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The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
I work with celebs in Dubai & I'll never move back to Scotland – Brits who say it's soulless are making silly mistakes
KELLY Lundberg swapped Edinburgh for the Emirates 22 years ago - and she's never looked back. Now she says Brits who complain that Dubai is soulless aren't looking hard enough at what it has to offer. Advertisement 6 The city is seen as a playground for the super rich 6 The Scot now has a personal styling business 6 Kelly when she was cabin crew Personal branding guru Kelly fell in love with the city after working as an air hostess for Emirates airline. Having grown up in Scotland 's capital she reckons she's been lucky enough to experience the best of both worlds. Now she's launched a personal styling business , working with celebrities and royalty, and has collaborated with the world's biggest brands, from Chanel to HSBC. She says: "I can say with absolute certainty that those who see Dubai as little more than a glitzy sun-drenched playground for the ultra-rich aren't looking hard enough at what this beautiful emirate has to offer. Advertisement READ MORE IN FABULOUS "And as for the influencers announcing their departure, calling the city 'soulless', while bemoaning how they thought they'd be better off, I'd beg to differ. Perhaps they didn't look beyond the brunches and the Burj. "For those who are open-minded, Dubai offers opportunities that are hard to match anywhere else in the world right now. And I'm not alone in this thinking." Kelly now runs a personal branding business - and is a keynote speaker, author and brand strategist. She is one of an estimated 240,000 UK expats now calling the city home while the interest in Dubai from Brits has surged by more than 400 per cent in the past five years. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive While it might be the attraction of tax-free salaries, wall-to-wall sunshine, skyscrapers and sipping mocktails in a rooftop pool that lures them, it's the better way of life that makes them stay. And Kelly is on a mission to debunk the myths around Dubai - the first one being that Dubai has no culture. Dark side of Dubai where Brit influencers are preyed upon for sex & women are brutalised at 'porta potty' parties She said: "This one makes me chuckle. Culture isn't missing from Dubai. With around 200 nationalities it's brimming with culture. "No, of course, you won't find little cobbled streets or cosy Sunday roasts at a local pub. But you will discover Emirati heritage tours, art exhibitions at Alserkal Avenue, poetry nights, African drumming workshops, and cuisine from every corner of the world. Culture here is layered, you just need to lean in and explore it." Advertisement Meanwhile, Kelly says another complaint Brits have is there's a lack of job stability in Dubai. 6 Kelly dislikes Dubai's traffic 6 Kelly with husband Graham She says: "Let's not pretend the UK job market is a beacon of stability right now. The reality is that job insecurity is a global issue - whether you're in the UK, the US or Dubai. Advertisement "Yes, Dubai's market moves fast and expects results - so if you're not up for a challenge, it might not be the place for you. "But it also rewards initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship in ways I rarely see elsewhere." Kelly, married to hubby Graham, says in her 22 years of coming in and out of the city, she's watched cabin crew become CEOs, mums launch six-figure businesses and people reinvent themselves entirely. And she says the tax-free income means you get more out of your salary. Advertisement But what about work-life balance? Many say working in the Emirates is tougher than elsewhere. Kelly, who wed Graham at Turin Castle, in Forfar, in June last year, comments: "I run my own business and my health is a priority because without it, I don't have a business. Work-life balance exists in Dubai. But, just like anywhere in the world, you need to be intentional about setting boundaries. "Many companies are embracing flexible working hours, and there is no shortage of gyms, yoga studios, outdoor parks , along with beaches. And, I haven't touched on it yet, but the weather - that sunshine really makes all the difference." One issue many people have with Dubai is that you have to pay for healthcare. While the NHS exists in Scotland , it is a luxury not afforded to those overseas. Advertisement But Kelly, who has written a book to help entrepreneurs grow their brand called Deseed the Lemon, says this doesn't put her off. She explains: "Expats need to pay medical insurance - which is around £1,300 a year. While the system isn't perfect, it is much more efficient than in the UK. "Appointments are easy to get, including with specialists, and I've heard of surgeries being carried out with just a wait of a few days, rather than months in the UK. Advertisement "Yes, there are reports that the quality of care can vary, but with top-notch medical technology and highly qualified specialists in Dubai, I know which waiting room I'd rather be in. It's a different system. Plan for it and you'll be fine." And healthcare is not the only thing you'll pay through the nose for. The cost of living in the lap of luxury is high - but Kelly says it's all about planning ahead. She says: "There's no denying the cost of living in Dubai is high. The difference? No income tax. But - and this is key - rent or school fees are often paid in one or two big cheques a year, which can be a shock if you're not prepared. Advertisement "It's not about how much you spend, it's about how you plan. And yes, alcohol is heavily taxed but if you don't drink or go out much, you're already winning. "Sure, some people live beyond their means here - just like anywhere. Others save, invest and build wealth. It's all down to personal choices." One thing that does get Kelly down is the traffic , which can be a nightmare. And after 22 years away, she still loves Scotland - but she'll never return full time. Advertisement Kelly said: "There's a comfort in home that no other place can have - whether that's thanks to nostalgia or family . But would I give up Dubai to return to my roots? Not a chance." Find out more about Kelly's business at 6 Kelly with her book Deseed the Lemon
Emirates Woman
04-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Emirates Woman
Inside the dazzling new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Life by Alice Holtham-Pargin 2 hours ago If you're dreaming of a Dubai staycation that offers next-level luxury, then pack your favourite resortwear for Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The superyacht-inspired resort is an architectural vision sitting pretty on the shorefront of Jumeirah – and it's welcoming guests from Friday March 14. Completing a nautical-inspired trilogy alongside Jumeirah Beach Hotel and another visual icon – Burj Al Arab, the gorgeous new resort exudes elevated oceanic style. Inspired by the majesty of superyachts from around the world, the resort features 386 rooms and suites, a curated collection of almost a dozen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa and even its own 82-berth marina. Checking-in to pure luxury Of the glamourous and contemporary accommodation options, guests can check in to one of 300 rooms or 86 suites. In the top-tier suite categories, guests can enjoy bold and sporty interiors, modern butler service, and access to the exclusive Iliana Pool Club. Top tier suites include the Pearl Suite, complete with wrap-around terrace and space to host events for up to 80; the Presidential Suite, with its own plunge pool; and The Royal Suite, which seemingly floats above water, and can be expanded into a multi-bedroom retreat of five connecting rooms. A feast of flavours Set to become the ultimate destination for gourmands, diners will be spoiled for choice with 11 restaurants and four bars at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Unique for Dubai is The Fore, a transforming dining destination that evolves through breakfast, lunch and dinner. Elsewhere, highlights include The Cullinan, a fine dining steakhouse; Kira, where Mediterrasian dishes take centre stage, and guests can continue the night at the exclusive Litt club afterwards; and Kinugawa, a contemporary Japanese restaurant that hails from St Tropez. Other dining options include the grand Venetian restaurant and bar Rialto, which captures the timeless allure of 1950s Italy; and Orizonta, a chic Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with dreamy Burj Al Arab views. There's also aforementioned Iliana, a suite-guests-only pool club by day, and an alluring rooftop bar by night. Completing the line-up is Umi Kei, serving Japanese dishes inspired by the art of kintsugi; Madame Li, a refined Asian fusion restaurant; breezy Mediterranean brasserie Mirabelle; and The Bombay Club, which brings to life the vibrant culinary heritage of India. All of the restaurants are now open for bookings. Rejuvenating wellness Jumeirah brings its renowned Talise Spa wellness concept into Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab as a three-floor emporium of relaxation and rejuvenation. Bespoke treatments and holistic therapies are offered in 13 treatment rooms with private terraces, while guests can also enjoy a 20-meter indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness studio, gym, and female-only spaces. Another standout feature is the Remedy Suite, which features four technology-driven therapies such as Cryotherapy, ChromoSpace light treatments, the iDome Infra-Red Triple Detox Treatment, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber. A destination little ones will love Not just the ultimate playground for adults, little travellers can enjoy a dedicated family club, perfect for children aged three to 10. Here, daily activities are designed to foster creativity, learning, and meaningful connections through engaging activities and interactive experiences. Room rates Reservations from March 14 onwards start from AED4,465.
Khaleej Times
18-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's Burj Azizi: Sales launch announced for world's second-tallest tower
Dubai's Burj Azizi, the world's second-tallest tower, will be sold in seven cities on February 19. The private developer Azizi Developments announced on Tuesday that the 725-metre tower will be sold in Dubai (Conrad Hotel), Hong Kong (The Peninsula), London (The Dorchester), Mumbai (JW Marriott Juhu), Singapore (Marina Bay Sands), Sydney (Four Seasons Hotel), and Tokyo (Palace Hotel). Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the 131-plus-storey tower will include residential, hotel, retail, and entertainment spaces. It is scheduled for completion by 2028. 'In Dubai and cities around the world, new projects come up every day. However, projects like Burj Azizi happen only once a generation. I feel overjoyed that we celebrate Burj Azizi's journey from conceptualisation to launch,' said Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Development. 'Burj Azizi is not just a structure; it is a tribute to the emirate's ever-growing prominence on the global stage,' he said. Dubai's red-hot property market has been witnessing exceptional demand from investors and end-users in the past four years, pushing prices and rentals substantially higher. The luxury and ultra-luxury segment has led this rally. According to Property Finder, Dubai achieved record-breaking transaction volumes and values, totalling 180,987 transactions worth Dh522.5 billion in 2024, a significant leap of 36.5 per cent in volume and 27.2 per cent in value compared to the previous market peak in 2023. The surge was driven primarily by off-plan sales. According to Skyscrapercenter's data, Dubai is home to 33 towers taller than 300-plus metres, the highest in the world. Data showed that of the 100 tallest completed towers globally, Dubai is home to 14 tallest skyscrapers, led by Burj Khalifa, Marina 101, Princess Tower, 23 Marina, Elite Residence, The Address Boulevard, Ciel Tower, Almas Tower, Gevora Hotel, II Primo Tower, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Tower 1, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Tower 2, Emirates Tower One, and The Torch. Azizi Developments claimed that Burj will boast some records, such as the highest hotel lobby on level 111, the highest nightclub on level 126, the highest restaurant on level 122, and the hotel room on level 118. At the top, the building will also house a special museum that will showcase the chronology of the building's evolution, recognising personalities involved through multimedia exhibits, including photos, video and graphics. It will house one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. For every 20 floors of residences, an amenity floor is planned, consisting of swimming pools with sauna and steam room, a gym and yoga centre, a spa, a games room including billiards, chess and ping-pong, a business centre, a kids' play area, a cinema, a restaurant and coffee shop, and a supermarket. Azizi claimed that the project would also house an all-suite 7-star hotel inspired by seven cultural themes: Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Indian, Turkish, French, and Russian. 'Burj Azizi has been a dream of mine for many years. It has been a tough challenge, having taken much tireless work by experts from around the world. But I am happy to announce that the dream is now on the path to realisation,' he added.
