• Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey in a gown by Michael Cinco at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. AFP
    Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey in a gown by Michael Cinco at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. AFP
  • Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi in a custom dress in 2024. AFP
    Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi in a custom dress in 2024. AFP
  • Cambodian actress Yubin Shin wearing a satin ballgown from Cinco's Japan-inspired spring/summer 2024 collection. AFP
    Cambodian actress Yubin Shin wearing a satin ballgown from Cinco's Japan-inspired spring/summer 2024 collection. AFP
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 2017. Getty Images
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 2017. Getty Images
  • The blue off-the-shoulder dress featuring detailed beading, embroidery and a voluminous skirt, is from Cinco's Impalpable Dream of Versailles collection. Getty Images
    The blue off-the-shoulder dress featuring detailed beading, embroidery and a voluminous skirt, is from Cinco's Impalpable Dream of Versailles collection. Getty Images
  • The gown is made up of ultra-violet, midnight blue and red threadwork, and is meant to mimic a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Reuters
    The gown is made up of ultra-violet, midnight blue and red threadwork, and is meant to mimic a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Reuters
  • The elaborate dress took more than 3,000 hours to make, the designer said. Reuters
    The elaborate dress took more than 3,000 hours to make, the designer said. Reuters
  • Indian actress Deepti Sadhwani in a bright yellow crystallised gown in 2024. Getty Images
    Indian actress Deepti Sadhwani in a bright yellow crystallised gown in 2024. Getty Images
  • Danish-Thai actress Sririta Jensen in 2019. Getty Images
    Danish-Thai actress Sririta Jensen in 2019. Getty Images
  • Jensen's coral tulle layered gown was specially made for her by Cinco. Getty Images
    Jensen's coral tulle layered gown was specially made for her by Cinco. Getty Images
  • Israeli TV presenter Hofit Golan at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival in a Cinco dress. Getty Images
    Israeli TV presenter Hofit Golan at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival in a Cinco dress. Getty Images
  • Golan wore a Cinco dress again in 2018. It is from his autumn 2016 collection. Reuters
    Golan wore a Cinco dress again in 2018. It is from his autumn 2016 collection. Reuters
  • Swedish-Thai actress and model Praya Lundberg is another frequent collaborator, wearing a Cinco gown in 2018. Getty Images
    Swedish-Thai actress and model Praya Lundberg is another frequent collaborator, wearing a Cinco gown in 2018. Getty Images
  • Belgian model Rose Bertram in a Cinco creation in 2018. Getty Images
    Belgian model Rose Bertram in a Cinco creation in 2018. Getty Images
  • French model and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere in 2019. Getty Images
    French model and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere in 2019. Getty Images
  • Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in 2019. Getty Images
    Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in 2019. Getty Images
  • Miss Kosovo and Dubai resident Emilia Dobreva in 2022. Reuters
    Miss Kosovo and Dubai resident Emilia Dobreva in 2022. Reuters
  • Indonesian actress Raline Shah in a Cinco dress in 2022. Getty Images
    Indonesian actress Raline Shah in a Cinco dress in 2022. Getty Images
  • Shah's dress features hand-painted patterns inspired by the aurora borealis. Getty Images
    Shah's dress features hand-painted patterns inspired by the aurora borealis. Getty Images
  • Thai fashion personality Nichapat Suphap in a Cinco dress in 2022. Getty Images
    Thai fashion personality Nichapat Suphap in a Cinco dress in 2022. Getty Images
  • Model Natalia Barulich in an embroidered blue and gold Cinco gown in 2022. Getty Images
    Model Natalia Barulich in an embroidered blue and gold Cinco gown in 2022. Getty Images
  • Saudi influencer Eleen Suliman in a yellow Michael Cinco gown on the closing night in 2022. Getty Images
    Saudi influencer Eleen Suliman in a yellow Michael Cinco gown on the closing night in 2022. Getty Images
  • Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela in a Michael Cinco dress on the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Getty Images
    Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela in a Michael Cinco dress on the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Getty Images
  • Thai model and beauty queen Veena Praveenar Singh was seen on the second night on Thursday in a voluminous 'black liquid' gazar gown by Cinco at the premiere of Dossier 137 (Case 137) in 2025. Getty Images
    Thai model and beauty queen Veena Praveenar Singh was seen on the second night on Thursday in a voluminous 'black liquid' gazar gown by Cinco at the premiere of Dossier 137 (Case 137) in 2025. Getty Images

Michael Cinco dresses at Cannes over the years, from Aishwarya Rai to Pia Wurtzbach


  • English
  • Arabic

From his studio in the Dubai Design District, Filipino designer Michael Cinco has been sending his lavish, ornate dresses to some of the biggest events around the world. His creations have been worn by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, Madonna, Mariah Carey and others.

But the Cannes Film Festival holds a special place in Cinco's heart. Ever since Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore his design – a voluminous blue gown from his Impalpable Dream of Versailles collection – in 2017, Cinco has been dressing some of the biggest stars to have walked the red carpet at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals.

Cinco collaborated with Rai Bachchan once again the following year, with the actress and L'Oreal ambassador wearing a butterfly-inspired dress featuring a three-metre-long train. The crystal-smothered ensemble took 3,000 hours to craft and was meant to represent a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.

“It has been always my dream to see A-list Hollywood and international stars wearing my couture creations on the red carpet,” Cinco tells The National. “Watching these glamorous actresses from all over the world in Michael Cinco is a dream come true.”

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the butterfly-inspired dress by Cinco at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. AFP
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the butterfly-inspired dress by Cinco at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. AFP

This year is no different. Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela attended the opening ceremony of the long-running film festival in a stunning kaleidoscopic gown, which Cinco said was inspired by the vibrant mosaics of Mexican art. The colourful gown featured a bustle at the hip, led by a dramatic train in tulle.

Michael Cinco dressed Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela for the Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Michael Cinco
Michael Cinco dressed Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela for the Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Michael Cinco

Thai model and beauty queen Veena Praveenar Singh was seen on the second night on Thursday in a voluminous "black liquid" gazar gown at the premiere of Dossier 137 (Case 137).

Last year, Cambodian actress Yubin Shin wore a voluminous “black liquid” dress for the premiere of the black comedy Kinds of Kindness, by Oscar-nominated director Yorgos Lanthimos. The satin ball gown is from Cinco's Japan-inspired spring/summer 2024 collection.

Indian actress Deepti Sadhwani was spotted in a Cinco creation, a bright yellow crystallised gown, at the premiere of Bird, starring Barry Keoghan.

Cinco also collaborated with model and former Miss Kosovo Emilia Dobreva, whom he's dressed at Cannes before. Dobreva wore a look from the Cinco's spring/summer 2004 collection, a shimmering black satin number.

Also last year, Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi attended the premiere Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (The Count of Monte Cristo) in a striking custom-made blue gown by Cinco. The shimmering gown was accentuated by sculptural swirls that broke out on the side and extended in a dramatic train.

Reality show star Farhana Bodi at the premiere of The Count of Monte Cristo in 2024. Reuters
Reality show star Farhana Bodi at the premiere of The Count of Monte Cristo in 2024. Reuters

Also at the premiere of The Count of Monte Cristo was former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, who wore a voluminous princess gown in pale blue designed by Cinco.

The satin ballgown featured a sheer upper and sleeves embedded with Swarovski crystals all over. Cinco said the dress was custom-made for the Filipina model, who he's dressed on many occasions.

Filipina model and former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey in a Cinco dress in 2024. Getty Images
Filipina model and former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey in a Cinco dress in 2024. Getty Images

Cinco, who moved to Dubai from the Philippines in 1997, established his namesake label in 2003. While a bulk of his customers – about 90 per cent, he estimates – are from the Gulf, with the rest primarily from Russia, Europe and the US, his influence is growing thanks to high-profile events such as the Cannes Film Festival.

“My dream to become a designer started when I was a kid,” Cinco told The National in 2019. “I loved watching classic Hollywood films. One of the best films I've ever watched was My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn, and that inspired me. It was like a dream, with the most beautiful costumes I'd ever seen in my life. When I watched that movie, I knew I would be a fashion designer some day.”

A version of this story was first published on May 24, 2024

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, last-16, second leg (first-leg scores in brackets):

PSG (2) v Manchester United (0)

Midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports

Fast%20X
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Louis%20Leterrier%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vin%20Diesel%2C%20Michelle%20Rodriguez%2C%20Jason%20Statham%2C%20Tyrese%20Gibson%2C%20Ludacris%2C%20Jason%20Momoa%2C%20John%20Cena%2C%20Jordana%20Brewster%2C%20Nathalie%20Emmanuel%2C%20Sung%20Kang%2C%20Brie%20Larson%2C%20Helen%20Mirren%20and%20Charlize%20Theron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
2021 World Triathlon Championship Series

May 15: Yokohama, Japan
June 5: Leeds, UK
June 24: Montreal, Canada
July 10: Hamburg, Germany
Aug 17-22: Edmonton, Canada (World Triathlon Championship Final)
Nov 5-6 : Abu Dhabi, UAE
Date TBC: Chengdu, China

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

Greatest Royal Rumble results

John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match

Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto

Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus

Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal

Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos

Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe

AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out

The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match

Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last

Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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The%20BaaS%20ecosystem
%3Cp%3EThe%20BaaS%20value%20chain%20consists%20of%20four%20key%20players%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsumers%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20End-users%20of%20the%20financial%20product%20delivered%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDistributors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Also%20known%20as%20embedders%2C%20these%20are%20the%20firms%20that%20embed%20baking%20services%20directly%20into%20their%20existing%20customer%20journeys%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEnablers%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Usually%20Big%20Tech%20or%20FinTech%20companies%20that%20help%20embed%20financial%20services%20into%20third-party%20platforms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProviders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Financial%20institutions%20holding%20a%20banking%20licence%20and%20offering%20regulated%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Example heady

Blah blah blah

Generation Start-up: Awok company profile

Started: 2013

Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev

Sector: e-commerce

Size: 600 plus

Stage: still in talks with VCs

Principal Investors: self-financed by founder

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

ENGLAND%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pickford%20(Everton)%2C%20Pope%20(Newcastle)%2C%20Ramsdale%20(Arsenal)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chilwell%20(Chelsea)%2C%20Dier%20(Tottenham)%2C%20Guehi%20(Crystal%20Palace)%2C%20James%20(Chelsea)%2C%20Maguire%20(Man%20United)%2C%20Shaw%20(Man%20United)%2C%20Stones%20(Man%20City)%2C%20Trippier%20(Newcastle)%2C%20Walker%20(Man%20City)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBellingham%20(Dortmund)%2C%20Gallagher%20(Chelsea)%2C%20Henderson%20(Liverpool)%2C%20Maddison%20(Leicester)%2C%20Mount%20(Chelsea)%2C%20Phillips%20(Man%20City)%2C%20Declan%20Rice%20(West%20Ham)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EForwards%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFoden%20(Man%20City)%2C%20Grealish%20(Man%20City)%2C%20Kane%20(Tottenham)%2C%20Rashford%20(Man%20United)%2C%20Saka%20(Arsenal)%2C%20Toney%20(Brentford)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Al Jazira's foreign quartet for 2017/18

Romarinho, Brazil

Lassana Diarra, France

Sardor Rashidov, Uzbekistan

Mbark Boussoufa, Morocco

'The Ice Road'

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Liam Neeson, Amber Midthunder, Laurence Fishburne

2/5

How%20champions%20are%20made
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Mubalada World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule

Thursday December 27

Men's quarter-finals

Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm

Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm

Women's exhibition

Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm

Friday December 28

5th place play-off 3pm

Men's semi-finals

Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm

Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm

Saturday December 29

3rd place play-off 5pm

Men's final 7pm

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20myZoi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Syed%20Ali%2C%20Christian%20Buchholz%2C%20Shanawaz%20Rouf%2C%20Arsalan%20Siddiqui%2C%20Nabid%20Hassan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2037%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Initial%20undisclosed%20funding%20from%20SC%20Ventures%3B%20second%20round%20of%20funding%20totalling%20%2414%20million%20from%20a%20consortium%20of%20SBI%2C%20a%20Japanese%20VC%20firm%2C%20and%20SC%20Venture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

The language of diplomacy in 1853

Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity Agreed Upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast on Behalf of Themselves, Their Heirs and Successors Under the Mediation of the Resident of the Persian Gulf, 1853
(This treaty gave the region the name “Trucial States”.)


We, whose seals are hereunto affixed, Sheikh Sultan bin Suggar, Chief of Rassool-Kheimah, Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon, Chief of Aboo Dhebbee, Sheikh Saeed bin Buyte, Chief of Debay, Sheikh Hamid bin Rashed, Chief of Ejman, Sheikh Abdoola bin Rashed, Chief of Umm-ool-Keiweyn, having experienced for a series of years the benefits and advantages resulting from a maritime truce contracted amongst ourselves under the mediation of the Resident in the Persian Gulf and renewed from time to time up to the present period, and being fully impressed, therefore, with a sense of evil consequence formerly arising, from the prosecution of our feuds at sea, whereby our subjects and dependants were prevented from carrying on the pearl fishery in security, and were exposed to interruption and molestation when passing on their lawful occasions, accordingly, we, as aforesaid have determined, for ourselves, our heirs and successors, to conclude together a lasting and inviolable peace from this time forth in perpetuity.

Taken from Britain and Saudi Arabia, 1925-1939: the Imperial Oasis, by Clive Leatherdale

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The biog

Marital status: Separated with two young daughters

Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo

Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian

Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness

Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon

SHAITTAN
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVikas%20Bahl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjay%20Devgn%2C%20R.%20Madhavan%2C%20Jyothika%2C%20Janaki%20Bodiwala%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The Outsider

Stephen King, Penguin

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Updated: May 16, 2025, 7:46 AM