Autumn 2012
THE JOUR N AL
EN UDA ITIO E
THE INSIDE STORY ON LI V ING A LIFE OF ST Y LE
GREAT DRIVE
Roll in the New Rolls-Royce has updated the Phantom – but only in the most subtle and intelligent ways page 23
REPORT
INSIDER
PORTFOLIO
ROOM F OR LI VING
WORD OF MOU TH
INSIDE TO OU T
page 11
page 25
PROPERTIES
WORLD OF WATER page 13
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THE JOURNAL
Autumn 2012
Contents 3
Aficionado Culture, style, connoisseurship
www.thejournal.ae
Comment SANDRA LANE Editor, The Journal
The artistic mind of Miuccia Prada Watches and jewels to covet At home with Dunhill Notes on culture
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Portfolio Spaces, design, fine living A magnificent Modernist-style villa Desirable designs Kitchen confidential
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Properties The finest homes in the UAE offered for sale and rent
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Insider Special places, best-kept secrets Driving the new Phantom A haven for watch collectors Cool cabanas, beautiful furniture and vintage treasure
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The Hub Business, economy, markets An optimistic outlook for the UAE Global wealth is on the move The capital’s new luxury hub Comment: gold will go up
Contact Us Editorial: sandra.lane@thejournal.ae Advertising: richard.agyemang@ pinpointmediagroup.com; 050 246 9171 lucy.r@pinpointmediagroup.com; 050 290 6878 Distribution: info@thejournal.ae Find The Journal online at www.thejournal.ae The Journal is published by Pinpoint Media Group, PO Box 487177, Dubai (Licence No.19809) on behalf of Luxhabitat | www.luxhabitat.ae The publisher does not accept any liability for errors or inaccuracies contained in this publication however they may have been caused. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. No part of this publication or any part of its contents may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form, without the express written permission of the publisher.
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How Time defines Luxury Recently I spent time with an extraordinary man, Piero Alessandrini. An architect and designer whose clients have included the Agnelli family, Adnan Khashoggi and the Sultan of Brunei – aged 86, he is now embarking on a new career, designing a collection of furniture. We spoke a lot about time and its relationship to creativity – the basis of all things that can truly be considered luxuries. “Time is crucial for the development of anything – even for nature,” said Piero. “If you are developing projects and ideas it allows you to deepen and perfect what you do. “You cannot fight time – things must take as long as they need to take. Creativity is the boss and it is somewhat independent of your will. If you try to rush time you will have problems in your work and stress in your life.” Perhaps that is why, when I visit the ateliers of the world’s finest watchmakers and jewellers in the course of my work, I see happy faces. Earlier this year I visited Montres Jaquet Droz in the Swiss Jura. Leaving aside the fact that working amid such natural beauty – trees, flowers and meadows – would inevitably lift the spirits, the atmosphere in the atelier was remarkable for its calm contentment. These craftsmen (and women) spend hours every day at their benches, working with a rare degree of intensity – and on such a minute scale that microscopes are required. Miniature painting on enamel is done with sable brushes as fine as a single hair; feathers of almost photo-realistic detail are engraved on the wing of a bird that will be less than half a centimetre tall – and dozens of metal parts smaller than an ant are assembled with absolute precision to form the mechanical watch movements. The young man sculpting the bird’s wing looked up: “These wings take about five hours each because they are only small pieces; a complete bird is a week’s work.” Next to him, an engraver was cutting barely visible lines into a ring of gold destined to become the frame of a tourbillon. “It’s beautiful!” I say. He
The beauty of this special-edition Petite Heure Minute watch by Jaquet Droz is the fruit of countless hours of highly skilled work
“Time is crucial for the development of anything. You cannot fight it – things must be allowed to take as long as they need to take.”
beamed, as if I had just paid him the biggest compliment, and invited me to look through his microscope. The work is meticulous. It will take him “only about three hours” to complete. Here, in this work, is the symbiotic relationship between time and luxury. How fitting, then, that all of these skills are being used to make instruments that tell the time.
It will be Music to your Ears When one thinks of local music, the oud often springs to mind – but for something a little bit different why not have your emotions stirred by the UAE National Symphony Orchestra? The terrific local talents in this orchestra include Emirati opera singer Sara Al Qaiwani, international violinist Min Yang performing on her 1740 Italian violin Calcanius and a pianist who recently won UAENSO’s Young Artist Concerto Competition. It’s a formidable lineup of classically trained musicians who are accomplished and respected in their fields. With the theme of ‘Mostly Mozart’, the orches-
tra will be playing excerpts from Mozart’s comedy opera Abduction from the Seraglio, one of his most popular and technically demanding piano concertos, plus his stunningly beautiful Violin Concerto No.5. The concert will close with one of the most recognisable classics of all time: Beethoven’s legendary 5th Symphony. The concert is being held at the National Theatre, Old Airport Road, Abu Dhabi at 5pm and 8pm on October 12 – and it you’re living in Dubai it will be well worth the drive to the capital. Tickets available from www.timeouttickets.com
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Aficionado
T H I N G S T O C O V E T. PA S S I O N S T O P U R S U E . C U LT U R E , S T Y L E A N D C O N N O I S S E U R S H I P
THE
ANTI-FASHIONISTA Miuccia Prada has succeeded by ignoring most of fashion’s rules by Sandra Lane
IMAGES: PRADA
Miuccia Prada’s approach to fashion is underpinned by a deep intellectual curiosity about culture and society – and this has also informed the love of contemporary art that she shares with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli. Below: details from Prada’s A/W 2012 collection
The models stream along the catwalk; the lights sweep the stage; the music reaches a crescendo… cue the designer’s triumphant ‘victory walk’. But Miuccia Prada is not there – the showbiz hoopla is simply not her thing. One of the world’s most influential designers, Prada – with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli – today presides over a global fashion business with an annual turnover of two billion euros. This despite no formal design training and a well-documented dislike of parties, personal publicity and all the usual components of fashion success. In 2004 Prada told Vogue, “I love clothes. Maybe I can say I don’t love fashion, but I love clothes completely.” Year after year she has defied prevailing tastes with clothes that project a womanly vision of femininity, communicating both intelligence and a sense of fun. And tastes catch up with her vision – just as she has moved on to the next thing, veering from olive drab to lace to vintage brooches and back again. It was Prada who turned utilitarian black nylon into a high-status, high-fashion fabric with the 1985 backpack that became an instant cult hit – and followed it, in her début readyto-wear collection in 1989, with short, highbuttoned nylon coats that to this day define edgy urban chic. The product of a bourgeois upbringing (her grandfather, Mario, founded the family firm in 1913, making luggage for the aristocracy),
Prada gained a PhD in Political Science, then studied mime. Participating in the student protests of the late 1960s (wearing Yves Saint Laurent) she joined the Communist party and was an avowed feminist. Prada and Bertelli make a formidable couple – and not just in business. Avid collectors of contemporary art, in the mid-1990s they established Fondazione Prada devoted to “the most profound and thought-provoking art projects of our time”. It now encompasses film, publishing, design, architecture, philosophy and urban culture, as well as art. In 2010 the Foundation commissioned the architect Rem Koolhaas to design a permanent home south of Milan. The same year, reflecting the international art world’s respect for her, Prada was asked to present the Turner Prize. Last year the Foundation inaugurated a new exhibition space in Venice, Ca’ Corner della Regina, a magnificent palazzo on the Grand Canal. Prada has always kept her interest in art separate from her designing, although she recently hinted that this will change. And yet, she has said: “Art is something that stands by itself, and fashion is something you sell.” As always, the only predictable thing about Miuccia Prada is that she defies prediction.
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Passionate about contemporary art, Prada and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, set up Fondazione Prada in the mid-1990s ; the Foundation’s newest space, Ca’ Corner in Venice, opened last year. Its current exhibition (above) is The Small Utopia: Ars Multiplicata
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The LANGE ZEITWERK gave the mechanical watch a new face. Now, this can also be heard.
For the master watchmakers at A. Lange & Söhne, the LANGE ZEITWERK was a formidable challenge. Never before had a mechanical wristwatch with a patented constant-force escapement indicated the hours and minutes with a precisely switching digital display. They have taken things a step further in their
latest opus, the LANGE ZEITWERK STRIKING TIME. Because this watch also accompanies the passage of time acoustically. Its striking mechanism produces a high-pitched tone every quarter hour and a low-pitched tone every hour. Lange’s masters tuned the gongs precisely across a major third.
To discover the entire A. Lange & Söhne collection please visit: A. Lange & Söhne Boutique Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Tel. +971 2 665 05 88 A. Lange & Söhne Boutique Dubai Dubai Mall, Tel. +971 4 307 47 76 A. Lange & Söhne timepieces are available at: Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons Dubai Burj Al Arab, Tel. +971 4 34 89 000 Burjuman Center, Tel. +971 4 35 59 090 Dubai Mall, Tel. +971 4 33 98 883
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Culture Aficionado
An inveterate collector, Bashar Al Shroogi always surrounds himself with unusual and beautiful things in his office at Cuadro gallery in DIFC. They add immeasurably to the quality of life, he says
All for the Love of Art Bashar Al Shroogi, the founder of Cuadro gallery, talks about art and some of his other private passions
by Sandra Lane
As with many people who find their real vocation, Bashar Al Shroogi took ‘the long way’ to get there. He studied art history, trained in architecture, lived in Spain and was a banker
before coming back to art. Now, through Cuadro, his not-for-profit gallery, he aims to promote and support art in the region. All proceeds from the sale of works go towards Cuadro’s Artist in Residence programmes and to support art education. The genesis of Cuadro goes back a long way. “My parents always had an interest in art,” Bashar says. “They collected and my mother supported artists, albeit in an ad hoc way. When I lived in Spain I developed an affinity
with artists in the region and got to know some collectors. Then, at a certain point, I decided to formalise my interest. I chose this location because it is a big space, and it’s right in the middle of the financial district.” Having left the formal dress codes of banking behind, Bashar’s style now veers from smart casual via tailored suits to thobes: “Ties are my big no-no but I often wear a scarf, even to formal events. My look changes very little from day to evening – a scarf can be all it takes
– so I always keep a collection to hand. Something I learnt as a banker is that socks are a good way to express one’s identity – I amassed a huge collection and have never stopped. Contrary to the adage that you should never give socks as a gift, I love getting them! For his thobes – invariably bespoke – Bashar goes to Omar Azure in Jeddah: “He designs some fun styles, slightly tweaked and modernised. I like to mix up tailored and off-thepeg clothing. I have a tailor in Dubai and one in London for my suits – and no, I’m not going to tell you who it is. It already takes such a long time to get things back!” For Bashar the process of bespoke “is almost like art; the connection with the craftsman making the thing is so valuable. It can get addictive – as with my collection of cufflinks. Nadine Kanso has made me some, and I commission them from another jewellery designer too, often using found items, such as pebbles from the beach.” Bashar surrounds himself with beautiful and whimsical objects that he switches between his home and office. Tribal dolls sit with vintage cameras and sunglasses, wellweathered bags and leather-bound notebooks. Art is a different matter and, despite his passion for bespoke, he never commissions it. “There’s a big difference between my own collection and what I show in the gallery. For the gallery I am very rigorous in my choices: my starting point is always ‘what do we want to say to the community here?’ Artists and their work are historic markers so it’s important to assess their work in a wider context. “My own collection is quite structured; when I add works it is to support a certain story line. Having structure is important: when you see a piece you need to ask ‘how will it add to the overall collection and its story?’ Contemporary art says a lot about you because you are buying into a concept, becoming a patron of the artist and his message.” My greatest pleasure in life is the unexpected things that people do for you – even the smallest gift counts for such a lot when it is given freely and for no reason other than that the person is thinking of you.
A New Haven for Talent by Sandra Lane
The inauguration of RIRA Gallery in DIFC in May was a fitting finale to the last art season. Now it opens the new season with a double bill: ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ by Melika Shafahi and ‘Mystic Presence’ by Hooman Derakhshandeh. DIFC’s newest gallery draws yet more attention to the wealth of artistic talent in the wider Middle East. With its schedule of solo and group exhibitions featuring established and emerging names, RIRA will help to create additional visibility for young artists from the region, says gallery director Parisa Davarkia. “Our aim is to provide a space for the artists who, with the extra support, can get connected, and work towards establishing themselves. Dubai’s market – as a constantly growing hub of art and culture in the region – has all the capacities to make that happen.”
The design of the gallery (on the lower level of Gate Village, opposite Dubai Mercantile Exchange) speaks volumes about the increasing sophistication of Dubai’s art scene. Going beyond the standard ‘white box’, the space covers two levels, with generous wall space and a variety of viewpoints that will offer many options for hanging exhibitions in ways that enhance the works being shown. On the main floor, curved corners and rolling walls can be altered for specific installations; on the upper floor architectural motifs such as a ‘catwalk corridor’ – separate from the main viewing area – and a suspended wall, held up by invisible wires, create additional exhibition areas. RIRA’s debut, ‘Respect to Time’, showed works by a Iranian artists representing a cross-section of that country’s artists, as
‘Respect to Time’, RIRA’s inaugural exhibition featured work by a wide cross-section of Iran’s talented artists
well as the (perhaps surprisingly) wide spectrum of its cultural beliefs and aesthetic expression. It also signalled the gallery’s intention to be an innovator in its mission to garner visibility and demand for Arab and Iranian artists, beyond
the social and political restrictions of their home countries. Alongside its exhibitions RIRA is planning a programme of events that will encourage interest in the continually evolving art movement within Iran and the greater Middle East.
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Aficionado Covet
MOST WANTED
SANDRA LANE CHOOSES THINGS OF GREAT BEAUTY THAT MAKE LIFE MORE PLEASURABLE TO LIVE
Double delight As a way of distinguishing between the art and science of haute horlogerie and the mere telling of time, it has become almost a cliché to say, “If you only want to know the time, just look at your mobile phone.” But what if that mobile phone incorporates a beautifully made, tourbillonequipped mechanical timekeeper? This is LeDix, from Celsius X VI II. It’s wildly innovative, technically brilliant – and yet it harks back to that most archaically romantic device, the pocket watch. Taking as its starting point the ‘humanisation of technology’, Celsius aims to make a portable phone that is powered in the same way a mechanical wristwatch is: by human energy. LeDix is a big step along the way: Celsius has patented a ‘butterfly’ hinge that supplies three-hours worth of energy to the watch every time the clamshell phone cover is opened. www.celsius-x-vi-ii.com
Speed thrills Shades of the Sea Like many of Europe’s great jewellery houses, Cartier often found inspiration in the art of the East. One of the most stunning manifestations of this was its flamboyant Tutti Frutti jewels of the 1920s and ’30s – multicoloured confections that mixed carved, cut and cabochon stones with beads and faceted gems. This exquisite cocktail ring is reminiscent of those pieces – a cool and contemporary take on the style (whether intended by the designer or not). The serenely aquatic tones of three aigue-marines (11.42 carats) and three sapphire beads (11.55 carats) are enhanced by 97 round-cut diamonds (3.27 carats). The Assia ring is a one-off piece from Cartier’s haute joaillerie collection. Cartier, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai and Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi; 800 227 8437
Boxing clever When you have precious little things, you will naturally want a precious place to keep them – and these stud boxes (think studs, rings, earrings, cufflinks…) handcrafted in the workshops of the eminent London firm Asprey, fit the bill perfectly. Asprey comes with 200 years of heritage and a string of Royal Warrants (as good a guarantee of quality as there can be) and the work is still carried out in the traditional way – slowly,
painstakingly, and using techniques that can never be improved upon; indeed Asprey is very unusual in still having its workshops directly above its store, in New Bond Street. This set of boxes is in English saddle leather in a particularly elegant shade of purple, and has a red suede lining – but you can have them made to order in any combination of skins and colours you choose. Sizes range from 12cm to 20.5cm and prices start at Dhs1,300, according to size and material. Copia VIP Office, Al Safa 1, Dubai; 04 346 5966; www.copia-group.com
Renowned for its jewellery, Chopard also does a superb job of combining the urge to create pieces of real beauty with the drive to produce timepieces that will impress watch-making connoisseurs. Take the L.U.C. 8HF: technically it is outstanding: its movement (the L.U.C 01.06-L) has a high frequency escapement beating at 8hZ. This means 57,600 vibrations per hour, as opposed to the normal 28,800 – which enhances accuracy. Put in simple terms, the higher the speed, the less susceptible the movement is to the knocks and shocks of everyday use. It matters: this is one of the very few high-frequency escapements to have been chronometer-certified by COSC, the notoriously stringent Swiss testing institute. The styling falls neatly between futuristic and retro, with its simplified dial, its cool, clean lines and its case that combines highly polished and matte black titanium. Which is a good thing, because if you own a watch as fine as this, you will want it to be a keeper. Chopard, The Dubai Mall, 04 339 8333; Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, 02 681 2233
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Aficionado Style
There’s no Place like Home
Above: Dunhill’s Master Tailor, Jonathan Payne, was in town recently to launch Dunhill’s cutom tailoring service at the Emirates Towers boutique. “Once people experience the custom tailoring, they rarely go back to ready-to-wear,” says Payne. “When things are made to fit you, they move with you, not against you. It feels right.” To add to this, Dunhill customers can finish off their fitting with a delicious three-course meal, a cigar and a brandy in the adjoined restaurant and bar, Alfie’s
Dunhill’s concept of ‘Homes’ goes a step beyond the usual luxurybrand store – and hopes to change the way men shop
by Jola Chudy
While all of the world’s luxury brands invest heavily to make their stores a perfect setting for their products, Dunhill is adding a new twist to shopping. Set in prestigious locations in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and London, Dunhill’s ‘Homes’ propose an intriguing concept: alongside the services one would expect from an upscale men’s clothing emporium, they feature extras such as a spa, barber, cellar bar and, in Tokyo, even an aquarium. In Dubai, albeit not a fullyfledged Home, the idea takes the form of a boutique attached to a fine-dining restaurant, bar and cigar lounge. It’s widely held that gentlemen approach the business of buying clothes rather differently from the fairer sex. Women
browse; men, go with single-minded focus in search of the navy blazer, the black Oxfords, or the white dress shirt. To browse is to waste time, to be side-tracked is to be lost. So is Dunhill’s concept not fighting the way that men shop? “We know it works,” Dunhill’s Master Tailor Jonathan Payne tells me confidently, as we meet at Alfie’s by Dunhill, the restaurant and bar adjoining the boutique in Emirates Towers. This is the third Alfie’s globally – the other two are in Shanghai and Hong Kong. In the cigar bar, which emulates a library-cum-sitting room, the music is low, the leather armchairs are expansive and bookcases are filled with leather-bound volumes. You can order food here or move to the main restaurant area, a boldly lit monochrome affair. Taking as its departure point the menswear brand’s British legacy, the menu is inspired by dishes from the United Kingdom – both contemporary and traditional. it seems the idea of luxury here isn’t just about Dunhill’s products; it is embodied in the Dunhill experience.
“We offer a custom tailoring service, which is an extension of our ready-towear programme,” says Payne, who is in town to oversee its launch. “You can choose the cloth, style, lining and some of
Dunhill is changing the way men shop by pairing its custom tailoring service with an experience akin to home
the details in the suit...” And then pop next door for a bite to eat. Adding to the experience, a rather dapper partnership between Dunhill and Jaguar means that VIP customers can be transported to their fittings and dining engagements in Jaguar’s elegant black XJ Portfolio model. The custom-tailoring process begins when customers are measured and some ready-towear garments are tried on to give an idea of the finished product – this takes around an hour. “We run through the production so they understand what goes into the making of the suit,” says Payne. “It’s a lot of craftsmanship, and that cannot be rushed.” “Once people experience the custom tailoring, they rarely go back to ready-towear,” says Payne. “When things are made to fit you, they move with you, not against you. It feels right.” Just like those leather armchairs you can sink into next door. With fine tailoring, exquisite dining, and a comfortable chair to sink into at the end of it all, Dunhill’s idea of home feels right to us.
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A RC H I T E C T U R E , DE SIGN A N D I N T E R IOR S. OB J E C T S A N D S PAC E S T H AT I NS PI R E
THE SPACE
INSIDE TO OUT Designed as a group of pavilions, this Modernist-style villa offers the best of indoor-outdoor living by Anne Martin
The layout of this superb villa flows from the spaces indoors to the reflective central pool (top) with its view of the lake
The main rooms are all arranged around a series of courtyards, with huge areas of glass allowing the natural light to flood in
Even though you can see almost nothing of it from the street, there are clear signs that this villa is far from the usual – even by Emirates Hills standards. The gates are contemporary in style, made of solid wood and blackened steel; above them you see just the corners of two crisply geometric Modernist-style sections of building, on one side shaded by a soaring, over-scaled pergola of wood beams. But that’s all you see – everything else is shrouded in complete privacy. Once through the gates, we discover why: the entire area enclosed within the garden walls is designed for living in – it consists of a
renowned designer and long-time Dubai resident – to design the house, and the pair worked on it closely together. The present owner – who is also passionate about design – says that he “didn’t need to do a thing” to the house when he bought it as it was so well designed – not to mention built to the high European standards he was accustomed to. In all areas of the house (and garden), there is an easy, natural flow of space. An entire open-plan living-dining-kitchen area on the side facing the pool is lined with glass, including a series of double doors that remain flung open during the good weather.
series of courtyards and pavilions, including a guest house, where glass walls slide open to let the outdoors in, and shaded walkways adjoin the different areas. In the midst of it all is a beautiful pool: running in line with the view – which, at the far end of the garden, opens onto a lake. It is lined with dark blue tiles, which make the water into a mirror for the architecture. It is hard to conceive of a better arrangement for the relaxed style of indoor-outdoor living. The house was originally built for the golf champion, Thomas Bjørn. Bjørn commissioned his friend, Lars Waldenstrom – a
With many rooms enjoying vistas over the pool or the lake, water is a significant theme of the house, adding to the sense of serenity. Even the home office overlooks a reflecting pool. This thoughtful architecture, beautifully executed, adds up to a home that really is in a world of its own. This villa is offered for sale exclusively through Luxhabitat. Contact Suzie Qureshi 050 348 4421. Property Ref. 1001
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PHOTOGR APHY: OLIVER DOR AN/PHOTOSOLUTIONS ST YLING: SANDR A L ANE
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The Report Portfolio
Room for Living With kitchens increasingly being seen as the heart of the home, not just places to cook, designers are responding with a new kind of ‘living’ room.
by Sandra Lane
‘The new heart of the home’, it is being called. This encapsulates the radical change in the status of the kitchen, from a purely utilitarian work area to an open and fluid family-andentertaining space – a change that has had an impact on every element of design, from materials and finishes to the rationalisation of movement and work flow. When SieMatic presented its new design concept, Floating Spaces, the owner of the company, Ulrich Siekmann, described it as “a near complete integration of the kitchen within the living area”. “Our objective is to create fluidity between rooms and allow transitions of functional elements and, in so doing, to achieve continuity around cooking and living as well as technology and aesthetics.” That sums up the trend in a nutshell. At SieMatic, the core element is a panel system than seamlessly blends the kitchen and living area; on it, shelves and ‘floating’ cupboards
can be invisibly anchored to provide storage or decorative accents, and arranged at will. Colours and finishes can be varied, to create accents: dark lacquered shelves against pale backdrops, or matt brushed metal against high gloss. Mix-and-match elements such as these free designers from the rigid geometry and single, all-over-colour that have long dictated kitchen layouts and aesthetics. This taps into another big trend: asymmetry. Cupboards of different heights and widths are arranged at varying heights, allowing for much more artistic licence. Work surfaces are of different thicknesses (for example: Varenna juxtaposes fine, tempered glass with chunky, extra-thick profiles) and set at different heights and angles, not only adding visual liveliness but with a practical purpose – being better suited to different tasks, not to mention people of different heights – and some are even low enough to double as bench seating. Scavolini’s Tetrix range adds colour to the mix, enabling designers to create a lively effect akin to giant-sized pixellation. Indeed, accent colours enable kitchens to remain sleek without the cold clinical-laboratory feel. As a corollary to colour in the materials, coloured lighting is increasingly being used to add drama to the design and mood to the ambience – indispensible in the new kitchen-
Clockwise from top: SieMatic’s highly adaptable Floating Spaces system allows seamless integration of kitchen and living room, with great creative licence. Varenna mixes countertop materials in varying thicknesses and heights, playing with angles to create visual appeal, which is enhanced by great lighting. A ‘smart’ panel by SieMatic
living area. Pinpoint-accurate task lighting focuses on key work areas. And finally, there is technology: it is being integrated everywhere: ‘smart’ panels control of everything from lighting and temperature to music and cooking times. The ultimate kitchen sync, you could say.
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Portfolio Objects rs il ve y r nes C an d cu tle t e plat uifor ca P by
Beverly folding chair with leather upholstery by Jeffrey Bernett for B&B Italia
R58 professionalquality espresso machine by Rocket
Porcelain plates in Balcon du Guadalquivir pattern by Hermès
DIVINE DESIGNS FABULOUS FINDS & GORGEOUS GOODIES FOR THE HOME
Ligne Excess mouthblown and hand-cut crystal goblets by Cristalleries Saint-Louis
Pantheon dining table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
Mask lamp by Marcel Wanders for Moooi
Ploum sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset
Items chosen by Sandra Lane. Stockists: B&B Italia: Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 2445; Atmosphere, Abu Dhabi, 02 666 5053 t Cassina: Poltrona Frau Design Centre, Abu Dhabi, 02 653 9393 t Cristalleries Saint-Louis: Hermès Art de la Table, The Dubai Mall, 04 339 9316 t Hermès: Hermès Art de la Table, The Dubai Mall, 04 339 9316; Hermès, The Dubai Mall, 04 330 8385 and Avenue at Etihad Towers, 02 666 9720 t Ligne Roset: Aati,Zabeel Road, Dubai, 04 337 7825; Bloomingdale’s Home, The Dubai Mall, 04 350 5333 t Moooi: Atmosphere, Abu Dhabi, 02 666 5053 t Puiforcat: Hermès Art de la Table, The Dubai Mall, 04 339 9316 t Rocket Espresso: Raw Coffee Company, Al Qouz, Dubai; 04 339 5474
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P ropert ies
A S E L E C T I O N O F F I N E P RO P E R T I E S AVA I L A B L E F O R P U RC H A S E – A N D T H E L I F E S T Y L E S T H E Y O F F E R
WORLD OF WATER No feeling quite compares to living on the waterfront and Dubai offers many different ways to do so – and to take maximum advantage of the city’s coastal location by Anne Martin
Exceptionally well designed, the Water Villas on Nurai Island are unlike anything else in the Middle East. Defined by strong, contemporary lines, huge areas of glass and decks that wrap around three sides, the houses give the feeling of floating on a large yacht, rather than being anchored on the land. The internal spaces are very well thought-out and beautifully appointed. Add to that the privileged and private surroundings of Nurai island and you have waterfront living at its best. AED 24,000,000. Property ref. 653
This pretty Italianate villa combines toes-in-the-sand beach living with elegant indoor spaces AED 30,000,000. Property ref. 966
This penthouse combines fabulous sea views, a private pool and a beach just steps away. AED 10,000,000. Property ref. 994
It is perhaps ironic that, for a city most often associated with the desert, Dubai offers a wealth of water sports and many superb options for waterfront living. Increasingly, as the city has developed, these two elements have been combined, with neighbourhoods designed to incorporate marinas and private beaches. Palm Jumeirah is the most obvious example – indeed, the entire concept was based on the desire to add to Dubai’s coastline. That homes
reported doing) the Palm offers a way of life unlike any other. Once its marinas are fully operating, it will become even more attractive to boat owners. Dubai Marina and Jumeirah beach Residence offer a different take on waterfront living, combining the same laid-back vibe and soul-soothing watery views with all of the convenience and ease of apartment living. Add to that the marinas that enable to keep a
there are now in such high demand is testament to both the extraordinary boldness of the vision and the eternal allure of living right beside the sea. Whether it is the special quality of the light, the way the water softens all sound or simply the sheer pleasure of being able to walk on your own private beach day and night, and the unexpected thrill of catching a fish right in front of your house (as Palm residents have
boat just steps from the front door and you have a way of life that’s very hard to beat.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to www.luxhabitat.ae
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Lifestyle Beachfront
Intimately connected to its beach-front setting, with an entire facade of glass and beautifully designed outdoor pools and terraces leading down to the sand, this Shoreline villa offers an exceptional level of luxury, peace and seclusion, thanks to its setting, on the private island of Nurai. The interior, with soaring double-height living areas, great entertaining spaces and six grand bedroom suites has been designed with great taste and style, using the finest quality materials. AED 44,000,000. Property Ref. 397
All six of the bedroom suites have balconies, as well as folding glass walls that draw the sea view deep into the interior
Offering absolute privacy and seclusion, the expansive grounds in front of the villa lead directly onto the private beach
Luxurious Island Living on Nurai With stunning architecture, absolute privacy and your toes in the sand of your own private beach, life doesn’t get much better than in one of Nurai Island’s world-class villas.
by Anne Martin
The ultimate in waterfront living is, of course, on an island – and so much the better if that island is private and has been developed with a singular vision that governs every aspect from the architecture of the villas, and the positioning of them in a way that will allow each residence an intimate relationship with the sea as well as utmost privacy, to the landscaping of the entire island and the range of
amenities and services that will make residents’ lives feel complete. Such is Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi emirate: it’s just a 10-minute boat ride from the city and yet is a world away. To accommodate different styles of living, Nurai offers two kinds of Beachfront Estates, the Shoreline and the Seaside. In homage to the island’s name, both residences are characterised by abundant light flowing freely into every room through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and soaring loft-style spaces. Each of them has its own private stretch of beach. Very similar in aesthetics and overall area, they differ mainly in their internal space arrangements and the size of their grounds. The distinctive collection of Shoreline villas consist of a built-up area of 17,707 square feet (1,645 square metres) with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. They sit on plot sizes rang-
ing between 40,000 and 118,000 square feet (3,716 – 10,962 square metres). Pivoting on a sensational double-storey atrium, the Shoreline villas ensure that your eyes are always drawn to the sky. Each villa’s setting, slightly back from the beach, allows for an expansive private garden with a reflecting pool bridging the grounds to the terrace and the sea beyond. In addition to the services and amenities that will be provided by the luxurious retreat – which include a floating marina with an arrivals lounge for residents and guests, services from the island’s own boutique hotel, a private helipad, a luxurious spa, a world-class fitness centre, and a multitude of water sports – each beautifully designed Shoreline residence includes a private beach with unobstructed sea views, a private infinity pool, palatial enter-
taining areas, a cinema/multimedia room, an outdoor barbecue area, and a gym with adjoining sauna and steam room. A unique feature of the Beachfront Estates is the carpet of greenery that covers them gives the effect of an unspoilt island and the feeling that you are integrated into the island’s lush greenery. Nurai will also have world-class lounges and restaurants for use exclusively by the residents of the island and their guests.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to www.luxhabitat.ae
Autumn 2012
Property News FEEL THE EARTH MOVE
NO DISTRESS SIGNALS
MEYDAN ON THE BEACH
MEADOWS PROPERTIES UP
Earthworks began during the summer for the
investors keen to pick up distressed sales of
Meydan Hotel, located at the racecourse, has
Homes in this popular and well-established
bed and banks of the river planned to skirt the
empty plots in Emirates Hills will be disappointed
opened its own private stretch of beach in front of
neighbourhood are estimated to have soared
northern perimeter of Al Barari. Until now the
as none are available. Emaar recently repos-
JBR. It has a smart clubhouse with two infinity
by 25 per cent, driven mainly by a shortage of
strip was being used as access for construc-
sessed three plots and is offering them at prices
pools, a spa and a gym, as well as an outpost of the
four- and five-bed room villas, which has
tion vehicles working on The Reserve.
from AED 850 to AED 1,062 per sq.ft.
renowned Milanese restaurant Giannino.
pushed prices to between AED 4-6 million.
Property in Numbers
6
million. The entry-level price in UAE dirhams for a penthouse apartment in a high-quality
building in Dubai Marina.
11
hectares: the area of the park in the centre of Downtown Burj
Khalifa, including the lake.
33
The number of shell-andcore villas that have been constructed in The Reserve
– which forms Phase 2 of Al Barari..
414
the height in metres of Princess Tower in Dubai
marina It is currently the tallest allresidential building in the world..
280
Average price per square foot, in UAE dirhams, of
apartments in Burj Khalifa in August 2012 (excluding Armani Residences).
6.5
million, the asking price in dirhams for a six-bedroom
villa currently for sale in the Hattan section of The Meadows.
12,500
Average price
In the City’s Fast-Beating Heart The manager of Zuma, Ajaz Sheikh wanted to be close to work – and he has found DIFC to be a great living environment, with all that he needs
by Debbie Lawson
When I think back to the way Dubai was when we lived here as a family between 1987 and 1993, it’s hard to believe it is the same place. The city has become so busy that, when I came back here to open Zuma, I knew that I didn’t want to live anywhere that would involve a commute. The good thing about living where I do now, (in Jumeirah World Trade Centre Residence) is that if I drive anywhere I have to pass the restaurant, so I almost always drop in to see how everything’s going. And I can easily dash over from home if we have a VIP guest arrive unexpectedly.
I also wanted to live in this area because it feels more like the real Dubai. There’s still some old mixed in with the new, which I love, and Satwa is just a stone’s throw away – spending time there is a good reality check and there are some great little restaurants that remind me of my mother’s cooking. It’s good having Downtown so close as well – quite apart from The Dubai Mall, it offers a nice change of pace. When the weather is good there’s nothing I like better than to head over to The Pavilion, sit outside and take time over a coffee. The only drawback to my building is that it’s a bit out on its own – it’s a 10-minute walk through no-man’s land to reach Emirates Towers and DIFC. Obviously that will change when Trade Centre Two gets built, but that’s still quite a long way off. I use the DIFC neighbourhood a lot. The range of services and amenities here has really grown and I can get most of what I want.
There’s a big choice of restaurants – in addition to my own – and several coffee shops, a very cool gym, U-Concept (which I don’t get the chance to use much, unfortunately), a really good shoe-mender called The Cobbler, and Toni & Guy for my haircuts – I’m very spoilt here. There’s great nightlife, too, and sometimes I enjoy walking home at 3am, when the city feels like a very different place. I can’t see any reason to go to the Marina or Palm – it feels like halfway to Abu Dhabi! The only thing that’s missing is a normal grocery shop with a good selection of high quality food – that’s a business opportunity for someone as there are a lot of single and working people here who would love a local store. DIFC is still finding its feet, in a sense: the original mix of shops wasn’t right because there’s not enough foot-fall but now, with the predominance of galleries, it has a good feel. And for those of us who have businesses here there’s quite a sense of solidarity.
WWW.LUXHABITAT. AE
in dirhams per
square foot being achieved by Dahliatype villas in Al Barari. This compares with Dhs5,000 per sq ft for a Garden Home on Palm Jumeirah, reflecting the difference in build quality
1,836
Average price per square
foot (internal space) in UAE dirhams for properties sold to date in Emirates Hills
900
The number of workers expected on site at Palma
Residences at the peak of construction. This new Palm Jumeirah development is due for completion by 2013.
TO READ MARKET UPDATES FROM ALL NEIGHBOURHOODS
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Property News
Expert View SUZIE QURESHI Luxury Sales Specialist, Luxhabitat E: sq@luxhabitat.ae | T: +971 50 348 4421
Quality Wins Again This three-bedroom, 2,935 sq ft apartment in Downtown Burj Khalifa, comes fully furnished. AED 20,000,000. Property Ref. 995
The grass is looking greener for property trends, with the market exhibiting positive signs of growth
It has been an interesting summer. Prices are starting to rise – and buyers can see that, when a good quality property comes on to the market, they need to be decisive, rather than wait. In June and July of this year, six sales were concluded for Emirates Hills and some activity continued even in the ‘dead’ month of August. One house still under construction, a 28,000 square-foot villa in E Sector overlooking the golf course, became the subject of a bidding war when a European buyer gazumped the original offer and eventually paid AED43 million. Below the psychological price threshold of Dhs20 million, some villas that had been languishing on the market for a while have all now sold. As soon as a buyer makes that first move, others follow – they are seeing the opportunity to get in to Emirates Hills at a value that stands up well against other areas in Dubai. Furthermore, as the overall economy has felt increasingly stable, people who missed out when prices were rocketing before 2009, don’t want to miss out again. Finance seems easier here, too, in terms of both rates and availability as lenders regain confidence. And that’s not as odd as it may sound: even some of the wealthy opt for finance in order to spread their capital. Overall activity has increased – as well as the usual sources such as Iran and India, we are seeing more money from Europe as people seek shelter from the threat of high taxes and other costs there. Some of the buyers see a property here as a good place to park some money for a few years – and, unless they choose to let it out, the house can be a nice holiday home for a few years. I wish there were more owners willing to let the properties they don’t live in, as de-
With the economy stabilising, prices are edging up again – and buyers are becoming more decisive
ISLAND LIFE IN TOWN Al Bahar Palace Residences on Old Town Island were recently released onto the market at Dhs6,000 per square foot – well above average for the area. Situated
mand outstrips availability. The cheapest rental currently available is a Signature villa at AED 550,000 per annum. The most expensive is a villa in V Sector, for which the owner is asking 2million – it’s a large house but that is too high. There’s really nothing available between those extremes. The important thing to understand about Emirates Hills is that it cannot be priced according to the usual rules. Because each house has been built for an individual, according to a particular set of requirements, its value is governed by its characteristics, not according to what anyone might think is ‘the market’. Although sellers are becoming more educated, we are still seeing some unreasonable asking prices in Emirates Hills – especially from owners who are not serious about selling. That’s unfortunate because it doesn’t help anyone: it skews the market, confuses buyers and gives other sellers unrealistic expectations. We have just listed a beautiful villa belonging to a prominent UAE-based businessman. Designed with great attention to detail by the owners, the property is modern with a touch of their Syrian heritage. The beautiful landscaped grounds have been personally maintained by the owner, who is a real garden-lover
In the exclusive enclave of Al Barari, this upgraded Camellia-style villa has five bedrooms suites, as well as a games room,
Suzie Qureshi was talking to Anne Martin
study, cinema and smart home technology Offered for sale fully furnished. AED 15,200,000. Property Ref. 881
above Souk Al Bahar overlooking Dubai Fountain, and originally part of the Palace Hotel Residences, they were offered directly to Emaar’s premium clients about 5-6 months ago. One of our clients bought a three-bedroom unit for about Dhs16 million, which he has instructed us to list for resale at Dhs20m – AED 7,500 per square foot (see photo above).
Autumn 2012
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IT’S TIME TO CONSIDER THE NEIGHBOURS... With larger, high quality properties remaining scarce in Arabian Ranches, people are increasingly extending their search to neighbouring developments that offer a similar quality of life, with a golf course at their heart – albeit without quite such a well-established offer of local shops as those within the Ranches. Victory Heights, just a few kilometres along Emirates Road, is now in high demand and especially popular with people being attracted to the well-designed and finished villas, the golf course views and stylish family neighbourhood. The average price of type C1 villas (5 bedrooms) has increased to AED 4.6million, from AED 3.8million
six months ago – and
If you opt for this extraordinary penthouse, you will be rewarded with this view: a nightly display of twinkling lights as Dubai Marina comes to life. The apartment has been completely upgraded and
these are without a golf course view.
the floor plan totally redesigned to make it a superb space for entertaining. At 4,100 sq.ft (380 sq.m) it has two luxurious bedroom suites. AED 8,000,000. Property Ref. 888
Those facing on to the golf course are selling for AED 5million–5.2 million. The new golf club is now open, as are two small community swimming pools, although there is still no grocery shop. However, Motor City, with its very large Spinneys and other amenities, is barely five minutes away. Also well worth looking at, as it offers very pretty villas, with materials and finishes markedly superior to most in Dubai, is Lime Tree Valley at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where Luxhabitat has a good selection of villas listed. The villas are strung along the edge of the Earth golf course.
Turkish Delight
This contemporary villa is spread over two floors linked by a magnificent glass-sided, floating staircase. Set in one of the most desirable parts of Emirates Hills, it has larger-than-usual outdoor space. Price on application. Property ref. 509
Until recently, few people ventured beyond Atlantis on the East Crescent of The Palm, but the opening of Rixos The Palm Dubai is starting to change that. Contemporary, chic and understated, Rixos will appeal to both holiday-makers and residents – and offers fully serviced apartments as well as hotel rooms. It strikes just the right balance between style and comfort,l following a modern, minimalist theme – a pleasant change to the usual
bling and opulence. Only 30 per cent of the land is built on, creating expansive and open grounds leading to the private beach. The excellent A La Turca restaurant is complemented by the White Bar, a supercool beachside party lounge, which features resident and visiting DJs. Rixos Royal Spa adds a luxurious therapies including a traditional Turkish Hammam. It’s another welcome addition to the Palm. 04 457 5555; www.rixos.com
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FEATURED PROPERTIES
Property Gallery
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to www.thejournal.ae
Duplexes often come with numerous bedrooms, which makes this one-bedroom duplex apartment in Murjan a real find. Bachelors or newlyweds can move in straight away with the apartment coming fully furnished to an extremely high standard. The 2,300 sq.ft (213 sq.m) duplex has a cool, Manhattan loft feel thanks to its industrial piping, polished concrete floors and steel finishings. It comes complete with a study, south-westerly Marina views and state-of-the-art technology. AED 5,500,000. Property Ref. 826
Designed by French interior designer Alexander Lapp, this Emirates Hills villa boasts imported marble and wood throughout. It
In Hattan Three of The Lakes, this extensively upgraded villa has superb indoor-outdoor living and entertaining areas. Its 6,125
has six en-suite bedrooms and a lovely landscaped garden overlooking the golf course. AED 29,500,000. Property ref. 999
sq.ft (569 sq.m) includes five ensuite bedrooms and two additional bathrooms. AED 11,300,000. Property ref. 931
PALM JUMEIRAH
A tastefully finished rental villa. AED 900,000 per annum. Property ref. 1018
ARABIAN RANCHES
A very attractive six-bedroom Mirador villa . AED 6,700,000. Property Ref. 905
AL BARARI
A lovely eight-bedroom villa of 16,448 sq ft. AED 17,000,000. Property Ref. 753
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Bathrooms Lifestyle
As bathroms become increasingly regarded as personal havens, designers and decorators are giving them more of the attributes of spas and resorts. Perhaps the greatest luxury of all is a bathroom with a full sea view, as in this Water Villa on Nurai Island – possible only with the exceptional privacy that the island offers. Combining uncompromisingly contemporary style with superb space arrangement, the villa has four bedroom suites, each with an stunning bathroom. AED 24,000,000. Property ref. 653
In this Dubai Marina penthouse, great lighting complements the richly textured surfaces. AED 20,000,000. Property ref. 746
Coloured light and beautiful materials enhance the bathrooms of this Dubai Marina penthouse. AED 13,000,000. Property ref. 976
Bathing Spaces become Beautiful No longer just a functional space, bathrooms are increasingly adopting the attributes of a spa
by Anne Martin
Since the days when Cleopatra bathed in asses’ milk, the bathroom has been a special sanctuary. So it’s perhaps odd that the bathroom-as-spa concept should be considered a recent phenomenon. However, with a generation of global nomads benefiting from hotel designers’ competing to create the most lavish and beautifully styled bathrooms, it has become the norm recreate
those surroundings at home. It’s now a given that every apartment or villa that aspires to the tag ‘luxury’ should have not only a media room, superb kitchen and gym but bathrooms that are much more than a place to wash: they should be havens for refreshing body, mind and soul. This has given designers and architects huge scope. Some are going ultra-modern and sleek, while others draw inspiration from ancient bathing rituals and classical design. The bath tub itself has undergone a transformation: no longer is it for washing (that’s done in the shower) but for relaxing. As a result, it may feature many elements not previously allowed anywhere near water. To the now commonplace massage jets, add mood light-
ing, TV sets integrated into mirrors, and even drink chillers. And how much better if the tub has a view. Preferably a sea view, to enhance the feeling of serenity. This, of course, requires total privacy and properties that offer it are rare indeed. As showers take over the functional role they, too, are becoming more elaborate, with features such as hydrotherapy and even aromatherapy – the idea being to provide an intense experience in a very short time. Good lighting is an essential component of every space and, in the bathroom, it plays a vital role in setting a relaxing mood (of course it must be supplemented by excellent task lighting). Going far beyond dimmers and indirect lighting, designers are incorporating co-
loured light – which is proven to have a great impact on mood and wellbeing. While simplicity of design remains important (think Zen), hard-edged minimalism and shiny monochrome surfaces are giving way to warmer, natural materials, matte finishes, and richly textured surfaces. Clearly, this once humble room is becoming one of the most valued spaces in the home.
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Lifestyle Penthouses
From the terrace and balconies of this elegant 4-bedroom penthouse, the view is mesmerising: Burj Khalifa directly ahead and the Dubai Fountains below. Offered for rent, fully furnished and with the benefit of 24-hour hotel services, it has a well thought-out floor plan. Generous windows mean that the interior is flooded with natural light, enhancing the sophisticated and contemporary decor and furnishings. The internal space is approximately 3,850 sq.ft (357 sq.m). AED 850,000 per annum. Property ref. 837
Running the entire width of this penthouse apartment, the terrace has fabulous sea views. AED 72,000,000. Property ref. 166
Exceptionally rare, this apartment in Burj Khalifa has its own private terrace. Rental AED 750,000 per annum. Property ref. 967
Al Fresco Living, High in the Sky Living high above the world provides a sense of space and freedom – and a large terrace greatly enhances the appeal of a high-rise home
by Anne Martin
While the UAE has vast areas of land on which to build homes – making villas with gardens the default style of living – it’s no surprise that it has also gone upwards, with sleek high-rises punctuating the skyline in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For many people, nothing can match living high in the sky. The sublime views are not the only attraction;
the best buildings provide superb amenities such as pools, gyms and in-house spas, not to mention 24-hour concierge and valet services. High on convenience and security, low on maintenance, they are ideally suited to a busy, frequent-flying way of life. But what has really brought high-rise living into its own is the way in which architects are thinking outside the (glass) box, turning apartments from merely functional spaces into real homes. Given that high-rise apartments should be designed to work for their residents in the same way that a home on the ground would, a large terrace is the answer. Not only does it add that singularly attractive feature of every villa – outdoor living space – but it comes with the wow-factor of views
that no villa could ever aspire to. Here in the UAE, without the restrictions imposed by older, more crowded cities, architects have tremendous scope and those who have taken advantage of it, design open-air spaces that can be used as a seamless extension of the indoor areas whenever the weather permits. Some have even installed private pools, just as they would on terra firma. Of course, the UAE has another advantage: for eight months of the year the climate is perfect for al fresco living and entertaining. A terrace should be treated like another room, not an afterthought. There are countless ways to create warmth and atmosphere – and well-chosen materials, furnishing and plants make the terrace a beautiful asset to look out
onto even during those boiling hot months when you have to stay closed indoors. Interestingly, many still opt for city views rather than sea views because at night these vistas become exciting and dynamic. Ultimately, a terrace helps to turn an apartment into a place that its owner can really commit to as they would a traditional house. And that has a value that money can’t buy.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to www.luxhabitat.ae
Individual designs above & beyond traditional planning systems
In this kitchen, SieMatic Individual Design interprets the ambience of an upscale city apartment: Cabinets and panel wall – in the new elegant lacquer color "agate grey matt" – create a fluid transition to the living area. This connection is supported by the tall cabinet doors, which extend to the floor. The glass cabinets, with their door frames of polished nickel, create a particularly homely effect. The overall picture is lightened in a sophisticated way by the offset, lacquer gloss shelves and the cabinet elements of different widths. Not only beautiful, but practical as well: concealed behind the many doors is voluminous storage space. Dark glossy accents are provided by the deep niche area where the black lacquered base cabinets are installed. Its cubic form is echoed skilfully in the island. The elegant marble pattern of the niche back panel is also repeated in the island countertop.
MAC AL GURG EASA SALEH AL GURG GROUP
SieMatic Flagship store: T: +9714 358 2256 M: +971505787475 and +97155 2002660 Mail: info@siematic-middleeast.com
Mall Of Emirates
Umm Hurair Road
Al Ittihad Road
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Insider
H I D D E N G E M S . S P E C I A L P L A C E S . B E S T- K E P T S E C R E T S A N D R E S I D E N T S ’ R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
LIFESTYLE COUNCIL
LUCA MAZZONCINI Luca is the Restaurant and Lounge Manager at Cavalli Club Dubai
BIOGRAPHY Luca’s a relative newcomer to the city but he’s made it his mission to get Dubai’s great and good feeling absolutely at home at the exclusive nightclub, bar and restaurant that he presides over, the Cavalli Club. One of Dubai’s most glamorous settings – in the style of its eponymous founder Roberto – it’s the go-to venue for VIPs and celebrities (as well as mere mortals such as you or I). Asked how he keeps his feet on the ground in the company of such luminaries, Mazzoncini simply smiles and says, “It’s my job.” Enough said, Luca. More importantly, can you get us a good table?
FAST FACTS Favourite holiday destination: I like Spain for the party atmosphere and Thailand for some rest and relaxation Can’t live without: My phones. They are constantly ringing and I would be lost without them Style icon: The late, great Alexander McQueen Favourite item: My king-sized bed. I work weekends and late nights so sleep is a precious commodity. I had the bed hand-made to my own specifications and it’s super comfortable Time in Dubai: Just over one year, and with the Cavalli Club for six months Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina – it’s a totally different environment from work
Luca’s Recommendations RESTAURANTS For fine dining of course I would say the Cavalli Club – but I do believe it is one of
FAVOURITE VIEW IN DUBAI
the best places to get a fine dining experience
which has to be seen to be believed. It
and the nightclub atmosphere all in one place.
is a cabaret nightclub and bar and you
only the mornings and earlier parts of the
The food is Italian and of the highest quality
must see the amazing shows they put
The beautiful sea view from my
beach or to a beautiful swimming pool at
and you cannot beat the vibe. Being Italian, I
on. It’s tiny, crowded, crazy and a totally
apartment. It’s very good to come home
one of the hotels. I like the new Rixos on
think I’m qualified to judge Italian food – and
different vibe from the Cavalli Club.
to and really helps me to relax.
The Palm a lot and also enjoy Atlantis.
day free for leisure, so I favour going to the
that’s why I really like Roberto’s in DIFC as well. And I enjoy Zuma – what’s not to like about it?
CULTURAL VENUE
FOOD SHOP
I love to surround myself with
If you want to get good bread in Dubai,
FASHION SHOP Ralph Lauren in The Dubai Mall sees
For casual dining I like the very relaxed
beautiful things and one of my favourite
I can highly recommend Le Pain Quotidien,
a lot of my custom, it has to be said! I wear
atmosphere at BoHouse in Jumeirah
places – which I recently discovered –
which is a French bakery chain that has
the classic Polo line frequently as it is very
Beach Residence. I can walk there from
is the Opera Gallery in DIFC. A friend
several outlets around the city. Their freshly
elegant yet also a bit sporty. My personal
home, the food is good, the décor is
took me there for a visit and I was
baked bread is made here in the UAE but
style is fairly classical in that while I wear well-
cool and it’s all nice and informal.
really impressed with the artists they
using French flours and it is simply wonderful.
respected brands I do not follow fashion all
have – I mean, museum-quality names.
the time. When I am casually dressed out of
BAR/LOUNGE
I haven’t started collecting art here yet,
CHILL-OUT/ESCAPE
work, I might be seen around Dubai in a Ralph
I’m a great fan of Cirque du Soir,
but I certainly enjoyed looking at it.
As I work most weekends, I have
Lauren polo and jeans. Simple yet elegant.
Autumn 2012
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Great Drive Insider
ROLL IN THE NEW Rolls-Royce has updated the Phantom – but only in the most subtle and intelligent ways by Sandra Lane
One of the greatest challenges for any designer, surely, is to create something that is not only fresh and exciting but also timeless. All the more so when that ‘something’ sits at the very apex of its product category – a Rolls-Royce Phantom, for instance. Since the first new-generation Phantom rolled out of the Goodwood factory in 2003,
Inside, amid the beautiful wood, leather and sheepskin, there have been few visible changes (if it ain’t broke….) but some intelligent technical upgrades.
it has been clear that Ian Cameron and his team had succeeded heroically in doing so. All the more, when you consider how ageless those decade-old cars still look. Yes, a decade already. So when Rolls-Royce announced an update for its 2013 models, nobody should have expected anything too radical. As the company points out, RollsRoyce owners would not appreciate having a car that looks dated. Given the opportunity to drive the new Series II sedan and coupé when their world tour brought them through the UAE this month, I naturally leapt at the chance. I’m firmly of the view that these cars are wasted on chauffeurs; riding in the back – while a wonderful experience – means missing much of what makes them so special.
The new Phantom sedan is every bit as stately as the first, the power delivered ohso-smoothly from the 6.75-litre V12 engine. Indeed, it is smoother than ever, thanks to the new 8-speed transmission from the shift-meisters at ZF (replacing the previous 6-speed gearbox). The other big change is that all three Phantom models (including the Drophead) now have a ‘Sport’ setting – coupled to a stronger, stiffer chassis. Now, this is clearly not intended for racing the Porsche in the next lane at the traffic lights, but it does give a great ‘feel’ to the drive and reduce roll in the corners (on our short drive, that was the roundabouts out the back of Nad Al Sheba). These changes make the coupé even more of a driver’s car. Externally, the most obvious change is
that the ‘porthole-style’ headlamps have been replaced by rectangular LEDs (which are fully adaptive, getting brighter or dimmer according to the conditions and pointing around corners as you turn the wheel). The body lines are very slightly softer and the bumpers subtly different – a change so subtle that it needed pointing out and the coupé has a new radiator grille. This is quite an engineering feat – a magnificent piece of sculpture stamped out of a single piece of metal, rather than several, bolted together – and typifies Rolls-Royce’s obsession with finding ways to improve things.
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Past Perfect for Watch Lovers As interest in vintage watches grows, collectors have a new source of treasure, here in Dubai
by Sandra Lane
Where does the UAE-based collector go to find special timepieces from the past? It used to be that the more interesting the watch, the further afield he or she would have to search – specialist dealers in Europe or the US, online forums and auctions (with all of the risks attendant in the latter, dubious provenance of the pieces – even outright fakes – being high on the list). Now, however, there is a great source right here in
Dubai: Momentum, founded by Tariq Malik (left, below) and Anas Halabi (right), who have been friends since their school days in Germany. To call Tarik a watch dealer is like calling caviar fish eggs: literally true but nowhere near the real truth. He is a man possessed, driven by lifelong passion for vintage timepieces, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of what makes them tick. Show him a Rolex (for instance) that looks to the casual watch aficionado much like many other Rolexes, and he will reel off the year, model and even reference number without having to look them up. Anas is equally enthusiastic: “Vintage watches are increasingly seen as art pieces, as well as a collectable asset.
Momentum is aimed at this.” In the boutique, rare sports watches from the 1950s to ’70s line up alongside decades-old pieces from Lange, Audemars Piguet, Panerai and Longines, early military watches, and some very cool 1970s women’s cocktail watches. Some of the most interesting pieces are just passing briefly through – the fruits of Momentum’s search, on behalf of clients, for specific pieces. If you time it right, Tariq will happily show you these treasures – just for a moment. Momentum’s fans come not only for the watches but also for the camaraderie – the chance to sit a while, have a coffee, leaf through one of Momentum’s superb books about horological history. It has become a de facto clubroom for an
interesting group of people who happen to love watches. Momentum has some truly fine accessories – including leather and NATOstyle webbing straps – as well as great expertise in watch preservation and restoration. (Knowing not to over-restore a vintage piece is just as important as doing any necessary maintenance.) In October the boutique will host the first of a planned series of exhibitions ¬ this one consisting of highlights from Oliver Wulff’s remarkable collection of pre-WW2 aviation instruments and memorabilia, as well as some of the world’s most fiercely coveted of the very early Pilot’s Watches. Not to be missed! Momentum, Marble Walk, DIFC; 04 327 4320; www.momentum-dubai.com
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Autumn 2012
THE JOURNAL
Word of Mouth Insider Fine Design Always a star of the Salone del Mobile furniture show in Milan, Moroso has played frustratingly hard to get in this region – until now. This autumn Obegi Home will introduce a collection of the Italian design house’s fabulous furniture. In style and approach, what Miuccia Prada is to fashion, Patrizia Moroso is to furniture. With an amazing eye and fierce talent, Moroso collaborates with some of Europe’s most exciting designers, creating a distinctive vision of modernity: always beautifully proportioned and exceedingly well made, the pieces bring wit and originality through their materials, colours and details. Obegi Home, Umm Al Sheif Street, Jumeirah 3; 04 394 8161; www.obegihome.com
Secret Garden
Spend time with lovers of good design and, at some point, you’ll hear the lament: ‘but it’s impossible to find anything vintage in Dubai’. Thankfully, change is coming. The owners of J+A Gallery (which opened this month), Sebastian Jaroslawski and Arne Augustini, have been collecting industrial antiques in Europe and, after living in the UAE for many years, have decided to turn their passion into a business. Daring from the 1920s to 1960s, the collection includes great lighting, furniture, clocks, fans – and even an original Carl Zeiss periscope. Not needing a periscope is beside the point; it is a unique and very cool piece.
A blissful day by the pool in the height of Dubai’s summer? Yes, it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets: with private cabanas set around its vast pool, One & Only The Palm offers a deeply peaceful escape from the heat and dust. And hiring a cabana for the day is the one (and only) way that non-hotel guests can enjoy the heavenly surroundings. Decorated with chic understatement and set beneath soaring palms, our cabana was a posh beach house in miniature: an array of sun-loungers and a dining table on the terrace; a cool, air-conditioned interior with a vast sofa, a 42-inch television, and a complimentary mini-bar brimming with juices, soft drinks and decidedly superior nuts and nibbles. The bathroom is all that you would expect, with powerful shower and fluffy towels – and there’s an outdoor shower, too. The staff were charming, allowing us privacy yet available for anything we needed (the lunch menu offered an array of light and tempting dishes; the coffee was top-notch). Best of all, we could actually enjoy the blazing heat, since we had the options of cool interior or pool the moment it became too much. It was slightly surreal watching the Olympic show jumpers while lounging in our bikinis – but wonderfully decadent. Costing from AED1,750 per day, it’s a true treat.
Al Qouz 1 (behind VW showroom); 055 395
West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah; 04 440 1010;
0910; www.ja-gallery.com
www.oneandonlyresorts.com/thepalm
Old For New
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a tribute to grace and elegance.
Collection Princesse Grace
de Monaco, dedicated to a timeless icon of elegance. Precious resin writing instrument, cap and barrel in royal purple with champagne-tone gold-plated fittings, petal-cut pink topaz.18K gold nib with heart-shaped hole. Learn more at montblanc-tribute-to-grace.com
Autumn 2012
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Escape Insider
Home of the modern Maharajahs Forts and palaces in Rajasthan have been transformed into some of the world’s most beguiling hotels
by Sandra Lane
India is a country so intense that you either fall irrevocably into its embrace, or run away saying “too much!”. Unfortunately, many people decide, without ever going, which it is to be. But the Rajasthan of this story (the full version is in the online edition of The Journal) defies every assumption strangers to India may have. I put myself in the hands of Banyan Tours – a company hardly known outside the highest level of the travel trade, it ‘white labels’ services to some of the best names in the tailor-made travel business.
Banyan immersed me in an India of the greatest refinement and culture, of unimagined kindness and generosity, of swimming pools with mesmerising views, craftsmen’s workshops brimming with treasure, of improbably romantic settings and deep calm amid the swirling, craziness of India’s daily life. My driver, Mahendra, a man of rare grace and charm, cared for me every moment of the way – and took me to places that only an insider would know. As did the guides – who know the stories of Rajasthan’s noble life inside-out because they themselves are thakurs (nobles). Banyan chose hotels that had once been country palaces and grand city homes: some had been updated with only the lightest of touches, to provide absolute comfort while leaving the fabric and (more importantly) the soul of the build-
ings completely intact. None had more than 40 rooms, their intimate scale adding immeasurably to their beauty. At Samode Palace, near Jaipur, my suite had its original stained glass, mosaic floor and highly polished mahogany. Inside the walls of the ‘Pink City’ at Samode Haveli he same family’s grand townhouse, I dined in a room decorated with 18th-century mirror mosaic and walked through exquisite gardens to reach my suite. And there were hotels where passionate owners had brought ruins back from the dead, imbuing them with high design. Outside Jaipur, the fort-palace of Devi Garh (pictured) had been abandoned for 30 years, looted and left to fall derelict until its present owner spent six years turning it into a modern take on maharajah style. In the heart of Jodhpur, with the mighty Mehrangarh Fort looming over-
head and the old ‘blue’ city closely packed around its walls, Raas is testament to Nikhilendra Singh’s determination to bring together the seemingly irreconcilable: cool modernity and the spirit of the old. He has succeeded – wildly. And there was Mihir Garh: a retreat in the midst of the Thar desert that, despite being only a year old, felt as if it had grown organically out of its landscape over the course of generations. It was stylish beyond imagination and utterly beguiling. As Nikhilendra Singh says of Jodhpur, so it is for spending time in Rajashtan this way: “you’re not just a passive witness; you’re immersed”. www.banyantours.com
TO READ MORE SEE www.thejournal.ae/insider
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Autum 2012
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T he Hub
B U S I N E S S I N S I G H T. L E A D E R S A N D O P I N I O N . T H E M A R K E T S A N D T H E E C O N O M Y
BLUE SKIES AHEAD FOR GROWTH Dubai will reap the benefits of its early moves to diversify by Andy Gilmore
Dubai is likely to outperform growth projections by 2020, driven by improved funding, job creation and solid execution of its diversification strategy, according to a recent report by BankofAmerica Merrill Lynch, GCC 2020: Time to Shift Gears And it stands out among its GCC neighbours: “Dubai has the right mix to re-accelerate growth,” said Stephen Pettyfer, the head of MENA Research at BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research. “Given that there is a certain degree of duplication, competition or lack of distinct differentiation among various projects in the GCC, Dubai’s model of diversification stands out, having already achieved a critical mass, scale and a degree of competitiveness.” The emirate’s status as a regional hub for transport, logistics and finance further strengthens its position: according to the report, Dubai’s success is due in part to its willingness to take risks with forward-looking policies and the benefit of being an early mover. Already, under Sheikh Rashid, it used its oil revenues to help fund the construction of Jebel Ali Port Complex, in the belief that the country would quickly outgrow Port Rashid. With Dubai International Airport already the fourth busiest in the world by international passenger numbers this year, air traffic levels are expected to continue increasing by 7.2 percent CAGR, according to the report. Further boosts to the economy will come from tourism and related activities, with an
expected annual total of 15 million tourists by 2020, up from 8m in 2011. Notwithstanding an increase of 18,868 hotel rooms in the period, hotel occupancy will rise by 35 per cent, said the report. All of this bodes well for economic recovery and the attractiveness of the UAE as a place to do business. Dubai’s relatively small population of 2.1 million, coupled with the ambitious objectives of many major businesses already established here will lead to job creation and support the property market. With the emirate aiming to create almost 1m new jobs by 2020, up from 1.3m now, the population as a whole is projected to increase by about four per cent, thus expanding the domestic market and furthering economic growth. Dubai’s residential property market, where supply has exceeded demand since 2008, will clearly benefit Before the summer break, Dubai Executive Council approved a new 10-year Dubai Urban Development Master Plan-2020, in which the government reconsidered its ambitions for the real estate sector. Prior to 2008, it had earmarked sufficient land for ‘megaprojects’ to accommodate nine million people. This has been revised to 2.9 million. In its report BofA Merrill Lynch said that Dubai is “one of the best GCC cities in which to develop business”. This backs up the World Bank’s annual Doing Business report, which lifted the UAE’s rank from 35 to 33 in the world for ‘Ease of Doing Business’.
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Autumn 2012
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The Hub Economy
Wealth is on the Move The global millionaires map is changing, as wealth shifts from old to new economies – and the UAE’s property market stands to benefit
by Emily Lay
Wealthy individuals in emerging nations are providing a bright spot in the global economy. While the combined private wealth of high net worth individuals in North America, Western Europe and Japan has declined, amid volatile equity and bond markets and ever-expanding debt, wealth in Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa has increased by 10 percent, according to the latest annual wealth report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). “Global growth in private wealth is clearly being driven by rapidly developing economies in the ‘new world,’ not by the ‘old world’ of traditional, mature ones,” the report noted. This could be good news for Dubai’s
high-end property market, as rising wealth in the region, as well as China and Africa, is likely to boost demand as investors diversify their assets and seek on long-term investments that will deliver strong returns. Property prices in the emirate, although starting to show signs of recovery, remain a long way from their 2008 peak. Well-priced property continues to attract a wealthy clientele, says David Terry, sales manager at Luxhabitat: “The biggest driver is not necessarily that people are getting richer – high net worth individuals have properties around the world – it is the fact that property prices are still depressed.” Middle Eastern and North African buyers, keen to move assets out of countries affected by the Arab Spring, have been attracted to the UAE by its political and economical stability while those from India and Iran are drawn by its large expatriate community and close proximity to their home countries. High net worth individuals in the ‘new world’ held $9.9 trillion in private wealth last year with the BRIC economies seeing the highest growth, at 18.5 percent last
year. Closer to home, all six of the Gulf states – excluding Saudi Arabia – featured in BCG’s top 15 countries for the highest proportion of millionaire households. Dubai is already starting to see some of that wealth filter into its real estate sector. Indian nationals were the main buyers of apartments and commercial space in Burj Khalifa during the first half of the
All of the Gulf states except Saudi Arabia featured among BCG’s global top 15 countries for the highest proportion of millionaire households in its latest Wealth Report year, spending $222m, according to data released by the Dubai Government last week. Iranians were second, with $128m. Wealthy clients from the Middle East and China aren’t just buying apartments and villas; many are helping to kick-start stalled projects, says Terry. “We have seen
a lot of Saudi investors coming across the border and buying up buildings and plots. They want to diversify their portfolios – they have invested in Europe for years – so as well as luxury property for themselves, they are buying buildings in Dubai Marina that are half-finished and stuck for funding.” China’s growing wealth and ever-increasing trade links with the UAE are also playing a role. The two countries signed a currency swap agreement worth $5.54bn in January in a bid to boost two-way trade and investment, which has grown by 35 per cent annually for the past decade, according to Sheikha Lubna Bint Khaled Al-Qassimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade. At the same time, there is a marked trend among China’s millionaire class to move money offshore, as a hedge against political and economic uncertainty, especially as China is heading for a change of regime. “Chinese buyers are looking everywhere but the UAE is close and there are economic ties here. The Chinese influence on the high-end property market is likely to increase exponentially over the next few years,” says Terry.
Autum 2012
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Markets The Hub
Going for Gold is a Good Strategy If there is one subject that divides investor sentiment is it where the price of gold is heading. Gerhard Schubert, head of precious metals at Emirates NBD thinks it is upwards.
by Emily Lay
While many are convinced that the precious metal’s 10-year price rally is nearing its end, Gerhard Schubert thinks it won’t be long before it tops the all-time high of $1,884 an ounce seen in August 2011. “I expect gold prices to reach $2,000 by the end of 2012,” he says. “I think everybody, especially in the euro zone, is doing their very best to find a solution [to the economic downturn] but some of the solutions are just not that easy to find.” Over the summer spot gold has been trading in a relatively narrow band of $1,600$1,790 per ounce, trapped between hopes that it will rally if Western central banks are forced to print more money to prop up their ailing economies and support financial markets, and the reality that demand in Asia remains weak. Despite its unimpressive performance so far this year, the average price for the yellow metal is still expected to beat last year’s record of $1,565, putting it on target for an eleventh year of consecutive gains. Rock-bottom interest rates coupled with euro zone economic woes and the US presidential election are likely to push prices up, says Schubert: “The ongoing – and I think even exaggerating – uncertainties in the euro zone, from the European sovereign debt situation, will push prices up towards the end of 2012. We are getting closer to the American presidential election and the issues that will come to the forefront of [media] reporting and in investors’ minds, such as the fiscal cliff, the raising of the US debt ceiling – the issues that, to a certain extent, led last August to the loss of the United States’ AAA status – will be coming back into the spotlight.”
Contrary to the expectations of some market-watchers, Gerhard Schubert believes that several key factors point to gold soon exceeding the record price it reached last year
Rock-bottom interest rates, coupled with economic woes in the euro zone, and the US Presidential election, are likely to push gold prices up towards the end of the year
Physical demand for gold in India, the world’s biggest consumer last year, has halved since its government doubled the import duty to four per cent. However, sales in India and the GCC – home to around six million Indian expatriates – will be boosted by the demand during the festival season, adds Shubert. “In the past few months physical buying has
been subdued but I think from now onwards normal business will resume. We are heading towards festival season; there is Diwali then Christmas so the big expat population in the GCC countries will be buying gold. This, coupled with institutional buying, which is ongoing, will…spark demand,” he explains. The outlook remains less positive for the other precious metals – platinum and palladium. The industrial metals have been hurt by Europe’s continued debt crisis and waning demand from carmakers, the main users of the of the auto-catalyst metals. The cost of palladium, the worst performer of 2012, is down by 10.5 per cent so far this year, compared to a 1.1 per cent increase in silver and platinum. Weakening demand for the industrial metals is likely to boost gold prices further,
Avenue for Growth A luxurious new retail hub in Abu Dhabi is a barometer for the UAE’s healthy economy
by Dominic Andrews
For two decades the world has seen the GCC push to diversify from dependence on its petrocarbon reserves and develop alternative revenue sources. While Dubai has been the flagship for this, the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, is also edging forward in the luxury lifestyle sector. As a symbol of this development and in a large-scale move to provide for locally based luxury consumers, Jumeirah Etihad Towers
has developed retail space of 7,000 square metres named Avenue. It has been designed specifically to house the world’s most revered brands, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermès, Rolex, IWC Schaffhausen, Bulgari, Panerai… the list goes on. Offering a purpose-built boutique environment is a clear statement by the capital that its affluent population, as well as its ever-increasing volume of visitors from the GCC, Far East, Russia and the West are keen to spend their money within holistic brand environments that provide more than a regular mall and that, under the direct guidance of the brands, ensure complete submersion in the its ethos. Salvatore Ferragamo opened a 180 squaremetre boutique at Etihad Towers in July, with
The boutique of Officine Panerai in Avenue at Etihad Towers, was one of the early arrivals in the new luxury retail enclave
Michele Norsa, CEO and Group Managing Director commenting, “Abu Dhabi is now one of the most promising markets for the luxury sector. In recent years the capital of the UAE has attracted important investments – and the economic well-being, at the beginning generated only from petroleum, has further expanded through the development of other important sectors such as real estate, trade and tourism. These conditions led us to open
Schubert says: “The outlook for weakening of the industrial metals is also the driver for positive gold development. In the current economic environment, I expect China to have soft lending [amid] talks of a slowdown, the US economy is definitely not motoring and the European economy is in recession – so the automotive industry, which is the major [driver of] platinum and palladium price development, will be still under pressure.” A more stable economic environment looking ahead into next year is likely to bring an easing of gold prices, he adds. “I would like to believe that at some stage in 2013, some of the issues that are driving some of the price movements at the moment hopefully will get addressed in a much more comprehensive way than is happening now.”
our first flagship store in Abu Dhabi.” On MasterCard’s Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities, Dubai continues, for the third year, to hold the top spots in two categories for the Middle East and Africa: first, as the most popular destination and second, for the highest average spend by visitors. Interestingly, Abu Dhabi has risen to third position in the region, producing numbers that could lead to it challenging for the top spot in a few years. The two emirates combined are expected to welcome 11.5 million visitors this year, with an estimated spending of $11.4 billion. So, with the buy-in from the major luxury groups the world’s elite travellers are being offered retail environments the likes of which have previously been reserved for a few streets in London, Paris and New York. And with some of the world’s wealthiest nations on the UAE’s doorstep, it is likely that Avenue is just the first in an increasingly premium retail landscape for Abu Dhabi.
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Phantom Series II A New World Introducing Phantom Series II, where cutting-edge technology meets iconic design. Striking new LED headlamps feature daytime running lights and curve light functionality. The larger 8.8 inch screen displays intuitive satellite navigation maps and real-time camera images for effortless manoeuvring. And the new 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear differential enhance the already exemplary driving dynamics. Contact us to experience a car with endless possibilities; a car built for today and designed for tomorrow.
AGMC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE For a private viewing please contact 04-3391555 or email us on RRcars@agmc.ae www.rolls-roycemotorcars-agmc.com Š Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2012. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.
025287_16 The Rake AGMC PhantomII 275x205.indd 1
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