Louis Vuitton launches first Dubai City Guide with colourful pop-up in the DIFC

For 25 years, the luxury brand has published explainers for global destinations. Now, it's releasing its first for a Middle Eastern city

Louis Vuitton's Dubai City Guide shares insights for visitors, including where to dine and local customs. All photos: Louis Vuitton

The back cover features a shot of Burj Khalifa

The pop-up kiosk in the DIFC is inspired by Paris's traditional newspaper kiosks

The kiosk has been designed in the same pink hue as the guide's cover

Visitors will be able to purchase the new Dubai City Guide, as well as other guides in the series

Louis Vuitton has launched its Dubai City Guide, the first Middle Eastern destination to be featured as part of the ongoing series.

The book showcases the city’s cultural, dining and hospitality highlights, as well as hidden gems, transport information and neighbourhood guides.

It is also the first in the series to include a new "etiquette and good taste" section, offering travellers advice and guidance about local customs, including information on tipping, dress code, the correct way to express thanks, and things to avoid in public, such as taking pictures without permission or excessive displays of affection.

There's also a segment that explains customs and practices that are unique to the city, such as being able to have petrol delivered to your parked vehicle at home, being able to order chauffeurs by text message and the ability to order from some corner shops and cafes by pulling up curbside and beeping your car's horn.

The book has been guest edited by Butheina Kazim, founder of Cinema Akil, the city's first arthouse cinema. Kazim has curated numerous cinema pop-ups across the world, served as a juror at major international film festivals, and produced the award-winning short documentary Letters to Palestine in 2010.

"My city is Dubai. And my life is cinema," she says. "It is a vehicle for stories and images that can reach a wide audience from different communities, ready to exchange, share and discuss, whether you are a spectator, an artist, a journalist or a professional. Dubai is full of talented people, who form a bubbling Babel."

The guide’s cover has been designed in a dusky pink, inspired by the glow of the sunset hitting desert sands.

To mark the release, Louis Vuitton has launched a pop-up kiosk in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre's Gate Village. Inspired by traditional newspaper kiosks dotted along the streets of Paris, the kiosk has been designed in the same pink hue as the guide, with panelling featuring cutwork designed in the brand’s famous pattern.

Set to run until March 17, visitors will be able to learn more about the Dubai City Guide and purchase a copy for Dh170, as well as discover more of the series and other titles published under the brand’s book arm.

Louis Vuitton has been producing city guides since 1998, covering more than 30 global cities. The guides are inspired by the brand's long history with luggage, which began right from its foundation in 1854. Its luxury travel trunks, duffle bags and chests have become a signature of the maison, and the guides are designed to accompany travellers who carry them. Inside, there is a section that offers a deep dive into the maison's luggage styles, as well as a packing guide for items including shoes, suits and dresses.

More recently, an app has been released to accompany the guides, which offers updates and new additions to frequently changing cities.

The brand says each guide is aimed at tourists, residents and business travellers alike.

"There are both palaces and charming boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants and neighbourhood bistros, street markets and upscale food shops, antique shops and designer hubs, museums and boutiques, unmissable monuments and secret spots,” the brand adds.