Carnival unveils amazing Spring Summer Collection

March 26, 2014Leave a comment

Carnival Dubai

Tonight I enjoyed meeting with Gul Zeb, Owner & Founder of Carnival, a premium multi-brand boutique for high-end luxury fashion wear in Dubai that started with a small retail outlet and has now grown in to a full-fledge multi-designer boutique.

Carnival fashion house is famous for its select intricate pieces, from prêt-a-porter to haute couture; this outlet offers a lot of variety when it comes to Asian wear. Tonight they unveiled the best of Asian Designers’ Spring Summer Collection 2014.

The outlet is not far from my house so I now have made a point to check them out during my evening walks. Many celebrities such as Abhay Deol, Siddharte Roy, Adnan Siddiqui, Ahsan Khan and many others have visited the outlet on their trip to Dubai.

A talented figure, Zeb designs a signature line under her very own name, Gul Zeb. By balancing modern designs with traditional elegance, she has acquired a large fan following, particularly amongst the Arabs and Asian community.

She mainly focuses on bridal wear, designing exquisite and breath-taking pieces, her devotion & commitment reflects in her work. Most of the top-notch Asian designers currently stock at Carnival such as Faraz Manan, Rana Noman, Nomi Ansari, Zehra Saleem, Priyanka Avasti, to name but a few.

With Gul Zeb being such a warm and friendly person, tonight’s ceremony was attended by crème de la crème of Dubai. “Kashmir Collection” by Crescent, whose brand ambassador for the past two years is Kareena Kapoor, one of the most talented Bollywood Actors, was show cased during the event.

The lawn collection, which sells out like hot cakes in Pakistan, is one of the top-selling brands at Carnival.

Crescent’s Spring Summer Collection 2014 is inspired by flowers, birds and the natural beauty of Kashmir. Priya Awasty, the naturally talented designer, introduced white chickenwork and woven Banarsi textured shirts complemented with vibrant chanderi veils during the launch.

Carnival was recently awarded by Rashid Paedriatic for their generous contributions to the organization and has been actively supporting causes initiated by Care Foundation. The multi-designer boutique is situated on main Al Wasl Road. For more information please call at 04-385 4040.

A Fortnum and Mason experience

March 22, 2014Leave a comment

This week was awesome as I spent some quality time my awesome editor from MADAME magazine at the new 9,400 sq ft Fortnum and Mason store and café next to The Address Downtown Dubai. The iconic British brand opened its second store in Britain last year, after having a single outlet for nearly 307 years and now they have ventured into Dubai….so we in Dubai are extremely lucky to the brand right at our doorstep (I can say that now that I live in Downtown)

As expected, the store had its usual iconic hampers, teas and preserves but we also loved the stock of scented candles and soaps. The ground floor is more of a retail space, similar to the London stores’ food hall.

Upstairs, The Tea Salon is inspired by the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly and its here both me and Catherine became trendy models for the official photographer as we sampled the exotic Royal blend tea and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Dubai Fountain.

We decided to burn some calories from the delectable pastries by taking the stairs to the 3rd floor Ice Cream Parlour, which is touted to offer the finest ice cream in the world. This I have to try on my next visit and will strive to think of better ways to burn calories after I have my Fortnum & Mason indulgence with my little British diva next weekend.

Family fun time at Dubai International Horse Fair

March 21, 2014Leave a comment

The 10^th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) held today provides the ultimate arena for the regional equine industry where the latest technological advancements can be accessed together with the most exquisite Arabian beauties on show. Meanwhile the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, is set to unveil the world’s best purebred Arabian horses that will be judged for their beauty, agility and heritage with prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million) up for grabs.

Currently taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until tomorrow (23 March), the Dubai International Horse Fair showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Additionally, event will also provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery, Heritage Village and Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses (Saturday 22 March) among others.

We love Racewood’s Interactive Jumping Simulator and RS Racetrainer at the exhibition. The jumping simulator can be used by beginners and professionals alike and offers the rider the most realistic and interactive riding experience in a safe and controlled environment. The simulator aims to perfect the rider’s technique skill and positioning due to sensors on the head, saddle, neck, bit and leg, which mimic the exact movement of a real horse. The RS Racetrainer is an unmotorised gym trainer used by jockeys to improve technique, increase stamina and lose weight and can be interactive using a smart phone or iPad or tablet device.

Last year my favourite part of the exhibition was the vibro gym type of floor – we were allowed to try it even though the promotion was actually for horses. This year, the latest in fitness equipment is the “TheraPlate” Vortex Wave Circulation Stimulation Technology, which can be compared to the vibrating Power Plate equipment we use in gyms. The TheraPlate is a large vibrating plate that offers several benefits to horses including increased blood circulation, improved joint health and function, faster healing, reduction of swelling and inflammation, pain relief among several others.

Spas are not only meant for pampered human beings – horses also get five-star treatment with the Khail Spa Equine Hydrotherapy Spa System distributed by Al Khail Equestrian Equipments. Taking a natural approach to healing, horses can use the spa, which is a deep long trough of water, to mimic the motion of sea currents as this was the traditional method of training and easing stress in the legs. The cold salt water spa is regarded as a vital treatment in reducing inflammation in lower leg injuries and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes.

You can also enjoy the Fair tomorrow so keep an eye on it.

ART Dubai 2014 in images

March 21, 2014Leave a comment

I love anything to do with the sea

The last 3 days have been loads of fun…from the opening of Peru’s master weaver, Eddie Sulca’s exhibition at the Artissima Art Gallery to the amazing array of art infused events at Art Dubai. The 2014 edition of Art Dubai features three gallery programmes–Contemporary, Modern and Marker; the winners of The Abraaj Group Art Prize; commissioned artists’ projects; the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum; live radio; film and more.

Taking place at Madinat Jumeirah until 22 March 2014, this year’s edition of Art Dubai builds on its reputation as a fair of discovery and is the most global fair to date with 85 participating galleries from 34 countries; more than 500 artists are participating in the gallery halls and across the not-for-profit programmes. The eighth edition of Art Dubai is held in partnership with The Abraaj Group and is sponsored by Cartier and Emaar. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the strategic partner of Art Dubai and supports the fair’s year-round education programme. Art Dubai Modern is sponsored by Mashreq Private Banking. Maserati is the Car Partner of Art Dubai 2014. Rothschild joins Art Dubai as a Corporate Patron of the 2014 fair.

New for this year, the galleries are presented in three distinct programmes – Contemporary; the inaugural Modern; and Marker – the curated section of invited art spaces and galleries focusing in 2014 on Central Asia and the Caucasus. It has been a great place to meet interesting art enthusiasts from all over the world…highly recommended exhibition if you love art. Although there was a lot I loved at Art Dubai, these pieces were my favourite:

OFF AND RUNNING! at DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP & FAIR 2014

March 20, 2014Leave a comment

I had an exciting morning today – apart from having coffee with the beautiful Catherine from English/French magazine MADAME at the Fortnum & Mason Cafe, I had a whistle-stop visit to DWTC where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority, formally inaugurated the 11^th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 10^th Dubai International Horse Fair.

Last year I had an amazing time with little diva at the Fair and since this weekend she is rehearsing for Les Miserable in school (another weekend this yummy mummy will be a chauffeur), I decided to venture out to the Fair on my own. As two of the region’s most important Arabian equine platforms, the co-located events will gather a host of global and regional equine industry players across every segment of the professional and recreational segments – from stable and horse owners, breeders, professionals and veterinarians, to service and care providers, specialist product providers, leisure riders and everyday horse enthusiasts.

In addition to showcasing the region’s lucrative equine industry, the Dubai International Horse Fair will provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations organised by the Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Club (Saturday 22 March), an equestrian-themed Art Gallery and a celebration of local culture at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) organised Heritage Village, which will showcase the UAE’s authentic cuisine, clothing, handicraft, calligraphy and more.

I guess I have to take Tash this year for our favourite ‘gemat’ experience again. Elsewhere, 100 Arabian horse breeds of best-in-class pedigree from local studs will go under the hammer at the Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses. Held on the final day of the show (Saturday 22 March), the auction is anticipated to attract hundreds of prospective regional buyers.

With more than 200 participating companies and brands from five continents represented at the Fair, new country participants include France, Iran, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Tanzania. Leading international and local companies and organisations will showcase a range of products and services to cater to the burgeoning regional equine industry. Participating companies include Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai Racing Channel Studio, Jebel Ali Racecourse and Shadwell Stud, based in the United Kingdom, among others.

I am excited about the weekend – In Dubai, every weekend is an amazing experience and this weekend, I look forward to meeting my local Emirati friends for ‘Qahwa’ and talking about equestrian sports, events and art. Join us at the fair if you love horses.

DEWA to celebrate Earth Hour on 29th March

March 19, 2014Leave a comment

At Armani Dubai this morning

I had an exciting morning at the Armani Hotel today…one of my favourite venues in Dubai. Primarily it was a briefing by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) on marking Earth Hour in Dubai on 29 March 2014, at Bay Avenue Park from 8:30—9:30pm. Earth Hour, a global initiative to highlight environmental sustainability and promote the rational use of electricity, is being celebrated in Dubai by DEWA in partnership with Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS), which works in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The celebration is supported by Dubai Properties Group (DPG).

Earth Hour is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. DEWA encourages all residents of Dubai to participate in being part of the Earth Hour walk, which starts at 8:30pm.

Earth Hour is traditionally marked by switching off the lights and appliances not in use for one hour, thus saving energy and also encouraging more people to understand the importance of the rational use of electricity.

Earth Hour in Dubai is one of a series of key initiatives launched by DEWA to strengthen awareness on environmental conservation and building a sustainable future for the Emirate of Dubai. The EWS – the official representative for WWF – is promoting ‘Earth Hour’ across the UAE. Individuals and organisations can participate in Earth Hour in Dubai by logging on to www.ewswwf.ae/earthhour. Also keep an eye out for the #MaketheSwich and #EarthHourDubai campaign on Twitter.

Abu Dhabi Motors wins Rolls-Royce “2013 – Global Dealer of the Year” award

March 19, 2014Leave a comment

Peter Schwarzenbauer (Chairman) , Arno Husselmann (General manager of Abu Dhabi Motors), Torsten Müller-Ötvös, (Rolls Royce CEO)

Although I am a Porsche infused diva, my other favourite brand because of the awesome people who work there is Rolls Royce. The CEO of Rolls Royce is a charm to talk to and the marketing team headed by Alaa are amazing. So… last month Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole Dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain won the Global Dealer of the Year Award for 2013 and further improved on its 2012 successes.

Although I met with the team at Sheikh Zayed Road with the CEO as we toured the new workshop, the Rolls-Royce Motorcars held its annual Global Dealer Conference at the Emirates Palace Hotel for the first time in the Middle East last month.

At a glittering award ceremony, Abu Dhabi Motors repeated its 2012 achievement by being awarded the Global Dealer of the Year for 2013, edging out Beverly Hills, London, Beijing and Moscow for the title as prestigious recognition of its sales and parts performance as well as high Aftersales standards.

Abu Dhabi Motors achieved a sales growth of 23% over 2012 which ensured it was the Global Sales Leader of Rolls-Royce cars in 2013.

In addition, Abu Dhabi Motors was honoured for being the bestselling Global Bespoke Dealer in 2013, a title it has claimed as its own for the fifth consecutive year, boasting the richest bespoke specifications and creating several unique vehicles to meet the sophisticated requirements of their customers in the UAE. Several new concepts will be finding their way to Abu Dhabi during the course of 2014 to ensure the companies successes in Bespoke will continue.

The Rolls-Royce dealer Awards programme is one of the most sought after recognitions within the company and is a celebration of the brand’s successes over the past year which awards the best performing dealers for their professionalism, commitment and dedication to the brand as well as their applied systems and processes in sales and after sales. Designed to ensure top class customer experiences, improve operational standards and reward sales successes, the awards honoured Abu Dhabi Motors for the pivotal role it has played in contributing to the increasing global success of the Rolls-Royce brand….knowing the UAE team, they totally deserve it!

Taste of Dubai in pictures

March 15, 2014Leave a comment

Little diva and I were special guests of British Airways as it took center stage at Taste of Dubai yesterday. Former Pussycat Dolls lead singer and multi-platinum selling solo artist Nicole Scherzinger flew into Dubai as British Airways very special guest, to join us in the airline’s exclusive VIP Lounge.

The festival gave us a taste of the many types of cool cuisine available in Dubai….from the tastiest dishes courtesy P F Changs to the tasteless ones from Gaucho. It was a fun afternoon out for people in Dubai and worth going to if you are free this afternoon.

Nicole Scherzinger at Taste of Dubai

Tash with British Airways Team

Food Fight

Natasha with Kris Fade

Tash tries a scary Bull ride

Tash with one of my favourite food bloggers – the gorgeous Ishita

Food samples at Taste of Dubai

Tash gets excited about her personalised Time Out City card

Walk for a cause with Al Ain Rotana

March 13, 2014Leave a comment

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab Bin Than Al Nahyan, Al Ain Rotana will be walking for the 4^th time to support children with cancer. Help them raise funds to fight cancer and support their noble cause. They are lovely people and both the Rotana Hotels in Al Ain are great places to stay at – I’ve enjoyed my weekends in Al Ain immensely with my family at their hotels and love to support them in all the great work they do.

The walk is this Friday, 14th March 2014, 9:00 – 11:00am. Registration fee: AED 10 for adults and kids

Tickets are available at the hotel receptions, restaurants and outlets. For more information call +971 (0)3 754 5111, ext. 1132

Dubai in Top Gear for Luxury Motor Show

March 13, 2014Leave a comment

Just received the floor plan and invite to the upcoming MotorVillage. Stay tuned as the world’s top automakers will descend on Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) for its first every luxury car show, MotorVillage from March 30^th until April 3^rd.

The motor show is a new concept in retail and a first for Dubai, combining multi-brand luxury cars in several locations across DIFC.

With a glittering assortment of exotic cars including; Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Porsche and SRT, MotorVillage visitors can expect nothing but the finest from the leaders in the luxury motor industry. Visitors will get the opportunity to test-drive, gain insight into the most exclusive and sought after cars around the world…. see you there!

Globalista Extraordinaire

TEEN lifestyle in the UAE, SPAIN, UK and FIJI ISLANDS

Author: Business & Lifestyle Publishing