“I was always attracted to the artisan world," explains Frank Luca, co-founder of the Lebanese boutique, Orient 499. The boutique has been a pillar of the Beirut cultural scene since 2006, when it was opened by Luca and his business partner Aida Kawas. The pair have now opened the first international outpost at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. “I grew up in a family of antique dealers for three generations, So, I always paid attention to details, always finding amazing techniques.”
Since its foundation, Orient 499 has run on a simple concept – to be a curated space that celebrates and champions artisanal skills. Having started with traditional Lebanese soap making, copper work and hand-blown glass, these have all been translated into functional objects for a modern audience. As with many great ideas, however, it came about almost by accident.
The pair met in Istanbul and while chatting, they realised they have many shared interests. Kawas invited him to open a boutique offering artisanal treasures in the Turkish city, and while Luca was intrigued by the proposition, he was unconvinced by the location. "I love Istanbul, but I live in Lebanon. I barely knew her, but I thought about it, and three weeks later we signed the papers in Beirut."
Over the years, the products have expanded to encompass ceramics, trays, artworks, antiques and clothes, all carefully designed and chosen by themselves. "Aida has a very strong knowledge of fashion, so she is designing clothes, as she used to work with tailors and the people doing the embroidery," he explains.
Today, the new Alserkal space is populated with beautifully displayed treasures, including Levantine glass; furniture inlaid with mother of pearl, which is a Syrian speciality; embroidered suzani wall hangings from Uzbekistan; Ethiopian silver crosses; and kaftans cut from the finest Varanasi brocade. Elegantly sparse, each piece is given space to be been seen and admired.
About to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary, Luca is reflective about the journey it has undertaken. "We work with craftsmen and craftswoman who used to come to our shop by bicycle," he explains. Over endless coffees, the pair would sit chatting with the makers, who would discuss their hopes for the future of their craft, which often felt uncertain. As the company has grown, it has, in turn, secured a financial lifeline for so many of the craftspeople. "After two or three years, we saw them coming with their own car, and now we work with the children,“ explains Luca.
These strong bonds have been sorely tested over recent years, he explains. First by Lebanon's financial crisis, then Covid-19 and then the Beirut explosion. Most recently, they have had to navigate how to remain safe during the Israeli invasion. “All the orders were halted, but we are like a big family, and were there to support everyone, and find shelters for them from the bombs," Luca says.
Coping with disaster is ingrained deep within the Lebanese psyche, yet he admits to being frustrated at times. “We are in a country that has zero support for the crafts. In India, they have a Ministry of Crafts. In Lebanon, of course, we don't expect anything like that, but at one point I saw the figures of the financial volume of crafts being made in Lebanon, and realised we are doing one-third of it. Orient 499 represents one third of the crafts being made. Now, when I go and renew my passport, I say, ‘You should give me a medal for what I'm doing for the country',” he laughs.
In recent years, the pair have started to source expensive cloth from around the world for select clothing. With high prices per metre however, they were apprehensive. "We started to work with very elevated fabrics, but worried what clients are going to pay this price? But we said, 'let's try it', and it became one of the best-selling items. Even though the budget is high, the quality is amazing. So now we have cashmere from Europe, the most beautiful linen from Belgium, silk from Italy, and brocade from Varanasi, and we have our own atelier of couture, so we add embroidery or beading."
Working with very limited numbers enables the company to stay true to its manifesto of only offering the unique, steering well clear of anything mass-produced. "This is luxury now," he explains. "The handmade and unique. And I think now more people are turning to very niche brands that really produce in limited quantities. When we have a fashion design, we do a maximum of six pieces, so imagine the chance to cross someone in a party and to have the same dress. Impossible!
"But its exhausting. In terms of business it's not the most clever thing to do, but it brings us joy and at the same time, a client knows and is willing to understand the price point and the uniqueness of it. Searching out the most beautiful fabrics, but only making two pieces with it."
Describing the Beirut space as "poetic", Luca admits creating the right atmosphere in Dubai was difficult. Situated in a warehouse, they needed to make it softer and more human. "We teamed up with Mariagroup Architecture founder Michele Maria, who with her brother Georges runs the respected practice in the Lebanese capital," he explains. "She did my apartment in Beirut, and I always loved what she was doing. She decided to create a warm box inside the warehouse." The effect is a soft framework of lighting, that shows each piece to perfection.
Now that other Lebanese companies are moving into Alserkal Avenue, alongside Orient 499, Luca is delighted. "It's like a little Beirut," he laughs.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Looming%20global%20slowdown%20and%20recession%20in%20key%20economies%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Russia-Ukraine%20war%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Interest%20rate%20hikes%20and%20the%20rising%20cost%20of%20debt%20servicing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Oil%20price%20volatility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Persisting%20inflationary%20pressures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Exchange%20rate%20fluctuations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shortage%20of%20labour%2Fskills%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20A%20resurgence%20of%20Covid%3F%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO
Karnatake Tuskers 114-1 (10 ovs)
Charles 57, Amla 47
Bangla Tigers 117-5 (8.5 ovs)
Fletcher 40, Moores 28 no, Lamichhane 2-9
Bangla Tiger win by five wickets
UAE'S%20YOUNG%20GUNS
%3Cp%3E1%20Esha%20Oza%2C%20age%2026%2C%2079%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E2%20Theertha%20Satish%2C%20age%2020%2C%2066%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E3%20Khushi%20Sharma%2C%20age%2021%2C%2065%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E4%20Kavisha%20Kumari%2C%20age%2021%2C%2079%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E5%20Heena%20Hotchandani%2C%20age%2023%2C%2016%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E6%20Rinitha%20Rajith%2C%20age%2018%2C%2034%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E7%20Samaira%20Dharnidharka%2C%20age%2017%2C%2053%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E8%20Vaishnave%20Mahesh%2C%20age%2017%2C%2068%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E9%20Lavanya%20Keny%2C%20age%2017%2C%2033%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E10%20Siya%20Gokhale%2C%20age%2018%2C%2033%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E11%20Indhuja%20Nandakumar%2C%20age%2018%2C%2046%20matches%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
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Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
More on Quran memorisation:
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO
France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')
Italy 1
Bonucci (36')
The five pillars of Islam
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on Quran memorisation:
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows
Release Date: April 10
The years Ramadan fell in May
RESULT
Arsenal 0 Chelsea 3
Chelsea: Willian (40'), Batshuayi (42', 49')
More on animal trafficking
The five pillars of Islam
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Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D5pm%3A%20Al%20Bateen%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Ma%E2%80%99Aly%20Al%20Shahania%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%20(jockey)%2C%20Mohamed%20Daggash%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Al%20Khaleej%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Rami%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Bant%20Al%20Emarat%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%2C%20Qaiss%20Aboud%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Al%20Nahyan%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Rasam%2C%20Marcelino%20Rodrigues%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Al%20Karamah%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Zafaranah%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Al%20Salam%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Nibras%20Passion%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ismail%20Mohammed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
TICKETS
For tickets for the two-day Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) event, entitled Dubai Invasion 2019, on September 27 and 28 go to www.meraticket.com.
The biog
Name: Marie Byrne
Nationality: Irish
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Book: Seagull by Jonathan Livingston
Life lesson: A person is not old until regret takes the place of their dreams
