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28 March 2024

Celeb Investments: Paris, Kim, Arjun, Asha Bhosle flock to Dubai on business

Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Asha Bhosle (GETTY/GALLO)

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By Bindu Suresh Rai

As Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal eyes the emirate as the next setting for his über cool hospitality and nightclub concept, LAP, the ‘Chakravyuh’ star is another in the long line of celebrities looking to cash in on Dubai’s retail sector.
 
Kim Kardashian and Dash
 
The socialite and reality star Kim Kardashian announced last year that she would be looking into possible business opportunities, including opening a UAE branch of her clothing boutique, Dash.
 
She was quoted as saying: “I am so open to different business ventures.  I’m a businesswoman, at the end of the day. I just want to get out and see what it’s all about.
 
“My sisters and I get asked all the time to open up a Dash store in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I think it’s just really important for me to see what it’s like first. I don’t want to dive in too soon. I’d like to spend more time in Dubai and I [will] hopefully set up a store there soon.”
 
Kardashian is all set to return to the Middle East next month with a visit to Kuwait and possibly Dubai, with pal Sheeraz Hasan, creator of Sheeraz Inc and Hollywood.TV, to continue her association with Millions of Milkshakes.
 
Inking a deal for Dash on the sidelines could very well be on the cards for the fashion diva.
 
Paris Hilton fashion
 
She fluttered into Dubai back in 2009 and within 48 hours of arriving here, Paris Hilton managed to bring international attention to local products, give Emirates airline free publicity worth millions, and tell the world she is switching to Sony Ericsson after years of her being seen out with a trusted BlackBerry.
 
At the time, in between shooting for her TV show, the socialite told Emirates 24|7: “Although a lady never discusses money as it is tacky, I am primarily here to shoot my TV series, but I have been really welcomed by businesses and vendors in this region and I look forward to expanding and exploring more opportunities here.”
 
Over the four years, Hilton’s love affair with Dubai has grown into five retail stores that exclusively sell her collection of handbags and affordable luxury goods.
 
Hilton personally has visited the stores in Dubai Festival City Centre and Ibn Battuta Mall, with this year marking the newest one in Deira City Center.
 
Mishca Barton has designs on Dubai
 
Mischa Barton debuted her apparel collection at Dubai Mall earlier this year, revealing her new line of clothing and accessories at Rivaage boutique.
 
With a vintage feel to her collection, “The OC” actress brought her bohemian, yet spunky style to the emirate, with cardigans, jumpsuits, leggings and signature pieces like the “Mischa” jacket, as well as a range of Mischa Barton branded cosmetics.
 
The actress shares space with stellar stylish company including Badgley Mishka, Burak Uyan and Vera Wang Lavender.
 
Asha Bhosle’s culinary talent
 
The legendary Indian singer, who has crooned for three generations of Bollywood celebs, made headlines when she decided to open foray into hospitality by opening her signature restaurant in Dubai.
 
Based on her own personal recipes, the renowned cook, gave the city Asha’s, an innovative Indian Restaurant that brings traditional North Western cuisine to satisfy many a palette.
 
Located in Wafi City, the restaurant is not all glamour, winning several awards in the recent past for Best Indian Restaurant in Dubai.
 
We specially recommend her mother’s recipe of Lentil curry.
 
Arjun Rampal completes a LAP

 
Award-winning Bollywood actor, Arjun Rampal, revealed exclusively to us that he is courting investors to bring his exclusive hospitality concept, LAP, to Dubai.
 
Speaking to Emirates 24|7, the 39-year-old said: “I am definitely looking at bringing the LAP hospitality franchise to Dubai and have spoken to several local investors in regards to this.”
 
While no timeframe has been set for LAP’s entry into Dubai’s hospitality sector, Rampal is confident it should be within a year.
 
What is LAP, you ask?
 
The members’ only property at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi employees a screening committee comprising eminent names for guests seeking membership; plus, names can only be proposed by an existing LAP member.
 
Meanwhile, the décor itself comprises Swarovski studded tables designed Rampal’s posse of glamorous friends, including Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri, along with designers Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal.
 
A perfect fit for Dubai’s luxurious lap, we think.