Last night Dubai launched its latest luxury hotel with a $20-million (about R211-million) party attended by more than 2000 business leaders, politicians, actors, musicians and members of the Dubai royal family. A spectacular fireworks display delighted all - including Charlize Theron, Kylie Minogue, Robert de Niro, Shirley Bassey and the host, South African billionnaire, hotel and gambling tycoon Sol Kerzner. Guests dined on a 22860m² custom-built deck with a 42,7 metre stage. The menu included lobster and Arabic cuisine prepared by about 500 chefs. Atlantis The Palm Hotel is located at the trunk-top of the Palm Jumeirah, one of three palm-shaped islands. The 1539-room hotel is made up of two pale rose towers, which are linked by a bridge which houses a $35 000-a-night suite. The hotel opened unofficially on 24 September and has had an occupancy rate of 80%. It was inspired by the original Atlantis that Sol built in the Bahamas. It has the largest waterpark in the Middle East and an aquarium in which 65000 fish, along with a whale shark, swim in 11-million litres of water.
The two-day party, labelled the biggest party of the 21st century, was organised by celebrity party planner Colin Cowie. Colin grew up in East London. His mother, Gloria, and one of sisters, Anne, live in East-London, while his other sister, Janet, lives in Port Elizabeth. Colin used companies from India, Dubai, Paris, New York and Los Angeles for about a year, to organise the successful event. Colin's next project is his own US TV show and the launch of his new book, Colin Cowie's Wedding Chic. He lives in Manhattan.
