Van Cleef & Arpels opens boutique near Dubai Opera

Spread over 222 square meters, Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera is situated on the boulevard of Dubai Opera.
Updated 26 August 2019
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Van Cleef & Arpels opens boutique near Dubai Opera

High jewelry maison Van Cleef & Arpels has a new address in town near the Dubai Opera. The boutique, located close to this center of culture and artistic performances, pays homage to the maison’s long-standing links with the world of dance.

“With this opening, the maison extends its partnership with Dubai Opera while showcasing its virtuoso craftsmanship through contemporary and patrimony creations,” a press release said.

Spread over 222 square meters, Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera is situated on the boulevard of Dubai Opera.

The two-story building’s facade is notable for its unique design. Symbolic of Van Cleef & Arpels’ rich patrimony, it is inspired by a drawing from the archives. Designed in 1929, the jewel box drawing reflects the Art Deco influence over the maison’s creations during this time. A metallic moucharabieh graces the pattern of the boutique’s façade with plays of light and shadow. This architectural structure is adorned with precious and soft materials creating a shimmering curtain effect. 

For the first time in the Middle East, Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera houses a patrimonial area in the center of the building, symbolic of the center stage of an opera house. Complemented by a library, the elements of this salon bring stories to life. Visitors can embark on a journey back in time, to discover the rich history of Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Special features include an elevator and a staircase, adorned with custom-made embellishments. 

“Since 2016, the maison’s friendship with the Dubai Opera has only strengthened over the years. We cherish this treasured bond and take it to a novel stage with the opening of the enchanting Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera,” said Alessandro Maffi, managing director Middle East and India of Van Cleef & Arpels. “It is a momentous occasion for all of us as we celebrate the wondrous universe and iconic creations of the maison at this exclusive venue. We look forward to welcoming guests to this inspiring stellar boutique.”

Van Cleef & Arpels has long turned to dance as a major source of inspiration. Ballerina clips were created in New York in the early 1940s at the prompting of Louis Arpels, an opera and ballet lover. The creations progressed to become one of the signatures of Van Cleef & Arpels. The maison continues to nurture this bond with the world of dance through a number of collaborations.

For the dance lovers, Van Cleef & Arpels is hosting a patrimony exhibition, featuring an array of ballerina clips from the 1940s up until today. The exhibition at Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera runs until mid-September.


LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future

Updated 12 February 2026
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LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future

Alkhobar’s New Corniche transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and community spirit when more than 22,000 people gathered for the highly anticipated “LuLu Walkathon.” Organized by LuLu Saudi Hypermarket, the 3-km event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Alkhobar municipality on Jan. 31. The walkathon successfully united the community under the themes of health and environmental sustainability.
The event was held with the cooperation of Meshaal Al-Harbi, head of Alkhobar municipality, and Tareq Al-Qahtani, director of the Ministry of Sport’s Eastern Province branch. The official flag-off was performed by Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia.
This year’s walkathon went beyond fitness, offering a rich tapestry of entertainment including soulful traditional Arabic music, a contemporary violin performance, and a playful “donuts dance,” which ensured a festive atmosphere for families of all ages.
A major highlight of the morning was the presence of Khadra. Khadra served as a living reminder of the Kingdom’s deep-rooted cultural artistry, posing for photos with the thousands of participants who lined the coast. To ensure every attendee felt the spirit of the celebration, participants were geared up with a premium merchandise kit containing custom-branded T-shirts and caps. Furthermore, every individual who successfully completed the 3-km route was rewarded with an exclusive LuLu goodie bag at the finish line to celebrate their achievement.
Sustainability remained a core pillar for the LuLu Walkathon this year, reflecting the brand’s long-term environmental vision. LuLu’s staff managed the route with a strict focus on environmental responsibility, while strategically placed refreshment stalls kept walkers hydrated without compromising the pristine condition of the corniche.
The massive success of the event was supported by key partners, including MasterCard as the commercial sponsor and Nada, which provided vital refreshments, alongside significant support from Radio Mirchi and Alyaum newspaper.
“The walkathon concluded not just as a race, but as a meaningful tribute to the Kingdom’s past and a definitive step toward a sustainable future,” a statement said. “By blending physical activity with cultural celebration and environmental stewardship, LuLu Hypermarket reaffirmed its commitment to the Saudi community, promoting an active, engaged, and responsible lifestyle for all residents.”