Memos From The Middle East: Van Cleef & Arpels Brings ‘Blooming Garden’ Exhibition To Dubai Opera, Sotheby’s Presents A Landmark Exhibition In Abu Dhabi, And Dior Unveils New Lady Dior Campaign
Every week Bazaar brings you the latest news in fashion and beauty, luxury and lifestyle, straight from our desks to yours — from across the region and beyond
Fashion
Dior Unveils New Lady Dior Campaign
Dior presents its latest Lady Dior campaign, photographed by David Sims at the Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry. Featuring ambassadors Mia Goth, Greta Lee, and Mikey Madison, the portraits highlight Jonathan Anderson’s first designs for the house — an instinctive, modern renaissance of one of fashion’s most iconic bags.
For more information visit dior.com
Jewellery
Van Cleef & Arpels Brings ‘Blooming Garden’ Exhibition to Dubai Opera
Van Cleef & Arpels presents the Blooming Garden exhibition at Les Salons Dubai Opera, running September 1 to November 24. Featuring 38 floral creations and 10 archival documents, the showcase traces the maison’s poetic bond with nature. Highlights include a 1938 yellow gold Bouquet clip set with sapphires and topaz, and a 1947 Daisy wristwatch reflecting post-war design. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into decades of artistry and innovation.
For more information visit vancleefarpels.com
Tiffany & Co. Honors 95 Years of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
To celebrate Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day, Tiffany & Co. hosted a special activation at Centria Mall in Riyadh this week. The centrepiece was a collaboration with Saudi artist Ethar Balkhair, who created bespoke artwork exclusively for the house. Ethar attended the event, dedicating personalised postcard editions to guests. The curated experience honoured Saudi heritage, blending art with Tiffany & Co.’s timeless elegance and cultural appreciation.
For more information visit tiffany.ae
Sartoro Geneve unveils its new radiant Alba collection
Sartoro Geneve has launched a luminous new jewellery collection inspired by the serene beauty of a new dawn. Featuring elegant designs and intricately sculpted architecture, Alba captures the intimacy of each piece, focusing on each dazzling diamond. Crafted entirely in-house with marquise, oval, and round diamonds, each composition reflects the maison’s dedication to exquisite craftmanship. Ranging from delicate rings and earrings to radiant pendants, and bangles, these are precious additions to any incurable magpie’s collection.
For more information visit sartorogeneve.com
Culture
Dubai Design Week 2025: November 4-9
Dubai Design Week returns November 4–9 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa and in partnership with Dubai Design District, for its 11th edition. Highlights include the 2025 Urban Commission by Some Kind of Practice, Downtown Design—the Middle East’s leading contemporary design fair—and over 30 installations exploring ancient and modern design.
For more information visit dubaidesignweek.ae
Zawyeh Gallery Unveils Ruba Salameh: Refined Compositions
Zawyeh Gallery presents Refined Compositions, a solo exhibition by Palestinian artist Ruba Salameh, from September 13 to November 9 at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. Salameh’s abstract works explore memory, mourning, and resilience through motifs like the ant and reimagined Palestinian flag palettes, exploring themes of persistence and hope.
For more information visit zawyeh.net
Cairo Design Week 2025: November 20-29
Cairo Design Week is set to return this November with its biggest edition yet—a ten-day celebration of design, art, and fashion across the city. Since 2022, CDW has grown into a key platform, positioning Cairo as a hub for innovation and cultural exchange. In 2025, heritage landmarks and public spaces will host installations and exhibitions exploring fashion’s role in design.
For more information visit cairodesignweek.net
AFAC Launches Ecologies of Culture
The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) has launched Ecologies of Culture, the first Arab-led EU-funded cultural initiative. Over four years, it is set to support up to 58 projects across nine Arab countries, addressing climate change, gender inequality, and digital transformation through funding and mentorship.
The open call launches September 22, 2025 via arabculturefund.org.
Where Art Meets Geometry: Banafsheh Hemmati’s First UAE Solo Exhibition
Tehran-based artist Banafsheh Hemmati opens her first solo UAE exhibition, Body Geometry, at DIFC’s Satellite Gallery from October 9–31. The show blends sculpture and wearable art inspired by Islamic geometric motifs. Returning as the only independent artist affiliated with DIFC, Hemmati continues to explore philosophy, design, and cultural memory through her enchanting works.
For more information visit difc.com
Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025 to Unveil Record Line-up of International Galleries
The 17th Abu Dhabi Art Fair will take place November 19-23, featuring over 140 galleries from 52 cities and 37 countries. New participants include Algeria, Senegal, Peru, Tanzania, and the Netherlands, alongside established contributions from Nigeria, the Gulf, and Türkiye. The fair spotlights underrepresented art histories, with a special Focus on Nigeria, showcasing seven pioneering galleries. With a 40% exhibitor increase, this will be its biggest and best iteration yet.
For more information visit abudhabiart.ae.
Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth Announces Its 12th Edition
The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth will be held from October 6 to 11, presenting a curated selection of 76 films representing 26 countries. Honoring South Korea as the Guest of Honour, the festival will showcase three Middle Eastern premieres and inaugurate the inaugural Global Children & Youth Film Congress. Distinguished by the participation of 16 international jurors and diverse SIFF Pop-Up workshops, the event passionately celebrates young filmmakers and underscores cinema’s vital role in empowering youth.
For more information visit siff.ae
NYUAD Arts Center Opens With Support From Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels
NYUAD’s Arts Center opens its 11th season (Sept 19–Oct 10), with the theme Stories of Our Communities. Highlights include Benji Reid’s Find Your Eyes, Dear Children, Sincerely… exploring colonial histories, and Lara Foot’s African Othello. Supported by Mubadala and Van Cleef & Arpels, the season highlights NYUAD’s role as a vibrant hub for creative expression, authentic dialogue, and community connection.
For more information visit nyuad.nyu.edu
Sisterhood Collective Expands to Abu Dhabi
The Sisterhood Collective, a global community for women aged over 35, launches in Abu Dhabi this month. Founded by Laurie Drummond and Lauren Bouette, it supports 30,000+ women worldwide with resources and events that help them navigate all aspects of midlife. Abu Dhabi marks its next step, empowering women to reset, reconnect, and thrive.
For more information visit sisterhoodcollective.com
Sotheby’s Presents A Landmark Exhibition In Abu Dhabi, Featuring 6 Masterworks
Sotheby’s is set to showcase a prestigious exhibition at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation presenting six masterpieces that include Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Frida Kahlo, Edvard Munch, René Magritte, and Camille Pissarro in Abu Dhabi from October 1–2, 2025. Valued at around $150 million and sourced from esteemed private collections, this is Sotheby’s most renowned exhibition ever staged in the Middle East and its first public fine art show in Abu Dhabi. Concurrently, Sotheby’s Dubai gallery will display highlights from its upcoming London sales, including Middle Eastern, Islamic and Indian works of art.
Leisure
Atlantis The Royal x Hans Zimmer Debuts Diamond in the Desert
Atlantis The Royal, with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, debuts Diamond in the Desert by Hans Zimmer this month. The 4.5-minute composition accompanies the Skyblaze fountain show—a spectacular display of water, fire, and light. Guests can view the immersive performance from several venues across the resort. This marks Zimmer’s first destination soundtrack.
For more information visit atlantis.com
Atlantis The Palm x Ounass Launch Casablanca Beach Club
Atlantis, The Palm opens Casablanca Beach Club with Ounass this month, bringing French-Moroccan style to Dubai’s sandy shores. The club features pools, private cabanas, daybeds, and a chic yet casual spot to dine. Signature dishes include sushi and seafood towers, alongside a F/W25 pop-up boutique – one to peruse with a mocktail in hand.
Open daily 10am–8pm (21+); packages start at AED 250 with F&B credit.
For more information visit atlantis.com
Hospitality
Ciel Dubai Marina Set To Open November 2025
Set to open in November 2025, Ciel Dubai Marina will be the world’s tallest hotel at 377 metres, featuring 82 floors and the highest infinity pool. Designed by Norr and managed by The First Group, the hotel offers 1,004 rooms, eight dining venues, a luxury spa, gym, and exclusive beach club access. Highlights include the Nest Executive Lounge, family-friendly amenities, and sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. Part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, the property is set to be the talk of the town.
For more information visit ihg.com
Lead image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels
Images Supplied