Global Trend Monitor Issue 28/2023

A Sensory Coffee-Tasting Experience

Best Things To Do In Borneo

A Hidden Gem Tunisia

Exceptional Experiences

Shangri-La Dubai

Unrivalled Beachfront Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Tunis

Good Food, Great Music And Cheery Vibes Salties, Creek

Porsche And Boss Drive Forward With Bold Spring/Summer Collection

Acqua Di Parma And Roberto’s Bringing The Scent Of Italy To Your Plate An Unforgettable Italian Affair

Refreshed With Vibrant New Colours

The Iconic Nudo

Emblematically Colourful

The Defy A3690 Returns

The New Original Pilot Silver Revisits An Iconic Rimowa Design Beloved By Business Travellers And Artists Alike

This Ramadan, Create A Soft Makeup Look With Essence

Living Life Entrenched In Art

Cathy Deniset

Inspired By Nature - New For Spring At Williams Sonoma Home

Expand Your Horizons

Evo R4XT

Istanbul And Its Unique Wonders

A Powerful Sports Sedan

The All-New MG GT

Ready For Adventure

Hyundai Venue

Dynamic And Swift

Skoda Scala

It’s Camping Season

Here Are Five Things To Check Your Suv Has Before Venturing Out

The First Ever World Padel League To Be Held In Dubai

PUBLISHER

Catherine Gilbert

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Shereen Shabnam

Editorial Team

Fozia Fareen

Natasha Jasmin Dury

Nishrat Nazeen

Eric Richard Dury

Art Director

V. Suquila

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WHO RUNS THE WORLD? GIRLS, THAT’S WHO!

Beyoncé knew what she was singing about when she released her song about women running the world. Every year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day and everything around us is focused on love, support, and courage for women inspiring us to achieve our dreams.

In the UAE we see a lot of momentum in organisations making positive change for women everywhere. We are particularly proud of our client, Dubai based Aries Group announcing numerous women empowerment benefits including two years of Post-delivery benefits and it is the first company in Asia to introduce menstrual leave for female employees. When women work together, amazing things happen to shape the future.

In honor of International Women’s Day, let us celebrate strong, powerful and beautiful women not just today, but everyday too.

We hope this month inspires you to

think a little bit deeper about women of the past, the present and the future, and women breaking barriers and paving ways for the next generation of confident, independent women change-makers who want to make a difference.

Personally, I am looking for more change in the automotive world. It has been a real struggle the last 18 years as a solo female motoring journalist with brands constantly favouring the male motoring media for exclusive stories, but it is great to finally have a few of the younger generation making an effort to be more inclusive.

In this issue we feature the inspirational Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, President and CEO of Sumo International Inc and we have curated articles from experts and products that appeals to everyone. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Shereen Shabam editor@globaltrendmonitor.com

MANAGING WITH ALOHA

Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa President and CEO of Sumo International Inc

In this issue we meet with Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, President and CEO of Sumo International Inc who started her career as a young teenager working for an employment program for disadvantaged youth and evolved through a variety of careers since that has enhanced her growth mindset and desire to build teams with true inclusivity. She is a handson leader who is passionate about the F&B industry and talks to us about her passion and commitment to the Sumo Sushi & Bento family.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER LEADING UP TO BEING PART SUMO SUSHI & BENTO?

I was active during high school doing administration jobs, running a front office and learning accounting at a local construction company during which I even ventured to the jobsites roofing homes and driving a forklift to get the job done during an industry crisis.

Soon after I joined Cisco Systems as an internet marketing coordinator and web programmer before I moved to Sumo Sushi & Bento, a unique family friendly restaurant working from ground up in 2000, supporting teams on site during busy periods. I love to bake and cook for the teams in operations and Sumo offices.

HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WITH THE SUMO SUSHI & BENTO BRAND?

We are a Japanese cuisine pioneer in the region for more than 20 years and known for serving the best sushi in Dubai, GCC and EU. Staying ahead with innovation in the F&B industry. We have had challenges, but we are still here today and have a loyal following in our outlets.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THE COMPANY?

I have ambitious plans to enhance the Sumo dining experience with Digital Technology processes (Automation, convergence of experiences) and promoting Third Culture Cuisine (Globalization of flavors and fusion). We will be advocating Conscious Dinning with sustainability in mind, supporting dietary requirements and being environmentally friendly.

We always improve performance, look towards entering some exciting new regions and reopen stores that

were closed during the pandemic. We treat each and every one with respect, to work towards positive outcomes for everyone. Not just the customers, the company or employees - as an organization’s long-term success is determined on the success it provides for others.

WHAT DRIVES YOUR ENERGY AND PASSION DAY TO DAY?

We treat each and every one with respect, to work towards positive outcomes for everyone. Not just the customers, the company or employees - as an organization’s long-term success is determined on the success it provides for others.

I come from a small island in the Pacific (Hawaii), so I am extremely thankful and grateful for the amazing experiences I have had building this brand. There really is no English equivalent translation for Aloha but I try my best to share the values of positiveness to reflect my roots.

My drive also comes from customers - we have some amazing top tier customers who on occasion dine with us twice in a day when they pop in for lunch and we find ourselves delivering their dinner later that evening.

WHAT ARE YOUR CSR INITIATIVES?

We focus our CSR on initiatives that impact the environment and work towards being a responsible corporate community member. We were so thrilled we able to partner

with Dubai Municipality last year to assist in a beach clean-up in which the entire team participated in.

WHAT PROMOTIONS ARE YOU RUNNING AT THE START OF 2023?

We are known for doing monthly specials with new product offerings for over a decade with new items every month. But we have just reformatted to an offering of weekly specials which is a huge undertaking given that the supply chain needs to adjust for any specialty ingredients, chefs must be trained and front of house staff also have to familiarize themselves with the new dishes. We also began the year with the Ramen festival which is popular, and we curated a matsuri Box which is great for family gatherings, office parties and other special celebrations.

HOW DOES THE REST OF THE YEAR LOOK FOR YOU?

As a brand, we are excited to move forward with expansions, ingredient and product specific collaborations and stay relevant and competitive with a focus on menu curation and product development.

For the future, we want to focus on Digital Technology, Third Culture Cuisine and Conscious Dinning (i.e. sustainability, dietary requirements, vegetarian as well as environmentally friendly).

I have a dedicated talented team that drive all our initiatives successfully and for this I am grateful.

By Shereen Shabnam

DEDICATED TO WORLD-CLASS NON-INVASIVE TREATMENTS

Dr. Mukesh Batra Founder, Dr Batra's™ Group of Companies

By Shereen Shabnam

With around 200+ clinics across 7 countries, Dr Batra's™ is the largest chain of homeopathic clinics globally. As Dr Batra’s™ launches its first of its kind, homeopathic mediFacials and painfree hair growth treatments in Dubai, we opted to try a treatment and speak to Dr. Batra about his presence in the region and the new treatments.

GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLINICS AND WHAT YOU OFFER?

We are the largest chain of homeopathic clinics in the world and are excited to launch the natural and non-invasive hair and skin treatments. Combining the German Science of homeopathy with the latest aesthetic technologies, offer a full range of aesthetic services to help people renew their appearances and achieve healthier, more beautiful skin and hair without unwanted pain or side effects.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE REGION AND DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPANSION PLANS?

We have been near 15 years in Dubai and Abu Dhabi mainly doing hair restoration and skin treatments. We are known in the country for our extensive research and development to deliver world-class non-invasive

solutions that last. We understand that hair loss and scalp issues are common among men and women in the UAE due to a number of factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, poor diet, certain medications etc.

WHAT OTHER TREATMENTS DO YOU OFFER IN UAE?

Many UAE residents also suffer from various skin problems, such as acne or rashes due to the dry and humid weather conditions.

While there are many hair and skin care treatments available in the market, most of them contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your skin and also may lead to some side effects.

Hence we launched the STM & GroHair treatments which is successful. These clinically formulated, noninvasive hair treatments use international serums infused with homeopathic medicines to promote hair growth and improve hair density by restoring inactive hair cells.

These treatments also improve hair volume and help combat hair loss in an effective way.

WE NOTICE YOU HAVE A PRODUCT LINE

FOR CONSUMERS TOO. WHAT MAKES THEM STAND OUT?

We provide effective solutions to treat hair loss and other hair-related issues with cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology in the field of homeopathy.

We have also introduced a skin treatment called the Homeopathic Medifacial which you tried. This is designed to treat concerns like acne, blemishes, hyper pigmentation, uneven skin tone and are suitable for all skin types.

Within the range the brand offers skin treatments like brightening, tightening and clearing which show visible results instantly and are also gentle on the skin. They are formulated with international serums and active homeopathic ingredients along with latest skin equipment to give you a radiant looking skin without any side effects

WE UNDERSTAND THERE ARE OTHER TREATMENTS PART FROM HAIR AND SKIN PROBLEMS. TELL US ABOUT THEM?

We are known to treat a range of conditions like Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Acne, Low immunity, Tonsillitis, Stress Management, Migraine, Thyroid, PCOS, Menopause, Allergies, Sexual Health, Weight Management, Infertility etc too with holistic treatments.

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE INNOVATION HAKAN OZEL

General Manager – Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

Service innovation is a continuous improvement effort that is donated to the exchange of relationships. It is just as important as the product itself, and certainly its beauty.

This relationship, if actively conducted and participated, helps to strengthen the brand experience that is naturally the most required following its promise. Uncompromising focus on exciting and delighting the customers in an innovative service manner is the way to win the game in an ever-changing environment, as we experience today.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Considering tomorrow, it is a risk for organizations to remain same as today. Strategies must be reviewed and plans should be revisited consistently while bearing in mind that what is served today might be common tomorrow for the customers.

To achieve this, fresh ideas need to be brought from outside to inside to remain relevant. It is the primary responsibility of the executives since there are plenty of those innovative ideas out to inspire.

The constant work on improvement must be considered and motivated by the leadership. Particularly in luxury organizations, passion and emotion drives the innovation in service.

CULTURE: CENTRAL FOCUS

It is very challenging to establish the innovative way of service and achieve the set of business goals in a consistent manner without the strong elements of an organization’s culture. The most successful companies, which are recognized with their service quality and reputation, have impressive and decades of established organizational culture. Innovative service should be an integrated part of the organization’s culture, which should be embraced as the living element in daily business life.

ATTITUDE IS LUXURY

Innovative service requires passionate talent. Attitude is everything – it is the luxury for whichever business is conducted! Employees must own the business. They share the responsibility of keeping the customers’ dreams alive and making them happen. They should be kept motivated and engaged continuously. In this way, they can pour their energy in the company, serve the customers in an engaged manner, support and embrace the innovative service culture, and eventually improve the customer loyalty.

EFFECTS OF MARKETING

Today’s customers constantly seek something new, fresh and healthy with an exceptional level of service, particularly in luxury organizations.

Constant update on products and services will keep customers excited and stop them to look for alternatives.

Once this has been achieved, marketing should kick-in. Segmentation, marketing and selling become crucial. Great products don’t guarantee the results! Many dies because of a failure in promotion, bragging out what the organizations acquire to offer, but keep them as the most luxurious hidden treasure. Companies spend too much time developing the products, but relatively little time in marketing and selling them.

VALUE AS A PROPOSITION

Value proposition is an important part of the innovative service. Emotional bound in loyal manner that the customers have with the brand is a very critical key to success. Customers may question the value that the organization is giving and that they might like to know the benefits when they will buy the products and services of the organization instead of the competitors’. Innovative service in an experience manner will help to add the value, as the companies should focus on all the time.

CONCLUSION

Service innovation is a key driver in business excellence of today and should be considered by all organizations.

TEN TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME

SAFE & SECURE, WHETHER YOU ARE AT HOME OR AWAY!

Over the next seven months, besides annual leave, business trips and adhoc weekend getaways, there will be over 80 days of national and school holidays coming up, meaning potentially, you could be spending a considerable amount of time away from your UAE home.

There is the school spring break, Eid al Fitr holidays, the Eid Al Adha holidays and the school summer break.

Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations at home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches, shares his top ten tips to keep your home safe & secure, whether you are at home or away!

1. Make sure all windows and doors and firmly shut and locked when you are out or asleep and don’t forget to lock your garage door and any garden gates.

2. Install or replace any faulty locks on windows and doors.

3. Install video doorbells, flood lights and cameras as well as other smart home lighting gadgets.

4. Keep valuables, including car keys in a safety deposit box or home safe.

5. Park cars in a garage, if possible, don’t leave them outside gathering dust, or alternatively arrange to have them cleaned periodically while you are away.

6. Cancel any subscriptions for items that are scheduled for home delivery.

7. Sign up for the Dubai Police Home Safety Programme.

8. Tell your neighbours and friends that you will be away as well as any community security if available.

9. Be careful when discussing holidays in public areas or on social media.

10. Don’t post pictures of your holiday or business trip on open social media platforms while you are away.

HOW HR OUTSOURCING COULD TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS

By Aaron Portero Managing Director of Connect Group, United Arab Emirates

It’s well known that the UAE is a great country to set up a business. With no restrictions on profit transfer and a stable currency pegged to the US dollar, it’s one of the most attractive locations worldwide for business owners. As a result, the country is flush with talent coming from around the world, ready to roll up their sleeves and work.

But many local business owners will tell you it’s not always smooth sailing, especially in the realm of HR. Navigating staff outsourcing and everything that comes with it like visa quotas, payroll compliance and employer branding can leave

business owners scratching their heads, wasting valuable time on working this out. For smaller businesses who may not have a fully-fledged HR department – or even one HR representative – staff outsourcing can be a boon.

Staff outsourcing is where a company works with a third-party service to assist with their HR needs. The team from the third-party company is not treated as part of the company’s headcount – I’ll get back to why this is important in a moment. There are also many benefits to outsourcing such as.

KEEPING COSTS DOWN

Outsourcing staff keeps your company costs down. Instead of hiring an HR or Payroll manager, a third-party business can handle these services at a fraction of the cost.

It allows the internal team to focus on other, more important tasks instead of worrying about onboarding new hires, handling work permits and visas, managing employment contracts, as well as an eventual termination of employment. Companies like Connect also allow firms to pay for employee visas monthly, spreading the cost of the

initial investment over time rather than paying upfront.

BUILDING YOUR EMPLOYER BRAND

Working on your employer brand often falls by the wayside. The lack of an employer brand usually becomes an issue when you have a few positions to fill which aren’t attracting the right talent. It’s one of those things that companies looking to grow should have ticking along in the background – it’s just as important as regularly keeping your books balanced and security software updated.

A strong employer brand starts with a great company culture. From there, a business can start sharing and promoting its culture externally, catching the eye for future talent as a desirable place to work. Recruitment and HR services can evaluate the perception of your brand and set wheels in motion to improve your company’s reputation in market. When it comes time to hire, your brand will stand out and attract the best talent.

Efficiently managing your visa quota

The visa quota is an issue for companies wanting to hire employees. Every company in the UAE has a visa quota – a rule enforcing how many foreign workers a company is allowed for every square meter of office space. When a business reaches its visa quota limit, it’s not allowed to hire more employees unless it has a larger office.

Some businesses may not be ready for a new office, but still need extra resources to support or grow their operations. Using staff outsourcing services can act as a stop gap. A third-party company can sponsor employees through an agency, allowing businesses to hire staff members that won’t be counted towards their quota.

HAVING PROFESSIONALS HANDLE COMPLIANCE AND LEGALITIES

Regulations in the UAE can change quite often and it’s a big task to

stay on top of them. Failing to meet payroll regulations can potentially expose businesses to compliance risks and even fines. Companies that attempt to do payroll themselves aren’t always across all regulations in the UAE and may miss some key information to enable a smooth payroll process. Just as you wouldn’t fix your car’s engine by yourself, it’s best to leave tasks that require legal knowledge and compliance to the professionals.

EXPANDING YOUR COMPANY TO THE UAE

With the Arab world being the second-largest economy, most businesses opt to set up a branch or an independent company in the United Arab Emirates to expand their business. While there are numerous

incentives with doing so, it is not as easy as it sounds.

A common issue one faces with setting up a company in the UAE, whilst having a branch in another country, is opening a bank account, and having the company fully operational. Depending on the setup, the process could take up to a year or more.

To ensure that company’s do not spend time and effort in dealing with the procedure, the best option would be to handover the process to an outsourcing company like Connect Resources, where they will invoice your company for the expenses of the employees including visa’s, salaries, payroll, insurance, etc. while your company can start operating within a matter of weeks.

FIVE GUIDELINES FOR TRUSTED GENERATIVE AI

By Thierry Nicault

Area Vice President – Middle East and North Africa, Salesforce

Like all of our innovations, we are embedding ethical guardrails and guidance across our products to help customers innovate responsibly — and catch potential problems before they happen.

Given the tremendous opportunities and challenges emerging in this space, we’re building on our Trusted AI Principles with a new set of guidelines focused on the responsible development and implementation of generative AI.

We are still in the early days of this transformative technology, and these guidelines are very much a work in progress — but we’re committed to learning and iterating in partnership with others to find solutions.

Below are five guidelines we’re using to guide the development of trusted generative AI, here at Salesforce and beyond.

1. ACCURACY

We need to deliver verifiable results that balance accuracy, precision, and recall in the models by enabling customers to train models on their own data. We should communicate when there is uncertainty about the veracity of the AI’s response and enable users to validate these responses.

This can be done by citing sources, explainability of why the AI gave the responses it did (e.g., chain-of-thought prompts), highlighting areas to doublecheck (e.g., statistics, recommendations, dates), and creating guardrails that prevent some tasks from being fully automated (e.g., launch code into a production environment without a human review).

2. SAFETY

As with all of our AI models, we should make every effort to mitigate bias, toxicity, and harmful output by conducting bias, explainability, and robustness assessments, and red teaming. We must also protect the privacy of any personally identifying information (PII) present in the data used for training and create guardrails to prevent additional harm (e.g., force publishing code to a sandbox rather than automatically pushing to production).

3. HONESTY

When collecting data to train and evaluate our models, we need to respect data provenance and ensure that we have consent to use data (e.g., opensource, user-provided). We must also be transparent that an AI has created

content when it is autonomously delivered (e.g., chatbot response to a consumer, use of watermarks).

4. EMPOWERMENT

There are some cases where it is best to fully automate processes but there are other cases where AI should play a supporting role to the human — or where human judgment is required. We need to identify the appropriate balance to “supercharge” human capabilities and make these solutions accessible to all (e.g., generate ALT text to accompany images).

5. SUSTAINABILITY

As we strive to create more accurate models, we should develop right-sized models where possible to reduce our carbon footprint. When it comes to AI models, larger doesn’t always mean better: In some instances, smaller, bettertrained models outperform larger, more sparsely trained models.

Learn more about Trusted AI at Salesforce, including the tools we deliver to our employees, customers, communities, and partners for developing and using AI responsibly, accurately, and ethically.

THE STATE OF HYBRID CLOUD APPLICATION DELIVERY

By Amr Alashaal, Regional Vice President - Middle East at A10 Networks

In digital business, success depends on application performance. Organizations must deliver the best possible experiences for employees and customers while driving innovation and ensuring security. To meet these interrelated objectives, many enterprises are migrating application delivery to hybrid/multicloud environments and related techniques to achieve the kind of agility and resiliency formerly only found in public cloud providers.

But are businesses achieving these benefits?

A10 Networks and Gatepoint Research conducted a survey asking senior technology decisionmakers about their experiences delivering applications in the cloud, including where their applications are primarily hosted; how they use their application delivery controller (ADC), and whether they’re satisfied with it; and what application delivery capabilities they need to ensure that their business objectives are successful.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Only 26% of respondents think they’ve been highly successful in migrating applications to the cloud.

• In a related finding, only 34% of those using an ADC are highly satisfied with their solution.

• 50% are struggling with legacy technology in application delivery.

• Looking forward, the top application initiative for the coming year focuses on agility: moving to flexible software/scale-out solutions.

•Essential application delivery capabilities needed to ensure business success include faster troubleshooting, optimizing IT staff and resources, and analytics/ application insights.

Taken as a whole, the survey captures a snapshot of the industry at a key inflection point in evolving digital infrastructure. To ensure the success of their move to hybrid and multi-cloud environments and deliver the best service for customers, organizations must overcome limitations of their current ADCs. Reducing the complexity of IT operations will be essential, especially as new technologies and evolving systems expand the skills required of IT staff. At the end of the day, the ADC will either enable digital success or impede it—depending on

the choices IT leaders make now.

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE INTERESTING FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT:

CLOUD TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES – BUT LEGACY ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE

Businesses are now hosting their applications in a variety of environments, both public and private. Despite the rapid rise of cloud services, 74% of respondents continue to host applications in an on-premises data center. Private clouds are highly popular, with 43% of organizations using these environments.

The combination of environments reported by respondents show the prevalence of a hybrid approach in which an on-premises data center is leveraged in tandem with one or more types of clouds and vendors. While this hybrid/multi-cloud approach offers great flexibility to choose the ideal environment for each application, it also increases the complexity of application delivery. Organizations must be able to manage application delivery, and consistent policies, across heterogeneous environments,

including requirements such as performance optimization, load balancing, and troubleshooting.

THERE’S ROOM FOR MORE THAN AWS, AZURE AND GOOGLE

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is used by a full 66% of companies in the survey. Microsoft Azure follows close behind at 63%. But Azure and AWS aren’t the only providers in the market. Google registers a respectable 25% for Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has achieved a significant presence as well at 15%, showing that customers will look to other vendors with a long track record in enterprise and commercial technology that meet specific needs. By considering the full range of options, organizations can make the optimal choice for each application based on the provider’s expertise, service level, pricing model, and relevant value-added features. It’s almost taken for granted that cloud is everywhere, but a full 15% of respondents don’t use public cloud at all, perhaps for reasons of security, customization, privacy, or regulatory compliance.

TIP: To prevent rising complexity, it also becomes crucial to gain unified visibility across environments while avoiding the need for multiple interfaces and solutions

APPLICATION MIGRATION INITIATIVES SHOW MODERATE SUCCESS

Given the strategic importance of cloud migration, you’d expect that companies would be diligent in the planning and investment needed to achieve optimal results—but the survey results tell a different story. Only 26% of respondents said they had been highly successful in these efforts. These unimpressive results show a clear need for better planning. Not all applications are suitable for all clouds, or for the cloud in general. IT organizations need to make the right choices about the right environment and provider for each application. The migration process itself needs to be approached thoughtfully and methodically as well.

TIP: The more thought companies put into their cloud initiative, the more they’ll get out of it.

New ADC use cases gain importance

Beyond baseline ADC functions like Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB), TLS/SSL Offload and application acceleration and optimization, new use cases are on the rise. As cloudnative, microservice architectures transform the way applications are developed and delivered, 15% of respondents are using their ADC to control access to containerized applications. With security a perennial and rising concern, 12% of organizations are using their ADC for authentication and CAPTCHA access controls—a feature common in public commercial environments that is now making its way into enterprise planning. And given that digital business runs on DevOps, 10% of respondents are using their ADC to support continuous integration/ continuous delivery (CI/CD).

ADC SATISFACTION SHOWS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

As a critical element of digital business infrastructure, companies have a right to expect exceptional results from their ADC. Most fall short. Only a third (34%) of IT leaders are highly satisfied with their solution. The reason for this disillusionment may include the limitations of older solutions that fail to meet the latest needs, such as observability, analytics, and feedback to DevOps. ADC requirements have changed over the years as companies adopt new technologies to support their business and employees. Meeting today’s standards for an exceptional digital experience calls for a fully modern infrastructure.

NEW INITIATIVES AND NEW REQUIREMENTS FOCUS ON ADC MODERNIZATION

While organizations are pursuing a variety of application initiatives in the coming year, two objectives dominate the agenda: Agility (48%) and Operational Efficiency (47%). Both areas reflect the rising demands of digital markets and a growing need for automation needs. Organizations need to be able to deploy and deliver applications more flexibly and efficiently, avoid bogging down in manual tasks, and gain greater insight to ensure that fast-changing environments maintain performance and availability.

A similar story is told by the new application delivery capabilities needed to ensure successful business objectives - Faster Troubleshooting/ Root Cause Analysis (69%), Automation to Optimize IT Staff and Resources (53%) and Analytics and Application Insights (52%). All three of these top priorities show a drive to improve operations, reduce complexity, and avoid human error in more complex hybrid/multicloud environments. A competitive digital experience depends on both performance and innovation; an ADC must be able to support both.

ROI IS KING

As organizations evaluate their next ADC solution, one consideration stands above all others: ROI (46%). Over time, ROI also depends on the lifetime value of a solution. It’s equally important to avoid getting locked into a deployment model that no longer fits an organization’s needs, and 9% of respondents cited flexible and portable licensing, a relatively new concept.

TIP: Choosing a solution with flexible licensing options, portability, and multiple form factors enable a solution for today, as well as a costeffective future plan to minimize disruption and create digital resiliency.

CONCLUSION

While moving to hybrid/multi-cloud environments can help companies achieve the application performance, business agility, and IT resiliency demanded by today’s digital businesses and markets, many are struggling to realize these benefits.

As revealed in this survey, outdated application delivery infrastructure can make it difficult to address security threats, ensure availability, and deliver the best possible experience for customers and employees. But the survey also points to a path forward, as IT leaders recognize the potential of the latest application delivery capabilities to solve problems more quickly, empower staff for greater effectiveness, and put data to work to improve performance, security, and uptime throughout the infrastructure.

IS FACIAL RECOGNITION ETHICS IMPORTANT? YES, HERE’S WHY.

By Vito Fabbrizio, Managing Director Biometric BU at HID Global

With recent advances in artificial intelligence, facial recognition is emerging as a powerful means of validating identity. People use it all the time to access their mobile phones, but acceptance hasn’t always extended beyond that personal use.

That’s due in part to concerns about potential misuse. Some people see Orwellian undertones in the notion of scores of databases full of facial scans. This points to the importance of facial recognition ethics, including discussions on how to measure and resolve disparities.

WHAT IS FACIAL RECOGNITION?

Biometric technologies are advancing rapidly, which means new modes of authenticating people are becoming more prevalent. Biometric facial recognition technology transforms images into

numerical expressions, and computer algorithms make it possible to compare two images to see if they match.

The appropriate use of facial recognition technology depends on the prevailing culture, ethics, legislation and practices. With facial recognition still relatively untried — with no widely used or accepted regulations governing its use — security leaders will need to ensure they’re using the technology responsibly.

And they need to get moving on this soon. The market for facial recognition technology is expected to top $12.6 billion by 2028, up from $5 billion in 2021.

HOW FACIAL RECOGNITION WORKS

As a form of biometric authentication, facial recognition depends on artificial

intelligence (AI) to identify human faces in images or videos. This approach can yield several key advantages including:

• Proof of presence — know for sure who accessed what and when

• Nothing to carry or remember — ATM cards, PINs and passwords potentially become obsolete

• Reduced human intervention — facial recognition takes the burden off human operators, and steers toward contactless processes in the post-pandemic environment

AI plays a vital role in all of this, driving the high-volume data operations needed to scan and match faces at scale. This in and of itself has raised concern among privacy advocates and others who worry that automated algorithmic approaches to identity could potentially be misused.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL FACIAL RECOGNITION

Bias is an inherent human trait. In fact, bias can be reflected and embedded in everything we create, even technology. In a recent World Economic Forum article, these biases were described as outputs that emanate from societal biases and include race, gender, biological sex, nationality or age.

How do such biases wind up in AI technology? AI algorithms must be trained by humans who use potentially unrepresentative or incomplete data that reflect historical inequalities. This can lead to biased algorithms and in turn, biased decisions that have a collective impact on certain groups of people. The Pew Research Center released data on facial recognition showing that only five percent of Americans “have a great deal of trust that technology companies will use facial recognition responsibly.”

Implementing Ethical Facial Recognition

Taking steps toward more ethical facial recognition technologies means addressing bias in the first place. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends widening the scope of where we look for the source of biases, including going “…beyond the machine learning processes and data used to train AI software to the broader societal factors that influence how technology is developed.”

Other interesting ethical questions can arise at the intersection of facial recognition and business strategy. Researchers ask, for example, “if you use facial recognition to identify people coming into a store, should you use that identity to pull purchasing history? How about a credit report?”

Clearly, a thoughtful approach to facial recognition is needed going forward.

BEST PRACTICES IN ETHICAL FACIAL RECOGNITION

While the industry at large works to address the ethics in AI, organizations can adapt a framework for the ethical use of facial recognition technology. The American Civil Liberties Union submitted An Ethical Framework for Facial Recognition to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration outlining a number of key best practices that include principles around collection, use, sharing and access.

What does this mean for organizations who want to utilize facial recognition technology? It will be critical to outline

and communicate:

INFORMED CONSENT

Those looking to implement a facial recognition solution need to consider “when and how to provide meaningful notice and to obtain their informed consent, especially if those individuals are then identified or profiled against other datasets,” according to the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) TRANSPARENCY

TOOLS

“Transparency has been suggested as one enabler to trust,” according to researchers at the Wilson Center, a nonpartisan policy forum. They point to approaches that allow visibility into the inner workings of technical systems, such as explainable AI, open data and open algorithms. “Other strategies focus on exploring the outputs of an algorithm, including through testing that evaluates risks such as bias.”

PRIVACY / OWNERSHIP OF DATA

It will be important, too, to establish rulers of the road spelling out privacy protections for consumers, and to develop a framework for ownership of facial recognition data. “Basic privacy principles require individuals to be aware of commercial entities that collect data about them with facial recognition systems, that they have the ability to request to know what data has been

maintained on them, and to request access to correct errors or delete information,” according to FPF.

GOVERNANCE

Organizations looking to implement facial recognition will need to establish clear governance. It will be important that they develop purposeful boundaries. They’ll need to determine and document the intended uses of facial recognition data and systems, and will need to have protocols in place that restrict the use of those solutions to only those predefined purposes.

THE FUTURE OF FACIAL RECOGNITION

Facial recognition technology has infinite potential to address real-world needs, including those of consumers and citizens. From retail settings to IT engagements to physical access control, facial recognition biometrics are in use today and will continue reshaping how we view identity. However, addressing ethical AI and the concerns around facial recognition technology will be critical.

While the main problem of facial recognition technology stems from the lack of diversity in datasets, adopting ethical principles can help organizations mitigate risk and alleviate concerns when in use.

FROM INTERNET PHONE BOOK TO TRAFFIC CONTROLLER: THE FUTURE OF DNS

DECENTRALIZED WORKING REQUIRES THOROUGH, SECURE DNS MANAGEMENT

By Mohammed Al-Moneer, Sr. Regional Director, META at InfobloxNetworks

Where is your data stored? Where is the software located? You used to be able to answer these questions by pointing to the cabinet where your server was located. Today it is more difficult. Is it on your own server(s)? In the cloud? Both, everywhere and nowhere? Without Domain Name System (DNS), you have no idea.

In a world in which organizations increasingly work decentralized, it becomes all the more important that you arrive at the right destinations. This makes the system that regulates this, DNS, even more important for the organization. Bad DNS management not only limits productivity, but also brings increasing security risks.

DNS has traditionally been referred to as the telephone directory of the Internet. In daily use, you get online access to information via domain names, such as wikipedia.org. Browsers, on the other hand, communicate via Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses so that browsers can find the correct information.

Every device connected to the internet has a unique IP address that other machines use to communicate with this device. DNS servers save people from having to remember long, complex IP addresses.

THE ROLE OF DNS IS CHANGING

About a decade ago, chances were your applications and data lived in the physical infrastructure of a single data center. Today, all that has changed: Applications and data are typically spread across multiple endpoints thanks to the rise of cloud technologies.

Over time, the tools that control traffic have also changed. Like the rest of your digital infrastructure, DNS is more dynamic than ever today. You are selling DNS short by calling it a telephone book. The DNS servers act as hubs for countless connections between applications, data, and users. The title of 'traffic controller' is therefore not out of place.

SECURITY - THE CHALLENGE IN DNS

Safety is an important responsibility for every air traffic controller. Security has also become a hot topic for DNS. Because DNS is an attractive target for attacks. For example, it is increasingly used as a tool in DDoS attacks, but DNS is also attacked to redirect web traffic to malicious servers.

When everyone works in the office, the role of security is reserved for firewalls and similar measures.

But when employees, applications and data are decentralized, DNS also needs to know which routes an information request can and may take.

In concrete terms, this means that DNS blocks the visit of known malware sites for all users in the network. When a user clicks on a phishing link, DNS blocks access so that no malware is downloaded. In its role as traffic controller, DNS thus ensures that you do not accidentally download malware.

It is important that you as an organization have control over this. Great to let your navigation system determine which route will lead you the fastest to your holiday destination, but is it desirable to give an external party control over the routes within your organization? If possible, Google's traffic controller will always refer you via and/or to Google. The same goes for every major cloud provider. This quickly leads to dependencies, making it less easy to set up a multicloud environment, for example. Therefore, do not bet on one (cloud)horse!

ARE YOU GOING FOR THE TOLL ROAD OR THE B-ROAD?

DNS traffic can easily be compared to the route you take to the campsite in the South of France. You can go to your destination via the toll road, or you can take a B-road. If you take the toll road you are safe and in control, but via the B-road there are more obstacles. Do you want to be sure that you will arrive safely at your destination in this rapidly changing world? Then arrange for an independent traffic controller to guide you through the obstacles of the modern internet.

NETAPP ANNOUNCES NEW LINE OF LOW-COST, CAPACITY FLASH STORAGE FOR THE MODERN DATA CENTER

NetApp reaffirms its leadership position with deep innovation across its storage portfolio, adding mid-market and entry level options to help customers navigate current economic conditions and constrained budgets

NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), a global, cloud-led, data-centric software company, today announced the upcoming availability of the NetApp AFF C-Series, a new family of capacity flash storage options that deliver lower cost all-flash storage, and NetApp AFF A150, a new entry-level storage system in the AFF A-Series family of all-flash systems.

The new NetApp AFF C-Series delivers flash performance, while remaining costeffective and efficient for a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and a smaller storage footprint. This family of capacity flash arrays are also offered with one

of the industry’s most comprehensive software suites, ONTAP One, an all-inone license that includes all available NetApp software. Customers can modernize their data center with the flexibility to choose the right storage (performance flash, capacity flash, or hybrid) for their VMware, database, and file workload requirements, all running on NetApp ONTAP and managed centrally by NetApp BlueXP for a seamless hybrid cloud experience.

NetApp also announced today, NetApp Advance, a new portfolio of storage programs and guarantees to deliver best-

in-class customer ownership experience and cost-effectively future proof onpremises environments.* This gives customers the flexibility and choice to safeguard their storage investment –whether the C-Series, AFF A150 or other newly acquired AFF or FAS systems –with the ability to right-size on-premises environment and transition to storage as a service or cloud storage as their business requires. And with NetApp’s 4:1 Storage Efficiency Guarantee,* NetApp ensures that workload efficiency goals are met, or NetApp will rectify this at no cost to the customer.

“In today’s challenging business environment, companies are dealing with shrinking IT budgets and an emphasis on increased ROI. Businesses also have the pressure to respond to the growing sustainability demands,” said Walid Issa, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering –Middle East & Africa at NetApp.

“NetApp is rapidly responding to the macroeconomic pressures and increased sustainability goals faced by global organizations with the introduction of several new products and services.

We are directly addressing these business challenges and giving our customers a new level of high-capacity, lower-cost on-premises systems, along with new programs, enabling them to future-proof their IT expenditures and get the most value out of their investments.”

The NetApp AFF C-Series, which is comprised of the AFF C250, AFF C400 and AFF C800, offers:

• Guaranteed storage efficiency to improve an organization’s storage footprint and energy costs to reduce TCO

while simplifying operations.*

• Seamless scalability on-premises to allow organizations to scale capacity and performance as their data grows.

• Best-in-class data security with ransomware protection to keep important data secure, available and protected.

The new NetApp AFF A150 is ideal for Mid-size businesses, and Remote Office/ Branch Office (ROBO) and distributed deployments to better meet the needs of customers who require entry-level, enterprise-class storage, while providing:

• Better performance

• More scalability and expansion options

• High availability with support for MetroCluster IP

These additions to NetApp’s product lineup are ideal for entry-level to high-end workloads (including virtual machines, database, and backup consolidation), are feature-rich with ONTAP data management, and are offered at an attractive price point for customers –

creating strong growth opportunities for NetApp partners to reach new markets while qualifying for NetApp Partner Sphere incentives.

“NetApp continues to assert itself as one of the market’s preeminent innovators for hybrid cloud storage,” said Juan Orlandini, Chief Architect and Distinguished Engineer at Insight Enterprises. “As a leading solutions integrator and longtime NetApp partner, we know our joint customers are looking for the industry’s most innovative solutions and services to enable speed, scale and resilience for their business. With these new capacity flash and entry level offerings, we’re opening the door to acquire new customers at scale.”

NetApp Advance is available today. The NetApp AFF C-Series family and NetApp AFF A150 will be available starting in March 2023, and NetApp and Cisco plan to offer these storage options within the industry-leading integrated infrastructure offering, FlexPod, in Q4 FY’23.

A SENSORY COFFEE-TASTING EXPERIENCE ALSHAYA TECHNICAL OPENS FIRST EXCELLENCE CENTRE (ATEC)

Alshaya Technical, part of Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators and the master distributor of Thermoplan coffee machines in the region, recently opened its first Excellence Centre in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis – Phase 5.

The 800sqm flagship centre welcomes customers, partners, and dedicated coffee business professionals on a journey that defines great coffee experiences. The floorplan, lighting, and furnishings are designed to engage customers, giving them freedom of movement and space to explore different machines and their capabilities. The centre also features a workshop, training rooms and a service centre equipped to service coffee machines.

Commenting on the opening, Murray Leslie Vice President of Sales & Business Development for Food & Beverage at

Alshaya Group said, “The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. The Alshaya Technical Excellence Centre (ATEC) is a concept that has been designed to bring our brand vision to life.

ATEC is a place where our technical team, partners and customers can connect with us on a more personal level and take advantage of the expertise and knowledge that our technical team is eager to share.”

Alshaya Technical’s Excellence Centre showcases high-performance bean-tocup professional coffee machines from a number of renowned partners including Thermoplan, Franke, BUNN, Nuova Simonelli that are commercially used in restaurants, cafes, offices, and other establishments where coffee equipment is essential to their operations.

Visitors and customers will also be able to enjoy a sensory coffee-tasting experience as they savor freshly made coffee from the various self-serve coffee machines including Starbucks coffee machines.

ATEC’s aim is to allow partners like Starbucks across the region to fully focus on serving their customers without having to worry about their machines. The specially designed centre provides

hands-on access to popular machines including Thermoplan’s Black&White range.

Regularly trained and certified by international equipment manufacturer partners, Alshaya Technical’s team ensure their customers receive the same exceptional service standard, wherever they operate.

In late 2022, Alshaya Technical was certified as the authorised and designated Master Distributor of the Thermoplan Black&White range of fully automatic coffee machines and equipment across 10 countries in the MENA region. For nearly 20 years, Thermoplan has been Starbucks’ exclusive global supplier of the Mastrena coffee machines, including the ones used in Alshaya’s Starbucks stores.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BORNEO

By Sheren Shabnam

When I think of nature and rainforests, my mind automatically wanders to Borneo. After staying in Malaysia for nine years, I eventually spend a week in Borneo, one of the most unique places on the planet rich-green forests, filled with hundred of species of flora and fauna waiting to be explored.

As the third-largest island in the world, Borneo has some of the world's most wildlife-rich equatorial rainforests, incredible landscapes and beautiful surroundings that is a virtual paradise for travellers who love adventure and nature. Below are some things you can do when you next venture out to Borneo.

EXPLORE THE RAINFORESTS

Borneo has an abundance of equatorial rainforest, and I enjoyed exploring a few by taking a longboat trip into the heart of the forests. Many parts of the Bornean rainforest remain protected by conservation projects so you can still see orangutans swinging through the jungle canopy as well as other jungle animals.

TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE.

Asia id known for sumptuous and delicious cuisine and Borneo is

no different. With so many ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the local people, the food you find is as diverse as they are delicious. I have always loved the seafood served fresh in the Chinese restaurants, smoky satay stalls in Pasar Malams (Malay night markets) and Borneo's own local delicacies that is similar to Malaysia and Indonesia.

MEET THE ANIMALS AND SEA CREATURES.

Borneo is home to the world’s most unique wildlife and is an animal lover’s dream. You can meet the orangutans in the jungle and at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. You can also spot sun bears at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre or if you prefer the animals of the sea, head to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and snorkel among colourful coral reefs, fishes, sea turtles manta rays and more.

ENJOY A RIVER SAFARI

One of the most adventurous things I have done as a travel writer is take a river safari in Borneo during the rainy season. After spending a day with monkeys, pygmy elephants and little furry animals, it started raining heavily and the only way out of the jungle was via the river.

The landscapes along the river are spectacular but the heavy rain meant most of the nature was through a raincoat.

CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU

Mount Kinabalu is the best-known peak in Borneo and while the summit is within reach of most hikers, it is best to go prepared to get to the top if you want to enjoy the best sunsets. If you don’t prefer the hike, another notable highlight for many people visiting the island is staying in various rainforest or jungle lodges for birdwatching trips.

WANDER AROUND KUCHING

Kuching’s colonial-era architecture, historic waterfront and friendly, small-town vibe makes it a charming city that has a delightful maze of street food stalls, traditional shops, museums, temples and galleries.

While ‘Borneo’ usually conjures up images of rainforests and exotic creatures in the minds of many people, it has so much more to offer with beautiful island resorts, sandy beaches, watersports, abundance of fascinating history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes and delicious food.

A HIDDEN GEM TUNISIA

By Sheren Shabnam

I recently went driving around Tunisia in the new Hyundai Venue and visited some of the nicest places around the Tunis city. Naturally those who venture off the beaten path in Tunisia see many more beautiful places, but I am lucky I was able to visit beautiful places like Sidi Bou Said reminiscent of Santorini, drive by the intense desert landscapes and the historic areas full of bustling markets and street food.

Tunisia has rich diverse history and natural beauty that goes beyond the beaches and traditional souk type stores. The city is vibrant and yet has coastal roads that are a pleasure to drive on, mountainous greenery, and sparkling coasts. It truly is a hidden gem that offers one of the coolest travel experiences.

The suburb of the city is overflowing with

natural beauty, architecture, culture, and welcoming locals who took great pleasure in introducing us to the local cuisine. I loved the maze of ancient streets and alleyways, especially as we wandered in the medieval Medina which has many shops and stalls selling crafts, clothes, souvenirs and artisans at work.

The Carthage area in Tunis is a must visit. The UNESCO World Heritage site is steeped in history and the Byrsa Hill ruins are fairly well-preserved. The Bardo Museum houses the world’s most renowned Roman mosaic collection as well as a collection of marble statues located in an opulent Tunis palace. It is full of treasured displays of mosaic art excavated from Tunisia’s ancient sites.

The Islamic Department contains, in addition to famous works such as the

Blue Qur'an of Kairouan, a collection of ceramics from the Maghreb and Anatolia which is fascinating.

For food, I enjoyed the exquisite dinner at le Golf which has the best entertainment and had terraces facing the water. Visitors must try the pastry called Bambaloni and dishes that feature tuna which are special to Tunisia. The Residence Golf Course is another place that is great to spend an afternoon and have some snacks by the water.

For retail therapy, I highly recommend the Zephyr Mall. It was ideal for Ramadan clothes shopping with rich velvet abayas and had outfits for people of all sizes.

Overall, Tunis ticked all the boxes as a tourist destination by offering the best of resorts, shopping, food, cultural

excursions and beautiful architecture. It is definitely a place to visit with family and friends.

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF TOGETHERNESS THIS HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN AT SHANGRI-LA DUBAI

By Shereen Shabnam

This March, Shangri-La Dubai has a host of exciting promotions for residents and visitors, in particular for the Ramadan season. The hotel offers a glimpse of the iconic skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road and has spectacular rooms, from onebedroom suites with spacious living areas to twoor three-bedroom apartments for larger families, equipped with a relaxing living space that suits everyone’s needs.

Each room at the hotel provides guests with the best views of the city from the Burj Khalifa to the Arabian Sea, allowing guests to really view Dubai for what it is, a blend of history and modernity. The hotel has one of the best rooftop pools in the city with the best views of the Burj Khalifa, which is beautifully framed by palm trees creating the ultimate photo opportunity.

During Ramadan, Shangri-La Dubai invites guests to experience the holy month of Ramadan in the relaxed, family-friendly setting of Dunes Café or enjoy Suhoor under the stars at ikandy ultralounge.

At Dunes Café, savour an array of Turkish highlights prepared by guest chefs from Shangrila Bosphorus, Istanbul as the culinary team take you on a gastronomic journey to the Heart of

Bosphorus. Try authentic dishes originated from different regions of Turkey, an exciting assortment of mezzeh, mains and irresistible desserts will be served in Dunes Café’s Iftar buffet. From sunset onwards, guests may enjoy an array of Turkish delicacies with a hint of Arabic favorites including traditional Ramadan beverages, as well as a delectable variety of sweets and desserts for AED 250 per person.

For those who choose to come later in the evening, ikandy ultralounge offers a beautiful setting around the poolside, with spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. Guests can delight in a bespoke suhoor set menu with a selection of delicious bites, traditional beverages and an option to add shisha until 2:00 am.

The hotel also offers some of the finest Asian cuisine with traditional Chinese food at Shang Palace, the signature restaurant of ShangriLa Hotels worldwide and authentic Vietnamese food at Hoi An. Both venues have a welcoming and relaxing dining ambience.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai embraces the principles of

vitality, fitness and beauty as the key to achieving inner balance and well-being. It draws inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being.

Catering to both ladies and gents, CHI, The Spa is the perfect place to unwind with relaxing and rejuvenating treatments to benefit whatever the guest desires.

During Ramadan, it is the perfect place for balancing your inner chi and restoring equilibrium throughout your entire body as guests can indulge in CHI’s ancient healing philosophies and rituals, to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind.

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai is in close proximity to the Dubai Mall which

features the largest indoor aquarium, as well as KidZania, an expansive indoor playground. Just five minutes from the hotel, City Walk is a prime destination for dining, shopping and leisure.

For more information on Shangri-La Dubai’s Iftar and Suhoor offers or to make a reservation, please contact restaurant reservations at +971 4 405 2703 or email fbreservations.

sldb@shangri-la.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TUNIS UNRIVALLED BEACHFRONT HOLIDAY

By Sheren Shabnam

Staying recently at the Four Seasons Hotel Tunis on the Mediterranean shore of Tunis was a heartwarming experience.

Located twenty minutes from the airport in the heart of the vibrant and exotic capital city, it is a short drive from the ancient Roman ruins of Carthage and the traditional village of Sidi Bou Said,

The Four Seasons Hotel Tunis is a modern Mediterranean oasis that offers a calm, laid-back beachfront escape that I enjoyed staying at as my room was a sanctuary of modern luxury and style that opened up to a terrace facing a lush garden and the sea.

The hillside and seaside hotel features contemporary Arabesque architecture and design details that includes mashrabiya latticework screens and is in close proximity to several Unesco World Heritage Sites, the city, Medina and artisan souks.

The palatial hotel buildings that make up the hotel are connected via arched walkways and surrounded by pools, fountains and gardens beneath swaying palms before giving way to a sandy beach edging the Mediterranean beneath a bright blue sky.

The food and beverage options at the hotel were delightful and my favourite was the Azur for breakfast with possibly the friendliest and most engaging staff I have come across during my travels across all continents. For the first time, I left a country knowing so much about their traditional food and different ways to eat it. The CREEK Bistro Chic for evening dining features coastal cuisine from Italy, France and Spain and is great for dinners. Another close favourite is the Salon

Alyssa, the lobby lounge, for a lively social scene, cocktails, mint tea with pine nuts, light snacks and Afternoon Tea.

The outdoor area has the most gorgeous view of the courtyard and the sea and is the ideal setting for casual meetings and light refreshments in a chic and cosy atmosphere.

Four Seasons Hotel Tunis has a Romaninspired Spa, infused by the country’s

historic sites and traditions. It has 11 treatment rooms opening to terraces with sea views plus a hammam, sauna, steam rooms, lap pool and relaxation area. There is also a Fitness Centre and two tennis courts, three pools and access to the beach. The ‘Kids For All Seasons’ activities and Teen Centre is great for family holidays.

The hotel is ideal for business meetings, social events and weddings, crafted with Four Seasons expertise.

We attended a car launch and the set up was perfect. The hotel has a Mediterranean-

view ballroom, seven meeting rooms and a boardroom, plus a large seaside terrace. There is a 24-hour Business Centre, including several workstations and two meeting rooms.

With an unrivalled beachfront experience, Four Seasons Tunis combines luxurious relaxation with smooth efficiency for business - all I want is to get back there again to experience more of the spa at the hotel and write to my heart’s content sitting on the terrace of Salon Alyssa as I enjoy the view of the azure blue sea and drink traditional Tunisian tea with pine nuts while I work.

GOOD FOOD, GREAT MUSIC AND CHEERY VIBES SALTIES CREEK

Salties Creek, located on the fourth floor of the Aloft Dubai Creek is all about showcasing sustainability, accessibility and affordability in a relaxed ambience where guests can listen to music and socialize with their friends and colleagues in a venue with the best views of the Dubai skyline.

Dubai is a vibrant city that adopts the latest trends from around the world and embraces design spaces that add character to a venue. Hence, after birthing two Michelin stars in Milan and Monforte d'Alba, an Italian Architect, Designer and Tourism Entrepreneur has partnered with an English Radio Presenter, an Emirati Entrepreneur, a Fijian Writer and an Egyptian Restaurateur to bring Salties, a new concept restaurant in an ecosustainable urban design.

The menu is inspired by Dubai’s multicultural population who like to savour a diverse range of cuisine. It is the perfect venue to meet with friends and family, share appetizers and the main courses collectively at the table while enjoying music.

The Salties team have sourced beautiful furniture which are recycled or abandoned by other people in the past with its own history. Salties has modified and transformed the furniture through colours, writings, and repairs.

The partners at Salties are advocates of style, comfort, craftsmanship, and practicality. As you enter Salties, a huge mural by Kenyan painter, Castro, depicts groups of lazing bathers which immediately brings you into a state of relaxation which is the foremost goal of this venue.

As an unpretentious venue, Salties makes customers feel good and is perfect for parties, brunches and events.

PORSCHE AND BOSS DRIVE FORWARD WITH BOLD

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION

Building on their storied friendship, BOSS and Porsche are putting forth a new, covetable collection that brings together innovative designs with a distinctive L.A.-tinged appeal.

In January, Colombian singer Maluma was unveiled as one of the faces of the brand’s global campaign and he’ll be further showcased as the lead in the latest Porsche x BOSS collection. The story focuses on the excitement and allure that derive from a distinct hybrid of smart casual wear with an elevated L.A. vibe.

For Spring/Summer 2023, the Porsche x BOSS collaboration features a series of

elevated athleisure and premium casual pieces highlighted by a sleek infusion of seasonal color that includes a bright white and a warm royal blue. Several jersey and nylon styles, comprised of polos, hoodies, and more, contain color-gradient detailing that invokes the notions of speed and adrenaline. Other pieces are embellished with white stripes and piping that draw inspiration from an active warm-weather lifestyle. These include lightweight essentials like jackets, sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers. The overall selection has a sleek, summery vibe that stands out for its understated yet distinctive details that embody the self-determination of a true BOSS.

ACQUA DI PARMA AND ROBERTO’S BRINGING THE SCENT OF ITALY TO YOUR PLATE AN UNFORGETTABLE ITALIAN AFFAIR

The award-winning venue, Roberto’s, has collaborated with the luxury Italian fragrance Maison Acqua di Parma for an unforgettable culinary experience. On the 16th of March, diners can indulge in a special, limited-edition menu inspired by Acqua di Parma’s iconic Colonia fragrance.

Since opening in DIFC, Roberto’s has become one of the rare Dubai-origin dining concepts that has successfully gone international and have become an important DIFC homegrown restaurant. Taking it a step further, Roberto’s collaboration with Acqua di Parma, brings together a harmoniously curated menu offering that incorporates the olfactory notes of Colonia to bring an elevated dining experience to guests.

For one night only, Roberto's will be transformed into an authentic celebration of the Italian lifestyle as Acqua di Parma takes over the venue. With Roberto's being adorned with the iconic elements of the Maison, guests can expect a fully immersive experience that brings together the best of Italian cuisine and fragrance. From the elegantly decorated entrance to the delightful scents of Acqua di Parma's signature perfumes, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a memorable evening that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.

The three-course menu, available for Dhs 500 per person, combines the essence of Acqua di Parma's sophisticated signature fragrance with Roberto's palate-enlightening cuisine. The menu will showcase a delectable spread of dishes starting with the Amouche bouche, Ostrica, Pepe Rosa e Bergamotto, and Risotto Carnaroli al Lemongrass. For the main course, guests can savor the flavors of Ricciola, Salsa allo Zafferano, Barba di Frate, and its accompanying Tartelleta. The meal will conclude with the irresistible Zuppetta di Ciliege e Rabarbaro, Rosa, and Sorbetto di Lamponi for dessert.

Additionally, Roberto's also created an exclusive drink, the Acquolina, to mark the occasion—the perfect complement to the dining experience. Available as mocktails and cocktails, diners can indulge in unique and invigorating flavours reminiscent of Acqua di Parma's Colonia in every sip. Priced at Dhs 55, the drink will be available from 7 pm to 3 am.

Roberto's and Acqua di Parma invite guests to partake in a one-of-a-kind Italian experience, appreciating the finer things in life and the exquisite attention to detail. From 7 pm to 11:30 pm, guests can savour the exceptional cuisine and fragrance that have made both Roberto's and Acqua di Parma iconic.

This unparalleled collaboration is a must-visit for those who wish to experience the essence of the Italian life. After the dinner, continue the celebration at Roberto's Bar Scala for an exciting after-party which promises to be a night to remember.

Book a table today and get ready for an unforgettable opportunity to relish in the finesse of Roberto's and Acqua di Parma.

REFRESHED WITH VIBRANT NEW COLOURS

THE ICONIC NUDO

Nudo continues to stand out as Pomellato’s signature design with its defining trait of colour. This perennial favourite is enriched with three new rings and earrings in novel gemstone combinations.

Since it first appeared, this trailblazing solitaire ring stood out for its distinctive square silhouette and an asymmetrical facetted cut offering a solid block of colour. In the same pioneering spirit, the Nudo was also one of the first rings expressly designed to be stacked, making colourful personalisation easy and spontaneous.

Nudo-mania continues and this season sees three brand new stone doublet combinations. Green, purple and blue are the most popular gemstone colours in the Nudo range and the new doublets

offer variations in these tones to complete the perfect ring stack or to be worn on their own.

The green hues of prasiolite come to life when placed over a slice of malachite and enlivened with a pavé of zesty green tsavorites. Majestic purple amethyst sits on top of mauve jade and paired with an amethyst pavé. The moody tones of London Blue topaz are enhanced when placed above a layer of midnight blue lapis lazuli and set off with the sparkle of a pavé of blue sapphires. The rings are available in Petit and Classic sizes and the earrings in the Classic size.

Doublets are made up of a translucent gemstone seamlessly placed over a hard stone to create new colour effects and a depth of colour impossible to find in a single gemstone. These luscious colours

are enriched with a pavé of gemstones set flush into the rounded shanks of the rings or the hoops of the earrings for a dazzling effect.

Each jewel is made by hand in Casa Pomellato, the firm’s Milan headquarters and ateliers. Pomellato prides itself on the excellence of its craftsmen and women who keep alive the heritage of Milanese goldsmithing. Committed to sustainable production, Pomellato was the first jeweller to switch its production to Responsible Gold and Nudo is now made entirely from this sustainably sourced precious metal.

With an almost limitless combination of colour gemstones, the Nudo continues to enchant with ever-growing rainbow array of hues.

EMBLEMATICALLY COLOURFUL

THE DEFY A3690 RETURNS

Following last year’s return of the very first DEFY wristwatch model from 1969, the A3642, and the A3691 from 1971, ZENITH continues to bring back some of its most emblematically colourful DEFY references with the DEFY Revival A3690.

First launched in 1970, shortly after the introduction of the DEFY wristwatch collection with its rugged “bank vault” case and daring dial design, the A3690 was among the earliest references to incorporate striking colours. Unheard of at the time, ZENITH was among the very first brands to offer coloured dials with a marked gradient effect, from as far as early as the 1960s.

In keeping with the evolving tastes of the time, the 1970s saw the Manufacture go a step further with more punchy colours, including the tropical teal blue of the DEFY A3690, as well as its warmer counterpart, the DEFY A3691 with its deep crimson red dial.

Something of a ZENITH signature, many of the brand’s Boutique Editions across the main collections have featured highlights in blue - including in the dial and movement. As such, the DEFY Revival A3690 is available exclusively at ZENITH physical and online boutiques around the world.

Reproduced in stunningly accurate detail using the historical production plans, the DEFY Revival A3690 brings back all the details and singular design elements that made the first-ever DEFY wristwatch model such an outstanding reference of its era; one which established the codes that continues to inspire the DEFY collection today.

This includes a faceted octagonal case paired with a fourteen-sided bezel, a teal-blue dial with a prominent vignette effect that darkens towards the edges, unusual applied square hour markers feature horizontal grooves, and the now-iconic Gay Frères steel “ladder”

bracelet, which has now been updated with a more modern and ergonomic folding clasp.

In fact, the only cosmetic differences between the Revival and the historical reference are the sapphire crystal, the display case back and the type of luminescent pigments. The waterresistance of 30ATM (300 metres) has also been maintained from the original, even with the addition of a display back.

The other main difference beats away inside. Instead of the original’s solid case back emblazoned with a four-pointed star that became one of the brand’s logos and recurring design element for years, the DEFY Revival A3690 features a sapphire display back showing the automatic Elite 670 manufacture movement, operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) and providing an autonomy of 50 hours.

THE

NEW ORIGINAL PILOT SILVER REVISITS AN ICONIC RIMOWA DESIGN BELOVED BY BUSINESS TRAVELLERS AND ARTISTS ALIKE

As a leader in travel, RIMOWA has long catered to discerning busi- ness professionals. Now, it is delighted to reveal the Original Pilot Silver, which up- dates a signature design with newly enhanced functionalities to ensure the most pre- mium experience. First debuted in 1994, the Original Pilot gained a steady cult following as the product of choice for pilots due to the way it neatly fits between the two pilot seats in a cockpit.

Its ability to open like a classic pilot case to provide easy access to materials inside popularized it further. And, with RIMOWA’s aluminium exterior having been in- spired by the early days of aviation, the Original Pilot case effectively became synonymous with the craft.

The Original Pilot’s shape and functionality, along with its robust shell and roomy interior also made it a staple piece for a multitude of professionals; from DJs who used it as a makeshift case to element-proof their records and equipment to business travellers who found convenience in storing both their files and travel essentials in one place. In the decades that followed, the case became the ideal solution for any travelling professional in search of

a reliable companion to support their ambitions.

Paying respect to RIMOWA’s rich design history, the Original Pilot Silver features a grooved aluminium exterior that echoes the aesthetic of the Original suitcase collec- tion. Supported by the pioneering Multiwheel system, the case features a stage-free telescopic handle and is opened from above to provide easy access to laptops, documents, and professional tools.

Easily maneuverable, the Original Pilot Silver is the per- fect piece for journeys that range from short-haul travel to the daily commute, with two TSAapproved locks to safely secure it.

Inside, an adjustable interior gives its owner the freedom to decide how it best suits their needs. A padded compartment can either hold a laptop up to 16 inches or be removed in order to transform the business case into a versatile toolbox. There are pockets of multiple sizes to keep essentials organised, from two zipped pockets intended to hold batteries and chargers, to a vertical pocket designed for a small water bottle or umbrella.

A sticker set featuring five original

designs are available to accessorize your Original Pilot Silver case. Drawing inspiration from aviation companies from the ‘90s, the vin- tage-style stickers employ bold font and archival colours for a nostalgic feel.

THIS RAMADAN, CREATE A SOFT MAKEUP LOOK WITH ESSENCE

During Ramadan it is respectful to stay away from bright colors. Here are a few products to help you still look presentable without looking to over the top. Use only a few products to make sure the daily fast doesn't make it difficult on looking your best. You no longer have to worry about, animalby-products, or harsh chemicals can that harm or clog your pores. essence products are vegan, paraben and cruelty free.

Let’s look at some products that will give you that soft makeup look with keeping your skin health in check.

Start the routine with HELLO, GOOD STUFF! PORE MINIMIZING Serum has weightless texture absorbs quickly, has a visible pore-refining effect and leaves skin feeling ultra-soft. The serum contains 95 percent natural ingredients and nourishes the skin with 3 percent niacinamide and pomegranate. Simply apply some serum in the morning after cleansing your face and enjoy the care boost!

Apply a primer on your face to create a smooth surface before you apply makeup on. The PORELESS PARTNER PRIMER is an absolute insider tip for a smooth, even- looking complexion. The formula is enriched with niacinamide, has a skin- refining effect and makes pores look smaller. At the same time, the primer has a mattifying, blurry finish.

Many of us will agree that we cannot move outside our homes without our eyebrows are done. The best way to give your face a little lift is drawing in the top of your brows The wow what a brow pen waterproof is an absolute must-have for a brow- mazing look. The fine, water drop-like tip can be used to trace individual brow hairs – ideal for visibly filling in the brows. Thanks to the integrated brush, the brows can also be combed into shape. The waterproof texture ensures a longlasting wow brow look every day. You can also use this pencil, instead of an eyeliner, to draw a light line on the outer corners of the eyes.

Without expressive yet simple eyelashes, your makeup is still missing that flawless touch. LASH LIKE A BOSS INSTANT VOLUME & LENGTH MASCARA WATERPROOF promises to deliver! The waterproof texture stays put, no matter what. Your lashes are sure to stay in tip-top shape, even in rainy or windy weather, during sporting activities or if you occasionally shed a tear or two. The curved, soft fiber brush provides the lashes with instant volume and length.

To give that rosy touch to you soft makeup look use WHAT A TINT! lip & cheek tint not only provides the cheeks with a rosy glow, it also gives the lips a softly tinted shimmer. The waterlike texture doesn't feel sticky and is pleasantly light on the skin. Thanks to the integrated flock applicator, it is also super easy to apply. With its longlasting, kiss-proof formula, the natural look lasts for hours and ensures a fresh-looking complexion.

Take care of yourself by taking plenty of rest this Ramadan!

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Many consumers across the world are looking for the perfect gift for their friends and family. Natasha Dury, Curator of New Technology Trends brings you the latest gadgets to gift loved ones.

HONOR X8A

The latest addition to the reliable HONOR X Series, HONOR X8 is designed on the inside and out, with gorgeous flat-edge design, and striking natureinspired colors that embody the brand philosophy of creating masterpieces with precision craftsmanship.

From the best-in-class aesthetic to smart functionalities, no detail was overlooked. Responding to the evolving needs of consumers, HONOR X8 has been designed to deliver a truly immersive visual entertainment experience, and a reliable and trustworthy smartphone for users to enjoy.

HONOR X8a represents a massive leap in smartphone designs with sharp, clean lines, slim and lightweight body, and three sophisticated and eye-catchy colors. For a premium look and feel, HONOR X8a features a flat-edge design with smooth squared-off corners, and shimmering coating on the back panel gives the smartphone a bold design that stands out from the rest.

HONOR X8a delivers an exceptional photography experience, thanks to its cutting-edge camera system with 100MP triple camera system in the rear, the highest megapixel counts ever achieved on the X Series, bringing an unparalleled experience to genuinely capture the tinniest details with stunning clarity. Featuring a 16MP Front Camera, it is also capable of vividly rendering the subject’s facial features with facial recognition capabilities.

When shooting videos with Dual-View Mode, users can simultaneously capture multiple perspectives using the front camera and the rear camera, or the rear main camera and the rear wide camera, at the same time. Users can also show both perspectives in a picture-inpicture configuration. Perfect for users to record and share with their loved ones the memorable moments in life, Dual-View Mode offers a great convenience for users to produce engaging video content.

SONY WH-CH720N OVER-EAR & WH-CH520 ON-EAR WIRELESS HEADPHONESMODELS

Sony reveals two new headphones, the WH-CH720N and the WH-CH520 giving music lovers the option of on-ear or over-ear wireless headphones packed with Sony’s critically acclaimed audio technology.

The over-ear WH-CH720N wireless headphones incorporate Dual Noise Sensor technology and Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 chip to provide noise cancelling. In addition, a lightweight design and up to 35 hours of battery life let you enjoy music for longer without background interruptions.

The on-ear WH-CH520 wireless headphones provide up to 50 hours battery life with all day comfort and enhanced call performance to meet the demands of your day. Plus choose from four colours –black, blue, white and beige – to match your style.

Both models also feature Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) to produce high-quality sound exactly as the artist intended as well as Multipoint connection for easy connectivity between devices.

Whether you’re flying long-haul or relaxing in a café, the over-ear WH-CH720N headphones deliver Sony’s advanced noise cancelling performance thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 chip and Dual Noise Sensor technology, so you can enjoy more music and less background noise.

The WH-CH520 have also been carefully designed with everyday use in mind. You can stay powered up for days with up to 50 hours of battery life. So you can listen to your favourite music without worrying about running out of charge. Plus the on-ear headphones feature an adjustable headband with padding, soft earpads and lightweight design so you can find the perfect fit and stay comfortable for longer. Since the connection is easy with Swift Pair and Fast pair, these headphones are ideal for everyday use.

HUAWEI Mate50 Pro — a premium flagship smartphone brimming with a stunning new design and a host of innovative technologies, such as SuperStorage Compression feature that will help you store more things on the phone.

HUAWEI MATE50 PRO

LIVING LIFE ENTRENCHED IN ART

CATHY DENISET

By Shereen Shabnam

The home of Dubai based French artist, Cathy Deniset has given me some of my best memories because of the long tea sessions, sitting in a garden with paintings and art sessions and talking to two of my favourite ladies, the artist herself and my French colleague and friend, Catherine Gilbert who writes about all things beautiful ranging from art deco, design and galleries.

Cathy started painting years ago and is a professional when it comes to speed painting, portraits and objects most desired in the region like cars and abstract art. She breathes life into her portraits, which are make great memory pieces and

her sketches of beautiful super cars add colour to any space.

My Porsche Cayenne Turbo was painted beautifully by Cathy for my house and her talent and love for art is evident in her paintings and reflects the high level of insights she gained from her art classes in France. She has exhibited her art in wellknown local venues like the Dubai Ladies Club, Opera Gallery, the Autodrome, the Courtyard and the Yas Island Abu Dhabi and at car shows where she has enthralled audiences with her work.

Cathy became an artist inspired by her mum who was great at drawing. Her

grandfather was a painter and Cathy was drawn to the art from a young age. Learning under the tutelage of renowned artist Christoff Debuschere, Cathy honed her craft in Paris, before arriving in Dubai to hone her craft further with inspirations from the Arab world, influenced greatly by the life, the natural surroundings and the leaders of the nation.

Performing while creating art came naturally to Cathy. Being a former professional dancer and model, she combines her years of experience with art into a form of entertainment, Speed Painting. She has done projects in speed painting successfully in UAE and

Qatar and hopes to reach out to other neighboring nations.

Taking art a step further, Cathy creates some of the finest artworks, specifically tailored to an event, right in front of the eyes of guests. Due to her experience and depth of training, she is able to help you realise any figurative or genre required to fit into the theme of the event.

When she is not performing or delivering commissioned work, Cathy likes to paint things she likes for instance cats, cars and afternoons are her favourite time to create new styles and innovate. She has two sons so she enjoys spending time with them drawing ideas about things their generation are passionate about.

Cathy also enjoys painting based on her own way of life and being given the freedom to play with emotions and colours, to present abstract realisations that capture the essence of the subjects that are her model or in her thoughts. She that painting natural elements give her a lot of joy as the sea, the trees, the dessert are all subjects that also give her calmness and keeps her grounded.

Expanding her talent further, Cathy has also done a portrait exhibition, another genre she excels at. Looking at her paintings of influential figures in the UAE, one can see she is breaking ground in bringing something more interesting to the walls of homes, hotels, corporate environments and galleries. She has also done abstract paintings in acrylic, which also are great pieces for home and the corporate environment.

The entire GCC is getting into the world of art and Cathy’s style of artworks, speed painting events, portraits and her new creative innovations add a new dynamic to the industry which we thoroughly love and welcome.

For artist information, visit www.cathydeniset.com

INSPIRED BY NATURE - NEW FOR SPRING AT WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME

Spring has arrived and it’s time to enjoy the perfect outdoor weather across the region with Williams Sonoma Home. For cooler nights, layer warmth and texture into every space with hundreds of new arrivals for a calm and neutral approach to design. From the rhythmic patterns of wood to woven textures and reflective surfaces, the latest collection is inspired by nature.

The Larnaca outdoor collection has a sleek modern aesthetic available in light wood, white, charcoal grey and weave, with customizable cushions to suit all home interiors; the perfect addition to your garden setting whilst family feasting or savouring the sunshine.

For the perfect morning, gather around the Tribeca coffee table at sunrise and enjoy the first moments of the day. Its versatile metal and glass shelf design leave space for displaying art or storing books for quiet reading. As a cool spring breeze flows through the room from an open window, you can sink into the Sofia swivel armchair with thick plush cushioning to appreciate mindful moments.

For dinner gatherings, seat loved ones and friends in both style and comfort. The Stratton dining side chair comes in multiple colours enhancing your table setting with its classic wovenstrap leather weaves and contemporary finish.

Enjoy a free consultation for your home with Williams-Sonoma design services, where a designated specialist will provide tips and ideas on furnishing and decorating your home. For more information on how to enhance your space this Spring, head to @Williamssonomamena on social media or visit their branch at The Dubai Mall - 1st Floor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS EVO R4XT

Evo R4XT is the perfect example of how, starting from a shipyard’s historic model and modifying it, one can create a walkaround that is unique in the world, even capable of offering its guests a new interpretation of how to experience the sea.

Created as a reinterpretation of the successful Evo R4, the first Evo Yachts’ iconic model from which it takes the clean, racy lines, the new addition in the R line is characterised by innovative technological solutions exclusively designed by designer Valerio Rivellini and made to measure by Besenzoni.

A sporty and gritty 13-metre, Evo R4XT is, like all the brand's models, highly customisable in both layout and décor.

The heart of this revolution is the beach area, the heart of outdoor life, where a fully customised multifunctional stern platform offers new scenarios and possibilities for exploiting the boat, to which it gives - when extended - an additional metre in length.

This tender lift transformer - never seen before on a 40’ boat - was developed by Besenzoni exclusively for the shipyard,

based on a design by Valerio Rivellini. Its excellent mechanical characteristics and movements allow the platform to dip fully underwater, by about 80 centimetres, facilitating entry and ascent from the sea from any point on the stern.

It also extends completely to allow descent, even on high piers, in total safety and comfort. Its exceptional width allows it to be used as a ladder for disembarking even if a tender or jet ski are on the platform, without having to remove them.

Right at the centre of the beach area there is the large island sunbed, followed by a multifunctional 'sliding' dining table, which in few seconds can change from a table into a bar counter. The beach area and cockpit are in fact designed so that they can be easily transformed to meet the different needs of guests according to the time of day: from a wide sun lounge to a dining area.

The original driver's seat also bears Besenzoni's signature. Below deck, the interiors, precious yet functional, welcome guests with comfortable and surprisingly spacious spaces, also characterised by the transformability typical of Evo Yachts models, with the bow area that in just a few seconds goes from being a large dinette to a cosy sleeping area, adding an additional double bed to the one in the separate cabin. The interiors can be customised in layout, design and accessories at the owner's request.

The wide range of choices presented to owners, together with the ability of the team of designers and planners to satisfy their every request, reflects Blu Emme Yachts' will to be recognized in the industry for its production of semi-custom models, rather than a mass production.

Two Volvo Penta IPS 650 engines with 535 HP each push the vessel to a top speed of 34 knots and a range of aprox 300 nautical miles.

ISTANBUL AND ITS UNIQUE WONDERS

TURKISH AIRLINES INVITES PASSENGERS TO DISCOVER UNIQUE WONDERS OF ISTANBUL WITH STOPOVER ACCOMMODATION SERVICE.

As the airline that flies to more countries than any other, Turkish Airlines offers the opportunity of discovering world’s connection center Istanbul and its unique wonders with stopover service for its passengers with lengthy transfer times.

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 372 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 334 worldwide destinations. Starting on 2017, stopover service drew great interest of passengers who were using Istanbul as their transfer center but the service was put on pause due to pandemic.

With the effects of pandemic are lessening, flag carrier is starting to continue this service as of 2022 in order to elevate passenger experience to a new level.

In order for passengers with long connection times to spend quality time in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines will provide 1-night stay in a 4-Star hotel for Economy Class and 2 nights stay in a 5-Star hotel for Business Class with the hotel voucher that is issued after the ticket purchase. In addition, passengers will also have the option of staying at contracted hotels with prices starting at 49 USD.

A POWERFUL SPORTS SEDAN

THE ALL-NEW MG GT

By Shereen Shabnam

Inspired by the classic 1962 two-door MGB GT sports car, the all-new MG GT is a coupe-like fast back sedan to join MG’s growing line-up of cost-efficient and highvalue-for-money cars. We drove a bright yellow all-new MG GT with fresh, dynamic looks and a fighter jet inspired cabin that delivered its promise of a thrilling drive experience.

Embracing MG’s latest design ethos, the all-new MG GT reflects the British-born brand’s commitment to diversify its lineup by unveiling a sporty new model. The all-new MG GT offers car buyers a fresh new alternative in the sedan sector, with its aggressive sporty looks and 1.5L and 1.5T powertrains for optimum power and performance.

The drive experience is great for young adults who strive to own a powerful sedan that meets their aspirations and want to feed their rebelliousness and daring mindset.

A large ‘Digital Flaming Grille’ is separated from the narrow, LED headlights, enhancing the powerful and dynamic presence of the car.

Complementing the strong downwardpressing bonnet, at the rear the allnew MG GT features a slightly upturned ducktail, which reinforces the sporty look. An end-to-end chrome line along with the wide shoulder of the car, and optional tomahawk alloy wheels add to the premium look and feel.

The dynamic look and feel is reflected in the interior, available in contrasting red or black. The seats’ structure adopts a design layout that considers and takes into account the principles of ergonomics, providing optimal comfort for the driver and better support for the body.

A large 10” touch screen is fitted as standard, with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enabling the drivers to seamlessly use their smartphones with the car. Offering great value, the all-new MG GT is well-equipped with a wide range of technologies that reflect MG’s forwardthinking approach.

The MG GT also comes with a body electronic stability control system, and a PDC rear reversing radar, as well as MG Pilot intelligent driving assistance system, a 360° view monitoring system, cruise control and forward collision warning among other features.

The all-new 1.5T MG GT is equipped with a highly-efficient four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a DCT gearbox, which delivers maximum horsepower of 173 PS and 250N.m maximum torque to accelerate the car from 0-100 km/h in 8 seconds. The 1.5L model is equipped with a fourth-generation, fuel efficient, 118 PS 1.5L engine and an iCVT gearbox. Both models are equipped with an XDS curve dynamic control system, which adds to the driving experience.

The dynamic performance is further assisted by the sports chassis, which is of aerospace-grade aluminum and has a compact structure, resulting in high driving comfort and stronger handling stability.

Overall, the all-new MG GT exceeded all our drive expectations and is a beautifully designed, well-equipped car that is perfect for young buyers who are looking for a cost-efficient, sporty car that delivers strong performance and provides them with an exciting driving experience.

HYUNDAI VENUE READY FOR ADVENTURE

By Shereen Shabnam

We recently ventured out to Tunisia with Hyundai Middle East & Africa for much the awaited launch of the new Hyundai Venue, which redefines the crossover segment customer experiences through design, performance, space, comfort, and advanced technologies. The smallest member of its SUV family, the new Venue in the crossover segment is influenced by the global design philosophy of 'Sensuous Sportiness'.

Driving across in city of Tunis, we found the new Venue has truly expanded capabilities with a strong foundation for its success by encapsulating bold and futuristic design elements, spacious interiors, comfort and safety. It has a distinctive and attractive design identity based around vibrant design, exceptional comfort and convenience, next level technology and connectivity, uncompromised safety, and exciting performance.

On the outside, the dark chrome front grille comes with a unique design highlighting the new Venue’s powerful and imposing look, while the body-colored bumpers and front skid plate design enhances the sporty quotient of the SUV.

The prominent hood lines express a bold character and at the same time a dynamic appearance, meanwhile the innovatively designed LED projector Headlamps with LED DRL and Positioning Lamps retain the distinctive charm of the new Venue.

The bridge-type Roof Rails add more sportiness while the dual tone finish adds more flare with chrome finish outside door handles and diamond cut alloys wheels. The rear has connecting LED Tail Lamps while the new Rear Bumper and Rear Skid Plate design enhance its sporty characteristics,

personifying a bold and wide look. The Shark Fin Antenna integrated with a distinctly SUV silhouette, rounds up a bold and sporty appearance at the back.

Inside the cabin, premium upholstery, innovative and advanced technologies provide a comfortable spacious in-car experience. the new Venue will feature Power Drive Seat with 4 Way seat adjustment and 2-Step Rear Reclining Seat that offers customers a choice of their preferred seating posture with rear seating having increased leg room.

The high-definition 8˝ display features a touchscreen user interface with menus that are easy to navigate and supports Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and MirrorLink, as well as Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation.

For safety, the ultra-rigid monocoque steel body shell is designed to safely absorb impact forces and the rear camera display system and Tire pressure warning system provide additional reassurance.

The new Venue checks all the boxes in the performance and safety as the 1.0L Kappa T-GDI combines turbocharging and gasoline direct fuel injection technology for outstanding fuel efficiency. The H-Matic, Hyundai’s tried and true 7-speed automatic gearbox delivers silk-smooth gear shifts with outstanding efficiency.

The new Venue has also been equipped with Drive Mode Select for a versatile driving performance, with a choice of Normal, Sport, or Eco delivering a more engaging driving experience. It was the perfect car to explore Tunis and it will do just as well in any city globally.

DYNAMIC AND SWIFT SKODA SCALA

By Shereen Shabnam

Driving the Scala in previous years has been a pleasure but my second drive in the new Scala was pure delight as the model is always generous with space, offers exceptional levels of comfort and has an easy-to-use infotainment system.

We used the new versatile Skoda Scala for a week both for fun city errands and as a family car. With one of the highest rating for fuel efficiency, the Skoda Scala is truly an economical and fun car to have for daily use.

EXTERIOR

Modern and sporty, the new Skoda Scala has a Red Dot design accolade and has a distinctive style. It has features strong

sculptural shapes on the outside that interplays with light and shadow.

We loved the newly styled door mirrors, the chrome grill frame and window edges as well as the aero-style wheels in black and silver. The wide range of 16-to 18-inch alloy wheels is complemented by innovative Aero designs optimized to achieve minimum drag.

The boot has good storage space with an adjustable false boot floor, doublesided boot liner and Boot nets and hence makes it a practical car.

INTERIOR

The spacious interior has taken its cue from the dynamic exterior design

and is more contemporary classic in terms of looks and the feel reveals use of soft materials. It has a large Virtual Cockpit and comes with solutions that makes your life easier while on the road such as the ŠKODA Sound System and wireless charging.

Features include a built-in SIM card and a wireless connection between your smartphone and the car via SmartLink.

It also offers ample space in the front and is just as comfortable for passengers in the rear. There are holders for 1.5-litre bottles in the front doors, waste bin in the door trim as well as storage in every door.

SAFETY

At par with premium cars. the safety features in the new Scala is impressive. It comes complete with a host of advanced driver assist systems, up to 9 airbags, and a maximum 5-star rating underlines top safety level for cautious drivers.

PERFOMANCE

The new Scala has a 1.6-cc engine and comes with features that include Central Locking, Active Steeringa and ABS (Anti-lock Brake System). It is built on a state-of-the-art MQB platform, featuring advanced design, the latest powertrains and advanced driverassistance systems usually found in larger models. Fuel economy is always a strength with all Skoda models and the Scala is no different. It is a sensible choice for the more environment conscious buyers.

VERDICT

An ideal car for young adults and small families. The new Skoda Scala is attractive both inside and outside. The silhouette is better than most hatchback models and in terms of being practical, it ticks all the boxes for safety, fuel efficiency and as a practical city car.

IT’S CAMPING SEASON

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO CHECK YOUR SUV HAS BEFORE VENTURING OUT

As we begin the slow transition into summer, there’s no better time than now to pile family and friends into an SUV for a camping trip to create lasting memories and connect with nature. Here, experts from the Ford Middle East’s engineering team have shared five things you need to look out for before setting out.

SPACIOUS INTERIOR

Whether you’re carrying many passengers, cargo, or both, ample room is a must for any camping trip. Seating for up to eight passengers and the flexibility of folding down the second and third rows for added cargo space is useful, ensuring plenty of room for camping gear and supplies – tents, barbecue grills, drinks coolers, sleeping bags, and much more. To keep driver and passengers refreshed on the road, a large center console fridge comes in quite handy, with room for plenty of beverages and water.

ROBUST OFF-ROADING

Off-roading credentials are an important thing to consider if you’ll be taking your adventure on to the beaten track. A high-output engine delivering plenty of

horsepower and torque is mandatory for tackling tough dunes, while features such as Trail Turn Assist allow tight pivots on low-friction surfaces such as these, so you can reach even the remotest sites to set up camp.

Other useful features include Standard Trail Control, which operates like a lowspeed cruise control and allows you to focus on obstacles in the terrain, while a wider wheel track helps provide more stability. It’s also important to be able to easily deflate tires before navigating softer sands.

FUEL ECONOMY

SUVs with a smaller engine displacement, standard 10-speed Automatic Transmission, and Auto-Start Stop, can offer improved acceleration and reduced fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, features such as Port Fuel Direct Injection improve power output and efficiency at lower emissions – long road trips need to be as expensive to fuel as you think.

Advanced User Experience Technology

A large touchscreen that’s easy to command the vehicle is great for road trips, as is seamless smartphone integration and a booming sound system – these things ensure a driver has an easy ride, while passengers can stay entertained and comfortable throughout.

Safety Features

In 2023, SUVs offer more standard and available safety features than ever before. These include Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Centering Assist – all of which not only make the driving experience smooth but also contribute to lowering the chances of an accident.

Safety features are now specialized for off-road routes too, such as front-view and object-detection cameras scanning for obstacles.

Ultimately, a camping trip needs to offer everyone taking part an escape – and the vehicle that gets you there needs to deliver capability, comfort, and peace of mind.

THE FIRST EVER WORLD PADEL LEAGUE TO BE HELD IN DUBAI

The world’s top-ranked padel players will convene with biggest entertainers in world to present the ‘Greatest show on court’ with the inaugural World Padel League to be held in association with Dubai Sports Council at Coca-Cola Arena from 8th to 11th June 2023.

The World Padel League will feature 4 teams, 24 of world’s biggest players and 4 concerts with internationally renowned artists. The 4-day sportainment experience comes to Dubai by the same team that recently concluded the World Tennis League, which proved a huge success.

Rajesh Banga, Chairman of World Padel League says,” Our goal is to innovate and marry World class sport with

entertainment to give fans unique and immersive experience. After success of the World Tennis League (WTL) and with the incredible growth we see in padel specifically regionally, we are excited to live up to promise for another blockbuster event”.

H.E Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council added, “The World Padel League will increase popularity of sport more locally and globally with local and International players showcasing their talent, highlighting tournament rules and standards and cementing the commitment we made to grow and develop the sports by fostering interest in residents and visitors to pursue active sports. We believe the WPL will attract more talent to our shores."

Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of CocaCola Arena added, “We are thrilled to host another exciting sport and entertainment event at Coca-Cola Arena and look forward to our partnership with Rajesh and team.

I believe Padel can be both a participation and spectator sport and we see rapid growth in region over the past two years. With the success of WTL it’s clear that combination of sports and live music makes for the perfect match”.

The World Padel League will bring together best global talent to centre court surrounded by an incredible line-up of sports stars and music artists. Stay tuned for more information as teams, players and global artists are revealed.

WORLD OF FOOD COMES TO FIVE MALLS IN DUBAI AND NORTHERN EMIRATES

Wide variety of events curated with a variety of food concepts, live entertainment, Dine and Win treats, cooking competitions and Dance competitions with attractive prizes

The shopping mall and management division of Lulu Group International, Line Investments & Property (LIP) is collaborating with Lulu Hypermarket for the World of Food event.

The World of Food activations will take place at RAK Mall, Lulu Mall Fujairah, Mall of Umm Al Quwain and Silicon Central and will feature a variety of food concepts, live entertainment, Dine and Win treats, cooking competitions and Dance competitions with attractive prizes across five malls in Dubai and Northern Emirates from 23rd February to 19th March 2023.

For the ‘Food Passport’ activation, inspired by Dubai Expo Passport collection of country stamps, diners can collect different food stamps from each F&B outlets every time they dine and can get a chance to win AED 10,000/- Gift Cards in all five malls.

In Silicon Central, diners can can use the passport in outlets such as Jollibee, Chili Ways, Pappa Roti, Asli Beirut,

Bhukkad Cafe, Khau Galli, McDonalds, Pizza Sabbioni, Chicking , IL Forno, Lulu Hypermarket hot food section and more.

Dine and win at RAK Mall, Lulu Mall Fujairah, Mall of Umm Al Quwain and stand a chance to enter a raffle draw plus Kids Eat Free in certain F&B outlets by getting a free kids’ meal while parents have a minimum spend.

Shoppers in Silicon Central can get at least 5 stamps in the passport and register for the raffle draw using an e-coupon.

The cooking competition mega final will be held on the 4th to 5th of March at the main atrium, Silicon Central. Preliminaries are done at selected Lulu Hypermarkets in other Emirates in four categories.

On February 25, the Jr. Chef and Cake competition will be held at 5:00pm onwards while the Biryani and BBQ will be held on February 26th from 5.00 pm onwards in the different malls.

The Food Street from the 23rd of February to March 8th will see food lovers try exotic dishes from a variety of food counters serving cuisines and street food from around the world at Lulu Hypermarkets and other F&B outlets from 5pm to 10pm.

In the cross promotion with Lulu Hyper Market & Department Store, customers can purchase AED 200/- and be eligible to get F&B Tenant vouchers with minimum of 10% discount or more”.

Silicon central will also have four weekends of live performances to add to the vibe of the overall activation from Friday to Sunday. And a Dance Competition in partnership with Hand by Hand Institute, a dance studio company that will have a dance Competition amongst their students and this will be held at Silicon Central Main Atrium on 25 Feb from 4pm to 10pm.

The festivities and ambience of the various events will offer shoppers a fun day out and enjoy authentic food from all around the world.

CAPTION – Silicon Central World Food Campaign opens in the presence of Ms Bobbie Carella, Chair of Philippine Business Council, Dubai and Mr. Omar Taher, Head of Sales and Business Accounts Management, Dubai Silicon Oasis. This will be until 19 March 2023

WOMEN'S WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCES 2023 CATEGORY WINNERS AND SUPREME CAR OF THE YEAR

The Women's World Car of the Year jury is pleased to announce the winners in each of this year’s six categories. These vehicles represent excellence in their segments based on safety, driving, comfort, technology, design, efficiency, impact on the environment and value for money.

This is the thirteenth edition of the awards presented by WWCOTY, a team of 63 women motoring journalists from 45 countries on five continents. It is the only all-female jury in the automotive industry.

The jurors' work has been marked by an industry evolution towards more efficient and sustainable models. The challenge faced by the jurors this year was even greater than in previous years due to the excellent quality of all the candidates. No vote was given at random. They have all been subject to demanding driving tests, detailed analysis and careful comparative assessments.

The result is six unbeatable models, six cars that represent excellence in their category, automobiles that deserve one

of the Women's World Car of the Year awards.

As in previous years, the voting process has been verified by auditors Grant Thornton, who have been involved in scrutinising the votes since the establishment of the Women's World Car of the Year.

In the UAE, WWCOTY Motoring Jury, Shereen Shabnam presented the awards to the six winning brands in a ceremony at The Deck Restaurant on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

2023 CATEGORY WINNERS

URBAN MODEL - KIA NIRO.

It's spacious, practical, safe, easy to drive, with several eco-friendly powertrains available (HEV, PHEV and BEV) and very low fuel consumption.

FAMILY SUV - JEEP AVENGER.

Jeep's first 100% electric vehicle has a very successful design and excellent offroad capability despite being front-wheel drive.

LARGE CAR - CITROËN C5 X.

It offers exceptional comfort, very good roominess and a very attractive design. Available with petrol and plug-in hybrid engines.

LARGE SUV - NISSAN X-TRAIL.

This is a large SUV with plenty of interior space and the option of seven seats. It is efficient in difficult terrain and is offered with Nissan's e-power technology, a a hybrid solution in which the electric motor is the only engine that works as a propulsion system thanks to the energy provided by a petrol engine to the battery.

PERFORMANCE CAR - AUDI RS

3.

A very sporty model that incorporates all the technology that Audi has developed in circuit racing.

4X4 - FORD RANGER.

This is a reliable, stylish and charismatic pick-up. It moves with ease over any terrain. It's as efficient as an off-roader, but more practical thanks to its cargo box.

RAK MALL WELCOMES TWO NEW STORES

NEW OUTLETS INCLUDE BATH & BODY WORKS AND BLOOMED OUT FOR SELF-INDULGENCE AND FOR GIFTS FOR LOVED ONES

The shopping mall and management division Lulu Group International, Line Investments & Property reveals two new stores at popular retail destination, RAK Mall to start the new year with new retail offerings that complement the mall’s existing shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences.

The new store openings offer visitors more options of diverse brands for ease and convenience, together with attractive deals and offers. Bath & Body Works will offer customers giveaways and a voucher for a free lotion on spending AED200/-.

In addition, another new outlet, Bloomed Out, located on the 1st level of RAK mall, offers visitors fresh flowers and gifts just in time for Valentines Day. The outlet offers flowers in different species and colors and offered in a bouquet, basket in a vase.

Both outlets offer useful and meaningful products for self-use and for gifting. RAK MALL places great emphasis on health and safety measures since the pandemic, ensuring the public areas remain a safe place to shop and dine in.

CONFERENCE

The Financial Restructuring MENA Conference, hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) brought together large corporates, family offices, MENA’s largest banks by assets and key stakeholders to address corporate insolvencies and debt restructurings in the wider MENA region at the ADGM Authorities Building in Abu Dhabi.

The conference highlighted successful restructuring solutions for large corporates and family businesses in the current market conditions while fostering effective management of non-performing asset (NPA) portfolios of MENA’s banks.

Discussions on the second day will focus on driving business turnarounds in volatile markets, the challenges and opportunities in MENA’s real estate sector and an onstage analysis of the ongoing billion-dollar plus financial restructuring of Azmeel Contracting Co.

CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING SUCCESS STORIES, OPTIMAL STRATEGIES, AND SOLUTIONS HIGHLIGHTED AT THE FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING MENA

MINDFULNESS AND WHY IT HELPS US DO THINGS BETTER.

By Shereen Shabnam

Recently I have been reading a lot on mindfulness. Being mindful is very similar to being conscious of what we do and being fully aware of it. Being conscious goes beyond walking around with our eyes open or being mindful of what we do each day.

Most of the time we are on automatic pilot and do our day-to-day activities quite unconsciously and robotically as our actions have proved to produce the same results in the past. However, if you become aware of how you utilize your consciousness, it reveals how and why you experience whatever happens in your life.

By being mindful, you can ingeniously create your reality consciously, intentionally, and purposefully. It is a brilliant way to awaken and enhance your

awareness in a way that harmonizes with what you really want and helps you reclaim your power to do what you desire. With that inner power of being aware, you can enhance and expand your awareness regarding life and determine how each aspect of your life unfolds. It makes you aware of your individual creative ability to be successful and do whatever you choose for yourself.

It is hence beneficial to explore and develop an understanding of the power of mindfulness and how your consciousness plays such a major role in events that shape your individual life as well as determines how things around you respond to your doing things mindfully.

To fully understand how your mind relates to the physical, financial,

relational, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life, it is necessary to think and use your consciousness to be purposeful, intentional, and conscious about moments and experiences in your life in all its essence.

As someone who does a lot of multitasking in my daily life, I now consciously choose what I want to explore, discover and choose to experience.

The first step is to purposefully and consistently remind myself that I have a choice in experiencing the kind and quality of life I want for myself. This enables me to fully appreciate life, things around me, events and circumstances I encounter and enjoy the experiences in life I choose mindfully.