Giorgio Armani opens Armani Hotel Dubai

Dubai’s luxury hotel launches at the Burj Kalifa

Master of fashion, Mr. Giorgio Armani flew into Dubai on Monday night ahead of his first ever hotel opening. It was to be his first glimpse of the masterpiece he has been constructing over the past five years. Editor of Ahlan! Live, Shannon Wylie has the inside story of how this creator of fashion channeled his skills and in doing so achieved a status in the world luxury few designers ever accomplish. Welcome to the Armani Hotel Dubai.




As I pull up into the drive of the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Kalifa I reveal in the fact that I get to witness what will forever be one of the great moments in Dubai’s fashion history. For a country that prides itself on luxury it’s no wonder that a venture such as the one between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Chairman, Mohamed Alabbar hasn’t happened sooner. But as it turns out, it took Mr. Armani some convincing in the first place.



“When Mr. Alabbar first came to my office I remember recalling Dubai described as Las Vegas in the desert. So I asked him, why Armani? Are you really sure you want me.”



It turns out it took Mr. Alabbar two years to persuade Armani to invest his time, energy and ethos into the project - and in doing so learnt the Armani way as he went. “I went to Mr. Armani’s home, visited his boat, summer house, fashion shows and studio. He wanted me to see how to live with Armani. Then two years later a deal was signed.” Armani’s view of the happenings: “It was a world so far away from my onw. But when I saw his (Mr. Alabbar’s) smile I knew he was to be trusted.”



The project which took five years in total, $1.5 billion to construct and 800 hotel employees to finish is now finally open to the public. But it was Armani who ensured the entire process was labeled with his genius. “It’s difficult to create a space with spirit but that was the ability of Mr. Armani,” said Mr. Alabbar. “He is an incredible person who is a designer, hotelier, and who understands what works and what doesn’t work.”



“After five years of working on the project I finally saw it real,” says Armani as he visits the hotel for the first time on Monday (26th April). “It’s marvelous to see how it came to life. And everyone who worked on the project was loyal to follow my design. I’m very proud.” He adds with a smile: “I hope you enjoy the project.”