2nd Desert Architecture – Saudi Arabia Forum to Bring Architecture, Innovation and Urban Transformation to the Forefront

Leave a comment

Forum brings architects, developers, planners and government stakeholders together to explore how Saudi heritage, climate intelligence and innovation can shape the next generation of sustainable cities

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: As Saudi Arabia continues one of the most ambitious periods of urban development in its history, architects, planners, developers and industry leaders will gather in Riyadh for the 2nd Desert Architecture KSA Forum, taking place from 12–13 October 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh Minhal.

The two-day forum will focus on the convergence of heritage, sustainability, technology and contemporary design as the Kingdom looks to create cities and destinations that respond intelligently to the desert environment while retaining a distinctive Saudi architectural identity.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the forum will place particular emphasis on climate-responsive and culturally grounded architecture and the role of the Saudi Architectural Map, which encompasses 19 regional architectural styles reflecting the Kingdom’s different climates, landscapes, materials and cultural traditions.

The discussion comes against the backdrop of an extraordinary development pipeline. According to figures highlighted by the Desert Architecture Forum, Saudi Arabia has more than US$1.3 trillion in active projects spanning real estate, hospitality, cultural districts, government facilities and infrastructure, with 5,200-plus developments in the pipeline. The event website also points to more than 470 urban masterplans being revised in alignment with the Architectural Map’s directives, while 13 regional municipalities and 28 government entities are integrating the architectural identity framework into planning, approvals and design briefs.

Against this rapidly evolving landscape, the forum will examine how lessons embedded in traditional desert architecture can work alongside advanced engineering, materials and technology to deliver environments that are both resilient and comfortable.

Husain Buhwaid, Senior Development Director, Misk City, said: “Desert Architecture Forum 2026 edition will be a key platform for essential dialogue among architects, planners, and leaders in the Kingdom not only about iconic architecture but also creating even more sustainable and livable urban environments with traditional solutions and engineered systems.”

Husain Buhwaid will participate in the opening panel discussion, “Building the Architectural Identity of Saudi Arabia Through the Saudi Architectural Map,” which will examine how the Kingdom’s 19 regional architectural styles can inform its future built environment. Discussions will explore the integration of regional culture, climate-responsive design and heritage into modern architectural practice, as well as the alignment of national design frameworks with giga-projects, urban transformation and Vision 2030.

The wider programme reflects the growing recognition that designing successfully for desert environments involves considerably more than creating visually striking landmarks.

The Forum’s second day will broaden the conversation from individual buildings to the evolution of entire desert cities. Sessions will examine how climate intelligence, policy, infrastructure and long-term urban planning can help establish desert cities as models for sustainable development. The programme will also address regenerative tourism, exploring how architecture can work with landscapes, heritage and local communities to create destinations that strengthen rather than diminish their surrounding environments.

The speaker line-up brings together expertise from government, development, academia, architecture and urban planning, with representatives from organisations including Misk City, ROSHN Group, Red Sea Global, AlUla Development Company, Diriyah Company, King Salman Park Foundation, Aseer Development Authority, Madinah Region Development Authority, Saudi Building Code Centre, Prince Sultan University and the the Royal Commission for AlUla, alongside leading international architectural and design practices like Foster + Partners, ZHA Architects, Gmp, Herzog & de Meuron, RMJM, Snohetta.

Lost in the Beauty of Kakheti: My Stay at Lopota Lake Resort & Spa

Leave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

Some places impress you with their architecture. Others win you over with impeccable service, wonderful food or luxurious rooms. And then there are destinations that simply make you feel good from the moment you arrive. Lopota Lake Resort & Spa in Georgia was one of those places for me.

Hidden away in the beautiful Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, around 115 kilometres from Tbilisi, Lopota feels like a small paradise tucked into its own valley. Surrounded by the ridges of the Caucasus Mountains, vineyards and an abundance of greenery, the resort is centred around a tranquil lake that very quickly became my favourite part of the entire experience.

I have travelled to many beautiful destinations over the years, but I am still happiest when a place allows me to connect with nature. At Lopota, that connection happens almost immediately.

My favourite time of day was early morning. There was something quite magical about waking up surrounded by nature, stepping outside into the fresh air and going for a walk around the lake. No traffic, no city rush and no pressure to be anywhere. Just the water, the trees, birds and mountains in the distance.

I found myself slowing down naturally. Walking around the lake became one of those simple travel pleasures that stays with you long after you return home. For someone who spends much of the year moving between airports, hotels, events and new destinations, having nowhere to rush to felt wonderfully indulgent. That, for me, is one of Lopota’s greatest strengths. It gives you space.

Breakfast Without the Rush at Lopota was lovely. I enjoyed being able to take my time over the generous selection before heading back outdoors and enjoying the rhythm of resort life. Coffee tastes somehow better when you know there is a lake and a mountain walk waiting outside.

Food plays an important role throughout the Lopota experience, with several restaurants offering everything from Georgian flavours to Italian and Asian cuisine.  For travellers interested in food and locally produced beverages, it adds another reason to spend a few days here rather than treating Lopota simply as an overnight stop.

One thing that surprised me was the scale of Lopota. Although it feels wonderfully secluded, this is far more than a small countryside hotel. The resort stretches across an expansive natural setting with accommodation spread throughout the property, allowing guests to enjoy a feeling of privacy and space.

There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa and wellness experiences, tennis, horseback riding, fishing and quad-bike adventures, alongside plenty of areas where doing absolutely nothing is equally acceptable.

The Forest Spa – Valmont adds another layer to the experience, particularly for guests who arrive wanting to switch off completely. Surrounded by nature, wellness feels very much at home here rather than something added to the resort as an afterthought.

Lopota also makes a wonderful introduction to Kakheti. Georgia had already fascinated me with its history, culture and hospitality, but leaving Tbilisi behind and travelling into the countryside revealed another side of the country altogether.

Kakheti is Georgia’s has a landscape of vineyards, monasteries, villages and dramatic mountain scenery. There is a sense of generosity to the experience. Generous landscapes, generous breakfasts, plenty of activities and, perhaps most importantly, room to breathe. As a travel writer, I am fortunate to experience many beautiful hotels and resorts. Naturally, I notice the rooms, restaurants, spas and facilities, but increasingly I find that my strongest memories of a destination are often the simplest ones.

At Lopota, I remember the mornings. I remember opening the door and seeing all that greenery. I remember walking beside the lake with the Caucasus landscape around me. I remember leisurely breakfasts and having the luxury of deciding that perhaps I didn’t need to do very much that day after all. And I remember feeling genuinely happy to be there.

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa has all the ingredients we associate with a holiday. Beautiful accommodation, restaurants, wellness and activities and a great setting. It felt deeply restorative being surrounded by water, mountains and nature. All I needed was fresh mountain air, a lovely breakfast, comfortable shoes and a beautiful lake to walk around to rejuvenate my senses. I left the resort with a need to return to Georgia just to experience this resort again.

#LopotaLakeResort #Kakheti #Georgia #GeorgiaTravel #LuxuryTravel #LuxuryHospitality #WellnessTravel #TravelMagazine #TravelWriting #SlowTravel #LuxuryLifestyle #NatureEscape #Caucasus #TravelInspiration #ShereenShabnam

Love, Bottled in Paris

Leave a comment

Maison Origine Paris captures the romance of the City of Light in Amber Me Paris, an extrait de parfum inspired by memory, emotion and timeless elegance.

Natasha Dury

Some fragrances are created to impress. Others are created to tell a story. Amber Me Paris, the latest extrait de parfum from Maison Origine Paris, belongs firmly to the latter. Inspired by a love story that unfolded in the French capital, the fragrance transforms a fleeting moment into an intimate olfactory experience, capturing the warmth, elegance and quiet romance that have long defined Paris.

The story begins on the balcony of the iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée, where the founder of Maison Origine Paris found himself reflecting on a simple yet profound question: what do you give someone when everything has already been given? The answer was not another gift, but something far more enduring – a fragrance capable of preserving emotion itself. From that moment, Maison Origine Paris was born.

Amber Me Paris reflects the city’s changing moods through a carefully layered composition. Bright grapefruit and lavender create a fresh, luminous opening before unfolding into a sophisticated heart of amber, tobacco, leather and spice. The fragrance settles into a rich, lingering base of oud and sweet amber, creating a warm, refined signature that balances contemporary elegance with timeless depth.

Crafted as an extrait de parfum, the composition evolves gracefully throughout the day, revealing new facets with every wear. Rich without being overpowering, it embodies the understated sophistication that defines both Parisian style and the Maison Origine philosophy.

More than a fragrance, Amber Me Paris is an invitation to experience the city through scent. Elegant, distinctive and deeply personal, it captures the essence of a memorable moment, proving that the most enduring luxury is often found not in objects, but in the memories they evoke.

Olfactory Notes

  • Top: Grapefruit, Lavender, Mugwort
  • Heart: Amber, Tobacco, Leather, Spices
  • Base: Oud, Sweet Amber

Inspired by the Sea

Leave a comment

Barbara Pecorari’s shimmering shoals transform the beauty of marine life into contemporary works of art.

Shereen Shabnam

While I love artists who paint landscapes, but those who discover an entire artistic language through a single moment of inspiration appeal to me a lot more. For Italian artist Barbara Pecorari, that defining moment came while watching a shoal of sardines moving effortlessly through the sea, their synchronised motion and iridescent colours revealing an unexpected beauty beneath the surface.

What began as an observation has evolved into her unmistakable artistic signature. Today, Pecorari’s vibrant schools of fish appear across canvases, sculptures, installations and decorative objects, each piece celebrating the rhythm, harmony and energy of marine life through textured compositions and shimmering finishes.

Working with luminous blues, turquoise tones and holographic accents that mimic the changing light of the ocean, her artworks capture both movement and tranquillity. Individually, each fish tells its own story, yet together they create a powerful visual expression of unity, reminding viewers of the strength found in community and connection.

Having exhibited across Italy as well as internationally in cities including Paris, London, Berlin, Miami, Dubai and Monte Carlo, Pecorari has established a distinctive artistic identity that continues to resonate with collectors drawn to the sea and its enduring symbolism.

We are really keen to see her work at theWorld Park for Peace by Artissima in Dubai. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience an artist whose creations celebrate far more than marine life. They offer a poetic reminder of nature’s quiet elegance, transforming one of the ocean’s simplest wonders into contemporary art that is both uplifting and instantly recognisable.

Panerai Gives the Submersible a New Edge

Leave a comment

The iconic diving collection welcomes its first 44mm model with a metal bracelet, combining professional capability with everyday versatility.

Shereen Shabnam

For decades, Panerai has built its reputation on creating uncompromising instruments for life at sea. With the launch of the new Submersible PAM01756, the Italian watchmaker adds a fresh dimension to one of its most recognisable collections by introducing, for the first time, a 44mm Submersible fitted with a stainless-steel bracelet.

While the addition of a bracelet may appear to be a subtle evolution, it significantly broadens the watch’s appeal, transforming it from a purpose-built diving instrument into a luxury sports watch equally at home beneath a wetsuit or a tailored cuff.

Inside beats Panerai’s P.980 automatic calibre, offering a generous three-day power reserve and incorporating a stop-seconds function for precise time synchronisation, a practical feature rooted in the brand’s long-standing military heritage. The movement is also tested in six different positions to ensure dependable chronometric performance under a variety of conditions.

The 44mm case is crafted from corrosion-resistant AISI 316LVM stainless steel, chosen for its strength and durability, while a polished blue ceramic unidirectional bezel adds both visual depth and exceptional scratch resistance. Designed for timing dives, the bezel remains one of the watch’s defining functional elements, reinforcing its credentials as a genuine professional instrument.

One of the PAM01756’s most striking design decisions is what Panerai chose to leave out. There is no date window, allowing the dial to remain clean, balanced and entirely focused on timekeeping. It is a deliberate nod to the brand’s historic military watches, where simplicity and readability always took precedence over unnecessary complications.

The black sun-brushed dial enhances that clarity with remarkable effect. Fine radial brushing creates a dynamic play of light, while generous applications of Super-LumiNova® ensure excellent visibility in every environment. Panerai also continues its distinctive colour-coded lume system, with the hour markers glowing green while the minute hand and bezel marker illuminate in blue, making elapsed dive time instantly distinguishable in low-light conditions.

At nine o’clock, the small seconds display features an intricate azurage finish, adding subtle texture while serving an important functional role. Historically, the constantly moving seconds hand allowed divers to verify instantly that the watch was still operating during critical missions.

Performance remains at the heart of the Submersible. Water resistant to 50 BAR (500 metres), every watch undergoes pressure testing at Panerai’s manufacture in Neuchâtel to standards exceeding its official rating by 25 per cent.

The new bracelet further strengthens the watch’s everyday credentials. Inspired by the signature crown-protecting bridge, its sculptural links combine polished and brushed finishes for a distinctive architectural look. Panerai has also introduced its Quick Length Adjustment system to the Submersible line for the first time, allowing wearers to extend the bracelet by 2mm on each side without tools, ensuring a comfortable fit as wrist size naturally changes throughout the day.

The Submersible PAM01756 successfully bridges Panerai’s rich naval heritage with contemporary luxury sports watch design. Rugged enough for professional diving yet refined enough for everyday wear, it represents a thoughtful evolution of one of the brand’s most celebrated collections, proving once again that true functionality never goes out of style.

Gifts for Him: Timeless Expressions of Style from Mouawad

Leave a comment

By Natasha Dury

Some gifts are chosen for the moment. Others are selected to become part of a lifetime. Mouawad’s curated collection for gentlemen celebrates refined craftsmanship, timeless elegance and enduring quality, making each piece a meaningful expression of appreciation, achievement or personal style.

For more than a century, Mouawad has created exceptional jewellery and luxury accessories that combine artistry with heritage. Every creation reflects meticulous attention to detail, precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, resulting in pieces designed to be treasured for generations.

Whether marking a personal milestone, celebrating success or simply recognising someone special, the Maison presents a distinguished selection of gifts for the modern gentleman. From sophisticated rings and elegant timepieces to handcrafted prayer beads and refined writing instruments, each creation embodies confidence, character and understated luxury.

Designed for men who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design, every Mouawad piece balances tradition with contemporary elegance. These are gifts that transcend trends, becoming lasting companions that reflect both personal style and meaningful moments.

Luxury is ultimately about legacy and not simply what we own, but what we choose to value and preserve. With creations that honour heritage while embracing modern sophistication, Mouawad continues to offer gifts that are as enduring as the men who wear them.

A Boutique Escape in the Heart of Brussels

Leave a comment

Fresh from an extensive redesign, 9Hotel Chelton combines contemporary interiors, wellness facilities and an enviable location, making it an appealing base for both business and leisure travellers exploring the Belgian capital.

Brussels is often celebrated for its grand architecture, world-class museums and thriving European business district, yet tucked away just moments from the city’s political heart is a boutique hotel that offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience the Belgian capital.

Reopened following an extensive redesign, 9Hotel Chelton presents a contemporary retreat where thoughtful design meets everyday comfort. Located near Brussels-Schuman station and the elegant Square Ambiorix, the four-star property enjoys easy access to both the city’s European institutions and many of its cultural attractions, making it equally suited to business travellers and weekend explorers.

The interiors, reimagined by renowned designer Bruno Borrione, embrace clean lines, warm textures and understated elegance. The hotel’s 49 guestrooms blend the welcoming atmosphere of a country residence with the convenience expected of a modern city hotel, creating spaces that feel both comfortable and refined.

One of the property’s standout features is its wellness offering. Guests can unwind in the indoor swimming pool, recharge in the fitness area or enjoy the sensory showers after a day spent discovering Brussels or attending meetings nearby. A 24-hour honesty bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere, while dedicated coworking spaces and business facilities cater to professionals looking for a productive yet comfortable environment.

Mornings begin with a generous continental breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, eggs, juices and quality coffee, providing an ideal start before heading out to explore the city or attend appointments.

Behind the property is the family-owned 9Hotel Collection, whose hospitality heritage stretches back four generations. Today, the group operates a collection of boutique hotels across several European capitals, each distinguished by individual character, contemporary design and a welcoming approach to hospitality.

For travellers seeking a stylish boutique address that balances convenience with comfort, 9Hotel Chelton is one of those understated discoveries worth adding to the Brussels shortlist. Whether visiting for business, a cultural city break or simply passing through one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, it offers a contemporary base from which to experience the city at a more relaxed pace.

The Art of Individuality

Leave a comment


CRN’s Project Thunderball is a masterclass in bespoke yacht building, where timeless design meets engineering excellence.

Shereen Shabnam

There are yachts that impress with their size, others with extravagant amenities, and then there are those that quietly redefine what bespoke yacht building can achieve. Project Thunderball belongs firmly in the latter category.

Recently launched at CRN’s renowned superyacht shipyard in Ancona, Italy, the 70-metre full-custom superyacht represents far more than another addition to the water. It is the latest expression of CRN’s philosophy that every yacht should be conceived as a singular work of art, shaped entirely around its owner’s vision while showcasing the finest traditions of Italian craftsmanship and naval engineering.

Constructed in steel and aluminium, Project Thunderball reflects years of collaboration between CRN’s in-house specialists, Dutch design studio Vripack Yacht Design and the acclaimed Italian firm Nauta. Together, they have created a yacht where architecture, engineering and design exist in complete harmony.

From the first glance at the design, Thunderball projects quiet confidence. Her elongated bow, graceful profile and uninterrupted surfaces evoke the timeless elegance of classic yachts, while subtle contemporary detailing ensures she feels thoroughly modern rather than nostalgic. The flowing lines draw inspiration from sailing yachts, giving the vessel a sense of movement even when perfectly still.

What makes Thunderball particularly appealing is the seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. Rather than treating them as separate environments, the designers have carried proportions, materials and visual rhythms throughout the yacht, creating an experience that feels remarkably cohesive. Outdoor lounges naturally transition into sophisticated living spaces, while carefully selected materials reinforce an atmosphere of understated luxury instead of excess.

Inside, the design embraces longevity over fashion. Nauta’s interiors celebrate maritime heritage through a contemporary lens, balancing refined detailing with inviting comfort. Every material, finish and technical solution was selected in close consultation with the owner, ensuring the yacht remains deeply personal rather than simply luxurious.

Accommodation has been designed for both privacy and hospitality, with an owner’s suite complemented by five spacious VIP guest cabins for up to twelve guests. A dedicated crew of fifteen is accommodated across nine cabins, ensuring impeccable service while maintaining the discretion expected aboard a yacht of this calibre.

Beyond aesthetics, Thunderball reflects the growing importance of intelligent engineering in modern yacht construction. Beneath her elegant profile lies a sophisticated Energy Storage System capable of optimising onboard power management, reducing fuel consumption and enabling silent operation while at anchor. These innovations not only improve efficiency but also enhance the onboard experience by delivering quieter, more environmentally conscious cruising without compromising comfort.

Throughout the build, Y.CO acted as the owner’s representative and project management team, overseeing every stage of construction and ensuring the owner’s vision remained central from concept to completion.

At 70 metres with a beam of 11 metres and a gross tonnage of 1,100 GT, Thunderball possesses impressive scale, yet her greatest achievement lies not in her dimensions but in the restraint with which they have been executed. Rather than relying on dramatic styling or extravagant features to capture attention, the yacht celebrates balance, proportion and craftsmanship.

I have followed the work of CRN closely for over 19 years when writing for the Millionaire Group and find their dedication to bespoke yachts exquisite. Their heritage of building fully bespoke superyachts spans more than six decades, and Project Thunderball continues a tradition of creating yachts that are impossible to replicate. Every line, every space and every engineering decision has been developed exclusively for one owner, resulting in a vessel that reflects not only exceptional design, but an individual personality.