Recently unearthed rare blue diamond comes to Middle East

The De Beers Cullinan Blue is one of the most valuable blue diamonds ever to be offered at auction. Supplied
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Updated 23 February 2022
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Recently unearthed rare blue diamond comes to Middle East

DUBAI: An extremely rare, recently unearthed blue diamond will be at Sotheby’s Dubai gallery in the Dubai International Financial Center until Friday before going under the hammer at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in April.

Estimated to be worth more than $48 million, the De Beers Cullinan Blue is one of the most valuable blue diamonds ever to be offered at auction.

The 15.10 carat stone is also the largest vivid blue diamond to come to auction in history.




The De Beers Cullinan Blue  is a 15.10 carat blue diamond. Supplied

Only five blue diamonds over 10 carats have come to auction but none of them were more than 15 carats.

In a statement, Bruce Cleaver, the chief executive officer of De Beers Group, said: “This diamond ranks as one of the best De Beers has ever seen. It is extremely rare and unique, and as the Home of Diamonds, De Beers is pleased to join together with Sotheby’s to bring this diamond to the world.”

Blue diamonds are one of the rarest colored diamonds in the world, being extremely difficult to source and mine. They exhibit all of the same inherent properties of the precious stone but have the added element of a blue hue.

The De Beers Cullinan Blue has the highest rankings in each category under which a diamond is judged and is certified vivid blue by the Gemological Institute of America, which is the highest possible grading for a colored diamond.


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.