A Lost City Rises, Giving Birth to an Icon

The Atlantis story has been a myth and legend—lost for millennia, captivating the imagination of historians, relic hunters, and romantics over the ages who dream about finding this lost city and all its treasures lying somewhere in the depths of the vast oceans. Now, through the past week’s celebrations, this mythical island has risen from the depths of the Arabian Gulf in Dubai.

In the City of Dubai, cultures co-exist in harmony providing a welcoming and multi-national environment in this region. Benefitting from excellent year round weather, Dubai marries a rich heritage with a forward-thinking modernity. From its unspoiled camel filled deserts to lush parks and pristine beaches it is one of the most talked about cities in the world. So when Sol Kerzner, with the reputation for providing some of the world’s most renowned hotels and resorts, as Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International partnered with His Excellency Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel got together they built the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah.

The Palm Jumeirah has God-given blue Arabian Gulf waters and cranes at every single turn that have erected a simply jaw-dropping playground, from the sea upward, that embodies the pioneering spirit of Dubai that is bold and driven by a vision of success.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai was celebrated by three days of magical bliss atop of Royal Pool decks, in Lost Chambers and under Arabian skies complete with a King’s Feast, live performances, A-list celebrities/sports figures and a new world record in the category of fireworks display by the legendary Grucci family which illuminated the entire Palm Jumeirah (so much so it was reported to have been six times larger than the numbers used at the opening of Beijing Olympics totaling a cost of close to $10 million dollars).

With 1539 guest rooms and suites, complete with 3,000 members of staff and the largest water park in Arabia, the seventeen restaurants, bars and lounges, the Dolphin Bay, a Shark Filled Lagoon, 65,000 representatives of marine animals and The Lost Chambers are only the beginning of this momentous resort.

Attending Atlantis opening were star-studded celebrities including Mischa Barton, Charlize Theron, Chris Tucker, Quincy Jones, Robert Deniro, Michael Jordan, Melanie Griffiths, Antonio Banderas, Bob Johnson, legendary Arabic performer Nawal Al Zoghbi, Mary Kate Olson, DJ Samantha Ronson, Hugh Jackman, Janet Jackson, Petra Nemcova, Jermaine Dupree, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Lindsay Lohan, former Miss World Priyanka Chopra as ‘The Goddess of Atlantis’, and Kylie Minogue offered an electric performance in her first Middle East appearance that was so electrifying it was performed twice in two days within the region.

Sports figures, billionaires, millionaires, Sheikhs’ and members of the Royal Family gathered for one glamorous event after another on three consecutive magical nights. And with the attendance of every major world news network, the opening celebrations planned by Colin Cowie were well documented as guests mingled, made new friends, sipped Veuve Clicquot Champagne and enjoyed signature feasts from master chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Santi Santamaria, French chef Michel Rostang and Giorgio Locatelli.

A new level in nightlife fun was enjoyed by late nighters who stopped by Sanctuary, the state-of-the-art Atlantis dance club. Sanctuary has an outdoor terrace and bar, a huge velvet room, and an enormous main dance floor where DJ Samantha Ronson kept us all rocking to her beats while girlfriend Lindsay Lohan sat adoringly by (in-between their very public quarrels). Also the queen of dancehall DJ Donna Cruz, a New York beauty and India native took us all into the early morning hours.

Obviously fashion duds and designs were crucial over these days. And besides traditional Arabic dress and black tie garb designs from Alexander McQueen, Ungaro, Giambattista Valli, Naeem Khan, Versace, Christian LaCroix, Lanvin, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel and Carolina Herrera to name just a few all surfaced. And trust me I know because all were so stunning I simply had to ask. Also local Arab regional designers were represented including Wallid Atallah and Manish Malhotra of India. This eclectic crowd also wore sparkling Graff, Harry Winston and Tiffany & Co diamonds and watches along with pearls of every imaginable color were worn including those cultured by Paspaley.

It has been said, “Build it and they will come.” And come they did from around the world by land, air and yachts. Many friends and supporters of Dubai, Kertzner International and partner Naheel were on hand to support this new wonder called Atlantis, The Palm.

The schedule:

A Welcoming Reception held in The Royal Towers Grand Lobby which features a dramatic domed ceiling with a large Dale Chihuly glass sculpture that reaches skyward surrounded by a reflection pool and a wall of windows providing unforgettable views of the Arabian Gulf and the azure waters of The Palm Jumeirah. Guests wore requested cocktail attire here.

The Birth of an Icon unveiling on The Royal Pool Deck set the Arabian sky ablaze. Party-planner and designer extraordinaire Colin Cowie created an extravagant evening including an 20-thousand square meter visual illumination journey of Atlantis’ fantasy and wonder. Guests wore requested National Dress or Black Tie.

Poseidon’s Court was a moving cocktail reception as we meandered through the Lost Chambers and strolled amongst the 65,000 marine animals stopping at various eating stations and cocktail bars along the way concluding with dinner and a program at Nobu Restaurant. Guests attire – Resort Chic

So if the opportunity arises and for those seeking high-octane excitement consider Dubai. Nothing competes with the vast playground in and specifically for impact and impression; few places in the world compare to Atlantis, The Palm where water meets wonder and where through the vision of two great partnerships a legacy has been created to be enjoyed for generations to come.

-Jaci Wilson-Reid