Kim Kardashian prepares to leave Dubai

DUBAI // The US reality-TV star Kim Kardashian flies out of the country today after a five-day promotional tour of the UAE.

Yesterday, hundreds of fans gathered at the Sephora cosmetics store in Dubai Mall to catch a glimpse of Kardashian.

Arts&life More on Kim's visit to Dubai and find out what else the Kardashians have been up to

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She visited the store to launch her self-named perfume and meet more than 100 winners of a week-long competition.

Ghyath Ardroumli, the area manager of Sephora, said fans had begun queuing up more than three hours in advance.

"Our security guards are managing things well," Mr Ardroumli said. "This is excellent for the Middle East. It helps put countries like the UAE on the map."

US expatriates in the crowd said they had come for a taste of home.

"I've been feeling homesick for such a long time and it feels great to be so close to the celebrities," said Sonia Alghourani, 34, from California. "It's great that we also get the opportunity to meet her although we're so far away."

Dakota Thorson, 15, from Colorado, was excited and nervous to meet the TV personality.

"It's remarkable how she built an empire out of nothing and made a name for herself," said Dakota. "She really is an inspirational woman."

At 5.15pm, a cheer went up from the crowd as Kardashian made her way into the store.

Juleanne Rahman and her daughter Genna, 16, were among the lucky few who got to see her.

"We love everything about her, her personality, her style - she's just beautiful," Ms Rahman gushed.

After Sephora, Ms Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, made their way to Alhan Restaurant in Abu Dhabi for dinner.

mismail@thenational.ae