Grand Millennium Business Bay, Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ (MHR) newest property in the Business Bay district in Dubai, played host to Hollywood stars Susan Sarandon and Ben Stiller, as well as the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson.

The stars gave their thumbs up to the hotel for its excellent service and luxurious facilities. The celebrities were there for a three-day stay to attend the Bovet 1822 “Brilliant is Beautiful” gala. The event raised funds for Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), a non-profit organisation that aims to address the issues of poverty and enfranchisement, and Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organisation that works to improve children’s access to quality education in developing countries.

“The wonderful Grand Millennium Business Bay hotel is amazing. I had a great stay here,” commented the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson. She also thanked the generosity of Mr Riad Al Sadek, owner of the hotel, for hosting the gala event. The Duchess is known for her philanthropic work, and founded Children in Crisis, a children’s charity that aims to improve the lives of children and women from underprivileged backgrounds in third-world countries.

Hollywood star Ben Stiller shared about his stay, “I found it to be very nice here. Having lunch down by the canal at Beau Rivage Bistro is beautiful and the service has been wonderful. The room service is also great. I will definitely come back, and I’m very appreciative that [the hotel] offered to host the evening gala for the Artists for Peace and Justice.” The actor is best known for his comedy films Zoolander (2001 and sequel in 2016), Night at the Museum (2006 and sequels in 2009 and 2014)and Tropic Thunder (2008).

“Grand Millennium Business Bay has been fabulous and very generous. I like that I can open the door in my room and get fresh air, and I was very happy to find that in this property,” added American actress Susan Sarandon. She has won ‘Best Actress’ awards for her roles in Thelma & Louise (1991), Dead Man Walking (1995), and was in the popular cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).

The “Brilliant is Beautiful” gala was held for the first time in Dubai, which was brought to the city by Dubai-based socialite and reality television star Caroline Stanbury. A charity auction was held, with the highest bid going for an artwork by British artist Sacha Jafri. The money raised from the auction will go towards education efforts by APJ and Dubai Cares. The former runs scholarship funds for young women around the world, such as Peru, Pakistan, Uganda and Haiti.

At the event, honorary awards were also presented to Mr Riad Al Sadek, businessman, philanthropist, and owner of Grand Millennium Business Bay, as well as the Duchess of York, for their philanthropic pursuits. The awards were presented by Ben Stiller and Susan Sarandon, who are co-chairs of APJ.

Guests at the gala, held at the hotel’s Amwaj Ballroom, were also treated to performances by Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia and Dubai jazz singer Layla Kardan.