The exclusive VIP Lounge returned to the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) for its sixth year this week, providing a haven of peace for celebrities away from the crowds at the festival outside. There were plenty of goodies on offer for the celebs in attendance, from luxury breaks in The Maldives, courtesy of the Amilla Fushi, Huvafen Fushi and Finolu resorts, to the less extravagant, but equally popular, Burj Khalifa-shaped soap from local brand The Shower Tower Company.
Lounge founder Katherine Raso insists The Lounge is about much more than simply showering A-listers with gifts, however. “We like to focus on regional brands, and also brands that have something new to talk about. It has to be more than just giving celebs stuff," she says.
Raso says the Lounge is also a vital stop-off on the celebs’ journeys to the red carpet. “Helping the celebs get ready for the red carpet is also a big part of what we do for the celebs at Diff - from mani/pedis from Sugar Beauty to dresses from United Designers to shoes from IO and jewellery from INTISARS and Villa Yasmine – it’s all about getting the regional brands some love. “
Stars showing their love this year included Cate Blanchett, who wore a ring from Kuwaiti jewellery designer INTISARS, as well as doing her bit for the environment by wearing a pair of upcycled earrings from Ken Samudio.
Indian star Sonam Kapoor, meanwhile, was the recipient of a Maldives vacation, and also developed a taste for Balqees Honey in the lounge, while her Bollywood contemporary Irrfan Khan was also spotted checking out its attractions.
Crowd favourite and Lifetime Achievement honoree Patrick Stewart was bowled over by regional brand Carter and White, who specialise in products made from finest Egyptian cotton, while IWC Filmmaker Award winner Haifaa Al Mansour, whose film Mary Shelley screened at this year's festival, opted to walk the carpet in a gown from UK brand Issa, not technically a regional brand, but making its debut in the region at Diff. Issa gifted celebrities with its latest collection to wear throughout the week during their appearances, press junkets and dinners, while the Lounge hosted an exclusive event for VIPs to celebrate the regional launch of the coveted label.
______________________
Read more from Diff 2017:
Matt Damon on ‘Downsizing’
Haifaa Al Mansour won’t get the hump after winning funding for camel movie
Local industry reacts to Saudi cinema opening announcement
______________________
Closer to home, United Designers, a collective of designers from Turkey and Morocco, were a hit with the stars, with Egyptian actress Bushra among those to hit the red carpet in one of their gowns – fans of the brand who don’t have access to the VIP Lounge needn’t worry. The United Designers range is also available at House of Fraser in Abu Dhabi.
Another big attraction this year was an exclusive bottle of a Mexican beverage designed by the acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro. The limited run of highly collectable bottles were exclusively available in the Lounge for the duration of the festival, with one being sold to a mystery buyer for US$7,000 (Dh26,000).
Despite the abundance of high fashion and luxury breaks on display, however, Raso insists that, at heart, the stars’ tastes are quite humble. “Everyone's favourite, though, was The Shower Tower - soap in the shape of the Burj Khalifa," she says. "And of course, Sugar Factory. No matter how much we focus on luxury brands, everyone wants the fun souvenirs like candy, soap and cookies. They love it.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
RESULT
Bournemouth 0 Southampton 3 (Djenepo (37', Redmond 45' 1, 59')
Man of the match Nathan Redmond (Southampton)
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
ENGLAND SQUAD
Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
Mountain%20Boy
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zainab%20Shaheen%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Naser%20Al%20Messabi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
