Rococo is one of the latest gems at the newly opened five-star Sofitel hotel in Jumeirah Beach Residence. This sophisticated Italian restaurant is still another well-kept Dubai secret. With deep purple walls, a crystal curtain at the entrance, and a ceiling made of coiled white ribbons which represents “tagliatelle” according to Stephanie Digeon, the French manager, this new eatery boasts of innovative style combined with very unique experimental cuisine making it quite exceptional as well as intriguing.

Imagine an ATM machine which instead of paper bills dispenses gold bars? Abu Dhabi has recently introduced a whole new way to get gold. The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi is reportedly the first to install the “gold to go” machine– the world’s first gold vending machine.

The much awaited FIFA World Cup is now finally upon us. Here in Dubai people are getting off their beach chairs and moving away from the pool to steal some of the action. Dubai’s great international crowd will spice up the action as we route for our favorite teams and support our home countries. The following venues will be some of the most popular places to watch the match in Dubai.

Summer is the time to relax over a good meal with a nice glass of wine. In most cities one partakes in such a pastime outside, but as the Dubai summer heat makes it difficult to do so in comfort, a selection of indoor wine bars are becoming quite popular. Known for their stylish and sleek atmosphere, the following wine bars also host a variety of activities including wine tasting and popular ladies nights. This summer you can become a connoisseur!

The Emirates campus of Esmod, the oldest French fashion university, recently announced that three of its students won top awards in the “Express Your Style” Fashion design competition sponsored by Mercedes- Benz Middle East. Maimoona Hussein, Azade Zandi, and Bodoor Abdulqader won the three top awards for Esmod Dubai.

Pondering over what to gift your child or sibling for graduation? Get them something original and unique, a rare timepiece which will become a beautiful memory forever. The following luxury items are not only stunningly beautiful pieces of creation, most are one of a kind limited-edition items that are only temporarily on the market and will prove to be collector’s pieces in years to come.

On May 29th an exclusive Luncheon was held by Symphony in honor of Raina Hein, America’s next top model at the Italian Ristorante in the newly opened Armani Hotel. Symphony is a multi-brand luxury store due to open in October on the prestigious Fashion Avenue in the Dubai Mall. Hein was in town to shoot Symphony’s Autumn/Winter 2010 Campaign for the soon-to-be-opened store. Guests included a variety of Dubai fashion personalities such as Padman Coram, Lina Samman, and TV presenter Simone Heng.

Just last Thursday at the hip Magnolia Restaurant in Dubai’s Al Qasr Hotel was a preview of the Versace Timepiece Collection. The new watch collection emphasizes the elegance and glamor of Versace as well as the tradition and creativity of the Swiss-made timepieces.

World-renowned London Michelin star Chinese restaurant Hakkasan is coming to the UAE and in a very special location: The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Since its opening in 2001 in London’s West End, Hakkasan has attracted a great following of extravagant and discerning diners. Its presence in the UAE will undoubtedly create the same stir of luxurious and sophisticated guests.