From plush sun loungers to umbrellas, each carefully curated detail will transport visitors to the French coast for a summer experience like no other
From plush sun loungers to umbrellas, each carefully curated detail will transport visitors to the French coast for a summer experience like no other
From plush sun loungers to umbrellas, each carefully curated detail will transport visitors to the French coast for a summer experience like no other
From plush sun loungers to umbrellas, each carefully curated detail will transport visitors to the French coast for a summer experience like no other

Saadiyat Beach Club and Vilebrequin launch French-style summer experience in Abu Dhabi



Combining the best in summer style and luxury, Saadiyat Beach Club and French swimwear brand Vilebrequin are collaborating to celebrate summer in Abu Dhabi with a takeover of the luxury beach club on Saadiyat Island.

Infusing local shores with a touch of French joie de vivre, visitors to Abu Dhabi’s famous beach club will be transported to the French Riviera this summer as designer Vincent Darre and his team adorn the property with a vibrant range of Riviera-feel furnishings, including custom fabrics and hand-painted ceramics, adding to Saadiyat Beach Club’s luxe-yet-laidback atmosphere.

From March 9 until the end of September 2024, Saadiyat Beach Club will be decked out in Vilebrequin’s signature vibrant colours and patterns. Inspired by the property’s spectacular location overlooking the golden beach, the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the protected Hawks Bill Sea Turtles that call this stretch of beach home, Vilebrequin has created a variety of motifs, including a sea turtle, that will form part of the décor.

Private pool cabanas will be decorated with Vilebrequin’s iconic prints
Private pool cabanas will be decorated with Vilebrequin’s iconic prints

Guests will be able to able to experience Riviera glamour with a touch of Abu Dhabi elegance as they enjoy the property’s premium facilities, including a sparkling pool and beach bar, while lounging in private pool cabanas decorated with Vilebrequin’s iconic prints. From plush sun loungers to umbrellas, each carefully curated detail will transport visitors to the French coast for a summer experience like no other.

Saadiyat Beach Club’s private beach will also be transformed with bespoke Vilebrequin-branded towels available from the beach concierge, colourful parasols and sunbeds, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment this summer.

Complimenting the decor, guests will also be able to feast on delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Safina Restaurant, while enjoying the striking views.

Polarised public

31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all

Source: YouGov

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

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Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

Company profile

Name:​ One Good Thing ​

Founders:​ Bridgett Lau and Micheal Cooke​

Based in:​ Dubai​​ 

Sector:​ e-commerce​

Size: 5​ employees

Stage: ​Looking for seed funding

Investors:​ ​Self-funded and seeking external investors

Updated: March 12, 2024, 2:10 AM