Charles-Henri Thurre, Mayor of Saillon, in Valais, Switzerland, sleeps in an 'anti-idyllic' suite at the 'Null Stern Hotel' or 'Zero Star Hotel' installation by Swiss conceptual artists Frank and Patrik Riklin. All photos: EPA unless otherwise specified
Charles-Henri Thurre, Mayor of Saillon, in Valais, Switzerland, sleeps in an 'anti-idyllic' suite at the 'Null Stern Hotel' or 'Zero Star Hotel' installation by Swiss conceptual artists Frank and Patrik Riklin. All photos: EPA unless otherwise specified
The artists were inspired by the current situation of the world and wanted to spark reflection on the urgency and necessity of a radical change in society.
The artists were inspired by the current situation of the world and wanted to spark reflection on the urgency and necessity of a radical change in society.
Frank and Patrik in their 'anti-idyllic' suite.
Frank and Patrik in their 'anti-idyllic' suite.
The hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.
The hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.
Guests are invited in their 'half sleep' to consider topics such as climate change and war.
Guests are invited in their 'half sleep' to consider topics such as climate change and war.
Frank and Patrik Riklin say their intention is to encourage action.
Frank and Patrik Riklin say their intention is to encourage action.
The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, features three more 'Null Stern' suites in more idyllic settings.
The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, features three more 'Null Stern' suites in more idyllic settings.
An 'idyllic' suite located on a hill as part of the 'Zero Star Hotel' project.
An 'idyllic' suite located on a hill as part of the 'Zero Star Hotel' project.
Frank and Patrik at one of their 'idyllic' suites.
Frank and Patrik at one of their 'idyllic' suites.
Another 'idyllic' suite, this one located in a vineyard.
Another 'idyllic' suite, this one located in a vineyard.
The brothers have created similar beds in idyllic spots.
The brothers have created similar beds in idyllic spots.
Frank and Patrik with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier at the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
Frank and Patrik with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier at the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
The artists outside their 'anti-idyllic' 'zero star hotel'. EPA
The artists outside their 'anti-idyllic' 'zero star hotel'. EPA
All suites in the 'Zero Star Hotel', including the 'anti-idyllic', come with butler service.
All suites in the 'Zero Star Hotel', including the 'anti-idyllic', come with butler service.
A butler irons the bed of the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
A butler irons the bed of the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
Frank and Patrik with Charbonnier in the vineyard suite. Reuters
Frank and Patrik with Charbonnier in the vineyard suite. Reuters
The 'Zero Star Hotel' offers guests a choice between four open-air rooms in reaction to the current state of the world. Reuters
The 'Zero Star Hotel' offers guests a choice between four open-air rooms in reaction to the current state of the world. Reuters
The suites are available for stays form July 1 to September 18. The price for an imperfect night's sleep is 325 Swiss francs ($338). Reuters
The suites are available for stays form July 1 to September 18. The price for an imperfect night's sleep is 325 Swiss francs ($338). Reuters

Culture

Art

'Zero Star Hotel' in Switzerland invites guests to think, not sleep

The art installation by concept artists will welcome guests from July 1 for $338 a night

Reuters

June 23, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

"I couldn't sleep," and "my room was too noisy," may be complaints hoteliers dread from guests, but for the Riklin brothers that is the entire point of their latest Zero Star Hotel art installation.

The Swiss conceptual artists' hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.

They have set up their Null Stern suite — German for zero star — on a roadside next to a petrol station in the village of Saillon, in the southern Swiss canton of Valais.

Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures of the 'Zero Star Hotel'

The intention is to make guests think about the problems in the world, the twin brothers said, and inspire them to act differently.

They've created similar beds in idyllic spots, but this is their first "anti-idyllic" site.

"Sleep is not the point," said Frank Riklin. "What's important is reflecting about the current world situation. Staying here is a statement about the need for urgent changes in society."

Guests are invited in their "half sleep" to consider topics such as climate change, war, and humanity's endless quest for perfection and the damage it causes the planet.

"In a nutshell, now is not the time to sleep, we have to react," said Patrik. "If we continue in the same direction we are today, there might be more anti-idyllic places than idyllic."

The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, also features three further null stern suites in a more idyllic vineyard and on a picturesque hillside.

The suites, which come with butler service offering drinks and breakfast, will be available form July 1 to September 18. The price for an imperfect night's sleep: 325 Swiss francs ($338).

Eight of the world's best underwater restaurants — in pictures

Under, a stark rectangle tilted on its axis, will become part of its marine environment over time. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
Under, a stark rectangle tilted on its axis, will become part of its marine environment over time. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
Under is located in Norway’s Lindesnes. Photo: Andre Martinsen
Under is located in Norway’s Lindesnes. Photo: Andre Martinsen
Under's lounge area. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
Under's lounge area. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
Under offers a rare opportunity to witness the workings of the North Atlantic Ocean sea bed. Photo: Ivar Kvaal
Under offers a rare opportunity to witness the workings of the North Atlantic Ocean sea bed. Photo: Ivar Kvaal
Under offers one set menu each day, carefully crafted using seasonal produce. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
Under offers one set menu each day, carefully crafted using seasonal produce. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was the first resort in the world to offer an all-glass underwater restaurant. Photo: Conrad Hotels
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was the first resort in the world to offer an all-glass underwater restaurant. Photo: Conrad Hotels
Ithaa is located five metres below sea level and offers coral garden views. Photo: Conrad Hotels
Ithaa is located five metres below sea level and offers coral garden views. Photo: Conrad Hotels
Only Blu sits between the two island resorts of Oblu Select Lobigili and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi. Photo: Only Blu
Only Blu sits between the two island resorts of Oblu Select Lobigili and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi. Photo: Only Blu
The Maldivian yellowfin tuna poke at Only Blu. Photo: Only Blu
The Maldivian yellowfin tuna poke at Only Blu. Photo: Only Blu
Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai's Burj Al Arab. Photo: Burj Al Arab
Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai's Burj Al Arab. Photo: Burj Al Arab
Al Mahara is home to a wall-to-ceiling aquarium. Razan Alzayani / The National
Al Mahara is home to a wall-to-ceiling aquarium. Razan Alzayani / The National
Chef Andrea Migliaccio is responsible for the menu at Burj Al Arab’s Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara. Photo: Burj Al Arab
Chef Andrea Migliaccio is responsible for the menu at Burj Al Arab’s Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara. Photo: Burj Al Arab
The ambassador lagoon view at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
The ambassador lagoon view at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
A welk shell served on a bed of sand and filled with umami dashi at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
A welk shell served on a bed of sand and filled with umami dashi at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
Ossiano's bar area. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
Ossiano's bar area. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
Views of the aquarium from a table at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
Views of the aquarium from a table at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
Koral at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Koral at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Koral was named the world’s most picture-perfect restaurant in the 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Koral was named the world’s most picture-perfect restaurant in the 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Indonesian coastal flavours are served up by chef Andrea Astone at Koral. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Indonesian coastal flavours are served up by chef Andrea Astone at Koral. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
WORLD'S%2010%20HIGHEST%20MOUNTAINS
%3Cp%3E1.%09Everest%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%09K2%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%09Kangchenjunga%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%09Lhotse%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%09Makalu%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%09Cho%20Oyu%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%09Dhaulagiri%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%09Manaslu%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%09Nanga%20Parbat%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%09Annapurna%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.

 

 

Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
  • If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Plastic tipping points
MO
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreators%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Ramy%20Youssef%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Teresa%20Ruiz%2C%20Omar%20Elba%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

THE TWIN BIO

Their favourite city: Dubai

Their favourite food: Khaleeji

Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach

Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

The specs

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic

Power: 375bhp

Torque: 520Nm

Price: Dh332,800

On sale: now

States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Pathaan
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Civil%20War
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BRIEF SCORES:

Toss: Nepal, chose to field

UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23

Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17

Result: UAE won by 21 runs

Series: UAE lead 1-0

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
About Tenderd

Started: May 2018

Founder: Arjun Mohan

Based: Dubai

Size: 23 employees 

Funding: Raised $5.8m in a seed fund round in December 2018. Backers include Y Combinator, Beco Capital, Venturesouq, Paul Graham, Peter Thiel, Paul Buchheit, Justin Mateen, Matt Mickiewicz, SOMA, Dynamo and Global Founders Capital

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Updated: June 23, 2022, 3:12 PM`
ArtSwitzerland