The news from the region you shouldn’t miss.
١. Quoz Arts Fest by AlSerkal Avenue to make a comeback in January 2025
Alserkal Avenue is gearing up to host the annual Quoz Arts Fest, a celebration of contemporary culture and creativity set to transform Dubai’s arts district. The festival promises a vibrant mix of live performances, art exhibitions, and immersive installations, along with food trucks, pop-up shops, and engaging workshops. From rising musicians and DJs to innovative chefs and homegrown fashion brands, Quoz Arts Fest offers a platform for the city’s thriving creative community. Open to all ages—and even pets—the event aims to bring together people from all walks of life for a weekend of inspiration and discovery.
To learn more, click here.
٢. Introducing Selene: OFA’s new collection by Hala Abdullah
OFA has introduced the Selene Collection, a new line of jewellery designed by founder Hala Abdullah. Inspired by the fluid, life-giving nature of water, the collection reflects themes of grace, movement, and feminine strength. It features 21 pieces, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, all showcasing OFA’s signature star shape with clean, minimal designs. Adorned with diamonds, pearls, and colourful stones, the pieces shine with every move, capturing the essence of water’s calm yet powerful flow. Abdullah was also inspired by Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, known for her serene yet strong presence, adding a sense of grace and motion to each design.
To learn more, click here.
٣. CHANEL announces long-term partnership with The Boat Race
CHANEL has partnered with The Boat Race Company Ltd as the new Title Sponsor and official Timekeeping Partner for the historic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. Starting in 2025, the event will be called The CHANEL J12 Boat Race. This annual race, first held in 1829, draws over 250,000 spectators along the River Thames and millions of viewers worldwide. The partnership highlights shared values of precision and teamwork.
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٤. NET-A-PORTER & MR PORTER launch exclusive winter capsule collections with Loro Piana
NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER have partnered with Italian luxury brand Loro Piana to launch two exclusive capsule collections. Available from October 21 on NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER, this is the first time the brand has collaborated on both men’s and women’s collections. The launch celebrates Loro Piana’s craftsmanship, featuring a refined winter wardrobe. NET-A-PORTER’s range includes 21 pieces like coats, knitwear, and handbags in classic neutral shades. MR PORTER’s 34-piece collection offers shearling outerwear, tailored trousers, cashmere knitwear, and accessories like suede sneakers and caps.
To learn more, click here.
٥. Fictional Landscapes exhibition showcasing women artists to open at Foundry Downtown Dubai
The upcoming exhibition Fictional Landscapes will debut at Foundry Downtown Dubai on November 9, running through December 15, 2024. Featuring 28 women artists from around the world, including the UAE, Russia, India, and the USA, the exhibition explores themes of urban, natural, and imagined landscapes as reflections of personal and collective experiences. Curated by Nadine Khalil, Alisa Bagdonaite, and Serafima Kostrova, and organized by women-led galleries, Fictional Landscapes showcases works in diverse media such as textiles, video, and painting, addressing themes of identity, migration, and social realities. The exhibition aims to highlight the role of women in the contemporary art world, advocating for greater representation and equity.
For more information, click here.
٦. MARLI New York Celebrates 10th anniversary with star-studded event in NYC
Fine jewellery brand MARLI New York celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 16, 2024, with “A New York Affair,” bringing together VIP guests like Taylor Hill, Shanina Shaik, and Anna Sophia Robb. Founder Maral Artinian expressed gratitude for New York’s influence on the brand, emphasizing MARLI’s dedication to innovation. The event showcased new pieces from the LIFE, Avenues, and Cleo Sculpt collections, with Hill, Shaik, and Robb each wearing standout designs. Artinian’s journey, deeply rooted in family craftsmanship, continues to reflect the vibrant spirit of New York.
For more information, click here.
٧. Gucci to present Cruise 2026 collection in Florence, celebrating heritage and modern vision
Gucci has announced that Creative Director Sabato De Sarno will unveil the Cruise 2026 collection in Florence, Italy, on May 15, 2025, with the specific venue to be revealed later. This presentation will honour the legacy of Guccio Gucci, who started his career as a luggage porter at The Savoy Hotel in London before opening his first leather goods shop in Florence in 1921. Following his debut Cruise show in London earlier this year, De Sarno’s return to Florence highlights the brand’s deep ties to the city, known for its Italian craftsmanship and creative spirit. The show aims to celebrate Gucci’s rich heritage while showcasing De Sarno’s modern vision for the brand.
٨. Glossier launches exclusively at Sephora Middle East
Glossier is launching in the Middle East exclusively at Sephora, starting October 1, 2024. In-store availability will follow in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE from October 22. This partnership aims to broaden Glossier’s reach and fits well with both brands’ focus on beauty exploration. Hasmik Panossian, Managing Director of Sephora Middle East, expressed excitement over Glossier’s fresh take on beauty, which appeals to local consumers. Glossier has previously enjoyed success in 650 Sephora stores in North America and Europe. To celebrate, Glossier will showcase its brand at the Dubai Mall and feature animations in 50 stores across the region.
Click here to check the collection.
٩. KSA brand Arwa Al Banawi relaunches as ARWÁ on E-Commerce platform
Saudi Arabian brand ARWÁ, formerly Arwa Al Banawi, is relaunching with a focus on women’s wear. The new campaign for its collection “Sahra in Ramatuelle” features 70-year-old Swiss model Gabriela Rickl at Zurich’s Baur Au Lac hotel, promoting elegance and self-expression. This relaunch aims to elevate ARWÁ from a regional brand to a global presence, following past collaborations with Adidas Originals. On October 25, ARWÁ will also launch a new e-commerce site, making it easier for busy women to shop its latest collection, which blends French Riviera style with Saudi roots, showcasing confidence and femininity.
To learn more, click here.
١٠. Reunion Club Room opens in Dubai, bringing a new vibe to nightlife
Factory People has opened a new nightlife spot, Reunion Club Room, in Dubai’s Business Bay, following the success of Soul Kitchen. Reunion is a place for musical discovery and community events, featuring various artists, DJs, and live shows. Originally from Beirut, Reunion has a modern design and great sound quality, thanks to acoustic experts 21dB, who ensure that guests can really feel the music. The club uses high-quality sound systems from the Dutch brand Stage Accompany to enhance the experience. With a “list-only” policy, Reunion aims to create an exclusive vibe for music lovers in Dubai. The venue is now open and invites the city’s creative community to enjoy a unique mix of sound and style.
To learn more, click here.
