Six two-bedroom riads at Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning Moroccan retreat are available to book now.
Due to its unique location guests can reach museums, the lively art scene and the English Garden, one of the world’s largest city parks, by foot in only a few minutes.
The lodge is composed of ten luxury huts inspired by traditional Owambo architecture.
Clean and glamorous. Black and silver-grey enhance any outfit. Women’s fashion couldn’t be more attractive.
The sheet décolleté mask by FRAUSCHMITZ Beauty plumps up fine lines, moisturises the skin and gives it a natural glow.
White gold, diamonds and aquamarine – exquisite ingredients for the finest jewellery and a feast for the senses.
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he northern-most emirate of the UAE, offers its visitors a truly authentic Arabian experience; from its golden beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta deserts, to the towering Hajar Mountains bordering Oman.
A wealth of cultural, adventurous and luxurious experiences await you in Abu Dhabi this summer. The exclusive Abu Dhabi Summer Pass offers fantastic deals throughout the emirate.
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Helipad wedding at the Burj Al ArabEmirates Inside / VAESo close to 7th heaven
The Wedding Architect is responsible for ensuring that both ceremony and reception are memorable events that endure forever. He is available to guests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And there are scarcely any limits to these: arrival by air or in the sophistication of a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Unforgettable
Naturally, the big day requires a number of preparations. Beauty and appearance are in capable hands, with the creation of an individual perfume, beauty treatments in the spa and shopping and styling under the guidance of a personal stylist. On request the bridal couple is granted access to haute couture labels and shopping at the top brands and jewellers even outside of business hours. Private lessons in etiquette and dancing are the icing on the cake of this romantic experience. The bridal couple is in 7th heaven at the Burj Al Arab – or at least very, very close to it.
Text: Maja Berthold
Photos: ©Jumeirah International LLC [...]
SMART FACTS: BURJ KHALIFA AND KEMPINSKI EMIRATES PALACE ABU DHABIEmirates InsideA shower of fragrances and scents in the Burj Khalifa…
As soon as you enter the impressive lobby of the Burj Khalifa, your nose will be bewitched by an appealing scent. It flows through fresh air vents distributed throughout the entire tower. A blend of fragrances from various oils has been specially created for this. Lemons, cedar wood and cinnamon will beguile your nose. And this is only what we know, the rest of the ingredients are a closely guarded secret.
Sweet tooth heaven…
5 kilograms of gold are used every year in the Kempinski Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi to decorate cakes, for pies and capp
uccino foam. The patisserie of this luxury hotel pampers its guests with the ultimate in exclusive delicacies.The famous Palace Cappuccino is a highlight for connoisseurs – sprinkled in real 24 carat gold flakes. The Palace Cappuccino is served throughout the day in both Caviar Bar and Le Café from 7:00 am to 12:30 am.
Text: Sarah Schmitt
Photos: © DTCM, © KEMPINSKI [...]
Smart Facts: Emirates Palace and Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueEmirates InsideFive tonnes of gold leaf decorate the Emirates Palace
Very refined: there is nothing common about the luxury hotel Emirates Palace. The complex architecture of the opulent residence in Abu Dhabi meant that its construction was already a feat of skill, one which took around four years to complete. Only the best of the best was good enough for its design. For example, five tonnes of gold leaf were utilised in its construction. So much exclusivity comes at a price: the construction cost of around three billion dollars meant that it was long the most expensive hotel in the world. However, in 2010 the Emirates Palace relinquished this title to The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, the construction of which cost around four billion.
Largest hand-woven carpet in the world
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the UAE and the third biggest in the world. Every visitor catches their breath at the sight of its beauty and splendour. Named after Emir Zayid bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a co-founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates, the mosque was opened in 2007. There is room for around 42,000 of the faithful beneath its roof. Also famous is the spectacular chandelier in the mosque, the largest of its kind in the world. A lesser-known fact is that the world’s largest hand-woven carpet is also to be found here. Weighing in at 42 tonnes, it is 5,627 square metres in size. Its production was highly complex. Over 1,000 Iranian carpet weavers spent four years creating it. Transporting it was not possible due to its vast size. The solution: each weaver brought along a completed section of the carpet, with the individual pieces then joined together in the mosque.
Text: Petra Dietz
Photo Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi: © KEMPINSKI [...]
Qasr Al Watan – Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi opens its doorsEmirates Inside / NewsIt is a hidden world in the heart of Abu Dhabi City, that has not been open to the public before. But this is a thing of the past as the Presidential Palace is now open to the public. Qasr Al Watan, or Palace of the Nation, is part of the Presidential Palace and offers an exclusive insight into the world of a royal court.
The Presidential Palace is the seat of the United Arab Emirates Cabinet and the Supreme Court – the highest constitutional authority in the United Arab Emirates. It hosts official state visits and welcomes heads of state and government from around the world. The Presidential Palace also houses the official offices of the President, Vice President and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Watan offers visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the prevailing traditions and values of the United Arab Emirates and to explore a well-preserved heritage of knowledge and tradition. The Palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, which offers an insight into the extensive collection of over 50,000 books and writings on the political, social and cultural history of the United Arab Emirates and the ongoing journey of the nation.
The guided tour of the palace starts in the Great Hall – the heart of the building. In the west wing of the palace, visitors learn about the origins of the United Arab Emirates and its system of government. They will have access to rooms normally reserved for official state guests, such as the Spirit of Collaboration, a room that houses the United Arab Emirates Supreme Council and Cabinet and hosts meetings and official summits. Visitors will also see a collection of diplomatic gifts from heads of state and foreign dignitaries presented to the public for the first time.
In Al Barza, visitors will learn about the traditional role of a majlis (a place for cultural, political and social gatherings) in an appealing multimedia show. This will highlight the continuation of a tradition that has historically led the Emiratis to govern with the consensus of the population.
Visitors who continue their tour of the House of Knowledge in the east wing of the Palace will have access to two rooms containing rare books, manuscripts and antiques from the Arab world. Important artifacts and historical maps are exhibited, representing some of the earliest Arab contributions to human knowledge during the Enlightenment period, known as the Arab Golden Age.
In the evening, visitors can expect an impressive light and sound show projected onto the façade of the iconic building. “Palace in Motion” is a story told in three acts. It shows the connection between the aspirations of Qasr Al Watan and the vision of the nation and reflects the journey of the United Arab Emirates in the past, present and future.
Qasr Al Watan is open to the public daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Tickets are available at the Visitor Center and online through the official Qasr Al Watan website. The evening light and sound show “Palace in Motion” begins daily at 19:30 and lasts 15 minutes.
For more information on Qasr Al Watan Palace and to book a guided tour, please visit www.QasrAlWatan.ae
General information on Abu Dhabi is available at www.visitabudhabi.ae [...]
Shourouk Rhaiem: Jewellery for FashionistasFashionThe list of illustrious fans is truly some – thing: style icons such as Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Dello Russo all wear jewellery from Shourouk. The name “Shourouk“ could not have been better chosen, it comes from the Arabic and means “sunrise“. And the hip jewellery is as radiant as the rising sun.
Whether it is earrings, necklaces, bracelets or rings, the imposing pieces with their folklore design are hard to overlook with their large, glittering stones – often in neon colours. Nothing for ladies that favour a more restrained style, but an absolute trend accessory for confident fashionistas. The opulent necklaces from Shourouk in particular embody statement pieces at their best. Behind the label, founded in 2007, is the French jewellery designer Shourouk Rhaiem . The creative Parisian with Tunisian roots is currently turning the fashion world on its head with her colourful, Baroque designs. Her collaboration with Swarovski is a major success and her own collections also delight those that appreciate grandezza. THE FINEST EMIRATES spoke to Shourouk Rhaiem about her incredible career.
You studied fashion design, worked for John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli and Chloé. Why did you switch from fabric to jewellery?
Shourouk Rhaiem: All started during my training in fashion, design has allowed me to discover the embroidery on clothes, which was a real blow of heart for me. This idea of jewels’ clothes is the origin of my desire to create bold and bling jewels, easy to wear by every woman and giving them a unique style. The jewels were obvious to me, I’ve always been fasci – nated by jewellery and crystals! Later on, my different experiences in fashion houses like Chloé, Galliano, Roberto Cavalli finished convincing me of my true inclination for Luxury accessories, on all levels. I was ready to start with my dream; I felt was the right moment! I met Pierre Lasquier and he share Shourouk’s vision, then, together we create an exciting brand.
Where does your fondness for colourful, exotic designs come from?
Shourouk Rhaiem:My love for fondness flamboyance comes from India, my main inspiration. As a child, I discovered the Bollywood movies, the colours, the rich outfits, the amazing choreography then as a grown up I went to India, and felt in love with this contrasted country. From the Maharadjas palaces to the shantytown, inspiration is always around the corner; they have a proper kitsch culture combine to a rich history, which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for a designer. I become fascinated with their traditional knowledge in embroidery, their strongest culture in ornaments, garments, and jewellery and in the opulence and flamboyance of the Maharandia Jewellery. I wanted to recreate it in my jewels and that’s also why we work with Swarovsky crystals, because there crystals are the closest thing to an original gems on the crown of Rajput Maharandia.
Bling and high fashion – how do they go together?
Shourouk Rhaiem: Luxury and high fashion decision is because I grow up in the “Maisons of Couture” I have beside me lot of different experiences in Chloé, Galliano, Roberto Cavalli and they finished convincing me of my true inclination for Luxury accessories, on all levels. Also the luxury comes because I love to work with precious materials and mix them with to some less noble ones. And bling, as I said it comes from the opulence and flamboyance of Maharadja Jewelry. It’s all about shinny decadence and Swarovski crystals!
What inspires you?
Shourouk Rhaiem: Borned in Paris, I feel like a true parisian girl. I like the classicism of the city mixed with the big melting-pot of cultures you find in each area. I like to have a stroll by the Centre Pompidou, the contemporary art museum, this is my area, I find a lot of my materials there and I like this edgy atmosphere. Moreover, my family is originally from Nabeul, a city famous for its embroidery knowledge. I’ve learned many techniques there and have always find the traditional Tunisian garment really inspiring. Besides I have a vivid memory of my grand-mother, pulling her jewellery box out of her wardrobe for big occasions, going through her rings, bangles, earrings and necklaces. The smell of the hairspray, the hit of the hairdryer, the make up, the perfume, all this femi – nine effervescence was fascinating and I think, led me to design jewels.
And then?
Shourouk Rhaiem: First of all, as I said, I like to be surrounded by beautiful objects, I collect books, images, vintage head – pieces, I always bring something back from my trips. It can be Indian bangles I bought on a market in Bombay, or vintage carafes from Thailand. Starting from this, I manipulate my materials, I do some sketches but it’s more about playing with the crystals. A collection always starts from a new technique, which is driving the creative process. For me the most important part of a piece is the fact to pay attention to details, I am really sensible with it. Our pieces are all made by hand, mostly using techniques of embroideries. What I always required is to made one final piece for each product by hand in our studio in Paris, because we want to see exactly how the piece is going to fit, it gives us the occasion to test the designs before starting the production. I consider that a piece is finished when the embroidery is done and mostly when I know there is not one crystal I would like to move. The final design is decided after several fittings on a person of my team in order to be sure that it is sufficiently harmonious and comfortable at the same time. How important is success to you? Shourouk Rhaiem: I cannot say that sucess is not important but it’s not all about success! My goal achieved was to create Shourouk and make it grow. I work in what motivate and challenge me every day, what I like the most about my work is the creative process, and mostly the moment of experimentation at the beginning of a collection when everything is still possible. It’s so satisfying the fact that season after season’s I can see my collections touching more women in the wordl and just when you work in what passionates you and the people loves what you do, there’s no better sensation, I feel self-realizated!
Interview: Petra Dietz
www.shourouk.com
Photos: © Shourouk Paris FRANCE [...]
Ras Al Khaimah: top 10 things to doEmirates Inside / NewsThe northern-most emirate of the UAE, offers its visitors a truly authentic Arabian experience; from its golden beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta deserts, to the towering Hajar Mountains bordering Oman.
Along with boundless natural attractions and activities, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a number of ancient archaeological sites, giving visitors a fascinating insight into rich culture that still runs through the very heart of the local population.
Magic of the desert
Experience authentic
Ras al Khaimah food and culture Begin your day with a traditional Emirati breakfast of Balaleet (Sweet vermicelli topped with egg) or Chbaab (pancakes) in Ras Al Khaimah City. Continue on a walking trail of Ras Al Khaimah Old Town, experiencing the simple life of past times. For lunch, eat like a local at one of the cafeterias on the Corniche, or at Emirari restaurant Al Fanar. Make sure to try the famous honey cake at Asayel that has been a winner with Ras Al Khaimah residents for years. Take a break and relax at the Old Corniche Beach. Take an abra (traditional small boat) to Al Qawasim Corniche on the other side of the creek, a beautiful location with perfectly manicured lawns, waterfront restaurants, walking and running tracks and a view of the lush mangroves that are unique to Ras Al Khaimah. For sunset, make your way to the rooftop terrace of Yansoon restaurant at the Corniche. Enjoy the view of the beautifully lit up Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque in a distance.
Dhayah Fort
Originally built as a 16th century fortification to defend against invading forces and now the only hilltop military tower left standing in the UAE, Dhaya Fort offers a glimpse into Ras Al Khaimah’s riveting past while providing a modern symbol of the emirate’s enduring heritage. Military aficionados will love learning about the site’s rich backstory at their own pace through self-guided tours of the fort. Meanwhile, sightseers are sure to enjoy the breathtaking bird’s eye views of Ras Al Khaimah, framed by the Arabian Gulf and Al Hajar Mountains, thanks to the fort’s elevated position atop a rocky outcrop.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Formerly a palace and residence of the Al Qasimi Royal family until 1964, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is now considered the UAE’s wealthiest monumental museum and features a diverse collection of historical artefacts, ancient ornaments, priceless manuscripts and traditional weapons, many of which have been donated by the ruling family and residents of the emirate. Visitors of all ages will be impressed by the museum’s rich variety of educational galleries, which provide a wealth of historical information and depict aspects of traditional life in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE.
Mountain Activity at Jais Mountain
With winding roads heading towards the peak which stands at 1,934 metres high above sea level, the route offers a challenging and beautiful backdrop for hikers, mountain bikers and those looking for a scenic driving route. The mountain range also offers a number of camping spots for those who wish to spend the night under the stars.
Golf
Al Hamra Golf Club offers an eighteen-hole course (across 7,325 yards) with a broad range of facilities to enjoy the day – even off the course. The floodlit course also enables golf-fans to play after sunset. As an alternative, Tower Links also offers an eighteen-hole course set against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.
Trip with Seawings Experience Seawings
Urban Experience – a seaplane adventure which takes off from the pristine shores of Ras Al Khaimah on an exciting aerial tour of the city, giving you picturesque views of the Hajar Mountains, the desert and clear blue Arabian Gulf, as well as the rich culture and heritage of the emirate.
Water sports
A perfect activity for those who wish to either relax or enjoy a wide range of water sports, Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches offer an extraordinary experience amongst the stunning stretches of white sand – spanning 64km of pristine coastline. The many upscale hotels available in Ras Al Khaimah also offer private beaches; some with natural lagoons for a special retreat. For adventure seekers keen to take to the water, Ras Al Khaimah offers a great setting for scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and fishing just to name a few. Many of the activities are available via the emirate’s hotels and resorts, and span from beginner to expert level.
Horse riding
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the few destinations where you can tick off both horse-riding in the desert and on the beach from the bucket list. The emirate offers the activity for all levels at the centres including Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre. Visitors can take lessons or go for long hacks set against the beautiful scenery of the beach and desert.
Kayaking tour
During a kayak tour through the mangroves or the sea you experience unusual encounters. If you are lucky, you spot sea turtles, flamingos or even rays.
Weitere Informationen unter https://en.rasalkhaimah.ae
Photo Credit: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority [...]
UAE TRAVEL NEWS: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTREHotels and Resorts / VAEFour Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has opened its new rooftop lounge, Luna Sky Bar.
OPENING: LUNA SKY BAR
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has opened its new rooftop lounge, Luna Sky Bar. The new lounge and bar is set to offer a unique space with great views of Dubai’s skyline and the DIFC. It is a cocktail bar by definition, the sophisticated venue situated on the 8th floor of the new Four Seasons Hotel has been designed by New York-based Adam Tihany. The terrace offering breath taking views of the Burj Khalifa.
DIFC: SOPHISTICATED
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre is a boutique-style sanctuary for business trips and urban getaways – just moments from the city’s best shopping and dining. In the city’s most prestigious business community – Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is like a private club designed for relaxation and productivity.
STUNNING: THE GLASS POOL
The rooftop pool is truly stunning. An above-ground, glass-walled tank, the pool looks like an immense aquarium during the day. Clever internal lighting makes it glow and shimmer like a blue jewel at night. In addition to lounge chairs for sunning, take advantage of the four luxurious cabanas lining the pool deck that provide privacy and comfort. For a soothing, warming retreat, take a dip in the large heated whirlpool that is set on an adjoining raised platform.
www.fourseasons.com
Photos: © Four Seasons Hotels [...]
WINDFALL: Jewellers of LightEmirates Inside / News / Nice to haveClarissa Dorn and Roel Haagmans pursued their love for light and crystal when they established the WINDFALL company in Munich in 2004, in order to pave new ways in crystal luminaires design.
Crystal Cascades
Roel Haagmans had made his name on the international scene with his designs for classical/oriental chandeliers for the Sultan Quabos Mosque in Muscat and the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Clarissa Dorn brought long-term experience in art, interior design and organisation with her. Their first joint design “Scarlett” – a crystal cascade, encased by a transparent, colourful Organza cylinder shade – continues to enjoy great success. Shortly afterwards, their second design “Hellbob” was developed, and a new lighting concept for crystal chandeliers was born: a sphere of crystal made to measure using the “Windfall curler” technique. Floating crystal objects are illuminated by cascading lights, which can unfurl unimagined emotions through the resulting spatial illuminating effects.
A new kind of subtle charm in luxurious lighting has been born.
Like a tornado
Interior designers and private owners have been rapidly drawn to these unusual designs which the company is commissioned to create in projects all over the world. Like a tornado, WINDFALL has stirred up the traditional lighting sector. The first major projects were commissioned by architects such as KCA International, David Chipperfield and SHH of London and Paul Steelman Designs from Las Vegas.
Contemporary lighting with crystal
In 2006, WINDFALL inaugurated the “classic with a twist” series with “Balance”, one of the most beloved chandeliers in the collection. Balance adapts to many different illumination projects and is particularly advanced with regards to the fluctuating dispersion of light. This chandelier manages to be both modern and classic at the same time and has turned dreams into reality in both Arabic Palaces and the Royal Albert Hall as well as in nightclubs in Brussels, bars in Moscow and in mansions all around the world, from Hollywood to Singapore.
Visionary ideas with meticulous planning
The personal, passionate handling of their work, proximity to customers and the constant willingness to change has given this small company from the Maxvorstadt district of Munich the opportunity to collaborate with companies such as British Airways, Cartier International, Phillippe Starck, UN Studio, Candy&Candy or Roberto Cavalli.
www.windfall-gmbh.com
Photos: © Windfall GmbH
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PLANETARIUM SHARJAH: CLOSE TO THE STARSEmirates InsideWho says that you can’t pluck the stars from the heavens? In the planetarium in Sharjah the glittering firmament seems almost within touching distance.
Travelling through the depths of space, observing stars and marvelling at planets – the planetarium of the Sharjah Centre for Space, Sciences and Astronomy (SCSSA) delivers a unique cosmos experience for visitors of all ages. The planets and star systems are a fascinating attraction for locals and tourists in equal measure. The SCSSA was opened in May 2015 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Regent of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah.
Like the sun …
the new building shines on its site in the university city of Sharjah. It impresses its visitors before they have even set foot inside it: the imposing 18-metre golden dome of the planetarium shines from afar. At the request of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi it represents the sun. The 209-seater planetarium was built at an angle of ten degrees, allowing the various shows to be viewed in optimal comfort. One of the highlights is the central “Starball” – including ten million stars – which is connected to seven special projectors that depict the planetary system.
Space. Science. Entertainment.
With the planetarium and the numerous exhibitions on the subject of space the SCSSA is an exciting place for visitors of all ages. In addition to being a tourist attraction it is also a centre of science and teaching.
Hungry stargazers can visit the cafeteria for snacks and drinks. And anyone looking to take a memento home with them will be sure to find something in the souvenir shop. Although not a genuine star, it is undoubtedly an attractive memory of an exciting visit to the Sharjah Centre for Space Sciences and Astronomy.
Text: Sarah Schmitt
Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences
Photos: © SCTDA
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Adventure in Abu Dhabi: Off-road through the desertEmirates Inside / NewsA new project has been launched in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: an off-road experience for those who enjoy exciting desert adventures. The project is launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
Off-road on your own
Six off-road routes are available for off-road vehicles in the Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions. Visitors to the emirate can set off on their own desert adventure – including camping under the stars.
Off-road routes for every driving level
The routes created as part of the initiative have been developed for all driving levels, from beginner to advanced. Each route offers a variety of sights, including camel and gazelle sightings, unique views of desert dunes and access to oases. Routes include Al Remah, Al Ain to White Sands, Hameem Loop, Umm Al Oush, Liwa Crossing and Al Khazna. All routes are available through participating tour providers and the new DCT Abu Dhabi off-road website.
Introductory courses for beginners
Riders will receive a series of checklists and instructions so that their safety and that of their fellow riders is assured. Participating tour providers will have introductory courses available for those who are inexperienced in off-road driving, so that they can enjoy their desert adventure safely. All routes are displayed in the Google Maps app via a link provided in each case.
Detailed information on off-road driving in Abu Dhabi is available at:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/things-to-do/desert-and-outdoor-activities/off-road-desert-driving
General information about Abu Dhabi is available at www.visitabudhabi.ae.
Photos: © DCT Abu Dhabi [...]