Iris, one of Beirut's hottest night spots opened on Yas Island in time for the Formula One earlier this month and now, it is set to open in Dubai in time for National Day. We speak to Tony Habre, the owner of the growing chain.
Q: How did the launch of Iris Yas Island go?
A: To be fully honest, the launch of Iris Yas Island went better than expected and it happened to coincide with the much anticipated race weekend. Before, after and during those three consecutive nights, Iris Yas Island had a full-house of trendy fun-seekers who wanted to discover a new cocktail lounge and spot aswell as recharge their weekend agenda.
Q: What do you think of Yas Island as a venue for one of your night spots?
A: Yas Island is known to be the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi. With this prime location, Yas Island definitely caters to our needs as a brand in terms of broadening and expanding Iris’ exposure among and beyond different nationalities. Yas Island hosts to both tourists and UAE residents alike and provides Iris with an exceptional platform to make its presence, status and concept renowned.
Q: Why is the UAE an attractive environment for your ventures?
A: Iris in Beirut continues to be a favourite among many Lebanese, tourists and UAE residents. So we knew that a brand & a bar/lounge destination would be in great demand in the UAE. The country is also known to be a thriving metropolis that keeps evolving, and Iris will play a promising role. In addition, taking business ventures into consideration, Iris in the UAE provides us with the best of both worlds: an area where we can introduce and launch Iris’ concept to an unfamiliar audience along with a community and a fan-base that is already aware and is fond of the brand.
Q: You fuse quality design with choice venues, what is your opinion of the appreciation of design here in UAE?
A: I am one among many in the UAE that appreciate a venue with a great design. When the amount of time and effort that was put into creating a distinct design is evident, it not only upgrades the venue itself but the brand as well. In my opinion, design and concept are interrelated: refined design reflects a refined concept and vice versa. A trendy venue with a well-pronounced yet authentic design and identity is a long-lasting and significant investment.
Q: Do you intend to function all year round? If so, how will you manage to maintain an open air venue through the summer?
A: Iris Yas Island will be open all year round. With its indoor section showcasing creative works of arts from international painters Iris Yas Island will be constantly available as the go-to city retreat for everyone who wants to cool off during the summer months.
Q: Finally, are there any more projects planned for Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
A: We have many new and exciting projects and ventures planned for the coming calendar. We can’t reveal them yet but, rest assured, it will shake things up and keep up the pace with this fast city.
• Iris Dubai opens on The Rooftop, The Oberoi Hotel Business Bay, on December 1