Louvre Abu Dhabi to showcase 10,000 years of luxury through fashion, art, jewelry

This inlaid bracelet was found at the necropolis of Yahmur in Syria during the third century. (Supplied)
Updated 28 October 2019
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Louvre Abu Dhabi to showcase 10,000 years of luxury through fashion, art, jewelry

DUBAI: The UAE’s Louvre Abu Dhabi will open “10,000 Years of Luxury,” an exhibition that will explore the multifaceted nature of luxury from ancient times to the present day, on Oct. 30.  

During the exhibition, which will run until Feb. 18, visitors can discover luxury through fashion, jewelry, visual art, furniture and design, with collections from international institutions and brands.




The Elie Saab dress is from the Spring/Summer 2019 collection. (Supplied)

Among the 350 objects displayed lies the oldest pearl in the world and the renowned “Boscoreale Treasure” — one of the largest collections of silverware preserved from Roman Antiquity. The show will feature dresses and jewelry from design houses such as Cartier, Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Christian Dior, Elie Saab and Yves Saint Laurent.




The “Ten-leaved Screen Foxes” was a gift of Prince Louis de Polignac, with the agreement of Yves Lanvin, in memory of Countess Jean de Polignac.(Supplied)

Visitors will begin their journey through the history of luxury in Antiquity. Luxury objects of this time were often characterized by their rarity, precious materials or skillful production, exemplified by an Egyptian gold “Necklace with Fish Pendants” (ca. 1550-1069 BCE). A variety of typical luxury objects from this time will also be on display, including precious home décor as well as personal jewelry.

Louvre Abu Dhabi will also premiere the interactive installation “Digital Snow Globes,” from Dec. 12 to Jan. 10, which will bring a festive winter spirit to the museum with visitor-activated snowstorms surrounding large-sized reproductions of artworks from “10,000 Years of Luxury” encased in snow globes.


Jessica Kahawaty to narrate London concert paying tribute to Arab music icons

Updated 24 February 2026
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Jessica Kahawaty to narrate London concert paying tribute to Arab music icons

DUBAI: Australian Lebanese model and entrepreneur Jessica Kahawaty this week announced that she will serve as the storyteller for “A Night With The Legends,” a one-night musical tribute celebrating iconic women of Arabic music, taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 5.

Kahawaty will portray Scheherazade and deliver spoken narration during the program.

The evening will pay tribute to the legacies of Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Warda, Sabah, Asmahan and Layla Mourad.

Vocals will be performed by Lebanese vocalist Abeer Nehme, accompanied by the UK-based London Arab Orchestra under the direction of conductor Basel Saleh, alongside the London-based Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The program will also feature a 70-member all-female choir.

“I’m incredibly humbled,” Kahawaty wrote to her 1.8 million followers on Instagram. “As storyteller, I’ll be weaving history, memory and meaning into the musical experience in a one-night tribute celebrating the iconic women of the golden era of Arabic music.”

“I cannot wait to see you all there,” she added.

Kahawaty is also an entrepreneur. She co-founded fine jewelry label Kahawaty Jewels with her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, launching the Dubai-based brand last year as a continuation of the family’s longstanding craftsmanship tradition.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty previously told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

Kahawaty and her mother are also behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita. In July last year, the pair expanded the venture with the launch of a cookbook, which featured a cover endorsement from Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox.

Writing on Instagram at the time, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm and generous.”