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Gold, Glamorous, and Grand: The Ball of Arabia is Finally Back!

Ball of Arabia 2021

The UAE celebrates its 50th anniversary this December, and for Vogue Arabia, there was only one way to commemorate the region’s milestone moment—with an extravagant evening that spotlights everything that makes the emirates unique. Cue the second edition of the Ball of Arabia, a luxurious red carpet event honoring the Golden Jubilee of the country.

All set to take over the gilded ballroom of Raffles The Palm Dubai on December 12, 2021, the Ball of Arabia will be attended by an exclusive guest list featuring royalty, notable Emiratis, style icons and VIPs from within the region and overseas. The grand evening will be co-chaired by some of Arabia’s most illustrious names, from creative director and top business woman Ingie Chalhoub to beauty moguls Huda and Mona Kattan, actress Mona Zaki, and couturier Zuhair Murad.

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Kickstarting with pre-dinner cocktails, the ball will lead into an indulgent seated dinner and come to a close with an after-party brimming with surprises—including a thrilling performance by the Caesar of Arabic songs, Kadim Al Sahir, which is bound to have everyone on their feet. The Iraqi musician, who is known and loved throughout the region for several hits, including ‘Zidini Oshkan’, ‘Madrasat Al Hobb’ and last, but not the least, ‘Koll Aam Wa Enti Habibati’ reunites with Vogue for the ball after just a year—he played cover star for the Fall/Winter 2020 issue of Vogue Man Arabia.

Kadim Al Sahir

Photo: Instagram.com/kadimalsahirofficial

Given the nature of the celebration, the dress code for the evening was an easy choice—attendees will be walking into the hotel dressed in special creations by Arab designers, all in shades of gold to honor the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year. In true Vogue Arabia style, the evening will be a regal affair, with the venue speaking of opulence under the glow of thousands of candles reflecting off rich gold decor accents.

The highlight of the ball is sure to be the special collection of cultural experiences curated exclusively by the General Women’s Union for Vogue Arabia’s guests. To celebrate the rich heritage of the region, the Ball of Arabia will give guests a chance to indulge in the very best of Emirati art, music and more—all under one roof. One can also expect to have an immersive cultural experience via the live crafts sessions that will take over the venue. While for locals, the ball will serve as a love letter to the nation they call ‘home’, for international guests, it promises to be a gateway to all the magic of the Arab world.

Back in December 2018, the very first Ball of Arabia brought international personalities, Arab celebrities, Emirati royalty and more together at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab. The star-studded affair, which was attended by the likes of Lara StoneYasmine Sabri, Dorra Zarrouk, Mohamed Hadid, Rami Kadi and HH Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said, served to raise funds for the Girls Education and Empowerment Program with a silent auction, and was an immense success that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Among the favorite moments from the evening was American Grammy-winner Ciara’s special performance. The musician lit up the stage for guests with her most-loved tracks.

Ciara-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Ciara at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

This time around, the exclusive ball serves as a grand finale to Vogue Arabia’s year-long celebration of the UAE and its people. 2021 saw several ground-breaking covers featuring icons of the region, from HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nayhan, the granddaughter of the founders of the UAE, to HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts authority. As an ode to the region, Vogue Arabia also treated followers to a series of videos spotlighting some of the most extraordinary individuals residing in the UAE. What’s left to look forward to? The lovingly made December 2021 issue, proof that we saved the best for last. Dedicated to the 50 remarkable years of the UAE, our last issue of 2021 is a celebration of the rich past, and the incredibly exciting future of the region. Going for gold–quite literally—the December issue puts its lens on all things Emirati, from its people to its age-old crafts, flavors, colors and more. You’re invited to join the journey through our pages, and to take a walk through the best moments of 2018’s Ball of Arabia below. 

The Ball of Arabia 2021 will be held in partnership with Audi and Level Shoes.

Lara-Stone-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Lara Stone at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Yasmine-Sabri-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018-1

Yasmine Sabri at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Dorra-Zarrouk-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Dorra Zarrouk at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

HH-Princess-Sayyida-Basma-Al-Said-with-Manuel-Arnaut-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

HH Princess Sayyida Basma Al Said with Manuel Arnaut at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Arqam-Kabbani-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Arqam Kabbani at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Karen-Wazen-Bakhazi-and-Elias-Bakhazi-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Karen Wazen Bakhazi and Elias Bakhazi at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Maya-Diab-and-Rami-Kadi-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Maya Diab and Rami Kadi at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Jessica-Kahawaty--at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Jessica Kahawaty at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Mohamed-Hadid-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Mohamed Hadid at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

Shashi-Menon-and-Jane-Yun-at-Vogue-Ball-of-Arabia-2018

Shashi Menon and Jane Yun at the 2018 Ball of Arabia. Photo: Hyku

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