Rich pickings for the stars

DUBAI // You might think that most movie stars already have it all. But even though they could afford such luxuries themselves, celebrities who attend the Dubai International Film Festival will each be treated to free goodies worth Dh82,000 (US$22,300). A suite open to only the most privileged has giveaways ranging from a week-long break in Bora Bora to high fashion, make-up and even a laser-cut image of themselves carved onto a crystal block.

The gift lounge in the Al Qasr hotel has been set up by DPA, a company that runs similar ventures at the Cannes film festival and the Golden Globes in America. Companies exhibiting in the suite said having an A-list star wearing their goods or holidaying in their resort was priceless advertising. Actors, jury members and TV presenters will be invited to help themselves from tables groaning with goodies, from cameras and mobile phones to dresses and perfumes.

While stars are invited to choose whatever they like, over-indulging is frowned upon. Only leading actors such as Matt Dillon and Ranbir Kapoor will be invited to take the Dh15,000 holidays at the St Regis or Dubai Pearl resorts in French Polynesia, frequented by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria and Bill Gates. [e-mail]