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!

Pepa Ndue Art at Miramar Fujairah until 7th April

March 12, 2014Leave a comment

Last weekend the Artissima Art Gallery team ventured into Fujairah for yet another successful installation of art pieces by leading Albanian artist, Ndue Pepa. Pepa who is showcasing his art collection ‘DIMENTION’ at the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah. This true luxury resort, stunningly designed as a sophisticated sanctuary, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere and provides an unforgettable backdrop to this one of a kind artistic showcase.

The exhibition continues until the 7^th of April 2014….if you do go there, try the Italian restaurant near the pool. You will love it! Below are some images of the opening:

ROBERTO COIN’S GARDEN COLLECTION

March 12, 2014Leave a comment

I love creative people and one of my favourite moments was being able to sit and chat with Roberto Coin during one of his visits to Dubai. Hot off the press is that we can now welcome spring stylishly this season with Roberto Coin’s elegant Garden Collection brought to us by Damas. Timeless design and innovative craftsmanship comes together seamlessly in this collection.

Flawless precious stones like rubies, topaz, emerald, sapphire compliment dazzling diamonds in gorgeous cocktail rings, earrings and necklaces. With each piece handcrafted and elegantly refined in white, yellow or rose gold this collection will instantly add lots of glamour to your style this season.

We can certainly, with the newly launched Garden Collection, add more panache to this season’s style….Enjoy

The Row NYC Debuts with Ron Galella and Lizzy Jagger!

March 11, 2014Leave a comment

This is what I missed in New York this week (I do wish sometimes I had all the time in the world to go and see all that I am so lucky to come across) – The Row NYC hotel debuts with paparazzo extraordinary, Ron Galella, and launches a revolutionary new hotel brand in the heart of Times Square.

The Row NYC is at the forefront of all things contemporary in art, culture, design and cuisine. Kicking off with a fashion forward advertising campaign starring Lizzy Jagger, the Row NYC is truly, More New York Than New York.

See the video below for more insights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrcUu0Z5xRo

Alexander Borodin’s epic Prince Igor comes to Meydan

March 10, 2014Leave a comment

My heart is torn between being in two cities on the 16th of March evening – I am meant to be in Abu Dhabi for one of my biggest assignments and the same night I have an art opening at the Artissima Art Gallery (another awesome client I work with) plus my regular opera date night with my daughter at the Meydan IMAX.

Tash is one of the biggest opera fans I know and she will, with or without me be at the Meydan Theatre as it presents the Met Opera’s sixth installment, Alexander Borodin’s epic Prince Igor which has its first Met performances since 1917 in a new production staged by noted Russian opera director Dmitri Tcherniakovin his Met debut.

Gianandrea Noseda conducts the lush score, famous for its celebrated “Polovtsian Dances,” and Ildar Abdrazakovsings the title role of a 12^th-century Russian hero. The cast also includes Oksana Dykain her MET debut as Yaroslavna, Igor’s emotionally fragile second wife; Anita Rachvelishvilias the fiery Polovtsian princess Konchakovna; Sergey Semishkurin his MET debut as Vladimir Igorevich, Igor’s son and Konchakovna’s lover; Mikhail Petrenko as Prince Galitsky; and ŠtefanKocán as the warlord Khan Konchak.

For the lucky people who will be in Dubai that night, do go and see it and have an amazing experience – one that I now treasure each month at the Meydan IMAX with my little diva. As it’s a school night, she will once again be the only young cool chick you will see on opera nights at Meydan IMAX.

Globalista Extraordinaire

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