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New international art consultancy launches with Gulf focus

New international art consultancy launches with Gulf focus
The new advisory is comprised of Ed Dolman, the former executive chairman of Phillips auction house; Brett Gorvy, a co-founder and partner of Levy Gorvy gallery and the former chairman of postwar and contemporary art at Christie’s; and Patti Wong of the Hong Kong-based company Patti Wong & Associates, who previously worked at Sotheby’s for 15 years as the head of the private client services department before being appointed as chairman of Sotheby’s Asia in 2004. (Supplied)
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New international art consultancy launches with Gulf focus

New international art consultancy launches with Gulf focus
  • New Perspective Art Partners marks a collaboration between leading figures in the art world to advise top-tier clients with a special focus on the Middle East

DUBAI: A new art consultancy with a focus on the Middle East region has been created with four of the art market’s leading players.

Called New Perspective Art Partners, the new advisory is launching with a mission to work with clients in a way that offers a new model bridging cross-continental advisory services with bespoke services to top-tier collectors and institutions.

The dedicated focus on the Middle East reflects the growing ambitions of collectors and institutions in the region.

The new advisory is comprised of Ed Dolman, the former executive chairman of Phillips auction house; Brett Gorvy, a co-founder and partner of Levy Gorvy gallery and the former chairman of postwar and contemporary art at Christie’s; and Patti Wong of the Hong Kong-based company Patti Wong & Associates, who previously worked at Sotheby’s for 15 years as the head of the private client services department before being appointed as chairman of Sotheby’s Asia in 2004.

Alex Dolman, Ed’s son, who recently launched the advisory firm Dolman Partners with his father, will also be part of the group.

“New Perspectives Art Partners is oriented around those operating at the very top of the international art world, which includes numerous collectors and institutions in the Middle East,” Dolman told Arab News.

“Our team has extensive experience in the region — supporting both collectors and institutions who have been operating for decades, and those who have more recently invested in the culture space,” he said.

“We understand the unique requirements of clients in the region and can bring them the international experience necessary to help them realize their ambitions.”


Elyanna shares heartwarming moment with Palestinian children at Coldplay concert

Elyanna shares heartwarming moment with Palestinian children at Coldplay concert
Updated 25 sec ago

Elyanna shares heartwarming moment with Palestinian children at Coldplay concert

Elyanna shares heartwarming moment with Palestinian children at Coldplay concert

DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with two young Palestinian children at a Coldplay concert, invited through the non-profit organization Heal Palestine. She was joined by Egyptian American comedian and creator Ramy Youssef and US journalist Ayman Mohyeldin.

“Thank you @heal.palestine for making it possible for me to meet these angels,” wrote Elyanna on Instagram, along with photos from the meeting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Heal Palestine, the organization that facilitated the encounter, focuses on supporting Palestinian children and families affected by war and displacement, offering both emergency relief and long-term education initiatives. The group took to their official Facebook page to thank Elyanna, Youssef and Mohyeldin.

“A heartfelt thank you to @elyanna, @aymanm, and @ramy for giving Qamar and Sara an unforgettable night at the Coldplay concert. Watching Elyanna perform on stage was a moment of pure magic — a much-needed escape from their treatments after their injuries in Gaza. We are deeply grateful for your compassion and for standing with us in our mission,” the post read.

Elyanna will perform at this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts on Dec. 5 at the Etihad Park on Yas Island.

The young star is expected to sing some of her most popular tracks, including “Ghareeb Alay,” “Mama Eh,” and her Arabic rendition of “La Vie en Rose.”

Her performance is a part of the Yasalam After-Race concerts, held alongside the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the UAE’s biggest entertainment and sporting weekends.

Elyanna joins a high-profile lineup of artists already announced for the four-night concert series, including Benson Boone on Dec. 4, Post Malone on Dec. 5, Metallica on Dec. 6 and Katy Perry on Dec. 7.

Access to the concerts is exclusive to F1 ticket holders, with each night set to feature large-scale performances at the open-air Etihad Park.

One of Elyanna’s standout appearances was during Coldplay’s four-night concert series in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, part of their “Music of the Spheres” world tour.

In April, Coldplay announced that Elyanna had again teamed up with the band to release a new version of “Ma Meilleure Ennemie,” a track originally performed by Belgian artist Stromae and French singer Pomme.
 


‘Freakier Friday’: Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis talk ‘more mature’ sequel

‘Freakier Friday’: Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis talk ‘more mature’ sequel
Updated 03 August 2025

‘Freakier Friday’: Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis talk ‘more mature’ sequel

‘Freakier Friday’: Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis talk ‘more mature’ sequel

DUBAI: More than 20 years after their beloved body-swap comedy “Freaky Friday” first hit the cinemas, Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back — and this time, they are switching roles with the next generation.

In “Freakier Friday,” the highly anticipated sequel, the duo returns as mother and daughter, but with a new twist: A four-way body swap involving two younger characters, played by Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons.

Lindsay Lohan — a resident of the UAE for the last decade — returns as Anna Coleman in the film. (AFP)

When asked what it takes to convincingly pull off a body swap, the actors both agree — it is all about the details.

“Mannerisms, the physicality, is a big part of it,” Curtis explained in an interview with Arab News. “You have to mirror each other. It’s not like you’re doing the mirror exercise, but in a way, you are.”

Lohan — a resident of the UAE for the last decade — picked up on subtle changes too, saying: “Harper (Coleman) was slouching more, and she had a slower way of responding to things. She would kind of be more to herself and in her head. Anna would stay up straight more. Those were two of the things I would do.”

But no matter how much prep you do, Curtis says, the real test comes on set. She said: “You can work with the director and vocal coaches and all the rest of it, until that director says action — and the four of you have swapped, and you’re looking in the mirror — you just can’t know if it’s going to work. And I will tell you, when we shot the scene in the mirror, which is why it’s in the end credits, we knew it was working. The crew knew, the director knew, the producers knew, the studio knew — and then we relaxed.”

 

 

Both Lohan and Curtis also took on the role of executive producers for the film, a first for Lohan and a return to producing for Curtis. Stepping behind the scenes gave them more creative control and a deeper sense of ownership over the story.

“It feels so nice,” Lohan said. “Especially because women in Hollywood have come such a long way … it feels so encouraging to be executive producing with someone like Jamie and having more of a say in how things go in the movie. Just seeing it from the ground up feels so, what’s the word I’m looking for? Empowering.”

Fans of the original film will be thrilled by the return of Pink Slip, the fictional band fronted by Lohan’s character Anna. For Lohan, slipping back into Anna’s combat boots was as nostalgic as it was exhilarating.

“It was really fun,” she said. “I haven’t really been singing that much, and I haven’t been playing guitar in my daily life as much. So, it was nice to relearn guitar again and brush up on that and then sing and just be there, back with the band. We had so much fun. It was a really, really good time.”

While “Freakier Friday” is packed with physical comedy and music, both actors agree the film’s heart lies in its message of empathy.

“There’s a beautiful message in it,” Lohan said. “Walk a mile in my shoes. Get to know me before you assume things about me. Really know who I am first. And I think that’s a message we should all take with us every day, everywhere in the world — especially now.”

Curtis is in agreement. “It’s basically everything she just said. The first movie was funny and moving; this one is funnier, more moving … and therefore, it’s freakier. But the same themes are there: compassion, understanding, conflict, conflict resolution, physical comedy. It just feels richer, fuller, more mature.”


L’Atelier Nawbar brings bold stories and jewelry to Ƶ 

L’Atelier Nawbar brings bold stories and jewelry to Ƶ 
Updated 03 August 2025

L’Atelier Nawbar brings bold stories and jewelry to Ƶ 

L’Atelier Nawbar brings bold stories and jewelry to Ƶ 

DUBAI: Sisters Dima and Tania Nawbar, the creative forces behind Beirut-born fine jewelry brand L’Atelier Nawbar, are bringing their unique blend of storytelling and craftsmanship to Ƶ.  

Known for their culturally rooted designs, the Nawbars told Arab News the move is a natural step forward. 

“KSA is a key market in the region, not just in scale but in its growing appreciation for art, design, and craftsmanship,” they explained.  

“With Vision 2030 reshaping the cultural landscape, we felt it was the perfect time to enter,” they said. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The expansion coincides with the launch of their new collection, Lot 93, inspired by the golden glamour of the 1990s.  

“Lot 93 is a tribute to the woman who curates her world through meaningful finds … It’s about rediscovery, like rummaging through your mother’s jewelry box,” they explained. 

“It was about curating, not just creating. Each piece feels like a rediscovered gem, part of a larger narrative that invites the wearer to make it their own,” explained the duo. 

Despite the pressures of co-leading a growing brand, Dima and Tania say working together is their superpower. “Of course, we clash, we take different paths to the same goal, but there’s a deep trust that grounds us,” they said. 

The sisters said their jewelry combines emotional stories and skillful craftsmanship.   

“Jewelry is how we wear history and emotion. It’s timeless, layered, and meant to evolve with you,” they explained. 

As they enter the Saudi market, the Nawbar sisters see this not just as an expansion, but as a continuation of their brand’s journey.  

“This isn’t just about selling jewelry, it’s about connecting with women who see their own stories in our pieces,” they said. “We’re honored to be part of this evolving creative landscape in the Kingdom.” 


Mona Tougaard poses for Marc Jacobs

Mona Tougaard poses for Marc Jacobs
Updated 02 August 2025

Mona Tougaard poses for Marc Jacobs

Mona Tougaard poses for Marc Jacobs

DUBAI: Model Mona Tougaard posed for Marc Jacobs’s Fall 2025 campaign, showcasing the brand’s new Cristina Satchel bag.

In the photos shared on Instagram, Tougaard, who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian roots, was seen wearing a sleek black halter-neck dress with tall black boots, accessorizing with the statement bag.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Cristina Satchel is a structured yet slouchy shoulder bag crafted in olive-green leather, featuring a gathered top, gold hardware, a front lock closure and dangling key charms.

Also featured in the campaign is American actress and model Diana Silvers, who appears in other pictures wearing the tote version of the bag.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tougaard has become a familiar face at Marc Jacobs, appearing in both runway shows and brand imagery. Last year, she fronted the Fall 2024 eyewear launch titled “The Sunglasses.”

Tougaard started her modeling career in 2017 after winning the Elite Model Look Denmark competition at the age of 15. Since then, she has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for her work with top designers and luxury brands including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Chanel and Valentino.

The model has had a busy year this year.

She starred in a Versace campaign in February.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

​​​​​​She was seen on video reclining on a deep orange sofa, her hair styled in a sleek, straight look with blunt bangs.

She wore a two-piece ensemble combining various textures and patterns. A lilac-toned sequined crop-top featured delicate yellow floral embroidery, thin straps and a plunging neckline. The skirt, in rich brown satin, had an intricate overlay of cream floral lace.

During New York Fashion Week, also in February, she graced the runway for Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2025 show.

She sported a look in rich navy, including a shaggy-textured coat draped over matching velvet pants. A structured scarf was wrapped around her shoulders, secured with a gold pin. The look was completed with glossy pointed-toe shoes and she carried a slouchy black leather handbag with soft folds and a long strap.

In January, she was part of the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week, when she wore a halter-neck dress with a sheer, form-fitting bodice that transitioned into a voluminous skirt with meticulously folded fabric.


From Dubai to London: UAE restaurants and cafés take root in UK capital 

From Dubai to London: UAE restaurants and cafés take root in UK capital 
Updated 01 August 2025

From Dubai to London: UAE restaurants and cafés take root in UK capital 

From Dubai to London: UAE restaurants and cafés take root in UK capital 
  • A rundown of UAE-based dining concepts bringing a taste of the region to London 

Tashas 

The upscale café Tasha’s first launched in South Africa in 2005 and now operates six branches across the UAE. Its London debut, at Battersea Power Station, marked a major milestone for founder Natasha Sideris. “We’d been in the UAE for almost 10 years and proven that we could make the concept work outside of South Africa,” Sideris told Arab News. “The UK has such an unbelievable and vibrant food scene… it’s always been a dream to open there.” The London branch features a curated menu of fresh, made-to-order dishes, a dinner selection and a signature cocktail list. “Our UAE-based customers have been incredibly supportive,” Sideris said. “They always say that coming to Tashas Battersea is like coming home.” 

Kinoya 

Dubai’s much-celebrated ramen house Kinoya opened its first international branch in London’s iconic department store Harrods in 2023, bringing Chef Neha Mishra’s take on Japanese izakaya-style dining to London. In Dubai, Kinoya was recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the second year in a row, and ranked number seven in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the MENA region. The concept is centered around a ramen-focused izakaya experience that celebrates both traditional ramen and a variety of Japanese dishes. The London menu features Kinoya’s signature shoyu and miso ramen, alongside dishes adapted for Harrods diners. 

GAIA, Shanghai Me & La Maison Ani 

Fundamental Hospitality, which originated in Dubai, has expanded three of its flagship brands to central London: GAIA, Shanghai Me, and La Maison Ani. “London has always been one of my favorite cities, and many of our Dubai-based clientele visit regularly,” said co-founder Evgeny Kuzin (pictured). “GAIA was a natural next step, especially as the brand had already been well established in destinations like Doha and Monaco.” Located in Mayfair, GAIA serves upscale Greek-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined space, with a seafood market. Meanwhile, Shanghai Me is set to open this month in the Hilton Park Lane. “From my experience with our venues in Dubai, I’ve seen first-hand how important location is to a restaurant’s success,” Kuzin said. “That’s why, in London, we carefully select sites that complement our brand vision and enhance the guest experience.” 

Despite already operating in global cities, launching in London came with its own hurdles. “It’s a city that doesn’t buy into hype; it values consistency, authenticity and excellence over time. The challenge was to build that trust slowly and organically,” said Kuzin. 

And the response from Gulf-based guests has been strong. “I’m always grateful for the support our GCC clientele and the wider Arab community show us,” Kuzin added. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see familiar faces supporting us abroad.” 

Row on 5 

After the success of Row on 45 in Dubai, chef Jason Atherton opened Row on 5 in late 2024 in Savile Row. The fine-dining concept offers a 15-course tasting menu crafted by executive chef Spencer Metzger, who also led the Dubai kitchen. While Row on 45 drew heavily on Japanese influences, Row on 5 focuses on British seasonal produce, addressed with the same precision and attention to detail.  

Saddle 

Originally a dessert concept in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Saddle opened a permanent location in London’s South Kensington in 2024. With minimalist interiors and a focus on coffee, crepes and signature soft serve, Saddle has become popular among Gulf tourists and local residents alike. The London menu also includes savory breakfast items, salads and seasonal pastries. 

Koub 

Originally launched in Dubai as a specialty coffee concept, Koub expanded to London in 2024 with a branch on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia. The café features an elegant minimalist interior and its menu focuses on specialty coffee and teas, along with a rotating selection of pastries and light bites. “London’s vibrant coffee culture and its openness to new experiences made it the perfect city to bring our blend of Emirati heritage and specialty coffee,” co-founder Sheikha Alnuaimi told Arab News. “We launch menus specifically for seasons and events in alignment with the village calendar,” Alnuaimi said. “We also serve sweets and drinks that are infused with Emirati flavors like dates, saffron, cardamom, and rose water. 

“Many of our Gulf clients have told us the aroma of our Emirati coffee reminds them of home. Koub has become a nostalgic space for students, tourists, and long-term residents alike,” she added.  

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Founded in the UAE in 2015, Parker’s opened its first UK location near Oxford Street in 2023. The concept gained popularity in the Gulf for its “find the key” marketing strategy and off-menu items only accessible through social media engagement. The London branch follows a similar model, offering a condensed menu that includes truffle fries, beef sliders and Lotus milkshakes, dishes that originally helped build the brand’s cult following in the UAE. 

Filli 

Filli Cafe started as a single tea shop in Dubai’s Al-Mamzar neighborhood in 2004 and has since expanded across the GCC and internationally, including its East London branch, which opened in 2023. The chain is best known for its saffron-infused Zafran chai, which remains its top-selling item in every market.