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What's On
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
4 of the best restaurants to try in Dubai this weekend: July 18 to 20
When it comes to dining in Dubai, the options are endless. Even if you're not a die-hard foodie, you've probably heard of these standout spots – and if you've been thinking about trying them, consider this your nudge to finally go. Here are 4 of the best restaurants to try in Dubai this weekend Girl and the Goose What first started as a supper club by Nicaraguan-born Chef Gabriela Chamorro has blossomed into the UAE's first restaurant that brings together the diverse and vibrant cuisines of the Mesoamerican region under one roof. The chef enthralled and delighted the taste buds of many a discerning diner before expanding her home into the stunning space at Anantara Downtown. And those are exactly the comforting vibes you want as you tuck into the ravishing Central American fare – all reimagined by Gabi's travels around the world during her time as an Emirates crew member. Location: Anantara Downtown, Downtown Dubai Times: daily, 12pm to 1am Contact: (0) 52 772 9888 @ Rare Rare Dubai Rare is a What's On award-winning restaurant in Dubai for a reason. The Art Deco New York cocktail bar meets Parisian brasserie has had Team What's On visit on multiple occasions, and it has not disappointed. On the menu, there are steaks that give a whole new meaning to the term 'well done.' But for diners who aren't red meat eaters, there's plenty, from oysters, bone marrow on toast to chicken thigh skewers, succulent prawns, and more. It's perfect for date night or even spending time with friends or colleagues. PS. Don't ask the waiter to take away the Brussels sprouts before you even try them—they are delicious. Location: City Walk Dubai, C2 Licensed District Times: Sun to Thurs 12pm to 1am, Sat and Sun 12pm to 2am Contact: (0)4 287 4604 Revolver Revolver Dubai Singapore's sleek experimental South Asian export, Revolver, opened in Dubai earlier this year at T he Opus by Zaha Hadid. Its interior is a stark difference from the ME Dubai, bringing raw industrial aesthetics, dark wood, and metallic surfaces to the bright and futuristic hotel. The twisting round of glowing bullets suspended above is eye-catching, as are the fiery and smokey theatrics of the chefs behind the open kitchen. But it's not just for your entertainment, as the dishes that come out from the kitchen are packed with flavour. It's all the creation of Chef Jitin Joshi, who has a Michelin-starred history. No matter how hungry you go, you'll want to return to try other dishes on the menu. For your first dishes, we recommend you try the Goan prawn calchao, the burrata – a unique pairing of peanut sauce and warm churros, and the seafood and tender coconut pot. Location: T he Opus by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay Times: daily 6pm to 1am and weekdays for lunch 12pm to 3pm Contact: (0)4 257 9334 Tresind Dubai If you love Indian cuisine, this fine dining restaurant at One&Only Royal Mirage is one to book this week. Chef Mohammad Zeeshan takes the restaurant's bold claim of 'the birthplace of innovative Indian cuisine' to new heights as he curates bold Indian flavours with a modern lens. Try the degustation menu, which includes lip-smacking dishes such as cannoli samosa with tomato chutney, portobello steak with chimichurri chutney and truffle, a 'modernist' chaat tart, and paan-flavoured cotton candy. It's recognised by the Dubai MICHELIN Guide for a reason, which means you have to try it. Location: One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina Times: 12pm to 11.45pm Contact: 056 420 9754 Images: Supplied and Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
New York Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Brian Clarke, Stained-Glass Innovator, Is Dead at 71
Brian Clarke, one of the world's leading practitioners of the centuries-old art of stained glass, who pushed the form's boundaries from religious to secular settings, died at his home in London on July 1, one day before his 72nd birthday. The cause was cancer, according to HENI, an art services business that represents Mr. Clarke. 'When I started working in the medium of stained glass, it was a dying art,' he told the British newspaper The Independent in 2010. 'I knew from a very early age that the future of the medium would only be assured if it had an application in public buildings and was not limited to ecclesiastical architecture.' While Mr. Clarke did create stained-glass windows in religious locations, his work was also found in places like Pfizer's headquarters in Manhattan; Victoria Leeds, a shopping district in England; and the Lake Sagami Country Club in Yamanashi, Japan. He worked on projects with the architects Norman Foster, Arata Isozaki and Zaha Hadid. This year he completed 'Concordia,' a colossal wall of 127 vibrantly colored stained-glass panels installed at Bahrain International Airport that depicts, among other things, jasmine flowers, dragonflies and hawks; incorporates Islamic geometric patterns; and makes reference to medieval European tapestries and illuminated manuscripts from the Book of Hours. At 112 feet wide and nearly 56 feet tall — and weighing more than 30 tons — it is one of the largest stained-glass installations in the world. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Arabian Business
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Purposeful luxury: Mohammad Rafiee on building Richmind, redefining premium living, and designing with intent
When Mohammad Rafiee first set foot on Al Marjan Island, he was mesmerised by its sheer beauty but even more so by something unexpected – its potential. All the knowledge and experience he acquired over what seems like a lifetime, culminated in a profound moment of realisation. He didn't want to simply acquire buildings. He wanted to shape them. With more than two decades in real estate, he has seen trends come and go, cities rise and evolve. But when he launched Richmind Development, it was to make an indelible impression. It was to raise the bar – through design, purpose, and the belief that luxury should leave a legacy. 'Having spent the better part of my career investing in and advising on real estate, I've always been captivated by the potential of creating something that truly reflects my personal philosophy – spaces that stand at the intersection of bold design, enduring quality, and a profound sense of purpose.' That philosophy has already taken form in Oystra, Richmind's debut development on Al Marjan Island. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and brought to life with collaborators like HBA, Cracknell, and Dewan, Oystra is more than a project. It's a statement. It signals Richmind's arrival in a market often crowded with replication – but light on originality. The building itself curves like a seashell along the shoreline, a nod to the environment and a deliberate departure from formulaic luxury architecture. 'Richmind is built on the principle that excellence is a collaborative pursuit,' says Rafiee. 'From the outset, I envisioned Oystra as a landmark – a work of art that embodies the highest standards in design, engineering, and sustainability.' The project brings together the world's leading creative minds, combining iconic architecture with interiors, landscaping, and execution that resonate with both place and purpose. Every line, texture, and interaction within the space is the result of deliberate partnership. For Rafiee, collaboration isn't a phase – it's a founding principle. It is a model he intends to scale globally. Form, function, and the future Every Richmind development is shaped by a single question: Will it still matter ten years from now? For Rafiee, timelessness isn't a marketing line – it's a design imperative. 'Exceptional design, in my view, speaks a universal and ever-lasting language. At Richmind, we craft spaces that transcend fleeting trends, drawing inspiration from nature, art and the human experience.' That focus begins long before the foundation is laid. From research and planning to material selection and natural integration, every aspect of development is tested for both relevance and resonance. 'Every detail is scrutinised for its relevance and utility a decade or more from now,' says Rafiee. In Oystra, marble and timber feature prominently – chosen not only for their elegance but for how gracefully they age. Interiors aren't designed to impress – they're designed to endure. 'Every square metre of Oystra was designed to merge sculptural beauty with everyday utility,' he says. 'Spaces feel intuitive, with open layouts and natural light that enhance well-being.' That design ethos is anchored in a clear belief: true luxury is deeply human. 'We believe luxury is as much about connection as it is about opulence. Natural materials – stone, timber, glass – and the careful use of light allow our residents to feel grounded in their surroundings.' Richmind's approach to design blends sensory experience with subconscious ease. Rafiee and his team study the way light enters a room, the way acoustics shape quiet, the way flooring can transition you from one mood to the next. It's not showmanship – it's subtlety that serves. It's about homes that intuitively respond to the people who live in them. And while the architecture speaks boldly, it always invites rather than overwhelms. Space with purpose For Rafiee, square footage is meaningless without meaning. 'Space is a luxury that must also be tailored with intent,' he says. From privacy to hosting to solitude, every zone is designed to flex with its occupant. 'Our designs embrace openness, yet we pay meticulous attention to zoning, circulation, and personal comfort,' he explains. 'Flexibility and purposefulness are key to ensuring these expansive spaces always feel human-centred.' It's this sense of responsive design that distinguishes Richmind's approach. Living rooms are designed for conversation. Kitchens are designed for connection. Bedrooms are quiet, layered, and restful. 'A space must understand its occupant,' Rafiee adds. 'That's how design becomes intimate.' That obsession with human-centred design extends beyond architecture. It's embedded in the company's culture. The way decisions are made, feedback is shared, and projects are reviewed all reflect the same principle: people first. Built like a family Rafiee leads with loyalty. Many of his team members have worked with him for more than a decade. They are more than employees – they are co-authors of the brand. 'Our company culture is grounded in trust, respect, and shared purpose. I view my team as extended family, and I make a conscious effort to empower them as co-creators of Richmind's story.' That leadership style is rare in an industry where high turnover and transactional relationships often define success. At Richmind, the opposite is true. Talent is nurtured. Voice is welcomed. Ideas are expected, not extracted. He invests in their growth, champions collaboration, and builds environments where innovation flourishes. The result? A resilient team that doesn't just build projects – they believe in them. They live the vision before they deliver it. Employees are regularly involved in cross-disciplinary workshops, design sessions, and global idea exchanges. Even junior staff are encouraged to contribute. The Richmind culture is designed not only to retain talent but to activate it. A legacy of innovation With Oystra as the launchpad, Rafiee is already looking ahead. Under his leadership, Richmind is preparing to launch Concept Plus – a creative hub and turnkey development platform that brings together architectural design, legal consultancy, marketing, and material procurement. It's part incubator, part accelerator – and all vision. Concept Plus will be housed within Richmind's broader ecosystem, serving as both a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and a mechanism to streamline complex development processes. From sourcing sustainably engineered materials to navigating regulatory approvals, every touchpoint is designed to be intuitive and efficient. 'Concept Plus will primarily serve as a dynamic design hub – a platform for creative minds and innovators from diverse fields to converge, exchange ideas, and present groundbreaking concepts.' It's also a direct response to the inefficiencies Rafiee encountered during his own journey as a developer. By integrating services and engaging with global experts, Concept Plus aims to streamline the development journey while amplifying its creative value. It reflects Rafiee's long-standing obsession with systems thinking and design harmony. Beyond that, it offers a blueprint for the future of real estate entrepreneurship – a support system for the next generation of creators who may lack access but not ambition. 'This is about shaping an ecosystem where originality thrives,' Rafiee says. Concept Plus will also host design competitions, fellowship programmes, and knowledge-sharing events in collaboration with universities and global think tanks. In Rafiee's view, the future of development isn't just vertical – it's collaborative. Purpose over grandeur Richmind's positioning is clear: it's to be disruptively original. In a landscape where height and hype often overshadow function and longevity, Rafiee's strategy is deliberately restrained. His goal isn't to dominate the skyline, but to quietly influence how people experience space, permanence, and comfort. It's about crafting moments that matter. 'I want Richmind to be known as a developer that dared to do things differently – an innovator that challenged convention and elevated the way people live.' His career path – which began in tech, trading, and finance – is proof that unconventional beginnings can breed revolutionary ideas. Each industry sharpened a different edge of his leadership. 'Tech instilled a mindset of continuous adaptation and systems thinking. Trading honed my sensitivity to value creation and timing. Finance taught me to see the larger picture and to strategically deploy capital.' Now, he's applying that knowledge to craft real estate experiences that are not only luxurious, but layered with meaning. It's luxury for people who think, who feel, who plan to stay. For those who believe that elegance is not an aesthetic, but an ethic. 'Luxury is not merely about grandeur – it's about purpose. At Richmind, we craft disruptively original spaces where beauty meets functionality, redefining premium living by enhancing the human experience.' As Richmind looks toward regional and global growth, Rafiee remains focused on what matters most: integrity, creativity, and building something that lasts. In a market crowded with noise, Richmind is building quietly – with purpose. And for Rafiee, that is exactly the point. Because for him, leadership isn't about being seen. It's about building something worth remembering.
New York Post
07-07-2025
- New York Post
Ultra-exclusive Romeo Roma is visionary architect Zaha Hadid's last hotel project
Zaha Hadid's last hotel project is one for the ages. Romeo Roma, a spectacular new five-star property in Rome's historic center, is built inside a 16th-century landmarked palazzo. The innovative interiors span eras: Original Renaissance frescoes in five 'noble-level' suites are juxtaposed with the late British-Iraqi architect's futuristic forms while an ancient marble bust of empress Livia Drusilla unearthed during the renovation sits near contemporary works by Francesco Clemente, Mario Schifano and Christian Leperino. The glass-bottomed pool, meanwhile, reveals remarkable Roman relics discovered just below. With its striking mix of antiquities and avant-garde elegance, this is a new address for travelers seeking extraordinary accommodations. And it's ultra-exclusive – so much so that apart from Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, which is open to the public, access inside is limited to hotel guests. 13 Romeo Roma is located in Rome's historic center, close to Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. The ROMEO Collection 13 Five of the suites feature original Renaissance frescoes. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY The 74-room addition to The Romeo Collection, the luxury Italian hospitality brand founded by Neapolitan lawyer and entrepreneur Alfredo Romeo, opened in December. The first Romeo hotel debuted in Naples in 2008 and a Massa Lubrense location on the Sorrento Coast, across from the island of Capri, is slated for later this year. The Rome edifice unites the best of the design, culinary and wellness worlds. Just last month, it won a coveted spot on the Prix Versailles' 'World's Most Beautiful Hotels' in 2025 list for its 'exceptional architecture and design.' 13 The museum-like lobby is decorated with antiquities, contemporary art and a lipstick-red piano. GIULIA VENANZI 13 The swimming pool's glass bottom reveals ancient Roman ruins that were unearthed during the excavation. The ROMEO Collection Romeo bought the building on the tony Via di Ripetta, steps from Piazza del Popolo, in 2012. Originally the palace of the Serroberti-Capponi family, it changed hands several times before becoming headquarters of the Jesuit journal Civiltà Cattolica and then, from 1951 onwards, offices of the Italian government's Italian Workers' Compensation Authority. Romeo enlisted Zaha Hadid to radically transform the edifice. A rock star in her field, she was twice awarded Britain's Stirling Prize for architecture and in 2004 became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, known as the 'Nobel Prize of architecture.' She had already begun working on Romeo Roma when she died in 2016 of a heart attack, and her practice completed the project posthumously. 13 A glossy walnut-clad room has a Zaha Hadid fireplace, among other amenities. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 A corridor with ebony, marble and steel accents. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 The Penthouse Suite has a private rooftop terrace. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY As many elements of the building are listed, Zaha Hadid Architects devised a 'second skin' that fits inside the original structure. Not only are the archistar's signature undulating walls and vaulted ceilings in Macassar ebony, marble, steel and textured brass seductively chic, but they conceal the systems and smart technology. The project lasted more than a decade, slowed by the discovery – and careful preservation – of a Roman wall and workshop beneath the courtyard. Working with the finest materials, from Macassar ebony and Canaletto walnut to Italian marble, artisans crafted the intricate cladding and flooring that accents every space. The polished rooms and suites are appointed with furnishings by B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau and custom pieces from Romeo Design. They are simultaneously warm and state-of-the-art. 13 Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse is the Michelin-starred chef's first restaurant in Rome. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 La Terrazza, the chic rooftop bar operated in partnership with Krug champagne, boasts panoramic views of the city. GIULIA VENANZI The gastronomic program is equally cutting-edge. Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse, whose first restaurant in Italy opened last year at Romeo Napoli, unveiled his second signature outpost in the country on-site. Guests choose between à la carte specialties or four-, six- or nine-course tasting menus made with seasonal Italian ingredients. Standouts include Mediterranean blue lobster with red berries and rhubarb and chocolate and coffee from Alain Ducasse Manufacture in Paris paired with buckwheat ice cream. The restaurant also serves a sumptuous à la carte breakfast with sweet, savory and pastry options. The cloud-like French toast with whipped cream is not to be missed. 13 Il Cortile restaurant offers all-day al fresco dining in the leafy courtyard. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 Il Bar has a novel ceiling design that allows light to pass through. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY Il Cortile, meanwhile, offers all-day classic Italian fare in the leafy courtyard. Il Bar serves craft cocktails made with local ingredients and wine while La Terrazza, a skybar with panoramic views of the Eternal City, is a partnership with French Champagne house Krug. 13 The wellness center includes La Spa Sisley Paris, a salt room, hammam, floating room, pool and more. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 The wood-lined Fitness Center is geared with Technogym equipment. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY Relaxation is on the menu at La Spa Sisley Paris. Book one of the famed French beauty company's Phyto-Aromatic facial and body treatments, then laze in the salt room, hammam, floating room and emotional shower enhanced with colored lights and aromatherapy. Or take a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool, which starts inside the spa, winds under a footbridge and ends in the courtyard. With the 2,000-year-old Ripetta port visible through the transparent floor, it's an amazing past-meets-present experience. Rooms from $2,950 at
Korea Herald
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Design Miami to be held at Seoul's DDP in September
World-renowned design fair to hold first exhibition in Asia titled 'Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design,' Sept. 1-14 As South Korea's dynamic design scene steps into the global spotlight, Design Miami is coming to Seoul in September, marking the design fair's first-ever exhibition in Asia. The Seoul Design Foundation is teaming up with the world-renowned design fair to host an exhibition titled "Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design" at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, central Seoul -- a landmark designed by Zaha Hadid -- from Sept. 1 to Sept. 14. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Design Miami serves as a global platform for collectible design, bringing together a diverse network of galleries, designers, brands, experts, collectors and design enthusiasts through a variety of curated events and experiences. Each Design Miami fair features museum-quality 20th- and 21st-century furniture, lighting and objets d'art from the world's top expert-vetted galleries, as well as showcasing immersive design collaborations with well-known brands. The upcoming exhibition will be held at the Yigansumun Exhibition Hall, a multipurpose hall at DDP that hosts a wide range of programs, including design exhibitions, performances and other events. Utilizing both floors of its 1,000-square-meter indoor space and the outdoor plaza, the exhibition will create a multilayered and dynamic experience for visitors. The exhibition centers on the theme "Illuminated," exploring how light brings clarity and brilliance. It will showcase a diverse collection of innovative artworks that highlight Korea's distinctive design identity and creativity. The exhibition will showcase Korea's finest design works to a global audience, boost DDP's reputation as a leading design hub, and open doors for broader partnerships between Korean designers and international brands, according to the Seoul Design Foundation. "We hope that the fair will highlight South Korea's vibrant cultural presence and showcase Seoul's potential as a leading creative city," Cha Kang Heui, the CEO of the Seoul Design Foundation, was quoted as saying in a press release.
