Dubai, UAE: Amid much fanfare, Artifya has launched Sophie Brussaux’s socially engaged art collection of 13 paintings worth $66 million, at 1 pm, on March 31 this year. The project began with the auction of a painting called “2020 Vision” on social media platform Clubhouse, and NFT marketplace OpenSea.  

As a testament to its success, the launch was followed by overwhelming traffic to the Artifya website, resulting in a temporary halt of sales. However, the bidding is still open on Opensea, and the paintings will henceforth be launched weekly. Based on early response, Brussaux’s NFTs are expected to engage over 300,000 users, and 30,000 customers/investors.

These paintings will showcase Artifya’s innovative technology that “ages” NFTs over the period of nine years, in what can be termed as representative of an artworks’ life-cycle value. A significant portion of the sales proceeds will go towards social causes and charities, including Brussaux’s Arts Help foundation, which engages institutions to develop impactful projects and programming, while using art as the vehicle for social change.

Sophie Brussaux, who is among the leading voices in contemporary, socially engaged art, believes this new tech-enabled model will empower artists and creative minds, globally. “I would like to thank the incredible set of partners who have supported me on this journey”, said Sophie, commenting on her maiden NFT launch. “I am excited to launch my first set of NFTs, using technology as an enabler of art and human experiences. The Artifya leadership team has been championing this emerging art ecosystem, with unparalleled passion and devotion.”

Kamran Durrani, the Creative Director of Artifya, echoed the artist’s optimism about the convergence of art and technology. “Our team has been fortunate to work with hundreds of art projects and creators – from gaming companies and digital artists, to musicians and professional athletes”, said Kamran. “There is a rising global recognition of the possibilities that NFTs can unlock, especially in the world of art, and this is evident in the response to this launch.”

Mainstream acceptance of NFTs is also evident from mega-investors like Mark Cuban and Accel Partners entering this growing market, in recent times. Once considered a fringe movement, NFTs are now empowering and inspiring a new generation of artists, by helping them monetize their creations, through highly transparent and inclusive Blockchain-based ecosystems. As the market for digital collectibles continues to boom, a recent round of funding saw Dapper Labs, the startup behind virtual trading-card platform NBA Top Shot, recent valuation rise to $2.4 Billion.

According to Arab Whale, Blockchain proponent, and Co-Founder of Ethereum GeneSys, Khurram Shroff, NFTs constitute the next evolutionary phase of both tangible and intangible art forms. “Creators, musicians, artists, influencers, and gamers all over the world, are diving headfirst into NFTs. Every day, hundreds and thousands of new users are discovering, collecting, curating, and trading NFTs, on open marketplaces. In the last six months or so, transaction volume on NFT marketplaces has grown over 100x”, Khurram added.

Khurram Shroff, who is also a member of Artifya’s Board of Directors, is the brain behind Ethereum GeneSys, which is powering Artifya’s unique value proposition in the NFT ecosystem. Due to backing from Ethereum GeneSys, Artifya boasts the lowest transaction fees and code flexibility, which leaves room for constant NFT innovation.

“There is a growing consensus that there are critical building blocks still missing from the internet. Digital mechanisms such as NFTs will result in a more vibrant, egalitarian, and open global economy. Artifya is creating a blueprint for these emerging possibilities”, Khurram said.

Artifya based in Toronto, is reshaping the digital economy by building the world’s best, exquisite, and trusted curated marketplace for this new world of digital assets that include non fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs are digital goods (think digital art, game items, domain names, and more) with brand new properties: they’re unique, provably scarce, liquid, user-owned, and usable across multiple applications. Simple but powerful, Artifya is at the forefront of ushering a renaissance in the digital world.

Sophie Brussaux is an award-winning French visual artist, who aims to use her art to make a positive impact on the world. Inspired by cultural symbolism and spirituality, Sophie’s paintings reveal biblical & sci-fi fixtures in possible dystopian futures and pop iconography. 

Her complex experience stemming from academic studies, professional endeavors and extensive international travels have influenced not only her artistic eye but also her outlook on life and philosophies she lives by. Sophie’s experiences have her exploring and navigating parallel worlds of exhibiting in museums, global art-loving nightclubs, meeting the Pope in the Vatican while championing for UN Sustainable Development Goals and gracing the covers of magazines. Sophie will continue to champion her work as an artist, mother, and entrepreneur to ensure she leaves this world a little better.   

Ms. Brussaux’s  NFT collection will be displayed at the Artifya Gallery on King Street in Toronto (Viewing by invitation only)

Contact Michelle Rodrigues for more information at michelle@artifya.com

Crypto Whale Khurram Shroff, whose IBC group holds investments in over 4000 blockchain projects, has been an ardent champion of Blockchain and was also instrumental in the recent Proof of Stake launch of Ethereum 2.0, through an investment of 100,000 Ether. He is the Chairman of IBC Group, which is a substantial Global Real Estate and Tech investment company, that recently transferred their headquarters to Toronto, Canada. https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurramshroff/  

Dubai, UAE: Nakheel, the world-leading master developer, has announced that The View at The Palm, a stunning observation deck that showcases a 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, is set to open its doors to the public on April 7, 2021. Visitors can purchase their tickets and experience the Palm Jumeirah like never-before, as well as embark on an interactive journey towards the rich history of this splendid island through multiple immersive touchpoints.

News of The View’s opening follows Nakheel’s recent announcement that The Palm Tower is now 95-percent complete, with all components set to open by October this year.

With direct access from Nakheel Mall, level two of The Palm Tower will mark the entry point for visitors which houses a Starbucks Café, The View Exhibition, interactive aquarium tunnels and a gift shop. The View Exhibition, a tribute to the impeccable growth-journey of Palm Jumeirah, will encompass a timeline on the way in which this world-famous island was conceptualized and developed. 

Visitors can also experience an immersive theatre which takes them through the ground-breaking history of the island. Towering at 240 metres over the Palm Jumeirah, Level 52 holds the observatory deck with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai skyline and the island itself. 

“Twenty years ago, Nakheel embarked on a journey to bring the vision of Palm Jumeirah to life and today, we celebrate its growing success story by launching The View at The Palm,” said Omar Khoory, Chief Assets and Hospitality Officer at Nakheel.

“As well as a world attraction, The View will uncover the evolutionary journey behind building one of the most splendid man-made islands in the world. As Nakheel continues to add innovative destinations to its ever-growing retail portfolio, we hope that these experiences will inspire wonder to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. We are delighted to welcome residents to experience Palm Jumeirah in a completely new way and we are confident that it will be memorable,” he added.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), for his part said The View at The Palm “marks another major milestone for Dubai’s tourism industry and adds to the city’s range of diverse offerings that residents and visitors can enjoy.”

The opening of the observation deck under stringent precautionary measures will further enhance the safe environment that Dubai has created in line with the directive of our visionary leadership to ensure that the health and safety of people remains the top priority, he also said, adding that “the significance of the solid relationships that we have built over the years with our stakeholders and partners like Nakheel is clearly evident in the construction of this new landmark on the world renowned Palm Jumeirah, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s safest cities.”

John Bricker, Principal and Creative Director, Gensler meantime said The View at The Palm is “an excellent example of multi-disciplinary design that culminates in a truly unique and memorable experience.”

“Gensler closely collaborated with Nakheel on creating an immersive journey where architecture, brand, user experience, and creative technology all come into play to create an unforgettable destination that educates and entertains. We are looking forward to launching the project with Nakheel and welcoming the public to the observation deck,” he said.

The View at The Palm also offers an exclusive VIP lounge that spans 120 sq. metres and features an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the island, sea and city. With its unique design, the lounge is customizable to match various themes and concepts and offers meal services, advanced audio-visual equipment and wireless connectivity. The VIP lounge is open for public bookings.

Level 51 will be home to world renowned restaurant, SushiSamba, that is set to open in Q3 of 2021 and will offer a tri-cultural blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines, served with riveting music, design and ambiance. This will be the first branch to open in Dubai and the fifth in the world and promises a menu of signature dishes infused in the finest ingredients and presented in exquisite ways. 

Ticket prices vary upon the category of admission and begin at AED100 for adults and AED69 for juniors. Fast-track tickets begin at AED175 for adult admission and AED120 for junior admission and VIP lounge packages begin at AED350 for adults and AED200 for juniors. Children under the age of 4 are admitted for free and all rates are subject to 5% VAT. Visitors can also avail a discount upon presenting a valid Emirates ID which is applicable to ID holder and 5 guests.

Operating hours are from 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 12am from Thursday to Saturday 

In line with UAE’s precautionary measures and guidelines, The View at The Palm will be integrating strict Covid-19 regulations including 24-hour sanitisation, temperature checks and screenings at all entrances, as well as social distancing policies, to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Visitors can purchase their tickets online at www.theviewplam.ae or call 800THEVIEW

For more information, call 800THEVIEW or follow us on social media and use #inspirewonder:

Instagram: @TheViewPalm

Facebook: facebook.com/TheViewPalm/ 

By Jojo Dass

DUBAI: Sometime in 1997, Michael Cinco, then an up-and-coming couturier, set foot in Dubai to work in one of the city’s biggest fashion house. 

Twenty-four years and dozens of awards later, he now has established his own label and a decent following of believers among them celebrities like Sarah, the Duchess of York, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, 1994 Miss World Aishwarya Rai, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera,  Ashanti, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell – the list is endless!  

Needless to say, Cinco has developed a special bonding with the city that has stood witness to his phenomenal success from Day One when he was making small steps to when he was finally making big leaps around the world.

“It was very difficult at first because it was my first time to be away from home and be in a city far, far away,” Cinco told Dubai Vibes Magazine in an exclusive one-on-one in his sprawling office at Dubai Design District. 

But, he said, he eventually managed to adapt and has grown to be fond of the city.

“I love working in Dubai because you live in a city that gives you a lot of motivation and inspiration. Dubai gave me an opportunity to open a business and live a comfortable life,” Cinco said.

Cinco said it has been one of his biggest childhood dreams to dress up celebrities. “As a designer, I am happy when the clients who wear my creations are satisfied. The greatest fulfillment of a designer is having to come up with a signature look that people recognize.

“Like when people compliment someone wearing a dress and say, ‘I love your dress. It’s very Michael Cinco,’” he said.

Born on August 27, 1971, Cinco grew up enthralled by the glamor of the women of classic Hollywood movies. The impeccable elegance and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady” created an indelible impression on his formative design imagination. 

In the picturesque island of Samar, in the Philippines, the young Cinco would indulge in games of dress-up with his Hollywood muses: “I pictured those fabulous heroines and imagined dressing them up in my creations. I chased after those visions….”

Dubai, UAE: Dubai is dotted with numerous hidden culinary gems, and these resident-favorite budget eats have always been a special focus for Dubai Food Festival (DFF), the annual festival of food. As part of its drive to highlight these culinary destinations, DFF has released a list of 33 of the best Hidden Gems in the city.

Running untilApril 17, the eighth edition of the city-wide festival offers food lovers the opportunity to travel via their taste buds and experience whole new cultures through food right here in Dubai.

A Hidden Gems first has been added in 2021 with foodies being given the chance to win one of ten 12-month Zomato Pro membership plus AED 200 worth of credit. Simply take a picture of your meal at any of the Hidden Gems, write a review and rate your  experience (with photos and details) on Zomato. Make sure to include the DFF place card that you’ll find on your table in your photo. Winners will be selected at random and announced on April 17, 2021. 

The 2021 Hidden Gems list includes a wide variety of cuisines just waiting to be discovered, covering every meal even the most experienced foodie could wish for. From Emirati and Indian to American and Lebanese, Hidden Gems uncovers and showcases the incredible diversity of cuisine available at prices for every wallet in Dubai through unique, independent and homegrown concepts.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Our Hidden Gems list is always one of the most eagerly awaited announcements on the Dubai Food Festival Calendar and this year we have another superb line-up. Our food scene is world-renowned, and this year, we have selected a list that showcases the best Dubai has to offer from around the globe.

“Independent restaurants, cafés and bakeries are the lifeblood of any global city’s culinary scene and we are proud to reveal the best-kept secrets that make Dubai Food Festival such a success year-on-year.”

Here is the full list of Hidden Gems selected by Dubai Food Festival 2021:

All dining experiences, events and activations during DFF will follow prevailing safety protocols and social distancing guidelines to ensure a safe experience for all.

For more information and a full update on DFF activities, please visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com and @dubaifoodfest on social media channels.