Imaan Hammam celebrates birthday with a magical trip

he Moroccan-Egyptian model turned 24 this week. Instagram
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Updated 08 October 2020
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Imaan Hammam celebrates birthday with a magical trip

DUBAI: Imaan Hammam turned 24 this week and she certainly had a lot to celebrate. The Moroccan-Egyptian-Dutch model, who opened for a Givenchy runway show at just 17-years-old and landed her first Vogue cover before turning 18, has accomplished more in the last three years than many models achieve during their entire career.

The newly minted 24-year-old, who was born to a Moroccan mother and an Egyptian father in the Netherlands, kicked off her birthday with a trip to Disneyland Paris with her closest friends, fellow models Cindy Bruna and Ophelie Guillermand, and her younger sister Aisha.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sisters from other misters @disneylandparis #disneylandparis #disneyhalloween

A post shared by Cindy Bruna (@cindybruna) on

For the occasion, Hammam opted for a burgundy, leather trench coat with a waist-tie, accessorized with a pair of white sneakers and a medical facemask.

She later switched to a silky, plunging pink blouse tucked into a leather, asymmetric mini skirt and paired the look with black pointed-toe pumps to continue the fun at a candlelit dinner at Italian restaurant Giuse Trattoria attended by her close friends, who didn’t hesitate to document the fun on their respective Instagram Stories.

As for her hair and makeup, Hammam opted for gravity-defying curls styled by celebrity hairstylist Alexandrine Piel, while her makeup was kept relatively pared back and featured a matte complexion, a soft gold smokey eye and neatly-groomed brows. A coat of mascara and nude lips completed the look.

Naturally, our social media feeds were flooded with thoughtful birthday tributes for Hammam from her loved ones.

Part-Saudi model Shanina Shaik took to her Instagram Stories to celebrate her friend. “The sweetest and kindest soul… and a lot of fun! HBD angel,” she captioned a clip of Hammam.

US Designers Zac Posen and Brandon Maxwell posted heartfelt tributes for the model too.

Maxwell shared a runway photo of Hammam at one of his past shows and wrote: “Happy birthday @imaanhammam. I love you! You deserve the best!”

Belgian model Rose Bertram wrote “Happy birthday babes! You little ray of sunshine,” alongside a sweet candid of the friends mid-embrace.

Lebanese designer Eli Mizrahi also took to Instagram Stories to share his own heartfelt message. “Happiest birthday to one of my favorite people ever,” he wrote, adding, “Enjoy your day! Love you!”


Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

Updated 20 December 2025
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Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

JEDDAH: Yataghan, the contemporary Saudi jewelry house founded in 2008 by designer and entrepreneur Sarah Abudawood, has announced an expansion with its Riyadh debut at Kingdom Centre, alongside the relocation of its headquarters and flagship store to a street-front location on Jeddah’s Thalia Street.

The brand, known for blending Arabian heritage with modern minimalism, unveiled two boutiques designed as immersive experiences rather than mere retail spaces.

Every detail of the new Jeddah location has been carefully curated; brass accents inspired by the Yataghan blade evoke precision and luxury, while striped, gray onyx symbolizes continuity and progress, according to the brand’s founder. Vast windows, softened by Yataghan’s signature hexagonal motif, a symbol of harmony, order, and strength, flood the boutiques with natural light, creating an inviting environment for visitors.

Inspired by the Yataghan sword, with its distinctive, single-edged blade, the brand’s collections fuse minimalist design with Arabic calligraphy and tribal motifs.

“The name Yataghan draws its meaning from the two swords on the Saudi flag — a symbol that has always fascinated me for what it represents: conviction, protection, truth, and above all, balance,” Abudawood told Arab News.

“The Yataghan sword, known for its graceful curve and exquisite craftsmanship, embodies purpose and precision. It is drawn to defend what matters and to guard what is sacred. It sets boundaries and restores equilibrium, reminding us that strength is not only about force, but about knowing when to advance and when to stand still.

“That balance is reflected in every piece we create. Because, like the sword, Yataghan is more than an ornament; it is a statement of purpose, and identity.”

Abudawood explained the cultural inspiration behind the brand, highlighting pieces connected to Saudi identity. “This branch carries designs that are deeply connected to Saudi identity and cultural memory. Some pieces are exclusive, inspired by symbols, rhythms, and forms rooted in our heritage, interpreted through a modern lens … Jeddah, in particular, has a unique spirit: fluid, expressive, open, and layered with history. That essence subtly informs the designs you’ll find here.” 

The founder also spoke of the brand’s philosophy of minimalism and meaningful design.

“It comes from my belief that simplicity creates space for meaning. I have always been drawn to architecture and the principle that form must follow function. I design with intention; nothing is accidental. Every line has a purpose, every curve holds a story. Minimalism, for me, is not about removing emotion; it is about distilling it. I want each piece to feel timeless, personal, and quietly powerful.”

The label has been flaunted by high-profile clients — including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Lama Akeel — but Abudawood emphasized the brand’s focus on connection over visibility. “Whether someone is a public figure or not, what moves me is when they feel seen by the jewelry. Yataghan has always been about resonance, about creating pieces that speak to identity, strength, and personal stories,” she said.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark new chapters for Yataghan, including local and international expansion, innovative collections, and a stronger focus on storytelling and community collaborations. “Growth has never been about reach alone; it’s about depth, integrity, and lasting impact,” Abudawood added.

“Ultimately, what drives me is purpose. I’m motivated by the desire to create work that matters, to offer women something that reflects who they are, not who they’re expected to be. Design, for me, is a form of dialogue, a way to translate emotion into form. As long as I’m creating with honesty, intention, and heart, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”