The former Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba kicked off Vogue Café's launch party in Dubai Mall yesterday evening.
"It's always nice to come back to Dubai and support my friends," said the 35-year-old Galatasaray striker. "I love being here, especially right now when the weather is so bad in Europe."
Also at the red-carpet opening of Condé Nast's first restaurant in the region were members of the international fashion pack, including models Karolina Kurkova and Petra Nemcova. The pair rubbed shoulders with the UAE's haute couture elite, such as designer Rami Al Ali.
"I think it's more than just a cafe, it's a huge statement," said Mr Al Ali. "To open in a mall to service the local clientele is important. I think it will be very positively received and will be the new hangout."
If successful, the venue could be the first of many, said Stuart Nielsen, director of restaurants for Conde Nast International.
"The Middle East is a very exciting market for us and one that we are proud to be a part of," he said. "We will soon be announcing further expansion plans within the UAE."
The crowd of about 300 guests tucked into Maine lobster spring rolls, mini-burgers and bite-sized strawberry cheesecakes.
"Well, I expected there would also be a lot of salad served tonight, Vogue style, of course," joked Drogba. "Which would have been fine because I have to stick to my diet anyway."
