Hollywood actress Sharon Stone is the Vogue Arabia September issue cover star.
In the glossy images accompanying the interview, she is wearing a range of designs by regional fashion houses.
The actress, 64, is pictured in looks by Ashi Studio, Elie Saab and Rami Al Ali. In one of the two cover images, she is wearing a one-shouldered blue gown with sequinned embellishment by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. Stone also wears looks by international fashion houses Schiaparelli and Alta Moda by Dolce & Gabbana in the shoot, which was inspired by a celebration of "post-pandemic fashion".
The atmospheric images were taken by Italian photographer Nima Benati at American artist Tony Duquette's opulent Los Angeles estate. They accompany an interview with American journalist Hala Gorani, who is a former CNN anchor with Syrian and French heritage.
The "very personal" and "unfiltered" interview has Stone discussing the oppression of women around the world, ageing in Hollywood and her dating life.
“I think I can probably speak for you and the rest of the female planet when I say that there’s a giant effort to make us not feel free and to feel oppressed. And I don’t go for it,” she told the Dubai publication.
In one shot, Stone is posing in a lush garden wearing a red gown with voluminous sleeves by Elie Saab; in another, she is sat in a library on a burnt orange sofa, wearing a baby pink feathered Ashi Studio design.
Stone is the latest Hollywood star to wear Zuhair Murad designs. The Beirut designer is a favourite of Jennifer Lopez, who wore his creations for her recent film, Marry Me, and her Las Vegas wedding with Ben Affleck.
Last month, Stone was one of a throng of celebrities who descended on Sicily, Italy, for the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda shows. She was joined by Mariah Carey, Kris Jenner and Helen Mirren for the fashion extravaganza.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
'The Predator'
Dir: Shane Black
Starring: Olivia Munn, Boyd Holbrook, Keegan-Michael Key
Two and a half stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).