DUBAI: Since hair and make-up are as important as the hat and outfit at the Dubai World Cup, business is roaring for salon owners.
So much so that many parlours in the city are fully booked ahead of the UAE’s biggest social event. Some said they are working overtime to get their clients ready for the Style Stakes where prizes worth Dh30,000 are up for grabs.
The Beauty Bar said make-up artists and hair stylists at their DIFC and Business Bay outlets have had their hands full since last week due to the unprecedented demand. “We had to offer home services and extend our working hours. “We used to open at 10am and close by 11pm, but since March 24 we are operating from 9:30am till past midnight,” said a staff. “On race day (March 31) alone we have 65 hair appointments between 10am and 1pm across our two branches,” she said.
Coping with rush
Richard Azarian, manager at Hair Concept Salon in Dubai Marina Mall said they have hired part-time staff to cope with the rush. “This year has been the busiest for us. We have roped in freelance hair stylists and make-up artists to help us during the weekend,” said Azarian.
According to him, messy buns and loose beach curls are in vogue this time around. Charges vary from Dh85 to Dh350 depending on the style and length of the hair.
UAE-based salon chain Tips and Toes which has 15 branches across the city, said their outlets in Business Bay, Arabian Ranches, The Greens, Meadows and Al Barsha are booked throughout the day.
“Nail care, hair removal and hair grooming top the list of demands, ” said Nawal Jarges, operations director, Tips and Toes Middle East.
Nail services here range from Dh73 to Dh215, while hair styling costs between Dh84 and Dh682.
Dubai-based make-up artist Alina Rangila said she has 12 morning bookings for March 31. “It’s a big day for fashionistas and everyone wants to look their best,” she said.
“Hair and make-up can make or break your day, more so at the races where you have to brave a long day standing in the sun,” said a woman who has signed up for a Dh2,500 makeover session.
The complete schedule of world’s richest horse race
Race 1: Godolphin Mile, 3.45pm
Distance: 1,600 metres on dirt
What: Thoroughbred horses between 3-year-old and 4-year-old horses.
Race 2: Dubai Kahayla Classic, 4.15pm
Distance: 2,000 metres on dirt
What: The only Purebred Arabian horse race.
Race 3: Dubai Gold Cup, 4.50pm
Distance: 3,200 metres on turf
What: This is the longest race for horses over three years old.
Race 4: UAE Derby, 5.30pm
Distance: 1,900 metres on dirt
What: UAE Derby is considered one of the most prestigious races in the world. The race is thought to be the equivalent of Grand Slam tournaments for golf.
Race 5: Al Quoz Sprint, 6.05pm
Distance: 1,200 metres on turf.
What: This race is true test of a horse’s ability as it is a sprint. The winner of this race is considered the fastest horse in the world.
Race 6: Dubai Golden Shaheen, 6.40pm
Distance: 1,200 metres on dirt
What: Similar to the Al Quoz Sprint, Dubai Golden Shaheen is a test of the winning horse’s stamina.
Race 7: Dubai Turf, 7.35pm
Distance: 1,800 metres on turf
What: This and the following race, Longiness Dubai Sheema Classic, are considered richest joint races in the world.
Race 8: Longiness Dubai Sheema Classic, 8.10pm
Distance: 2,400 metres on turf
What: While it is run on turf, only pure breeds of horses above the ages of four are allowed to participate in the ‘most challenging’ race.
Race 9: Dubai World Cup, 8.50pm
Distance: 2,000 metres on dirt
What: The grand finale race, which is by invite only (for participants), carries a prize of $10 million. The invites to the 10 ‘finest’ horses in the world are sent out in January every year.
(With inputs from Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features writer, Gulf News)
