Nobu is almost synonymous with what Dubai represents. Modern. Luxurious. And last night, nocturnal was added to the list. The city accommodates both—lazy brunches by the day, sharing plates at night, and Nobu aims to do the same with each outpost. Their latest, located at the One&Only One Za’abeel, falls with the latter, bringing high-tempo and high-energy with its contemporary Japanese cuisine. And of course, no restaurant launch goes unnoticed without fanfare. Here’s everything, and everyone, who attended the Tokyo Glam-themed night.
The guest list was hard to ignore. Arab cinema, Hollywood, Bollywood, and everything else in between, the launch was a night touched by true diversity. American actress Lindsay Lohan turned heads in a black mini dress by Magda Butrym paired with a feather Dolce & Gabbana bag.
Whereas the Dubai Bling cast was also in attendance. Farhana Bodi was spotted in a luscious purple velvet gown, whereas previous castmate Lojain Omran appeared in a kimono-inspired dress by Abu Dhabi-based brand, Charbel Karam.
On the Indian industry side, we saw actress Jacqueline Fernandez in an asymmetrical purple gown; actor Bobby Deol in a green velvet suit jacket; and rapper AP Dhillon in a dapper black ensemble.
In fact, all black outfits were the popular choice for most of the guests. But the one who stole the show in the simple colour were power couple Karen Wazen and Elias Bakhazi. Clean cut, simple, and elegant, with shiny metallic accessories that were further spotlighted against the black, it was a lesson on how to make the absence of colour work in your favour.
And finally, we cannot complete the guest list without mentioning the regional stars that light up our screens. Netflix star Yasmina El-Abd was spotted at the launch in a rich chocolate brown leather set made modest with tights. Whereas actress Laila Zaher attended with her husband and fellow actor Hisham Gamal, in a stunning white cape gown by CHATS by C.DAM. And actress Dorra Zarrouk walked the red carpet in a tastefully done red velvet and lace dress by Sara Mrad.
The night went on with its theme of Tokyo Glam. Toasting to the night, and the future of Dubai dining, was the kagami biraki ritual. A traditional Japanese ritual, it involves opening a cask of sake, celebrating good fortune. Japanese Taiko drummers were also a part of the ceremony, setting the mood and blending in Tokyo Glam with Dubai Drama.
The official public opening of Nobu One Za’abeel will be on Saturday, January 17. While we don’t need reasons to stay out late in Dubai, we’re still glad that Nobu has offered a new reason to.
