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2018 MAY/ JUNE
SPORTS THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES ABU DHABI 2019
TRAVEL QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 STILL MAKING HISTORY
AUTO THE 2018 MASERATI LEVANTE
HOROLOGY
6 297000 388007
THE BIG BANG REFEREE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA
AMAL CLOONEY A TRUE GLOBAL CITIZEN
JEWELLERY MY TWIN COLLECTION
PHILANTHROPY WORLD OCEAN INITIATIVE BY BLANCPAIN AND THE ECONOMIST 2018 MAR / APR
3
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CONTENTS 18 COVER
Amal Clooney, a true global citizen
22SPORT
Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
24 SPORT
34 CULTURE
The Chopard Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition
36 JEWELLERY
My Twin collection by Maison Messika
The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
40 SPORTING
26 HOROLOGY
42 ART
Parmigiani Fleurier Founder Mr. Michel Parmigiani
30 TECHNOLOGY
ASMALLWORLD
32 INVESTMENT
Globaleye CEO Tim Searle
Tommy Fleetwood joins Omega
50 INVESTMENT
The Portugal Golden Visa Program
52 PHILANTHROPY
World Ocean Initiative
54 HOROLOGY
Breguet - Marine Alarme Musicale 5547
55 HOROLOGY
Freddy Tsimba Exhibition
Jaquet Droz The Grande Seconde Skelet-One
44 PHILANTHROPY
56 HOROLOGY
The AMAL Project
46 FASHION
Chalhoub LookBook
Officine Panerai unveils new boutique in Beijing
58 HOROLOGY
TAG Heuer’s ‘Museum in Motion’ exhibition
18
34
52
26
42
58
RADO.COM
RADO HYPERCHROME CHRONOGRAPH HIGH-TECH CERAMIC ELEMENTS. SEAMLESS DESIGN.
TIME IS THE ESSENCE WE ARE MADE OF
60
70
80
60 ART & DESIGN
70 AUTOMOTIVE
80 LIFESTYLE
62 SPORTING
72 DINING
84 TRAVEL
76 SPA
86 BEAUTY
Zegna an Salone del Mobile 2018 Victory Team – Powerboats
64 FITNESS
Technogym’s Kinesis Personal designer gym
66 AUTOMOTIVE
2018 Maserati Levante
Mercedes G Class 2018 Edition Republic & Co., Oni Japanese restaurant, Morimoto Dubai, Farzi Café Our recommendation, Nikki Spa
78 TRAVEL
Cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2
Les Voiles de Saint Barth World’s steepest Funicular Railway in Switzerland Rossano Ferretti Hair Salon at La Reserve Geneva
88 RESORT
Hilton RAK Resort & Spa
90 HOTEL
Bvlgari Hotel & Spa Tokyo
62
72
86
66
78
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THE COMMUNITY FOR GLOBAL CITIZENS
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EDITOR’S LETTER GLOBAL CITIZEN EDITOR IN CHIEF Sunaz Sharaf ART DIRECTOR Nujoomi Denjypady CONTRIBUTORS Sameer Denzi, Teresa Esmezyan, Matt Levalle, Amber Nellisen, Almas Salman, Shama Tholot Noella Coursaris Musunka www.global-citizen.com www.issuu.com/global-citizen www.facebook.com/GlobalCitizenMag www.instagram.com/GlobalCitizenMagazine
Our latest edition casts a net on a wide variety of topics from philanthropy to conservation. The cover story for this edition highlights the diverse accomplishments of the very talented Amal Clooney (p18). Standing up for the under-represented across the globe, she has achieved far more than imaginable in a very short period. Hublot presented its latest technological masterpiece, the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, in style over a friendly match of football at the base of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa (p24). The watch comes in a multitude of options connecting the die-hard football fan with the game. Blancpain has renewed its commitment to the Economist Groups World Ocean Initiative for the 6th year in a row (p52). This important initiative has already made great progress in establishing the largest marine reserve in North America, the Revillagigedo Archipelago. We test drive the Maserati Levante and bring you a detailed breakdown of its characteristics (p66). The graceful appearance of the Levante sheds its nimbleness once it steps off-road and transforms itself into a beast that is agile in the toughest of environments. A definitive Maserati of SUVs. Last but not the least, a decade long transformation project has borne fruit. The QE2 is now officially open to entertain guests aboard her deck once again (p78). Lavish suites and a variety of fine dining options await those who seek to board the historic cruise liner that is now permanently docked at Mina Rashid in Dubai.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Fierce International Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 tarek@fierce-international.com
FIERCE INTERNATIONAL FZ LLC
Publisher Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 tarek@fierce-international.com Copyright 2018 Fierce International FZ LLC. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Fierce International FZ LLC. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Global Citizen. All information in Global Citizen is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.
Until next time!
Sunaz
Sunaz Sharaf
Eamonn M. McCormack
CAMILLE LACOURT W O R L D
TOURBILLON
R E G U L AT O R
C H A M P I O N
S W I M M E R
COVER STORY
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
The true definition of a model global citizen, Lebanese-born international law and human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney’s recent Hollywood stardom shed indispensable light and awareness onto the world’s most pressing issues by Teresa Esmezyan
O
pening the door to her iconic 5,000-acre estate, adorned in a lavish Giambattista Valli sweater for an exclusive interview with Vogue, was not always the lifestyle that Amal Alamuddin lead during her humble beginnings. Born in Beirut, during the fatal Lebanese Civil War of the 80s, Amal’s family fled to Buckinghamshire in England when she was just 2 years old. This was a pivotal step that would unknowingly impact the rest of her life. A determined scholar, and an innately hard worker, Amal graduated from St. Hugh’s College in Oxford on an Exhibition Scholarship and received the prestigious Shrigley Award given for excellence in law studies; the first award of many staggering accomplishments that would embellish her hard-earned title as an international human rights barrister. 18
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By the age of 23, Amal was enrolled in the New York University School of Law where she worked clerkships in both the International Court of Justice, as well as the United States Court of Appeals in the offices of now U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. Upon graduating, Amal worked for the leading law firm Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City for 3 years, on cases representing Enron and Arthur Andersen, but mostly took on pro bono criminal cases. “I cared more about the outcome of those cases than my paid cases,” she says. “And that made me think, Well, why am I not doing more of that kind of work?” In 2004, she applied for a one-year clerkship at the International Court of Justice, the main judicial organ of the U.N. in The Hague and went on to spend a year working on the war-crimes
COVER STORY
2018 MAY / JUN
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COVER STORY
trial of Slobodan Milosevic under a subsistence-level income of US $20,000. As you can tell, this is still not the point in time where the paparazzi photograph Amal Clooney casually walking out of her lavish SoHo apartment in her Jimmy Choos. Amal was preparing to go back to practice in New York when she heard about a U.N. investigation in Beirut to prosecute the murderers of Lebanon’s prime minister, and ended up staying for years, traveling from The Hague to Beirut. “I was in my late 20s, and I was literally living on top of a mountain, in a secured compound, with four checkpoints between me and the outside world,” she says. What took a turning point in her career however, was when she moved to London in 2010 to begin work as a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, granting her the chance to serve as a special adviser to former U.N. security general Kofi Anaan on Syria. Since then, Amal has had a strong, but controversial presence in international court proceedings. Her high-profile clients have included former Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah Al Senussi in a war crimes trial at The Hague, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in his fight 20
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against extradition, as well as several nation-states, including the country of Armenia in its fight for recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Turkish government. More recently, her work has been in the field of advocating for the protection of women against physical and sexual violence in conflict zones. Today, this brings her to the #MeToo movement. “I think because of the brave women who have come forward to tell their stories, the future workplace will be safer for my daughter than it was for people of my generation,” she says. “We’re in a situation where a predator feels less safe and a professional woman feels more safe, and that’s where we need to be.” In addition, Amal is now representing thousands of Yazidi genocide victims in an International Criminal Court investigation against ISIS, and has even taken in a Yazidi refugee into her home while he pursues a college degree. Though she always strived to keep her prominent role as a barrister separate from the tabloid life since her Hollywood marriage, defending international law and justice never muted her good-humored and playful side- notably when it came to
COVER STORY
her love life. So how did Alamuddin become Clooney, exactly? “I didn’t even have to leave my house!” says George about the first time he met his future wife. Turns out George was at his house near Lake Como, when a mutual friend was passing through and decided to stop by with Amal. “Of course, she was beautiful,” George says. “But I also thought she was fascinating, and I thought she was brilliant. Her life was incredibly exciting—the clients she was taking on and the superhuman work that she was doing. I was taken with her from the moment I saw her.” Though there was an attraction, the romance wasn’t immediate. Amal is a big emailer, and George responded with a clownish gambit, writing her repeated notes in the voice of his dog Einstein, who claimed to be trapped in various places and in need of legal rescue. Today, the two are married and settled in their iconic Downtown Abbey home in England, with twins Ella and Alexander. The beauty of Amal’s story truly stems from the diverse lifestyle she has led her entire life. Coming from a family of refugees, spending her youth fighting for justice in the
middle of the mountains and balancing her prominent position as an international human rights advocate, while maintaining her fashion icon status in Hollywood and female role model as a wife and mother…of twins, gasp, is quite astonishing. Amal’s fight for a more peaceful world is not only admirable to many but inspiring as well. In a time of inequality, social injustice, war, and genocide, individuals like her help rebuild the hope our global society desperately needs to move forward. The unfortunate cases Amal works on are not based on award-winning dramas, but are all happening as we speak- or as Hollywood puts it are all ‘based on a true story’. Her fight, and her cause to the voiceless is just a testament to the power women can have when they are given the chance to make a global change. Not to mention, there is something incredibly special about witnessing the rise of a global citizen that has been given the opportunity, to not only change her own life, but also influence a change in the lives of many people around the world. 2018 MAY / JUN
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SPORT
UAE’S SPECIAL NATIONAL VISION
Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 to be the most ‘unified’ games in history
S
pecial Olympics transforms lives through the power of sports, inspiring individuals with special needs to discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. These athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment on the playing field, as well as in life. They also inspire others to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, scheduled for March 8 - 22, will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world, with expected 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing more than 170 countries. The largest single event ever held in the UAE and the first Special Olympics World Games in the MENA region, will feature 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in venues throughout Abu Dhabi. The World Games will be an unprecedented display of the spirit, joy, courage and skill that are hallmarks of Special Olympics movement. For more than 20 years, the UAE has put social inclusion at the forefront of its national priorities. It is an integral part of the UAE’s Vision 2021 National Agenda, to develop policies
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aimed at improving the quality of life of people with special needs and to foster collaborations between various governmental and non-governmental partners to increase public awareness. The IX Special Olympics MENA Games 2018, which took place from March 18 - 22, welcomed more than 1,000 athletes from 31 countries that travelled to Abu Dhabi to take part in the first major sporting event ahead of the World Games. Members of UAE’s Special Olympics Athletes and team members from the local organizing committee launched a series of community events in the lead up to the games, including a weekly event that took place every Friday ‘Walk Unified’. The event was inaugurated by both the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Crown Prince of Dubai which brought hundreds of people from different backgrounds together to participate, encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and inclusiveness of integrating people with intellectual disabilities in community events. The ‘Adopt a Nation’ program engaged with 33 schools who ‘adopted’ one of the countries attending the MENA Games. These schools immersed themselves in the cultures of
SPORT
their given nations including finding out about their Special Olympics athletes, food, music and general culture. Another initiation “Fans in the Stands�, was a free program which gave individuals and groups the opportunity to cheer on the athletes as valued spectators. Their enthusiasm, team spirit and cheering encouraged the athletes to do their best. Plus, they witnessed the courage, determination and joy of the athletes as they competed. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2019 World Games will be the
most unified Special Olympics competition in history, with inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of the event. The Games are the most visible component of a planned series of initiatives by Abu Dhabi and the UAE to expand opportunity for people with disabilities, and to promote inclusion and understanding throughout the emirate, nation, and region. Plans for operation of the World Games include leaving a legacy of improved health, education, and inclusion that will benefit the UAE long after the event is over.
2018 MAY/JUN
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SPORT
A WATCH FOR CHAMPIONS
Hublot presents its latest masterpiece, the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, in style over a friendly match of football
W
ith 85 days to go before the first match of the highly anticipated 2018 FIFA World Cup, Hublot had brought together friends of the brand to enjoy the spirit of the game through a friendly match of football at the Baselworld 2018. Recreating the same spirit of friendship in the region 60 days before the kick-off of the 2018 World Cup, the brand joined hands with its UAE partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons to present its audience an encounter that is a dream come true for all football fans. “We are happy to kick off here in Dubai, the countdown to this summer’s tournament. We share with Hublot and our customers a passion for both watches and football, and this is a great way to unite those two worlds,” shared Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Vice Chairman, Seddiqi Holding. One team was coached by none other than Pelé himself and featured Dida, Robbie Keane, Serginho, Marcel Desailly, and Majed Hassan. The opposing team was coached by Marcello Lippi and featured Marco Amelia, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta, Christian Karembeu, and Michel Salgado. After the tie score at their previous match at Basel, the two one-off teams came together onto a football pitch purpose built for this occasion at the Dubai Opera Hanging Garden, at feet of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, overlooking the world’s biggest fountain. 24
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“People in the region, just as all over the world, love football. It is a sport that brings everyone together. We try to apply Hublot’s Art of Fusion motto in everything we do, and we have succeeded in doing so with the Match of Friendship in Dubai, where we teamed up football legends who had never competed against each other in that formation. We are as thrilled as our customers to have lived this unique experience which was infused with FIFA World Cup fever,” said David Tedeschi, Regional Director Hublot, Middle East & Africa. On this occasion, the official match time was maintained by the newly launched Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ smart watch. Hublot has a strong association with football which began in 2006, when they became the first luxury brand to sponsor a national football team; the Swiss team. Then in 2008, they elevated their commitment to the continental level by becoming the official watch of the UEFA Euro championships in 2008, 2012, and 2016. At club level, Hublot has been the official timekeeper for such illustrious names as Juventus, Bayern München, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea among others. Hublot is the official watch of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. Hublot has also been the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup since 2010 in South Africa, as well as the 2018 FIFA world cup to be held in Russia. It was to celebrate this
SPORT
relationship that Hublot has launched the limited-edition smartwatch called the ‘Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™’. It was developed as the referees watch to fulfil the specific needs expressed by FIFA for the 2018 tournament. It will be the first FIFA World Cup where the referees will be supported in their decision making by video assist. The watch worn by the referees will be connected to the ‘goalline technology;’ a video-based electronic assistance system for the referees. The watch has already undergone real-world testing during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Hublot has also made a fan version of the Big Bang Referee 2018 and is fittingly limited to just 2018 units. It will be released worldwide on May 1, 2018. It is available in analogue or digital versions. It features a selection of 34 dials inspired by the flags of the 32 participating nations, plus two neutral designs. It has three easily interchangeable patented “One Click” straps: a
cuff strap in a sponge, a black lined natural rubber strap, and a third in the colours of one of the 32 countries. The Hublot Big Bang Referee 2018 goes beyond any other watch that came before it, in its ability to connect the fan to his or her team. With the swipe of a finger, one can select a team or closely follow a competitor. The watch can announce the kick-off of a match 15 minutes before it. During a match, every time a goal is scored, it will vibrate and display the word ‘Goal’ instantly. It will also announce every yellow and red card, player changes, and match statistics such as the score, number of cards, names of goal-scorers, player substitutions and the match time. Running on a Wear OS by Google platform it benefits from the Android ecosystem, which means access to thousands of additional downloadable applications. It can synchronize seamlessly with all mobile phones which use Android 4.4 and above or iOS 9 and above platforms. 2018 MAY / JUN
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HOROLOGY
QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE
M
ichel Parmigiani graduated into a watchmaking industry at a time when the Quartz Crisis had wiped out 90,000 jobs and affected whole territories. In 1976, when he opened his own workshop in Couvet, he had found his calling in restoration. Alongside this, he designed unique pieces for collectors showcasing his mastery of mechanical complications. A chance encounter with the Landolt family, heir to the Sandoz pharmaceutical group, brought Michel into the role of managing the impressive collection of pocket watches and automata belonging to the family, the Maurice-Yves Sandoz Collection. Over the years, the family discovered Michel Parmigiani’s watchmaking talent and his expertise in the decorative arts. It was the beginning of a friendship based on mutual trust. Pierre Landolt persuaded Michel Parmigiani to move out of his somewhat cramped workshop and embark on 26
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a more ambitious project: to create his own brand. Parmigiani Fleurier was then born in 1996. To create an authentic brand, they set out on the path of manufacturing all the components in-house. Through a series of acquisitions of small, high-quality suppliers, they soon brought together a number of component, case and dial manufacturers. The entity began to produce its own escapements, the privilege of a select few watchmaking firms. This move enabled Parmigiani Fleurier to monitor its entire production process, from the very smallest components to their final assembly to create the finished watch. Thanks to this unique structure, in 20 years Parmigiani Fleurier has launched six collections and thirty-three calibres developed in-house, including four world firsts. Global Citizen had the opportunity to interview Michel Parmigiani in person on his recent visit to Dubai.
HOROLOGY
2018 MAY / JUN
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HOROLOGY
What gave you the confidence to pursue the field of mechanical watchmaking at a time when everything around was modernizing? Was it a personal calling or a business decision? It’s curiosity that brought me to the watchmaking industry. I consider watchmaking more than just a process of making watches; it is an art. I have always been passionate about restoration, I feel referring to the past is a good way to learn and progress.
is to master the quantity that is right for your brand. You need to manufacture a watch that will be repairable even a few centuries down the line, something that will not become obsolete overnight. A lot of the timekeeping products that are being manufactured today do not last even 3 years because the lifecycle of technology-based products is very short. With mechanical watches the challenge is to set a limit, to slow down, pay attention to the details and focus on the quality even if you could produce more.
Would you call yourself a businessman or watchmaker? And Why? I am a watchmaker as I have studied watchmaking. I am a technician and I am very curious especially about watchmaking. My curiosity is about what’s going on behind the watch, how to create and develop new models. The primary focus is on the product and then on the business.
You have established your brand amongst other leading names in the market in a relatively short span of time. To what do you credit this success? Hard work with a focus on manufacturing. We have worked hard in mastering the art of manufacturing every single piece in house. There are only three components that we are not manufacturing in-house. We have the privilege of being the only brand that has their straps manufactured by Hermes. We source the sapphire crystals externally. And the third component is the Ruby inside the movement which is sourced from the single source that supplies the whole industry. Manufacturing inhouse not only gives you the opportunity to
When you got into watchmaking, the industry was tackling the quartz crisis? What major challenges would you say are facing the watch industry today? With the type of tools that we have on hand today, it’s tempting to produce large quantities. I think the most important challenge 28
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HOROLOGY
master what you are doing but it also gives you the possibility to be as innovative as possible. If Parmigiani had to buy components manufactured by others, then we would not have the same level of creativity we have today. Today we have the knowledge of manufacturing strategic components, and this vertical integration shields our business from external risks. Mastery of quality and being in control of what you are producing and the quality of what you are producing is the key to success. After two decades of existence, what is your vision for this business over the coming two decades? Human value and craftsmanship are the most important things in the long run. As I explained earlier, mechanical watches will continue to be produced in the future. This is something that can be repaired versus a product that is not relevant and will probably be thrown away. There might be some mechanical involvement, but we will continue to produce hand made products in small quantities. Something of high value. You have tremendous experience restoring fine timepieces. How has this experience working with historic models translated into the watches we see coming out of Parmigiani?
Observing what has been created over the last few centuries, I have come to admire the beauty of it. The search for such excellency is something that has driven me to develop new pieces. I keep in mind the same philosophy that people had in mind when creating such beautiful objects hundreds of years ago. I strive to produce objects that are made according to such high standards. What level of success would you say you have had with the Middle East markets? Your very first standalone boutique opened in Dubai in 2008 - How does the UAE fare amongst other markets in terms of retail sales? The Middle East is one of the most important markets for us. This region is at the cross-roads between regions and markets. If you want to showcase your product to the Middle East, you need to be here in Dubai. We have had the privilege of working with Damas for almost two decades in this market. In an era where many brands are taking back the distribution to be self-distributors, we have continued our partnership with a long-established expert in the region. We are working with someone who knows the region, who has been around for years and therefore they are the specialists. 2018 MAY / JUN
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TECHNOLOGY
A BIG FISH IN A SMALL WORLD
Meet Swiss media mogul and Chairman of ASMALLWORLD Patrick Liotard-Vogt
I
t’s exclusive. It’s international. It’s now an IPO success story. ASMALLWORLD, the iconic social network for global citizens, has officially gone public. Discussing the vision behind this membership-based social media platform and international lifestyle club, is Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt. How would you best describe ASMALLWORLD and who are its members? ASW is a private invitation-only community for global citizens who share the passion for the good life. Our members enjoy meeting like-minded people around the world. We have organized more than 1,000 events, ranging from casual after-work drinks to entire weekend trips offering occasions for members to network and mingle. Most social networks are free, why do you charge a fee? Our basis membership is CHF 100 per year and allows us to solely focus on driving value for our members. We have no advertising and we do not hand out any user data. On other social networks user data is key to generate advertising revenue. There has been a lot of recent controversary regarding Data Protection in relation to social media platforms…. What is you view on this? Indeed. My view on it is fairly simple. If consumers don’t pay a fee they force companies to find other ways to monetize, they become the product. This often involves passing on data to third parties which can be problematic. I think it is crucial that networks have a fair and open communication to how the user’s data is used. What do members get for their fee? A global family of like-minded people, access to interesting and exclusive events and a wide range of first-class privileges. You have decided to take the company public, how was that process? Going public is a very interesting and challenging process involving many different parties. You involve your core team, auditors, lawyers, banks and investor relations firm. We learned a lot throughout that process and I am so grateful for that. Learning is one of the most rewarding things in life for me. 30
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Why the Zurich stock Exchange and not Paris, London or even New York? We are a global company active in more than 100 cities. Our headquarters are in Zurich and we felt comfortable going public in our own town. The Six Exchange Zurich is a very reputable exchange with some great companies such as Nestlé, Roche or UBS. We are the only social media title which gives us quite some attention. Being public comes with additional cost and reporting. Why did you go public? We have a list of interesting companies we would like to acquire. Being public gives us access to capital markets to facilitate these transactions and our stock is now a currency which we can use. How was your stock price evolved and how many times are you checking it? In the first days, I was checking our stock price every 15 Minutes – I was so excited. By now I have it reduced to twice a day. Our initial listing price was at CHF 9.75 and are now slightly above CHF 20 which is a great start. This motivates us even more to reach our targets. You seem the epitome of a global citizen, with all your travel and investments in many different places. What does being a global citizen mean to you? First and foremost, being curious and respectful of the various cultures I encounter during my travels. I try to approach life without prejudice and I am open to various ideas and opinions. This helps me to ultimately form my own view. You are involved in many charitable activities. Are there any that are particularly close to your heart? In everything I do, I focus on making the world a better place for the next generation. I believe that education is a key driver to achieve this goal, so we invest a large part of our budget on making sure that children get access to knowledge and education. Do you have a favorite city? I like the diversity and the various flavors of each city. If I had to pick one, it would probably be Stockholm!
TECHNOLOGY
2018 MAY / JUN
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INVESTMENT
A GLOBAL EYE OPENER
Tim Searle, CEO of Globaleye discusses changes in UK property tax that will affect foreign investors
P
roperty in the United Kingdom has been popular with investors from all over the world for years and continues to do so. London, in particular, has remained a safe haven and an attractive destination for investors, perhaps more than any other major city in the world. With its solid track record, clear legal title, and of course plenty to do, it remains a favorite for the rich and famous alike. When buying in the UK, depending on the level of investment, well advised foreign investors would use structures to reduce their exposure to taxes. Typically, investments would be purchased using various structures such as Trusts, Special Purpose Vehicles, Private Investment Companies, or similar offshore corporate structures, and for many years, this was the standard method to buy UK property. This alleviated exposure to capital gain and inheritance taxes, with lawyers predominately using the BVI to facilitate the structure. “With the following tax changes, this is no longer the case” shared Tim Searle. As of April 6th, 2017, changes to tax rules meant that nondomiciles and non-residents owning UK property indirectly through corporate structures, purchased either before or after this date, would be liable for UK Death Tax at 40%. This fee is based on the value at the time of death and must be paid before the asset can be passed on to their family or estate. Following the global financial crisis, and some would say the advent of Brexit, the UK government sought to increase the taxes on UK property held through structures by introducing a raft of anti-avoidance measures aimed at UK property that is held indirectly. By consequence, all recent structures typically used by foreign investors are now no longer suitable in a move to level the playing field for investors in the UK. This legislation has been on the cards for some time and experts say it was merely a matter of time before it was enforced. Perhaps the exit negotiations with the EU triggered Prime 32
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Minister, Theresa May, to enforce this regulation since she needs to raise an estimated £50 billion. To avoid tarnishing her already fragile position with UK voters, she looked to other areas, non-voters for example, in order to raise the funds needed. Evidently, these new anti-avoidance rules have severely limited tax planning options for non-domiciled and non-residents in respect of UK residential property. Property investors need to be aware of this new legislation and the impact on their residential property portfolio. Whether the property has a mortgage or you intend to gift the property to other members of your family, there remains a hefty 40% bill without some serious planning. Even if you sell all your residential assets today, there can still be a liability for up to 2 years, which is why seeking advice right away is imperative. Globaleye works collectively with lawyers, family offices, fiduciary agents and/or financial advisers, to create a solution whereby the property has a vehicle that creates money to meet the death tax liability when triggered. This ensures the property asset(s) are passed swiftly to the family/estate and has not encumbered the estate for 40% of the value. This solution is relatively straight forward, low cost and more than mitigates the potential cost of the death tax bill. UK property, in particular London, will continue to be an attractive destination for investors. Recent statistics show there is £35 billion worth of London property held through BVI structures alone. Tax bills can always be mitigated but it does mean that planning beforehand with your professional partners is essential. Tim Searle is the CEO of Globaleye and has resided in the UAE for more than 20 years. The company provides unbiased financial planning solutions for both private and corporate clients. With award winning offices in Geneva, Dubai and Singapore they are able to offer a wide range of solutions to meet the needs of the global investor.
INVESTMENT
“By consequence, all recent structures typically used by foreign investors are now no longer suitable in a move to level the playing field for investors in the UK.�
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CULTURE
THE BEAUTIFUL RACE
Commemorating 30 years of automobile passion and style with the Chopard Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition
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he Mille Miglia is one of the world’s most famous open-road endurance races that sees more than 400 historical cars covering a one-thousand-mile route from Brescia, Italy to Rome and back. This race fondly labelled as ‘the world’s most beautiful race’ by Enzo Ferrari, is steeped in history and symbolizes a bond between man, machine and the spirit of endurance. It is a challenging race that requires constant awareness and tolerates no imprecision. Each spring more than 400 teams in classic cars compete in a splendid thousand-mile (1,600 km) route for this prestigious endurance rally. This year, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard Co-President will be on the starting line under the watchful eye of his father, Karl Scheufele, who instilled in him his own fascination and enthusiasm for classic cars. The Mille Miglia is a family story of passion for the Scheufeles. This passion has been conveyed from generation to generation, and all the members of the family have taken part in or attended the Mille Miglia under the Maison Chopard flag.
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Another relationship that has genuinely succeeded around this beautiful race is the 30-year relationship between Chopard and the Mille Miglia. The start of the relationship was in 1988 when Chopard became the official timekeeping partner for the famous classic car rally back in 1988. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, a keen collector’s car driver played a significant role in establishing this link, and he played an even more vital role by linking the world of high-end watchmaking with the world of classic car racing. This, now inseparable, bond of love between fine mechanics and sporting performance proved the starting point for the much sought-after Mille Miglia watch collection. For 30 years, at the very heart of the race, Chopard has presented a limited series inspired by these legendary speed machines. This year, gentlemen drivers and aficionados will discover the Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition which celebrates this anniversary in a suitably Italian style. Created over 30 years ago by the master-watchmakers of the Manufacture in accordance with rigorous procedures, the Mille Miglia collection now
CULTURE
welcomes the Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition, developed with the same demanding criteria. The circular-grained dial, the details of the pushers and crown, as well as the sapphire crystal case-back bearing markings celebrating 30 years of passion, all testify to the superlative degree of finishing lavished on this chronograph. The Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition is a 44 mm COSC certified timepiece that maintains a variation in rate ranging from minus four to plus six seconds per day. Nothing is left to chance, with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 42-hour power reserve guaranteeing the regularity of this selfwinding watch. The watch features a dial that displays a racing dashboard-inspired layout and their graduations displaying seconds, minutes and hours. Water-resistant to 50 metres, the Mille Miglia 2018 Race Edition can handle pelting rain at the wheel, then slide neatly under a jacket when it’s time for cocktails, seamlessly matching the more formal attire without losing an ounce of its character. The strap with its short lugs is particularly suitable, with the perforated red-lined leather on top evoking vintage racing driver bucket seats and the legendary Dunlop racing tyre tread below providing the perfect grip. The parallels continue with a notched crown resembling a petrol-tank cap and pushers shaped like engine pistons. Be ready at the starting line to pick up one of these as only 1,000 of them will emerge from the Chopard watchmaking workshops in steel, and just 100 in a version combining 18-carat rose gold and steel. 2018 MAY / JUN
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JEWELLERY
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
My Twin combines diamonds in pairs, adopting a pendant aesthetic. A perfect alliance of the elegant emerald cut and the sensual pear cut. An ethereal style of jewellery, a symbol of the invisible link that unites us
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ndré Messika is a successful businessman and a devoted father who was keen on passing on his passion over to the next generation. A leading figure on the diamond trading scene since he started out in 1972, André Messika brought his daughter Valérie up on dreams dusted with jewels and punctuated with trips around the world to source extraordinary stones. She travelled extensively with him, and he taught her about the world of precious stones. By introducing her early on to precious stones, he sparked in her the same passion that was the fuel for his life and career. When she graduated, he offered her the chance to work alongside him and discover the profession, opening up the pathway for her to create her niche in the industry. For five years she completely immersed herself in the industry but setting for herself a different path from that of her father. Surrounded by legendary gems from a young age, Valérie decided to move away from diamond trading to focus on her passion for design and guided by a love for precious stones, she has blazed a glittering trail in the very closed world of exquisite jewellery. Valérie Messika’s philosophy is to imagine, dream and create. Her strengths lie in her fertile imagination, a keen eye for detail and the ability to challenge herself every day. In her hands, the stone became a precious object, but also a part of everyday life. With values passed down from father to daughter, pushing boundaries and striving continuously for excellence, Maison Messika was launched in Paris in 2005 by Valérie. Valérie Messika expressing her creativity has proposed a modern interpretation of a great jewellery classic, the Toi et Moi. The Messika, My Twin collection, suggests a new way of sealing one’s love, via the unexpected marriage of different cuts of diamonds. Between opposition and complementarity, the stones are seeking each other out and playing together without actually touching. The collection marries two different energies, dancing an alluring ‘pas de deux’. The geometric and hypnotic emerald cut contrasts with and complements the sensual and striking pear cut. My Twin unites the architectural emerald cut, a symbol of strength and masculinity, and the sensual pear cut that mimics feminine curves, proving once again that opposites attract. 36
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JEWELLERY
Messika My Twin Ring My twin rings roll out between the fingers: invisible when worn, the setting erases to allow the diamond to sparkle. Between opposition and complementarity, the stones are engaged in a dance of light. 2018 MAY / JUN
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JEWELLERY
My Twin proposes modern and elegant pieces of jewellery that are engaged in a dance of light. In the duo version, My Twin reinterprets the classic Toi & Moi in an architectural way where the emerald and the pear cuts are attracted to each other. In the Trilogy version, Valerie Messika combines three cuts of diamonds and pays tribute to her favourite number. She goes further by imagining a union where the juxtaposed diamonds celebrate endless love.
Messika My Twin Toi & Moi Earrings A touch of rock n’ roll in this lightweight, asymmetrical composition that energetically mixes a variety of diamond cuts.
Messika My Twin multishapes diamonds earrings Literally, the earcuff never stops inspiring Valérie Messika. This farandole of diamond cuts makes a strong statement on the ear, revealing a woman’s power. 38
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Maison Messika is indeed a family affair, in all respects. Today the Father and daughter team work together closely to monitor the entire production chain. Carefully graded for size, colour and purity, each stone is an immediate stimulus for a new detail, a curve, or a movement. Father and daughter represent two facets of a single passion for the eternal stone. And one day, Valérie Messika may well overtake the master, as the Messika name shines on, in the jewellery firmament.
Messika My Twin 4 rows cuff bracelet In its ethereal version, the My Twin cuff bracelet makes the pear and emerald cuts levitate. Uniting diamonds in pairs, they are facing each other, but never touching. Thanks to the flexibility of the Skinny system, the cuff wraps around women’s wrist perfectly and add an extra sparkle.
Messika My Twin 3 fingers ring Fine and delicate, decorated with stones of multiple sizes, the 3 fingers ring is the new season’s must-have. Worn by day or by night, it is the ultimate fashion accessory. Here, oval, emerald and pear cut diamonds appear to float over the fingers.
JEWELLERY
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SPORTING
TOMMY FLEETWOOD JOINS OMEGA
Tommy Fleetwood has become Omega’s newest golfing brand ambassador
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n April 2018, the Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega announced their latest brand ambassador from the world of Golf, the 27-year-old Englishman from Southport, Tommy Fleetwood. This announcement deepens Omega’s long-standing commitment to Golf. The Swiss timekeeper, renowned as much for their refinement as they are for their precision and innovation, was the watch of choice for Britain’s Royal Flying Corps and the American Army during World War I. It is the watch that accompanied the first man to set foot on the moon. It is also James Bond’s timekeeper of choice. Tommy Fleetwood is considered one of the rising stars of the European and PGA tours having already won four tournaments. In 2017, he had impressive performances in the US Open and World Golf Championships in Mexico. He is also ranked number 3 in the Race to Dubai Championship, and has an Overall World Golf Ranking of 12, as on May 2018. Raynald Aeschlimann, the CEO and President of OMEGA, while extending a warm welcome to Tommy Fleetwood on his addition to Omega’s impressive roster of Ambassadors, said: “at Omega, we love golf, and it’s a great thrill to have a passionate player like Tommy join our team of ambassadors. We’re proud to play a part in his very promising career.” Fleetwood reciprocated with equal warmth by saying “Omega is very special to me, I’m not only proud to be an ambassador for one of the world’s most prestigious brands, I’m also very honoured to be joining two elite players I’m lucky enough to call friends. I’m really looking forward to all of us working together.” Born in Southport, near Liverpool, in 1991, Fleetwood got the golf bug from his father and brother with whom he used to sneak into the nearby Royal Birkdale course. Golfing is very much a family affair for Fleetwood, with his father being his caddy through his early formative years and into his transition as a professional golfer. His wife Clare is also his manager. With an impressive armature career as a launchpad, he turned professional in 2010. The following year he won the Kazakhstan Open, which made him the youngest to win a Challenge Tour event. Then in 2013, he won the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. In 2017, he won the Abu 40
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Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the HNA Open de France. In 2018, he successfully defended his Abu Dhabi title. The long-haired golfer known for his unique sense of style, and for his northern sense of humour, is becoming a favourite of the media. About his decision to grow long hair, he told the Mirror: “My dad is going bald, so I might as well make the most of my hair as long as I have got it.” When asked to explain his unique fashion sense, he added: “I enjoy pushing the fashion boundaries in golf... I’ve tried the bandana/headband look, and now I’m liking wearing some tapered trousers, too. Golf is moving into the future with new formats and new rules, so why not in fashion, too?” The reaction to fashion sense he says “have not always been entirely positive – to say the least – but I’ve got a thick skin, and I don’t take any of it too seriously.” As a brand ambassador of Omega, Fleetwood is in very impressive company. There is Sergio Garcia, a regular in the top ten, and winner of The Masters in 2017. The young Rory McIlroy already has numerous Major victories under his belt. Both have featured successfully in Europe’s Ryder Cup teams. Michelle Wie is the youngest player to qualify for the USGA Amateur Championship at the age of ten. In 2014, she won her first Major, and already has four LPGA titles to her name. Omega’s relationship with golf goes beyond golfers. Omega is the official timekeeper of the PGA of America and has recorded every second of the PGA Championship since 2011. The prestigious golf-course on the pastoral plateau of Crans-Montana is the home of the Omega European Masters; Europe’s oldest golf tournament. The OMEGA Dubai Ladies Classic and the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, have been called the “Major of the Middle East,” and are two of the oldest and most prestigious golfing events in the region. To celebrate this long-established relationship with the sport of golf, Omega had crafted three variants of the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial for men and one variant for women. The 41 mm chronometer Golf Edition Steel on NATO strap comes with a choice of green or orange colour. The 41.5 mm Golf Edition Steel on Steel and Steel on leather are the other two variants. For the ladies, Omega offers the 34 mm Sedna gold on leather strap.
SPORTING
2018 MAY / JUN
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ART
SCULPTEUR DE LA VIE
Congolese sculptor Freddy Tsimba presents his first solo exhibition in Britain by Teresa Esmezyan
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bullet can represent many things. Conflict, death, pain. Sculptor Freddy Tsimba, has an entirely different vision. Showcasing modern, powerful and thought-provoking sculptures crafted by war materials, this African artist uses his talent of expression to expose the tragedies of war and bring life out of death. Tsimba is renowned to the world of art as ‘Sculpteur de la vie’, which directly translates to ‘Sculptor of Life’ from French. Born in the capital of Congo, Kinshasa, Tsimba’s powerful outlook won him a place to study at the prestigious Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa. “My real school, even though I studied at the Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, is in the streets where I lose myself entirely,” said Tsimba, “my teachers were the blacksmiths who taught me the art of fire and welding.” Freddy Tsimba’s artistic statement is not solely reflected by his craft of work, but the materials he uses. Combining materials found from his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tsimba uses bullet casings, machetes, bottle-tops, spoons, and keys to bring his vision to life. “Tsimba’s sculptures are a mute but powerful testimony to the destruction and corruption of armed conflict, not just in Africa but throughout the world” says Eric Turner, Curator, Department of sculpture Victoria and Albert Museum. Freddy Tsimba sculptures have been exhibited all over the world, including Europe, the United States and Canada. At the forefront of emerging Congolese artists who are using their influential creations to bring light to Africa’s political challenges, we’re certain that this is just the beginning of his flourishing journey as an artist with a global vision. “The artist reminds us that history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a distressing one. With its mineral wealth alone, the DRC should be one of the richest countries in Africa. Instead, it is one of the poorest,” says Turner, “Instability, a lack of infrastructure, corruption and a history of colonial and corporate exploitation has left the nation prone to successive international and civil warfare.” From Thursday 19th of April until Saturday 19th of May 2018, The Beaux Arts London on Maddox is proud to present Out of Chaos, an exhibition of the Congolese artist. Beaux Arts London has a 35-year history of showing prominent British sculptors including Lynn Chadwick, Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink, Barbara Hepworth and Paul Mount. However, with the Democratic of Congo’s contemporary art scene flourishing, this is the first time that Beaux Arts London has put on display the work of an African artist. 42
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ART
2018 MAY / JUN
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PHILANTHROPY
INSPIRING HOPE
The AMAL Project lands in Antigua and Barbuda following Hurricane Irma by Teresa Esmezyan
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mal has bright cheeks and soft eyes. Her long hair, adorned with a green bow, is a vibrant red that can be noticed from miles away. Amal is a child, eager to learn, to explore, and to grow. Unfortunately, this right has been taken away from her. Amal represents every child around the world that has been deprived from early childhood development due to natural disasters, poverty, and civil war. The project empowers early childhood development and provides children, in emergency settings and developing countries, a safe place to play, develop and grow. By transforming decommissioned shipping containers into beautiful, solar-powered Early Childhood Development Centers filled with play activities, children can reinforce their physical, cognitive and social and emotional development. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, over an estimated 271,000 children in the Caribbean region were directly affected, losing all their belongings, their homes, and their schools. The island of Barbuda was among the hardest hit by Irma, as all its residents were evacuated to neighbouring Antigua before the entire island was nearly destroyed by the storm. The children who have lived through these traumatic events deserve a safe place to play, learn and regain their psychological well being. Through play, children explore the world around them and develop skills to build a strong foundation for future success.
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It is an ongoing mission for The AMAL Project, to be able to sustain the need for children to have access to such centers of hope. This project is also set to achieve immediate and lasting change and inspire innovation in the way the world treats children. The centers of hope provide children aged 3-5 with the necessary age appropriate resources and materials to support their early childhood development and accommodate up to 48 kids on a daily basis attending in 4 shifts. “Although we work to achieve the rights of all children, our priority extends primarily to those who are deprived and marginalized, and we advocate for others to do the same� says Founder of The AMAL Project Nadine Arton. Upcoming centers of hope will include Uganda, which hosts nearly 900,000 refugees of which 58% are children, Bangladesh, where 61 million children suffer from malnutrition, lack appropriate stimulation and early learning opportunities, Botswana, Ethiopia, among others. Unlike many other organizations and initiatives, The AMAL Project does not rely on any funding from government grants. Support comes entirely from private individuals, associations, foundations, and businesses who entrust the project with resources so that it can fulfill its humanitarian and philanthropic mission. To become part of the dedication to ensure the lives of as many children are touched, visit theamalproject.net to see how you can get involved.
PHILANTHROPY
2018 MAY / JUN
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FASHION
WAITING FOR SUMMER
HACKETT SS18 46
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Look effortlessly cool while soaking in the moment. Global Citizen brings you a selection of clothing that will be the perfect accompaniment to your summer travel plans.
FASHION
HACKETT Embroidered logo polo shirt USD114
HACKETT Navy zipped fitted jacket USD484
HACKETT Cotton Travel Bag Light Blue USD190
HACKETT LONDON LIGHT BLUE STRIPED SHORTS USD110
HACKETT Braided Canvas Belt USD108
HACKETT SS18 MEN
LONGCHAMP Espadrilles Navy USD330
2018 MAY / JUN
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FASHION
LONGCHAMP Ruban Small Wheeled Suitcase USD515 48
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FASHION
PAUL SMITH Blue ‘Midnight’ Jacquard Cotton-Blend Bomber Jacket USD1200
PAUL SMITH Light Blue ‘Tuna’ Print Tubular Silk-Blend Scarf USD170
Paul Smith SS18
PAUL SMITH White ‘Octopus’ Print T-Shirt USD90
PAUL SMITH ‘Mackerel’ Print Swim Shorts USD130 2018 MAY / JUN
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INVESTMENT
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
Investors bet on Portugal real estate and the European way of life by Teresa Esmezyan
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ortugal is a golden ticket into Europe. Voted best travel destination by nearly half a million travelers, Portugal’s quality of life, education, mobility, and citizenship rights also make it one of the most desired places to live in as well. As a member state of the EU, and by sharing the common currency, Portugal’s citizens benefit from free trade, nontariff barriers, and free movement of labor and capital. Rich in history, culture, and boasting the most ideal climate, this sunny and charming European nation holds the world’s most unique opportunities and immaculate standard of living. It is no wonder that the most prominent individuals around the globe are choosing to invest in Portugal. The Portugal Golden Visa Program allows individuals to live their dream life by acquiring a gateway to EU citizenship; many of whom are specifically paying close attention to rising real estate investments. Arton Capital, leading global financial advisory firm specializing in residency and citizenship by investment programs, handpicks prestigious projects to meet clients’ expectations. By investing in fractions of pre-qualified projects, applicants become co-owners of the entire project and qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa. Centrally located in Porto is the highly anticipated rehabilitation project of Sé Catedral Hotel, which officially sold out of investor spots shortly after it was launched. As the second largest city in Portugal, Porto is home to tourism revenues that account for about 10% GDP, with 3% growth seen in 2017. Investors desiring to drop their anchor into Portugal have now turned to other real estate investment options, including 50
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the transformation of the Caldas de Canavezes Luxury Hotel and Spa, facing the peaceful Tâmega River. Their most recent project, however, is gaining even more popularity: Hotel Casa Catarina, the new boutique hotel in the heart of Porto. With a total of 49 rooms on 6 floors, a deluxe bar and restaurant, and enchanting courtyard garden, this stunning project grants investors a Golden Visa Residency with a €350,000 investment. Moreover, with a 4% annual return on investment, this option is truly a ‘one move, two gains’ opportunity. Finally, at the summit of utmost luxury, and for those who envision their future in illustrious blues, is Cascais. Located just west of Lisbon, this extravagant hotel faces the ocean and Cidadela, which trails generations of Portuguese nobility. The rehabilitation of this 20-suite boutique hotel portrays an elegant fusion of decorative 19th century traditional Portuguese charm and consists of 22 fractions at €350,000 each. Welcoming over 13 million tourists in 2017, hundreds of new hotels and thousands of refurbished apartments for tourists are opening across the country. Total hotel revenues, including domestic tourism, soared by 17%, amounting to nearly 3.5 billion euros in 2017. Portugal, which ranks in the top 5 countries in the world for immigrants, and the top favorite tourist destination in Europe, makes any foreigner feel like they’re right at home. With several exclusive options for investments still available, it is no better time to make a home out of a nation that is overflowing with history, culture, beauty, charm, and opportunity!
INVESTMENT
PORTUGAL Golden Residency Permit
EU residency. Lifetime of benefits. Guaranteed return on investment. Invest € 350,000 in a qualified historic restoration real estate project to qualify for European residency in under 3 months. Benefit from 4% annual rental return and a fully guaranteed investment. Limited time offer exclusively promoted by Arton Capital in the MENA region. Qualify for citizenship of Portugal in 6 years.
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Arton Capital is a leading global financial advisory firm providing custom tailored services for immigrant investor programs to government agencies, certified partners and high net-worth individuals and families from around the world. Become a Global 2018 MAY / JUN 51 Citizen® and Empowering Global Citizenship® are registered trademarks of Arton Capital.
PHILANTHROPY
TIME FOR THE OCEANS
Blancpain and The Economist step up their cooperation towards a wider and more ambitious World Ocean Initiative with an agenda focused on accelerated measures and tangible results on behalf of viable stewardship of the oceans
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he Earth’s single most significant asset, the ocean, is a vital support for the planet with an enormous impact on climate and global food stock supplies. And yet, the incredibly vast and seemingly bountiful oceans are in crisis. Around the world, through human indifference to the impact of our behaviour on the ocean, its reserves are on the brink of collapse. Balancing human activity with the long-term health of the ocean is essential. The Economist Group’s World Ocean Initiative fosters a global conversation on the greatest challenges facing the seas, inspiring 52
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bold thinking, new partnerships and the most effective action to build a sustainable ocean economy. Since 2012, the World Ocean Summit has sought to focus the sometimes-divergent perspectives of business, government and civil society on how we use our troubled seas. It brings together more than 360 leaders from governments, companies, international organizations, NGOs and universities with the aim of discussing and suggesting solutions for a future in which sustainable development and blue economy are balanced. The Initiative concentrates on three cross-cutting levers of change — finance, governance and
PHILANTHROPY
innovation — each of which concern the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ for a sustainable ocean, but most of all they explore the ‘how’. Like the Economist, Blancpain has been an active participant in the field of ocean conservation. Ever since the launch of the Fifty Fathoms – the first modern diving watch – in 1953, Blancpain has invested in fostering the exploration, preservation and improved knowledge of the world of the oceans. Over the past 65 years, this commitment has intensified and diversified through multiple initiatives and partnerships, since 2014 united under the Blancpain Ocean Commitment global concept. In line with its commitment to the exploration and preservation of the oceans, Blancpain has supported the World Ocean Summit since its first edition. As such, the Manufacture provides support to major scientific expeditions, oceanographic exploration projects, environmental fora, and underwater photography exhibitions, as well as the production of documentary publications and films. It is within this context that Blancpain renewed its association with The Economist as the main sponsor to the World Ocean Summit. On December 12th, 2017, Blancpain and its President & CEO Marc A. Hayek hosted 230 guests at the Natural History Museum in London for an evening dedicated to the links between the Manufacture and the world of the sea. This was a unique occasion for members of the press, collectors and VIP clients to discover the historic
heritage of the brand in this field, as well as receiving advance information regarding Blancpain’s progress and new partnerships in support of the oceans. Marc A. Hayek emphasized: “In light of recent technological developments and the major challenges facing the oceans today, Blancpain remains strongly motivated in pursuing its commitment to the oceans in new ways.” This year’s summit took place from March 7th to 9th at the Riviera Maya in Mexico and marked the beginning of a new phase in the cooperation between Blancpain and The Economist. This year the World Ocean Summit has expanded into a wider, more ambitious World Ocean Initiative. Its vision is of an ocean in robust health and with a vital economy; its goal is to accelerate the transition to sustainable use of the ocean. As the founding partner, Blancpain is proud to broaden its contribution to this project which reflects its core values: long-term vision, optimism and innovation. It is within the framework of this new initiative that the Manufacture Blancpain – creator of the first modern diving watch – and The Economist have set up The Protectors program. This is designed to support six individual projects which contribute in an innovative and significant manner to the objective of having 30% of the planet’s oceans classified into marine protected areas by 2030. In fact, an expedition supported by the brand encouraged the recent decision made by the Mexican government to create the largest marine protected area in North America, in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Extending over some 148,000 sq. Km, this new reserve will contribute to the protection of the hundreds of species that inhabit or pass through this archipelago, which consists of four volcanic islands. Over a 24-month period, the public will have an opportunity to discover the work and achievements accomplished by six key figures through a series of short movies, discussion panels and an interactive digital campaign. This new program was presented at the opening of the World Ocean Summit with the screening of the documentary Ocean (Season 2), produced by The Economist Films with the exclusive support of Blancpain. 2018 MAY / JUN
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HOROLOGY
BREGUET MARINE ALARME MUSICALE 5547 Breguet has consistently displayed an ability to reinvent itself through its countless innovations that have forged its success for more than 240 years. Early in his career, Abraham-Louis Breguet’s talent earned him some of the highest distinctions in his field, including the official title of chronometer maker to the French Royal Navy, the most prestigious to which a horologist could aspire. Throughout his life, he tirelessly conceived and developed impressive timepieces that would leave an indelible imprint on watchmaking history. Breguet is enriching its new generation of Marine watches with a creation housing no less than three horological complications. In addition to an alarm, the Marine Alarme 54
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Musicale 5547 displays a second time zone as well as the date. When the striking mechanism is triggered, a ship’s bell appears through an opening at 12 o’clock, a subtle nod to the maritime world of the collection. The alarm and second time-zone indications appear in two separate sub dials at 3 and 9 o’clock. It also features a date display at 6 o’clock. Its luminescent hands and markings ensure easy reading of the time by day or night. The self-winding movement features a 45-hour power reserve. This creation is presented in 3 versions- a white gold case with a blue dial, a rose gold model with a silvered dial and a titanium version with a slate grey dial. Each comes with a choice of a leather or a rubber strap.
HOROLOGY
JAQUET DROZ
GRANDE SECONDE SKELET-ONE As part of its 280th anniversary celebrations, Jaquet Droz has taken one of its signature pieces a step further - The Grande Seconde SkeletOne marks a higher altitude of achievement in comparison to the Grande Seconde. While the Grande Seconde is the epitome of all things Jaquet Droz, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One is a contemporary reinterpretation of a familiar design within the context of a skeletonized composition. The skeleton composition achieves what it set out to do while preserving the signature figure “8” aesthetic. Jaquet Droz has maintained the uncluttered character of the dial that is distinguished by the legendary hours and minutes counter with Roman numerals at 12 o’clock, intertwined with the large seconds counter with Arabic numerals at 6 o’clock. While the brand has oft varied its design, for the first time, it proposes a sapphire dial integrated within a skeleton composition. The objective of this creation was to let light shine to the deepest reaches of the Grande Seconde, playing with decorated surfaces as much as with empty spaces. Jaquet Droz has left only the bridges showing, which structure the piece’s movement. The sapphire dial, on which the large seconds hand turns, perfectly complements the skeleton movement, constructed in successive layers, themselves visible from the side. The plate is now entirely openworked. The casing-up circle has been eliminated, allowing for a more open composition. At 12 o’clock, the hours and minutes turn around a sapphire hour ring, set on a base of gold. The ensemble is held together by five indexed screws, oriented in a chosen direction. Used for the first time by Jaquet Droz, this procedure was derived from an existing armory system and adapted by the brand’s technical teams. The oscillating weight in gold has also been openworked to let light diffuse freely into the heart of the movement. The Grande Seconde Skelet-One, equipped with a silicon double barrel, balance spring and pallet lugs, features a hand-assembled Caliber 2663 SQ. It is the first to reveal the mechanical choreography beating at the heart of the Grande Seconde. The Grande Seconde Skelet-One, with a diameter of 41 mm, comes in three interpretations: red gold, white gold and ceramic. 2018 MAY / JUN
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HOROLOGY
THE FLORENTINE BOUTIQUE IN BEIJING
Officine Panerai unveils its new boutique in Wangfujing, Beijing
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fficine Panerai, the Florentine luxury watchmaker was founded in 1860. At the time, it consisted of a boutique in Florence, a workshop and a watch making school. The official supplier of precision instruments to the Italian Navy, in particular equipping the commando frogmen, their projects including the Luminor and Radiomir watches, continued to be covered by military secrecy for many years. Today, Officine Panerai develops and produces its own movements and watches – combining Italian design and history with Swiss craftsmanship – in its manufacture at Neuchâtel, and these are sold worldwide through an exclusive global network of authorized dealers, and in its own-brand boutiques throughout the world. The brands latest international boutique has been announced inside one of the most known shopping areas in China, the Wangfu Central (WFC) at Wangfujing, Beijing. With the new opened Urquiola boutiques, Officine Panerai now has 10 boutiques in China and 75 worldwide. The concept for the new boutique has been created by the Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. Patricia Urquiola studied architecture and design at Madrid Polytechnic and Milan Polytechnic, graduating with Achille Castiglioni. 56
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She has received the Gold Medal of the Arts and the Order of Isabel the Catholic by His Majesty The King of Spain Juan Carlos I. Her work is displayed in various museums and collections, such as MoMA in New York, Musée des Arts decoratifs in Paris, the Museum of Design in Munich, the Vitra Design Museum in Basel, The Design Museum in London, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Stedelijk in Amsterdam and the Triennale Museum in Milan. With a total area of 56 square meters, the new boutique has been inspired by the main characteristic themes of Panerai, such as the Florentine origins, the link to the nautical world and the strong Italian heritage. The Spanish architect used veined Italian marble “calacatta luccicoso”, burnished brass, bronze and a special “reeded” glass, undulating and transparent, as clear reference to the world of the sea. A large Wall Clock welcomes clients and enthusiasts visiting the boutique, recalling one of the most iconic Panerai dials: that of Luminor Marina, with the characteristic small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and numbers and dial particularly bright. The boutique is welcoming, sophisticated, contemporary and elegant: as well as admiring the technical beauty of Panerai watches, clients can relax in a luxurious, intimate space.
HOROLOGY
2018 MAY / JUN
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HOROLOGY
A STORY OF TIME AND MOTION
TAG Heuer’s ‘Museum in Motion’ exhibition celebrated the 55th anniversary of the classic TAG Heuer Carrera timepiece, and explored the brand’s rich history, particularly in motor racing. The event was also the platform for the official UAE launch of TAG Heuer’s Monaco Calibre 11 Gulf Special Edition.
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douard Heuer was only 20 years of age in 1860 when he founded his Avant Garde watchmakers workshop in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. Since then the company has rolled out an undeniably brilliant line up of watches that are cutting edge in terms of technology and disruptive with regards to design. Creating the mikrograph in 1916, sponsoring F1 teams in the 70s or launching the first luxury connected watch in 2015 are just some examples of unique spirit of the brand TAG Heuer. Museum in Motion In the spirit of such achievements, TAG Heuer presented a carefully curated Museum in Motion global exhibition in Dubai during the last two weeks of April, highlighting the heritage timepieces from the brand’s museum at La Chaux-de-Fonds. Following the positive feedback from TAG Heuer’s Globetrotter exhibition last September, Museum in Motion marked the first time these watches have left the museum and the first time the 58
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pieces have been exhibited as a group. Each exhibition was built solely around a specific and outstanding Carrera chronograph to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the launch of TAG Heuer’s iconic Carrera collection. Museum in Motion was also the platform for the launch of the Monaco Gulf Calibre 11 Special Edition timepiece for the first time in the UAE. The Museum in Motion pieces selected showcased TAG Heuer’s rich history, particularly in motorsport racing, and highlight the brand’s innovative craftsmanship in luxury sports watch design. Key timepieces included the iconic Heuer Carrera, which was designed by Jack Heuer in 1963 and made specifically for driver and sports enthusiasts alike, and TAG Heuer’s Calibre 11 Monaco Gulf Special Edition, equipped with the first in the world automatic chronograph, the Calibre 11. The Heuer Carrera was the first sports chronograph made particularly for drivers and sports enthusiasts. Designed with a wide-open and easy to read dial and a shock-resistant case, the original Heuer Carera was a manual winding chronograph
HOROLOGY
equipped with a calibre Valjoux 92 using oscillating pinion design chronograph movement. Subsequent models like 1965 Heuer Carrera added aesthetic variants, and the 1970 Heuer Carerra became an automatic chronograph using TAG Heuer’s iconic Calibre 11 movement, while in 1972 a new generation of the Heuer Carrera was outfitted with the Calibre 15 chronograph movement. Other iconic timepieces displayed at the Museum in Motion Exhibition, such as the Heuer Mikrograph, the first stopwatch accurate to 1/100th of a second equipped with an oscillating pinion. Due to its superior accuracy, the Heuer Mikrograph was used for the Olympic Games in 1920, 1924, 1928. 55 Years of the TAG Heuer Carrera The Museum in Motion also coincided with the 55th anniversary of the classic Heuer Carrera timepiece, an iconic chronograph that has occupied pole position in the world of motor racing for 55 years. The collection takes its name from the legendary week-long “Carrera Panamericana” road race, for which TAG Heuer is both partner and Official Timekeeper. A cornerstone of the brand since 1963, this avant-garde chronograph, forever associated with motor racing, wears its DNA with sporting pride and now features a brand-new engine in its newest reincarnation as the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 – the new Heuer 02 Calibre manufacture movement – along with a 43 mm modular case, a tachymeter bezel, and a skeleton dial with 3-6-9 counters.
This automotive chronograph still clearly predominates in the annals of watchmaking success stories. Avantgarde incarnate, from the first generation in the 1960s to the new Heuer 02 line, including the ultra-modern Connected Modular, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 is an authentic living legend, and is now available in 13 contemporary variants in steel, carbon, ceramic or gold with a metal, rubber, leather or ceramic bracelet, plus a 45 mm version with GMT function. TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Gulf Special Edition Launched simultaneously in Geneva and New York on 3rd March 1969, the Heuer Monaco was the first square and water-resistant automatic chronograph in the history of Swiss watchmaking. The watch was a break with the aesthetic codes of traditional watchmaking. However, the origins of the revolution lay inside the watch: The famous Calibre 11 that was the first automatic chronograph movement to be commercialized in the history of watchmaking. The 2018 Monaco Gulf Special Edition is a new edition of the classic Heuer Monaco, launched in celebration of a new partnership between automotive icons TAG Heuer and Gulf Oil International. The Monaco Gulf Calibre 11 Special Edition has all the attributes of the classic Monaco, enhanced for the modern enthusiast. The colours of the iconic Gulf brand are referenced in the design, and as a reminder of its origins and sporting pedigree, a light blue and an orange stripe of Gulf’s renowned racing colours have been added to the dial, while the Gulf logo also appears at 6 o’clock. 2018 MAY / JUN
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ART & DESIGN
EXCLUSIVELY BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
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rmenegildo Zegna has unveiled a series of accessories, entertainment and home products at the Salone del Mobile 2018. Presented at the Ermenegildo Zegna Global Store in Via Montenapoleone on the 16th of April, the products include a collection of Zegna Toyz and a unique handwoven tapestry exclusively produced for Zegna by Altai. The Zegna Toyz collection is thought to meet the needs of the modern man and designed to accompany different moments of his life: from the Essentials small leather goods for the gentleman’s business life, the Toys selection of leisure and entertainment travel games, to the Technological series of multimedia accessories created in collaboration with Master & Dynamic, the premium audio brand known for its sophisticated sound tools. The Pelle Tessuta Collection of Zegna Toyz features an exclusive new design inspired by one of the iconic Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna suiting fabrics produced in 1968. Blending weaving tradition with modern technology, Pelle Tessuta is Zegna’s lightweight and highly versatile leather fabric that brings its textile expertise into the leather world. For the new chapter of its Zegna Toyz, Ermenegildo Zegna has interwoven extremely thin micro leather yarns to recreate a 1968 vintage herringbone pattern discovered within the Zegna Archive in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Ermenegildo Zegna’s entrance into the Ready-to-Wear business. In addition, Ermenegildo Zegna has unveiled a unique handwoven rug in collaboration with Altai Gallery. The tapestry, produced exclusively for Zegna by the internationally renowned gallery 60
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specialized in primitive textile art from nomadic cultures, is made at Atelier Altai from interwoven leather mignon and hemp using a hand loom. Taking inspiration from the ancient Saharan mats which were originally made with camel hide, Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori has combined dark brown hemp for the warp and Zegna vicuna-colored mignon leather for the weft to create a decorative zig-zag design reminiscent of a Saharan desert landscape. The Zegna rug, with its exclusively handwoven pattern, is finished with a 12cm long fringe and measures 280x180cm. Founded in Milan in 1994 by Raffaele Carrieri, ALTAI is one of the first galleries in Europe to exhibit primitive textile art from nomadic cultures, and it has very quickly become a worldwide point of reference in the area: felts from Kurdistan and Central Asia, Kircil Kilims of Eastern Anatolia, Berber carpets, together with one of the most important collection of Saharan mats of Mauritania, the result of Raffaele’s many years of research and travel. ALTAI has a contemporary production, creating bespoke, handknotted rugs in their Atelier in Eastern Asia. This has led to collaborations with SanLorenzo Yachts, Boffi, De Padova, B&B, Rolex, Molteni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Bulgari Hotels and Resorts (Milan, London, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai), Aspesi, Marni, Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Knoll, Celine, De Beers, Etro and Brioni. ALTAI is also active in providing direct support to nomadic populations, and for the last 15 years has been funding micro-aid projects in remote areas of Afghanistan that are familiar to ALTAI but out of reach for large humanitarian organizations.
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SPORTING
AQUA THOROUGHBREDS
We look back at the humble beginnings and lofty achievements of Dubai’s Victory Team
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ina Seyahi today is located at the heart of what one might call ‘New Dubai’, adjacent to such landmarks as the Palm Jumeirah, Internet and Media Cities, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina to name a few. Prior to the development boom that began in the latter part of the 1990s, Mina Seyahi was in the midst of mostly desolate landscape between Dubai and Jebel Ali. In those days, for the residents of Dubai, Mina Seyahi was that place way out of town that was synonymous with powerboat racing and the accompanying carnival by the beach. In 1986, the small port whose name means “traveller’s port,” was chosen as the home of The Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), which was founded by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum to organise and promote offshore powerboat racing, and in the process promote Dubai. The same year also witnessed the first offshore powerboat racing event organised by DIMC in which 25 boats took part. 1986
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was also the debut year of the much beloved and highly successful Victory Team. Also founded and chaired by His Highness Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Victory Team was integral to Dubai’s promotion strategy. They began competing with boats built by third parties. By 1990, however, they had accumulated enough expertise to begin building their own racing boats. When the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the sport’s global governing body, introduced the Class 1 Championship in 1992, the highest class of offshore powerboat racing in the world, Victory Team debuted as a guest entry at the last two rounds hosted by Dubai at Mina Seyahi. They came first and second in both legs. Encouraged by their success, the following year, they competed for the world championship and were rewarded with a title. In 1994, the late His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, issued a decreed to officially make DIMC
SPORTING
a Government of Dubai agency responsible for marine sports in the U.A.E. These landmark achievements were part of the greater development vision of the late His Highness, to diversify and develop Dubai’s economy based on trade and tourism. From 1999 to 2012, the team was managed by Gianfranco Venturelli, an automotive executive who previously had tenures with Lamborghini, Ferrari and Chrysler. Under Venturelli, the Victory Team underwent vertical as well as horizontal growth as an organisation. In 2002, the team moved to a 15,000 square metre purpose-built facility in Mina Seyahi. Here they were able to design, engineer, do R&D, test, and manufacture their boats, as well as manage their operations and logistics all under one roof. They even developed their own power and drivetrain systems. Horizontally, they expanded their product range to include state-of-the-art yachts, boats for sport-fishing and patrol boats of various types. The increased flexibility and self-reliance also allowed them to expand the portfolio of the competition boats they could build. This also meant that they could expand the portfolio of competitions they could compete in. So, in addition to their Class 1 thoroughbreds, they began to build and compete in the XCAT and F1H2O world championships. Their achievements are impressive, to say the least. Since 1993, they have gone on to win 15 class 1 championships
including an impressive eight-year winning streak between 2007 to 2014, 8 European Championships, 7 Middle-Eastern championships. In the UIM XCAT (extreme catamaran) World Championship class, they are the double reigning world champions (2016 and 2017). They are also the reigning champions of the F1H2O world championship, an event in which they debuted in 2015. In a way, the Victory Team and its success is a microcosm of the success experienced by the Emirate of Dubai, which draws from the local Emirati as well as the expatriate pool of talent to achieve great things. In the XCAT world championships, Victory 3 of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Heindi have won the title on five occasions, while the Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali in the Victory 33 boat became world champions in their debut season last year. Alex Carella is the reigning F1H2O champion and has been a champion in this event on three previous occasions between 2011 and 2013. He has won 15 Grand Prix from 50 starts, picking up a further 15 podiums and 15 pole positions. Ahmed Al Hameli came in third in 2018 and is a veteran of 79 Grand Prix. He has won seven times, picking up a further 12 podiums and has started from pole position ten times. Impressive indeed is the tree that grew out of a humble seed sown in the fertile sands of Mina Seyahi beach in 1986. 2018 MAY / JUN
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FITNESS
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
An introduction to Technogym’s revolutionary Kinesis Personal designer gym
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echnogym, the world leader in personal fitness, based in Cesena, Italy, have unveiled their latest masterpiece. An all-in-one indoor soft-workout unit that they have christened the Kinesis Personal. There have been many multipurpose fitness units in the past, but few can compare to the Kinesis Personal in the way it fuses form and function into one unit; the way it uses a holistic approach to fitness and in the craftsmanship involved in its construction. To achieve this cohesion between form and function, Technogym’s R&D department teamed up with renowned architect and designer Antonio Citterio and his assistant Toan Nguyen. The Kinesis Personal has an internationally patented Full Gravity technology which consists of four polished aluminium alloy arms that support its cables. Each arm has three pivots that the cable slides through during outward and return movements. These pivots also absorb sound. There are three ergonomic handles on each side for the alpha, beta and gamma 64
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positions. In the rest position, the handles can be attached to the arm pivots. This unique design allows the body to move and flex tridimensionally and activates all of the body’s kinetic chains while providing resistance to every possible movement of the human body. This flexibility is possible because of the cable loop system which enables 360-degree rotational movements without interference to the body, unlike the fixed, solid swingarms found on most fitness units. The resistance is controlled by simply turning the dial on the easy-to-use and stylish interface. Although simple on the outside, the interface controls a sophisticated and patented innovation in which a system of forces gradually increases the resistance, smoothly and in total safety. The resistance and flexibility provided by the Kinesis Personal means that more than 200 exercises, using both basic and combined movements, can be performed in just one square metre, without having to adjust the equipment. It
FITNESS
also means that a wide range of workout disciplines such as yoga, pilates, tai chi, rehabilitation, athletic, etc., can be performed as one would normally but with the added bonus of resistance to these movements. It has a height-width-depth dimension of 2.1 x 1.7 x 1.15 metres and weighs in at 240 kilograms. Standard accessories include a wellness ball, revolving attachments, ankle straps, a DVD guide, user manual and an exercise manual. In terms of aesthetics, the Kinesis Personal is an exceptional interior design element that can be easily integrated within homes, offices, hotels and spas. It features three standard design versions; two ‘Heritage’ and one ‘Vision.’ The Heritage Leather version features a covering panel made of carefully selected full grain leather. It is worked by hand and features diagonal stitching done by craftsmen who pay particular attention to the details, and to the leather joints. The Heritage Black version features a covering
panel made of wood treated with a special paint to make it unalterable with the passage of time and to give the surface an attractive leather look. In both versions, the wall bars are made from American oak and are selected individually by craftsmen who assess their quality. The customer also has a choice of four colours: Black, Cream, Brown as standard and a new Gold Limited Edition, manufactured using a gold leaf technique inspired by ancient Florentine craftsmanship. The Vision version features an undistorted mirror finish using three steel panels applied to a rigid structural support. The mirror finish allows one to check posture while exercising. Technogym was established in 1983. It is today an innovative industry leader, and exports to over 100 countries. They count among their clients the IOC, Ferrari F1 Team, AC Milan and Chelsea football clubs, the Alinghi sailing Team and many others. 2018 MAY / JUN
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AUTOMOTIVE
AVANTI LEVANTE
A GC review of what the new 2018 Maserati Levante has to offer
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he Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV,” reads an official statement about their ground-breaking SUV which made its international debut in 2016. These were bold statements indeed, but the Levante has delivered on its potential; as a driving experience and as a contributor to the brand’s growth. The Levante accounts for a considerable part of the company’s total sales today as it gave the trident brand access to the largest luxury segment in the world. It has also attracted a lot of new customers to the brand, as 90 percent of Levante customers are first time Maserati clients. Driven by the positive response, Maserati has launched an upgraded 2018 model which stays true to its DNA while bringing in upgrades that builds on a strong platform. According to the marque, “the Maserati of SUVs was engineered to excite the sport-focused drivers by making extensive use of lightweight materials, as well as boasting an ideal 50:50 weight distribution and the segment’s lowest centre of gravity. These features delivered unparalleled agility in the high-end SUV class as well as remarkable comfort on rough roads and great handling on low-grip surfaces.” The Levante’s platform is based on the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloons. It borrows heavily from them in terms of design
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elements, but it has a coupé silhouette. The squinting headlights, the distinctive triple air vents on the sides, and the rear lights, all highlight the family DNA. It’s not just a pretty body either. It has a drag coefficient of just 0.31 making it a best-in-class in terms of aerodynamic efficiency. To further in its aerodynamic efficiency, the front grille features an electric Air Shutter. Despite the coupé design, the interior space is near the top of its class. It has ample room for five people. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three passengers with a generous amount of headroom. The luggage compartment is versatile and has a load space of 580 litres. The interior space features Maserati’s new and unique trim by Ermenegildo Zegna. The fashionable and detailed interiors know no rivals, with their unique, detailed trimmings and special colour finishes. The superb standard of stitching throughout, along with the natural fibre Zegna Mulberry Silk seating inserts, create an environment of opulence and luxury. These models embody the tradition of tailor-made excellence that both Zegna and Maserati have continually delivered for so long. On the performance and handling front, the Levante’s body, chassis and suspension are predominantly aluminium. This was done to achieve the low centre of gravity and the 50:50 weight distribution. The chassis was designed to be dynamic on the
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AUTOMOTIVE
road, and tough enough to handle off-road challenges while creating a comfortable driving environment for day-to-day practicality. The aluminium five-link double-wishbone suspension also comprises a pneumatic system and electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers. Maserati’s Skyhook Suspension is a state-of-the-art system developed by Maserati in collaboration with Mannesmann-Sachs. It is designed to maintain automatic control of the damper and to absorb and reduce the impact of irregularities on the road. The system allows the vehicles to maintain great performance without sacrificing comfort. The pneumatic suspension system provides six different height levels at the flick of a switch, or as part of one of the driving modes. The variation in the height between the lowest and highest positions is 75 mm. This can be further increased to 68
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85 mm with the Park level activated. In addition to the improved comfort and safety, the suspension system also reduced fuel consumption by reducing drag when the car is lowered. Electric power steering (EPS) has replaced hydraulic power steering on both sedans, Ghibli and Quattroporte, as well as on the model year 2018 Levante, providing better handling and comfort, while retaining the razor-sharp steering feel that is a symbolic feature of every Maserati. The new system better supports the driving modes and allows the improved Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with more active functions to be more inclusive. Safety tech toys standard on the Levante include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Warning Plus, Advanced Brake Assist system (ABA), Lane Departure Warning system, and Surround View Camera. An optional enhanced
AUTOMOTIVE
ADAS is also available which includes new active functions such as Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, as well as Traffic Sign Recognition. No Maserati would be a true-blood unless it had a Maranello masterpiece under the hood, a 350 hp, three litres V6 twin-turbo roars within a Levante. Developed in conjunction with Ferrari, the Euro 6-compliant engine, featuring the latest Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology, is powerful, exciting to drive, and eco-friendly. It delivers 500 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 4,750rpm, can hit 0-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and can reach a top speed of 251 km/h. All that power is delivered to the wheels through the eightspeed ZF automatic transmission, the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and the standard mechanical limited-slip differential
(LSD). The Q4 All-Wheel-Drive was developed to deliver a typical Maserati rear-wheel drive experience, even in low-grip road conditions. But when needed it can alter the front/rear torque split from 0:100% to 50:50% in just 150 milliseconds. LSD guarantees optimal traction in all driving situations. When the Levante was first launched in the UAE, Hossam Hosni, General Manager Luxury Auto at Al Tayer Motors, said: “Maserati is renowned for exotic sports cars, so our mission was not just to build an SUV, but to build a Maserati. Exciting times are ahead, and we are glad to be able to offer Maserati aficionados a completely new experience.� Going by what Maserati has delivered, one would be hard-pressed to argue that the Levante is indeed the Maserati of SUVs. 2018 MAY / JUN
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CLASSY G
Mercedes Benz has launched newest editions of the timeless G-Class
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here have been many much beloved Mercedes models over the years, but the Mercedes G-Class garners a loyal following like no other in the marque’s illustrious history. The G class loyalists are so enamoured with the iconic ‘boxy’ design that they have steadfastly opposed even the faintest rumours of a drastic redesign. Which explains why, since its debut in 1979, the shape has not changed significantly. But that has not stopped Mercedes-Benz from injecting technological innovations under the skin. The ‘G’ story begins in 1972 when Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Graz, Austria, signed an agreement to build a range of off-road vehicles that were radically different from anything else in the market. They came up with a versatile off-roader that was reliable, robust and with superior off-road capabilities that could prevail in tough industrial, municipal and military operations. Simultaneously, it was also comfortable and safe on the road which meant that it could be used as an exclusive recreational vehicle. This has been the G-Class DNA ever since. Mercedes has recently launched the latest evolutions of the G-Class, particularly the G500 and AMG G 63, both featuring innovations in performance, safety, styling and interior luxury. “Further technical development of an icon such as the G-Class was both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. Each part and every bolt came under close scrutiny,” says Dr Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Off-Road Product Group at Mercedes-Benz. Not surprisingly many of the iconic design elements have been preserved such as the distinctive door handle, the characteristic closing sound, the exterior protective strip, the surface-mounted bonnet, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door, and the front indicator lights. As always only high-quality materials have been used for the interior with every detail finished by hand and with the utmost care. The clearly arranged instrument panel features virtual analogue instruments in the driver’s direct field of vision with the option of an additional central display above the centre console. The larger 70
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interior dimensions of the G-Class provide increased space for the occupants in the front and the rear. “With the body, our main focus was on increasing the vehicle rigidity and the connections between the suspension and drivetrain with the ladder-type frame,” adds Güthenke. The ladder-type frame made from higher-strength steel is considerably more robust for off-road operations than a unibody construction as it can resist torsional forces with greater stability. Since it is the lowest component, it ensures a low centre of gravity while also protecting the power-train, fuel tank and exhaust system against ground contact. In terms of performance, the new G-Class improves on its predecessors new and improved features such as the Dynamic Select, which is now available with several driving modes. Comfort mode for a smooth ride quality, Sport mode for sharper responses and performance, Eco for a fuel-efficient and quiet driving experience, and the Individual mode allows the drivers to configure their preferred vehicle settings. The G-Mode becomes active when off-road and function above the selected driving mode. It alters the damping of the chassis, steering, acceleration and gear shifts to ensure maximum off-road capability in any condition. Also, the three 100-percent differential locks now respond to the switches even more rapidly, as they are purely electro-mechanically actuated and fully networked. “The new G-Class is setting the bar higher still in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics. Our ‘longest-serving’ model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new ‘G’ is still a ‘G’, only better,” stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. The all-new G 63 features the newly developed AMG Ride Control suspension, the AMG-specific transmission modes and an all-new interior with the optimal widescreen cockpit. The power is provided by the 585 hp 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine which is coupled with the extremely fast-shifting 9-speed automatic
AUTOMOTIVE
transmission. It also features the redesigned double wishbone independent front suspension and adaptive adjustable damping. On the exterior, it has an AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wheel arches, striking side pipes on the exhaust system and the upto 22-inch wheels. “The new AMG G 63 brings driving performance to the segment of unadulterated off-road vehicles in unexpected form. It was
important for us to tie in with the original character on account of the cult status the G 63 enjoys with our customers and fans. The vehicle has nevertheless reached a completely new dimension in terms of technology with the 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine as well as in combination with the off-road characteristics, the agility and the vehicle dynamics achieved� explains Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes AMG GmbH. 2018 MAY / JUN
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RESTAURANTS
REPUBLIC & CO. Republic &Co. is set amongst the buzzing hub of Business Bay which appeals to people from all walks of life including professionals, residents, business travellers, and party goers. The destination is set to match Dubai’s versatility with dining options to suit everyone, whether it be popping in for breakfast, lunch, early evening bites or dinner in the restaurant before switching over to the upbeat lounge area for signature cocktails, drinks and tunes from in-house DJs. It is a unique high-end yet unpretentious dining concept that is open 24/7 where you can dine until the early hours and then follow it with a delicious breakfast and lunch from its international menu. However, it’s not just the dishes that will grab your attention but the spectacular views of the water canal and Burj Khalifa too. With live DJs playing five days a week in an integrated setting, high quality and diversified food choices, Republic & Co. has it all. Whatever you’re craving, whenever you’re craving it, Republic & Co is undoubtedly the new hangout at Business Bay. Republic & Co., Radisson Blu Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai Reservations: +971 4 240 5777. 72
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RESTAURANTS
ONI RESTAURANT ONI is a recently opened restaurant, bar and lounge at Shangri-La, Dubai. It is the creation of Chef Mohammad Islam who meticulously devised the menu to consist of rich, authentic dishes with a street food style concept, but at a surprisingly affordable price range. It is an authentic Japanese restaurant, where just about everything originated from Japan. From the ingredients, machinery, and anything authentic you may spot, chances are it’s sourced directly from Japan. It has an open kitchen style where you can see the chefs in action displaying their impressive style of cooking. Oni uses traditional methods of using charcoal to cook their Robatas, preserving the juicy tenderness of the meat. Their Angus beef skewers are simply a melt in the mouth experience! Their Ramens are also the best in town, especially the seafood Ramen. Adding to the authentic Japanese look and feel are their staff dressed in Kimonos. The restaurant has a sophisticated dÊcor with an elegant and relaxing ambience. Oni, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Reservations: +971-4-4052333, +971-54-7212345
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MORIMOTO DUBAI Renaissance Downtown Hotel opened its doors to the muchanticipated Morimoto Dubai. This is the internationally acclaimed celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first restaurant in the UAE. Morimoto Dubai opened in a spectacular fashion with a private event for media and guests at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. At the opening of the restaurant, Chef Morimoto carved a 90 kg tuna in front of guests. The restaurant’s interior is sophisticated and modern, the staff sharp, friendly and knowledgeable and the outside terrace bar, a great starting point. The terrace is the real star of the place with a view to kill. Their seafood is fresh and is the best Japanese style of preparation in town. One is sure to be treated with some unexpected flavours which will get you to talk about how different they are than what one would normally expect. They also have traditional sushi served from a 10-seat sushi counter, a live teppanyaki counter headed by one of chef Morimoto’s most highly regarded teppan chefs from his Michelin-starred restaurant in Japan, and stunning desserts. Known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, Morimoto Dubai is a feast for the eyes and the palate! Morimoto Dubai, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai Reservations: +971 4 512 5577 74
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RESTAURANTS
FARZI CAFÉ At Farzi, traditional global classics and influences are amalgamated with local dishes, a boutique ambience, and a stylish location. It is a quirky, chic, modern spice bistro, where guests can enjoy a sensory dining experience through the finest modern cuisine and molecular gastronomy, and once you’ve been Farzified, it’s easy to understand why. From finger-licking starters to mains like the Farzified Shwarma Biryani with 8 hours slow-cooked leg of lamb, Cayenne Spiked Prawns with lemon fried rice, or Chermoula Crusted Paneer Tikka with couscous salad, any meal feels like an occasion. Indulgent desserts such as the deconstructed chocolate cake served with ice-cream and hot chocolate known as the DIRT Pile, Jalebi Caviar, and Farzi’s Legendary Karak Chai Ice-Cream, linger on the palate. Farzi Café, City Walk, Dubai Reservations: +971 4 3942556 / +971 52 689 2012, reservations@farzicafe.ae
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SPA
NIKKI SPA Dubai’s a year-old Nikki Spa located at the renowned Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is a serene haven to disconnect and get lost in. The design-centric spa comprising contemporary style as well as the Nikki Beach signature white minimalist interiors offers a diverse plethora of treatments and facilities to cater to the varied needs and desires of guests. The spa includes seven separate suites for men and women, one devoted couple suite, a hammam chamber, sauna, steam room, an ice fountain, mixed vitality pool, and indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges, leaving little left to want. At Nikki spa, the highly established and reputable ESPA treatment concepts 76
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and products are used that ensure optimal relaxation and results for the guests. Guests enjoying the beach club also have the opportunity to experience Nikki Spa with the recently launched Massage on the Move concept. Massage on the Move offers low energy moments in a high energy environment providing the perfect introduction to longer sensory journeys at Nikki Spa. From the hustle-bustle of the city, Nikki spa is the perfect escape to disconnect, re-charge and re-balance. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Dubai Reservations: reservations.dubai@nikkibeachhotels.com, +971 4 376 6000 / 6162
SPA
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TRAVEL
ADRIATIC LIFESTYLE
A decade after her retirement; the fabled QE2 finally reopened her doors to welcome guests
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n April 16, 2018, the former cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) opened her door to the public, nearly ten years after the celebrated “queen” retired from active service. She no longer cruises on the high seas to take people on fantastic voyages, but can still fulfil their maritime fantasies close to their homes. The reincarnation of QE2 from a cruise ship to a floating luxury hotel is thanks to the vision and dedication of people who believed in the project. Hamza Mustafa, CEO of PCFC Hotels said: “To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team and I. It is one of Dubai’s most highly anticipated projects, and we know that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see her for the first time, or to step back on board the vessel that created so many wonderful memories during her 40 years at sea. We are especially thankful to our Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem whose vision and determination to give her a second life has come to fruition. His passion for the Queen Elizabeth 2 and all that she represents means that she can continue to deliver the grandeur that she stood for, within a new special location at the heart of Mina Rashid, in Dubai.” QE2 was born in Clydebank, Scotland on 20 September 1967. She was originally designed as a transatlantic steamer and is considered the last in a long line of great transatlantic ocean
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liners. Her first visit to New York was in 1969, and she embarked on her first world cruise in 1975. She completed a total of 806 transatlantic crossings and 25 world cruises. In 1986, she was fitted with nine diesel engines, each the size of a double-decker, consuming in total 433 tons of oil per day, and generating enough power for all of Fujairah. In 2002, she completed five million miles at sea and by 2004 she had become the longest-serving ocean liner. She hosted the likes of Nelson Mandala, David Bovie, Elizabeth Taylor and Buzz Aldrin, among many others. She could cater to 4,000 people a day, and in a year, served 70,000 bottles of champagne and enough fruit juice to fill its swimming pool eight times over. In 2008 she began her celebrated farewell voyage around the UK before reaching Dubai. She now begins the next chapter in her illustrious career; as a thirteen deck floating luxury hotel. The April opening was a “soft opening,” the first phase of several to come. In the first phase, passengers can experience a selection of beautifully restored rooms and suites and savour the delights offered at five of the planned thirteen restaurants and bars. Visitors can also explore her rich history at the adjacent QE2 Heritage Exhibition featuring an interactive museum that showcases the QE2 in her heyday when she was a pioneer in design, technology and lifestyle.
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“We have dedicated more than 2.7 million man-hours into transforming this legendary ocean liner into the multi-faceted tourist destination that she is today and I am very proud to reintroduce her to the world as she embarks on the next stage of her celebrated journey. It has been an honour to work on this wonderful project and to help ensure that our lovely Lady lives up to her new slogan: still making history,” added Hamza Mustafa. QE2’s interior has been thoughtfully restored to her former glory. The objective was to recreate her most loved interior design features such as her period furniture, renowned paintings and famous memorabilia. The original porthole windows have been retained to enhance the maritime feel. The renovated restaurants have retained their original names and décor. Simultaneously, she has also been subtly equipped with all the latest technological amenities. The QE2 offers a selection of thirteen categories of rooms and suites; from with the beautifully designed ‘cabin’ style Standard
Rooms starting at seventeen square metres, to the Royal Suites at 76 square metres. The two Royal Suites feature a luxurious bedroom, a private veranda, a conservatory, a dining room and highly personalised amenities. However, bookings for these highly exclusive suites is by invitation only. The Queens Grill - is the signature restaurant offering a refined selection of British fine-dining dishes, and a tasting menu that recreates a classic selection of dishes from 1969. QE2 also features The Chart Room – a sophisticated lounge and bar; The Golden Lion – a traditional English pub; The Pavilion – a family restaurant with a terrace overlooking the marina; Lido – the hotel’s all-day-restaurant; The Grand Lounge – a cabaret-style lounge with a weekly entertainment programme; and the Yacht Club – a chic take on the traditional afternoon tea. QE2 also features a number of unique events and meeting spaces, highlighted by The Queen’s Room – an inimitable ballroom unlike any other in the city. 2018 MAY / JUN
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SAILS OF HOPE
This year’s Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille was a great success in spite of the havoc caused by hurricane Irma
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n September 2017, the category five Hurricane Irma, the second-costliest Caribbean hurricane on record made landfall at St Barthélemy (St Barts). One resident told Le Monde that it seemed as though Irma had “erased the island from the map.” Entire coastal establishments were blown away, streets became rivers carrying away cars, and most of the infrastructure was destroyed. By March 2018, however, the airport and seaports were fully operational, electricity, water and telecommunications ware largely restored, and many of the hotels were partially or fully restored. Then on April 9, 2018, the island witnessed the start of the ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint Barth. All these achievements are quite remarkable when seen in the context of what had happened just a few months earlier. It is a testament to the resilience of the people of the island, to those committed to rebuilding the island, and to those who stood by their commitments to support events on the Island such as Les Voiles. Richard Mille, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, is one of them. They have been actively involved in the event as a key partner of Les Voiles de Saint Barth since its inception in 2010. This year, rather than being cautious, they increased their commitment to the event, and to the island by becoming 80
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the title partner of the event. Furthermore, they debuted the Richard Mille Record Trophy this year. Richard Mille, the eponymous founder of the brand, said, “I like being involved in a project from the beginning. We have placed our trust in Les Voiles de Saint Barth since the project launched in 2010, and even before the race existed... More than ever faithful, we are strengthening our participation in solidarity with the organisers. Helping to create a successful event is a source of great shared pride that builds a true camaraderie.” It was not just the sponsor who showed solidarity with the people of the island but also the participants themselves. Despite the logistical difficulties, 53 crews competing in seven classes registered for the event. François Tolède, director of the event organisers, was genuinely pleased by the show of solidarity. He said, “we did not necessarily expect such high turnout for this ninth edition, and our satisfaction is the greater for it.” He added, “it is above all a beautiful token of confidence and recognition for all the work accomplished over the past nine years.” The new Richard Mille Record Trophy is presented to the winners of an entirely new event held for the first time this year on the fifth day of competition. This event is reserved for
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the speedsters; the Maxis and the Multihulls. The objective is to achieve the best possible time over a 49-mile course amongst the islands spanning some 60 miles. Rambler 88 took the honours in the Maxi class and posted the overall best time. The honours in the Multihulls class went to La French Tech Rennes Saint-Malo owned by Gilles Lamiré, who was very positive about the new event. “It is a very good idea to have set up this type of challenge which will attract other boats and especially racing craft. It adds a real sporting plus it’s very stimulating,” he said. The most incredible duel of the week took place between two 72-footers Maxi 1 contenders; Proteus and Sorcha. The latter owned by Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille Europe Africa Middle East. The two were neck and neck from start to finish. In the end, Proteus just managed to pip its nose across the line, a minute ahead of Sorcha. Proteus also won the Richard Mille Maxi Cup for the 3rd time in a row. The crew received the RM
60-01 Flyback Regatta Chronograph as a prize for their efforts. François Tolède was optimistic and looked forward to next years’ event. He commented: “We also hope that next year, the celebration honouring the 10th anniversary of Les Voiles will be as unforgettable as this edition was unexpected.” Les Voiles de Saint Barth is just one of many iconic sporting and social events supported by Richard Mille. In motor-sports, they support Le Mans Classic, Grand Prix de Pau, Suzuka sound of engine, Nürburgring classic and the Rallye des princesses. They have established the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy to discover and support young motor-racing talent. They are the official team sponsors of the McLaren and Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 teams. Their impressive list of brand ambassadors and celebrity endorsements include, among others, Rafael Nadal, Jackie Chan, Natalie Portman, Sylvester Stallone, Jean Todt, Romain Grosjean, Felipe Massa, Sébastien Loeb, and Yohan Blake. 2018 MAY / JUN
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TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN Switzerland welcomes the world’s steepest funicular
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fter 14 years of study and construction, the world’s steepest funicular has opened to the public in Switzerland; an incredible technical feat and an extraordinary construction project. The steepest railway in the world was created to connect the city of Schwyz to the car-free Alpine village of Stoos. The project was designed to serve both cities, and was expected to last 12 years in total, from conception to completion. The actual construction of the Stoosbahn took two years longer than planned - at the cost of 52 million Swiss Francs (53 Million Dollars). The most significant problem, was the construction of the three tunnels along the road. Featuring a futuristic design with rotating cylindrical carriages created to keep passengers upright throughout the entire exciting journey, the cars can carry up to 136 passengers with a maximum capacity of 27 tons. Each vehicle is equipped with four cylinders which can hold 34 passengers each. The passengers, who were invited to make the first trip, said that it was “incredibly steep,” “just amazing” and that they felt like they were “in an elevator.” The train, officially in service from December 17th, climbs 743 meters over a length of 1738 meters, at speeds of up to 10 meters per second, traveling only about 100 meters horizontally. Despite a maximum slope of 110%, the unusual design of the train keeps passengers standing for four minutes of travel with its four cylindrical cars that turn up the runway 1,720 meters. The new funicular breaks the record of the funicular climbing the steepest slope in the world which was already in Switzerland with a gradient of 106%. The Blue Mountains, Australia’s scenic railway, has a steeper slope (122%) and is considered to be the steepest railway in the world, but it does not function as a traditional funicular. Swiss President Doris Leuthard officially inaugurated the Stoosbahn on December 15th before a weekend of festive events in the region, including free tours for residents the next day. Putting aside her fear of heights, she embarked for the maiden voyage with other distinguished passengers. The alternatives considered were impractical and rebuilding the already existing line would have led to the isolation of the village of Stoos in the canton of Schwyz (central Switzerland) for at least two years. 84
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BEAUTY
ROSSANO FERRETTI AT LA RÉSERVE GENÈVE
Rossano Ferretti arrives at the La Réserve Genève to magnify natural beauty
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ocated on 4 hectares of parkland alongside Lake Geneva and elegantly decorated by designer Jacques Garcia, the 102-room La Réserve Geneva has long been a favourite of visiting moguls. A cleverly concealed reserve of happiness available only to those in the know. Drawn by its discreet location, the hotel features an array of fine-dining options such as the very first Cantonese restaurant in Switzerland to be awarded the much-revered Michelin star, Le Tsé Fung. In addition, the hotel features an award-winning spa and signature better-ageing treatments from Nescens at the city’s very first Nescens spa. The international benchmark for natural hairstyling, Rossano Ferretti, is now inaugurating an exclusive salon at La Réserve Genève. Renowned as the ‘maestro’ and creator of the iconic invisible haircut, Rossano Ferretti shares a range of values with La Réserve encompassing far more than a certain aesthetic vision. The only luxury hairdresser in the world with such a strong global presence and an extensive number of salons bearing his name, Rossano Ferretti owes much of his success to the signature 86
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beauty concept and technique “The Method” or Il Metodo, as Ferretti refers to it. Recognized by the beauty industry for this revolutionary technique, Il Metodo is celebrated for functioning as an invisible haircut that allows one’s hair to fall with natural movement. Balayage and Aquarella colours are a must and follow the same philosophy. Drawing a connection between the personality, body and hair of each individual, Il Metodo is practised in all of Rossano Ferretti’s salons and is designed to maximise one’s natural beauty, regardless of hair type or ethnic background. Each stylist trained in Il Metodo spends at least six months training in Parma, Italy, where the story all started with the first Rossano Ferretti Salon. “My passion lies in celebrating each woman’s unique beauty. That is why I created Il Metodo. There is a big difference between merely cutting a woman’s hair, and bringing to life her natural beauty,” states Ferretti. The invisible cut is his signature, totally personalized for each woman. It serves to exalt the hair’s true potential, perfectly in harmony with the inner personality of each individual. Hairstyles
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distinguished by their sense of movement – never frozen, overdone or stereotypical – embody an ideal blend of elegance and spontaneity, enabling women to be entirely themselves. Each cut, each color and each treatment is designed to exalt to highlight beauty while ensuring complete respect for each personal style. Recently appointed global brand ambassador of Coty Professional Beauty, Rossano Ferretti provides his own distinctive expression of the ‘magnifying natural beauty’ concept cherished by La Réserve. Intrinsically rare and reserved for women in the know, the 23 Rossano Ferretti hair salons are all situated in exceptional locations, from New York to Mumbai, the Maldives to Shanghai, Miami to Monaco and Abu Dhabi to Singapore. A stellar hair stylist who is a favorite with celebrities and other leading international figures, Rossano Ferretti has acquired incomparable
expertise nurtured by 30 years of experience. He also advocates the essential values of La Réserve: an extremely personalized approach and excellent execution. Both revolutionary and tremendously demanding, his instinctive vision has led him to be called “the most luxurious hair stylist in the world”. Located at the heart of the Spa Nescens at La Réserve Genève, the salon interprets the brand’s understated and refined elegance through a combination of minimal lines, Wenge wood and offwhite tones. Inspired by his many travels around the world and by his keen sensitivity to various forms of artistic expression, the design of the salon focuses on creating a discreet and serene atmosphere propitious to listening. “Each detail contributes to the quality of sensations that ensure an experience in a league of its own, because true luxury lies in the quality of the time we enjoy, in our ability to savor the experiences thus lived to the full”, explains Rossano Ferretti.
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THE ARABIAN GETAWAY EXPERIENCE
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ocated near the mountains, desert and pristine sandy beaches, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most outdoor friendly places in the UAE. An hour’s drive from the busy city life of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah plays host to uniquely authentic Arabian activities and experiences. Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is a family beach resort and spa, sprawled over 1.5 kilometers of private white sandy beaches, providing a leisurely pace of living and offering the perfect destination for a family getaway. A unique location to experience authentic Arabia, the resort with 475 rooms, suites, and villas provides majestic views of the Arabian Gulf, Hajjar Mountains and miles of excellent beaches close to the Bays of Oman. The private villa suites are just a few steps away from the beach and offer a spectacular view of the Arabian Gulf. The ground floor villa rooms come with a private garden area and direct access to the beach, while the pull of the firstfloor rooms includes a balcony overlooking the white sands, complete with cushy chairs and a daybed that’s perfect for watching the sun go down. There are a host of villa options to choose from, with a single bedroom option cozy enough
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for a couple to the larger four-bedroom option for those seeking a getaway with the entire family. If you want to get out of the comfort of your own private villa on the beach then the leisure facilities for consideration include direct access to white empty beaches and beach club, spa, water sports centre, fishing and snorkeling activities, an array of swimming pools, walking and jogging tracks and plenty of green open spaces and gardens. The Hotel has an amazing array of dining options with the highlight being the authentic Brazilian Churrasco style restaurant, Pura Vida. The restaurant features a massive selection of meat cuts and you start and pause your unlimited meat experience at the flip of a coaster. Have the green side facing up for endless cuts of beef and chicken being carved at your table or flip the coaster to the red side if you need to take a break and enjoy the live music. The breakfast served at Maarid features a large variety of options to suit every palate. With views making you feel like you’re in a luxury resort on a private island, the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is the perfect venue for a quick weekend getaway.
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HOTEL
BVLGARI HOTEL ARRIVES IN TOKYO Bvlgari to bring its signature luxury living lifestyle to Tokyo
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itsui Fudosan, a leading global real-estate company headquartered in Tokyo, has signed an agreement with Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts to open Japan’s first Bvlgari Hotel. Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts currently features properties in Milan, London, Bali, Beijing and Dubai. New openings are planned in 2018 in Shanghai and in 2020 in Moscow and Paris. Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo will be the ninth property and the first to open in Japan. Scheduled to open at the end of 2022, the mixed-use development is planned for the Tokyo Station area and will be located in a very central area at a walking distance to some of the best attractions in town such as the Imperial Palace and the vibrant shopping areas of both Nihombashi and Ginza. Offering 98 guest rooms in a variety of configurations and an extraordinary Bvlgari Suite, the hotel is slated to occupy the top 7 floors of a 45-storeyed ultra-skyscraper planned for construction in an upcoming urban redevelopment project. As with all the Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, the Bvlgari Hotel in Tokyo will be designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, who conveyed Bvlgari’s core values of contemporary design, magnificent craftsmanship and artistic detail to create efficient living spaces reflecting the essence of Italy’s most sophisticated style. Bvlgari Hotels iconic features such as Il Bar, Il Ristorante, the fireplace Lounge, all of them with an outdoor terrace, will be available for the hotel guests together with Il Cioccolato store, and a dramatic ballroom including a large outdoor space. ‘We are extremely proud to be able to announce the Bvlgari Hotel in Tokyo, as it will be another important step for the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts project. Japan is such a strategic market where Bvlgari as a brand has been present for 30 years. Jewellery and hospitality combine perfectly to meet Bvlgari’s clients’ expectations of a high level of service not only in our brand stores, but also when staying in our extraordinary properties offering luxury services in an environment which reflects the Bvlgari spirit. In addition, we are particularly honored to partner on this extremely exciting project with Mitsui Fudosan, one of the leading Japanese companies in real-estate, while our uncompromising Italian contemporary style in hospitality will create a welcome addition and an irresistible experience in the upscale Japanese hotel market,’ commented Bvlgari CEO Jean Christophe Babin on the occasion of the announcement. 90
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THE NEW 2018
LUXURY IS BETTER SHARED
Everyone riding in the new QX80 can now have it all: bold exterior lines and sophisticated luxurious interior, a 400hp, 5.6-litre V8 engine as well as advanced safety technologies.
INFINITI 800 46346484
Infiniti-dubai.com
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Big Bang Unico. Case in 18K King Gold invented and developed by Hublot with a ceramic bezel. In-house chronograph UNICO movement. Interchangeable strap using patented One-Click system.
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“@FIFA, FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logos and the Emblems, Mascots, Posters and Trophies of the FIFA World Cup™ tournaments are tournaments are copyrights and / or trademarks of FIFA.”
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