News from the region you shouldn’t miss.
١. Art Basel Qatar to debut in 2026 with new format led by Wael Shawky
Art Basel is launching its first-ever edition in Qatar from February 5 to 7, 2026, in the heart of Doha. Breaking away from the usual booth-style format, the fair will introduce a new concept focused on curated themes and deeper artistic ideas. Celebrated Egyptian artist Wael Shawky has been named Artistic Director and will help guide the selection of galleries and artworks. Known for his storytelling and experimental approach, Shawky brings strong ties to the region and leads the Doha Fire Station’s arts program. The 2026 theme, Becoming, explores how cultures and beliefs continue to evolve, with the Gulf as a central point of connection between tradition and modernity. The show will take place across M7, the Doha Design District, and public spaces in Msheireb, highlighting talent from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond.
٢. CLAP HOUSE Ibiza opens for summer with dining, wellness, and fashion under one roof
CLAP HOUSE Ibiza, from the team behind CLAP Dubai, is now open in Talamanca for the summer season. Blending luxury dining, wellness, and fashion, the new hotspot features the island’s first CLAP Pool Club, SEVEN Wellness Club, and the signature CLAP Restaurant with panoramic views and standout Japanese dishes. Dolce & Gabbana adds a stylish touch with an exclusive pop-up and leopard-print details across the venue. With everything from sun-soaked lounging to curated fitness and mindful dining, CLAP HOUSE Ibiza offers a full day-to-night escape in true island style.
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٣. Mama Rita founders Jessica and Rita Kahawaty announce first cookbook
Jessica and Rita Kahawaty, the mother-daughter duo behind Dubai’s much-loved Mama Rita, are releasing their first cookbook with Penguin Random House on September 4. Mama Rita: Family Recipes from the Mediterranean features over 75 Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes, along with personal stories and family memories. The book celebrates their journey, their strong bond, and the timeless recipes passed down through generations.
٤. Roberto Cavalli’s Gold Collection debuts at Sephora Middle East with five signature scents
Roberto Cavalli has launched its exclusive Gold Collection at Sephora across the Middle East, marking a key moment for the brand in the region. Available from the first week of July, the collection includes five luxurious scents—Divine Oud, Noble Woods, Splendid Vanilla, Sublime Tonka, and Tobaccomore—offered in-store and online in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Known for its bold, sensual character and rich Italian craftsmanship, the Gold Collection celebrates signature ingredients blended with rare natural elements for a refined fragrance experience. Each scent is housed in a sleek dark chocolate bottle topped with Cavalli’s iconic gold monogram, reflecting the brand’s signature glamour and timeless appeal.
٥. 7Ari and Ramoon release debut joint album 101 in partnership with Nas’ Mass Appeal
Moroccan rapper 7Ari and acclaimed producer/DJ Ramoon have teamed up for their first joint album, 101 (pronounced “One of One”), in partnership with Mass Appeal, the record label co-founded by Nas. The 12-track album blends hip-hop, trap, amapiano, afrobeat, and pop, offering a cinematic and emotional listening experience. 7Ari shares his personal side through raw lyrics about love, heartbreak, and growth, while Ramoon’s powerful production brings the album’s sound to life. With guest features from artists like Vacra and Leil, 101 marks a major moment for Arab hip-hop and is now available on all streaming platforms.
٦. ELEMIS teams up with Aston Martin for global luxury skincare partnership
British skincare brand ELEMIS has announced a global partnership with luxury carmaker Aston Martin, bringing together two iconic UK names known for craftsmanship, innovation, and performance. As Aston Martin’s official skincare partner, ELEMIS will offer premium skincare experiences at events and flagship locations worldwide, starting with the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 10–13. At the event, guests can visit the ELEMIS Skin Spa Airstream for express treatments and personalised skincare consultations. The partnership will also feature exclusive product launches and continue at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, where ELEMIS will host a luxury pop-up spa at Aston Martin House.
٧. Fine jewellery brand Djihan launches The Cube Mirage collection, celebrating connection and crafted elegance
Fine jewellery brand Djihan, founded by mother-son duo Jihan and Louai Alama, has launched its latest collection, The Cube Mirage – Drop 1. Inspired by the geometry of a cube and its symbolic connections, the collection reflects themes of structure, unity, and quiet elegance. Each piece is made to order, crafted in 18k solid gold with ethically sourced diamonds, and designed for versatile, everyday wear. Highlights include the Mini Cube Mirage Bracelet and the Mega Cube Mirage Necklace, available in yellow, white, and rose gold with Accent and Pavée finishes. Rooted in storytelling and craftsmanship, the collection continues Djihan’s mission to blend heritage with modern design.
٨. Fabergé unveils limited edition Goldfinger egg to celebrate 60 years of James Bond icon
Fabergé has announced the launch of its Fabergé x 007 Limited Edition Goldfinger Egg Objet, created in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Limited to just 50 pieces, the 18k yellow gold egg is inspired by the Fort Knox vault featured in the movie and includes a working safe mechanism – an innovation for Fabergé. Inside, gold bars sit among 140 yellow diamonds, paying tribute to the film’s iconic gold theme. This collectable joins Fabergé’s Bond-inspired capsule collection and will be available from July 10 in Fabergé boutiques and online.
٩. Fujifilm Instax and Billboard Arabia spotlight rising Saudi music stars in new creative campaign
Fujifilm Instax Middle East has launched a new campaign called A Picture That Tells My Story in partnership with Billboard Arabia, shining a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s rising music stars. This marks the second phase of Instax’s Emerging Artist Strategy in the region and introduces the Instax Wide EVO™ camera, blending music and photography in a fresh, creative way. Building on a successful 2024 program that supported Arab female artists, the 2025 campaign features ten up-and-coming Saudi talents, each sharing their journey through personal photos taken with the new hybrid camera. The campaign highlights how music, creativity, and storytelling can come together to celebrate culture, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With this initiative, Instax continues its commitment to nurturing the region’s creative community and inspiring the next generation of artists.
١.. Tiffany & Co. unveils bold HardWear collection inspired by New York City’s edge and energy
This summer, Tiffany & Co. brings bold energy to its jewellery line with the HardWear collection, inspired by the attitude and edge of New York City. The collection features sleek metal pieces with chunky gauge links and industrial shapes, mixing elegance with strength. Designed to move effortlessly from day to night, each piece is both rebellious and refined, whether worn alone or layered. HardWear reflects the power of love – bold, grounding, and timeless.
١١. Adidas Originals celebrates cultural icons in new ‘Superstar, The Original’ campaign narrated by Samuel L. Jackson
Adidas Originals has launched the latest chapter of its global “Superstar, The Original” campaign, celebrating the lasting impact of its iconic sneaker. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Thibaut Grevet, the campaign brings together a powerful cast including Missy Elliott, JENNIE, Anthony Edwards, Mark Gonzales, GloRilla, Teezo Touchdown, and Gabbriette. Shot in dramatic black and white, the campaign highlights the Superstar’s journey from basketball courts to the heart of culture, symbolising originality and change across generations. Alongside the classic sneaker, the Firebird Tracksuit also returns, underscoring Adidas’ continued influence in fashion, music, and streetwear.
١٢. CH Carolina Herrera unveils Fall/Winter campaign with Natalia Vodianova and Cass Bird
CH Carolina Herrera has revealed its new Fall/Winter campaign, bringing together timeless elegance and modern spirit. Shot by acclaimed photographer Cass Bird, the campaign features model Natalia Vodianova in a series of portraits taken in a sunlit Paris apartment. Dressed in flowing gowns, silk pyjamas, and structured silhouettes, she highlights the season’s key looks and signature handbags, including the Metropolitan Insignia, the Doma, and the playful Bimba. Each piece reflects the brand’s dedication to refined craftsmanship, with accessories handmade in its Spanish leather atelier. The campaign captures CH Carolina Herrera’s vision of joyful, effortless luxury.
