Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, announces the soft opening of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa as of 7 May 2013.

Jumeirah’s first hotel in the Gulf region outside the United Arab Emirates is situated along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, close to Kuwait City’s business and financial centre and only 10 minutes drive from Kuwait International Airport. The hotel was designed by architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill from New York to create a truly luxurious destination in Kuwait that merges the latest in design and technology with the heritage and culture of the region.

Jumeirah Group President and CEO Gerald Lawless said: “The opening of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa is a landmark event. We are proud to be bringing our brand to Kuwait and would like to thank the management of the hotel’s owning company Al Aziziah for giving us the opportunity to operate this remarkable property. I believe that the quality of the hotel and the services delivered by our colleagues under the leadership of the General Manager Mark Griffiths will offer the people of Kuwait and visitors from around the world a true taste of Jumeirah’s unique brand of hospitality.”

The luxury beachfront development is made up of 408 guest rooms, including 316 rooms and suites, 80 residential suites and 12 villas that provide an unhampered view of the hotel gardens. All rooms range from 40 to 60m², suites from 80 to 360m² and villas from 350 to 450m².

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa is inspired by its location. Messilah, derived from the word ‘Massiyalah’, denotes a low-lying area where waters merge and flow into the sea. Water is a recurring theme throughout the hotel’s design. Water features flow from the central lobby and throughout the building to connect with streams, channels and fountains in the gardens. Water is also reflected in a series of striking sculptures, the interior design of the hotel and the Talise Spa, which covers 3,500m² and includes 17 treatment rooms and two private suites. In addition, Talise Spa has the Salt Room – an exclusive treatment in the Middle East where salt blocks from the Himalayas are used for rejuvenation, relaxation and wellbeing.

Another key design feature is the use of traditional Kuwaiti oriel windows of Mashrabiya design which can be found around the hotel. Mashrabiya screens are also fitted in the bedrooms and can be pulled across the windows to provide privacy and shade from the sun.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa has six restaurants, along with a selection of cafes and lounges. These include a signature seafood restaurant and a premium steakhouse, a chic Italian restaurant and an all-day dining concept, an Arabic café lounge with a terrace overlooking the hotel entrance and an elegant tea lounge. Other outlets include the Club Executive, a health and wellness restaurant next to the Talise Spa and a beachfront café for healthy snacks and views of the Arabian Gulf.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa is perfectly equipped for conferences, weddings and banquets. The centerpiece is the ‘Badriah’ – the largest-ever ballroom in Kuwait – a vast, purpose-built 1,950m² ballroom and wedding hall, with a private bridal suite. In addition, two meeting halls – the Messilah ballrooms 1 & 2 – measuring 405m² each, can flexibly provide five break-out rooms for meetings and exhibition space. Furthermore, Dewan, comprising five break-out rooms of 75m² each, provides the perfect venue for board meetings or intimate social events.

The hotel offers a wide range of leisure activities including a floodlit tennis court, two swimming pools, 200m of private beach, a Sinbad’s Kids Club that offers a wide variety of supervised activities for children under the age of six and the Scene Teens Club for guests between ages 7 and 14 with indoor and outdoor games, a private cinema and trained staff to supervise children of all ages.

Designer of her own label called  Zayan, co-founder, creative director and head buyer at S*uce, Zayan Ghandour answered to all our questions.

The story of S*uce begins somewhere. Where is it and why?
S*uce was founded in 2004 when Fatima, Dina and I wanted to create a fun, inspiring, shopping experience like no other, offering a curated mix of regional and international up-and-coming talent, diffusions lines and designer labels. We started with 12 brands, none of which were available in the region and slowly grew the concept to where it is today, with over 600 brands, about a hundred of which are regional. Our ‘founding’ principle has always been to love what you love without hesitation and that was something that carried through in our buying strategy (often buying undiscovered brands simply because we loved them), our campaigns and initiatives (we’ve launched several community campaigns including the s*uce Benches Project, #Webuiltthiscity and A to the R to the T (Am so Ridiculously talented)) as well as our belief and support in all the young designers in the region (we run an annual Design a Dress competition).

What inspired you the most to conceive S*uce?
It was the fact that we saw so much potential in Dubai.  If we couldn’t find what we were looking for, surely there were others who felt the same.  We wanted to create an entire world where shopping was first and foremost fun! And so the design of the shop is meant to look like you’re rummaging through in your best friend’s closet, looking for things you don’t need but cant live without.

What is the most challenging part of your industry?
The fact that it is so fast paced and keeps getting faster and faster every season.

Is there one idea you’ve come up with that you are especially proud of?
Moving our offices to a standalone villa close to Satwa. It keeps the office so homey.

In Dubai, who wears your dresses the most?
Creative girls who like to have fun and experiment with colours and shapes. They love to mix and match and colour clash and they are trend setters in their exuberance and playfulness.

What advice do you have for local young women and men who are trying to cultivate their own sense of style?
I would say “Love what you love without hesitation”.  Be inspired by but not restricted to trends, and don’t be afraid to experiment or go against the grain.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on  the 5th season of my own collection Zayan SS14, we are also about to open a new shop in The Avenues! It will be a totally new concept called , s*uce in the Hood, and are super excited about that.  So watch this space!

How do you wish to expand in the future?
We are currently looking to roll out our s*uce concepts across the region and also  have a couple more unique concepts in the pipeline.

Which famous designer do you admire the most and why?
Alber Elbaz, I love his personality: how humble, genuine and simply amazing he is. He keeps it real. As well as being phenomenally talented of course!

Who is your most surprising fan?
Chiara Ferragni from The Blonde Salad. She passed by s*uce when she was visiting Dubai and she loved one of the Zayan dresses, which she wore to the Luisaviaroma Pink Carpet Party about a year ago. I was so incredibly flattered. She’s so beautiful and amazing.

Damac Towers by Paramount’, is being developed on platinum real estate in Dubai overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the world’s largest mall.

More than 200 units were snapped up in just a few hours, making it one of the most sought-after projects in the region.

Developed by Damac Properties in collaboration with Paramount Hotel & Resorts, the project offers an ambience and reflection of the Hollywood glamour and California cool lifestyle, synonymous with Paramount Pictures over the past 101 years.

Damac Properties will be presenting the project during a road show in Riyadh and Jeddah on 6 April 2013 and there will be further events in Dammam and Mecca on 7 April 2013, with exclusive launch prices for the second release of the project.

“The response we have seen from Saudi investors is unprecedented,” said Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director, Damac Properties. “Our partnership with one of the most established movie houses in Hollywood has proved a big draw. Saudi investors make up a good percentage of our loyal client base and they recognise the intrinsic value of this unique project,” he added.

A recent report by Knight Frank also showed that projects in Dubai associated with luxury brands are demanding nearly 60% more value than non-branded projects in the same area. The report added that: “it seems likely that as global wealth creation expands, the demand for high-quality, branded residential developments in key global centres will undoubtedly rise.”

“Families seek out places to go and places to stay primarily based on the entertainment proposition. Damac Towers by Paramount offers a unique movie concept for every moment of the stay – this is what makes us different,” added El Chaar.

Damac Properties has already secured approval from RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) and DTCM (Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing) and the plot of land has been fully paid for. All funds received from the initial unit sales have gone into the Escrow account, specifically tied to the project.

The one, two and three bedroom serviced hotel residences will be managed by Damac Maison, the hospitality division of Damac Properties. Serviced Hotel residences will feature fully-fitted kitchens and services that also include valet parking, concierge, housekeeping, in-room beauty treatments and 24-hour kids club.

In addition owners can elect to add their residence in the ‘rental pool’ whilst they are away, allowing for rental returns to be generated.

The new facility, located in the strategic waterfront district of Ain El Mreisseh, Beirut, was unveiled by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East, Africa and Latin America Regional Director Mr Geoff Briscoe; Bassoul – Heneine sal Executives: Mr. Albert Bassoul and Mr. Nagy Heneine, as well as distinguished public figures and guests.

On the official opening of the showroom, Geoff Briscoe said, “This showroom is a milestone in our commitment to further build on the success of Rolls-Royce in the region. We want to continue to affirm the brand as the pinnacle of ultra luxury motoring for the region’s highly discerning clientele.”

He added, “I thank Bassoul – Heneine for the considerable investment they have made, a commitment that underlines their confidence in the strength of the Rolls-Royce marque today and for years to come.”

Mr. Albert Bassoul added, “We are delighted to be the official dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Lebanon. This exceptional showroom is the flagship for the enterprise and through it we are committed to delivering the uncompromised ownership experience that comes as standard with every Rolls-Royce motor car. Rolls-Royce is a revered marque and truly appreciated by Lebanese society as the very pinnacle of luxury.”

The new showroom is another high point in the sustained success of Rolls-Royce in the region and serves as an indicator of the potential that exists in the wider Middle East market; a potential that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is keen to develop with its esteemed dealer partners.

The Beirut showroom accommodates two Rolls-Royce motor cars and is located in one of the most vibrant and prestigious districts of the capital. This state of the art space will offer the Rolls-Royce hallmark Bespoke service through a dedicated personalisation lounge. The Bespoke programme allows customers to configure their new Rolls-Royce to individual taste from over 44,000 colour pallets and a wide range of wood finishes and leather combinations. The lounge enjoys a direct line to the Bespoke Studios at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

With this latest addition, the number of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showrooms in the Middle East has reached 10. An expansion that is sure to assert Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ leadership in the ultra luxury goods market.

Harry Winston, the legendary ‘King of Diamonds’, and ‘Jeweler to the Stars’, is pleased to announce the opening of its first salon in Kuwait, in partnership with premier retailer, Kuwait Luxury Co.

The new 122-square meter salon is located in the exclusive Prestige District of the Avenues Mall, and houses an extraordinary selection of breathtaking jewels and innovative timepieces, from Harry Winston’s most iconic collections.

Founded in New York City, in 1932, The House of Harry Winston continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watch making.

From the acquisition of some of the world’s most famous gemstones, including the Jonker and Hope Diamonds, to adorning Hollywood’s leading ladies on the red carpet, for over eight decades, Harry Winston has been a symbol of the best there is.

Today, the House of Harry Winston continues its legacy of creating exquisite jewels with unsurpassable style, and operates 28 salons worldwide, in locations including: New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai.

Maha Al Sibai, designer behind high end Maha Al Sibai Jewellery line, has opened her first boutique in J3 mall, Jumeirah. The designer founded her high-end jewellery line in 2006, with an emphasis on the use of diamonds and other precious stones to make a statement.

Maha Al Sibai has been designing jewellery for over twelve years, and has achieved international recognitions and awards for her work. Since childhood, she has had the aptitude & interest to admire design, art & craftsmanship. Maha won the Best Jewellery Designer in the Middle East award in 2001 and 2002, and was shortlisted as one of the best jewellery designers in the world in Italy in 2003. In 2004, she was awarded a certificate of excellence by the jewellery association in Lebanon. 2008 saw her assume the role of Ambassador for the World Gold Council’s annual Audition Arabia contest.

She use to paint portraits, and would get excited to paint the clothes and jewelry of the woman in the painting. She loved staring and observing the techniques used in the sketches & arts of French & Italian artists. Maha Al Sibai Jewelry’s latest collection reflects emotions and feelings of Love. This season, Maha Al Sibai Jewelry line depicits the use of flowers in all shapes & color because she feels flowers are a symbol of love, affection & compassion and, are exchanged between two people who admire and adore each other.  For this collection, she used a rare yellow heart shaped cut diamond, in a rare & fancy 15.35 Carat pendant.

“It has been a long but incredibly rewarding journey thus far. Opening my first boutique is a very important milestone for Maha Al Sibai Jewellery. I am glad to have a space where clients and collectors can see my work the way I intend. The next few years promise to be very exciting both creatively and commercially,” Al Sibai concluded.

The first diving watch from Chaumet, Class One was the start of a velvet revolution in 1998, combining steel, diamonds and rubber for the first time. The watch owes its name to the powerful monohull powerboat, designed in the 1990s to skim the waves at the most prestigious single-handed races, such as Vendée Globe and Route du Rhum.

The premier designer and manufacturer of Hyper cars in the region, the Lebanese W Motors brought to the 2013 Qatar motor show, a breath-taking Lykan Hypersport 2013. This Arab hyper car is the most anticipated world premieres. Launched on the 11th of July 2012 at Sursock Palace in Beirut, it is a groundbreaking accomplishment for a region based entrepreneur and specialist Ralph R Debbas.

Chairman of W Motors, Ralph R Debbas stated during the Sursock conference: “We will be launching 2 different lines of vehicles, the Hyper-sport and the Super-sport. Our first model, the Hyper-sport, will be limited to 5 cars worldwide and will be labeled as the most exclusive high performance car ever made. With signature diamond incrusted LED lights, it is also the most luxurious sports car in the world. In addition, the Hyper-sport W will be the first and only car to ever integrate a fully functional holographic display with interactive motion, gaining years of innovation ahead of competition. This car is simply unique in every single way; every element has been meticulously engineered to give the right balance between power, torque and speed, delivering the ultimate driving machine for a unique driving experience.”

With an entrepreneurial background, Debbas is the mastermind behind the W Motors project. Graduating from Coventry University School of Art and Design with a major in Automotive Design and having finalized numerous awarded concepts in Europe, Debbas worked on building a sizable network within the automotive industry, leading him to the creation of W Motors, one of the world’s most exclusive, luxurious and technologically advanced high performance sports cars, a pioneer project for the Arab World.

Only seven of this model will be produced, and each will be offered for nearly $3.4m.

The 2013 vintage, presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, shows the brand’s determination to dedicate their best work to women Three major collections, Patrimony, Malte and Métiers d’Art featured here, encompass creations that have been entirely conceived and designed for women.

Vacheron Constantin’s tradition as a producer of women’s watches started with the 19th century, when the first pocket-watches especially made for women appeared. Although smaller than men’s watches they were much more lavishly decorated and thus demanded skills in miniaturization and decoration that only a few of the watchmakers of the time possessed. Vacheron Constantin was one of them. One of the first of the manufacture’s women’s watches was a quarter-repeater produced in around 1810 and which proves that watch making complications were not only for men.