Why I am happy I wasn't invited to the Atlantis party

Idid not receive an invitation to last night's shindig at Atlantis The Palm. I was not rubbing shoulders with Charlize Theron. And I certainly did not see Kylie Minogue swing her Jean Paul Gaultier feather boa at Robert De Niro in the audience.

So why do I happen to know of these little nuggets from probably the most exclusive party of the year? Because I've already mentally prepared myself for the inevitable blitzkrieg of 'insider gossip' that will begin as soon as it is acceptable for revellers to start telling their stories – some of which probably went into circulation about 10 minutes ago.

Telling tales is what we in Dubai have mastered to an art. And even though most of us were not in the same postal address as the Atlantis last night, by the fifth telling, a few people will have miraculously materialised on the guest list – after all who will uncover this little white lie when even cameras were not allowed inside the venue?

Make room for more fodder and soon enough even De Niro will be seen talking to a 'friend of a friend', while Lindsay Lohan will be painting the town red with some mates.

This current obsession with Atlantis The Palm has made me wonder, what is it about celebrity private parties that sees even the most dignified person grasping for an invitation? Is it an opportunity for retribution for all those who have gloated at you in the past or simply a sense of insecurity that your friends have made the cut while you are edging towards Z-list oblivion?

For most expats, the chances of bumping into a star at the nearest mall are definitely higher here than in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, or wherever. But to witness them shake a leg at a private concert or club takes the drama to a whole other level. On this plane, one gets to live the dream – a dream so exclusive that only a select few are privy.

And it is probably this very reason why every month sees a new corporate party featuring a Nancy Ajram, a Shah Rukh Khan or an Enrique Iglesias on stage. For these businesses, the marketing is in the celebrity name – the starrier the better – because only the best will fit for their high-end clientele.

Atlantis boss Sol Kerzner has banked on exactly that during this current economic downturn after he shelled out a reputed Dh77 million for his grand opening party. Not only has his name gone down in the history books, but it also reinforces the public image that his hotel caters the best for the best.

So while the silent majority of people who didn't receive an invitation smile through their tears, I am grateful that I didn't make the cut for last night's A-lister party-of-the-year because unlike our Entertainment Editor Keith Fernandez, I haven't made enemies for life.

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