Lebanese writer wins international prize for “The Druze of Belgrade”

By Alison Flood
Rabee Jaber is the youngest recipient of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction

Lebanese author awarded International Prize for Arabic Fiction

A Lebanese author has won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction for his novel depicting life of a Christian egg seller after war, in exile and during imprisonment. The prize is a prestigious Arabic literary award, affiliated with the Booker Prize Foundation in London.

Rabee Jaber was awarded the prize for his novel titled The Druze of Belgrade. The author’s second historical novel is set directly after the 1860 civil war. It explores Lebanese identity when a Christian egg seller is forced to take the place of an exiled Druze fighter, accused of killing Christians. (more…)

“Where Do We Go Now?”

By Nana Asfour
Nadine Labaki’s latest film was inspired by disturbing events in Lebanon on May 7th, 2008.

Assi Hilani frustrated that his own kids prefer Justin Bieber

Caulete Polis, wife of prominent Lebanese singer Assi Hilani, revealed that her children do not show off that their father is a famous singer and they prefer to listen to music by singer Justin Bieber. Caulete added that Assi sometimes gets irritated by that and he scolds his children telling them that he is their father and they should prefer listening to him instead of someone else. (more…)

Massari’s sex appeal the motivation behind his hardcore workouts

By Monique Savin
For R&B singer Massari, sculpting a tight, sinewy package is a job requirement.

Lebanese designer Rania Salibi wins Oscar Challenge

Couture designer Rania Salibi took the nod from America’s fashionistas to win the Oscar Designer Challenge, a competition to design an original gown to be worn on-stage by a presenter escort at the live telecast of the Academy Awards, sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. (more…)

Noor Fares: Upcoming Lebanese jewelry designer

Jewelry by Lebanese designer Noor Fares, currently available at stores in Los Angeles, London and Beirut, will be expanding to cover Dubai in 2010.

Fares, whose clients include the likes of Zaha Hadid, Francesco Clemente and Camilla Al Fayed, plans to eventually open her own boutiques in major cities around the world.

“I am looking at the Middle East and European markets. I will collaborate with fashion designers too,” said Fares, daughter of former deputy prime minister of Lebanon Issam Fares. Christie’s will be auctioning one of Fares’s pieces in Dubai.

“It is a sculptural piece, which is a combination of jewelery and art. It is made of wood, gold and colorless diamonds. I use a lot of wood in my works because in a lot of cultures around the world wood denotes good luck.” Her pieces range from $70 to $40,000. (Emirates Business)