Growing at Warp-Speed
Q&A with Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive of Qatar Airways p38
The Boss Interview
Jet Set Style Want to be a smart business traveller? The advice is simple: Just be a bit more like George Clooney p30
All about working in the Aviation Industry p18
An Office at Altitude
A by-the-numbers breakdown of airline travel globally and in the Gulf p8
MAY 2016
Published from Dubai Media City
benchmark middle east
May 2016 / Vol 5 No 5
Work + Play = Life
benchmark middle east
inside
May 2016 / Vol 5 No 5
Work + Play = Life
MAY 2016
The Boss Interview
Q&A with Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive of Qatar Airways p38
Jet Set Style Want to be a smart business traveller? The advice is simple: Just be a bit more like George Clooney p30
An Office at Altitude
All about working in the Aviation Industry p18
Growing at Warp-Speed
A by-the-numbers breakdown of airline travel globally and in the Gulf p8
Published from Dubai Media City
MAY 2016
Cover design Geri Batara Sonny
Work
8 14 18
Growing at Warp-Speed A by-the-numbers breakdown of airline travel globally and in the Gulf. Ten Trending Topics at the Airport Show An Office at Altitude All about working in the Aviation Industry
22
Super-size Me The future of Gulf Airports.
26
Rise and Rise of the Gulf Airlines The Gulf’s Big 3 — Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad — are getting bigger.
30
Jet Set Style Want to be a smart business traveller? The advice is simple: Just be a bit more like George Clooney.
34
Arabian Planes in American Skies Where does Donald Trump stand on the ‘Open Skies’ debate? Would Hilary Clinton welcome more Emirates and Qatar Airways planes touching down in Washington? And could even Bernie Sanders stand to travel economy class with Delta, American Airlines or United?
38
THE BOSS Interview Q&A with Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive of Qatar Airways.
44
Work Events planner Here’s Benchmark’s guide to the top business events to look out for this month.
PLAY Airways' Marvelous Flying Machine 46 Qatar “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever
walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
in Winterland 50 Vacationing 17 adrenaline junkies from the GCC traded the
golden sands of the Arabian desert for drifts of snow on a trip to Iceland where they tested their mettle in modified 4X4 vehicles.
Reimagined 54 AGulfPioneer Air Business Class review.
56 Top Five Properties For Sale 58 Top Five Properties For Rent 60 Fashion for Her and Him Events planner 64 Play Check out Benchmark’s guide to going out over the next few weeks.
Easy yoga hacks for the workday 66 Health Four ways to incorporate a bit of yoga into your everyday life.
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Editor's Note
A
s the most important flight hub in the Middle East, and home to the third busiest airport in the world, Dubai has become a force to be reckoned with in the global aviation market. Gulf-based airlines, lead by Emirates, continue to grow while most Western airlines struggle to survive. In the Aviation Issue we take a look at the boom of global passenger travel, new airport projects in the region, and career opportunities within the industry. Akbar Al Baker, the CEO of Qatar airways, fires back against allegations that the growth of the industry is being over-
blown and propped up by subsidies, experts weigh-in on the future of Middle Eastern airlines in American airspace, and we take notes out of George Clooney's book on how to be a smooth, savvy business traveller. This month in Play, we skip-out on the summer heat with adventure tourism snow-bashing in Iceland and we ride along with Sudeshna Ghosh as she checks out Gulf Air's updated business class cabins. For our shopping inclined readers, we bring you cheerful orange and cool blue summer hues straight from New York Fashion Week, as well as a sneak
peek at Tommy Hilfiger's new Ramadan evening wear collection. And, as usual, we've also rounded-up the most enviable flats and villas on the market to add to your wish list. If you plan to stay in home-sweetDubai this month, be sure to sync your calendar with ours for all the best personal development and leisure activities in the UAE . And if you are flying, whether for work or pleasure, I hope that this issue gives you a new perspective on the experience, and that you might be inspired by perils and triumphs that play out before an aircraft ever leaves the runway. Safe travels. Scott Armstrong Chief Executive Editor
6
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Work Infographics
BY THE NUMBERS
A
ir travel is growing faster in the Middle East than anywhere else on the planet – with passenger numbers set to soar by a whopping 12.5 percent this year. Much of that growth is being led by the ‘big three’ Gulf airlines, namely Emirates, Qatar and Etihad. The former carried 49.3 million people in 2014-2015 – and its home airport in Dubai is the busiest globally for international passenger traffic. But there are challenges on the horizon: the average profit margin in Mideast aviation is a fraction of that in North America, while the Gulf carriers continue to fight a ‘war of words’ over alleged subsidies with the United States’ very own ‘big three’ airlines. Here Benchmark crunches the numberson what makes the global aviation industry fly.
8
benchmark middle east | May 2016
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Infographics Work
AIR TRAFFIC GROWTH (2015) +6.3% International passengers
+2.4% Cargo
+6.1% Passengers
Aircraft movements
+1.8%
TOTAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC (2015) (in millions) Airport
Rank
Atlanta
1
101.49
5.5
Beijing
2
89.94
4.4
Dubai
3
78.01
10.7
Chicago
4
76.95
9.8
Tokyo
5
75.32
3.4
London Heathrow
6
74.98
2.2
Los Angeles
7
74.94
6.1
Hong Kong
8
68.28
8.2
Paris
9
65.77
3.1
Dallas/Fort Worth
10
64.07
0.9
Instanbul
11
61.84
9.2
Frankfurt
12
61.03
2.5
Shanghai
13
60.05
16.3
Amsterdam
14
58.28
6.0
New York JFK
15
56.83
6.8
Singapore
16
55.45
2.5
Guangzhou
17
55.205
0.8
Jakarta
18
54.05
-5.5
Denver
19
54.01
1.0
Bangkok
20
52.90
14.0
benchmark middle east | May 2016
Passengers
Change (%)
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
9
Work Infographics
TOTAL INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC (2015) (in millions) Airport
Rank
Dubai
1
77.45
10.7
London Heathrow
2
69.82
2.5
Hong Kong
3
68.07
8.2
Paris
4
60.37
3.0
Amsterdam
5
58.25
6.0
Singapore
6
54.84
2.9
Frankurt
7
53.99
2.4
Incheon
8
48.72
8.5
Bangkok
9
43.25
16.3
Istanbul
10
42.30
11.1
Taipei
11
38.04
7.6
London Gatwick
12
36.67
6.4
Kuala Lumpur
13
34.44
0.0
Madrid
14
33.77
14.1
Munich
15
31.31
3.5
Doha
16
30.91
17.3
Tokyo
17
30.55
3.2
New York JK
18
30.02
6.5
Barcelona
19
29.07
6.7
Rome
20
28.28
5.4
TOTAL SCHEDULED PASSENGER NUMBERS (GLOBALLY) forecast (in billions)
2.68
2.86
2.99
3.14
3.33
3.55
3.78
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 10
Change (%)
Passengers
benchmark middle east | May 2016
PASSENGER TRAFFIC INCREASES BY REGION (2016 VS 2015 FORECASTS)
12.5%
8.0%
6.8%
Middle East
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
5.9%
4.4%
1.4%
Europe
North America
Africa
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Infographics Work
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: THE WORLD’S BUSIEST FOR INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC
7,327,637
100
Numbers of passengers in January 2016 (a 6.3% increase from January 2015)
Airlines
240
2.5 million tonnes
Destinations across six continents
of cargo handled per year
The $1.2 billion Concourse D Serving 60 airlines that operate from Terminal 1, opened in February 2016. That took the airport’s annual capacity from 75 million to 90 million passengers.
75 before
Numbers of passengers projected (in million)
90
85
after
2016
103.5
2020
DXB PASSENGER TRAFFIC (2015) (in millions) 6.90
5.97
6.74
6.51
6.27
5.91
6.69
7.28
6.43
6.25
6.01
7.05
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Work Infographics
BILLIONS IN THE AIR Total revenues for global commercial airlines (in billions)
Fuel as a percentage of expenses (in %)
Year 2010
564
2010
28
2011
642
2011
31
2012
706
2012
33
2013
720
2013
33
2014
758
2014
32
2015
710
2015
27
2016
717
2016
21
forecast
Net profit per departing passenger (in $)
forecast
Airline profit margin by region (% of revenues, 2016 forecast)
2010 6.45
North America 14.2
2011 2.90
Asia-Pacific
6.9
2012 3.08
Europe
6.4
3.41
Middle East
3.2
2014 5.20
Latin America
3.2
2013 2015
9.31
forecast
2016 9.59
Africa -0.2
THE GULF’S BIG THREE Three airlines dominate the skies in the Arabian Gulf:
1 EMIRATES 49.3 million
Passengers carried in 2014-2015 2 QATAR AIRWAYS 26 million+ 3 ETIHAD AIRWAYS 17.4 million
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Infographics Work
IN DEPTH EMIRATES $24.2 bn
Revenues Fuel bill
56,725
$7.8 bn
Profit(2014-2015) $1.2 bn
231
Staffs
Fleet
84,153 Group Staffs
7.5%
150+
Revenue increase
2.4 million tonnes Cargo carried
Destinations
QATAR AIRWAYS
$103 million
176
Profit (2014-2015)
24,000
37.5%
Fleet
Cargo tonnage increase
Staffs
150+
40,000
1.52 million tonnes Cargo carried (2015)
Destinations
Group Staffs
ETIHAD AIRWAYS Revenues (2014) Profit(2014) $73 m
26,637
$7.6 bn
Total employees (Feb 2016)
120
592,090 tonnes Cargo carried (2015)
Fleet (Feb 2016) 26.7% Revenue increase (2013)
569,000 tonnes Cargo carried (2014)
116
$1.1 billion Cargo revenues (2014)
Destinations (2015)
SOURCES:
Airports Council International (ACI) | dubaiairports.ae | Emirates 2014-15 Annual Report | Etihad.com | Etihad Fast Facts and Figures (February 2016) | IATA Industry Statistics (December 2015) | Qatar Airways Fact Sheet (February 2016) | The Qatar Airways Story (February 2016) | The Wall Street Journal benchmark middle east | May 2016
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Work The Aviation Issue
Ten Trending Topics at
the Airport Show by Ben Flanagan
D
ubai is certainly a fitting host for the three-day Airport Show, which starts on May 9. It is home to Emirates, one of the world’s biggest airlines, as well as the busiest airport for international traffic – and is building what will be an even
larger air hub in the south of the city. But there is also a hive of activity in airport development across the wider region – despite economic jitters and government spending cuts – and so there will be a broad range of projects on the agenda at the Airport Show. Here’s the lowdown on what’s on the horizon.
1
Dubai’s aviation ascent… The rapid growth of air traffic in Dubai — and need for further airport expansion — will be high on the agenda at the Airport Show. Dubai International Airport now has capacity for 90 million passengers a year, following the completion of the Concourse D expansion in February. And passenger numbers are projected to reach 85 million in 2016 and surpass 103.5 million by 2020 — suggesting the need for further expansion. The emirate’s second airport, Al Maktoum International, is also growing, with a contract to expand the passenger terminal building awarded earlier this year. Maximum capacity is about 5 million today, and is set to grow to 26.5 million in 2017 — and eventually 220 million passengers a year. 14
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The Aviation Issue Work
2
Credit Hamad International Airport
… But don't forget the wider airports boom The activity in Dubai isn’t at the expense of airport growth elsewhere in the region. Daniyal Qureshi, group exhibitions director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organiser of the Airport Show 2016, pointed to the boom in the wider Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA). “The MENASA region is spending over $100 billion in airport expansion over the next decade so it is vital for them to keep future growth challenges in mind to make these developments sustainable over the long term,” he said. Airports in the GCC are expected to serve more than 400 million passengers a year by 2020, according to the CAPA Centre for Aviation.
3
Credit Airport Show
Airport Show capacity up too The Airport Show is expected to draw 300 global companies and 7,500 attendees, covering areas including airport and airfield construction, operations, security, technology and air-traffic management. The show – which is co-located with the high-level Global Airport Leaders’ Forum – will be bigger than last year, Mr Qureshi said. “There has been an approximately 10 per cent growth in the event size and number of companies participating and we expect the visitor attendance to reflect this as well. Considering the current global economic climate, we are pleased that we are still able to deliver double digit growth and provide such a valuable business platform to our industry.”
Credit Air Arabia
4
benchmark middle east | May 2016
Low-cost airlines to watch John Strickland, an aviation analyst at the UK-based JLS Consulting, expects lots on the agenda at the Airport Show. One trend will be airports gearing themselves towards low-cost carriers, he said. Budget carriers – which in this region include FlyDubai and the Sharjah-based Air Arabia – and are tipped for growth. “We have specialist airports tapping more into the point-to-point and low-cost markets,” said Mr Strickland. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Work The Aviation Issue
Credit Reed Exhibitions
5
Smart, sustainable airports on topic Mr Qureshi said a key theme at the show will be the increasing focus on technology to make air hubs more efficient and sustainable. “Airports around the world are increasingly focused on smart processes — smarter operations, [air traffic control], smart security and more energy efficient ground handling,” he said. “All these themes will be highlighted across the show, in terms of the products and technologies on display and presentations in the free-to-attend Innovation Podium. Apart from this, there is a huge focus in the region on building sustainable airports to accommodate future growth.”
6
Positive vibe despite economic jitters The oil price crash has led to cost-cutting in the Gulf region – but many big airport projects are still in the pipeline. Mr Qureshi said he expects the mood at the Airport Show to be upbeat given the string of planned developments. “The mood for airport suppliers in the region remains positive. Major upgrades are still being rolled out across the market and new projects are announced each year,” he said. “Dubai, Bahrain, Oman, Ras al Khaimah, Morocco and Egypt, amongst many others, are working on massive ongoing developments and are sending important delegations to the show this year. We are also expecting a lot more airport authorities from CIS and Africa this year, which will give our exhibitors a much wider global project base to pitch for.”
7
Bigger focus on security There will be a 50 percent rise in the number of security suppliers exhibiting at the Airport Show, reflecting the millions being spent on upgrades in global air hubs, said Mr Qureshi. “Security will be a key growth area for our show and focus area for airport authorities,” he said. “Major security upgrades are being planned at existing regional airports and millions of dollars will be spent on new equipment for the new facilities. The focus will be on smart security – getting more passengers through the terminal faster, while providing even higher levels of security.” 16
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The Aviation Issue Work
8
More passengers, more flights… The rapid growth in passenger numbers in the Middle East is the key reason for a need for both extra airports and the expansion of existing hubs. Passenger numbers in the Middle East region are set to increase by 12.5 percent this year – compared to 8 percent in the Asia-Pacific region, 6.8 percent in Latin America, 5.9 percent in Europe, 4.4 percent in North America, and just 1.4% in Africa.
9
… But air traffic control a challenge Freeing up flight paths in the Gulf region’s ever more crowded skies is one of the key challenges to the growth of the regional aviation sector. That makes air traffic control (ATC) likely to be part of the agenda of the Air Show and the linked Global Airport Leaders' Forum. “The biggest challenge of course is ATC and there are a number of studies and initiatives underway to address this,” said Mr Qureshi. “While it’s challenging to increase throughput on an existing terminal without building a new one, the challenges in airspace optimization are much more.”
10
Banish those queues No one likes to queue, and snaking lines at airport security checks and immigration desks can be a particular annoyance. But several airport authorities – notably in Dubai – have taken steps to address this, such as with the introduction of e-gates for quicker flows through immigration. How to improve flows of people through airports will be an important part of the show, said Mr Qureshi. “On the ground, airport authorities and their partners – security agencies, immigration, customs, public transport authorities – are working together to put in smart technologies and efficient processes to ensure passengers get to duty free outlets, restaurants and other airport amenities in the fastest and safest way possible,” he said. benchmark middle east | May 2016
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Work The Aviation Issue
How to work in the aviation industry Working in aviation, particularly in roles actually up in the air, is often perceived as a glamourous calling; making it the ultimate high-flying career. Page 20 >
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The Aviation Issue Work
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Work The Aviation Issue
by Ben Flanagan
T
ravelling the world to sometimes exotic and sophisticated destinations—and actually getting paid for it—certainly appeals to some, while the high pay some roles offer also supports the ‘glam’ perceptions (pilots, for example, can earn more than Dh42,000 a month at captain level). Though cabin crew get paid much less, they often enjoy perks such as concessionary travel and free accommodations. But like all professions there are pros and cons, says aviation expert Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research. “It really depends on what your interpretation of ‘glam’ is,” he said. 20
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“The working hours, as we know, aren’t your usual 9 to 5, so that from the outset may put people off. “But having said that, the remuneration, long term job security, the ability to work in many eclectic cities and with different cultures is exactly what some people seek, and for all that, there’s no better industry than aviation. It’s not an easy ride and a lot of hard work and commitment is needed.” The Arabian Gulf ’s airlines are looking for more and more people to support their bold expansion plans. The UAE airlines Emirates and Etihad, for example, each embarked on a cabin crew recruitment drive last month. Emirates airline already employs 56,725 staff, as per its
2014-2015 annual report, with many more thousands working in the wider Emirates Group. It is recruiting additional staff for the 37 aircraft expected to be delivered this year. Here Benchmark asked Alison Ward, Emirates’ vice president of recruitment, for her view on what the airline is looking for in new employees. Q&A with Alison Ward, Emirates’ Vice President of Recruitment In which areas of the business is Emirates recruiting most heavily? To complement our fleet and network growth with 37 aircraft to be delivered this May 2016 | benchmark middle east
The Aviation Issue Work
Finances Up in the Air
What do airline staff earn? EMIRATES PILOTS • C aptains are paid a basic monthly salary of Dh42,015, based on 85 block hours. • F irst officers are paid a basic monthly salary of Dh29,700, based on 85 block hours. • An hourly flying pay, and additional ‘productivity pay’ is paid for every block hour above the 88-hour threshold. • P erks include a profit share scheme, company accommodation or allowance to live in Dubai, utilities support allowance, education support allowance, end-of-service gratuity, 42 days’ annual leave, annual flight tickets, personal chauffeur service and travel concessions. • T here’s also life, accident, medical and dental insurance. EMIRATES CABIN CREW • Basic salaries depend on position. • P erks include: Shared accommodation (with own bedroom), transport to and from the airport, profit share scheme, 30+ days’ leave, end-ofservice gratuity, annual flight tickets, education support allowance. • T here’s also life, accident, medical and dental insurance.
Emirates values talents who can embrace cultural diversity and use that uniqueness to share new ideas, innovations and thinking styles that lead to business success Alison Ward Emirates’ Vice President of Recruitment
benchmark middle east | May 2016
year, we are mostly recruiting cabin crew and pilots, as well as other ground roles for operational areas and corporate services. What qualities do you look for in candidates and what are the top tips for applying for a job at Emirates? As our employee diversity is made up of over 160 nationalities, Emirates values talents who can embrace cultural diversity and use that uniqueness to share new ideas, innovations and thinking styles that lead to business success. Regardless of nationality, we ultimately look for employees with a positive attitude, confidence, flexibility, maturity, a friendly disposition, and importantly a genuine passion to help others, providing quality service to both internal and external stakeholders. As a global brand that connects people to places and their passions, we are also drawn to candidates who have a keen interest in travel and learning about the world. We want our employees to be ‘globalistas’. Ultimately, Emirates seek for employees who are passionate in seeing the company maintain its position as a leader in aviation, driving it forward in growth and innovation. Emirates said in April that it is conducting assessment days in several global cities, looking for new cabin crew given the large number of aircraft it has on order. How many crew is it looking for in total? We are recruiting in more than 58 cities globally for new cabin crew, pilots and staff for airport operations... Emirates currently employs about 23,000 crew members and we plan to hire 5,500 this financial year. What qualities are required of cabin crew in particular? Cabin crew candidates must have a genuine desire to help others and a meticulous approach to service excellence. They must be confident communicators who are able to speak and write English well. Knowing other languages is an added advantage. Since we have a multicultural team and as we fly to over 150 destinations around the globe, cultural awareness and sensitivity are key traits. They should be comfortable in many different places, cultures and situations and able to thrive in new experiences. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Work The Aviation Issue
SUPER-SIZE ME The Future of Gulf Airports by Ben Flanagan
D
ubai certainly has sky-high ambitions for its two air hubs. Its main airport is already one of the world’s busiest, while the new Al Maktoum International has a long-term plan to increase capacity to a whopping 220 million passengers a
year. To put that figure into perspective, it is more than twice the number of annual passengers currently carried by Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad combined.
22
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The Aviation Issue Work
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Work The Aviation Issue
So the burning question is: Does Dubai need all that airport capacity, or will it need to set its sights a little lower? Dubai International Airport, which opened its $1.2 billion Concourse D in February, currently has capacity for 90 million passengers a year. The actual number is projected to reach 85 million in 2016 and surpass 103.5 million by 2020, according to the airport’s operator. The new Al Maktoum International Airport, which is currently capable of handling about 5 million passengers a year, is expanding and plans to increase capacity to 26.5 million passengers by 2017. John Strickland, an aviation analyst at the UK-based JLS Consulting, acknowledges that Al Maktoum International’s eventual target of 220 million is a big number. But today’s passenger numbers at Dubai International Airport would have seemed impossible 20 years ago, he pointed out. 24
benchmark middle east | May 2016
“The numbers are pretty stunning of course — those 220 million a year,” he said. “There are always so many variables. But given the track record so far, you would expect that this is possible.” Peter Morris, chief economist at Ascend Flightglobal Consultancy, said that the development of the Al Maktoum International (DWC) was “essential” for Dubai’s overall growth story. “At projected rates of traffic growth it is clear that Dubai International will exceed its design capacity of 90m [passengers] per year within 5-10 years unless alternates can be used. At the moment some services are being allocated to DWC to relieve the pressure, particularly for peak times,” he told Benchmark. But the future growth of Dubai’s airports is not without its challenges. The timing of when to transfer flights to DWC from the older Dubai International
To grow the airport capacity is great, but for some of the airlines— and airport authorities, too—there is a need to expand and simplify air-traffic control capacity in the region, so that they can keep up John Strickland Aviation analyst at the UK-based JLS Consulting
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
The Aviation Issue Work
Airport is a key concern, said Mr Morris. “Airlines want to be at DXB, as it is nearer the city, and they have invested in infrastructure there. Airlines with transfer traffic want to be at the same airport as Emirates, who will the most reluctant to change given their infrastructure there,” he said. “It could be that airport charges at DXB could be raised to persuade airlines to move, but ultimately someone will have to take the decision to shut DXB, as running two airports forever is inefficient. They will not be popular with airlines or passengers. But the demand potential for 150m+ pax in future decades is there, so DWC is needed.” Mr Strickland said there were three main challenges to the rapid growth of the aviation sector in Dubai – factors that are common across the Gulf region in general. The first, he said, was the challenge of managing air traffic control in our increasingly busy skies. “To grow the airport capacity is great, but for some of the airlines and airport authorities too there is a need to expand and simplify air-traffic control capacity in the region, so that can keep up. So there’s not too much off-limits airspace with military restrictions, for example,” said Mr Strickland. The other key issues for continued growth include the Gulf carriers’ ability to obtain global traffic rights to add more routes, and the assumption of continued stability in the wider region. Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research, agreed that DWC was essential for the future growth of Dubai. But one potential challenge is the pace of development, he said. “DXB is likely to hit its target of 100 [million passengers per year] well before the 2020 goal they set themselves, so in order to placate demand, development and investment in Al Maktoum International Airport is both necessary and urgent,” said Mr Ahmad. He pointed out that the older airport cannot expand forever, given the density of the urban developments around it. “That’s why DWC was situated where it is in Dubai South so that its long term future would allow for unhindered expansion,” Mr Ahmad added. “My only concern with DWC is that not enough money and resources is being thrown at it. DWC needs all hands on deck if it wishes to realise its full capacity and capability from the mid-2020s onwards, but I am equally sure that the Dubai government is acutely aware and will do what they can to facilitate its development.” benchmark middle east | May 2016
Five Other GCC Airport Expansion Projects 1
Hamad International Airport, Doha Detailed plans for the expansion of Hamad International Airport in Doha emerged in September. Work to extend the main terminal building, build two new concourses and connect with the Doha Metro will cost a reported $8 billion. The expansion of the main terminal area will feature 17 premium and 47 economy check-in counters, and increase the airport’s annual capacity from 30 to 53 million passengers a year, MEED reported.
2
Kuwait International Airport Kuwait plans to expand its international airport so that it can handle 25 million passengers a year – but the project has faced delays. A stop-gap solution was agreed in October, when plans emerged for a new terminal that will lift capacity at the airport to 10 million passengers a year. The terminal is expected to start operations in 2017.
3
King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh It was announced in June that a group led by Germany’s Hochtief had secured a $1.5 billion contract to expand King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The work involves the upgrade of terminals three and four at the airport, while there are separate plans for a fifth terminal.
4
Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal building Abu Dhabi Airports Company projects that traffic at the UAE capital’s main international airport will hit around 48 million passengers by 2025. Construction of the new Midfield Terminal building is over 70 percent complete, and it is expected to open in December 2017. The terminal includes 65 airport gates.
5
Muscat International Airport The delayed expansion of Muscat International Airport, which is set to increase capacity to 12 million passengers per annum, is now expected to complete by the end of this year, Reuters reported in October. Further expansions, planned in three subsequent phases, will ultimately boost the airport’s capacity to 24, 36 and 48 million passengers when the demand is required, according to the Oman Airports Management Company.
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Rise and Rise of the Gulf Airlines Work The Aviation Issue
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The Aviation Issue Work
T
by Ben Flanagan
he Gulf ’s "Big Three" are getting bigger. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad have all continued to add routes, grow passenger numbers and
buy planes at a time when many other global airlines have struggled or outright failed. But how did they get there? Benchmark spoke with the experts to find out the secrets to their success. How large are the Gulf airlines compared to their rivals? According to the International Air Transport Association statistics for 2014, the most recent available, Emirates ranks fourth globally in terms of international passengers carried, behind only Ryanair, EasyJet and Lufthansa. The Dubai airline carries more international passengers than the likes of British Airways, Air France and Turkish Airlines. Domestic air travel is a different ballgame, with Southwest Airlines carrying almost 130 million passengers — more than double Emirates’ count on international routes. How did Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad grow so big, so fast? Geography, as an air-transfer point between East and West, certainly helped, as did the ability to buy modern high-capacity aircraft. But it’s good management that has really allowed these airlines to soar, said John Strickland, an aviation analyst at the UK-based JLS Consulting. That has included the “entrepreneurial innovation” benchmark middle east | May 2016
in “opening up new routes and markets which many other airlines have simply never tried before,” Strickland said. Is there room in the Gulf market for three big aviation players? Yes, according to aviation expert Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research. While Emirates has “huge critical mass”, Etihad and Qatar Airways are certainly not “fighting for scraps”, he said. “In the same way that Heathrow, Frankfurt and Charles de Gaulle are the busiest in Europe, so too are Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Throw in the fact that there are over 2.7 billion people within a five-hour flight radius from any GCC city, it’s not hard to see that demand far outstrips available capacity that is on tap today,” said Mr Ahmad. How similar have the Big 3 airlines’ strategies been? They have succeeded in different ways but do have some aspects in common, said Peter Morris, chief economist at Ascend Flightglobal Consultancy. All three May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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The low cost sector will fulfill a market need, probably without threatening the Big Three, some of whom already use such offshoots as part of their market strategy Peter Morris Chief Economist, Ascend Flightglobal Consultancy
airlines have spotted gaps in the market — for example, services from the Middle East and Africa to America — “and met them with a high quality product”, said Mr Morris. All three have also “proactively developed hubs that connect the world, particularly for secondary cities”, and have obtained “great deals from manufacturers when few other airlines were ordering new aircraft”. Mr Morris added: “Ultimately they have given the market the best products at the best prices, and the customers have responded.” Is the budget airline sector the next growth story in the Gulf aviation industry? Low-cost carriers arrived relatively late
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in the Gulf — and analysts see there being plenty of room to develop further. Air Arabia became the first low-fare airline in the region when it launched in 2003. It was followed by Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways in 2005, Saudi Arabia’s Flynas in 2007, and FlyDubai in 2009. Mr Ahmad said there is room for more, pointing to the move made in Oman to launch a budget airline in the fourth quarter of this year, with the Muscat National Development and Investment Company (MNDIC) having been awarded a licence by the aviation regulator. “Low cost travel is still a highly immature and developing story in the GCC,” said Mr Ahmad. “Notwithstanding regional angst in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Libya and other countries, there is May 2016 | benchmark middle east
The Aviation Issue Work
Brand Envy Emirates airline is soaring above its rivals — at least in terms of its brand value. High-profile sponsorship deals with the likes of Friends star Jenifer Aniston – who was last year named Emirates’ brand ambassador — and sports teams like Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have helped propel the Dubai airline’s brand to number one among its competitors. Brand Finance, the Londonbased consultancy that ranks worldwide brands according to their value, in January said the Emirates name was worth a staggering $7.743 billion. That places it top among the nine carriers — which also included Qatar Airways – that were ranked among the world’s 500 most valuable brand names.
still ample opportunity for at least another five or six new market entrants to get in on the act. Oman has announced a low-cost operation, but beyond that, it’s hard to see who else will join the fray. Having said that, if no new major players come to the fore, then it’s likely that the heavyweights in FlyDubai and Air Arabia will have the spoils for themselves.” Will the rise of the budget carriers threaten the ‘Big Three’? Mr Morris said he does not see this as a significant threat. “The low cost sector… will fulfil a market need, probably without threatening the Big Three, some of whom already use such offshoots as part of their market strategy,” he said. benchmark middle east | May 2016
World brand rank
Airline
Country
Brand Value (2016)
171
Emirates
UAE
$7.743 billion
218
Delta
United States
$6.301 billion
227
American Airlines
United States
$6.156 billion
316
British Airways
Untied Kingdom
$4.621 billion
327
United Airlines
United States
$4.474 billion
364
Air China
China
$4.154 billion
426
Southwest Airlines
United States
$3.679 billion
450
Qatar Airways
Qatar
$3.494 billion
464
China Eastern
China
$3.436 billion SOURCE Brand Finance (2016)
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Work The Aviation Issue
Travel Clooney Way Emulating all the qualities of the Hollywood heartthrob isn’t, admittedly, that straightforward. But his character in the 2009 movie ‘Up in the Air’ certainly provides some
easy-to-follow pro tips for travelling smarter. Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a “corpo-
rate downsizer” whose job is to fly around the United States firing people. He travels so much that, by the end of the movie, he has finally achieved his personal ambition in life: reaching the grand milestone of ten million frequent flyer miles. While Clooney’s character certainly has flaws—not least of which his inability to commit to anyone in “real” life—no one can fault his loyal observance to airport etiquette. So here are some of the top tips from ‘Up in the Air’, and beyond, for those looking to sail through security, fly comfortably, and arrive fresh. To avoid red eyes after the red-eye, read on.
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1
Know the difference between a ‘nonstop’ and ‘direct’
They sound the same, but nonstop and direct flights are very different. Nonstop is exactly what you’d expect – you take off in one city and land in your destination. But a ‘direct’ flight could touch down at an intermediate point to allow passengers on and off. The latter could prolong your journey significantly – so check when booking.
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
The Aviation Issue Work
l ey's y benchmark middle east | May 2016
2 3
Never ever check in baggage
In ‘Up in the Air’, Ryan Bingham calculates that travellers lose and average of 35 minutes per flight by checking in luggage. Given that the character travels for 270 days a year, that would equate to a whopping 157 hours lost. So find a decent cabin-friendly suitcase to avoid checking bags into the hold. Bear in mind that bag size rules vary from airline to airline.
Find out about travel and entry requirements.
Some countries require visas for entry — this varies widely according to where you are going and which passport you hold. Some destinations — notably the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and the UAE – require advance passenger information before passengers can fly.
4
Travel light
Less is more when you’re packing. Leave clothes you will only wear once at home, and pack neutral items that can be combined in different ways. Roll, rather than fold your clothes when packing your cabin suitcase. On longer stays, use hotel laundry services. While expensive, this will save you from lugging around bulky luggage. And only take the absolute essentials; use the hotel’s free toothpaste, for example. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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5 6 7 8 Work The Aviation Issue
Sail through security
Pre-pack liquids in bottles with a capacity no greater than 100ml before you leave for the airport. In ‘Up in the Air’, Ryan Bingham has his own idiosyncratic (and potentially racist) method of “stereotyping” when going through security. The character purposely avoids security lanes with infants, older people, and those who look like they may be “randomly” selected for additional screening — which he thinks will minimise delays. “I’m like my mother,” he says. “I stereotype, it’s faster.”
Hydrate
Always buy a bottle of water at the airport. Coconut water — which contains natural electrolytes and potassium — is also ideal for hydration.
Rest on the plane
This one is much easier if you are in business class — see our separate guide on how to blag an upgrade (maybe). But even if you’re in economy you can get some rest on board. Always choose your seat in advance, ask for a blanket and pillow if not provided, and take your shoes off for extra comfort.
Look after your body
Eat healthy foods, and avoid sugar, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Wash your face and hands regularly and bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Regular stretching will help reduce the risk of blood clots and generally make you feel better.
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9
Fight jet lag
Long-haul travel messes with your circadian rhythms. So try to shift your body clock closer to that of your destination before you fly — do this gradually if you’re crossing lots of time zones. For an eastward trip you’d need to go to bed earlier, and on westward trips sleep later. When you get on the plane, set your watch to the time of your destination so that you’re psychologically in the zone. And planning your flight so you arrive in daylight will make you feel more like staying awake.
10 Travel like a boss
We can’t guarantee that you’ll be exactly like George Clooney if you follow these tips. But you’ll certainly be flying high when it comes to airport etiquette — and hopefully make a dazzling performance at your business meetings.
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The Aviation Issue Work
How to blag a flight upgrade
“I don’t suppose there’s any room in, you know… business class?” We’ve all tried it. And we all know that asking for an upgrade at the check-in desk is excruciatingly awkward. The reply is usually a plain “no” or – prolonging the awkwardness further — a detailed rundown of the cost of paying for a business-class seat. Yet there are a few tricks that can at least boost your chance of bagging that elusive free upgrade. But none are guaranteed — so be prepared to “turn right” when you board.
Points mean prizes Loyalty is everything when it comes to airlines. If they are going to bump anyone up to business, those who are members of loyalty programmes will usually get priority. If that doesn’t work, you could always pay for an upgrade with your air miles. Emirates, for example, will upgrade you for as little as 9,000 Skywards points. Spend lots of money Spending big bucks on baggage fees can help you bag an upgrade, some believe. Matthew Smith, product manager at flight-search website Skyscanner, says: “My wife and I got upgraded when we moved here from the US on BA. Not sure why, but we think spending $1600 on baggage fees helped.” Be early – or late! “Your flight may only have one or two upgrade places available, so maximise your chances of bagging them by rocking up at check-in ten hours before the scheduled departure,” advises Skyscanner. Conversely, those who arrive late and have not booked their seat may have a better change for an upgrade. But this is a “dangerous game”, cautions Joe Sarre, Skyscanner’s senior product manager. “If you’re too late you might miss the check-in time, or they might have already sorted their overbooking problems by giving upgrades to the passengers ahead.” Check your emails Some airlines will email passengers on the day of departure with details of cheap – but not free – upgrades. Mr Sarre said that he’d missed such offers emailed to him by Air France. “I’ve twice missed this because I didn’t check my emails close enough to departure… So keep checking your emails even up to a couple of hours before you fly,” he said. Be nice – and dress the part Anyone who is rude, or looks like they belong in economy will stay there. So smile, and dress to impress. No need for a suit, though — think smart casual: so shirt, jacket and brogues for the gentlemen. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Work The Aviation Issue
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The Aviation Issue Work
arabian planes in american skies by Ben Flanagan
W
here does Donald Trump stand on the ‘Open Skies’ debate? Would Hilary Clinton welcome more Emirates and Qatar Airways planes touching down in Washington? The real question is, could even the likes of Bernie Sanders
stand to travel in economy class with Delta, American Airlines or United?
In a presidential election campaign dominated by dirty talk and Trump’s mad musings on Muslims and Mexicans, the issue of politics in the global aviation industry has, understandably, taken something of a back seat. But the ‘war of words’ between the biggest airlines in the US and Gulf was certainly headline news a year ago. American Airlines, United and Delta alleged that their Gulf rivals received unfair government subsidies amounting to $42 billion over 10 years – claims that Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad have vigorously denied. The three US airlines put out a lengthy document detailing their allegations against the Gulf carriers, all which have responded in detail to deny claims they received subsidies. The US carriers contend that the Gulf benchmark middle east | May 2016
airlines are subsidised and therefore can afford to run unprofitable services to some cities, forcing other airlines to abandon certain routes. But the Gulf airlines have rubbished such claims, with some asserting that the American carriers have essentially been subsidised themselves, given that all three have, at some point, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. But while the ‘Open Skies’ row has quietened down over the last few months, it is certainly not over yet, said John Strickland, an aviation analyst at the UK-based JLS Consulting. Though the US government is expected to decide on the matter later this year, the question remains as to what stance the next US president – who takes office in January 2017 – will take on the ‘Open Skies’ row, Mr Strickland said.
“From a US government point of view it’s extremely complex,” he said. “It goes beyond what individual airlines say… It goes to wider macro-economic considerations of the benefits of aviation, competition, customer choice, tourism, job creation.” The outcome of the US election – which, at the time of writing, looks like it will be a race between Trump and Clinton – is “a bit of a wildcard” in predicting the future of the ‘Open Skies’ row, said Mr Strickland. Perhaps surprisingly given Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim remarks, at least one Gulf aviation boss has suggested that the controversial candidate’s victory would not be a big blow to business. Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of Qatar Airways, told audiences at last month’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai that Donald Trump was his “friend”. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Work The Aviation Issue
Many US airports are actively seeking Arab airlines to come serve their hubs — add to this the fact that many US customers want to spend money flying on non-US airlines speaks volumes. They want value. They want quality, they want choice, they want to fly the newest airplanes Saj Ahmad Chief Analyst at StrategicAero Research
“Donald Trump is a very successful businessman. And I know that Donald Trump will always come out [for] competition and business, regardless if it is in the interest of certain entities or not, he will look at the general interest of the American public.” Mr Al Baker said the US airlines “cannot compete” with the likes of Qatar Airways. “They cannot compete with us on quality, they cannot compete with us on pricing, they cannot compete with us on the hospitality which we provide on the aeroplanes. So of course, they don’t like competition,” he said. Peter Morris, chief economist at Ascend Flightglobal Consultancy, said that the US carriers had little to lose to their Gulf rivals. “Few people outside the US believe the US airlines’ arguments are anything more than absurd protectionism,” Mr Morris told Benchmark. “The proportion of their market affected is trivial, anyway. Perhaps they just don’t like competition?” Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at Strategic Aero Research, also dismissed the claims made by American Airlines, United and Delta. “[They] have been blabbering on for longer than anyone cares. Their accusations are without merit and the fact that these three carriers dominate domestic US travel, a market to which no GCC air36
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The Aviation Issue Work
line has access, and they profiteer through excessive fares on key city pairs – to accuse Arab airlines of stifling competition stinks… of irony and hypocrisy,” he said. Mr Al Baker said last month that he had a meeting with several US mayors, who were asking him to launch Qatar Airways services to their cities. “It is a very clear indication that the people want us, but the three American [airlines] are just making a nonsense of this whole industry,” he said. Mr Ahmad, the aviation analyst, said US airports are also lobbying for Arab airlines to launch routes. “Many US airports are actively seeking Arab airlines to come serve their hubs – add to this the fact that many US customers want to spend money flying on non-US airlines speaks volumes. They want value. They want quality, they want choice, they want to fly the newest airplanes,” he said. benchmark middle east | May 2016
Mr Ahmad also cited the big orders that Arab airlines have made with American companies such as aircraft-maker Boeing and engine-maker CFM International, a joint venture between the US-headquartered GE Aviation and France’s Snecma. “As it stands, given the massive orders for Boeing jets by Arab airlines, as well as for engines with CFM and GE, Arab airlines certainly have the upper hand,” Mr Ahmad said. The analyst said that American Airlines, Delta and United “want the 1970s era of regulation to reappear” – something he believes is not going to happen. “The quicker they wake up and smell the coffee, the better,” Mr Ahmad said. “They’re already losing out – and if they stay the course of this obstinacy, then they deserve to lose more market share internationally.” May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Work THE BOSS
WORK THE BOSS
sky comman As chief executive of Qatar Airways, Mr. Akbar Al Baker and his counterparts at Emirates and Etihad are currently fighting a war of words with the three biggest US carriers, who are claiming that Gulf operators received $42 billion in unfair government subsidies over ten years. 38
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THE BOSS
Work
by Ben Flanagan
ander
M
r Al Baker describes the allegations as “nonsense” — and claims his rival at Delta must be “smelling glue” in suggesting Qatar Airways’ new route to Atlanta is unpopular. Far from being deterred from the US market, Mr Al Baker said more routes are on the horizon. “The Gulf airlines – or any other airlines in the world – have the right to expand,” he said. Mr Al Baker fiercely disputes allegations that Gulf airlines have received government subsidies – and says some carriers in the US and Europe have, in fact, benefited from such financial assistance. “The European carriers forget that for nearly seven decades they were receiving subsidies from their government, funds from their governments to operate,” the executive said. “As for the Americans, for years they have been losing money and getting legal protection, which to my understanding is subsidy. Chapter 11 is a legal subsidy.” Here Mr Al Baker — in typically outspoken terms — describes his growth plan for Qatar Airways in the future. Q&A with Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of Qatar Airways How has the last year been for Qatar Airways? We will announce our results some time during June, as we have to wait for our audit to finish. It will be the best year we ever had. The three big US airlines have made allegations that Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad have received government subsidies. Do you think at some point Qatar Airways will
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Work THE BOSS
look to publish accounts on a structured annual basis? Yes that is exactly our intention. As a matter of fact, even if you don’t do it to the public, they have already obtained our accounts from several regulatory bodies to which we declare our accounts. And it is very clear that the allegations made against us are unfounded. [The US airlines’ claims are] just a proxy war on behalf of their European partners. Last year you travelled to Washington to address the subsidies issue. How were you received? I was received very positively by the authorities. They were very open at our rebuttal to all these allegations. And I think we are at the end of that road — we are just awaiting the final decision from the authorities in the United States. I’m sure the 40
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THE BOSS
Work
This is business, it is for everybody. The US carriers cannot compete with us on quality, they cannot compete with us on pricing, they cannot compete with us on the hospitality, which we provide on the aeroplanes. So of course, they don’t like competition. Akbar Al baker Chief Executive, Qatar Airways
authorities in the United States will realise that what we are doing in America is in the best public interest. Not, of course, in the interest of the US carriers, because they want to keep the cake and eat it themselves. This is business, it is for everybody. [The US carriers] cannot compete with us on quality, they cannot compete with us on pricing, they cannot compete with us on the hospitality which we provide on the aeroplanes. So of course, they don’t like competition. You’ve said that Qatar Airways’ new Atlanta route will “rub salt in the wounds” of Delta, which is headquartered in the US city. But the Partnership for Open Skies, the lobby group campaigning on behalf of US airlines, says the route is about “petty peevishness rather than rational, marbenchmark middle east | May 2016
ket-based reasoning”. What do you think of that? Statements coming out from the new CEO of Delta [suggest that] Qatar Airways will soon withdraw from [Atlanta] because there are only five or six passengers that will travel on that route to the Gulf. Well I think that, frankly he must be smelling glue. Because we already [have a high] load factor. And we have still not [started operating that route]. And once the people see the product we have to offer, I think we will have a huge following. Any new route from day one is not going to be profitable. A new route is a business under development. And it would take us a good part of a year, two years to really get recognised. We are there for the long term. We are not there to chicken out because we carry only 60 percent load factor. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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THE BOSS
Work
It’s two years since Hamid International airport opened. Is it performing as well as you hoped? We have already been receiving awards as the best airport in the Middle East. As the CEO of the airport also, I am not happy at that. Because we want to beat Incheon [airport], which keeps on getting [high global rankings]. And I’m sure that once we have done with our expansion plans, we will be by far the best airport ever built.
BIOGRAPHY Akbar Al Baker
is chief executive of Qatar Airways, and holds other positions including board member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and nonexecutive director of Heathrow Airport Holdings (HAH), responsible for the running and development of the UK’s largest airport. In his primary role he oversees several divisions of Qatar’s national airline, including Al Maha services, Qatar Executive, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Qatar Distribution Company, Qatar Duty Free and Internal Media Services. Born in Doha, Mr Al Baker is a graduate in Economics and Commerce and worked at various levels in the Civil Aviation Directorate before becoming Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive in 1997. He holds a private pilot licence.
benchmark middle east | May 2016
Qatar Airways is exploring a stake purchases in Italian airline Meridiana. What is your interest there? This airline has huge potential... The only problem is that they have not been managed properly up to now. They have a very good potential to grow. And with the partnership of Qatar Airways, this will be a very successful airline, I’m sure, provided that they unions with whom we are now negotiating play ball with us. If we do not get the working conditions we expect from the employees, we are not going to take the stake. We are there to make the airline successful, and to grow the airline and provide more jobs. But we are not there to just bankroll employees. We want employees to deliver. Because we will grow the airline: It will not be any more a niche carrier. It will be a global brand, a carrier that Italy will be very proud of. You have also shown interest in the African carrier Royal Air Maroc. Why are we so keen on Royal Air Maroc? One, because it is a very well-known, old established brand in Africa. Secondly, its potential is under-utilised. Casablanca could be a major hub between Africa, Europe and the West – the United States, North and South America. But that hub is not being properly developed, because of a lack of investment, and the lack of focus to the standards of customer service. And we as Qatar Airways becoming a shareholder in Royal Air Maroc would develop that airline to be a very strong brand serving Africa to the world. This is an edited version of an interview Mr Al Baker gave at last month’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Work Events Planner The UAE conference season is drawing to a close, with the last few mainstream events being held before the traditional lull during Ramadan — which this year falls in early June — and the quieter summer months. Here’s Benchmark’s guide to the top business events to look out for this month.
Women’s Peak Performance Summit
Photo chicladyabudhabi.al-hader.com
WHEN May 28 WHERE Eastern Mangroves Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Chic Lady Show Abu Dhabi WHEN May 26-29 WHERE Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre An affluent visitor base is expected at this Abu Dhabi show geared towards women. Around 8,000 people visited the event in 2014, according to the show organisers, with a wealth of beauty, fashion and cosmetic products on show. Catwalk shows will showcase the latest design trends geared towards Middle Eastern buyers. It’s certainly a booming market: According to a recent Thomson Reuters report, Muslim shoppers spent $266 billion on clothing and footwear in 2013, and that is set to grow to $488 billion by 2019. The show is open daily from 3.30pm to 10.30pm. WEBSITE chicladyabudhabi.al-hader.com PRICE Dh10 (standard); Dh50 (VIP)
Seven masterclasses form the basis of the Women’s Peak Performance Summit, which aims to empower participants to succeed both personally and professionally. They are described as the “Seven Peaks” – namelyfinance, career, physical, emotional, mental, social and environment. Speakers include Emirati national Aisha Al Ameer, who will speak about pushing boundaries to maximise one’s potential, and who has herself conquered physical ‘peaks’ on trips to both the Arctic and Antarctica. WEBSITE www.womenspeakperformance.com PRICE $210 (adult); $110 (student)
EmiratesSkills WHEN May 10-12 WHERE Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre EmiratesSkills, which has been running since 2006, aims to inspire young Emiratis to embrace new skills and build a career in technical and vocational trades. This event in Abu Dhabi showcases various competitions, training programs and hands-on workshops, and celebrates the accomplishments of talented young UAE nationals in various fields. The event includes The National Competition, in which young Emiratis compete in the field of craftsmanship and technology, and are evaluated based on the judging criteria of the WorldSkills organisation.
The Retail Show Middle East WHEN May 31-June 1 WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre We all know retail is a booming business in the UAE, home to some of the world’s largest megamalls. Dubai’s retail market alone was worth a whopping $35.4 billion last year, and sales turnover is expected to cross $52 billion by 2020. The entire industry will be under the microscope at the Retail Show Middle East, which includes both a conference and exhibition expected to draw 10,000 visitors. Expect product launches, workshops and networking sessions galore. The event is co-located with Cards & Payments Middle Eastand the ECommerce Show. WEBSITE www.terrapinn.com PRICE Trade visitors only
WEBSITE www.emiratesskills.ae PRICE Check website for registration details 44
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Index
WHEN May 23-26 WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre
The Mobile Show WHEN May 31-June 1 WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre This telecoms event will also be held alongside The Retail Show Middle East. The Mobile Show Middle East covers how both corporations and governments can better engage with consumers via the smartphone. It includes free seminars and masterclasses on topics like app development and mobile marketing. More than 2,000 attendees and 50 exhibitors are expected. It’s certainly an important topic for UAE businesses, given that the country has one of the highest rates of mobile-phone use in the world.
This long-running design exhibition will also be held in the same venue as the Outdoor Design & Build Show. Index, now in its 25th year, attracted almost 20,000 visitors in 2015, according to the organiser. Each spent an average of $72,000 at the show – with the organiser estimating that the total value of orders as a result of the exhibition stood at $2.9 billion. About four in ten of last year’s visitors were from the design industry, with others working in fields such as construction, retail, facility management and tourism. WEBSITE www.indexexhibition.com PRICE Free with pre-registration (trade visitors); Dh250 charge (non-trade visitors)
The Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show
There’s no shortage of exhibitions about the UAE’s bold real estate projects – but the spaces in between the country’s gleaming towers don’t always get as much attention. But that’s partly the focus of the Outdoor Design &Build Show, which is for professionals specialising in urban development and infrastructure. Run by the organisers of The Big 5 exhibition, the region’s largest construction event, the show is about private and public spaces including parks and transportation hubs. The show – which last year attracted over 86 exhibitors and 4,000 attendees – is co-located with several other business events, including Middle East Waste & Recycling. WEBSITE www.theoutdoorshow.ae PRICE Free benchmark middle east | May 2016
WHEN May 16-18 WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre
This event may sound a little flat – but as the Coca-Colas and Tetra Paks of this world show, there’s some hard cash in soft drinks. The Dubai Drink Technology Expo is a platform for the beverage industry in the Arab world and beyond, with about 200 companies and 10,000 professionals set to attend. Very much for industry bods only, the event will cover the latest developments in equipment and storage, and include the Middle East Beverage Awards honouring the best drinks brands.
WEBSITE www.terrapinn.com PRICE Free
WHEN May 23-25 WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai Drink Technology Expo
WEBSITE www.drinkexpo.ae PRICE Free
Indian Property Show WHEN June 2-4 WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre The previous Indian Property Show in Dubai was held inDecember, and the fact that it is returning so soon is testament to the demand from the sizeable Indian expat population in the UAE. The show is geared towards individuals and investors looking to buy property in the Asian country, with developers showcasing projects across India, and seminars on issues like the legal implications of property ownership and highgrowth cities.The organiser of the show said last year that Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai were among the most popular locations for investment. WEBSITE www.indianpropertyshow.com PRICE Free
Middle East Call Centre show WHEN Late May WHERE Dubai World Trade Centre People love to rant about call centres – with their infuriating automated menus, not to mention the music many blurt out when you’re on hold, being particular bugbears. But some are, of course, better than others – and the best practices in the field will come under the spotlight at this Dubai event. The Middle East Call Centre show will look at the operations side of call centres as well as how new technologies such as speech recognition and cloud computing can help. Quick ways to reduce costs is the subject of one of the free seminars. WEBSITE www.insights-me.com PRICE Free May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Travel
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Travel Play
Qatar Airways’ Marvelous Flying Machine “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” by scott armstrong
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Play Travel
O
bviously flight has come on a long way since the 1500s when Leonardo da Vinci penned that as he mused about taking to skies. Today the Renaissance Man would have been astounded at how far his rudimentary glider designs had evolved, morphing into the peoplemoving machines of a global industry that now sees airlines competing for customers with ever-increasing promises of service and luxury. Nowhere are airlines pushing the limits of premium service more than in the Arabian Gulf, and so, in the interests of science, I boarded a Qatar Airways flight, business class ticket in hand, to see for myself the extent to which this airline had elevated the concept of flight. Of course, as clever as the “Universal Genius”(as some call him) was, as he sat on a hilltop looking over his beloved city of Florence, dreaming of swooping over the terracotta roofs, I doubt he ever imagined the drudgery that begins before a modern flight ever leaves the ground — standing in massive queues waiting to check-in, heaving suitcases, clearing security, and then shuffling in to over-crowded waiting areas. Arriving at terminal four at Heathrow a little earlier than the traditional two hours, I was in for an experience much more in line with the romance captured by Leonardo’s quote. I approached the smiling staff at the Qatar airways business class checkin and was swiftly relived of my bags and handed over to the efficient Meet and Assist personnel who kindly escorted me through security and immigration with a minimum of fuss. Timing it from check in to lounge was less than 10 minutes. 48
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May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Travel Play
Stunningly un-marred by the check in and immigration process, and quite early for my flight, I settled into a deep chair and began sipping my first bubbles of the day. Qatar is rightly proud of its premium lounge at Heathrow. It’s split into two mains areas, one casual where comfy loungers overlooking the runway provide the perfect spot to sip away the time before boarding, and the other, a slightly more formal dining area for those who like to sit at a table while they eat. Both areas enjoy the central buffet and ala carte service, which kept my glass full and snacks coming until it was time to board Flight QR2, a wide-body Airbus A330-300 serving the 9.30pm London-to-Doha flight, due to land at 6.15am Qatar time. As a business class passenger, I was greeted on board by a reception desk where smiling staff escorted me to my seat, a spacious 180-degree horizontal flatbed offering 60-inch pitch (almost double the legroom of economy), and a generous 21inch wide seat. The amenities of the seat include a 17-inch screen for the excellent onboard entertainment system (Oryx TV) plus onboard wifi and the ability to make GSM calls, power sockets for your gadgets, lots of clever storage, noise-cancelling earphones, a goody bag of premium toibenchmark middle east | May 2016
letries etcetera, etcetera. Of course, being business class, you’d expect all this. What set Qatar apart was the atmosphere on board, in part thanks to that soft magenta lighting, but mostly due to the deft, warm (but not over-the-top) service from the crew. Smiles are not so much polished as genuine — the DowntonAbbey-esque hospitality one expects when checking in to a five-star hotel. You are not an anonymous passenger, but a welcome guest for the duration of the flight. This is a concept that is a vital as the comfort of the seat and one that has been increasingly forgotten as other airlines expand. Travellers used to think that the physical comfort offered in business class was the gift, now it is just the wrapping paper. The service on Qatar is the real present. Like any five-star service-in-the-sky, Qatar offers an excellent menu, both in terms of food and beverage, and once you’ve had your fill, a sleep suit is available, as is a turn-down service (how Downton) during which your bed is made for you with a mattress added to aid your rest.Perhaps the ultimate sign of a comfy business class bed is the fact that none of the above were required for me to drift off, only to wake shortly before landing in Doha. For those who, like me, are connecting to other regional flights, Qatar’s impressive Al Mourjan business lounge awaits you. This is Charlton Heston of an epic lounge—huge and cavernous with a massive water feature at its heart that really needs to be seen rather than described. Downstairs is devoted to comfy chairs, coffee, snacks and the like, while upstairs is a huge gourmet dining and imbibing area (if you didn’t already get your fill on the way over like I had). I used my connection time to access the spa-like shower area to really freshen up before getting back on board, this time in premium class for the short hop back to Muscat. Even on this short regional hop, the reception-like greeting, genuine smiles, and five-star offering of entertainment, food, and beverage was there. Easing back into my seat, a fizzing glass in hand, subdued magenta lighting setting the mood, I couldn’t help but think that Mr da Vinci would have approved. A man who clearly loved life, I imagined him attacking the gourmet food onboard the Qatar Airways service from London Heathrow to Doha with gusto, probably accompanied by something red before happily donning his pyjamas and settling down for a snooze in the skies. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Motoring
Vacation IN WINTE Play Motoring
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benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Motoring Play
oning TERLAND 17 adrenaline junkies from the GCC traded the golden sands of the Arabian desert for drifts of snow on a trip to Iceland where they tested their mettle in modified 4X4 vehicles. Story Deeba hasan • PhotoGRAPHY SUpplied
benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Motoring
raped in warm clothes, almost resembling Eskimos, and equipped with specially designed 4X4 vehicles, a group of 17 adventure enthusiasts from the elites of Arabia were watching the snow swirl around them. Familiar with the challenges and triumphs of desert crossings and dune bashing, they had travelled half-way around the world for a chance at a new kind of off-road experience in the snowcovered mountains of Iceland. “We were 13 Omanis and four Emiratis. When we got to Iceland and were preparing for the exciting journey ahead, they gave us a presentation on the rules of driving in the snow and other related details,” said Faisal Al Raisi, a member of the expedition. But, the day they were supposed to head into the wilds, a severe snowstorm warning was issued, and most skiing and sightseeing groups cancelled their excursions for the day. “In that situation, it was recommended by the guide that we too pause our ambitious journey until the storm subsided, but we had flown over 10,000 kilometres and wanted to make sure that we experienced the off road snow adventure, and so we made a risky decision and said that we would go,” Faisal explained. “An interesting thing I noticed was that in Iceland you are not allowed to even take your cars off road unless the tyres are modified and elevated to suit the requirement, otherwise you put your car in the risk of getting stuck in the snow,” he added. The group had hired ‘Arctic Trucks,’ a vehicle modification company that specialises in carrying out expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions to outfit them and guide them. Between their upgraded vehicles and the more than 18 years of experience dune bashing in the deserts of the Arabian Gulf, there was no way a little snowstorm was going to hinder their journey or put a damper on their enthusiasm. They set off into the white swirl, which quickly turned into a white wall. As they drove through the off road snow track, they noticed that everything around them was white, and there weren’t any landmarks in sight. It gave the eerie feeling that no matter how much they drove, everything around them remained at a standstill. But the worst was yet to come. 52
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“Suddenly, after driving for 20 kilometres, we were in the middle of a storm and couldn’t see a thing beyond a metre ahead of us, it was all white, the broken snow from the ground was flying all around us accompanied by strong winds. That’s when we decided to drive almost bumper to bumper to keep track of where we were going and to be together. The visibility was terrible,” said Hani Zubair, another adventurer who was with the group. The storm cleared, and the group found themselves infront of a raging river. There was no way around it. They were going to have to cross it. “We were really excited to cross that river because it was the only river in the area, but with the high elevation as a result of snow piling up on both sides, our cars sort of fell into the river; that was a lot of fun,” Hani added. Through rivers, hills, and mountains of snow, the group reached their destination: a little cottage surrounded by natu-
ral hot springs. Many of the group members plunged into the hot springs, but some stayed back in the cottage for fear that once they got out of the relaxing hot waters into the negative-three-degree temperature, they would freeze. “We stayed in the warmth of the cottage all night with the blizzard roaring outside, and in the morning we had to dig through the snow to open the door, because the height of the house was seven metres and the accumulated snow was up to four metres high. Soon after, we were asked to leave the area as another storm was predicted,” he further added. The group started driving back towards their base at nine in the morning, but after an hour, they turned back. The route had become too risky and the leader could not find a safe passage. They agreed to try again after five o’clock that evening. A desert crossing isn’t complete without Arabian biryani, and with time to kill and a suitcase full of spices he’d brought May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Motoring Play
PLAN YOUR OWN ICY ADVENTURE Arctic Trucks International Klettháls 3 110 Reykjavík, Iceland info@arctictrucks.com arctictrucks.com +354 540 4900
from Oman, the cook of the group headed into the kitchen, emerging with a platter of steaming biryani large enough to feed everyone in the cottage. The concernedlooking guide learned that another storm was on its way; the route was only going to become more treacherous. So at four in the afternoon, they moved out again, heading back towards the raging river. But by the time they arrived, the river had disappeared under a thick blanket of snow. “We have faced similar situations in the desert a few times and so it wasn’t a great deal for us — we pulled out our shovels and started digging. We used our cars to create a path through the snow. That took us three hours, but it was a massive experience,” said Khalid Al Wahaibi, another member. These Arabian adventurers made it back before the second storm hit, and over the days that followed, they spent their time exploring other natural wonders, from the volcanic geysers of the Blue Lagoon to the Northern Lights. But the main purpose of their trip, testing themselves as drivers in this wintery environ, was never far from their minds. There had been challenges when it came to driving through the dunes of ice, but at the end of their journey, they all agreed that the desert had prepared them well, and was a bit more enjoyable than the slippery, wet snow routes. “Driving in the snow is difficult because of the cold, but it’s also boring because the surface is flat unlike the desert, and slippery too. Dune bashing is more fun, you can really test your skills in the sand dunes,” Al Wahaibi added. They had pitted the skills they learned in their untamed, hometown deserts against the harsh walls of bitingly cold snow in this remote land. And when it was all said and done: They came, they saw, they conquered. benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Travel Insider
Gulf Air Business Class Review
A PIONEER REIMAGINED by Sudeshna Ghosh
T
he original Middle East based airline, Gulf Air pioneered the concept of pampering in the skies that regional airlines have made something of a specialisation of. Going from being a leading international airline providing unparalleled connectivity between Asia and the west, to being mired in bankruptcy rumours in the mid 2000’s, Gulf Air underwent massive restructuring a few years ago to reemerge as an airline worth reckoning with, boasting a compact and efficient fleet and route map. It flies an A320ER to Paris CDG airport, which is one of its main European capital destinations. I was on a short haul one-hour flight from Dubai (Terminal 1) to Bahrain, with 54
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an onward connection to Paris CDG airport, with just about 90 minutes worth of a layover in Bahrain. I was checked through at Dubai airport, where the staff was helpful, the process quick and seamless, and I was soon walking towards Gulf Air’s dedicated lounge in Dubai International. Online check-in is available. On-ground Featuring the airline’s signature matte gold colour, the overall décor of the lounge is clean and contemporary, with blue and beige sofas, and table lamps offering a warm inviting glow. A buffet serves up the usual suspects when it comes to lounge cuisine, while wi-fi and shower facilities ensure you can make the most of your time here.
The lounge at Bahrain airport is the flagship, complete with a Majlis-style seating area near the entrance. The food is also surprisingly good – don’t miss the kibbeh! The selection of reading material in the lounge was surprisingly small, however, with little more than the airline magazine on offer. The Bahrain lounge also features a separate ‘Quiet Room’ – which I didn’t need to use on such a short layover, but definitely would have done if I had more time to kill at the airport – plus family-friendly facilities such as a gaming room, and their unique ‘Sky Nannies’ service available to those who need it. Boarding announcements are made throughout, and with Bahrain airport being refreshingly compact (while offering May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Travel Insider Play
Flight details Gulf Air A320ER Dubai – Bahrain – Paris
Aircraft type A320ER Configuration 2-2 Seat pitch 78-80” Seat width 22” Seat recline 180-degree flatbeds with 4 recline levels What it costs Approx. AED12,845 Contact www.gulfair.com
benchmark middle east | May 2016
all the conveniences of a modern airport), the gate is but a short walk away. On-board With a 2-2 configuration, the flat-bed seats are wide and comfortable, and it doesn’t make much of a difference where in the cabin you find yourself seated; I was quite happy with my window seat choice towards the back of the cabin. The seat dividers are large enough to allow for privacy for those who crave it. There’s convenient armrest and table space around each seat, and a surprisingly roomy laptop stowaway area next to the seat; a bottle of water and the Chopardamenity kit are placed here in advance. The seat controls are easy to manoeuvre, with pre-set options for reclining. Storage space is aplenty, with a shoe compartment in the front, alongside another cubby where the blankets – which were some of the nicest, plushest in-flight blankets I’ve ever seen, bar none – were kept. The seat also boasts an in-built massage system; quite popular these days on many aircraft, but I’m not sure how effective they are. What would definitely be gamechanging is if an airline introduced an onboard masseuse… is anyone listening?! Once seated, the welcome drink options include fresh orange juice, a refreshing mint lemonade or champagne (Jacquart Brut), followed by dates and Arabic coffee, served with a smile, and hot and cold towels. This is the airline that also pioneered
the Sky Chef concept (now a key feature with other leading airlines), thanks to which, the food on-board feels truly gourmet. Restaurant-trained staff are available to take your order and personalise your meal, and they seem genuinely friendly and hospitable. Expect dishes such as carrot and cumin soup; pan-fried lamb fillet with pilaf rice, French beans, red onion confit and rosemary sauce; and saffron risotto with broccoli, babycorn and buttered carrots. Not only does all the food sound delicious – as many airplane menus are prone to do – but the taste and presentation are excellent too. Dessert is served off a trolley that is wheeled by – think fruit tiramisu; lemon meringue; and opera cake with crème Anglaise- as is a cheese platter. The wine list features two each of white and red, plus bubbly. The food menu includes a recipe (plus a profile of one of their Sky chefs), and the wine list contained tips and info on wine glasses; a nice little touch that practically costs nothing to add on, but which I appreciated. It’s interesting to note here that even on the one-hour Dubai-Bahrain flight, hot food is served – a delicious kebab platter, served with a rather dry potato rosti, in my case – that is perfect to stave off the late night hunger pangs. The on-demand entertainment, enjoyed with noise-cancelling headphones on 15-inch screens, provides the expected selection of movies, TV shows and music; while it may not be on par with the high quality of entertainment provided on similar airlines, it provides a reasonable selection of hits to make the seven odd hours of flying whiz by. Gulf Air prides itself on its on-time performance (89 per cent in 2014), and true to promise, all the flights on my route left on time. This includes my return flight on the 14th of November, 2015, the day after the Paris attacks; needless to say, I was very impressed with their timeliness, and indeed, their extreme professionalism at CDG airport on a stressful day such as that. Verdict After all the ups and downs it’s been through, many people aren’t sure what to expect from Gulf Air. But I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of product and service, and with the highly competitive pricing they offer, I’d gladly fly them again. It certainly looks like the airline is quietly but steadily upping its game to reclaim its share of the sky pie. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Property
Top Five Properties For Sale
Luxhabitat, Dubai’s only high-end real estate brokerage, gives us the rundown on the top five choices for sale in the emirate For more details on all these properties, and more, visit: Luxhabitat, Dubai's only high-end real estate brokerage and interior design company, at www.luxhabitat.ae or scan the QR code with your smart phone
Dh29.5 million Renovated five bedroom villa in Emirates Hills
The essentials City Dubai Area Emirates Hills Development E Sector Type Villa Availability Ready Lifestyle Golf Retreats Bedrooms 5 bedrooms Bathrooms 6 (4 ensuite) Built up area 10,000 sq ft Plot size 22,500 sq ft Pool Private pool
This beautifully upgraded contemporary villa is situated in the exclusive development of Emirates Hills. Standing on plot of more than 21,000 square feet this five bedroom property has been extensively upgraded and internally redesigned to create a suburb property flooded with natural light with open plan areas and large open vistas. The ground floor comprises of a brand new branded kitchen with full european appliances, a large semi open dinning room, a large lounge area and separate family room. Completing the ground floor is the en-suite guest room with new bathrooms and again finished to a impeccable standard and quality sanitary ware.
Dh5.5 million Three bedroom sea facing apartment in Palm Jumeriah
The essentials City Dubai Area Palm Jumeirah Development Oceana Residences Sub-development Atlantic Type Apartment Availability Ready Lifestyle Luxury Penthouses Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 4 (1 ensuite) Built up area 2,440 sq ft Pool Infinity, community pool
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This beautifully kept and airy open plan three bedroom apartment with study area has been maintained to the highest standard with floor to ceiling windows throughout. The living and dining area has a large balcony and the white kitchen is almost untouched. The master bedroom is exceptionally big and spacious with large walk in wardrobe area and en-suite bathroom with port hole window. The two double bedrooms both have private bathroom, built in wardrobes and views of the Dubai Marina from both of the bedrooms. Wrap around balconies finish off this superb apartment in a highly sought after area of Dubai. Oceana is a beachfront resort community centrally located on the Palm Jumeriah and offers private beach access and access to an infinity pool which offers panoramic views of Dubai and the Marina. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Property Play
Dh6.5 million Three bedroom plus study apartment in Palm Jumeriah
The essentials City Dubai Area Palm Jumeirah Development Oceana Residences Sub-development Atlantic Type: Apartment Availability Ready Lifestyle Luxury Penthouses Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 4 (3 ensuite) Built up area 2,280 sq ft Pool Infinity, community pool
This stunning three bedroom apartment with study area in the luxurious Oceana complex has been upgraded to a very high standard, with an open plan kitchen with Miele appliances throughout. The standard marble floors have been replaced with hard wooden floors. The ceilings have been raised and fitted with Led lights to maximise the light that flows through the apartment. The spacious balcony and floor to ceiling windows from the living area and Master bedroom have panoramic views of the iconic Atlantis and the Palm while two en-suite bedrooms have full views of the Dubai Marina skyline.
Dh7.2 million Five bedroom villa in Arabian Ranches
The essentials City Dubai Area Arabian Ranches Development Al Mahra Type Villa Availability Ready Lifestyle Golf Retreats Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 (4 ensuite) Built up area 4,361 sq ft Plot size 8,099 sq ft Pool Private pool
Set in the elegant Arabian Ranches development, this beautifully kept villa is located in Al Marahra, one of Dubai's most established villa communities. Stylishly decorated throughout, this perfect family home comes complete with arches and domes, offering residents a quaint flavour of Arabia. This upgraded five bedroom villa has a built up area of 4328 square feet and boasts an impressive new kitchen with fitted appliances and all bathrooms have been renovated to European standards and include walk-in showers. With vies over the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, this property also comes with a private pool.
Dh3.8 million High floor Burj Khalifa one bedroom apartment with sea view
The essentials City Dubai Area Downtown Dubai Development Burj Khalifa Tower Type Apartment Availability Ready Lifestyle Luxury Penthouses Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 2 (1 ensuite) Built up area 1,096 sq ft Pool Community pool
benchmark middle east | May 2016
This one bedroom apartment with storage in the world famous Burj Khalifa Tower comes fully furnished, decorated in the chicest cream decor and finished with dark wooden flooring throughout. The living room boasts stunning views over the lake and take in the aquamarine sea view from the spacious bedroom. Builtin speakers and smart home technology round up the upgrades on this beautiful apartment. The apartment is located above the 70th floor and, like all units in the Burj Khalifa, it has been finished with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, marble and wooden flooring, fully fitted kitchen with high specification appliances. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Property
Top Five Properties For Rent
We’ve teamed up with Luxhabitat, Dubai’s only high-end real estate brokerage and interior design company, to bring you our top five choices to rent For more details on all these properties, and more, visit: Luxhabitat, Dubai's only high-end real estate brokerage and interior design company, at www.luxhabitat.ae or scan the QR code with your smart phone
Dh500,000 per year Atrium Villa in Palm Jumeriah
The essentials City Dubai Area Palm Jumeirah Development Fronds Garden Home Type Villa Availability Ready Lifestyle Sea-Front Properties Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5 (4 ensuite) Built up area 5,000 sq ft Plot size 6,750 sq ft Pool Private pool
This fastidiously maintained four bedroom atrium entry garden home is located on the frond on on Palm Jumeirah with arguably some of the best views of the Dubai Marina. As you enter this large home from the ground floor from the front of the property you are treated by a large open vaulted entry vestibule and central view through to the rear of the property and the open water. The ground floor in comprised of a large family room to the front of the property, open plan lounge and formal dinning to the rear of the property opening to the rear garden and private beach area. The large contemporary kitchen is located from the dinning area and to the rear of this a large laundry area and store and private maids room with bathroom. The ground floor is completed by way of a guest bathroom/cloakroom.
Dh400,000 per year Atlantis facing facing garden home villa in Palm Jumeriah
The essentials City Dubai Area Palm Jumeirah Development Fronds, Garden Home Sub-development Frond C Type Villa Availability Ready Lifestyle Private Communities Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5 (4 en-suite) Built up area 5,000 sq ft Plot size 6,700 sq ft Pool Private pool
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This stunning bedroom is located in the highly sought after Palm Jumeirah Dubai. With cobbled steps at the rear of the property that leads directly onto a private beach area, this family villa also boasts a spacious garden and huge pool perfect for weekend barbecues and entertaining. As you enter the front of the property you are treated by a large open vaulted entry vestibule and central view through to the rear of the property and the open water. With ceiling to floor windows, natural light flooded a huge frontfacing family room, an open plan lounge and a formal dinning at the back of the property. The large contemporary kitchen is located from the dinning area and to the rear of this a large laundry area and store and private maids room with bathroom. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Property Play
Dh325,000 per year Just completed charming semi-detached five bedroom in Jumeriah
The essentials City Dubai Area Jumeirah Development Jumeirah Type Semi-detached townhouse Availability Ready Lifestyle Private Communities Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 6 (5 ensuite) Built up area 5,400 sq. ft Plot size 4,250 sq ft
Brilliantly located close to Jumeirah strip, this brand new townhouse is a winner with Downtown skyline views and very workable floor plan. The villa offers five spacious bedrooms, plenty of natural sunlight and high ceilings throughout, creme marble flooring, and contemporary upmarket bathrooms complete this family home for those seeking a Jumeirah address. The Landlord will add your kitchen equipment to the well proportioned and very workable kitchen/breakfast area. The pleasingly large size living room with floor to ceiling glass opens out to a small garden which you may add your touch to ensuring maximum entertainment space.
Dh525,000 per year Valenica Villa in Lime Tree Valley in Jumeirah Golf Estates The essentials City Dubai Area Jumeirah Golf Estates Development Lime Tree Valley Type Villa Availability Ready Lifestyle Golf Retreats Bedrooms 5 bedrooms Bathrooms 6 (5 ensuite) Built up area 7,000 sq ft Plot size 9,500 sq ft Pool Community pool heated and cooled private pool
This stunning Valencia Villa in Lime Tree Valley, Jumeirah Golf Estate is spacious, light and airy with a large open SieMatic kitchen, an adjoining prep kitchen/laundry room, ample living and dining space, a great sized en-suite guest bedroom, study powder room and storage room complete the ground floor living area. The first floor includes three well appointed en-suite bedrooms, a large master suite, huge upstairs family room all off a spacious landing area. This unique property is fully upgraded with marble flooring, a huge fully fitted basement, landscaped garden, private pool and BBQ area.
Dh425,000 per year Five bed villa plus basement in Jumeriah Golf Estates
The essentials City Dubai Area Jumeirah Golf Estates Development Lime Tree Valley Type Villa Availability Ready Lifestyle Golf Retreats Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 6 (5 ensuite) Built up area 5,700 sq ft Plot size 9,756 sq ft Pool Community pool infinity, cooled private pool
benchmark middle east | May 2016
This lovely Murcia Villa is for rent in Lime Tree Valley, Jumeirah Golf Estates, from the beginning of May. This sought after floor plan will suit a family moving to Dubai from the UK or Europe best. The property is ideally located and offers serene views of the lake, desert and other luxury villas within the setting of the World Championship Earth Course. The Murcia features a large, double volume entrance foyer with direct views through the villa to the rear garden area, swimming pool and lake, a very open plan living space, a large kitchen and breakfast room, an en-suite guest bedroom and additional power room complete the ground floor accommodation. May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Fashion for Her
Tangy tangerine shades of orange were all over the runways at New York Fashion Week earlier this year, establishing this cheerful tone as the new power color of the season. Check out our favorite picks from LK Bennet and Bally. If this pop of color is too bright for your palette, try the brands' sweet pastel pink and floral numbers that are sure to get you in the mood for summer. For a picture-perfect evening look, we turn toTommy Hilfiger’s newly launched 15-piece limited-edition Ramadan collection. Tommy Hilfiger Every woman knows the importance of a classic white shirt. With a gold collar, this is a glamourous twist on an old favourite. Pair with a skinny jean or slim-fit black trousers and a wow heel (our favorite is the black and gold sandal shoe below).
Dh549
Tommy Hilfiger Prayers for the perfect evening gown for that grand entrance we all dream of is answered in this floorsweeping number. A high collar, nipped in waist and gold ascents makes this dress your go-to number for any black-tie occasion for years to come.
Tommy Hilfiger Sometimes an outfit starts from the feet up and a stylish black high-heel is one of those items worth your whipping out your wallet for. Splash out on these open-toe black and gold sandals for the perfect evening footwear.
Dh899
Dh1,099
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benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
LK Bennett
LK Bennett
This Tia floral print dress in pastel peach florals is a one-stop look that embraces spring blooms. With short sleeves and a nipped waist designed to flatter, this dress will make a statement at a special occasion or will brighten up your work wear when teamed with a blazer, courts and a structured tote.
This bright zesty orange cardigan is the perfect wardrobe must-have for May. Throw over a plain white t-shirt and jeans in the day, team with cool whites for a breezy day-time office look or pair with a pretty dress for evening dinner and drinks.
Dh1,910
Dh890
Bally For a true style statement, this chic clutch bag that looks straight off the catwalk. A simple stand-out accessory and guaranteed head-tuner, pair with the Danyelle ballerina and either tailored cropped trousers or your favourite jeans for a stylish off-duty look
Dh1,290
Bally The Danyelle ballerina is a chic, designer flat is the mark of everyday luxury in soft leather. In the brightest tangerine hue this will match perfectly with the Binney clutch bag. Dh1,290
Bally Adorned with the signature Bally bow, this chic pink leather heeled show is the mark of everyday luxury and embodies flawless day-to-evening style. Pair with a pretty dress -(such as LK Bennet’s Tia floral print number above) for head-to-toe feminine charm. Dh2090 benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Fashion for Him
There is no need to feel blue, but you should certainly don the hue as this is The Colour for menswear this May. From casual kicks to buttoned-up blazers, here are our picks of the season.
Brooks Brothers In every man’s wardrobe should be a well-fitting polo-shirt, especially in the warmer climates. When it comes to versatile colours, black can often come out on top, but sometimes it can look a little too plain or stark. This electric shade of blue is a winning compromise. Team with jeans or a light-colored short and espadrilles for a more off-sty look.
Dh310
Bally Every discerning fashionable gentleman knows a belt finishes any outfit. Our favorite of the moment is this classic Bally number is a soft pale blue hue.
Dh896
Bally This Bally Ascar shoe manages to toe the fine line between casual and dressy. Perfect to be teamed with jeans or chinos and a shirt for a dressier look.
Dh1,390
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benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers This sleeveless quilted padded jacket in navy ticks every fashion box. Team with the navy chinos and a class white-shirt.
Purchasing a brand new jacket is not typically something that a man does often and when the time comes — it is often hard to find one that is stylish, comfortable, and won't empty your bank account. This offering from Brooks Brothers has a seriously confident style designed to to stand the test of time, both in terms of fashion and durability, and can be teamed with a jeans and t-shirts, khakis and polos, or full-on formal attire.
Dh1,900
Dh945
Brooks Brothers Blue chinos are a staple this season. In classic navy, this straight leg trouser can be paired with a polo or white shirt for effortless style.
Dh405
benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Play Events Planner Summer can spell slow season for kidsliving in the UAE, so it’s worth catching two children’s events coming to Dubai and Abu Dhabi before the peak of the hot weather. Stage versions of James and the Giant Peach and The Tiger Who Came to Tea – two children’s classics brought to life by acclaimed theatre director David Wood – will be held in both emirates this month. They kick off Benchmark’s guide to going out over the next few weeks. The Ancient Land of the UAE
Credit wires
Credit wires
WHEN June 1 WHERE Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
WHEN May 7-13 WHERE Abu Dhabi, Dubai A surreal stage show awaits kids (and big kids!) with this adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books. James and the Giant Peach tells the tale of a young boy whose parents are killed (by a rhinoceros, no less) and is forced to live with his two cruel aunts. Life is miserable until the arrival of the magical “giant peach”, which is home to James’ newfound friends, including a giant talking grasshopper, a centipede and spider. The occasionally macabre story will be of appeal to both fans of the original 1961 book, and new, younger audiences. Performances will be held at the Abu Dhabi Theatre on May 7 (public shows) and May 8 (school shows) and at Dubai’s DuctacCentrepoint Theatre from May 10-13. WEBSITE www.artforall.ae PRICE Dh140-Dh195 64
benchmark middle east | May 2016
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Strange ancestors of the elephant, along with the hippopotamus and crocodiles are not creatures you’d expect to find in the UAE. But fossils discovered in the country suggest that they did indeed once inhabit the desert plains. Archaeological experts will discuss the research collected from excavations to help raise awareness of the animals that roamed the country long ago. Mark Beech, head of Coastal Heritage and Palaeontology at the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and Khalid Al Bloushi, assistant professor and head of geology at the UAE University, will explain all, at an event geared towards educators, adults, teens and families.
WHEN May 14, 18 WHERE Abu Dhabi, Dubai
WEBSITE saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae PRICE Registration required
Another classic children’s tale is coming to the UAE with this dramatic performance of Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Also adapted for the stage by David Wood, the production tells the tale of Sophie and her mother, who are having tea in the kitchen when there is a mysterious knock at the door from a very hungry tiger. Expect lots of audience participation in this dramatic take on the children’s classic. The show will be at the Abu Dhabi Theatre on May 14, and the Madinat Theatre in Dubai on May 18.
PSA Dubai World Series
WEBSITE www.artforall.ae PRICE Dh135-Dh185
WHEN May 24-28 WHERE Burj Park, Downtown Dubai The Professional Squash Association (PSA) announced in April that the seasonending World Series Finals will be staged in Downtown Dubai, under the shadow of the BurjKhalifa, the world’s tallest building. A state-of-the-art squash court and spectator venue are to be constructed on Burj Park, the island overlooking the famous Dubai Fountain. The event will see the world’s eight best male and female players compete in a five-day squash extravaganza. Tickets start at just Dh25; hospitality packages are also available. WEBSITE www.worldseriesfinals.com PRICE From Dh25 May 2016 | benchmark middle east
Dubai Desert Road Run
Groove on the Grass WHEN May 6 WHERE Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Sweden’s “techno king” Adam Beyer is among the DJs at the season-closing Groove on the Grass. The event series, dedicated to electronic music, features two stages at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. “We invite you for one last dance before the summer weather sets in,” says the promotional blurb. Amsterdam’s Bart Skils and Italy’s DJ Tennis are also part of the line-up, with more set to be announced.
Early June does not seem like the most comfy time to embark on an outdoor run, given the scorching summer heat of Dubai. But given that next month’s Dubai Desert Road Run starts at 6am, it will at least be a little cooler than during the middle of the day. First held in February 2012, the race is held several times a year, and is designed to appeal to everyone from first-time social runners to accomplished athletes. The 10km race starts at 6am, and the 3km at 6.05am. Both distances are run on private roads over a safe, traffic-free course, with The Sevens stadium being home to both the start and finish lines. WEBSITE www.dubairunning.com PRICE $21 (3km race); $34 (10km race)
WHEN May 6 WHERE Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Some of the Arab world’s hottest stars – including Lebanese icon Maya Diab and Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred – are set to give high-octane performances at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in early May. The festival will have hip hop, pop, comedy and magic performances, along with the excitement of drag and drifting car action on the F1 race track itself. WEBSITE www.yasmarinacircuit.com PRICE Dh150 (regular admission); Dh300 (VIP, with food and soft drinks) benchmark middle east | May 2016
WHEN May 26 WHERE DuctacCentrepoint Theatre, Dubai What better event to mark Italian National Day (albeit a few days early) than this night of popular opera arias. The gala evening will include classics including Bellini’s “Norma”, Donizetti’s “Elisir D’ amore”, Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and Puccini’s “Tosca”. The performance will be by Monica de Rosa McKay, an Italian Soprano now living in Dubai, and the tenor Gian Luca Pasolini. It’s all billed as “an evening of classical music at its best”.
Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters 2016 WHEN May 26-27 WHERE Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium On to a somewhat less physically demanding sport, with thereturnof the two-day Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters. The world’s eight top darts players are set to descend on the city for the event, including Michael van Gerwen, the reigning champion of the Dubai competition. They will compete for the $200,000 (Dh735,000) prize fund. Aside from individual day tickets, there are VIP packages available – with food and free-flowing beverages – starting at Dh799 per individual. WEBSITE www.dubai-darts.com PRICE From Dh199
Credit dubaicalendar.ae
Credit abudhabievents.ae
Italian Opera Gala
WEBSITE www.ductac.org PRICE Dh150-Dh250
WEBSITE www.grooveonthegrass.com PRICE Check website for details
ActionHA on Yas Island
Credit dubaicalendar.ae
Credit drumcode.se
WHEN June 4 WHERE The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Marc Lottering Live in Hashtag Lottering WHEN May 25 WHERE DuctacCentrepoint Theatre, Dubai
One of South Africa’s top comedy acts is coming to the UAE for a one-night show. Stand-up comedian Marc Lottering is bringing his new tour,‘Hashtag Lottering!’, to Dubai this May, in what marks his third stage performance in the emirate. Expect lots of amusing musings on the rise of the Millennial generation – and the accompanying tide of social-media memes and insufferable ‘selfie’ pout pictures. WEBSITE www.ductac.org PRICE Dh260 May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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Yoga,
By Sudeshna Ghosh
Easy yoga hacks for the workday
Play Health
unlike other exercise activities, is as much a way of life as it is a fitness discipline. Incorporating breathing, meditation and a holistic approach to wellness, yoga not only helps keep you fighting fit, but also promotes stress relief and relaxation. While it is important to incorporate yoga into your fitness routine, the beauty of it is, you can also practice some easy yoga moves as you go about business as usual in your office. And no, we’re not asking you to make a spectacle of yourself by doing a headstand at your desk! These easy yoga hacks can be discreetly worked into your workday — not only will you sneak in some fitness into your life, you will end your day feeling better too. Start right Brushing your teeth is probably the first thing you do every morning. Do it the yogic way, by performing a simple yoga forward bend as you brush, instead of hunching over your sink. Stand a few feet away from the washbasin, feet at hip width, bend forward slowly stretching the spine, and carry on with your morning routine. You can also try this in the office when you’re leaning forward to get something from a low drawer or doing something similar — the key is to just stand as far back from where your head needs to be, so that you’re stretching your spine as you perform an ordinary task. Be a chairperson The seated spinal chair twist will stretch and strengthen your back muscles while reducing back pain that can be caused by long hours hunched over computers. Sit upright in your chair with feet hip width apart and placed flat on the floor. Put your right hand at the back of your chair’s right armrest (or if you don’t have one, just place it on your lower back). Put your left hand on your right thigh. Inhale as you lift your chest, sit up taller, then exhale, pull in your stomach and twist your upper body to look over your shoulder. Hold the twist for threefive breaths. Repeat on the other side.
With inputs from the yoga experts at Ask for Life, a holistic wellness initiative. www.ask-for-life.com
Shoulder on Our shoulders bear the burdens of our stressful lives — quite literally. The tension and tightness in the shoulder muscles can be considerably reduced with this simple shoulder stretch. Sitting upright in your chair with feet hip width apart and flat on the floor, stretch your arms overhead with hands interlaced. Push your palms to the ceiling while inhaling deeply, then exhale and pull the shoulders back down while pulling your stomach in tight. Repeat three-five times. Get a leg up This is a not exactly a discreet move and can only be performed if you have a private cabin or can lock yourself up in a meeting room for a few minutes. But the benefits are worth the effort — it will help reduce stress, calm the mind, gently stretchyour legs, relieve mild backache tired or cramped legs and feet.Lie down on the floor with your tailbone close to the wall, and your legs straight up against the wall. Keep your arms along the side of your body and relaxed. Close your eyes, and breathe deeply — when you inhale, feel your upper body expand and on exhalation, feel the upper body deflate. Practice for ten breaths. Apart from these exercises, the yogic way can also become a part of your workday lifestyle with a few conscious choices such as getting outdoors for a short walk on your lunch break or whenever possible; taking tiny gratitude breaks to focus on positive thinking; and taking deep breaths frequently through the day — inhale to a count of five, and exhale to a count of five, to increase oxygen levels in the blood and de-stress. Certain pranayama (breathing exercises) can also be tackled quite easily at your desk, but more on that later!
Disclaimer This information is not to be treated as medical advice, please do not undertake any exercise without consulting a medical practitioner.
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benchmark middle east | May 2016
May 2016 | benchmark middle east
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