And just like that, Sarah Jessica Parker is in the UAE, a country she says is dictating global trends

“I’m coming over to you,” Sarah Jessica Parker says to me after our interview. My hand is held out for a polite handshake, but SJP being SJP, stands up and comes around the table to pull me in for a farewell hug. And just like that, my life is complete.

We are at Nara Desert Escape in Dubai. The setting sun is casting a golden glow over the sand dunes and the A-list multi-hyphenate in our midst looks amazing in Maison Yeya, the French-Egyptian luxury house whose notable clients include international royals, American singer Jennifer Lopez, Egyptian operatic soprano Fatma Said and Moroccan-Canadian singer Faouzia.

Later, she will change for dinner into a piece by Lebanese designer Dima Ayad (on first-name terms as “Dima” to SJP), just as she did the night before when we met aboard the Lady Nara for an evening dinner sail around the Dubai canals.

That’s right, I have spent two nights in a row with Carrie Bradshaw, and when I post about the experience on Instagram, my phone blows up with messages from friends around the world: “I love her!"; “What is she wearing?"; “Is she as lovely as I think she is?”

When I tell Parker this story, she humbly covers her face with her hands and her business partner and Astrea London founder Nathalie Morrison steps in. “In answer to the question: ‘Is she as lovely as I think she is?’ I can give you the answer: she is.”

From left, Werner Anzinger, general manager of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira; Astrea London founder Nathalie Morrison; and actress Sarah Jessica Parker open the jewellery brand's boutique in Dubai. Photo: Astrea London

The actress is in the UAE for her new role as global creative director of laboratory-grown diamond jewellery brand Astrea London. Founded by private banker-turned-entrepreneur Morrison in 2023, the brand aims to “unite timeless luxury with environmental responsibility, driven by a passionate mission and profound love for the beauty and quality of diamonds”.

“Everything has changed,” Parker says about being back in Dubai. “There are about 30, 40, 50 new buildings. I just feel like it’s moving faster.