NEWS

Designer properties seem appropriate for Dubai, where retail is the main tourist attraction and the skyline blazes with neon logos, but they will soon be appearing in a number of other locations. Next spring Bulgari will open a new hotel in London that will include one penthouse and six other residences, and Armani has plans to open two further hotel-residential complexes in Marrakech and Marassi by 2013.

Locals who want to see and be seen favor the sleek black-and-white Armani Prive Nightclub, a VIP lounge within the Armani Hotel Dubai. In the Downtown Dubai area, Calabar draws them in with Latin-inspired cuisine and cocktails, and a large outdoor terrace space with beanbags, couches and sheesha overlooking the Dubai Mall fountains, perfect for after-work lounging.

Shares in the UK engineering consultant, which worked on the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, rose 6pc on Wednesday after it said a pick-up in the Middle East meant profits in the year to March 31, 2011, should beat expectations.

The emirate's malls now attract more international brands than the boulevards of Paris and the avenues of New York, a survey has found. Sharing the top spot with London, Dubai now has more than half of the world's international brands, and combined with Abu Dhabi, makes the UAE the second-biggest retail market in the world, just behind the UK.

Armani Hotel Dubai, designed by Giorgio Armani and situated in Burj Khalifa, is hosting culinary master classes led by expert chefs that allow participants to experience the eminent hospitality standards set by this iconic hotel. Armani Hotel Dubais team of chefs from Armani/Ristorante, Armani/Amal and Armani/Hashi will share their expertise, creating signature Italian, Indian and Japanese delicacies with the participating enthusiasts. The dishes will be prepared for serving to hotel guests, thus ensuring that the highest standards adhered to by the hotel are shared with those taking part in the classes.

Dubai’s boom may have fizzled, but you can still live the high life perched atop the world’s tallest building as the glitzy Gulf emirate unveiled one of the world’s highest restaurants. At.mosphere, on the 122nd floor, is one private elevator ride up the glass-and-chrome Burj Khalifa.

Emaar Properties, the developer of the tower, said in February that it had handed over 770 units in Burj Khalifa. The 2,717-feet high tower has 900 studio, one, two, three and four bedroom, while the Armani Residences has 144 fully furnished private apartments. It offers luxurious recreational and leisure facilities including four swimming pools, an exclusive residents’ lounge; health and wellness facilities; At.mosphere, the world’s highest fine dining restaurant at level 122 and At the Top, the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace on level 124.

Dubai Customs launched its new establishment in KidZania at the Dubai Mall on Wednesday 6 April 2011 under the auspices of His Excellency Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Authority, and Director General of Dubai Customs.

First Class passengers will enjoy a free two-night stay at either The Armani Hotel located in Burj Khalifa or Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, located on the Palm Island. Business Class passengers will receive complimentary premium accommodation at The Address Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. A 96-hour visa for single or double occupancy is also included.

In the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, the word "artwork" is taking on an entirely new meaning. While most people go to art centres to soak up the culture, some visitors to Dubai's newest space are there for a much more serious purpose: for them, the light and airy Pavilion Downtown Dubai is the perfect place to get on with their work.