Gulf News is at the biggest party of the year anywhere on the planet.
tabloid! editor Leisha Petrys will be manning the red carpet while staff reporter Kevin Scott is inside the party. Photographer Megan Hirons will be filing pictures from the red carpet and the fireworks display.
If you want to comment, or send a question to our reporters then scroll to the bottom of the page and fill in the form.
3am: Adam Flinter, web editor
Photographs of the Atlantis light and firework display are now on the site. Click here to see them, and click here to visit the Atlantis Party special section.
1.55am: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
As the night draws on, we get to the inevitable Dxb related questions. Mischa Barton has just told me that Dubai is amazing and when I asked Lindsay Lohan the same question she said yes, with a huge smile on her face.
Wesley Snipes said he can't wait to hit the slopes of Ski Dubai, so watch out for him if you're planning a snow session this weekend.
And with those pearls of wisdom I will sign off and enjoy the rest of the party of the year.
I've been told pictures of the fireworks will be on the website as soon as Megan can struggle through the post-display traffic and get into the office.
12.54am: Adam Flinter, web editor
If you took some particularly good shots of the fireworks and you want to share them with us, then why not upload them by clicking on this link to submit them to us. We'll feature a selection of them on Sunday.
12.50am: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was one of the people blown away. He just said he will now struggle to choose between staying in his villa and the Atlantis hotel.
12.48am: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Atlantis has its critics, but that was simply breathtaking. An incredible illumination and fireworks display.
You'll have to see the pictures when they are filed to get some idea of the scale, but it was immense.
12.22am: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Kylie has finished her set, and the fireworks are apparently happening very soon.
So if you're in Dubai. Go outside, or look outside now!
12.14am: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
Kylie reels off her international megahit 'Can't get you out of my head' before slowing things right down with a fairly meaty cover of Barbara Streisand's 'Someday, somewhere'.
The dancers come back onto the stage and Kylie launches into an older song 'Better the Devil You Know'
12.06am: Adam Flinter, web editor
The latest timing is that the fireworks will be on around 12.30-ish. After Kylie basically.
So if things go very quiet for a while. It's because we'll all be standing watching them (as should you if you are in Dubai).
But for those who aren't, we'll be putting up pictures as soon as we can.
11.59m: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Kylie launches into her hit 'Spinning Around' after a costume change. They did not allow anyone to take cameras into the party so I'll try to describe what she is wearing now.
Kylie is clad in a sequinned hot pink shirt, a loosely tied black tie and sequinned black pants.
The next number is kids. There is no sign of Robbie, but there is sign of Kylie's costume getting smaller as she peels off a layer.
11.44pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Kylie has just appeared on stage and she is wearing a black and gold corset and pants, designed by John Paul Gaultier (last time I rely on reliable information)
She opened the night with the...erm appropriate...'On a night like this' and moved onto 'Your disco needs you'.
11.40pm: Adam Flinter, web editor
Lula has asked if it is possible to get entry. Not sure if you mean to the Palm or to the party. But both ways I think the answer is no. The $20m party was 2,500 people, exclusive invite only and entry to the Palm island is still restricted.
11.25pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoghby has taken to the stage in a glittering silver dress, surrounded by several black clad dancers. Kylie will be on after her.
Gulf News has not been allowed to take a photographer inside, so I guess we'll have to wait for Atlantis' own press pics.
11.18pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Things are indeed running a little behind schedule at the moment, but we are hoping to see Ms Minogue on stage very soon.
I am reliably informed she will be wearing a gold and black Yves Saint Laurent dress.
11pm: Adam Flinter, web editor
For Wade and the other Kylie fans out there. The pop princess has yet to appear on stage, but after she does we'll let you know what she wore. And for those who asked...the fireworks are scheduled for midnight-ish. But I think things may be running a little late.
10.40pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
A waiter at Atlantis said he would help me to find Robert De Niro's table so I can try to get an interview with him, and maybe be the 10,000,000th person to say 'Are you talkin to me' to him.
10.15pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Things have quietened down as the guests are all having dinner. The hotel is lit up with mosaic style lights and Sol Kerzner is addressing the crowd.
A roar goes up from the Aussies in the crowd whenever Kylie's name is mentioned, and Sol says 'only' $20m has been spent on the party.
9.37pm: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
The original Fergie (as in the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, not Sir Alex Ferguson or pop star Fergie) has walked past, as did Priyanka Chopra who is understandably nervous about her role as the official 'Goddess of Atlantis'.
She said she just hoped she could maintain her composure on stage when the fireworks and light show were going off around her.
Oprah's best friend Gail King also arrived and told the crowd that the chat show queen had been really looking forward to coming to the party and was disappointed she had to cancel.
9.26pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
When I was a humble reporter in Scotland I was unsure about moving to the UAE but reading Richard Branson's book encouraged me to take risks in life.
Three years later I have just personally thanked Sir Richard at Atlantis and he now wants to be the godfather to any children I may have. A touching Dubai moment??
It doesn't last for long...a gorgeous looking Charlize Theron has just occupied his attention. I can't really compete with that can I?
9.13pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
I tracked down the fellow kilted guest, who was apparently chatting to Kylie by the pool and I'm reliably informed that she loves Scotsmen and wants a dance later. A Gulf News exclusive by way of mistaken identity?
Celebrities and the cream of Dubai society are mingling well. I wonder if they're talking about fame or Salik?
9.04pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Lindsay Lohan, basketball legend Michael Jordan and songstress Natalie Imbruglia have all appeared inside the party. Cuban beats are now playing in the background (obviously not part of the story of Atlantis) and the party atmosphere is growing by the minute.
9.02pm: Adam Flinter, web editor
We will bring you pictures of the celebs gracing the red carpet as soon as they get sent into the Gulf News offices. Problem is that we were only allowed to send one photographer, so she obviously can't leave the red carpet until the last designer clad celebrity heel has entered the party.
8.50pm: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
The pool was obviously the hotspot at Atlantis today as Jade Jagger also revealed she spent the day soaking up the sun with Lyndsay, Samantha and Lily Allen.
Quincy Jones told the waiting press pack that he too has been to Dubai several times before.
8.40pm: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
Kylie herself - clad in a pink and black floaty affair by New York designer Milly - has just walked the red carpet and said it was 'feels pretty groovy' to be the Goddess of Atlantis.
Mary Kate Olsen didn't stop for a chat, but Dame Shirley Bassey revealed she has been to Dubai a couple of times before.
She also said she'd resist the urge to jump on the stage, insisting she was happy to sit back and watch another pro in action'.
8.35pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
Guests have moved outside now and are confronted by an enormous stage.
On a more surreal note, massive pink dragons and jellyfish are snaking (is that the right word??) through the crowds offering culinary delights from mega chefs Giorgio Locatello and Nobu Matsuhisa.
Dozens of men are dressed as gladiators as the story of Atlantis is told (the legend that is, not the building of this hotel)
8.33pm: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
Style guru Trinny Woodall, from the BBC's What not to Wear programme has just been giving out credit crunch tips for fashionistas (I'll write in detail about that in tabloid!).
While Lily Allen revealed she spent the day lazing by the pool with Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan (tough life), she did however add that she felt a bit body conscious next to the svelte Lohan.
8.10pm: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
The red carpet parade has started. Rhys Ifans walked straight through and didn't talk to anyone but the man who organised the party Colin Cowie said it would be hard for him to top this event (but of course he is for hire if anyone wants to try!)
Pop star Lilly Allen is looking elegant in an electric blue floor length dress.
7.55pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
The assembled guests are in the lobby waiting for the party to start and they've just been joined by the first celebrity.
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, of Notting Hill fame, has turned up.
The worst news of the evening comes with the sighting of a man in a kilt. This kilted reporter's novelty value for the evening has now been shattered.
7.30pm: Leisha Petrys, tabloid! editor
The red carpet walk is going to begin soon. Denzil Washington's name is not on the briefing notes. I'm not sure when Oprah pulled out but her name was not on the 'leaked' guest list either.
People we are being told to expect on the red carpet include Shah Rukh Khan, Bob Geldof, Dame Shirley Bassey, model Agyness Deyn and 300 actor Gerard Butler.
7.19pm: Adam Flinter, web editor
Having recently seen a piece on the news wire from Ben Affleck in the DR Congo, one has to doubt whether he will be at the Atlantis party either.
7.10pm: Kevin Scott, staff reporter
The press have finally arrived at Atlantis after a two hour wait in a car park, two bus journeys, metal detectors, sniffer dogs and major traffic delays at the Palm.
The first news is that one of the most glamorous stars will not be here. Oprah Winfrey has stayed in the US because of the threat being caused to her home by the wildfires in California.
Your comments
I watched the fireworks from 23rd floor of the new Rotana hotel facing the palm, and really Dubai never seizes to amaze!! It was spectacular and I don't think I'll see anything of this perfection ever. Simply Genius.. Bravo Dubai..
Anthony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 02:49
Why do we place a monetary value on an event? Because there will never be another one like it means it will not be a part of history, but purely a waste of money ! I know you only want favourable comments - but some reality would not go a miss in this country and it should be advertised so all sake.
Richard
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 02:44
Nothing to be proud of. On one hand 20 million bucks are spent on the launch party and on the other hand people are dying out of hunger, mothers in Pakistan are selling their kids because they can't afford to feed them. Earthquake is causing a great disaster and the people are suffeing because of the wars. Is it justified to spend that much money on a stupid launch or should it be spent on welfare of such people. Think about it you all celebrities.
Sana
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 02:43
Breathtaking fireworks. Saw them from my balcony.
Dana
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 01:30
How early can see pictures of Atlantis Red Carpet, party and fire works? Right now we are imagining with live information what Gulf News staff is reporting and feeling part of the party although being far away. Thanks Gulf News for taking us on a journey of happiness and pleasant moments. I hope your team will cover and share events live with us in future.
Faisal
Lahore,Pakistan
Posted: November 21, 2008, 01:06
Imagine the positive effect if Mr Kerzner would have given $10 to each of the 2Mio Dubai inhabitants instead of paying to get guests and firing fumes in the air.
Arty
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 01:04
I don't think Sam is jealous in the slightest and has a point. I feel exactly the same. Why on earth was 20 million dollars spent on one single night, when there are so many far more important things it could be spent on.
Andrea
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 00:38
Sam ... dont be jealous, I think they done a great job to built up The Palm, wow! A question for US actress Lindsay Lohan and DJ Samantha Ronson, whatis the best about Dubai?
Artemis
AOSF,Finland
Posted: November 21, 2008, 00:11
If you get the chance please ask some celebs who claim to care about environment and saving endangered species what they think about Sammy in Atlantis captivity?
Samia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 21, 2008, 00:04
Is it possible to enter now?
Lula
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 20, 2008, 23:35
I guess Sammy is also glad not to attend this advertising event.
Martin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 20, 2008, 23:05
What songs did Kylie sing, what did she wear on stage. Please the Kylie Blogs are going crazy world wide waiting to hear.
Wade
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:55
Please make sure not to miss this party. I doubt there will be another one like this anytime soon in Dubai as the world has changed a lot recently, and the city starts to be affected.
JC
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:53
This is a great way of updating us. What time are the much-talked-about fireworks scheduled, as we stay in the Dubai Marina and it is jam-packed with traffic and we have cancelled our plans to go out anywhere because the traffic situation will be this way till the fireworks eventually happen.
Keep us posted! and enjoy the party :)
Thanks!
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:50
Question for celebrity guests at Atlantis launch party. Dubai has become the most happening place and ultra luxury lifestyle place on the planet, if Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Misha Barton, Priyanka Chopra, Janet Jackson, Lily Allen and Mary Kate Olson like to make Dubai their second home?
Faisal
Lahore,Pakistan
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:46
While everyone is complaining of recession, the Atlantis appears. It looks amazing. Only in Dubai of course.... :)
Calvin
Leeds,UK
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:30
There has been some talk about Gerard Butler attending the opening? Is he there?
Editors note: Yes, according to the notes given to the press, Gerard is indeed at the party
Anonymous
,
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:30
Seems as if Sam is jealous since he wasnt invited, the rich mingle with the rich thats how everybody stays happy.
Michael
New York,USA
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:18
I am deeply impressed and want to thank Gulf news team for dedication and minute by minute update about atlantis launch red carpet and party.
Faisal
lahore,Pakistan
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:16
I bet it will be the most amazing beauty Colin Cowie ever created. I wish I was there. Atlantis will be a pure beauty I am sure and just one in the world.
Monica
Florence,Italy
Posted: November 20, 2008, 22:16
Way to go Atlantis. We are proud of you, no matter who complains of the bus stop service.
Atlantis Staff
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 20, 2008, 21:53
What a waste of money. They are crazy and stupid to spend so much money on these A listers who already make so much. Imagine the poor workers who built Atlantis. I doubt they are being credit at all during this party.
Sam
New York,USA
Posted: November 20, 2008, 20:43
