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One last dance

“It’s not every day that you are asked to host official after-concert parties and win Best Nightclub awards, yet for Allure, by Cipriani Yas Island, it’s just another day in the life of this exclusive after-party hot spot,” claims the management of Allure.

The most expensive and trendiest nightclub in Abu Dhabi, operating under the hat and literally under the roof of Cipriani, the internationally famous Italian restaurant has just announced its last big party of the season at the end of this month and everyone (of proper age and sparkling shoes) is invited.

Renowned for its edgy décor, geometric designs, and demanding the attention of super-elite clientele, Allure made some waves after being short-listed for the FX International Interior Design Awards, followed shortly by winning Best Nightclub at New York ‘s Hospitality Design Awards. These international recognitions were followed by home awards, including the Best Nightclub 2012 in the Ahlan’s Best in Abu Dhabi Awards for a second year running.

However, as it is known, standing out in Abu Dhabi takes more than winning awards, thus in lead up to the Madonna’s two concerts earlier this month, when Flash Entertainment approached Allure to jointly host the official after parties, the VIP nightclub was again in the spotlights. In celebration of all this glitzy success, and to thank its fans for all the support, Allure is hosting one final hurrah, promising a super special UV White Party Spectacular! To be held on June 29, from 11.30pm, shiny happy people coming can expect an undissapointing line up of top DJs amongst a glowing UV wonderland to send off the season.

Allure will be officially shut from the July 1, reopening on October 1. To get in, you need to dress to impress, meaning no baseball caps, hoodies, trainers (unless they are diamond studded) or T-shirts. You also need pockets or handbags large enough to carry your passport or UAE ID since you all look so young and security needs to be sure you reached 21 years of age.

And a last supper too

It is not just the nightclub that takes a summer break, it is the entire Cipriani trio — the Italian restaurant, the Japanese one and the Allure!

After a successful season, Cipriani Yas Island will be closing its doors for a few months, with many staff heading to newly launched venues, whilst others stay and plan for the F1 season ahead!

“With summer being very quiet, this is a perfect time for us to shuffle our resources to other areas of the globe, where things are much busier,” says Cipriani Yas Island managing director Marco Boito.

“Being an international brand, with venues all over the world, when some places are quiet, others are buzzing!”

Having only recently opened its doors in Monte Carlo and Ibiza, many of the hospitably dapper staff is being flown to each respective location to offer assistance to their fellow employees.

“And for those who are staying”, adds Marco, “we have a lot of pre work to do for F1, finalising the entertainment, the food, the music. We may be closed to the public, but operationally it’s still full steam ahead!”

Cipriani Yas Island and Yotto, the Japanese fine dining, will be closed from July 1 till October 1.

Odd hangings

It’s not the artworks that are out of place, it is the actual place where they are being displayed! The latest art exhibition of Swiss Art Gate is going to happen this time in a restaurant! Granted, it’s a five-star one and meals are not compulsory while viewing the canvases. So, head to Mezzaluna next week, where Emirates Palace and Swiss Art Gate UAE present “The Rhythm of Earth — Passage” art exhibition with works by Swiss artist Jean-Marc Schwaller.

The artist’s exhibition of oil and various sized watercolour paintings follows a recent display in the Broadway Gallery New York and another one in China. Schwaller’s modern and abstract works find its predecessors in the art of Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. Much like these modern masters, his motifs explore the compositional potential of colour and form on the human psyche.

All paintings are for sale and 35 per cent of proceeds going to The Magic Lantern, a non-profit educational film club for families with children six to 12 run by Swiss Art Gate.

“The Rhythm of Earth — Passage” runs from June 20 until November 20 at Emirates Palace’s Mezzaluna restaurant. Exhibition viewing is daily by appointment only. For bookings contact Kurt Blum, general manager of Swiss Art Gate at kblum@swissartgateuae.com. —silvia@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE