News in the region you shouldn’t miss!

١. Women leaders gather for cultural exchange and empowerment forum with ADMAF

HE Huda AlKhamis Kanoo (Founder of ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival)

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and The WOW Foundation (Women of the World), on 5th November, held a virtual forum uniting 24 women leaders from the UAE and beyond. With support from the British Embassy in the UAE and led by ADMAF’s Huda AlKhamis-Kanoo as well as WOW’s Jude Kelly, the event focused on leadership and cultural exchange. Through interactive sessions, participants shared insights and built a global network for women’s empowerment.

For more information, click here.

٢.  Preciosa Lighting debuts ‘Signature Designs’ collection at Downtown Design 2024″

Courtesy of Preciosa

Preciosa Lighting is set to impress at Downtown Design 2024 with a showcase of innovative lighting under its “Signature Designs” theme. Highlights include Crystal Beat, an installation blending light and sound inspired by Preciosa’s Crystal Pixels. Hand-blown crystal cubes create an immersive environment, embodying the charm of digital aesthetics and inviting visitors to experience light in harmony with sound. Also featured is the Crystal Grid, a design of geometric crystal structures, combining elegance with customizable lighting effects. Through these displays, Preciosa demonstrates lighting as a form of art, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.

٣. Piaget releases new Andy Warhol Clou De Paris Watch

Courtesy of Piaget

Piaget has unveiled a refreshed version of its iconic Andy Warhol watch, now featuring a Clou de Paris pattern and a striking blue meteorite dial. Originally created in 1972, the watch became a collector’s favourite and is now officially renamed the Andy Warhol watch in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. This latest design celebrates Warhol’s close connection to Piaget, highlighting his influence as a cultural icon and friend of the Maison. Collectors can also personalize their timepieces through Piaget’s enhanced Made-to-Order service, creating a unique tribute to Warhol’s legacy.

٤. Sole DXB 2024 unveils extended lineup with groundbreaking artists

Courtesy of Sole DXB

Sole DXB 2024, the region’s top contemporary culture festival, is set to take place from December 13th to 15th in Dubai. With strategic support from Dubai Calendar and Dubai Design District (d3), the festival has revealed an expanded lineup of genre-defying acts joining headliners James Blake, Tems, and The Roots. New artists, including The Joy, Nooriyah, J.I.D, Hev Abi, and more, will perform across the main and newly introduced second stages. Sole DXB promises a dynamic mix of music, fashion, art, and culture, with extended hours and off-circuit events leading up to the festival.

For more information, click here.

٥. GITANO Dubai debuts with a grand opening celebration powered by Don Julio 1942

Courtesy of Gitano

Gitano Dubai recently launched an unforgettable “Dia De Los Muertos” Dinner and Dancing event, sponsored by Don Julio 1942. Held at J1 Beach, the grand opening set the stage for the venue to become one of Dubai’s hottest new spots. The celebration featured vibrant DJ performances by THE VERSA, Sarah Hardan, Klo, and Floyd Lavine, keeping the crowd energized throughout the night. Guests indulged in delicious Mexican cuisine, Mezcal cocktails, and premium drinks made with Don Julio 1942, all while experiencing the lively, glamorous atmosphere that blends NYC style with Dubai’s nightlife scene.

To learn more click here.

٦. Yas Marina Circuit to host round 1 of Yas Racing Series, starting the new motorsport season

Courtesy of Yas Marina Circuit

The 2024 motorsport season kicks off this weekend at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit with the first round of the Yas Racing Series on November 9 and 10. Following a record-breaking 2023, the new season promises high excitement with events like the Gulf ProCar Championship, the debut of the Radical World Finals, and the highly anticipated DSBK Superbikes—marking the first time motorbikes will compete at the circuit. Featuring cutting-edge superbikes and top regional talent, DSBK brings an intense two-wheel racing experience to fans.

To learn more, click here.

٧. Spotify launches “Fresh Finds Saudi: Class 2k24” to empower rising local talent

Courtesy of Spotify

Spotify has launched “Fresh Finds Saudi: Class 2k24,” a residency program to nurture Saudi Arabia’s emerging music talent. The initiative, which begins on November 6, brings together four diverse Saudi artists, providing them with mentorship, resources, and training to help advance their careers. The selected artists will collaborate on tracks recorded at Merwas, a creative hub in Riyadh, with support from top industry experts on songwriting, production, marketing, and touring. This residency aims to spotlight Saudi’s evolving music scene, showcasing a range of genres and empowering artists to grow their audiences.

To learn more, click here.

٨.  Balenciaga launches Campaign for New 6XL Sculptural Sneaker

Balenciaga launched a campaign for its new 6XL Sneaker, on November 4, showcasing the brand’s sculptural approach to footwear. Featured in monochromatic white, the 6XL combines classic sneaker elements with Balenciaga’s signature style of exaggerated volume and hybrid design. Models Khadim and Lise, captured by Chris Lensz, highlight the sneaker’s hourglass shape, rounded sole, and padded interior, all crafted to ensure comfort and seamless pairing with the brand’s distinct silhouettes.

Please find it here.

٩. Adidas teams up with Them Again for “Dropset Gym” truck activation at Dubai Fitness Challenge

Adidas has partnered with the creative agency Them Again to launch the Dropset Gym truck for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, bringing mobile workouts to neighbourhoods across Dubai. This unique activation promotes Adidas’ latest training range while encouraging an active lifestyle with high-energy workouts led by top local coaches. SVP Bilal Fares of Adidas EMC emphasized the brand’s commitment to accessible fitness and community engagement, while Ben Griffiths and Colin Talbot from Them Again highlighted the campaign’s focus on inclusivity and impactful fitness experiences throughout the city.

To learn more, click here.

١.. Loro Piana takes over Harrods for the festive season with “Workshop of Wonders”

Courtesy of Loro Piana

Harrods celebrates the holiday season with a festive takeover by luxury Italian brand Loro Piana. From November 7, 2024, Harrods’ iconic windows on Brompton Road in London, with “Workshop of Wonders” will showcase scenes inspired by a Santa’s workshop, featuring Loro Piana’s signature cashmere, wooden toys, and winter landscapes. Inside, two pop-up spaces offer limited-edition gifts, custom monogramming, and exclusive products. A “Pop-In” boutique for newborn essentials includes a special stroller collaboration, while a new in-store section will spotlight Loro Piana’s home collection.

١١. Royal Monceau hosts Ray Charles photo tribute by Arlette Kotchounian, marking 20th anniversary

Courtesy of Raffles Paris

Royal Monceau, from November 5 to 16 in Paris, will host a special exhibition by songwriter and photographer Arlette Kotchounian in tribute to Ray Charles, marking 20 years since his passing. Known for her connections in the music world and a career spanning jazz and international music, Kotchounian’s photography captures intimate moments with Ray Charles during his stays at the Royal Monceau, where a suite is named in his honour. The exhibition features five previously unseen black-and-white photos that showcase Charles’s life behind the scenes, blending personal warmth with artistic precision.

١٢. Saint-Louis brings Crystal Artistry to Downtown Design Dubai with iconic Chandeliers and Torsade Collection

Courtesy of St.Louis

Saint-Louis will showcase its renowned crystal creations at Downtown Design Dubai, from November 6 to 9, marking its third year at the prestigious design fair. Known for its iconic mouth-blown crystal since the 19th century, Saint-Louis will present signature pieces like the Royal Chandelier and the Torsade collection, designed by Stefania di Petrillo. Inspired by the sacristy of Santa Maria del Carmine in Milan, the booth’s design combines dark wood accents with raw materials like brick and iron, creating an immersive experience that honours Saint-Louis’s heritage and craftsmanship, recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

١٣. DIFC Art Nights celebrates 20th anniversary with exciting programs at Gate Village

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCGsYXSyACk/

DIFC Art Nights returns for its winter edition from November 7-15, celebrating the 20th anniversary of DIFC at Dubai’s Gate Village. Over nine days, the popular event will feature public art displays from local and international artists, live art performances, panel discussions, and music. Guests can also take part in creative workshops by Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children and The Happy Box, exploring pottery, painting, Islamic art, mosaics, and more. In collaboration with Christie’s, Dubai Culture, and Tashkeel, DIFC Art Nights promises a rich experience for art lovers of all ages.

To learn more, click here.

I'm Leila Al Fayyez, a 28-year-old Iraqi writer with a deep love for storytelling, fashion, and the energy of youth culture. I write to explore identity, freedom, and everything that moves and challenges my generation—from digital life to self-expression, especially at KHAMSA. I aim to connect, question, and inspire through words that reflect who we are and where we're headed. You can contact me on editors@khamsa5.com
Close

Language