Iceland volcano keeps Dubai on hold for Armani Hotel

The hotly-awaited opening of Dubai's Armani Hotel has been postponed by the cancellation of international flights due to Europe's volcanic ash cloud, Gulf News reported on its website late on Sunday.

"Due to the unforeseen closure of European airspace and the subsequent cancellation of international flights, the much anticipated grand opening of Armani Hotel Dubai has been postponed from Wednesday, 21st April to Tuesday, 27th April," the Dubai-based daily said.

Designed by the Italian fashion supremo Giorgio Armani, the hotel in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, was due to open on Wednesday with a gala fashion show.

The designer was to have arrived in Dubai on Monday for the inauguration.

lyn/hc