ACCOMMODATION

The first residents have moved into the Armani Residences inside Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Emaar Properties, the developer of the mixed-use tower, has handed over homes to buyers of the designer apartments and one of the new residents, Sarah Belhasa, has shown Arabian Business TV around her home.

Eight food and beverage outlets, with indoor and al fresco facilities. Spectacular views of Burj Dubai. Themed restaurants, specially trained associates and exceptional ambience A celebration of the finest flavours in cuisine awaits visitors at the eight food and beverage outlets operating within The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the latest addition to the five-star hotel offerings in Dubai. Located at the heart of Downtown Burj Dubai, The Address,Downtown Burj Dubai is the flagship hotel by Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties.

While the first batch of visitors was busy drinking in the view from the observatory deck, a German visitor chose to propose to his girlfriend

Bashir Hiridjee's purchase of Armani Residences 1218 is not a mere bricks-and-mortar investment. "Living in the Burj Khalifa is truly a privilege. Living in an Armani Residence is magical since you are treated like a prince.

Giorgio explained the was surprised when Mohammed Alabbar asked him to do this hotel project in Dubai. “My thinking is less is more, and Dubai was being called the Las Vegas of the desert. I couldn’t understand why he wanted this hotel in Dubai.” Alabbar himself told me it took “two years” to persuade him to sign up!

While most of these projects are still under construction, a few such as the Dusit Residence Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residences and the Armani Burj Khalifa Residences have proved popular despite the downturn.

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani categorically denies press reports that the luxury hotel brand is planning to develop a hotel in Russia's Caucasus region, a company statement said on Monday. The Armani group opened its first 160-room luxury hotel in April in 2010 in Dubai in the highest tower in the world, Bourj Khalifa, and plans to open similar developments in other countries.

In spring, Missoni opened Hotel Missoni Kuwait (00 965 2577 0000; www.hotelmissoni.com). Double rooms in a riot of multi-coloured zigzags and stripes start at £245, room only. On 10 November, Giorgio Armani will open the second Armani Hotel in Milan at 31 via Manzoni (www.armanihotels.com).

Deborah Staines, Residential Sales Consultant, Head Office, Better Homes, told Emirates Business: "We estimate that around 70 per cent of the apartments in Downtown Dubai are occupied, though we understand that demand exceeds supply within the development. Occupancy has definitely increased since rentals have became more affordable."

Under the new ratings, five-star hotels will have three categories - Platinum, Gold and Silver. The criteria for other hotels categories, ranging from four- to one-star properties, have also been overhauled. Hotel apartments will now be rated in three categories (Basic, Standard and Deluxe) instead of two.