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ASRAR is a premium lifestyle publication created by La Différence PR after more than 15 years of experience in the Middle East, connecting Qatar and the Arab culture of the region with the essence of the Costa del Sol through traditions, gastronomy, tourism, investment, fashion, and luxury living. Published twice a year, before the summer and festive seasons, the magazine presents a carefully curated selection of destinations, experiences, brands, properties, hotels, restaurants, and personalities that define the Mediterranean lifestyle. Designed for a sophisticated audience seeking inspiration, exclusivity, and new opportunities, ASRAR serves as a bridge between two worlds that share a common appreciation for hospitality, quality of life, and meaningful experiences. READ IT HERE: https://asrar.me/ Source link
Under the leadership of Max-Hervé George, SWI Group has taken another decisive step in its strategy to build one of the world’s largest privately controlled portfolios of AI-ready digital infrastructure. SWI Capital Holding Ltd., the parent company of SWI Group, is listed on Euronext Amsterdam under the ticker symbol “SWICH” and has a market capitalisation of USD 3.3 billion. The transaction gives SWI Group an effective controlling stake of more than 70% in Genesis Digital Assets, a U.S.-focused digital infrastructure platform, while increasing its combined AI-ready capacity across Europe and North America to more than 3.6 gigawatts. The transaction significantly expands SWI Group’s exposure to the rapidly growing artificial intelligence and high-performance computing sectors. The acquired platform includes 15 facilities, several of which are hyperscaler-grade sites located in Texas, a market increasingly viewed as critical to the future of AI infrastructure. The acquisition aligns closely with the long-term vision articulated by Max-Hervé George, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SWI Group, who has consistently emphasized the strategic value of power access in digital infrastructure investing. “Power connectivity is the most valuable commodity in digital infrastructure today, and converting legacycryptocurrency mining infrastructure to AI and high-performance computing is the best and highest use of these assets,” said Max-Hervé George. “We have been investing in power connectivity since 2020. This is what that thesis looks like at scale.” The GDA investment complements AiOnX, SWI Group’s wholly owned European data center platform spanning Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. Together, the two businesses represent a combined 3.6 GW of AI-ready capacity across North America and Europe, positioning SWI Group among the most significant owners of digital infrastructure assets globally. For Max-Hervé George, the transaction reflects a broader investment strategy centered on identifying sectors where structural shifts create long-term value. As demand for computational power accelerates worldwide, access to large-scale energy infrastructure is increasingly becoming a defining competitive advantage. With this latest acquisition, Max-Hervé George and SWI Group are seeking to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing themes in global markets: the race to build the physical infrastructure underpinning the AI economy. Related Story Source link
A small gathering of women divers at Sealine highlighted how support, safety and shared experiences can strengthen Qatar’s diving community as SEAsters-in-Action marked the 12th annual PADI Women’s Dive Day on July 18. The group’s larger community event was cancelled out of respect for the national mourning period, but a simple fun dive was arranged for women who had registered earlier and still wished to commemorate the occasion together. The gathering brought together eight divers, two snorkellers and one participant completing a Discover Scuba Diving experience, or “try dive”. Participants ranged from someone taking their first breaths underwater to Open Water and Advanced Open Water Divers, Rescue Divers, Divemasters and Instructors. “The true strength of a diving community is not measured by the size of an event, but by how its members support and care for one another,” SEAsters-in-Action organiser and dive lead instructor Meech del Carmen said. PADI Women’s Dive Day, launched in 2015, marked its 12th year under the theme “Celebrate Community. Create Change.” It was the second year that SEAsters-in-Action organised an activity in Qatar as part of the global initiative. Del Carmen said SEAsters-in-Action grew out of her own experience of being supported by other women as she began her scuba-diving journey.She recalled how fellow divers Lyn and Ellen encouraged her, shared equipment, helped arrange four-wheel-drive transportation to reach Sealine dive sites and spent weekends practising diving skills together. “Their support was not only about becoming better divers. It was also about building confidence, forming friendships and creating a safe space where women could learn without feeling judged or left behind,” she said. Those experiences inspired her to “pay it forward” by helping create a community where experienced divers support newcomers and women facing fears or practical obstacles can find encouragement. “SEAsters-in-Action is not only about gathering women to dive. It is about creating a circle of support where experienced divers help new divers, confident swimmers assist those still overcoming fear, and everyone understands that progress becomes more meaningful when it is shared,” del Carmen said. That spirit was demonstrated during the Sealine gathering, particularly when participants encountered challenges in and around the water.During the surface swim towards the dive-site buoy, the women stayed close, slowing down at times, holding hands, or reassuring participants who needed support. Underwater, one diver experienced difficulty equalising pressure in her ears during descent. The other divers stayed nearby and gave her time to adjust safely. She eventually regained her confidence and completed a dive lasting almost an hour. “Success in diving does not always mean reaching the bottom or finishing a planned route,” del Carmen said. “Sometimes, success means recognising a problem, making a safe decision and knowing that someone will remain beside you.” She said such experiences capture the meaning behind the group’s message, #PassTheScubaDivingHappiness. “Scuba-diving happiness is not only about what we see underwater. It is also about being present for someone, helping her through a difficult moment and making her feel safe,” she added. Participants also received a double-ended bolt snap, or “double ender”, as a souvenir – the same symbolic gift given at the group’s first Women’s Dive Day celebration last year. The piece of diving equipment, used to securely connect and organise gear, symbolises the buddy system and the values of trust, responsibility and mutual support. “Just like the double-ender symbolises, we have got each other, no matter what,” del Carmen said. This year’s Women’s Dive Day also coincided with PADI’s 60th anniversary. Founded in 1966, the organisation has played a major role globally in diver education, training, safety and ocean stewardship. SEAsters-in-Action also underlined Sealine’s importance to Qatar’s diving community as an accessible place where residents can experience their first open-water dives, develop their skills and build friendships. “What may appear to others as a simple public beach has become a classroom, a training ground, a place of comfort and a second home for many divers,” del Carmen said. Environmental responsibility remains part of the group’s activities. Since its first gathering in 2025, participants have been encouraged to use reusable water bottles, cups and containers, reduce single-use plastics and leave dive sites clean. “Caring for the ocean does not begin only when divers enter the water,” del Carmen said. “It also means being responsible for what we bring to the beach, reducing unnecessary waste and leaving the area as clean as, or cleaner than, we found it.” Organisers del Carmen, Margaux de Pauw and Anusha Kandaiah thanked the divers, snorkellers, learners and supporters who participated, as well as members of Qatar’s wider diving community who continue to share their knowledge and experience. Although smaller than originally planned, del Carmen said the gathering fulfilled its purpose by bringing women of different backgrounds and experience levels together, helping them overcome challenges and forge new friendships.“Sometimes, the smallest gathering can leave the deepest impact,” she said. Related Story Source link
The German National Tourist Board held the fifth GNTB Incoming and Brand Summit in Frankfurt from 21 to 23 June 2026. The event, which had as its theme “Innovative. Authentic. Liveable.”, brought together leaders in the tourism sector, decision-makers, international media, and destination marketers. In order to discuss the future of destination marketing, visitor experiences, investment opportunities, and international partnerships, the summit brought together tourism experts and decision-makers from Germany and other markets. Journalists participated in guided field trips throughout Frankfurt in addition to the conference programme, and they spoke with eminent speakers about innovation, the growth of tourism, and opportunities to deepen connections with Middle Eastern markets. Beyond the Financial District of FrankfurtFollowing the summit, participants explored Frankfurt through two of the programme’s Live Experience Tours: “Monet & the Main: A Cultural Riverside Tour” and “Green Frankfurt: Urban Nature & Hidden Gems.”The riverside tour led participants along the River Main, passing through the Nizza Gardens and across the Holbeinsteg, with views of Frankfurt’s skyline and museum district. The walk concluded at the Städel Museum, where guests first enjoyed access to the museum’s rooftop terrace, offering a contrast between the city’s historic riverbanks and its modern skyline. Inside, a guided tour of the exhibition “Monet on the Normandy Coast” highlighted Monet’s exploration of colour and light while showcasing his lasting influence on Impressionist art. The Green Frankfurt tour emphasized the city’s parks and its dedication to sustainability. Travelling by Velotaxi, participants passed the Palmengarten and through Grüneburgpark, one of Frankfurt’s largest urban parks, before stopping at the Palais Grüneburg Memorial, a site connected to the city’s history. The route continued to the Holzhausenschlösschen, a moated manor house in the leafy Nordend district and one of the few remaining aristocratic residences in Frankfurt. The tour continued through Bethmannpark, known for its Chinese Garden, before concluding at Wasserhäuschen Fein, a modern interpretation of Frankfurt’s traditional neighbourhood kiosk culture, where participants enjoyed regional refreshments. Opportunities for Investment and Health TourismHarald Hock, Managing Director of Bad Nauheim Stadtmarketing und Tourismus GmbH, stated at the summit that Bad Nauheim has a strong reputation as a wellness destination and is referred to as “Germany’s Health City.” With 14 hospitals and specialist clinics, nine natural healing springs, and the recently opened Townal Spa, which was constructed around a natural saline water source, the city has developed its medical identity over more than 200 years, according to Hock. Additionally, he emphasized the historic Gradierbauten, or salt graduation structures, where guests can inhale mineral-rich air that is thought to be good for the heart and lungs. Bad Nauheim has a long history of close ties to the Arab world, according to Hock. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Saudi national football team stayed at the city’s Dolce Hotel. Additionally, a number of hospitals and clinics have special departments for Arab patients, which are backed by years of experience serving visitors from the region.The city is actively looking for new sponsorship and investment opportunities, he continued. Geopolitical instability is one of the current issues, according to Hock, since wars and international crises still affect the economies of Germany and the rest of Europe. However, he expressed optimism that in the upcoming years, the travel and tourism industry would progressively improve. In response, Hock said that “a welcome that comes from the heart” is what keeps people coming back to Bad Nauheim. He said that the city’s centuries-old wellness tradition and friendly hospitality create an experience that entices visitors to return. Innovation at the Heart of the Visitor ExperienceStefan Weil, Chief Creative Officer at Atelier Markgraph and Co-Founder of Making Frankfurt, was another speaker at the summit. He described a number of initiatives that would improve the experiences of locals and tourists by utilizing innovation and public participation. “The Art of Collaboration,” a public music space where strangers collaborated to create music, is an illustration of how shared experiences can foster teamwork. He also highlighted “Ode to Democracy,” a project designed to honor Paulskirche’s 175th anniversary and celebrate the values of openness and democracy through sound installations, and “Sky Arena,” a project created with the company’s founder, Roland, that projected dynamic spherical images of football stars onto Frankfurt’s skyline. According to Weil, “successful tourism strategies have to be a mix of innovation and tradition to make a city attractive.” He went on to say that cities should maintain the genuine landmarks and cultural features that offer tourists a feeling of familiarity and identity while simultaneously adding new cafés, contemporary exhibitions, and modern cultural experiences.He continued by saying that Atelier Markgraph is a founding member of the international WXO (World Experience Organisation) network for visitor experiences, which unites over 1,000 professionals from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, along with organizations like Disney and the team behind The Sphere in Las Vegas.Weil stated that the tourism sector is not the primary barrier when asked about today’s biggest challenge. Instead, “the mindset of some decision-makers,” who are still hesitant to invest in novel concepts and take measured risks, frequently slows down progress. The Path AheadIn addition to showcasing Germany’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international tourism collaboration, the summit provided attendees with a chance to explore Frankfurt’s green urban areas and cultural legacy beyond its role as Germany’s financial centre. Discussions about international partnerships, wellness tourism, and innovative placemaking showed how German travel destinations are positioning themselves to draw a wider variety of international visitors, including Middle Eastern travellers looking for a blend of leisure, business, and culture. Related Story Source link
Smart city is no longer a buzzword; it is a reality. Infrastructure alone is not enough to improve the quality of life; integration of technology is considered imminent. Gulf is leading the way. They are pioneering a new model of hyper-connected urban life. Sensors, AI-driven analytics, 5G networks, and a vast IoT ecosystem promise unprecedented efficiency, sustainability, and citizen convenience. This is all the more important given the climate challenges, rapid growth of the population, and need for post-oil economic diversification. The rise of smart steel is one of the most consequential urban experiments of all time. It holds the promise of being resilient, sustainable, livable metropolises tailored to 21st-century realities. To achieve the great benefits of smart cities, we must treat data security and privacy as a truly important core value. It is not just something akin to ticking a box or following rules. It should be the fundamental part of how these cities are built and run. Embracing the Smart City ConceptGulf leaders have embraced the Smart City concept with characteristic ambitions. A number of Gulf Cities are seriously working on this concept. Dubai long positioned itself as a global pioneer. It is one of the few cities that has integrated AI into governance, mobility, and services. Abu Dhabi consistently ranks among the world’s top performers in indices like IMD Smart City, excelling in digital services and safety. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, the flagship cognitive city, envisions a near-zero carbon, tech-native metropolis with autonomous transport, AI governance, and data-driven everything. The payoffs are tangible. Smart cities optimise energy in scorching heat and ease traffic congestion. They boost healthcare, safety, and response to sandstorms and crowds. For young, tech-savvy populations, these features enhance livability and position the Gulf as a magnet for investment and innovation. The region aims for a trillion-dollar digital economy. The smart infrastructure is central to delivering it.The Data Delegue and Its Inherent Risks Every smart feature generates data, lots of it. A continuous stream of personal and behavioural information is created by the Cameras, Environmental Sensors, Connected Vehicles, Small Grids, and Digital Identity platforms. Location tracking, consumption patterns, health metrics from wearables, and even inferred preferences from AI analytics become grist for the urban mill. There are a number of security challenges that a smart city faces. The primary challenge concerns data privacy and protection. Privacy sits at the heart of the debate. Citizens and residents rightly ask who owns their data, how long it is retained, and with whom it is shared. The question of whether consent is meaningful in an environment where opting out of basic urban services is impractical. Individuals in these environments also play a role. When accessing services over public or smart city networks, many use reliable tools like CyberGhost VPN for Windows to encrypt traffic, hide IP addresses, and add protection against interception of WiFi. This is also quite helpful when interacting with digital urban platforms. Regulatory Awakening: Evolve to Match the Pace of TechnologyThe countries that have built smart cities are not asleep at the wheel. Recognising the risks, governments have moved to establish modern data protection frameworks. Laws have been enacted and are being executed in letter and spirit to do away with the possible data breach. These laws are aimed at emphasising consent, data, minimisation, breach notification, accountability, and rights like access, correction, and deletion. Authorities are investing in cybersecurity capabilities, national CERT teams, and public-private partnerships. Initiatives such as Dubai’s AI Ethics and Principles and data sharing toolkits signal an attempt to embed governance and ethics from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. However, implementation challenges still remain there. The advent of technology brings along certain challenges. Timely redressal of these challenges is vital to do away with the damages. And the same goes for the smart cities. Rapid rollout of smart project regulatory maturity, enforcement capacity, cross-border data flow, especially with global cloud providers, and harmonisation across jurisdictions is needed, with continued attention. Sector-specific rules for critical infrastructure and smart city operators must evolve to match the pace of technology. Smart City Expo can serve as a perfect spot where experts roll their heads. Towards Responsible Innovation The new conversation around data security in smart cities should not be framed as a break on the progress, but as an accelerator of trustworthy progress. Citizens are more likely to embrace smart solutions if they trust the system protecting their data. Investors and global partners will favour a jurisdiction demonstrating robust governance. The practical steps ought to be clear: Privacy by design and security by design must be non-negotiable in procurement and architecture. Transparent data policies, independent oversight, regular audits, and investment in local cyber security talent and indigenous technology capabilities will build resilience. Ethical AI guidelines, as seen in Dubai, should guide deployment. Public engagement is crucial. It needs to be explained to them about the benefits while addressing concerns. It will force social licensing. On an individual level, combining systematic efforts with personal tools, such as reliable VPN solutions, empowers users to take ownership of their digital footprint. The international collaboration on standards can’t be undermined. However, maintaining control over critical data and infrastructure will be essential. Any sovereign country should not compromise with the security and privacy of its citizens. They form the cornerstone of a welfare state. Conclusion Ultimately, the most successful smart cities will be those that are not only intelligent and efficient but also secure and humane. An individual living there must have a complete sense of security with respect to their life, liberty, and privacy. To build a trustworthy urban future, the governments are supposed to strengthen regulations, invest in secure-by-design architectures and foster local cybersecurity capabilities. However, residents can add a vital layer of personal protection by using tools like VPN to encrypt their connection and safeguard privacy. This is a tool they can rely on while navigating this increasingly digital city ecosystem. Related Story Source link
One awkward landing, sudden pivot, or change of direction can be enough to tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—one of the knee’s most important stabilizing structures. For athletes and active individuals in Qatar, an ACL injury can feel devastating, raising immediate concerns about surgery, recovery time, and whether a return to sport is possible.The good news is that most athletes can successfully return to their chosen activities with the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and rehabilitation strategy. Understanding the recovery process is often the first step toward regaining confidence and performance.Understanding ACL Injuries and RecoveryThe ACL is a major ligament that helps stabilize the knee during movements involving cutting, jumping, pivoting, and rapid changes of direction.ACL tears commonly occur during:• Football and futsal• Basketball• Padel and tennis• Running and recreational sports• Sudden twisting movementsMany patients report hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by swelling and instability.Common SymptomsSymptoms may include:• Immediate knee pain• Rapid swelling• Difficulty bearing weight• Knee instability or “giving way”• Reduced range of motionBecause other structures such as the meniscus or cartilage may also be injured, an accurate orthopedic assessment is important.Why Early Diagnosis MattersOne common misconception is that all ACL tears require immediate surgery.In reality, treatment depends on several factors, including age, activity level, knee stability, associated injuries, and athletic goals.Specialist evaluation often includes a physical examination and advanced imaging such as MRI to determine the extent of the injury and identify any additional damage within the joint.The Recovery JourneyNon-Surgical ManagementSome individuals with lower activity demands may benefit from structured rehabilitation focused on:• Strength restoration• Neuromuscular control• Balance training• Functional movement recoveryACL Reconstruction SurgeryFor competitive athletes and highly active individuals, ACL reconstruction is often recommended to restore knee stability and reduce the risk of recurrent injury.However, surgery is only one part of recovery.Rehabilitation Is the Real Game-ChangerModern ACL recovery relies heavily on physiotherapy-led rehabilitation programs that progress through carefully monitored stages.Recovery typically focuses on:• Reducing swelling• Restoring movement• Building strength• Improving agility• Return-to-sport testingMultidisciplinary collaboration between orthopedic specialists, sports medicine professionals, rehabilitation physicians, and physiotherapists plays a key role in helping athletes return safely to activity.Returning to SportMany athletes feel physically ready before their knee is truly prepared for competitive demands.Return-to-sport decisions should be based on objective functional testing rather than time alone. A structured recovery pathway helps reduce the risk of reinjury and supports long-term knee health and performance.When Should Someone Seek Medical Evaluation?Anyone experiencing significant knee swelling, instability, difficulty walking, or a sports-related twisting injury should seek professional evaluation. Early assessment can help identify associated injuries and guide the most appropriate treatment strategy.About DOC Medical CenterDOC Medical Center is a specialized healthcare institution in Qatar providing orthopedic care, sports medicine, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, neurology, neurosurgery, and surgical services. With branches in Al Sadd, Lusail, and Izghawa, DOC supports patients through coordinated multidisciplinary care pathways from diagnosis through recovery. DOC Medical Center was recognized as the Best Medical Center in Qatar – Medicare Qatar Healthcare Awards 2025 and holds ACHSI EQUIP 7 International Accreditation, reflecting its commitment to clinical quality, patient safety, and evidence-based care.Have you suffered a knee injury?If you have experienced a knee injury during sport or are concerned about ACL recovery, timely evaluation can help clarify your treatment options and recovery pathway.Phone: +974 4475 3333Email: [email protected] https://www.docmedc.com/ Related Story Source link
Reem Alswaidi, Saudi Entrepreneur and Influencer Saudi entrepreneur, luxury lifestyle influencer, and communications specialist Reem Al Swaidi is embarking on exciting new chapter as she relocates to Doha, bringing her regional expertise, creative vision, and passion for connecting people across the Gulf. Known for her work at the intersection of fashion, luxury, culture and business, Reem’s move marks more than a change of address. It reflects her commitment to strengthening creative collaborations within the region and building meaningful bridges between Gulf markets. As Qatar’s fashion and cultural landscape continues to evolve, Reem will work alongside internationally renowned brands as they expand into the Arab market, helping them navigate the region with local insight, cultural understanding, and genuine connections. Drawing on years of experience and an established network of industry partners, tastemakers, creatives, and brand leaders, she will support launches, events, and partnerships that resonate authentically with regional audience. “I am incredibly proud to begin this new chapter in Doha and contribute to Qatar’s growing fashion and cultural scene,” said Reem Alswaidi. There is so much energy, creativity, and opportunity here. I look forward to working with internationally renowned brands entering the market while celebrating the incredible talent that already exists in the region. My goal is to create meaningful connections, build lasting relationships, and help bring the Gulf even closer together through creativity, culture and shared experiences.” Reem is also passionate about shining a spotlight on Qatar’s emerging designers, artists, entrepreneurs and creatives. Through her platform and collaborations, she hopes to introduce local voices to wider audiences while encouraging greater cultural exchange across the Gulf. With fresh opportunities, exciting collaborations, and a new city to call home, Reem Alswaidi’s journey in Doha is only just beginning—and it promises to be one defined by creativity, connection, and a shared passion for celebrating the very best of the Gulf. Related Story Source link
Meta announced it is discontinuing an artificial intelligence feature launched earlier this week that allowed users to generate images using content from public Instagram accounts, after it drew widespread criticism over privacy concerns.”Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way,” Meta said in a statement.The company acknowledged, however, that the feature “missed the mark” after receiving extensive feedback from users, privacy advocates and industry groups, prompting its withdrawal.Meta introduced the feature on Tuesday alongside Muse Image, its first image-generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs.Integrated into the Meta AI chatbot, the model can generate and edit images using photos as input, with users able to refine the results through sketches.The Instagram feature quickly sparked backlash because it relied on an opt-out system, meaning public content could be used unless users explicitly disabled the setting, raising concerns over privacy and user consent. Related Story Source link
Weekly badminton sessions organised by Pinoy Shuttle Smashers Qatar (PSSQ) continue to attract Filipino players of all skill levels, providing a platform for friendly competition, fitness, and community-building among expatriates in Qatar.Held every Thursday, the PSSQ Weekly Match brings together beginners and experienced players in an inclusive environment where participants can sharpen their skills while building friendships beyond the badminton court.PSSQ told Gulf Times that the weekly gathering has evolved into more than just a regular sporting activity, serving as a venue where members connect through their shared passion for badminton and foster a strong sense of camaraderie.The group said it remains committed to promoting sportsmanship and inclusiveness, encouraging players of all abilities to take part in the weekly sessions.Building on the momentum of its regular matches, PSSQ is preparing for a series of major events in the coming months, beginning with the third edition of the Kuys Ed Cup, followed by its third anniversary tournament, “PSSQ 2026: IBA KA”, scheduled for August.Organisers said the events will celebrate the group’s journey over the past three years while providing more opportunities for players to compete, strengthen friendships, and further expand Qatar’s Filipino badminton community.The weekly gatherings follow the success of “Match Series 8: Summer Smashaya”, which drew 194 players to Hamilton International School in May.The tournament featured men’s and women’s doubles competitions across several divisions and attracted participants from across Qatar’s badminton community. Organisers credited the event’s success to the combined efforts of players, volunteer umpires, sponsors, spectators, and a dedicated organising team. PSSQ said it hopes to build on that momentum through its regular Thursday matches and upcoming tournaments, continuing to promote badminton as a sport that brings people together while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.PSSQ said the group’s greatest achievement has been creating a welcoming community where members can enjoy the sport, forge lasting friendships, and feel at home while living and working in Qatar. Source link
For four days, from July 6 to 9, 2026, Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026–2027 returned to the French capital with fashion’s most exclusive language: hand-built garments, guarded atelier savoir-faire, private clients, international front rows and a form of luxury that continues to resist the speed of the global market.As often happens, much of the international coverage focused on Europe’s historic houses. Chanel, Dior, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga and Armani Privé dominated headlines, images and online conversation. Yet to look only in that direction is to miss a crucial part of the story.Season after season, Paris Haute Couture is speaking increasingly Arabic. This is no longer a marginal presence within a European narrative. Arab designers are now among the most recognisable interpreters of contemporary couture. They bring to Paris a vocabulary of embroidery, construction, theatricality, desire and cultural memory. They also speak to a clientele that understands haute couture intimately: women who wear it, commission it, preserve it and sustain its market away from the noise of mass visibility.This season, names such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Georges Hobeika, Georges Chakra, Tony Ward, Ziad Nakad, Saiid Kobeisy, Rami Al Ali and Dana AlMulla confirmed a reality that has become increasingly difficult to ignore.confirmed a reality that has become increasingly difficult to ignore: couture can no longer be told only through its French institutions. Paris remains the stage, but a decisive part of its creative energy comes from the Arab world. The case of Dana AlMulla is particularly significant for audiences in the Gulf. A Qatari designer, AlMulla represents a new generation of creatives able to engage with the international language of couture while remaining rooted in the region’s visual memory. With “Echoes of Timeless Art”, her collection translated Islamic architectural forms into a modern couture context: sculptural silhouettes, defined lines and curved volumes evoked domes and ceilings, while floral and ornamental elements softened the structure and introduced movement. The palette — beige, blush, deep blue and luminous yellow — worked with light and depth, transforming historical inheritance into contemporary form. The strength of AlMulla’s proposal lies in this quiet balance between structure and softness, precision and fluidity. For Doha, her presence in Paris is not only a personal achievement; it is a sign that Qatari couture can enter the global conversation without imitating external codes, instead translating its own heritage into a new visual language. If Dana AlMulla opens a Qatari perspective on couture, Beirut remains one of haute couture’s invisible capitals. For decades, Lebanon has produced couturiers able to transform instability, beauty and technical mastery into a recognisable language on the Paris runway. Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Georges Hobeika, Georges Chakra, Tony Ward, Ziad Nakad and Saiid Kobeisy belong to this creative geography: one defined not only by place, but by sensibility. black 1 pink 1 Elie Saab remains one of the most powerful names in this constellation. For Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026–2027, the Lebanese couturier presented “The Ball of Untamed Dreams”, a collection staged as a masked ball suspended between reality and fantasy. Sculptural masks, ornate headpieces, pearl-toned organza, wine-coloured velvet, embroidered corsetry and black column gowns with winged lines turned the runway into a theatre of metamorphosis.Saab’s fantasy is not fragile. It is a form of controlled spectacle: garments designed to appear, to enter a room, to leave a memory. Between pastel goddess gowns, sharply cut tuxedos, dramatic trains and a bridal finale in champagne, crystal and pale gold, Saab reaffirmed his ability to make excess elegant and dreams wearable. His couture continues to speak to a global audience because it combines two rare qualities: theatrical impact and discipline. The gown is never merely decorative; it is an emotional construction, conceived to transform the wearer into a presence. Zuhair Murad took a darker and more psychological path. With “Love and Dominion”, the Lebanese couturier imagined a woman who has refused to surrender: powerful, intact, protective and magnificent. She is a figure touched by fragility but never defeated by it, capable of loving without losing herself and of preserving part of her identity inside a secret garden.The collection moved through an imagined landscape of ice castles and legendary forests, where a billowing cape became a restrained storm and shimmering embroidery revealed an inner light. Murad worked through duality: temptation and control, devotion and independence, vulnerability and inaccessibility. Embroidery became the site of that tension, with night birds applied or sculpted in relief on black tulle, three-dimensional crystal roses, wrought-iron trompe-l’œil, feathers, velvet, crêpe, radzimir, duchesse satin and silk chiffon. The palette deepened the mystery of winter: profound black, fir green, warm wine tones and embroidered trails flowing across pale pink tulle. Each silhouette carried dramatic intensity without tipping into theatrical excess. Georges Hobeika followed a more contemplative route. With “The Visitor”, Georges and Jad Hobeika, father and son at the creative helm of the maison, drew inspiration from a poem by James McCrae that urges us never to grow accustomed to the beauty of the world. Created between the house’s ateliers in Beirut and Paris, the collection translated that idea into a wardrobe of light: fluid columns, sculpted and draped bustiers, intricately worked jackets, lace interlaced with satin, silk and organza. Blue dominated the palette in multiple shades, softened by beige, pink and greens ranging from mint to pine. Small elements of nature — a beetle, a snail, an orchid — became jewels, details and fragments of the living world worn close to the skin. In a week often dominated by spectacle, Georges and Jad Hobeika reminded audiences that couture can still be an exercise in attention: to the body, to material, and to what is too easily overlooked. Georges Chakra brought to Paris a collection built on desire, intrigue and seduction, but above all on construction. Corsetry became the starting point of every look: boned bodices, visible internal lines, beaded latticework and velvet cording transformed the hidden architecture of the garment into an aesthetic language.Black anchored the collection, worked in crêpe, velvet, Chantilly lace and gazar across column gowns, mermaid lines and 7/8 dresses. But this was not an austere black. It was alive and architectural, interrupted by embroidered red, cobalt layered over black tulle, fuchsia duchesse satin, panniers, balloon skirts and draping in liquid metallic gazar. Embroideries in raffia thread, Charleston fringe, fiberglass paillettes and feather flowers gave the collection a technical sensuality. Chakra turned shadow into structure, proving that darkness can be one of glamour’s most sophisticated forms. Tony Ward transformed the desert into couture architecture. With “Whispers of the Dunes”, presented at the Réfectoire des Cordeliers in Paris, the Lebanese designer built a collection around serenity and movement, stability and transformation. The scenography echoed the same language: an organic landscape of dunes, with undulating seating and models moving through the space with a fluid rhythm, almost like wind crossing sand.The collection opened with a suspended silence: soft draping, elongated lines and neutral, sun-faded silhouettes, like untouched horizons at dawn. It then became more protective and layered, with sculptural hoods, veils, wrapped constructions, crochet details and nomadic-inspired geometries. At its centre was an important craft development: a hand-braiding technique created specifically for the season, using individually dyed silk threads transformed into sculptural braids through manual workmanship and experimental crochet. Ward celebrated not only the desert as an emotional landscape, but also Lebanon’s living craft traditions, preserved and passed down through generations. For a Gulf audience, the resonance is immediate: the desert is not decorative scenery, but memory, movement and identity. Ziad Nakad chose flight. With “L’Envol”, the Lebanese designer presented a collection inspired by the bird in motion, a symbol of freedom, departure and return to nature. Shot in the mountains of Lebanon, the collection carried a message of roots and resilience: the mountain as a place of strength, stability and silence, far from the noise of the world.Its 34 pieces evoked movement through light layers, bird embroideries, mermaid silhouettes, velvet, crystals, touches of leather and Swarovski stones designed specifically for the season. The palette — navy, brown, burgundy and green — recalled earth, depth and landscape. Even the bridal finale chose a more measured grace: lightness, simplicity and discreet refinement, removed from excess but not from wonder. Saiid Kobeisy brought a more intimate and narrative collection to Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026–2027. With “Passage Privé”, the Lebanese designer built a journey through the elegance of the early twentieth century, an era marked by craftsmanship, cultural exchange and quiet sophistication. The collection moved like a path of transformation: each silhouette became a stage, each detail a fragment of memory.The palette — ecru, off-white, soft pink, pale green, bronze and soft blue — softened the construction, while velvet, the signature fabric of the season, was placed in dialogue with double satin, crêpe georgette, metallic French lace, fur and feathers. Passementerie, reinterpreted trench coats, kimono sleeves, Art Deco motifs and pixelated embroideries created a bridge between heritage and modernity. Kobeisy approached couture as movement, discovery and discreet elegance: not only a garment to be observed, but a story that continues beyond the final look. Alongside this Arab constellation, international houses such as Yanina Couture contributed to the broader landscape of the week, confirming that Haute Couture Week is now a global platform where aesthetics, markets and cultural sensibilities intersect. With “Provocation”, Yulia Yanina reread the history of costume as an art of contemporary femininity, transforming references to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, corsetry, historical lingerie and French literature into modern, sensual and sophisticated silhouettes. Masculine frock coats, echoes of Marie Antoinette, delicate wings, three-dimensional floral motifs and sculptural embroidery built a dialogue between past and present. Rami Al Ali adds a deeply pan-Arab dimension to this map. With “Threads of Light: A New Dawn”, the Syrian couturier reflects on the enduring ties that have shaped the cultural landscape of the Arab world for centuries: craftsmanship, architecture, trade, migration, poetry, music and collective memory. Rooted in a shared heritage that stretches across the Gulf, Syria and beyond, the collection is conceived as a tribute to resilience and continuity. It draws inspiration from the first moments of sunrise, when the desert horizon glows with warmth and the waters of the Gulf catch the earliest light of day.The silhouettes balance architectural precision with effortless fluidity: sculpted forms are softened by movement, while intricate couture embroidery traces delicate pathways across the body like fragments of stories passed from one generation to the next. The palette moves from soft sands and warm ivory tones to golden amber, sunlit champagne and subtle metallic reflections, evoking the changing colours of the horizon. In Al Ali’s vision, light becomes both motif and material — a language of hope, belonging and renewal. Yet from a Gulf perspective, the more significant point remains the growing centrality of Arab designers within this international system.Their importance is not only creative. It is also economic and cultural.Across Doha, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, couture is not simply an image from a runway. It is part of a social calendar shaped by weddings, galas, private celebrations, family gatherings, diplomatic occasions and moments in which the garment becomes a cultural code. In many cases, couture is not purchased to appear before cameras, but to live in more private spaces, where luxury is recognised by those who truly understand its language.This is one reason Arab designers understand haute couture so well. They do not treat it merely as visual performance, but as a social language. They understand that a gown can be spectacular without being loud, sensual without being explicit, modern without breaking its relationship with tradition. Above all, they understand that in the Arab world, eveningwear and couture still carry a ritual function: they accompany transitions, celebrations, roles and belonging.Paris Couture Week remains a French institution. Its rules, calendars and aura belong to the history of European fashion. But its contemporary vitality increasingly depends on a global network of talents, ateliers, clients and imaginaries. Within that network, the Arab world is no longer only a spectator.It is a producer of beauty. A commissioner. A market. A language. A memory. A future.While European houses continue to occupy the symbolic centre of the week, Arab designers are reshaping a substantial part of its imagination. They do so with garments that speak of light, desert, embroidery, night, femininity, power and belonging. They do so from Beirut, Doha and Paris, and from a Middle East that is no longer only a destination for luxury, but one of its most influential creative sources.At the end of Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026–2027, one thing is clear: to understand haute couture today, it is no longer enough to look only at the historic salons of Paris. One must also look to the Arab world — to its ateliers, its women, its designers and its ability to transform luxury into cultural identity. Paris remains the stage. But haute couture, increasingly, speaks Arabic. Samantha De Reviziis VIP Guests and Front Row Moments by Vincenzo IngrassiaTo complete the report, the first gallery brings together a selection of VIP guests and front-row moments captured during Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026–2027 by Italian luxury destination wedding and fashion photographer Vincenzo Ingrassia. His images document not only the visibility of the week, but also the social and cultural ecosystem surrounding the shows: clients, tastemakers, editors, regional figures and international guests who continue to shape couture’s global relevance. Top Looks from the Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026–2027 RunwaysThe second gallery presents a curated selection of top looks from the collections, supplied by the maisons. Together, they offer a visual map of the season’s strongest codes: architectural corsetry, hand embroidery, sculptural draping, desert-inflected movement, floral appliqué, Art Deco references, luminous palettes and the unmistakable presence of Arab couture on the Paris runway. Related Story Dana AlMulla Georges Chakra Georges Hobeika Zuhair Murad Rami Al Ali Saiid Kobeisy …