proposition, and we are proud to have Microsoft as our partner on this journey.”

Nina Lund, EMEA Region, Retail and CG Lead at Microsoft Corp. added, “At the heart of our mission is to help our customers empower their people and to accelerate new business models. The collaboration with ZEGNA led to the ambition to redefine together a future vision, blending craftsmanship from ZEGNA with the best technology offered by Microsoft. This journey allowed ZEGNA to leverage leading-edge cloud solutions to reinvent their operations, from the employee experience through to the stores. Together, Microsoft and ZEGNA are poised to redefine the art of the possible at the intersection of fashion and technology.”

The full ZEGNA X experience is now live in an exclusive room of its Milan Montenapoleone Flagship store. The experience offers a made-to-measure service, with an impressive 49 billion potential combinations of clothes and styles that can be custom-made and delivered worldwide in less than four weeks.

The ZEGNA X configurator will soon be deployed in select stores worldwide as part of an exclusive roadshow. The experience is currently by appointment only. The ZEGNA X configurator will land on Zegna.com in 2024, allowing consumers to customise any look of the collection online using their personal devices.

The LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza 2023 collection returns this year capturing the bohemian summer spirit of Ibiza island life; hours spent on the beach, on a boat or by the pool, day and night under the glaring sun.

These ideals permeate the collection of ready-to-wear, bags and accessories which are meant to be enjoyed from an island escape to summer in the city.

This year a key addition to the collection is the LOEWE Font Tote set to become and must-have summer essential, as well as a colourful collection of statement accessories for men and women.

The collection is now available at LOEWE stores across the region and online.

Burberry’s new Frances Bag is set to be a must-have accessory for the summer months.

The new bag comes is crafted from grainy leather and dyed in a host of core and seasonal colourways, as well as a glossy leather version embossed to replicate an alligator effect.

This special leather undergoes a mineral tanning process using mineral salts to provide a supple hand feel. Once the panels are cut the edges are hand-painted to create a uniform finish.

Inspired by an archive drawing of Burberry’s founder’s interlocked initials, the TB motif symbolises a continued connection to Thomas Burberry.

The metal hardware is inlaid with leather by hand to create a subtle outlined logo.  Complimentary personalisation is also available across the Frances collection with initials printed onto the leather cover housing the metal mirror charm.

The Frances bag is available in three sizes mini, small and medium.

For the Salone del Mobile 2023 in Milan, Dior Maison and Philippe Starck continue their collaboration and unveil the Monsieur Dior armchair, a tribute to the emblematic figure of the couturier.

 “After Miss Dior, unveiled in 2022 – the chair inspired by the iconic Medallion – it was natural to expand the family with Monsieur Dior, this new armchair,” comments Philippe Starck.

Symbols of supreme savoir-faire combined with the most advanced technologies, these exceptional pieces are revealed in different materials and colours (polished or lacquered aluminium, ecru bouclé fabric and pink, black or fluorescent orange toile de Jouy), and are surrounded by the most comprehensive collection of furniture ever created for the House.

This exclusive dialogue between Dior and the internationally renowned French creator debuted at Salone de Mobile between 18 to 23 April 2023 in the heart of Palazzo Citterio in Milan.

Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah has a staycation experience for everyone this Eid weekend.

UAE residents can enjoy exclusive rates and benefits across the resort’s four luxury beachfront hotels. Choose from contemporary Jumeirah Al Naseem, palatial Jumeirah Al Qasr and boutique retreat Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, and a collection of exclusive summer houses at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf.

Madinat Jumeirah – Mina A’Salam – Two Bedroom Ocean Terrace Suite – Living Room

UAE residents can benefit from Jumeirah’s Exceptional Staycation package, eligible across all four properties. This exclusive deal means guests can enjoy exclusively curated benefits and save up to 30% off the Jumeirah Flexible Rate. They can also enjoy the brand’s unrivalled dining and wellness experiences, with a selection of over 20 restaurants available at lunch or dinner for those who opt for half board and 30 complimentary minutes at Talise Spa with every 60-minute treatment.

Jumeirah Al Qasr – Junior Arabian Suite

On top of this, the recently refurbished Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is also inviting guests to experience the epitome of luxury with complimentary access to the hotel’s recently redesigned Amal Club Lounge. Available for bookings before 30th April for three plus night stays between 15th May and 15th September in Arabian Deluxe, Lagoon Deluxe and Ocean Deluxe room categories, guests can unlock a range of exclusive Club Lounge benefits including signature afternoon tea, sundowners and canapes with Jumeirah’s compliments.

To find out more visit: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/offers/global-offers/exceptional-jumeirah-staycations

On the occasion of Milan Design Week Buccellati hosted “Buccellati Rosso Maraviglia,” an exhibition presented on the rooftop terrace of its Via Brisa headquarters.

The installation conceived by the multidisciplinary studio AMDL CIRCLE and the Architect Michele De Lucchi, transforms the terrace into a modern Pantheon enclosing a magical garden of wonders in a red envelope and also offers the opportunity to celebrate two great Italian arts of silver and glass.

Buccellati also revealed a collection of silver table accessories as well as a selection of glass pieces, developed in collaboration with Venini, the historic Italian company and master in the art of glass. The exhibition, curated by Federica Sala, also includes a botanical art installation by the artist Lily Kwong.

The installation is in the form of a red dome high in the skies of Milan. The bold red design is an unexpected colour for the industrial city and draws passers-by to turn their attention upwards. Inspired by the faceted prisms of a jewel’s stones the eye-catching shapes immediately capture attention.

The roof is inspired by the inside of the Pantheon’s dome with the characteristic lacunars, and pyramidal coffers, arranged in three rows which progressively narrow upwards, generating depth and luminous vibrations, which constantly change according to the view angle.

The domed structure is dressed in three layers of red mesh fabric. The rhythm of the intertwined threads gives shape to a filigree architecture, sewn and tied in a textile weave, an expression of Made in Italy handmade, like the precious artefacts on display. The AMDL CIRCLE installation celebrates Buccellati’s creativity and craftsmanship with a dome with a striking colour scheme. Like a faceted jewel, it crowns a historic Milanese building, generating an unusual scenario and stimulating a reflection on the priceless value of handmade objects.

The new glass collection Rossa Maraviglia expresses the craftsmanship of the two brands and gives life to unusual creations, combining silver and glass for a unique aesthetic. A base of silver fruits created by Buccellati is combined with coloured “Fazzoletto” glass vases, first created in 1948.

The second creation features the “Deco” vase, designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in 1930, Buccellati which accentuates the rhythmic composition formed by the alternation of horizontal round ribs in opaline glass, graciously blending the Art Decò style with the Murano glass technique, by adding a row of silver rings to the foot and mouth of the vase.

Andrea Buccellati, Lily Kwong, Maria Cristina Buccellati, Luca Buccellati

And thirdly, the Narciso bowl is proposed by Buccellati enriched by a decoration of fruits on the base while the Venere bowl by an orderly and a rich crown of shells.

Tod’s is celebrating the tradition of craftsmanship and Italian know-how with an exciting new project in collaboration with internationally renowned photographer Tim Walker.

The Art of Craftsmanship celebrates the essence of craftsmanship through a playful series of images imagined by Walker, retracing the history of the brand in an ironic and surreal way that’s synonymous with his work.

Craftsmanship and the excellence of “Made in Italy” have always been at the heart of the brand with the finest materials being put together with the most experienced craftsmen to create something truly unique. With this new project, through a series of images and videos, Walker re-tells the story of the brand’s most iconic products including the Di Bag and the Gommino.

The artist plays on the proportions of the objects made and the tools that accompany and represent the most important craftsmanship steps: cutting the leather, stitching and brushing. Each image tells a story of quality and tradition, reminding us that behind every product are the tools that make it and that behind each of these are the hands and knowledge of those who use them. Each of the images portrays a message of art, beauty, knowledge and work well done; symbols of the authentic values that Tod’s is known for.

“Italian lifestyle and exceptional craftsmanship are core values for Tod’s and having them interpreted by Tim Walker allows us to convey these values also to the young generations, speaking their language” states Diego Della Valle, President and CEO of Tod’s Group.

“In this increasingly digital world, where so much is being created on an industrial scale by machines, the value of craftsmanship is increasingly precious. The people I met in the company and their experience were the real source of inspiration,” says Tim Walker.

The project was unveiled during Milan Design Week 2023 at the Cavallerizze of the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo Da Vinci on April 19th. The exhibition will then travel around the world throughout the year.

What does Ramadan mean to you?

Ramadan is a special month because it brings families together. It’s also a time for reflection, patience and teaching our children the importance of giving to those in need.

Reflecting on this past year what has been your biggest achievement?

Working on my brand and consistently designing and producing styles that exude exquisite craftsmanship that is available at several retailers is definitely something I’m very proud of.

What is a memory that you have of the Holy Month growing up?

It’s not a specific memory but rather a feeling of love and joy anytime I remember Ramadan as a child.

How will you be spending Eid this year?

This year I’ll be spending Eid in Oman with family and loved ones, attending gatherings and spending quality time with those around me.

Where is your favourite place to travel for the holidays?

Europe! I love immersing myself in the different cultures, heritage and architecture that fill the entire city.

What does it mean to you to celebrate?

It’s important to celebrate, it’s a chance to relax and reflect on our successes and what brings us joy.

What do you hope this year will bring to you?

Good health for my family and more chances to travel!

What is a message you would send to our readers on this special occasion?

Wishing all the readers a Ramadan Kareem. May you and your loved ones be blessed with health, happiness and inner peace.

On the occasion of Milan Design Week Dolce&Gabbana has partnered with ten young creative talents in the field of design and furnishing for a new project: Generation Designers.

These young talents have been selected by curator Federica Sala ad have been invited to reinterpret the concept of Made In Italy craftsmanship combined with the design of the Dolce&Gabbana Casa Collection.

Chris Wolston

The GenD project allowed the selected designers to measure themselves against some of the main manufacturing techniques of the Italian tradition. Working with a number of Italian design companies the artists were able to create their own works with the support of Dolce&Gabbana.

Lucia Massari

The selected artists are Antonio Aricò, Sayar & Garibeh, Rio Kobayashi, Atelier Malak, Lucia Massari, Bradley Bowers, Ahryun Lee, Sara Ricciardi, and Christ Wolston.

LIMONAIA A MILANO

Supporting companies include: Bottega Intreccio, Bubacco Brothers, Ceramica Bevilacqua, Foglizzo Leather, Fonderia Artistica Guastini S.r.l, Forbicioni Studio, Fornace Mian, Fornace Mital, Giordano Viganò, Idea S.p.a., Incalmi S.r.l., Lucio Bubacco, Mary Moda di Maria Chiloiro, Mauro and Riccardo Solci, 6 a.m., Soheila Dilfanian, Tabù S.p.a., T.L.P. di Leonardo Pellegrini, Vito Guardo.

Atelier Malak

The works are presented at the Dolce&Gabbana spaces in 23 Via Broggi in Milan. The exhibition will be open to public from April 18th to 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., subject to registration at dolcegabbana.com/home/.

First revealed in 2021, the Gem Dior collection was conjured up by Victoire de Castellane, the Creative Director of Dior Joaillerie.

This powerful line with a reoccurring geometric motif has become an icon of the Maison’s jewellery collections. This year the brand reveals new pieces to the line, featuring the skilfully orchestrated stacking of little rectangles, placed at what appears to be random but works so perfectly together.

A tribute to haute couture and to the House’s founder can also be distinguished in the resemblance to the small fabric samples that Christian Dior assembled on his large chart boards. For the founding couturier, silks, wools, and precious embroidery; for Victoire de Castellane, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, semi-pave or all-diamond.

This year a series of new pieces are added to the collection including Seven rings and seven bracelets which are designed to be worn in a number of different ways with various combinations, all allowing the wearer to express themselves in any way they choose.

Furthermore, two new watches complete the collection, featuring the same aesthetic with bold coloured dials and an interplay of contrasting materials colours and densities.

Available globally from 20^th April 2023.

Address Skyview

Address Skyview is the ultimate city break with Dubai’s best views and an infinity pool that could have been designed for an Instagram photo. The hotel combines impressive architecture and a luxurious touch to ensure each guest has a five-star experience. During Ramadan, the hotel invites guests to experience unforgettable gatherings, crafted to perfection for the holy occasion. The hotel’s 169 rooms feature modern interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure that every guest can celebrate the sensational views.

There are several dining options around the hotel including a rooftop bar and restaurant CÉ LA VIE, which is the best place to soak up those awe-inspiring views of The Burj Khalifa as you enjoy contemporary Asian dishes. Downstairs you’ll find Peruvian Japanese restaurant Amelia, as well as Lucia’s the authentic Italian eatery with live music and entertainment. The Spa is also located on the top floor of the hotel, offering a unique treatment menu and an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

Dubai’s iconic heritage desert resort has reopened with a new look and new experiences, perfect for the Eid holiday. Located around forty minutes from Dubai this luxurious desert property which is now part of the Rare Find vertical of Kerzner International combines traditional Middle Eastern living with stylish interiors, beautiful nature and a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel features 115 rooms, all of which have been upgraded with new furnishings and designs. The resort’s new look features carefully curated furnishing that give traditional Arabic style a retro twist. There are many experiences to experience from desert drives to camel riding, archery, spa treatments and even falconry.

For those wanting to be less active throughout their stay, sit back and relax as you take in the desert scenery. To celebrate the opening, the resort invites guests to experience the ‘Mystique of Arabia’ package, offering a journey of authentic experiences to explore the reimagined resort. A unique selection of adventures awaits; from a guided nature walk among the desert dunes to camel rides and discovering the ancient sports of falconry and archery. With a daily Mediterranean breakfast and a complimentary cocktail by the pool, there is no perfect time to indulge in the wonders of this Dubai icon.

Jumeirah Al Naseem

Jumeirah Al Naseem is the perfect family getaway and you won’t even have to leave the city. This modern beachside resort boasts beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab. The hotel’s contemporary design offers an immediate sense of calm and you’ll instantly have that holiday feeling. The hotel features 435 rooms including 45 suites as well as nine dining venues. Relax as you unwind and enjoy the picturesque views of the ocean, while the little ones can enjoy the pool. An adults-only pool is also available for those looking for some peace! The hotel’s rooms and suites feature immaculate design with fine attention to detail and a touch of colour.

All of the hotel rooms are sea-facing with various sizes and styles to choose from. All rooms feature terraces, as well as walk-in showers and an open plan design. Jumeirah Al Naseem offers direct access to Jumeirah’s celebrated Talise Spa, a haven of tranquillity located near the main entrance of Jumeirah Al Qasr. Set amidst semi–tropical gardens with bamboo, palm trees, frangipani trees and hibiscus flowers, the award-winning spa is bordered by gently flowing waterways that allow guests access to the spa by traditional abras.

One&Only The Palm

If you’re looking for an intimate Dubai-based staycation head to One&Only The Palm where you can spend the weekend residing in complete seclusion with the feel of a luxurious island retreat. Located on the furthest tip of The Palm’s West Crescent, the resort is surrounded by manicured gardens, secluded suites and villas with sparkling private pools and round-the-clock service. Guests can gain exclusive access to a private golden beach and the ocean right on their doorstep.

For an Eid getaway filled with exciting activities, guests seeking adventure-packed or personalised experiences can expect a range of aquatic adventures via private boat to yacht cruises and historical tours of Dubai’s cultural sites. The Kids Only Club offers fully personalised itineraries of fun activities, including board games, crafting, painting, bubble blowing and more. For a rejuvenating wellness experience, Guerlain Spa is the perfect haven for beauty and wellbeing. The Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm is accessed through a breathtaking courtyard inspired by the architecture of Andalusia’s Moorish palaces, curating a feeling of calm sanctuary. Combining centuries of expertise in the quest for beautiful skin with sheer indulgence, the Parisian beauty house features individual suites and couples’ suites as well as a relaxation room, private swimming pool and inviting lounge.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is one of the city’s hidden gems. Unlike any other property in the UAE, it captures the European flair that the group is known for and combines it with impressive architecture and Middle Eastern five-star hospitality. The hotel which is located on Pearl Jumeirah features 118 as well as 15 private villas and the newly opened celebration suite – the largest in the country! If you’re looking for complete privacy the villas are highly recommended.

Each villa comes with a private pool, living area and dining area. Of course, no visit is complete without enjoying the pool and beach, which just so happens to be one of the only beaches in Dubai with uninterrupted views of the ocean. The neighbouring Nikki Beach Club is perfect for those who want to party and don’t forget to try out the recently opened Bungalow 34, the newest dining destination by Tashas Group. And finally, why not round off your weekend with a trip to the Nikki Beach Spa whose unique menu and stylish design offer a spa experience like no other?

Palazzo Versace

For fashion lovers, Palazzo Versace is the ultimate staycation and this Eid, the property is offering guests an exclusive getaway package. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of Ramadan with a tranquil stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious Deluxe Rooms, inclusive of Iftar, Suhoor and a selection of other benefits, courtesy of Palazzo Versace Dubai. The beautifully designed hotel welcomes you and your family to a peaceful ambience, offering the ideal getaway location to make timeless memories during the Holy Month. Treat you and your loved ones to an opulent getaway, complete with a variety of culinary experiences at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, including Giardino, Vanitas, Enigma, or the al fresco Hikayat Ramadan Garden specially created for the occasion.

The five-star retreat captures the true essence of comfort, style, and opulence, and with an array of sumptuous dining options, spa treatments, luxurious rooms. Guests staying at Palazzo Versace Dubai during the month of Ramadan can choose between a delicious breakfast buffet at Giardino for two or a Suhoor set menu in the comfort of their own suite for two adults and a child. Further enhancing the dining benefits, those who book the Ramadan Staycation offer can enjoy a lunch at Vanitas or Enigma, or choose to opt for Iftar at the Hikayat Ramadan Garden for two adults and a child. To add to the staycation experience, guests can also take advantage of a 20% discount on treatments at the award-winning spa, or an AED 150 voucher with the option to redeem another time, and a further 20% off on food & beverage at Palazzo Versace’s dining destinations.

Established in 2008, Zaya is the Dubai-based boutique real estate development company behind projects such as Al Barari and Abu Dhabi’s Zaya Nurai Island.

Led by CEO Nadia Zaal, the company strives to create communities that bring people together and offer more than just a place to live. The company has already developed more than $6 billion worth of unique real estate and extraordinary experiences and it seems this is only just the beginning. The company’s latest project Zuha Island, an island off the coast of Dubai, will combine luxury living with five-star hospitality, sustainability and a community feel. The private island will house a boutique retreat, spa, beach club, restaurants and 30 limited-edition private residences upon completion.

For British Emirati Nadia, who learned much of her knowledge of real estate from her father Zaal bin Zaal, real estate is about so much more than building houses. Her entrepreneurial mindset helps her to create experiences and a united feel for those who live within her communities. There is a strong focus on sustainability, connecting with nature, and living life to the fullest. With the company’s projects so far, the have pushed the boundaries of real estate, bringing the unexpected and proving there are no limits to what can be done n the UAE. As the latest project Zuha Island is revealed, we find out more about the vision for the company.

Tell us about your role as CEO of Zaya Group. 

As CEO it’s my job to look at market trends, stay close to what’s happening in real estate markets around the world, identify opportunities, and create the vision and the briefs on our projects. I’m very involved in acquisition negotiations and design briefs and I’m always on site. I guess I am a little bit of a control freak, I do quite a lot and I’m involved in every aspect of the development cycle from acquisition to delivery. 

What is the vision and positioning of the company today?

There are amazing big developers in Dubai and on the contrary, we are more of a boutique developer, we like to focus on niche products. For me, building is exciting and you can create beautiful spaces with high-end finishes, but what really excites me, is how a community functions, even within a building itself: what the public areas are, what the design is like, is it encouraging residents to spend time outside? Are there enough spaces for neighbours to actually meet each other? As cities grow we often lose a sense of community and that’s something that I find really important and something that excites me. So in terms of positioning, I think we are starting to be known as the developer that looks at the human aspects of life and how that works within a community. 

Let’s start by talking about Zaya Nurai Island and your role in the development of this project – what can you tell us about the resort and what makes it unique?

At the time we started working on ZayaNurai I remember Dubai was booming, Al Barari was doing very well, and so we started to look at Abu Dhabi. I remember looking at various islands, and I stood on Nurai island and fell in love immediately. So I created the concept, sold the real estate and built the resort. I was not planning on operating the hotel at the time, that happened because of changes in contracts, so I actually got into hotel operations by accident, but it was an amazing experience, we learnt a lot, and now we have a great hospitality team. 

What makes Zaya Nurai unique is that you have this island resort feeling and yet you are so close to Abu Dhabi. The other aspect is that people really appreciate the privacy of Nurai as well as the very personalised level of service. Nurai was acquired by Aldar last year and I’m not sure what their plans are but I’m sure they will make it even more beautiful.

Moving onto Al Barari tell us about your role in that community today.

I started Al Barari with my father before working on Zaya Nurai Island and various other projects and then I took over at Al Barari again a few years ago. For me, Al Barari is Dubai’s best-kept secret. When I returned I wanted to take it to the next level by building more projects within the community and bringing more life to it. So we are focused on bringing in retail and a lot of community events. We have completed thirteen new buildings, we’ve extended the gym, we’ve built a new spa, we have a new space called Nature Escapes which is focused on children’s activities connected to nature, and we have approximately 300 new villas under construction. So we’ve definitely been busy bringing the rest of the community to life. 

We know that sustainability is a key value for your – tell us about this and where it fits into your strategy today.

Sustainability is hugely important for us. We recycle all of our sewage treatment water. We filter sewage water and use that for irrigation. On Zaya Nurai we have the region’s first floating solar plant, which was at its peak, generating forty per cent of the island’s power. 

For our new project Zuha Island, we are also looking at solar energy, we are looking at marine life and coral transplanting and also creating micro-climates and reducing our carbon footprint by planting trees. Al Barari is of course the greenest community in Dubai. Everyone talks about sustainability in terms of the planet but I think we should also look at the human aspect; how we feel as human beings, how we make human life sustainable and how we remain happy. That’s a key element when we look at development and design. We assess how a person will feel within a space and how we can encourage this person to wake up and sit on his or her balcony in the sunshine and enjoy the space he or she is in. We consider ways that we can get neighbours to meet each other and have that human connection. We ask how we can improve the daily lives of people in these communities. These are the things we consider very seriously. 

As an Emirati woman in a powerful position, how do you ensure your voice is heard?

As an Emirati woman, I have no issues getting my voice heard! I think it’s a misconception that Emirati women somehow have to prove themselves, I think we are encouraged by our leadership and in fact, I feel like it helps that I’m a woman, people are more receptive towards me and the government departments are very supportive and encouraging.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face and how do you overcome them?

At the moment one of the biggest challenges I have is growing the team and finding people that have a “can do” attitude. We have a highly entrepreneurial culture at the company, we are very efficient, perhaps some say not very structured at times – decisions are made very quickly, and it’s not always easy to find people that are comfortable within that kind of culture. So I would say that’s a big challenge for me. Sometimes things move too fast for people and it’s not comfortable. 

The other challenge I’m having at the moment is that we are developing an island in Dubai which is something completely new, and this means government departments are not familiar with what the regulations should look like and it can be difficult sometimes. So I guess pioneering has its advantages and disadvantages. 

What are you currently working on and what is in the pipeline for the rest of 2023?

We are working on delivering around 300 villas in Al Barari. I am working on Zuha Island in Dubai. We have just started construction and that is going to take up a lot of my time because island developments are always more complicated. 

What is your overall vision for the group moving forward?

I would like to be recognised as the developer of choice for someone that wants to be part of a community that has a soul and that human touch.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Just get it done! I like people to take action and not overthink things. Of course, planning is important but I think a lot of people have a lot of plans and don’t actually take action. I always encourage my team to make decisions, even if they turn out to be wrong you can make another decision to fix it, but at least things are moving. 

Cartier has revealed the selected 33 candidates for the 2023 edition of its Women’s Initiative. Reaffirming its commitment to supporting women, specifically female entrepreneurs, the brand has partnered with women worldwide who are leveraging business as a force for good.

For the 2023 edition, Cartier is further increasing its commitment by introducing new regional and thematic awards to its outstanding program, while also increasing its grant funding and raising the total number of fellows to 33.

Renad Aljefri

In the Middle East, Africa and India twelve fellows have been selected to participate in the programme which will shine a light on the achievements of each fellow, as well as provide them with the necessary financial, social, and human capital support to grow their business and further build their leadership skills.

This year’s program features a total of 11 awards, comprised of 9 regional awards, including Oceania and Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa launched this year and 2 thematic awards. Following the successful introduction of the Science and Technology Pioneer Award in 2021, the program has launched for its 2023 edition, a second thematic award, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award which seeks to encourage entrepreneurial solutions to close gaps of access, outcome or opportunities for communities that have been underrepresented or underserved. Unlike other awards, this pilot is open to all genders.

Kadidja Elbedweihy

The twelve fellows selected from the Middle East, Africa and India region are:

• Renad Aljefri from Saudi Arabia, founder of Ad Astra Therapy, an electronic platform that links specialists with families of special-needs children to provide high-quality education and rehabilitation services.
• Farah Emara from Egypt, founder of FreshSource, the MENA region’s first technology-driven agricultural supply platform that is transforming the lives of producers, businesses, and consumers.
• Khadija Elbedweihy from Egypt, founder of PraxiLabs, an e-learning platform that makes immersive virtual science labs accessible, usable, and affordable for educational institutions and schools.

• Yvette Ishimwe from Rwanda, founder of Iriba Water Group, a social enterprise providing safe water access for low-income communities across Africa through climate-smart water solutions.

• Siny Samba from Senegal, founder of Le Lionceau, an agricultural business that specializes in infant nutrition made with local ingredients sourced from sustainable agriculture.

• Bola Bardet from France, founder of Susu, a medtech platform that connects the resources of the African diaspora (Ivory Coast, Cameroon & Senegal) with relatives in need of healthcare services.

• Angella Kyomugisha from Uganda, founder of Kaaro Health, a social enterprise that provides healthcare across rural areas in Africa.

• Dupe Killa-Kafidipe from Nigeria, founder of Platinum Fisheries, an agricultural business that aims to alleviate food scarcity through sustainable production practices.

• Charlot Magayi from Kenya, founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, a social enterprise that produces clean, affordable, and reliable cook stoves for families in underserved markets.

• Dimple Parmar from India, founder of Zenheal Wellness Private Limited, an integrative oncology health-tech platform that provides treatment protocols combining a variety of medical therapies.

• Poulami Chaudhuri from India, founder of Helex, a biotech enterprise focusing on making gene editing safe as a solution for high-burden diseases.

• Ishani Roy from India, founder of Serein, a human resources enterprise using science and technology to make the workplace safer and more equitable.

Farah Emara

“Women have always had a pivotal role at Cartier, who has actively supported women entrepreneurs for more than 16 years. We are thrilled, this year, to further expand our recognition of changemakers across the world with our two new regional awards and our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.” said Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International.

Commenting on the announcement, Sophie Doireau, CEO of Cartier for the Middle East, India, Africa and Türkiye, said “We are pleased to welcome three remarkable fellows from the Middle East and North Africa to this year’s edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative. Each of the selected businesses are transforming the sectors they operate in and creating lasting impact in their communities. We look forward to welcoming them to the program and providing them with the tools to grow their ventures and unlock new opportunities.”

The first-place awardee of each of the 11 awards will be announced during the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Ceremony, held on May 10, 2023, in Paris.

Léa Sfeir grew up in a family where hosting guests was a regular occurrence. The women in her family would decorate and dress their tables with elegant designs, making every guest feel special when they were invited to dinner.

After training as a lawyer, French-Lebanese-born Léa Sfeir felt the desire to fulfil her creative passion for table dressing and during the COVID-19 pandemic, she began sharing images of her artistic table settings with the world. While the world was in lockdown, Léa was experimenting with trends, colours and styles and her social media following began to grow. She soon realised there was great potential to turn this passion into a business. Today, Léa is creating elegant table designs for clients and friends in Dubai, and her colourful creations are inspiring others.

Ramadan and Eid are occasions for hosting family and friends and with many occasions to celebrate this month, we talked to Léa to find out more about the latest trends as well as tips and tricks to impress your guests over the Holy Month.

What are some of the trends you are enjoying for Ramadan and Eid this year? 

This Ramadan I’m enjoying seeing a lot of designed-focused items. There are still traditional trends of course, but I can see a lot more creativity and effort made around decorations, plates, and placemats, all being more design-focused. I love mixing materials and I’m seeing a lot of Arabic calligraphy but done in a very unusual way. I’m also seeing a lot of items on Plexi and very thin glass and it’s so pretty and different. These are the trends I currently love.

What are some of the popular colour themes?

White and gold are always a hit during Ramadan. This year I can also see a lot of emerald green being integrated as well as blue. If you like traditional styles stick to white and gold and for those looking for a contemporary twist, add a pop of colour.

Can you share some of the ways we can add small details to our home to bring in the festive spirit around Eid?

One of the first things to add to your home is a crescent. I also love the idea of having a small olive tree that can be styled with Ramadan ornaments inside the house. Candles, crescents, and Fatima Hands are all very nice as ornaments. It’s also nice to have platters set out with chocolates, dates and flowers that bring festivities to the house. The tray can be in the shape of the moon to bring the festive spirit of Ramadan. I have some hand-painted porcelain candles on display that I love. Use jars and plates that are very contemporary if you are looking for something different this Ramadan. I love to use spring colours during an iftar dinner which bring joy and happiness and are less traditional.

When it comes to tableware what are your tips for selecting the right styles for your home?

If you are buying tableware for the first time choose a classic set of plates, but if you already have that, I would recommend having a set that is more colourful and stronger on the table as then you don’t need as many items to complete your table setup. I would also recommend having many small vases as they are so pretty to have on a table. You can mix and match them throughout the house and it always gives a simple yet elegant touch.

How do you recommend adding candles to your setups?

I add candles everywhere to any of my decorations! For Ramadan, I would recommend adding many candles in white or gold, and using candles of different heights and sizes. The more candles the better! Place them on a coffee table or welcome area to give an incredible feeling when guests enter your home, as well as have candles of many different levels on your Iftar table. Use candlesticks that match the colour of your plates or flowers. Adding candles is a great addition to any festivity.

Tell us about flowers for Ramadan and Eid – what are your recommendations? 

I’m not a very traditional person, but if I was dressing a traditional Ramadan table I would add white flowers combined with sprayed gold flowers. I also love to have a lot of greenery on the table. For Eid, as it’s happening in the middle of Spring this year, I would use freshly handpicked flowers in bright, joyful colours.

If you are celebrating outside in the garden are there any tips you would share?

For an outside celebration, I would recommend using many lanterns as this will give a beautiful vibe. Additionally, I would use a lot of pillows, either on chairs or on the floor, as well as carpets to give this oriental touch to the garden.

What do you prefer: less is more or more is more?

When it comes to my table I can do both but my style is usually less is more. Having said that, I do like to have a lot of things happening on my table you just need to find a way of balancing items so everything remains elegant.

Tell us about your passion for table decoration how did it come out?

My passion for table decoration came out naturally because I grew up in an environment where my grandmothers were very chic and social ladies that used to host a lot. It was always something that was part of my lifestyle and family. I started to collect pieces when I was young from markets I visited around the world and then during the COVID pandemic, I started to take it more seriously, sharing what I was doing through my social media. Because people had time to look at my stories and see the things I was doing it started to gain traction. Even during the lockdown, I would share images of the tables that I was creating at home, I always like to make an effort and people loved to see that. People are very interested in hosting and having beautiful setups today and it’s become much more of a trend. But yes for me it was very natural and it became a business without me planning it.

What advice would you give to people who don’t feel confident creating elaborate setups? 

Always be yourself. When you have friends coming over or you’re planning a special celebration don’t use plastic glasses or plates and always go to the effort of putting some flowers or candles on the table. This is a few minutes of work, it will make a big difference to your guests and they will appreciate the effort. For special occasions, be generous in your food and create a lot of memories in the laughter.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Patience is a virtue. I think that by being patient we can get anything we want and even when we fail if we are patient enough, we can get up and be stronger. The problem in the world is that many people aren’t patient enough, so they miss opportunities.

We round up some of the best gastronomic destinations to visit for Iftar and Suhoor this Ramadan.

Armani Hotel Dubai

Armani Hotel Dubai will see the return of its annual Ramadan celebration at Armani/Pavilion. Offering an extensive spread of culinary delights for both iftar and suhoor in an iconic location overlooking the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, this luxury experience will be one to remember. With this contemporary Ramadan experience set under the stars, guests are invited to break their fast al fresco with a cross-cultural culinary celebration and Iftar buffet of seasonal favourites, as well as signature flavours from the several award-winning restaurants at Armani Hotel Dubai, all set to the gentle sounds of the resident oud and tabla musicians. Then, as the night sky is lit by a canopy of glittering stars, connect with family, friends and colleagues for Suhoor. Choose from a private table, or reserve one of the exquisitely designed white and gold open majlis’, accompanied by a bespoke pre-dawn buffet selection and fragrant shisha

Atlantis The Palm

The renowned Asateer tent returned to Atlantis The Palm, this year with the addition of a beautiful outdoor terrace. Featuring an elegant design, guests can soak up the atmosphere for Iftar or Suhoor as they dine on a fusion buffet featuring various theme nights, including international, Arabesque, Khaleeji, Persian, and Turkish cuisine. The tent features a Royal Majlis, six VIP Majlis areas, as well as booth seating and 110 dining tables, including the new outdoor terrace area. The food at Asateer is managed by Ali El Bourji, Executive Arabic Chef at Atlantis Dubai, who has comprised a unique menu featuring different cuisines from around the region. Visitors will also be treated to various live entertainment throughout Suhour.

Bulgari Resort Dubai

Bulgari Resort Dubai’s bespoke majlis has reopened this year with a unique design celebrating the shared cultural values between The Middle East and Italy and conveying the theme: The Wonders of Love. Inspired by the Middle East’s heritage with a touch of Italian elegance this one-of-a-kind garden venue invites families and friends to gather together to create lasting memories and experience exceptional Iftars and Suhoors offerings under the stars. The five-star cuisine celebrates the very best of Italian cuisine and Arabic signature plates with Bulgari touches, guests will enjoy a true fusion of classic Italy in the Middle East while being transported to a beautiful Arabian garden. With a wide range of hot and cold mezze, live cooking stations and some innovative modern twists on familiar favourites, it will be all the flavours of this enchanting time, with a magical Bulgari touch. Menus will change daily and will comprise of seven live stations for guests to choose from.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has unveiled its first Majlis by Mandarin Oriental, as a bespoke space that brings guests together for Iftar and Suhoor, whilst paying homage to the rich heritage of the UAE. The Majlis also features a captivating exhibition curated by Emirati artist Yasmin Al Mulla, offering an unparalleled experience that is sure to delight guests seeking a deeper connection with the traditions of the UAE. Located close to the beach and complements by warm interiors and intricate decorative detailing, this unique space has a relaxed ambience, perfect for the Holy Month. Guests will enjoy a truly exceptional dining experience, merging the very best of Middle Eastern cuisine with signature creations from Netsu by Ross Shonhan and Tasca by José Avillez for both Iftar and Suhoor. As the evening sets in, diners can the sounds of live Arabic instrumental music, both indoors and outdoors on the terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea. The collaboration with Yasmin Al Mulla will be displayed in a gallery setting at the entrance of The Majlis, inviting guests to reminisce on cherished memories of Ramadan in the UAE.

The Chedi Al Bait

Sharjah’s best-kept secret is inviting guests for a series of authentic experiences this Ramadan. The Ramadan Nights offering from 6:30 to 8:30 pm daily gives guests the chance to experience the true spirit of the Holy Month, with an Arabic Iftar buffet featuring live cooking stations and an array of traditional Arabian specialities. Meanwhile, the Ramadi in Al Bait concept is a private iftar and suhoor experience for groups and families looking for a night they won’t forget. Enjoy a private iftar or suhoor under the unique Burjeel Tower majlis and courtyard. Savour traditional cuisine in a family-style dining concept, while enjoying heritage activities in a cosy Arabesque ambience.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Abu Dhabi’s iconic destination has debuted The Majlis by the Sea this Ramadan. Featuring an elegant design inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East, The Majlis by the Sea offers stylish indoor décor and an expansive outdoor deck. Enjoy a spectacular dining experience for Iftar or Suhoor, including world-class Arabic cuisine, international favourites and curated dishes from the resort’s Michelin Star restaurants, all accompanied by traditional Arabic instrumental music and exceptional service.

Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah

The Kempinski Hotel & Residences on Palm Jumeirah invites guests to its Layali Ramadan Tent to break their fast with loved ones under the stars. This standalone tent, located in the hotel’s serene gardens, will set the stage for a unique experience featuring traditional delicacies and seasonal sweets. The tent will host a buffet-style experience with a wide selection of hot and cold mezze, a salad bar, shawarma, a saj station,  BBQ and an ouzi carving station. This year’s Iftar menu will also feature over 40 main courses such as Kibbeh bil Laban, Chicken Tagine, Fish Majboos and Baked Lamb Kofta and there will be a wide variety of Arabic and International dessert options to choose from. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music and entertainment hosted against the backdrop of Dubai’s skyline.

La Ville Hotel and Suites, City Walk

Diners are invited to break their fast at Chival Global Social, located at La Ville Hotel and Suites, City Walk. This effortlessly chic space where contemporary meets traditional is the perfect place to enjoy iftar or suhoor as you take in the stunning views overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa. Guests can enjoy an intimate family-style dining experience for iftar, indulging in a blend of traditional and contemporary Arabic dishes. To end on a sweet note, savour a selection of Arabic sweets and delicious desserts. Guests can extend the evening for Suhoor in the adjacent Chival terrace nestled between olive trees, where fairy lights add to the magical atmosphere. Loved ones can spend quality time together in a tranquil and cosy environment whilst ordering dishes from the a la carte menu. There is also a variety of Shisha options to choose from.

Brunello Cucinelli has unveiled an exclusive Abaya Capsule Collection for Ramadan, fusing  Italian craftsmanship and Arab culture. The collection is not just about couture but also about celebrating the rich traditions of two historic cultures coming together in a stunning display of elegance and luxury.

Crafted with the highest-quality materials and artisanal workmanship, the Spring-Summer 2023 Abaya capsule features five unique styles, each with a matching Shayla. Two tailored designs are available: a traditional design with dropped shoulders and invisible buttons and one that features traditional lines paired with blazer-style shoulders and shawl lapels – a signature style of the house.

The collection features four carefully selected fabrics: classic silk crêpe, precious laminated silk, summer-weight wool embroidered with sequin threads to recreate traditional regimental patterns, and a shiny silk with tone-on-tone sequins embroidered throughout. The latter creates a stunning, sparkling effect over the entire surface of the Abaya – truly a sight to behold.

In a world where fashion is constantly evolving, Brunello Cucinelli’s Abaya Capsule Collection offers a unique opportunity to experience the unification of two cultures through the lens of luxury fashion. This collection is a testament to the exquisite and refined style that is distinctive to Brunello Cucinelli, and a celebration of the beauty that can be achieved through the confluence of diverse cultures.

Rami Al Ali unveiled his White bridal collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week on 12th April 2023.

The Dubai-based designer explores the themes of femininity and modernity, curating an exquisitely romantic narrative through a unique 12-piece collection.

As the fifth edition of the White collection Rami created a selection of gowns designed for the modern-day bride with an effortless aesthetic featuring the designer’s signature design style.

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s signature design codes, traditional princess-style gowns and voluminous full skirts are given a contemporary update with structured bodices and elaborate architectural detailing. The result is a stunning array of dresses that perfectly capture the essence of a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

But it’s not just the design that sets this collection apart – it’s the unwavering passion and uncompromising mastery of the atelier that truly elevates each and every piece. With a keen eye for detail and an unparalleled knowledge of fabrics, Al Ali has crafted a collection that is as luxurious as it is dreamlike. Delicate French laces, sumptuous silks, and whimsical tulle and organza all feature prominently, while handcrafted Swarovski crystal embroideries and sophisticated beadwork add a touch of sparkle and shine.

The timeless colour palette is a testament to the brand’s commitment to classicism and elegance, with shades of white, pearl, and silver seamlessly woven throughout. And while each design is undeniably timeless, there is also a modern-day edge that allows the Rami Al Ali bride to fully express herself in a way that is both sophisticated and chic.

In short, this collection is a true masterpiece, showcasing the brand’s unparalleled expertise and unbridled creativity. So whether you’re a bride-to-be or simply a lover of fashion, be sure to take a closer look at this stunning collection.

Dalia Al Karnous, Founder of Saudi Arabian fashion brand DAL shares her thoughts on the Holy Month of Ramadan as she launches an exclusive Ramadan collection.

Founded in 2017 DAL, is a brand that embraces the unique aesthetic of maximalism through an abstract eye. With an ethos that focuses on elegance and authenticity, DAL encourages every woman to be bold in her fashion choices with a ‘more is more’ approach. As Dalia prepares to launch an exclusive Ramadan collection we find out more about what this special month means to her.

What does Ramadan mean to you?

Ramadan is a month of giving, spiritual connection and appreciation of the little things that we often take for granted.

Reflecting on this past year, what has been your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement is watching my brand grow with a website launching very soon.

What is a memory that you have of the Holy Month growing up?

The Holy Month is a very special time but memories that always stand out are spending time with family and gathering for iftar with classic Ramadan dishes.

How will you be spending Eid this year?

Eid this year will be intimate and wholesome, spent with my family.

Where is your favourite place to travel to for the holidays?

In winter I love to travel to ski resorts and in the summer, to various islands around the world. I love visiting countries where I can soak in the beauty of the season.

DAL Ramadan Collection

What does it mean to you to celebrate?

For me, celebrating means sharing a joyous moment with family. Family matters the most and spending these moments with them is truly special.

What do you hope this year will bring to you?

I believe it is a year of growth, both professionally and personally.

What is a message you would send to our readers on this special occasion?

I wish everyone a Ramadan Kareem filled with joy, togetherness and happiness with their loved ones!

Charlotte Tilbury has revealed an exclusive Ramadan Majlis in Abu Dhabi. In partnership with Abu Dhabi Retails the beauty brand has taken over Society, Mamsha Al Saadiyat until 17^th April.

This pop-up Majlis is a sparkly place for beauty lovers to gather and relax, breaking their fast in a luxurious environment.

Guests can enjoy a bespoke halal menu as well as discover Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty secrets and some of her latest products. There will also be exclusive masterclasses hosted by Regional and Global Makeup Artists, as well as interactive games, and live music with a kanun player performing at the weekend and a calligrapher creating personalised mementoes.

Society is a café-style eatery inspired by the natural landscapes and vibrant cultures of the UAE. The menu will feature hot and cold dishes in the magical surroundings.

The Majlis is open from 8^th to 17^th April at Society, Mamsha Al Saadiyat.