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The people who make the things, the places and the arguments worth reading about.
After a February transfer to only his fourth club, Karim Benzema is still driven by the hunger that shaped his career. In Saudi Arabia, he reflects on ambition, France, Real Madrid and the legacy he hopes to leave for young players.
From a souk counter and 12 watches to a network of luxury boutiques, the Seddiqi family’s 75-year story traces Dubai’s changing relationship with timepieces, built on trust, personal connections and a business shaped by generations.
Born in Beirut, with ancestral ties to Aleppo, David Nahmad has yielded the power of an art market maker for decades. Even at the age of 78, he remains a formidable force in collecting modern and impressionist art.
Step inside an opulent Riyadh mansion where Luxxu’s decade of design mastery shines: floating chandeliers, gold‑toned “bullion” chairs and serene, Najdi‑inspired geometry compose a calm, cinematic showcase of unreal luxury.
Giorgio Armani is a hard act to follow. Not only is he an icon of the fashion world, but he also pioneered the idea of creating a universe rather than simply a label. It is hardly surprising that he never stopped working.
Celebrated for reimagining classical design through a contemporary Arab lens, AlJoaib unveils a project uniting traditional craftsmanship with mid-century, sculptural influences. The result, she tells us, carries her unmistakable signature.
Editor's Pick
Architect, artist, weaver, wanderer—Abeer Seikaly refuses to be just one thing. From Bedouin tents to maritime nets, the Jordanian-Palestinian maker transforms movement, memory, and material into living, breathing architectures of curiosity.
When a West Bank village and Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre collide, an Oscar-winning documentary angers Israeli ministers and BDS activists alike — proof that in an absolutist conflict, collaboration and empathy remain the most subversive acts.
At the forefront of supertall innovation, architect Gordon Gill is redefining what a kilometre-high skyscraper can be — balancing extreme height with environmental performance, human comfort and cultural meaning in Saudi Arabia’s landmark Jeddah Tower.
'Emmanuelle' was a provocative softcore movie (with some risible dialogue) from the 1970s about the study of an open marriage from a female perspective of liberated sexuality but, fifty years on, the Lebanese director Audrey Diwan has created her own more modern version of the legend.
India-based Studio VDGA makes its architecture foray in Dubai with a resplendent family home, dubbed House of Courtyards, that's inspired by the traditional architecture of the Arabian Gulf but raised to a sublime degree.
Rami Tabbara, 40, co-founder and co-CEO speaks to me on Zoom from Stake’s “cool set-up” at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) located on Gate Avenue’s shiny financial and fintech district. He scans the camera around the office, to where his team are busying away behind the sce
Santiago Calatrava is one of the world's best-known architects. A structural engineer, a sculptor, and a painter who is now based in Switzerland, his architecture has merged advanced engineering solutions with dramatic visual statements.
Marrying ancient know-how with innovative techniques, Altin Studio may be a new name in the realm of furniture design, but their first collection is fresh, sculptural, and imaginative.
It has been ten years since Roland Helou decided to go it alone and establish his own interior design studio and, in this time, ROHD has established a first-class reputation for managing clients' needs with the utmost taste and discretion.
Born from three friends inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Cool Inc. is quietly building an empire of fine dining, boutique hotels and bespoke adventures with a lofty aim of becoming the Aramco of tourism.
Backstage in New York, Michael Kors talks Studio 54 nights, Halston obsessions, family-fuelled confidence and why “familiar unfamiliar” glamour — not edgy spectacle — keeps his billion‑dollar brand and its designer feeling joyfully grounded.
La Revêche founder Sara Melis reveals how she transformed swimwear into sophisticated wardrobe statements, built an instantly recognisable aesthetic, and plans to take her Sardinian label global.
Jumana Ghouth has spent years pushing Saudi Arabia’s art scene forward, curating boundary-breaking exhibitions while championing ambitious artists—and now she’s helping shape the Kingdom’s cultural future.
From Kuwait to Berlin, Hamad Sultan has built a practice spanning homes, cities and everything between, embracing climate, complexity and constraint as catalysts for architectural innovation.
From internet notoriety to fashion’s front row, Mia Khalifa has rewritten her narrative on her own terms, confronting shame, controversy and misogyny while forging an increasingly independent identity.
Pegasus is an 88-metre vision of tomorrow. A radical superyacht fusing zero-emission technology, 3D printing and nature-inspired design to transform what’s possible at sea.
With operations in the UAE, Saudi, Oman, Qatar, Morocco and South Africa, Malek Sukkar has built a global waste empire with an unusually personal philosophy: less talk, more action, and a planet that leaves no room for complacency.
From Bruges firehouse dreams to Milan runways, Glenn Martens is reviving Diesel’s rebellious spirit with provocative denim, viral silhouettes and enough attitude to make fashion’s establishment nervous.
What if menopause wasn’t inevitable? Meet Dr. Daisy Robinton, the scientist betting that we can slow ovarian ageing, extend women’s fertility—and rewrite everything we thought we knew about the biological clock.
At Marea, Amale Andraos brings architecture, ecology and community together, transforming a once-occupied Batroun site into a terraced coastal retreat that champions Lebanon’s future.
Fifty five years after founding his fashion label in New York, Ralph Lauren brought his carefully crafted universe to California for the first time. We loved the rugged Americana and timeless glamour.
Is OnlyFans the future of social media or a symbol of mainstream culture’s pornification? CEO Amrapali “Ami” Gan faces questions about the platform’s identity, safety and her version of the truth.
From modelling in Milan to breakout roles on Netflix, Heba El-Dessouky is carving her own path. Meet the Egyptian star balancing authenticity, ambition and sustainable fashion while challenging expectations both onscreen and off.
Halima Aden became a groundbreaking fashion icon, then walked away. Now, she’s breaking her silence about exploitation, tokenism and the uncomfortable truths she discovered when she returned to the refugee camp that shaped her.
What if architecture could heal the planet? At Waiwai, Dubai-based architect Wael Al Awar is challenging convention, reviving cultural identity and transforming waste into innovative spaces that bring communities together and redefine tomorrow’s cities.
Inspired by her late father’s legacy, Ruby Rose Korver has transformed a personal passion into Arnie Swim, a Dubai-based label celebrating thoughtful design, premium materials, versatility and the freedom to embrace summer on your own terms.
For Pierpaolo Piccioli, fashion is about far more than clothes. The Valentino creative director discusses identity, freedom, art and the enduring power of beauty, while staying rooted in the simple life that shaped him.
A rising star with an international pedigree, Lyna Khoudri is stepping into Wes Anderson’s whimsical world, alongside Hollywood heavyweights, while embracing her Algerian roots, French identity and a future without borders.
From Zaha Hadid to David Chipperfield and Christian Louboutin, architect Tarek Shamma has built a career defined by materiality, meticulous detail and collaboration, creating spaces that balance bold ideas with timeless, deeply personal narratives.
K.A. Interiors founders Karim Abdul Muttalib and Ann Abukhalil give maximalism a sophisticated twist in this ten-room villa, where marble, rich woods, sculptural furnishings, gold and signature burgundy create an atmosphere of effortless opulence.
In an exclusive conversation, Louis Gabriel Nouchi reveals how literature, sensuality and storytelling shape his collections, while his unconventional journey, gender-fluid vision and commitment to sustainability continue redefining contemporary fashion with a distinctly modern edge.
Counterfeits, murky provenance and disconnected buyers have long plagued the second-hand watch market. Now, Swiss startup Adresta is using blockchain to bring trust, transparency and a surprising digital future to luxury timepieces.
Kevin O’Leary discusses his new Emirati citizenship, crypto investments and the future of blockchain, revealing how digital assets could transform watch authentication, ownership, insurance and the luxury industry.
From startup hindsight to questions of responsibility, Steve Huffman discusses what building a sprawling online community has taught him about leadership, ambition, authenticity, and the complicated relationship between technology and society in a changing world.
For Danielle Badra, poetry is where grief, memory and identity find their voice. Through intimate, experimental forms, she transforms loss into connection, keeping the people and experiences that shaped her beautifully alive.
For Vincenzo De Cotiis, art, architecture and design exist without boundaries. Blending history with modernity, he transforms unexpected materials into sculptural works that challenge convention while celebrating memory, craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
What do Arabic jazz, hip-hop, food, architecture and ancient myths have in common? Afikra is the answer: founded by a Lebanese expat in New York, this volunteer-run global grassroots movement is making the Arab world more discoverable.
Born from Moroccan heritage and reimagined for modern life, Bahaar is bringing effortless resortwear, thoughtful craftsmanship and a distinctly bohemian spirit to a new generation of globally minded fashion lovers.
Dubai’s most ambitious cultural projects rarely emerge from conventional thinking. Meet the designer who challenged his first ideas, embraced the unknown and created a museum unlike anything else in the city.
At just 18, Greta Thunberg has already changed the global climate conversation. But behind the fierce speeches and worldwide fame is a surprisingly private young woman whose convictions, choices, and unusual journey reveal much more.
As the Middle East faces deepening fragmentation, poverty and geopolitical tension, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal calls for a new regional vision rooted in human dignity, cooperation, justice, resilience and hope.
How did a struggling Alpine sportswear brand become one of luxury fashion’s biggest global names? Remo Ruffini reveals the vision, risks and radical shifts that transformed Moncler—and changed how the world dresses.
Boobs, bums and unapologetic curves have made Anissa Kermiche one of design’s most distinctive voices. From jewellery to ceramics, her playful, provocative creations celebrate femininity, imperfection and the art of making everyday objects impossible to ignore.
From Hollywood stardom to timeless glamour, Julia Roberts brings her unmistakable warmth to Chopard’s iconic creation, reflecting on freedom, kindness, responsible luxury and the small pleasures that make life feel truly worth celebrating.
From Beirut to the global fashion stage, Sandra Mansour is making history as H&M’s first Arab designer collaborator. Blending art, femininity and fearless creativity, she is proving that dreams can transcend borders.
What began as an ambitious effort to fight forest fires with drones evolved into a global technology success story, as Lebanese startup NAR continually pivoted its innovation to solve real-world infrastructure challenges.
For their first Middle Eastern project, London-based Tollgård Design Group transformed a contemporary Amman villa into a vibrant family home, blending heartfelt minimalism, bold art, local materials and a distinctive narrative rooted in Jordan.
What happens when Parisian sophistication meets the laid-back spirit of the tennis court? Casablanca is rewriting the rules of luxury leisurewear, blending nostalgic glamour, contemporary cool and a distinctly cosmopolitan attitude.
As fashion confronts an uncertain future, Giorgio Armani makes a compelling case for slowing down. Discover why his enduring vision of elegance, craftsmanship and conscious consumption feels more relevant than ever.
In the aftermath of Beirut’s devastating port explosion, architect Bernard Khoury reflects on destruction, memory and resilience, offering a deeply personal perspective on the city’s uncertain future and the enduring power of architecture.
From Lebanon to the legendary stages of Paris, Yousra Mohsen is dancing to her own rhythm. Discover how ambition, cultural identity and fearless self-expression propelled her into the spotlight, challenging expectations along the way.
From its Lebanese roots to an international presence, Nada Ghazal Fine Jewelry has evolved while staying true to its founding vision. The designer reflects on authenticity, artistic growth and creating jewellery that transcends trends.
Sisters Dima and Tania Nawbar are redefining their family’s jewellery legacy, blending heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary design while championing sustainability, resilience and their enduring connection to Beirut.
Anisa Kamadoli Costa is transforming sustainability in luxury jewellery, championing responsible sourcing, transparency and conservation while using Tiffany & Co.’s global influence to drive meaningful change across the industry.
From pioneering science to transformative technologies, this is where curiosity meets possibility. Discover the visionaries, discoveries and innovations challenging convention, solving tomorrow’s problems and pushing humanity towards a smarter, healthier and more extraordinary future.
For Alexander McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2020–21 collection, Creative Director Sarah Burton explores the tension between romance and rebellion. Sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery, bold patterns and dramatic tailoring celebrate femininity, craftsmanship and the enduring power of individuality.
Long known for her discreet, boundary-pushing interiors, Zaniz steps into the spotlight with Luminosity, Benetti’s 108-metre hybrid superyacht, where storytelling, theatrical flair and extraordinary attention to detail redefine life at sea.
From Beirut to the Caribbean, designer Rana Nasr is redefining luxury through nature, culture and wellness. Discover the creative vision behind Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s highly anticipated tropical retreat.
He traded spreadsheets for sketchbooks and found his calling in fashion. Meet Saudi-born designer Yousef Akbar, whose award-winning label blends bold creativity, cultural nostalgia and contemporary glamour into striking eveningwear.
After Beirut’s devastating blast destroyed his headquarters, Zuhair Murad faces his greatest challenge yet. The Lebanese designer opens up about resilience, ambition and rebuilding his fashion empire without leaving home.
Kim Kardashian is trading reality TV headlines for a fight for justice. From helping free prisoners to exposing shocking sentencing cases, she’s determined to challenge America’s broken system and give forgotten voices a second chance.
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes global economies, the Middle East faces a defining challenge: investing in research, developing homegrown technologies and building an innovation culture to secure sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
How do you innovate without losing sight of heritage? IWC Creative Director Christian Knoop reveals how creative constraints, timeless design and nautical inspiration are shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking while keeping the brand’s legacy alive.
The Modist may be no more, but in February 2019, the luxury modest-fashion retailer was making waves. We spoke to founder Ghizlan Guenez about challenging fashion stereotypes and proving that modesty can be chic.
From Saudi princess to pioneering fashion editor, Deena Abdulaziz has always challenged expectations. Discover the woman behind Vogue Arabia’s explosive debut, her vision for Saudi creativity, and why her most influential chapter may lie ahead.
Bill Gates has traded the world of technology for a mission to save lives. Through vaccines, data and philanthropy, he is tackling Africa’s greatest health challenges, driven by optimism and a determination to make lasting change.
Maison Orient is redefining global fashion by giving emerging designers from the Middle East, North Africa and India an international platform, connecting distinctive regional talent with customers worldwide through curated collections and seamless shipping.
Lagos-born designer Kenneth Ize is bringing Nigerian craftsmanship to the global fashion stage. Blending traditional Yoruba textiles with contemporary workwear, his bold, luxurious designs are winning celebrity fans and redefining African fashion.
In Beirut, architect Lina Ghotmeh’s Stone Garden transforms the city’s complex history into a striking vision of contemporary living. Blending raw textures, organic forms and memory, the building reimagines urban architecture while honouring its surroundings.
Step inside the vibrant Beirut home of designer Nada Debs, where bold colours, treasured antiques and handcrafted pieces reflect her distinctive fusion of Japanese minimalism and Middle Eastern artistry.
American Muslim activist Linda Sarsour has become a polarising voice in US politics. From defending civil rights to challenging US policy on Israel, she continues to confront prejudice, controversy and fierce opposition.
Forget everything you know about Parisian luxury hotels. At Brach Paris, Philippe Starck blends African art, industrial edge and playful surprises to create an unconventional escape that challenges expectations and redefines the art of hospitality.
Forget endless swiping and awkward family introductions. Harmonica, the Egyptian matchmaking app, is using smart technology and culturally sensitive features to help young Muslims find meaningful relationships, with ambitions to reach millions across the region.
Escape the chaos of modern life in this three-bedroom house by Japanese architect Kouichi Kimura in Shiga, Japan, where solid walls and minimal windows create a tranquil sanctuary amid industrial noise and traffic.
Lebanese architect William Sawaya and Italian philologist Paolo Moroni have mastered the art of collaborative design, bringing together visionary architects, exceptional craftsmanship and bold ideas to create some of Italian design’s most coveted furniture.
Perched above Lebanon’s stunning Jounieh Bay, Calypso House blurs the line between architecture and nature. Discover how Michel Abboud engineered this extraordinary glass residence to withstand powerful waves while redefining Mediterranean luxury living.
How do you reinvent a 127-year-old British luxury icon without losing its soul? Dunhill creative director Mark Weston reveals how he’s challenging menswear conventions, reimagining heritage codes and redefining modern British elegance.
Once upon a time conservative dressing was a euphemism for frumpy fashion. Now thanks to visionary designers like Faiza Bouguessa, you can do away with revealing clothes without fear of arrest by the Fashion Police. If you think of modest fashion, your mind’s probably not conjuring up …
Women couldn’t drive in Saudi Arabia until last year, but race driver Reema Juffali is taking her right to drive to the next level. Against all odds, she’s forging a trailblazing career in the male-dominated world of motorsports. Five years ago, no one would have believed that a Saudi w…
The award-laden Emirati entrepreneur and deputy chairman of the Bin Ham Group has quietly pledged at least half his fortune to humanitarian causes, ensuring his generosity endures well beyond his own lifetime.
Fresh from playing Aladdin in the billion-dollar blockbuster, the Egyptian-Canadian actor talks candidly about typecasting, his foundation for artists of colour, plant-based living and his neo-noir Hulu thriller.
Fresh off the heels of his role as Aladdin in the blockbuster Hollywood film, Mena Massoud is speaking out about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, saving the planet and his new Hulu series ‘Reprisal’, a neo-noir thriller set to launch this December. ALADDIN EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS A…
Michel Abboud, Founder and Principal at NYC-based SOMA Architects, shares his views on the future of architecture in the Middle East. SOMA BECAME GLOBALLY RENOWNED IN 2010 WITH THE PARK 51 ISLAMIC CENTER IN NYC, CLOSE TO GROUND ZERO. WHAT CAUSED THIS CONSTERNATION DO YOU THINK? It becam…
It’s a feel-good story with lots of happy endings. Toters has gone from startup app to thriving business in a couple of years, and it’s a stellar example of how hard work and great tech are more important than an original idea. Everyone has a great idea at some point or another in…
Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye has cultivated a reputation for being fearless and nonconformist but a new project in Abu Dhabi could well define his career. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island is fast becoming the Arabian Gulf’s most distinguished cultural hub. Travel there now and…
Aquazzura founder and creative director Edgardo Osorio is known for his joyful disposition as much as for his mood-elevating footwear. The fetching Colombian-born designer shares his thoughts on his autumn/winter 2019 collection, having too many shoes and driving in heels. HOW WOULD YOU…
Karen Wazen’s eyewear label is infiltrating the global fashion market with designer products at high-street prices plus a very of-the-moment digital marketing strategy. Dubai-based Instagrammer Karen Wazen could easily have been content with her lot as a social media influencer wh…
Following the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, architect Philippe Daher left both his country and his architecture practice behind. But personifying the motto of what to do when life gives you lemons, he eventually established a new life in neighbouring Lebanon, this time as a tal…
If there was ever a watershed moment for the tech industry in the Middle East, it’s now. Following Souq.com’s acquisition by Amazon last March for 580 million USD and Uber’s acquisition of Careem in June for a cool 3.1 billion USD, all eyes are on a new breed of startups. But don’t take…
American artist Nathan Sawaya abandoned a lucrative career as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer to sculpt with Lego. He reflects on the leap of faith that turned childhood bricks into a serious artistic calling.
Alakeel’s original and creative east-meets-west designs have been around for over a decade but it’s only now, within a new context of reform and change within the Kingdom, that they’re finding more mainstream success. Having debuted during Dubai’s Fashion Week back in 2008, many might h…
The actress and her image architect Law Roach revisit the 1970s for their second Tommy Hilfiger capsule, swapping zodiac signs for constellation prints and a moody palette of greys and burgundy.
With male fertility reportedly halved over the past forty years, Legacy founder Khaled Kteily is building a sperm bank startup that brings discreet, modern reproductive health within reach of men everywhere.
1970s inspired wide-leg pants, faux-fur and a monochrome palette of greys and burgundy: that’s what Zendaya dreamed up, along with image architect, Law Roach for her second collaborative capsule collection, Tommy x Zendaya autumn 2019. Q&A with Zendaya WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES…