Author: Victoria Dickinson

Shah Rukh Khan just turned a real estate launch into a full-scale blockbuster. His new Dubai commercial tower, Shahrukhz by Danube, sold out on launch day, moving all AED 2.1 billion worth of space in a few hours. The moment went down at a packed launch event in Dubai, where over 6,000 guests watched Danube Group chairman Rizwan Sajan drop a heavy hint that a sequel is already in the works. Using one of SRK’s iconic lines, he told the crowd: “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost” — instantly triggering speculation around a “Shahrukhz 2.0” project. The tower is positioned…

More than half of all residential property transactions in Dubai during the second half of 2025 were paid in cash, according to a new analysis from Elite Merit Real Estate. The report highlights how liquidity-driven purchases are helping the city maintain stability even as global financial markets move through shifting interest rate cycles. The study estimates that 54% of all residential deals in H2 2025 were settled without financing, underscoring how Dubai’s real estate market is less exposed to international borrowing conditions than major cities such as London and New York. Analysts say strong regulation, buyer confidence, and sustained demand…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ASTREA LONDON (@astrealondon) Sarah Jessica Parker brought Hollywood star power to Dubai as she appeared at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira for the grand opening of Astrea London’s flagship boutique. The launch wasn’t just a red-carpet photo moment — Parker also serves as Astrea London’s Global Creative Director, making her presence a strategic move for the luxury brand’s Middle East expansion. The event drew high-profile guests from Dubai’s fashion scene and international press, positioning Astrea London’s debut as one of the city’s most talked-about luxury openings of the season. Parker…

The Dubai chocolate trend is officially a global food takeover, and U.S. franchises are racing to get it on their menus. What started as a local dessert concept has now turned into a viral food craze reshaping how major brands think about Middle Eastern flavors. The Dubai chocolate trend began in 2021 when Nouel Catis Omamalin and Sarah Hamouda launched the dessert at Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. A single TikTok video by Ukrainian creator Maria Vehera in December 2023 ignited the trend worldwide — the clip showing pistachio-green chocolate and a crispy kataifi shell has earned millions of views.…

A new wave of style insiders use the city as a cinematic runway driven by design, energy, and non stop visual appeal A rising fashion arc gains strength as documented by Vogue which highlights Dubai as a leading hub for modern style expression. The report points to a scene shaped by bold architecture, strong creative ambition, and an atmosphere that supports designers and digital storytellers alike. These factors attract influencers, stylists, and models who treat the city as a content rich backdrop. The landscape signals a shift in global fashion gravity as Dubai secures a spot in conversations once…

A carpet stacked with faces US audiences actually know — and a festival Saudi Arabia is pushing into the global conversation Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Lights Up Jeddah With a Cannes-Level Entrance The Red Sea International Film Festival opened in Jeddah with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan landing the night’s first viral moment. She stepped out in a silver cape gown while wearing a cast following a recent hand injury, and the crowd reaction matched the kind of attention she pulls at Cannes. US readers who remember her from “Bride & Prejudice,” “Pink Panther 2,” or years of global red-carpet headlines will recognize…

The newest wave of Dubai restaurants carries the energy of a city that treats dining like part of its pop culture calendar. These launches sit in districts Americans recognize instantly from travel clips and influencer posts such as Palm Jumeirah, DIFC, and One Central, which keeps them circulating on feeds long after opening week. Each venue arrives with a defined mood, a verified team behind it, and coverage from regional writers who track every detail from menu rollouts to design choices. For travelers who treat restaurants as part of the storyline, this batch reads like a curated map of what…

If you’re dreaming of a holiday escape where every night feels different, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk are serving five unique ways to do Christmas and New Year’s — all along the vibrant JBR beachfront. From elegant Italian dinners to tiki energy and sky-high rooftop parties, the lineup covers every mood from Dec. 24 to Dec. 31, complete with live entertainment and front-row views of the Ain Dubai fireworks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trader Vic’s JBR (@tradervicsjbr) Start the festivities the classic way at Villa Verona. Christmas Eve features a…

A Stylish New Year’s Eve in the Heart of Dubai Dubai is filled with spectacular New Year’s Eve events, but Ninive offers something more intimate and elegant. Located at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the restaurant blends Middle Eastern and North African charm with a warm, contemporary setting. This year, Ninive is inviting guests to welcome 2026 with a night of good food, live entertainment, and stunning views under the open sky. Dining Inspired by Regional Flavours Ninive is known for its refined take on Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, and New Year’s Eve will highlight the best of its culinary…

Dubai is home to restaurants that combine great food with family fun, giving kids a safe space to play while parents unwind. From interactive gardens to soft play zones, these restaurants make weekends, brunches, and dinners stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family. Here’s a curated list of top spots every Dubai family should try. 1. Reform Social and Grill – Outdoor Play Meets Comfort Located in The Lakes, Reform Social and Grill offers a garden area with slides and climbing frames for kids while parents relax with a coffee or hearty meal. The menu includes hearty breakfasts, pub dishes,…