One&Only One Za’abeel rocks Dubai at mega Grand Opening party

The One&Only One Za’abeel is officially open after the twin-towered luxury hotel threw Dubai’s biggest bash of 2024 so far.

The incredible weekend of entertainment saw Jennifer Lopez give a spontaneous performance at the Sphere in the world’s highest cantilever, The Link, alongside seven-time Grammy award-winning DJ and record producer Mark Ronson, as well as a brunch at StreetXO hosted by three-starred Michelin chef and Best Chef in the World, Dabiz Muñoz.

The entertainment was matched by the A-list attendees from the biggest names in the worlds of film, music, fashion, and sport that included, Naomi Campbell, Vanessa Hudgens, Idris Elba, Emma Raducanu, Mohammed Al Turki, Ramla Ali and Nicola Roberts.

Celebrations began on Friday as guests enjoyed welcome drinks at the new French-Mediterranean restaurant, Aelia, culminating in a live performance by Lebanese pop star, Nancy Ajram at rooftop pool club, Tapasake.

Saturday kicked off with a Rosé Pool Brunch at the same venue where guests tucked into a specially curated menu of Japanese fusion food including ceviche, oysters, wagyu tataki and tiradito before returning to their Glam Suites to get ready for the night ahead with a team of makeup artists from renowned beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury.

The red carpet was the place to be as Jennifer Lopez wore a full look Giambattista Valli, comprising a black satin strapless dress and cape with Naomi Campbell showcasing a Bulgari diamond jewellery and wearing a black beaded full-length dress by couturier Ali Karoui.

Sunday saw the curtain fall on the celebrations with a brunch at StreetXO, the cutting-edge concept restaurant by Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz. Guests were tempted by wagyu and scallop croquettes, Mexican and Hamachi sashimi, grilled octopus tacos and Muñoz’s unique take on a club sandwich.

To commemorate the event, a show of record-breaking 3D video-mapping projections - now the longest projection mapping in the world - glittered across the glass exterior of the new resort and landmark structure.