Gifts galore at Doha Tribeca Film Festival

The celebrity gift lounge was a haven of activity during the third annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival.

Organised by Nathalie Dubois of Dubois Pelin and Associates, this year's VIP experience included goodies courtesy of Black and Brown London, Simi bags, Eva Varro clothes, Fitflop, Barbara Bela designer dresses, luxury holidays to Bora Bora and Thailand, scents by Amouge, designer shades by Marchon Eyewear, all watered down with refreshments from The Berry Company.

The films took centre stage for the most part but when the VIPs and celebs had a chance to escape, the gift lounge was first on their to-do lists.

Kathryn Stockett and Tate Taylor, writer and director of the Help, British actor Mark Strong, Egyptian actress Yousra, the gorgeous Jan Uddin (right), also a star of Qatar-shot film Black Gold, director Cherien Dabis, jury member and Lebanese actress Carmen Lebbos, actress Daila Al Bahairy and UAE director Nayla Al Khaja all put in appearances.

"This year has been fabulous," said Dubois. "A few actresses came to us last night and needed saving with dresses for dinner. They took abayas from Al Darzi as the dinners were at the palace. Carmen Lebbos and Nayla Al Khaja were very grateful."

"Mark Strong won a trip to St Regis in Bora Bora for four days and also welcomed a seven-night stay in Nikki Beach Hotel and Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand. This trip is seven nights for two people including breakfast and daily massages on the beach. Lovely."

"Nayla Al Khaja, UAE director who interviewed Antonio Banderas earlier in the day, came to see us. Her feet hurt so much as she was in high heels so she was happy to change into Fitflops to ease her feet."

"The earrings in Swarovski from Black and Brown London completely sold out as well as the rings. Various people, including Carmen Lebbos, Kathryn Stockett and Egyptian actress Yousra were seen wearing them on thered carpet or at the after parties," Dubois added.