Executive Life Dec 2015 Jan 2016

December 2015 - January 2016

DESTINATION DUBAI The Travel Issue

A look at the emirate’s plans for travel and hospitality in 2016 and beyond. Will this be Dubai’s biggest year for tourism yet?

Private Aviation: Why individual jet ownership is on the rise in the Middle East, and tips on how to buy your own PLUS exploring Ireland, the best spas around the world & the top cars from the Dubai International Motor Show

H

EDITOR’S NOTE

aving been based in Dubai for nearly a decade, I have definitely witnessed my fair share of changes in the city. My very first trip from the airport involved my driver showing me this “exciting” upcoming project called Burj Dubai – now known as Burj Khalifa, of course – and you couldn’t really see much of it on Sheikh Zayed Road then. Construction had barely started. Now, who can picture the emirate without that impressive landmark?

Meanwhile, my first apartment was in a ’new’ neighbourhood, with a balcony that offered views of Mall of the Emirates. If I was to visit that very same apartment today, all I would be able to see is the residential building opposite, and a couple of pillars that support the Dubai Metro line. Oh, and Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina were pretty much non-existent, while friends were not keen on investing in a property in Jumeirah Lake Towers as it was “too far out”. Suffice to say, they’re properly kicking themselves now.

So with all of its impressive landmarks and facilities, lifestyle/ entertainment options for residents and tourists, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Dubai is ready to slow down a little. But in reality, it seems that we have barely scratched the surface of what the emirate has in store.

In this latest edition of EL, we take a look at Dubai’s ambitious plans for 2016 and beyond in the run-up to Expo 2020. From international theme parks to hotel expansions, new district openings to a major canal project, the emirate is definitely going to look a little different in the next few years. Our special starts from page 14, and later on in this issue, we also take a look at Dubai Silicon Oasis, predicted to be the next big neighbourhood in the city (page 38). So better get investing quickly.

In other news, this is the final edition of the year! Many of you will be planning your holidays right now, so we’ve got everything you need for that all-important trip; from this season’s fashion to fancy footwear, as well as the very latest in travel luggage. And don’t miss our interviews with some of the region’s well-known personalities in travel and hospitality.

Until 2016, here’s to a happy festive season and new year.

Enjoy the Executive Life...

Rachel McArthur

THE TRAVEL ISSUE December 2015-January 2016 Chief Executive Sandeep Sehgal Vice President Ravi Raman

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Rachel McArthur rachel@digitalinkdubai.com Contributors Paras Dhamecha Ahmed El Sayed Matt Freeborn Annah Jacob Miranda Smith Max Tuttle Guest Columnist Bruce Ryde, InterContinental Hotels Group

ART Art Director Steven Castelluccia Senior Designer Nadia Mendez Designer Jack Strand

MARKETING AND SALES Assistant General Manager Poonam Chawla Advertising Manager Neema Sajnani Assistant Sales Manager Dima Mousselli Marketing Executive Prithvi Chauhan Circulation Manager Rochelle Almeida Circulation Executive Rex Emmanuel

EL is a special supplement for Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East subscribers. Not to be sold separately.

UMS International FZ LLC P.O Box 503048, Building no 10, Office 346, Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 432 9467 Fax: +971 4 432 9534 Printed at Emirates Printing Press LLC, Dubai

For sales and marketing enquiries, please contact Poonam Chawla on +971 50 144 7656

THE TRAVEL ISSUE 4 4 TRENDING

CONTENTS

Fresh off the runway from Fashion Forward SS 2016

6 THE LUXE LIST

Key looks for him and her

8 FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Kelly Lundberg, CEO of Stylemedivine.com

10 SOLE TRAVEL

The latest travel-friendly shoes on the market

12 THE FINE ART OF MIXOLOGY

How to impress guests this festive season

14 ON THE COVER: WHY DUBAI?

New launches and projects coming up in the emirate in 2016 and beyond

18 EL GUEST COLUMNIST

Bruce Ryde at InterContinental Hotels Group

ABOUT TOWN 20 20 TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

The latest must-have pieces on the market

22 FRESH NEW SCENTS

Newest perfumes for her and latest colognes for him

24 BEYOND BUSINESS

Interview with Rotana GM Mark McCarthy

AT THE OFFICE 26 26 GREAT GADGETS

This month’s top tech gizmos

28 MY WORKPLACE

A day in the life of Naim Maadad, CEO of Gates Hospitality

THE COMMUTE 30 30 CARRY ON

The latest travel cases

32 MAGNIFICENT MOTORS

Top releases and upcoming models from the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show

36 ME AND MY MOTOR

With BMW’s Karim Habib

AT HOME 38 38 A CITY OF SMARTS

Why Silicon Oasis is Dubai's neighbourhood to watch

40 ON THE MARKET

Showcasing Bayti in Ras Al Khaimah

SELF 42 42 AND RELAX...

The top spas around the world for 2015

TIME OUT 44 44 THE MUST LIST

What to see, and where to be seen this month

46 #ELREVIEWS

Our guest contributors review the region’s latest restaurant openings

48 GAME, SET, MATCH

What to look forward to at this month's Mubadala World Tennis Championship

BUSINESS CLASS 50 50 AROUND THE WORLD

A round up of the latest travel news and offerings

52 PRIVATE AVIATION TAKES OFF

Why private jet ownership is increasing in popularity

54 CHECK-IN: MANZIL DOWNTOWN DUBAI

Exploring this boutique hotel that's perfect for business or leisure

JET SETTER 56 56 IRISH CHARM

While most travellers opt for Dublin, it’s really worth venturing out of the capital

WEALTH 58 58 ALL ABOUT THE 'IT' BAG

How the right handbag can be a worthy investment

THE FINAL PAGE 60

THEMED THE TRAVEL ISSUE TRENDING | THE LUXE LIST | FIVE MINUTES WITH... | SOLE TRAVEL| THE FINE ART OF MIXOLOGY| WHY DUBAI?| EL GUEST COLUMNIST

TRENDING

Shop the look: GREY SUITS

Fresh off the runway from Fashion Forward SS 2016

The region’s finest designers

JOSEPH ABBOUD

CALVIN KLEIN

Blue plaid slim fit suit

Charcoal grey tie extreme slim fit suit

TOMMY HILFIGER

LAUREN BY RALPH LAUREN

Charcoal plaid slim fit suit

Grey sharkskin classic fit suit

AED 3,020

AED 2,900

HOUSE OF NOMAD

AED 2,824

AED 2,825

All looks are available at Menswearhouse.com

Lucky charm FATEMA FARDAN

C IS FOR CHLOÉ RINGS AND CHARMS ALPHABET

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

From AED 250

Chloé’s beautiful new rings and charms alphabet is a must-have for any lady looking to jazz up their favourite handbag or look. Featuring letterpress bag charms and signet rings – from A to Z – in four distinct graphic styles, the bold, raised design of each gold metal signet ring adds a twist to personalisation. chloe.com

MICHAEL CINCO

6

THE LUXE LIST

Key looks for the new season, perfect for busy executives on the go

� HOT ON THE HIGH STREET River Island’s Autumn-Winter 2015 menswear collection explores rustic and earthy tones, with a touch of retro ’70s class. Here are our favourite looks. Prices vary. riverisland.com

� FESTIVE FUN

� JET SETTER

Online luxury retailer Moda Operandi has just launched its 2015 Holiday Collection, which features a lovely selection of designer pieces for men, including Orley Chain Stitch hand-knit sweaters (from AED 6,593); Frescobol Carioca long shorts (from AED 1,359) for warmer climates and these brilliant cufflinks by Deakin & Francis (from AED 1,674).

The best thing about Marks & Spencer is knowing you are investing in key pieces that will go the distance, and this season is no different. Its latest collection features looks that are perfect for travel, with simple, fussfree silhouettes and contemporary shapes. What’s more, you can take it from GCC weather to cooler climates by layering the pieces. Prices vary. Available at all M&S stores in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

modaoperandi.com

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� BEST FOOT FORWARD

BEAUTY BUYS

We’ve rounded up the must-have shoes to buy for your next trip abroad.

M I H FOR

More than just a loafer, and loaded with style, Berluti presents Lorenzo, a timeless shoe that can be just slipped on without socks.

From AED 4,810. berluti.com For the ladies, as the weather starts to cool down, stay on top of the latest footwear trends with Namshi’s edgy collection of shoes that will add style to any outfit. Prices vary. namshi.com

Cult brand Molton Brown is back with a new shower gel, just in time for the holiday season. Vintage 2015 with Elderflower (AED 130) is a refreshing citrusy cleanser that will leave you feeling energized for the day ahead. moltonbrown.com

Ace your on-duty looks this season with Christian Louboutin’s Greggo in calf leather – featuring a long, slender toe that gives the show a lightweight appearance – plus Alpha Male, a supremely masculine and sophisticated dress shoe. christianlouboutin.com

� DAY AND NIGHT Ted Baker’s new collection is perfect for those looking for pieces that can work at both day and night events.

Whether it’s brocade party dresses, shoes with glitter detailing or wearable culottes and a slightly cropped top for an everyday take on the catwalk trend, there’s something for every fashion-conscious lady. Prices vary. tedbaker.com

What a great name for a product. The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for Men (AED 320) by Elemis certainly means business, as it is formulated specifically for the needs of men’s skin. With Mediterranean algae, this cream helps to hydrate, firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. elemis.com

This device promises to turn back time… well, kind of. The Foreo Luna for Men (AED 790) promises to drive away impurities while energising the skin, for a more youthful look. Meanwhile, wrinkles are reduced thanks to the special T-Sonic pulsations through silicone touch-points. foreo.com

R E H FOR For skin that’s beyond flawless and lasts all day, Clinique has introduced its new Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer (from AED 100), a two-in-one powder foundation and concealer with a beautiful, buildable texture that promises flawless, full coverage yet has a lightweight feel. clinique.com

� STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD For those seeking the next fashion-forward trend, look no further than SoH Art + Beauty. Dubai’s first concept art and beauty destination takes customised fashion to a whole new level with the introduction of a service that revives old pieces from your wardrobe with an injection of art.

Prices available on request. soh.ae

Feeling fatigued? Eliminate external signs of late nights with Koh Gen Do’s Macro Vintage Eye Treatment. Infused with a high concentration of algae, this lightweight formula targets and repairs signs of ageing by nourishing, hydrating, repairing and protecting the eye area. Shea butter adds collagen to the area for a more supple and fresh look. We definitely like things that glow. kohgendocosmetics.com

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

Finally, an aerosol-free dry shampoo! Not only is this better for the environment, it’s also a more suitable container for those constantly travelling.

Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo (AED 220) offers an effortless way to transform you hair from boardroom to banquet. Its vegan formula contains a blend of plant-based ingredients combined with cosmetic mineral clay, cassava starch, antiseptic star anise and Madagascar vanilla. rahua.com

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FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Do you like to use any specific beauty products while in the air?

I’m a big fan of Lisa Eldridge’s long-haul beauty routine; she makes it pretty simple and easy to follow. I always make sure I have a moisturiser handy; my face is my priority.

And what make-up items do you carry on?

A Mac powder, Chanel waterproof mascara, and my favourite Tom Ford lippy.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

EL meets international celebrity stylist Kelly Lundberg, founder and CEO of Stylemedivine.com

When travelling, what are the top five things that you must pack in your carry-on?

That all depends on where I am travelling to; however, I would never leave home without my Smythson notebook as my best ideas come at 35,000ft, so it’s best to always be prepared.

As travelling can be unpredictable, and just in case a flight is super chilly, my luxury LV wrap can always be found in my carry-on. And no matter where I am going – well, Scotland being the exception – I will always pack a bikini, just in case my luggage gets lost.

Sunglasses are acceptable in every climate and my favourite ones of the moment are my VBs. I am off to LA for a month this week, so I have packed my Victoria’s Secret lounge wear… after all, a stylist has to look stylish, even on long haul! I also always pack some snack bars; as ex-cabin crew I have experienced too much plane food.

Who is your designer of choice when it comes to carry-on handbags?

It can only be a Céline, and a traveller’s lusthave is their Phantom bag. Not too heavy, super-spacious and, as it’s a gorgeous neutral grey shade, it styles with everything.

In-flight entertainment… tablet, music player or book?

My Samsung phone; it’s small enough not to take up too much room and is jam-packed with podcasts or audio books.

For suitcases, what’s your luggage brand of choice?

I got a gorgeous DVF collection of suitcases from my mum as a gift. They are super versatile and sturdy! The carry-on bag is slightly larger than normal, giving me more shoe space, and it just passes the EK allowance.

For a week-long trip, how many outfits do you tend to pack?

It’s so hard to say, as it very much depends on the location. Given that much of our weekend trips are usually beach-bound, I would pack four to five bikinis with two kaftans, and at least one pair of shorts as an alternative.

And what should a busy executive always pack for business trips?

A clutch and a stylish pair of heels – this will ensure you can turn that desk outfit into chic evening attire.

Shoes?

It’s not about how many; it’s all about making sure that they work with the outfits you have packed. I do, however, have to be pretty disciplined and not throw in a last-minute pair. All our clients use our travel planner; once you have planned all your outfits you can pack much more effectively, reducing space and stress on arrival. You can receive a complimentary copy at stylemedivine.com.

The next time you head to the airport, what will be your Duty Free splurge?

The Boy Bag from Chanel at Dubai’s new EK terminal is next on my shopping list.

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SOLE TRAVEL VANS

AED 275 vans.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

AED 2,650 alexandermcqueen.com

REEBOK

AED 385 reebok.com

GIVENCHY

AED 2,970 givenchy.com

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO AED 4,550 ferragamo.com

GIORGIO ARMANI

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

AED 3,145 armani.com/ giorgioarmani

11

For those constantly on the go, and flying from one airport to another, comfortable shoes become a top requirement. Here are the latest travel-friendly shoes that can double up for the gym.

GUCCI

AED 4,345 gucci.com

ADIDAS

AED 545 adidas.com

LANVIN

AED 2,160 lanvin.com

PUMA

AED 260 puma.com

VALENTINO

AED 4,130 valentino.com

BALLY

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

AED 2,390 bally.com

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raspberries, always use the fruit as a puree and not just as the fruit, because it gives a sweeter flavour in the drink.

What’s a nice, easy festive drink for this season?

For big parties, I like to go with punch. Use a lot of fresh fruits – pineapple and orange go very well together – cut them into big chunks and add them into a nice bowl. Top with raspberry or blackberry jucie, and for a festive feel, add clove, cinnamon or even a bit of star anise, to infuse a bit of flavour.

THE FINE ART OF MIXOLOGY

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

Hosting guests this festive season?

Impress them with your very own signature drink. EL meets Qbara’s head bartender and mixology master Eyad Al Qassar, who reveals a few tips and tricks for creating a delicious tipple | Rachel McArthur

R

oast turkey? Check. Potatoes? Check.

Pressies and decorations? Yup. Drinks?

Oops. Anyone who has hosted a festive dinner in the past will know all too well that fancy drinks are usually at the bottom of a to-do list. However, ask any expert and it’s important to create a drink that suits the theme of your event.

“People now drink with their eyes,” explained Eyad Al Qassar at Dubai’s fancy Qbara lounge. “A few simple ingredients will leave your guests very impressed.” So ahead of the festive season, we managed to persuade Al Qassar to give up his secrets on how to make the perfect mocktail for this season.

We are a city of trends. What are the most popular drink ingredients at the moment?

In Dubai it’s all about raspberry and passion fruit; people have been going wild for them recently, because they’re both very exotic.

Passion fruit is being mass-produced at the moment, so there’s a lot of it around. Even mojitos – everyone wants passion fruit in their mojitos. It makes a nice twist. As for

What about something that’s a ’showstopper’?

You’ll need a nice Martini-style glass and a cocktail shaker. Start by adding cranberry juice to the shaker, followed by the flesh of a whole passion fruit, a squeeze of lime and a spoon of white sugar. Finally, add a bit of raspberry puree. Shake hard, add to the glass and garnish with half a passion fruit. This drink looks really fancy when you present it.

For those hosting a New Year’s Eve party, what do you recommend?

Use quality sparkling non-alcoholic wine for a fancy mocktail. If you have champagne flutes at home, add fresh light fruits – such as raspberries, blueberries or pomegranate seeds – a bit of fruit syrup, then a dash of citrus, like lemon, orange or mandarin. Top with sparkling wine. The result is that you have all these beautiful colours – plus the bubbles give the illusion of a lava lamp; very flashy and celebratory.

Finally, what’s a good drink for those wanting to keep it healthy over the festive season?

Believe it or not, it’s hibiscus leaves. They’re very tart and have a lovely colour. Get a pan and boil approximately 75 grams of leaves.

Add ginger, fresh de-seeded chilli, a cinnamon stick and one clove. Leave the mixture to cool overnight. It is the most amazing healthy mocktail you’ll ever have!

For more info on Qbara, visit qbara.ae

14

ON THE COVER

WHY DUBAI? Thought you have discovered everything Dubai has to offer? Think again. With a multitude of launches taking place in the run-up to Expo 2020, here’s why 2016 and beyond are going to be the emirate’s best years yet | Rachel McArthur

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

G

et ready – Dubai is set to undergo a major makeover. Not that it needs one, to be very honest. But judging by the number of project launches, expansions and new developments slated to take place in the next few years, the emirate is set to look very different to how it does right now.

Back in January 2014, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched #MyDubai, a social media campaign to create the world’s first ’autobiography’ of the emirate. Within six months, more than one million posts had been posted using the hashtag.

And today, residents and tourists continue to post their best photos of Dubai with the hashtag, which even has its own account.

Simply put, it’s not difficult to see why Dubai has become one of the world’s most popular destinations.

This is just the beginning, judging by Dubai Tourism’s recent appearance at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

“WTM is a hugely important occasion for Dubai Tourism, enabling us to highlight Dubai’s growing destination,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism. “We welcome the opportunity to build new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, allowing us to realise Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020, which aims to welcome 20 million visitors per year to Dubai by 2020.”

There’s certainly a lot coming up, so to help EL has put together a handy reference list of all the large projects launching before the year 2020. Here’s what to look out for, as well as which areas have the best investment opportunities.

15

IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE L a u n c h i ng : E a r l y 2016 Kids around the region – as well as plenty of adults – will welcome IMG Worlds of Adventure with open arms. Once launched, this 1.5 million-square foot project will be the world’s largest temperature-controlled indoor themed entertainment destination, with the capacity to welcome more than 20,000 visitors a day. It’s also set to become the world’s first leisure destination to bring together the renowned brands Cartoon Network and Marvel in one location, as well as Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure. Kids will love the Ben 10 cinema that will be in the Cartoon Network Zone, which will offer an exclusive 10-minute original 5D movie. imgwoa.ae

THE POINTE L a u n c h i ng : Q1 2016 Located on the tip of the Palm Jumeirah, across the bay from Atlantis The Palm, The Pointe is an upcoming waterfront destination boasting a combination of bustling retail outlets, elegant restaurants and relaxed cafés and patisseries, nestled among landscaped gardens. Overlooking spectacular offshore fountains in the bay, which will offer visitors an enthralling display every evening, the 136,000-sqm development provides oppor tunities to shop in an exciting up-market boutique retail environment, dine in style in a large number of chic restaurants and cafés, or take a relaxing stroll along the quayside. In addition to convenient road access and ample parking, The Pointe will also be accessible via the Palm monorail, while water taxis will shuttle visitors across the bay from the Atlantis hotel. nakheel.com/en/retail/the-pointe

D U B A I S A FA R I P R O J E C T L a u n c h i ng : Q 3 2016 Spanning an area of almost 400 hectares, this project is set to be made up of several villages: Safari, Arabian, Asian and African. Plus, it will also be home to a children’s zoo, butterfly park and botanical garden, in addition to educational and veterinary facilities. Additionally, there are plans to make it sustainable, with authorities reportedly planning to tap into solar energy to generate electricity and power transportation and amusement facilities inside the park. dm.gov.ae

M A D I N AT J U M E I R A H E X PA N S I O N L a u n c h i ng : 2016 Wondering what that construction site next to Burj Al Arab is going to turn into? What started in mid-2013 is set to finally reach completion next year with the grand expansion of the Madinat Jumeirah complex that will see the launch of the Jumeirah Al Naseem. This luxury five-star property will offer 430 rooms and suites, residential villas and hotel apartments, nine food and beverage concepts, a commercial centre featuring retail stores and a pedestrian area, plus three swimming pools, private beach access and two banqueting rooms.

This fourth hotel will no doubt make a welcome addition to the thriving Madinat complex, one of Dubai’s hotspots for residents and visitors from all over the world. jumeirah.com

D U B A I C R O C O D I L E PA R K L a u n c h i ng : Q 3 2016 This 20,000-sqm park – set to be built 10 kilometres from Dubai International airport, near Mushrif Park – will house a number of crocodile species, including the freshwater Nile crocodile, the largest of its kind.

If you love Lego, then this one’s for you. Legoland Dubai is set to feature 15,000 Lego model structures made from more than 60 million Lego bricks. There will also be more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions, with six themed areas.

They are Lego City, Adventure, Lego Kingdom, Create, Lego Factory and Miniland. Meanwhile, Legoland Dubai will also host a waterpark for children aged 2 to 12, which will feature a half-million gallon wave pool, ’build-a-raft river’ feature – where guests can design and build their own customised raft – and an interactive imagination station that lets children construct bridges, dams and cities and test their designs against the flow of water. The theme park is also set to become home to the GCC’s first Lego-themed hotel, although this is will be part of further expansion plans in 2018. dubaiparksandresorts.com

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

LEGOL AND DUBAI L a u n c h i ng : O c t o b e r 2016

16

ON THE COVER

D U B A I PA R K S & R E S O R T S L a u n c h i ng : L a t e 2016 (p h a s e o n e) Legoland Dubai (see page 15) is of course part of the first phase of the highly anticipated Dubai Parks & Resorts. Two more theme parks will be launching: Motiongate Dubai – which centres around Hollywood’s biggest characters – and Bollywood Parks Dubai. In its last announcement, Motiongate developers revealed that a ride inspired by The Hunger Games film franchise will be included, while Mumbai-based Wizcraft International Entertainment has signed a deal to create shows for the Bollywood Park. dubaiparksandresorts.com

DUBAI OPERA HOUSE AND DUBAI OPERA DISTRICT L a u n c h i ng : 2016 This 2,000-seat venue, dedicated to a plethora of events including opera, theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, film and sports, will be located in Downtown Dubai. The Opera House will be the centrepiece of the wider development of the Dubai Opera District, which is set to feature luxury hotels, residential and serviced apartments, a retail plaza, waterfront promenades and parks. emaar.com

S I X F L A G S T H E M E PA R K L a u n c h i ng : 2017 The name needs no introduction of course. US brand Six Flags will launch its first theme park in the Middle East, in the Jebel Ali district. meraas.com

MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE L a u n c h i ng : 2017 Expect to see a silver circular-shaped metallic building in DIFC, next to Jumeirah Emirates Towers, very soon. This architectural attraction will be easy to identify thanks to a massive hole in the middle, which represents ’the unknown’, according to architect Shaun Killa. Reportedly, Museum of the Future will change its exhibits every six months, with the ultimate goal of ’always being 10 years ahead of today’. motf.ae

B L U E W AT E R S I S L A N D L a u n c h i ng : 2018 Located near Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island will offer retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones, with its centrepiece being the 210-metre-tall Dubai Eye, set to be the tallest ferris wheel in the world. Chances are you have already spotted the island’s construction, along The Beach in JBR. Amid its retail offering will be a bespoke souk encircled by a promenade that will boast alfresco dining outlets serving a wide variety of cuisine. Jumeirah has announced that it will own and operate a hotel on the island: the Venu Bluewaters Island Hotel. This will be one of the first Venu-branded properties – the new contemporary lifestyle hotel brand by the luxury hotel group. meraas.com

J U M E I R A H B E A C H H O T E L E X PA N S I O N L a u n c h i ng : 2018 Yes, even the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is undergoing an expansion. This will see the addition of a 350-room luxury hotel with beachfront views of the Burj Al Arab. This resort will also see an expansion of the existing yacht marina, doubling its current capacity. jumeirah.com

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

DUBAI EXPO SITE L a u n c h i ng : O c t o b e r 2019 At the heart of the Dubai Expo site will be an Arabian-style souk with three main zones dedicated to the Expo’s themes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability. In keeping with the theme of sustainability, most structures will be reused to create a university, an exhibition and conference centre, and a national museum. A golf-centred residential estate will also begin construction. expo2020dubai.ae

ROUTE 2020 PROJECT L a u n c h i ng : 2019 The Red Line of the Dubai Metro will be extended from Nakheel Harbour and Tower metro station to the new site for Expo 2020. This extension will stretch for approximately 15km and will include seven new stations. rta.ae

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EMIRATES AND XDUBAI TEAM UP FOR EPIC #HELLOJETMAN CAMPAIGN

DUBAI CANAL PROJECT L a u n c h i ng : T B A Is this Dubai’s most ambitious project yet? Dubai Canal will apparently see the emirate’s creek extend from Business Bay all the way to Jumeirah Beach Road and the sea. Upon completion, there will be a 16-lane bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road as well as two six-lane bridges over Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Beach Road. But that’s not all – the Dubai Canal area will also incorporate a new shopping centre, four hotels, 450 restaurants, luxury housing and cycling paths. Are we going to see a completely new city centre? rta.ae

Inspired by the tales of Aladdin and Sindbad, the three towers that make up this development will look akin to Aladdin’s magical lamp with the bridge that connects them built in the shape of dragons and snakes. Rumours suggesting that residents will receive complimentary magic carpets cannot be confirmed – simply because we just made this up. dm.gov.ae

MALL OF THE WORLD L a u n c h i ng : T B A Set to attract 180 million visitors every year, the world’s first temperature-controlled pedestrian city – situated along Sheikh Zayed Road – will launch with a glass dome enclosure (à la The Simpsons movie?) that can be opened up during the winter months. Upon completion, Mall of the World will – naturally – become the largest mall in the world, with the world’s largest indoor theme park, plus 100 hotels and serviced apartments. Also expect a Wellness District, catering to medical tourists; a Cultural District, similar to New York’s Broadway; and a Celebration Walk, shopping streets based on London’s Oxford Street. dubaiholding.com

A L T H U R AYA A S T R O N O M Y C E N T R E L a u n c h i ng : T B A Science geeks rejoice – a AED 40 million observatory centre has been approved for Mushrif Park and will feature a space museum, gallery, theatre and a one-metre long telescope. It is expected to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. dm.gov.ae

D U B A I C YC L I N G T R A C K P R O J E C T L a u n c h i ng : T B A As part of the Dubai Bicycle Master Plan – which aims to make the city more cyclist-friendly by providing 850km of new lanes – the Roads and Transport Authority has started work on the new Dubai Cycling Track project. Set to extend for 21.2km, it will connect with the existing cycle path at Seih Assalam and Al Qudra Road, itself 115km long. The track will pass near Global Village, Hamdan Sports Complex and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, before heading into the Al Barari community. rta.ae

THE DUBAI R AINFOREST L a u n c h i ng : T B A DAMAC Properties recently announced that it is planning to build the Middle East’s first tropical rainforest. No, really. Built within its AKOYA Oxygen development, the rainforest will sit within an educational and cultural dome and, in collaboration with Amazonian experts, will recreate the natural environment of a rainforest, complete with dense jungle foliage. damacproperties.com

“[WE] AIM TO WELCOME 20 MILLION VISITORS PER YEAR TO DUBAI BY 2020.”

ISSAM KAZIM, CEO, DUBAI TOURISM

The Emirates A380 and XDubai’s Jetman duo recently took to the skies of the emirate for an extraordinary formation flight which showcased just how far aviation has come.

While the formation flight – conducted over the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa in the background – looked effortless on film, it took months of careful planning.

“Over the last three months, Emirates and the Jetman teams worked closely to diligently plan and coordinate every detail of this project, with safety at the forefront of every decision taken,” said Adel Al Redha, executive VP and chief operations officer for Emirates.

In the video – which now can be viewed on YouTube – the carefully choreographed aerial showcase involved the world’s largest passenger aircraft flying at 4,000 feet in two holding patterns. The A380 was then joined by the Jetmen Dubai duo – Yves Rossy and Vince Reffet – who were deployed from a helicopter that hovered above the aircraft at 5,500 feet. The duo conducted formations on both sides of the aircraft and joined to one side thereafter before breaking away.

During the formation, the Emirates A380 flew at a weight of just 350 tonnes (the maximum weight of an A380 is 575 tonnes).

As the largest passenger aircraft in the world, wake turbulence was the most significant risk to the Jetman duo during the flight.

To mitigate the risk, the pair’s formation positions were carefully selected to avoid the areas of wake turbulence and jet efflux from the Emirates A380. During the planning stages, Emirates ensured the Jetman duo had proper visual reference points of the A380 so that both men could safely join and hold their choreographed positions.

Watch the full amazing video now at jetman.com

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

AL ADDIN CIT Y L a u n c h i ng : T B A

18

EL GUEST COLUMNIST

“I follow chefs like they’re rock stars”

A DAY IN MY LIFE 6.30am Usually this is wake-up time. My body clock does the work – I never need an alarm. First thing: a pot of loose leaf tea (never a tea bag) and some swiss muesli, reading the news on my iPad, sitting on my terrace overlooking the river in Singapore.

6.30am Twice during the week it’s off to my gym where my trainer pushes me. Other mornings I will take a run whereever I am (in Dubai I love the Marina).

8am A quick strong macchiato from my favourite cafe.

Writing for us this month is Bruce Ryde, Director Brand Marketing, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands at InterContinental Hotels Group, AMEA

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Travel Issue

T

hank you for having me this issue! I love hospitality and I love travelling, so my role – leading IHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands in Asia, the Middle East and Africa – is a perfect fit! A little bit about my role… basically, my team and I ensure we understand deeply what is important for our guests, and what we can do to continue to delight them and keep them coming back to our brands, in my case InterContinental Hotels and Resorts – our luxury brand – and Hotel Indigo – our boutique, lifestyle brand.

In combination with enhancing our guests’ experiences, we also oversee our marketing across the region.

It may have been over weeks ago, but I’m still loving: the fact that the Rugby World Cup final was between “friendly neighbours” Australia and New Zealand. I am Australian and in the end we lost to the All Blacks, but it has been a great series for Down Under.

M Y 5 B U S I N E S S M U S T- H A V E S

① MacBook Air: I can’t function without my MacBook Air – it’s so light, and who can resist that great design? ② Bose Soundsport headphones: Not only are they great for exercise, but they’re also

8.40am The day starts with a calendar check and any necessary pre reads of documents needed to keep me informed. My typical day consists of meetings and conference calls across the IHG organisation in Asia and the Middle East.

1pm Lunch is usually quick salad and another strong coffee!

extremely convenient for conference calls on the go. ③ Rimowa luggage: I do love my Rimowa carry-on. That brand has a great travel heritage behind it. ④ TripIt: This app is definitely my preferred travel organiser. I use it regularly. ⑤ Asics trainers: I don’t travel anywhere without these amazing sneakers, so that I can explore the city when I run!

B E YO N D B U S I N E S S When I want to unwind it’s all about good food of all kinds, so I follow chefs like they are rockstars. I am excited that I will be experiencing British chef Jason Atherton’s Marina Social (marinasocialdubai.com) at the InterContinental Dubai Marina while I am in Dubai. Jason is a Gordon Ramsay protogé, and I have eaten in his restaurants in many global cities now. To balance all the good food I have always been very fitnessconscious, I do a lot of running, swimming and gym workouts. I love skiing, so once a year I treat myself to a ski trip, often to Japan, which is a country I find fascinating.

Of course I love hotels and travelling, particularly new places and cultures.

5pm to 8pm Most days I have conference calls with my global partners in either London or Atlanta.

8pm onwards On weekdays I like to cook something light and fresh – usually stir fried Asian vegies and salmon or chicken. Dinner is followed by some good US television.

I love political drama, so Scandal and House of Cards are my usual choice. Often, I will have work on my trusty MacBook Air at the same time. I know devices should not be used late at night!

10.30pm After a few minutes’ reading – currently it’s To Kill a Mocking Bird for the second time – it’s time to sleep.

ABOUT TOWN TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE | FRESH NEW SCENTS | LIFE AFTER WORK

COLUMN-WHEEL SINGLE PUSH-PIECE, LONGINES

CARRERA CALIBRE 18 CHRONOGRAPH, TAG HEUER

The transparent steel case back with a diameter of 41mm reveals the minutiae of Longines’ signature watch movement, while the blued finish column wheel shows its perfectly symmetrical profile. A single pushpiece is used to control the chronograph’s functions. longines.com

In 2015, more than half a century after its creation, the collection welcomes an absolutely new vintage piece, paying tribute to the very first Carrera model created in 1963.

Its design is inspired by motor racing, reflecting Tag Heuer’s strong brand heritage in the field. tagheuer.com

AED 11,200

AED 18,990

EXECUTIVE LIFE|About Town

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

ULYSSE ANCHOR TOURBILLON, ULYSSE NARDIN

L-EVOLUTION C, TOURBILLON CARROUSEL, BLANCPAIN

The outcome of eight years of research and development, the new Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon – which is made entirely of silicium and is timelessly arrayed in gold and enamel – displays architecture based on the principle of flexible mechanisms exploiting the elasticity of flat springs. ulysse-nardin.com

Paired with a bezel sculpted into an innovative form, the 47.4mm case – which is platinum and fitted with a black alligator strap – houses both a flying tourbillon and flying carrousel, while the dial is designed with multiple levels. It’s no suprise then that only 50 pieces are available. blancpain.com

AED 327,890

AED 1.3 million

21

ESCALE TIME ZONE, LOUIS VUITTON

HÉRITAGE CHRONOMÉTRIE, MONTBLANC

ALTIPLANO 900P, PIAGET

With its satin-brushed and polished steel case, the Escale Time Zone offers the possibility of viewing the time in a total of 24 time zones. Protecting the case, its horns adopt the distinctive shape of the corners of Louis Vuitton trunks, an instant reference to epic and luxury travel. louisvuitton.com

The German manufacturer’s new ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Vasco da Gama, available as a limited edition of only 60 pieces, combines a chronograph to measure the duration of brief intervals, and a patented tourbillon construction for absolute precision. montblanc.com

This timepiece is the world’s thinnest mechanical watch – at only 3.65mm thick. The secret of this thinness lies in the case itself, which also serves as a main plate. Housing both the calibre and the case, the caseback is machine-tooled to accommodate the mechanical components. piaget.com

AED 24,715

AED 31,000

AED 94,815

THE CHARMING BIRD, JAQUET DROZ

ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER, A. LANGE & SÖHNE

TOURBILLON OF TOURBILLONS, ANTOINE PREZIUSO

This timepiece, produced in white and red gold and available in a limited edition of 28 pieces only, features a miniature singing bird ensconced in a 47mm-diameter case with a determinedly contemporary look featuring black, anthracite and transparent elements. jaquet-droz.com

This is the first A. Lange & Söhne model with a striking mechanism that sounds the hours, ten-minute intervals, and minutes.

The acoustic sequence precisely reproduces the digitally displayed time whenever the striking mechanism is triggered with a pusher. alange-soehne.com

The latest creation by Antoine Preziuso features three tourbillons on a revolving plate, like three hearts beating in unison, while its central planetary triple-differential is of such complexity that no computer programme has succeeded in accurately simulating its way of functioning. antoine-preziuso.com

AED 1.5 million

AED 1.6 million

AED 1.8 million

EXECUTIVE LIFE|About Town

This year’s inaugural Dubai Watch Week featured an exhibition of luxury watches selected by none other than the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). EL takes a look at the latest must-have pieces on the market

22

PRADA CANDY GOLD AED 495

VALENTINO DONNA AED 510

Rose essence blended with notes of bergamot and iris pallida illuminates the fragrance which also features intense notes of leather blended with patchouli and vanilla. parfums.valentino.com

Same fragrance but with a festive feel; the iconic Prada Candy bottle is reinterpreted with a touch of gold for the upcoming holiday season. prada.com

I MISS VIOLET BY THE DIFFERENT COMPANY AED 930

The exclusive French haute perfumery launches its new season scent in the Middle East, creating a fragrance based on a floral leather accord. altayer.com

FOR

HER FRESH NEW SCENTS From the newest perfumes for her to the latest colognes for him, we round up the best new fragrances around to speak to your every mood

FOR

HIM NO.2 BY ALFORD & HOFF

FLORIENTAL COMME DES GARÇONS

AED 395

AED 410

EXECUTIVE LIFE|About Town

This woody, spicy fragrance features pink pepper, plum, incense, labdanum, sandalwood and vetiver. comme-des-garcons.com

AZURE LIME BY TOM FORD AED 1,965

Inspired by the island of Mustique, this sparkling eau fraiche fragrance includes citrus notes, florals, warm woods and sensual musk. tomford.com

This masculine composition features an interplay of watery fruits and citrus tonalities that sit within a woody base spiked by marine and mineral notes. alfordandhoff.com

+971 4 888 3888 or email dubai@armanihotels.com armanihotels.com

24

BEYOND BUSINESS

LIFE AFTER WORK

Every issue EL meets one of the GCC’s top business executives to find out more about their hobbies outside of the workplace

MARK MCCARTHY

General Manager, Al Ghurair Arjaan

EXECUTIVE LIFE|About Town

& Al Ghurair Rayhaan Rotana

Tell us a little more about your role.

My role as general manager is that I oversee pretty much everything, and keep things ticking. One of the reasons that I arrived here was for a planned renovation, which I enjoyed doing… we’re now working on new designs, and hopefully we’ll start it next year.

And what photography are you into?

I find it a nice thing to do when I am at parties or events. I like taking pictures of people and sharing with them. It’s quite social and everyone likes to have pictures of themselves from those events. So I batch them and then share them via Dropbox.

Throughout the week, how do you start off your morning?

We’re all addicted to our devices, so I get up at about 6.30am, and the first thing that happens is that the laptop is open, and I’ve got to check my phone. I check personal social sites, as well as business emails, and get a head start on the day – especially after the weekend when I know there will be a lot of reports to catch up on.

Do you enjoy to travel?

Yes, I do, but holidays here are typically going home, and I love that the most as I live in the best place in the world - Northern California, just above San Francisco. So every summer, that’s where I am. During the year, I like to take a little side trip, so somewhere like Cape Town, for instance. Just a nice break to see something different.

What are your hobbies during your free time?

Golf and photography. But golf takes up most of my spare time. We have a very large social, but competitive, group at the golf club; so we don’t just go out to play golf; we take it pretty seriously. I also enjoy watching golf... any chance I have on the weekend I will watch a little golf. I enjoy watching Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIroy is a favourite in Dubai of course.

Are there any destinations you haven’t been to that you would love to visit?

I really want to visit some Asian countries that I haven’t been to, such as China... probably Shanghai. And another one I really want to visit is Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. My perfect destination is somewhere where I can play a little golf, see some sites, and do some photography.

25

“I REALLY WANT TO VISIT KUALA LUMPUR – MY PERFECT DESTINATION IS SOMEWHERE I CAN PLAY A LITTLE GOLF”

“I ALSO LIKE SHOOTING LANDSCAPES”

When it comes to time out, where do you like to dine in Dubai?

Well, perhaps I am a little biased, but my favourite restaurant in Dubai remains Teatro. I was general manager at the Towers Rotana for four years and we renovated it, and so I have a personal attachment to it and I love going there. I also love to try new places, and I recently went for breakfast at the new Fümé restaurant in Downtown Dubai, and it was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had... it was creative and nice and fun.

Do you have any favourite cuisines?

I’m pretty open. I like all cuisines; Italian, Indian, Asian, you name it. I live to try everything.

And how do you move around Dubai?

Since I’ve been a GM here, it seems that the car brands that we use are Mercedes, Lexus or Audi, so I have been in a few of them. However,

if you give me the choice, then I do have a preference for Audi. It’s a good solid car.

Radio, music playlists or podcasts?

I prefer radio... hear a little bit of news, music and banter. I switch back and forth. For music, I do like rock ’n’ roll, listening to bands like Guns N’ Roses, Everlast and Three Doors Down. I went to see Rolling Stones in Abu Dhabi which was great. I also like Country & Western.

“WITH GOLFER MELISSA REID”

Returning to the workplace, what is the one gadget that you cannot live without?

My laptop. I hate working on the phone, so I’ve got to have my laptop at all times. When it comes to internal matters, I prefer quick meetings as emailing back and forth can take up time.

Do you have a favourite designer for business wear?

I don’t shop for brands; when I go to the US, I go to Nordstrom and you get a wide selection. I care more about the look of the suit rather than the brand. Ties are probably where I mix it up. I like ties that are a little different.

I am not a fan of cufflinks or handkerchiefs.

“MY MUSIC OF CHOICE”

EXECUTIVE LIFE|About Town

Do you go for mini-breaks in the UAE? I love going up to our hotels in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah where you can enjoy the beaches there.

AT THE OFFICE 26

GREAT GADGETS | MY WORKPLACE

GREAT GADGETS

Looking to make your work life easier? Whether it’s for the office or while you’re on the go, these are the top tech gizmos worth getting your hands on this month

SENNHEISER CX 685 ADIDAS SPORTS IN-EAR HEADPHONES

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At The Office

Depending on your type of workplace, a pair of in-ear headphones can come in useful for listening to music, Skype calls or even listening to conference calls. What’s great about these Sennheiser earphones is they not only offer rich quality sound; they’re also suitable for the gym.

AED 365 | amazon.com

IPAD PRO

LENOVO IDEAPAD Y50

With the recent launch of the brand’s flagship stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it has never been easier to purchase an Apple product. The newly released iPad Pro displays 5.6 million pixels, resulting in the highest‑resolution Retina display of any iOS device. Its 12.9‑inch screen makes everything from video editing to presentations much easier and faster.

AED 3,099 | apple.com

This powerhouse Windows 8.1 ultra book is powered by a Quad-core 4th generation Haswell 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4700HQ CPU. It also boasts a massive 16GB of DDR3L RAM, a speedy 256GB solid-state drive, and 4-in-1 media card reader.

AED 5,500 | lenovo.com

SAMSUNG NX30 20.3MP SMART CAMERA Built with a hybrid Auto Focus system and the largest sensor available in a mirror-less system lens camera, the NX30 delivers lightning-quick focusing while producing stunning depth-of-field and out-focusing effects.

AED 2,381 | samsung.com

27

MONTBLANC HERITAGE COLLECTION 1912 – CAPLESS ROLLERBALL While the mechanism is based on the first version of the Montblanc Stylo, otherwise known as ’Tintenkuli’, this model delivers functionality with a new refill system designed to not dry out. The writing instrument can be used with a simple twist mechanism, eliminating the inconvenience of having to open a cap.

AED 2,170 | montblanc.com

HUAWEI WATCH

Unique to the market, Dualit’s patented 3-in-1 system offers three serving options, from quick-fix NX, Fine Tea and Origins Café capsules or ESE Pods, to luxurious ground coffee.

AED 925 | dualit.com

LG V10 With its two screens, the LG V10 provides quick access to notifications and features, without interrupting activity on the main screen. Meanwhile, the Dura Skin shiny 316L stainless steel frame – commonly used in luxury watches – provides a distinctive, unique look.

AED 2,769 | jadopado.com

RUNTASTIC LIBRA BODY ANALYZER Not your typical office gadget, we know, but the Runtastic Libra Body Analyzer is perfect for those looking to monitor their health and fitness. The scale works with the free Runtastic Libra app and you can set custom goals to achieve your ideal weight or body composition.

Keep it under the desk and you’ll never forget to check in every week.

AED 649 | jadopado.com

BB-8 APP-ENABLED DROID

BY SPHERO With Star Wars: The Force Awakens fever at an all-time high, every exec needs a collectible from the franchise in their office. BB-8 can be controlled using your smartphone or tablet but also recognises and reacts to your voice commands with a range of advanced expressions and behaviour.

AED 728 | iwantoneofthose.com

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At The Office

The Chinese tech company has come up with a wearable that can actually pass off as a designer watch. Powered by Android Wear and iOS, the fully circular watch features a 1.4-inch touch-sensitive AMOLED display, scratchproof sapphire crystal lens and cold-forged stainless steel frame, and comes with a built-in heart rate monitor and 6-Axis motion sensors.

AED 1,299 | huawei.com

DUALIT 3-IN-1 COFFEE MACHINE

28

MY WORKPLACE

EL meets Naim Maadad, CEO of Gates Hospitality, who tells us more about his role and his favourite perks of the food and beverage industry

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At The Office

My role: I am responsible for the overall performance of the company and have a variety of roles to ensure everything goes smoothly. I’m involved in shaping the company and planning its future direction while providing synchronisation in approach. I also work closely with the team to develop the operations, manage relationships and ensure financial viability to grow, in order to continue pioneering within the hospitality industry.

My typical day: Starts start quite early as I conduct meetings with partners, suppliers and the team. I also host meetings with potential landlords for new sites for the potential launch of new global and homegrown F&B brands in the country. Reviewing the business performance of the different outlets on a daily basis is also important in order to plan

and enhance any opportunities to potentially grow the Gates Hospitality group.

If I could name three unique things about my workplace, they would be: One, I would say it’s pretty flexible. Two, it drives my passion for delivering the best of F&B and lifestyle to the city of Dubai my passion for food, beverage and lifestyle deliverables. Third, the ample opportunity to grow and develop. Overall, the combination of these three things drives me to excel in what I do.

Standout features of my office include: Our office is light and airy and most of our furniture is dark-coloured to contrast. The large glass windows make for a good work environment, away from harsh fluorescent lighting, as providing scenic views of the outside.

My top three must-haves for business are: If you’re in the culinary sector, the venue must have a great concept, suitable location and be the best performer in a particular category. Innovation is a must.

Out of all of the restaurants we represent: My new project, Bistro des Arts, is currently my primary focus. Being the ’new kid on the block’ for the group, I would say that it deserves all the attention! On the other hand, I also have a soft corner for Reform Social and Grill, one of my most popular ventures, which is located at The Lakes, Dubai.

My favourite dish from that venue is: Duck confit with a side of homemade mashed potatoes from Bistro des Arts. It is a must-try for all!

29

CARPACCIO DE BŒUF

DUCK BREAST

“IF YOU’RE IN THE CULINARY SECTOR, THE VENUE MUST HAVE A GREAT CONCEPT, SUITABLE LOCATION AND BE THE BEST PERFORMER IN A PARTICULAR CATEGORY”

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At The Office

MOUSSE AU SALIDOU

THE COMMUTE CARRY ON | MAGNIFICENT MOTORS | IN THE DRIVER’s SEAT

STAR WARS SPINNER

LARKIN - SOMA ROLLING BRIEFCASE

COSMOLITE ROLLING HARD SHELL SUITCASE

With the release of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens just around the corner, we couldn’t resist featuring this little beauty.

Now you can take the force with you everywhere you go. shop.americantourister.com

This stylish and practical four-wheeled briefcase is shaped from ballistic nylon that provides long-wearing durability for those constantly on the move. We love the vintageinspired envelope pocket. tumi.com

This manufacturer’s patented Curv material forms a lightweight and durable hard-side suitcase with top-of-the-line impact resistance and flexibility. Four 360-degree spinner wheels complete the look. samsonite.com

American Tourister | AED 364

Tumi | AED 2,745

Samsonite | AED 2,370

CARRY ON

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

The latest travel cases to keep you looking smart and stylish on the go

Delsey | From AED 1,400

SHADOW TROLLEY CASE

Ted Baker London | AED 957

SHADOW FLORAL TRAVEL BAG

BOSSA NOVA CABIN MULTIWHEEL

This expandable trolley case allows you to increase the size for extra contents, while the double, multidirectional wheels lighten up the weight on one arm. It also includes an integrated luggage-tag. delsey.com

This colourful pull-along travel bag showcases Ted Baker London’s flair for beautifully crafted baggage, printed with striking blooms and complete with a matching luggage tag. tedbaker.com

The Bossa Nova is Rimowa’s new luxury range that not only looks good but does good too. For every unit sold, proceeds will go to Saúde e Alegria, which supports projects in the Amazon region. rimowa.com

Rimowa | AED 3,515

32

Magnificent Motors The 2015 Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS) unveiled a number of stunning new vehicles that are either available now or coming to showrooms very soon. Here are the top releases from the event Matt Freeborn & Rachel McArthur

W MOTORS | FENYR SUPERSPORT wmotors.ae We can’t help but feel a little proud that the most impressive motor to be showcased is actually from a homegrown brand. Dubai-based W Motors – which, following its launch in Lebanon in 2012, became known as the first Arab high-performance luxury sports car brand – debuted its latest masterpiece, the Fenyr SuperSport. And it’s oh so gorgeous.

W Motors first gained recognition for its cars when its impressive Lykan HyperSport featured in this year’s

Furious 7. But believe it or not, the Fenyr SuperSport looks even better.

Limited to only 25 units a year, this carbon fibre creation is powered by a custom-made flat-six-cylinder, 4.0-litre twin-turbo, mid-rear engine, coupled to a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox, delivering 900hp and 1200Nm of torque. With a top speed of 400km/h, this beauty goes from 0 to 100km/h in less than 2.7 seconds.

Considering its price, it’s certainly not for everyone.

From $1.85 million (AED 6.8m)

ASTON MARTIN | VULCAN astonmartin.com

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

Those looking to channel their inner Bond during their spare time needn’t look any further than the Aston Martin Vulcan. But heads up, this model is a track-only sports car.

Running a seven-litre V12 engine mounted on an aluminium alloy chassis and carbon fibre body, the

Vulcan’s 800-plus hp engine has been developed partly with Aston Martin Racing, giving this front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive supercar rich GT motorsport heritage. Interested? Be quick; only 24 cars are available around the world.

From $2.3 million (AED 8.4m)

33

FERRARI | 488 SPIDER

lamborghini.com

488spider.ferrari.com

The motor brand of choice for some of the world’s biggest singing stars and football players, a Lamborghini is certainly not the type of car you’d use to rock up to a morning meeting, but my oh my, it makes for a glorious weekend toy.

The 2016 Huracan Spyder – which is scheduled to arrive in the spring – is the convertible version of the now-familiar Huracan, so a lot of the features remain the same.

For example, this model utilises the same 602 hp 5.2-litre V10 along with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. What differs here is the addition of stop-start and cylinder deactivation.

Following its global debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled its beautiful 488 Spider for the first time in the region at the DIMS. This is the company’s most powerful ever mid-engined V8 car to feature a retractable hard top.

Every part of the motor has been designed to set new benchmarks; whether it’s through the model’s aluminium spaceframe chassis and bodyshell or the new 3902cc turbo-charged V8 that debuted just a few months ago in the 488 GTB. With a maximum power output of 670 hp combined with maximum torque of 760Nm, the 488 Spider goes from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds flat.

From AED 1 million

From AED 1.05 million

BENTLEY | BENTAYGA

MERCEDES-BENZ | G500 4X4²

bentleymotors.com

mercedesbenzme.com

Bentley Motors has unveiled its much anticipated Bentley Bentayga SUV, which the manufacturer is dubbing the “fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world”.

The Bentayga features an all-new W12 that delivers 5-90% of its maximum torque within 1.1 seconds – twice as fast as its predecessor – taking the driver from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 301km/h.

It is due to arrive at Bentley dealers by the start of Q2 2016.

This new model is bound to be a hit with car fans in the UAE. The G500 4X4² takes the best off-road ability of the iconic G-Class to the next level and combines it with the MercedesBenz luxury with which owners are familiar.

The new series is powered by an all-new Mercedes-Benz biturbo V8 engine with 422hp and a choice of 22-inch wheels or 18-inch beadlock wheels, carbon-fibre fender flares and roof spoilers with LED lighting body parts.

Price TBC

From AED 907,591

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

LAMBORGHINI | HURACAN SPIDER

34

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

ALFA ROMEO | 4C COUPÉ

AUDI | R8

alfaromeo-me.com

audi-dubai.com

Despite the focus being on the launch of its incredible 4C Spider, it is yet to be determined when it will be available in the Middle East, therefore we’re taking a look at the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé here, which is now on sale at Gargash Motors.

The Italian car manufacturer claims that the 4C Coupé is at its best on the circuit, where speed, short stopping distances and transverse acceleration are of the essence when competing for the fastest lap-time. This motor – which is made of a carbon fibre tub, front and rear crash box, and mainly aluminium hybrid rear frame – goes from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 258km/h.

Audi Middle East showcased three models at the 2015 show: the all-new R8, the all-new A4 and the RS3 Sportback.

Focusing on the R8, here is the second generation of Audi’s high-performance car. The mid-mounted V10 and newly developed quattro permanent all-wheel drive system ensure outstanding driving performance – especially in the top-of-therange version with 610hp – achieving 0 to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds, making it the most powerful and fastest seriesproduction Audi of all time.

The model is expected to arrive in the region in the second quarter of 2016.

From AED 330,000

Price TBC

INFINITI | QX50 LWB

CADILLAC | CT6

infiniti.com

cadillac.com

One of the fastest-growing premium automotive brands in the Middle East unveiled four models at this year’s DIMS, but we’re going to focus on the QX50 LWB. The 2016 model has been enhanced with a new front and rear bumper and lower front and rear fascia, new LED daytime running lights, new signature Infiniti-style double-arch front grille and new side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

Significant changes have also been made to the model’s dimensions. The wheelbase has increased by 81mm, whilst overall length has been boosted by 114mm.

Cadillac’s long-awaited return to the global prestige luxury segment comes in the form of the 2017 CT6. One of the world’s lightest and most agile full-size luxury sedans, the CT6, with its 3.6-litre V6 engine, features one of the industry’s most advanced automotive body structures, an aluminium-intensive architecture that incorporates 11 different materials to achieve strength, performance and efficiency.

With an estimated 400hp and 543Nm this model features one of the most power-dense V6 engines in the segment, generating 133hp per litre.

Price TBC*

Price TBC

*For the regional market, but the listed US price is from AED 131,570

35

FORD | MUSTANG SHELBY GT350

RANGE ROVER | SVAUTOBIOGRAPHY

ford.com

landrover-me.com

One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all times returns with the all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, the latest version of the original that was first introduced in 1965.

Taking advantage of a dramatically improved sixth-generation platform, the Shelby GT350 is one of the most balanced, nimble and exhilarating models yet. The new 5.2-litre V8 engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic sports cars. Unlike a traditional V8 – where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals – this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals.

This is apparently the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the model’s 45-year history.

Crafted at Special Vehicle Operations’ (SVO) Technical Centre in the UK, the SVAutobiography features unique exterior design enhancements, premium leather interior with unique trim finishes and the option of a 550 hp 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine for the very first time.

Plus, in another first for the model, customers can opt for a unique duo-tone body colour option – a combination of Santorini Black upper body and one of nine colour choices for the lower body.

Price TBC*

From AED 899,000

ROLLS-ROYCE | DAWN

JAGUAR | F-PACE

rolls-roycemotorcars-agmc.com

landrover-me.com

Contrary to speculation prior to its launch, the new RollsRoyce Dawn is not a Wraith drophead. Here, 80% of its exterior body panels have been newly designed to accommodate the evolution of Rolls-Royce’s design, resulting in a car that looks as beautiful with its roof up as with it down. And how gorgeous is the orange interior?

As for the motor itself, the heart of this Rolls-Royce is the twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 powertrain, featuring a power output of 563 hp and a torque rating of 780 Nm. Deliveries are set to commence in Q2 2016.

The all-new F-PACE is a five-seat performance crossover offering a combination of Jaguar sports car-inspired exterior design, fused with a practical and spacious luxury interior.

According to Land Rover, this car’s all-new Ingenium engine offers a balance between power and economy, and there’s the option of a 380 hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 – available on the F-PACE S – which can reach a top speed of of 250 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, the Jaguar F-PACE is set to arrive in the region in Q3 2016.

Price TBC

From AED 229,000

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

*For the regional market, but the listed US price is from AED 178,710

36

ME AND MY MOTOR

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

Every issue EL goes behind the scenes to find out just which vehicles the region’s top executives prefer to drive

� Name: Karim Habib Role: Head of BMW Design Nationality: Canadian-Lebanese

INTRODUCING MY MOTOR. “I change my car very often, because I work for a car company of course! But on October 24, BMW released two new cars: the 7 Series and the X1, which is the car that I am currently driving. I have been driving it now for a couple of months. Through my job, I get to drive these cars earlier, and it’s important for me to experience them as early as possible, in case anything needs to flow back into the process, from the user interface to the way we stamp the metal and so on.”

37

�

THE ONE CAR FEATURE I CANNOT GO WITHOUT “Personally, I always need the biggest wheels that I can have on my car. I’m sorry, I’m rather simple with my must-haves! In terms of proportion that’s essential, because you can make an average design look much better with bigger wheels, but you cannot have a good design without good proportions. It’s like the length of legs compared to torso, for instance.”

� MY DREAM ROAD TRIP

“It would involve a lot of Mediterranean coastline, like through Italy, for example. Or driving through Africa... in Northern Africa there are some beautiful road trips to be had.”

TUSCANY, ITALY

“If I could go on a road trip with anyone it would be my father. He wasn’t a man of many words, but during the times he spoke, you would listen as he had a lot of wisdom.”

� WHEN I AM ON THE GO, WHAT I PLAY DEPENDS

ON MY MOOD “I have phases. For a while, I didn’t want to listen to anything while driving, but now I have a few playlists that I have created. I like listening to a little bit of everything, ranging from rock to hip-hop.

I’m not really a fan of radio.”

� FAVOURITE MOTORSPORT EVENT LAGUNA SECA

� MY MOST MEMORABLE ROAD TRIP

“It was when I was younger and I had just moved to Munich from the United States. At the time, the previous Mini was still in production and I had one of the last ones. So my girlfriend at the time was visiting and we drove all the way from Munich to Tuscany, and in the middle of the alps, the windshield wipers popped out, but they actually stayed on the car for another 20 km or so. During another part of the trip, we headed into this village and unknowingly drove on the pedestrian area. It was a small, raw car where you could hear everyone. As somebody who grew up in Canada, it was interesting doing that trip through Europe.”

� MY PERFECT COMPANION

BMW M1 PROCAR SERIES

“The event that I attend every year is Pebble Beach, and during the event there’s the [Mazda Raceway] Laguna Seca. Now, Laguna Seca is one of the best racetracks on the planet, and I have had a chance to drive on it which was awesome.

Just seeing all these cars – classic cars – it’s the best! From crazy Mustangs with their incredible track-like engine noise, to the Bugattis to the BMW M1 ProCar series. I love walking to the paddocks. I do that every year and see the same cars, but I love it. It’s the best.”

� CAR COLOUR NO-NOS

“Being in design, I would say pink is a big no!

It’s definitely not for a BMW. But at the end of the day, it’s up to the customer to know what they want.”

“I ALWAYS NEED THE BIGGEST WHEELS THAT I CAN HAVE ON MY CAR. IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR PROPORTION.” The BMW X1 starts from AED 163,000

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The Commute

PINK: BEST KEPT FOR TOY CARS

SELF AT HOME A CITY OF SMARTS | ON THE MARKET

A CITY OF SMARTS

Dubai’s very own version of Silicon Valley is coming along nicely. Here are the launches expected in Dubai Silicon Oasis over the coming years

“THE STRATEGY IS IN LINE WITH THE EMIRATE’S VISION OF BECOMING A SMART AND INNOVATIVE CITY”

W

hen it comes to neighbourhoods to watch, Dubai Silicon Oasis is definitely one of the most interesting. Last month, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) announced that the area is currently implementing investment projects worth an impressive AED 1.4bn.

The hi-tech free zone has also attracted foreign investments worth AED 1.9bn; bringing the total investments in DSO to AED 3.3bn.

“DSO has developed its 2021 growth plan, laying out a blueprint for expansion that will help shape DSO’s future trajectory,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed. “The strategy is in line with the emirate’s vision of becoming a smart and innovative city that encourages innovation and creativity.”

So what’s coming up? Here’s what to expect.

premier Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital.

Estimated to cost AED 1bn and planned to cover 150,000sqm of space at the integrated free zone park, FAMC will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 of the project is set for completion in 2017, while Phase 2 will be completed in 2019.

The hospital will include five centres of excellence specialising in diabetes and endocrinology, muscles, bones and joints, emergency medicine, pulmonary medicine and cardiology.

Shopping Centre An agreement with one of the UAE’s largest retail groups – yet to be named publicly – will result in the building of a 1m sqf shopping centre at a cost of AED 500 million. The project is anticipated to be delivered in 2018.

Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre (DTEC) Silicon Park This integrated smart city project – estimated to be worth AED 1.2bn and spanning an area of 150,000sqm – is scheduled for completion

by Q2 2018, and will integrate best international standards to offer a modern lifestyle for residents, workers and visitors. Worth noting is the inclusion of free round-the-clock Wi-Fi access over the entire expanse of DSO, which extends over an area of 7.2km.

DTEC has attracted the interest of more than 185 start-up companies and 240 entrepreneurs from 50 countries in the six months since it was launched. The centre nurtures the talent of young entrepreneurs in the technology, digital Islamic economy and Arabic content sectors. Through the DTEC venture, DSO aims to provide a stimulating and interactive work environment for start-up founders.

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At Home

Axiom Telecom Fakeeh Academic Medical Centre In line with Dubai’s plan to attract as many as 500,000 medical tourists a year, the Fakeeh Academic Medical Centre (FAMC) is a stateof-the-art smart hospital and medical university project being developed by Saudi Arabia’s

In 2016, DSO will host Axiom Telecom’s new AED200 million hi-tech headquarters. Currently under construction, the building – equipped with the latest technology – will offer an innovative campus-style facility that serves as a base for all major company operations.

40

ON THE MARKET

Every issue EL showcases one of the region’s must-watch real estate developments.

This month’s spotlight is on the Bayti development in Ras Al Khaimah

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At Home

THE MUST KNOWS Development: Bayti Location: Al Hamra Village, RAK Show homes available: A fully furnished show villa is available for viewing.

Sustainability elements: All homes will be LEED-certified, they will also incorporate LED lighting, solar heating, district cooling, centralised gas, insulation and waterproofing.

Starting price: AED 612 per square foot (from AED 1,708,888) Delivery: Phase one of the development will be handed over early December, with a collection of 118 villas.

Visit: alhamravillage.com

About Bayti The Bayti community will be home to a collection of town homes in a gated community with access to a private marina, world-class golf course and five-star hotel resorts.

Bayti will feature three- and four-bedroom townhouses, perfect for families or as holiday homes. The community will also feature swimming pools and parks for exclusive use by all residents. The homes range in size from 2,786 to 4,046 square feet.

The Setting The Al Hamra Village development covers an area of 77 million square feet and includes 1.5km of white sand beach, over 1,000 villas and town homes, plus nearly 2,500 residential apartments with views over the Arabian Gulf. An array of world-class amenities are included, such as five hotels – a Waldorf Astoria has been confirmed – an 18-hole championship golf course, a 200-berth marina, and two shopping malls.

The Features Each villa includes an outdoor patio, a large roof-top terrace and two balconies, while every bedroom is a master suite with attached ensuite bathroom and standing shower. Additionally, all villas come with a one-car garage.

ON THE MARKET

41

“We’re in an extremely strong position and Bayti will help us add a new dimension to what we are currently able to offer potential buyers.

We have developed an allencompassing community that has every amenity you could possibly want right on your doorstep. Bayti will not only meet those needs, it will also provide quality interiors within a sustainable environment.

Bayti will utilise some of the latest advances in sustainable construction. From energyefficient structures and insolated walls, to solarheated water tanks and energyefficient water tanks. We are looking at every feasible technology to make these homes sustainable while providing great value to homeowners.”

Design All homes have been designed using renewable resources and natural materials where possible. Smart technology enables homeowners to control acoustics and lighting, thereby reducing and controlling the amount of energy used, resulting in a more sustainable home and increased savings.

Facilities

Future Plans

Bayti will be home to three swimming pools, three private parks, a children’s play area, tennis courts and a football pitch. Plus, the complex is in close proximity to the beach, golf course and marina. Ample shopping is close by with an excellent selection of restaurants, as well as schools and hospitals.

The focus is on Falcon Island, which is a natural feature of the lagoon, where work has started on 150 high-end villas with 11 mansions villas starting at AED 5 million and topping-out between AED 22 and 25m.

Developers are also looking at expanding the Al Hamra Convention Centre, as well as introducing new hotel and serviced/branded residences.

EXECUTIVE LIFE|At Home

Benoy Kurien, General Manager, Al Hamra Real Estate Development

SELF

WORLD’s BEST SPAS

And relax...

In need of some much-needed ’me’ time? The World Luxury Spa Awards recently named its top spas around the world for 2015. Here’s where you could book your next getaway.

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Self

Miranda Smith

Global Spa Of The Year

Best Luxury Hotel Spa

The Woodland Spa, United Kingdom

So SPA at Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah, Egypt

According to the team behind this concept, the first thing you’ll notice when you visit the Lancashire day spa is its location. Set within 40 hectares of countryside with rolling landscape, woodland and lush pasture, they’re definitely not wrong – the surroundings genuinely create a true sense of intimacy and peace. The spa offers various packages – such as the Thermal Suite offer for a heat and ice ’journey’ – or just opt for a normal Spa Day. thewoodlandspa.com

Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah is in the heart of Cairo, so this is a perfect place to stay if you’re doing business in the Egyptian capital. So Spa offers a wide range of treatments and massages, as well as complimentary access to the hammam, Jacuzzi and the infinity pool overlooking the River Nile. There’s also the Sunny Bar, which offers snacks and signature cocktails throughout the day, weather permitting of course. sofitel.com

Best Luxury Safari Spa

Best Luxury Fitness Spa

Best Luxury Destination Spa

Satori Spa, United Arab Emirates

This spa is located in one of the UAE’s most popular getaways: Bab Al Shams in Dubai.

And Satori’s main purpose is to provide treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation in luxurious comfort. As well as an indoor relaxation area, there’s also an outdoor relaxation area, couple treatment rooms, fragranced steam room, sauna and outdoor yoga area. If the weather’s nice, opt for a massage outdoors. meydanhotels.com/babalshams

Astralis Health Club and Spa, Saudi Arabia

If you are Al Khobar-based, or travel a lot there for work, a membership at Astralis Health Club and Spa is well worth the money. In addition to regular sauna and Jacuzzi facilities, there’s also a fitness studio that offers high-intensity fitness classes – such as circuits, power and intensity classes – a wellness studio for low-intensity classes such as yoga and Pilates, plus an indoor cycling studio. Personal training and swimming lessons are also available. astralis-spa.com

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Australia

For something further afield, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is a true escape away from the hectic pressures of everyday life. Ecotourism-certified, the retreat’s staff focus on teaching resilience in the modern world, and guests can choose just how much or how little they wish to do. A single stay – choose between two and seven days – combines spa treatments and relaxation, along with healthy eating and wellness seminars in a dedicated lowtech environment. gwinganna.com

Best Luxury Wellness Spa

Best Luxury Mineral Spring Spa

Best Luxury Resort Spa

Kaya Kalp The Royal Spa at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, India

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Bahrain

Considering its award, it’s hardly surprising that it’s all about seawater-based treatments here.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s offerings include hydrotherapy, mineral massages and wellness treatments. There’s also the La Plage Beach Club that includes fitness facilities, steam rooms, tennis and squash courts, and a pool. sofitel.com

Aliva Spa @ NG Sapanca Wellness & Convention, Turkey

This spa focuses on holistic healing, wellness, and rejuvenation, with a treatment menu of Ayurveda, international and indigenous Chola-inspired therapies.

Comprising 12 treatment rooms, the Kaya Kalp also features relaxation lounges, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, as well as pool complex and three fitness centres. itchotels.in

With the belief that a “spa is much more than just massages”, Aliva Spa focuses on sharing healthy living practices with all guests, and all services are tailored as per your individual needs.

Facilities here include a spa relaxation pool, Turkish bath, bio sauna, aromatherapy, adventure showers and a snow fountain. Yes, a snow fountain. nghotels.com.tr

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Self

43

TIME OUT

THE MUST LIST | #ELREVIEWS | GAME, SET, MATCH

The Must List

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Time Out

What to see, and where to be seen right now

GET WITH THE BRUNCH BUNCH

A NEW TASTE OF ITALY IN DUBAI

Mina A’Salam fave Zheng He’s has introduced what it is dubbing Dubai’s first Beijing Duck Brunch.

Hosted by resident ’Duck-master’ Andy Yin, this Friday feast includes a series of dishes, from classically prepared Beijing duck wraps to neo-oriental additions like duck liver siew mai tossed in chilli sauce. Takes place every Friday from 12pm to 4pm, from AED 395. Call +971 4 432 3232

Milan’s C House Lounge Café is finally launching in Dubai. The popular coffee lounge – which already has two branches in the UAE capital as well as in Beirut – is set to open the doors to its Dubai Festival City branch by the end of the year. In addition to the coffee, expect C House to serve up delicious seasonal Euro-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. We can’t wait. chouseitalia.com

BIG BREAKFAST Need a venue for a breakfast meeting? Look no further than Fümé at Downtown Dubai. The recently opened eatery is serving up breakfast every weekday from 8am until noon. Go all out with The Beach Board, which includes smoked salmon, bresaola, chorizo stracciatella, tomato salad, basil pesto, avocado, soft boiled egg and sourdough. Or for an Arabian start to the day, try the shakshouka (pictured below) with smoked eggplant salad, creamy labneh and sourdough. Yum. fume-eatery.com

AL FRESCO DINING

WEEKEND WINTERLAND

We love this time of year; all of the UAE’s top nightspots have reopened their terraces, and nothing beats a little bit of al fresco dining. And one of our favourite Emirates Towers venues, La Cantine du Faubourg, offers one of the best views in Dubai.

Whether unwinding over a drink after work or enjoying an outdoor business lunch or a meal overlooking the DIFC skyline, this Parisian eatery is perfect for those who appreciate good food. lacantine.com

Dubai hotspot Eden Beach Club is set to celebrate its first anniversary on December 4 with a massive winter-themed celebration. Appearing on the night are three revered pioneers of house music, including one of the most renowned producers of the modern era, Guti – who will be performing a live set – alongside H.O.S.H. plus Steve Rachmad – one of the first pioneers of techno music in the Netherlands. Booking ahead is recommended. Call +971 4 277 1477

46

#ELREVIEWS Every issue, EL invites guest contributors to review the region’s latest restaurant openings. Here are their verdicts

AHMED EL SAYED

Engineering Professional, Abu Dhabi

CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Time Out

The Address Downtown Dubai The restaurant: It really needs no introduction; the award winning CUT by Wolfgang Puck is one of the world’s finest modern steak restaurants, with venues in the United States, Singapore, London and Bahrain. The Austrian-American celebrity chef’s Dubai eatery is in the heart of the emirate, at the popular Address Downtown Dubai hotel near The Dubai Mall.

The menu: Featuring a modern take on the classic American steak, the menu is not too overwhelming, with a good selection of not-your-typicalsteakhouse starters, as well as all the classic cuts for mains. Meat and seafood range from prime dry- and wet-aged beef to shellfish and sautéed or roasted whole fresh fish.

What we ordered: Big Eye Tuna Tartare (with wasabi and ginger), Maryland Blue Crab & Lobster ’Louis’ Cocktail, New York Sirloin Steak, Fillet Mignon Steak, Truffle Fries with Herbs.

What’s right with it: Ambience is second to none; ask for a table on the terrace, as it offers unrivalled views of the Burj Khalifa. This is definitely a showstopper and ideal for impressing guests. Staff were knowledgeable and the food was fantastic.

What’s wrong with it: While the team members were very friendly, there is such a thing as being too attentive. My dining partner and I were interrupted a little too often during the meal.

Total bill (for two): AED 560 Rating: 4.5/5 Info: Open daily from 5pm until midnight. Reserve on +971 4 888 3444

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THREE OF THE BEST… Roast dinners

British Roast

Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes Dubai The perfect chill out spot for the whole family, Reform’s roast is reminiscent of those available at cosy pubs in the UK. Choose between chicken or beef, and sides include roast potatoes, mixed veg and the all-important Yorkshire pudding.

How much? From AED 110 Available: Saturday and Sundays, from noon until late Call: +971 4 454 2638

ANNAH JACOB

Radio Presenter & Producer, Dubai

Fairmont Dubai The restaurant: Just take a look at its official Instagram page and you will see that Catch in New York City has become synonymous with the city’s trendy Meatpacking District, attracting celebs and VIPs from all over the United States and beyond. So it was only a matter of time before Catch set up shop in the UAE, and boy, it was worth the wait.

Located at the Fairmont Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, Catch Dubai – which even has its own lift – has brought its contemporary American-style seafood concept, complete with the industrial look it is famous for Stateside. All of the team members look like they have stepped off a photoshoot, and we were very impressed with their friendliness.

The menu: Super-diverse and designed to appeal to Dubai’s diners; expect everything from classic sushi rolls with a twist to signature whole fish dishes. Quirky desserts and drinks complete the line-up.

What we ordered: Hellfire Roll (spicy tuna, pear and balsamic sushi roll), Crispy Shrimp, Grilled Octopus, Herb Roasted Branzino, Short Rib (with sweet potato puree), Parmesan Truffle Fries and a Smores Pizza.

What’s right with it: Once you’re inside, it really feels like you are in the heart of NYC. It’s nice to feel like you have gone on a minibreak even if still in Dubai! As for the food, the short ribs were my ultimate favourite; they were cooked to perfection! If you visit any time soon, you must order the Smores Pizza – it’s definitely for cheat day, but you can’t go wrong with cookie, chocolate and marshmallows with a side of ice cream.

What’s wrong with it: Nothing much to be honest. If we were to be a little picky, then the crispy shrimp was too similar to the sort you may order from a fast food sushi place.

Total bill: AED 765 Rating: 4/5 Info: Open daily from 7pm until late. Reserve on +971 4 357 1755

The Sportsman’s Arms, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi This gastro pub’s roast menu offers either strip loin of beef, leg of lamb or turkey.

Mains include sweet potato mash, cauliflower cheese, green beans, gravy and Yorkshire pudding.

How much? AED 95 for one meat and AED 110 for a mix plate Available: Saturday and Sundays, from noon until 11pm Call: +971 2 403 4235

Original US-Inspired Roast

Fancy being a guest restaurant reviewer?

Tweet or contact us on Instagram using the hashtag #ELReviews

The Black Lion, The H Dubai Choose between mustard-crusted beef or herb-roasted turkey; or go large and pick both. Mains are served with yummy Thanksgiving-style side dishes, including duck fat potatoes, sweet potato mash, chestnuts, and veal bacon.

How much? AED 115 for one meat and AED 120 for a mix plate Available: Saturday and Sundays, from noon until 11:30pm Call: +971 4 359 2366

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Time Out

CATCH

The Weekend Roast

48

GAME, SET, MATCH

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Time Out

Some of the biggest stars in tennis are set to see in the New Year in Abu Dhabi, as they take on each other at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship | EL Staff

T

he official draw for the most competitive Mubadala World Tennis Championship yet has been made, and it’s set to serve up a high-octane opening, with all players at the top of their game for the annual tournament, which will start on Thursday, December 31.

Setting the tone of excitement from the start will be a stunning showdown between world number seven, David Ferrer, and Abu Dhabi crowd thriller Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Two tournament newcomers will play the second match of day one, with either Kevin Anderson – the hard-hitting South African who stands tall at a massive 2 metres – or Milos Raonic, himself one of the most powerful and precise servers in the game, going through to play on day two. The draw also sets up a potentially thrilling final, with double Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and the legendary Rafael Nadal both set to appear on the second day of the championship.

After an injury-prone start to the year, Tsonga has turned his season around and found excellent form over recent months to win his third Metz title at the Moselle Open and reach the finals of the Shanghai Masters.

Tsonga will be looking to claim a win over Ferrer, who recently secured a milestone 25th ATP World Tour title at the Malaysian Open and who also beat the Frenchman at their last meeting in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.

Should Tsonga prove successful, however,

he’ll go through to play Nadal on day two – whom he knocked out of the Shanghai Masters earlier this year in the semi-finals.

But with Ferrer leading the head-to-head against Tsonga 3-1 , and himself a regular feature in the finals in Abu Dhabi, that could be a tough ask.

Meanwhile, Raonic will make his Mubadala World Tennis Championship debut on December 31 and the Canadian superstar is not here to play games – he broke into the top four in the world earlier this year and has been in fine form. Raonic will face off against the statuesque Anderson, having met him on court only twice. This will also be Anderson’s first taste of Abu Dhabi action and he will want to make a good impression on UAE soil. The South African’s biggest moment this year came when he defeated Andy Murray in the US Open and made to his first-ever Quarter Finals in a Grand Slam.

Looking at the possible head-to-head between world number four Wawrinka and two-time Mubadala World Tennis Championship victor Nadal, the Swiss star leads the pair’s battles in 2015, having overcome Nadal twice this year, both at quarter final stages and most recently at the BNP Paribas Masters. Both players will be looking to start their 2016 campaign with a win in Abu Dhabi, with its unique ’winnertakes-all’ prize of $250,000 (AED 917,500).

For tickets, visit mubadalawtc.com

BUSINESS CLASS

AROUND THE WORLD | PRIVATE AVIATION TAKES OFF | CHECK-IN

Dubai Airshow 2015 breaks records

Last minute for less

The 2015 edition of the Dubai Airshow, which concluded last month, attracted 66,346 sector professionals, representing an increase of 9%, according to organisers. And in terms of business, the final tally for the 2015 order book rounded out at $37.2 billion, with a wide range of onsite deals covering high-profile aircraft, maintenance services, infrastructure and systems, and flight training programme agreements. These included 30 Airbus A321 aircraft for Vietjet, and Etihad Airways’ $475m optioned agreement with General Electric (GE).

Business plans can change unexpectedly; thankfully, hotels are catching on to this. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, for example, is running a special last-minute offer, where guests can receive 10% off best available rates at Grand Millennium Dubai, when booking up to one day in advance of their stay. But if you’re booking in advance, not to worry – the hotel is also offering a 15% discount on the best flexible rates for those booking a contemporary designed suite, or for those staying at the hotel for three nights or more.

dubai.aero

millenniumhotels.ae/grandmillenniumdubai

AROUND THE WORLD

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Business Class

A round up of the latest travel news and offerings

Rewards with Rotana

Meliá’s Madrid project is go

When booking a hotel for business, good Internet is always a top priority. Rotana Hotels – which includes properties such as Dubai’s BurJuman Arjaan and Centro Barsha – is now offering its customers free wi-fi access when they book their stay directly on rotana.com and sign up to the Rotana Rewards programme.

Other advantages include access to VIP amenities, and 10% off best available rates across all rooms. To avail of these offers, all you have to do is quote your membership number under ’Room Preferences’, then present your membership card upon check-in.

Meliá Hotels International has refocused its sights on Madrid with a major investment in the luxury hotel market, which now accounts for 23 properties in the city. The company has announced it is renovating the old Ambassador Hotel, a prominent feature on the Madrid-Velázquez walking tour, which will open in early 2016 as the new five-star Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques. “Madrid’s enormous potential as an urban destination comes not only from its importance for business, but also from its outstanding cultural heritage and art,” said vice chairman and CEO Gabriel Escarrer.

rotana.com

melia.com

businessweekme.com

Keeping the Middle East’s most influential decision-makers connected to the latest news and analysis they want—wherever they are, whenever they need it.

MAGAZINE AVAILABLE ON THE APP STORE OR PICK UP YOUR COPY AT ALL LEADING NEWSSTANDS AND BOOKSTORES. Pre-order your copy at subscribe@businessweekme.com / SMS subscribe +971 56 934 5398 facebook.com/Businessweekme • businessweekme.com

52

PRIVATE AVIATION TAKES OFF

Guest writer Paras Dhamecha, executive director at Empire Aviation, explains why private jet ownership is increasing in popularity

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Business Class

P

rivate aviation – buying, owning and operating a business jet – is an increasingly attractive and realistic option for business or leisure purposes in the Middle East, especially for those based in the UAE. After all, we’re witnessing continued development of airports, terminals and runways, as well as the support of aircraft maintenance and management.

When you consider that operating a private aircraft is often a more private, secure, practical and flexible solution than a commercial flight, the merits of owning a business jet are quickly apparent and this offers an insight into the rise of business jet ownership for individuals and companies.

However, buying and owning a business jet is just the beginning. You’ll need help managing, operating and maintaining the plane; a job best left to specialist private aviation professionals.

A PERSONAL LIMOSINE IN THE SKY A private jet can be a very practical, flexible, and in many cases a very cost-effective way to travel on intensive business trips with complex and demanding itineraries.

Plus, a company jet really is a business tool that can get you to your customers, pushing you ahead of the competition, with the minimum of fuss, maximum convenience and flexibility, with a high degree of privacy and personal attention. For businesses, they can be ’an onboard office’, allowing business people to work in privacy and comfort throughout the journey.

Underpinning all of this, of course, must be a team of highly experienced and dedicated aviation specialists, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These are the professionals who guarantee an impeccable quality of service, strict confidentiality, and high levels of safety and security at all times.

53

HOTSPOT: ZAYA NURAI ISLAND Sometimes a change of scenary can make a world of difference, so the next time you have an important meeting or out-of-office team day, why not take a trip to the beautiful Zaya Nurai Island?

Situated along the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf in Abu Dhabi, this island is conveniently accessible from all major travel ports in the UAE, and is a mere 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island.

HOW TO BUY A professional management company can acquire a business jet, finance it, insure it, operate it and manage it on behalf of an owner. Here at EAG, for example, we can source any type of new or pre-owned aircraft from all over the world, and find the right aircraft to suit each client’s business model and precise needs.

Critically, unlike may other forms of expensive technology, aircraft can hold their values very well and clients can often recoup their original investment, or even make a profit, when it comes to selling or trading the aircraft after several years of use.

The decision to buy comes after careful analysis of the business or individual’s travel needs. Budget is also a major factor when you consider the price of new business jets – which can range from $5 million to $50 million... even more – compared to what might be available in the pre-owned market.

Derived from the Arabic word for ’light’, the getaway was conceived by Zaya’s CEO Nadia Zaal to provide a sanctuary for discerning individuals. Zaal explains that Nurai was born from a dream to create a "truly nurturing living space that would nourish the mind, body and spirit of each person who made their home there".

"The ethos is to encourage residents and guests to reassess and relax, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in enjoying the beauty of life and prioritising what really matters."

And it’s certainly not for everyone; this is an exclusive community featuring stunning limited edition beachfront estates, water villa homes and the boutique Zaya Hospitality resort.

Day passes to Nurai start from AED 300 per person. For more information, visit nurai.com

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT Following a purchase, the Aircraft Management division would be able to help owners optimise their investment by operating and maintaining it to the standards required to protect its long-term value.

Here, it’s all about understanding the objectives of ownership, because each owner has a distinct business model and needs a tailored business plan to optimise the aircraft.

The fundamental requirement for a successful aircraft manager-owner relationship is trust, built on openness and transparency.

Owners generally take a keen interest in their management so that close working ’partnerships’ are formed with owners.

For more information, visit empire.aero

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Business Class

CREATING PARTNERSHIPS WITH OWNERS

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CHECK-IN: MANZIL DOWNTOWN DUBAI

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Business Class

Situated right in the heart of Dubai’s hottest neighbourhood, this beautiful boutique hotel is perfect for business or leisure | Salha S. Ali

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HIGHLIGHTS

Pay a visit to these attractive venues

� ESSENTIALS Getting there: This property, which is a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, is close to landmarks including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and Dubai World Trade Centre.

Location: Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai Prices: As of this month, rooms start from AED 1,099 per night Booking info: Email connect. downtown@vida-hotels.com or call +971 4 428 5888

AT A G L A N C E Located right in the heart of Downtown, Manzil is located opposite Souk Al Bahar and a mere 10-minute walk from The Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain. Here, rooms come with two views: Burj or pool. Unfortunately, none of the popular Burj view rooms were available upon checking in, so I had to ’make do’ with the view of the hotel’s pool. Surprisingly, I ended up preferring this view.

Check-in is relatively simple, although its location is not instantly obvious upon entering the hotel – I had to ask where the reception was – but the staff is helpful, a little overwhelmed at times, but we were up to the room within 15 minutes.

ROOMS Upon entering the room, the first thing I spotted is the massive headboard with beautiful Arabic calligraphy. The Arabian theme is consistent throughout this beautiful property, which really adds to the experience.

There are even quirky amenities that complement the theme, including bathrobes with ’Naeeman’ written on them (which translates into something along the lines of “Hope you had a lovely bath”). Other additions include slippers, an extensive line of bath products, and complimentary water, kettle and coffee maker.

Of course, if you need to work during your stay, there’s a working station by the balcony/ window, with plenty of natural light.

BOULEVARD KITCHEN Manzil’s signature restaurant specialises in food from the greater Middle East region, with a focus on Levantine cuisine. Set over two floors – in a contemporary Arabesque environment – guests have views of Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and the open kitchen.

FÜMÉ NEIGHBOURHOOD EATERY This fuss-free eatery serves up a wholesome and uncomplicated menu of fabulous food from around the world. Here, dishes are based on comfort food with a sharing concept, so this is great if you are looking to socialise with business clients in the early evening.

What’s quite unique about this hotel is its use of technology. All its directory and request functions can be accessed via the flatscreen TV. For example, if you’re looking for room service, then you can order using the remote. What’s good about this is that you are guaranteed to have your order taken correctly, but I can also imagine that some guests might not be comfortable making every request via a fiddly remote.

LEISURE But all work and no play makes for no fun, so I did make time to explore a little. The temperature-controlled swimming pool is one of the best bits about this hotel. Open from 7am, it’s perfect for a morning swim or a little bit of relaxing at the end of the day (it’s open until 7pm). For fitness, Manzil’s gym is open 24 hours, but if the weather is nice, go for a jog in the Downtown area in the morning or evening. You can’t beat the views of the Burj Khalifa that you can catch along the boulevard.

This hotel really is everything you need for a stay in the city centre. Thanks to the quiet atmosphere you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep and you’ll be raring to go the next day.

I was a little sad when it was time to check out… but one thing’s for sure, I’ll definitely be booking again soon.

THE COURTYARD Located right in the centre of the hotel, The Courtyard is absolutely fabulous during the cooler months. This venue has developed into one of the most popular Mediterranean restaurants and shisha lounges in Dubai. Unsurprisingly, tables get snapped up quickly!

NEZESAUSSI GRILL Nezesaussi – apparently short for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia – is the ultimate sports hub in Downtown Dubai. Sports fans love to gather here to watch their football, rugby...etc. game of choice, while enjoying food from the tri-nation countries.

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Business Class

W

ith Dubai being home to a huge number of big name hotels, you’d be forgiven for being confused over which area to choose and which brand to go for. But sometimes, keeping it simple can result in a wonderful surprise.

I’ll be very honest; Manzil Downtown Dubai isn’t the first property I think of when looking for places to stay in the Downtown area… after all, there’s The Address, The Palace and, of course, Burj Khalifa. I’ve always thought of it as a place that’s great for outings - its venues are some of the best in the city; check out the ’Highlights’ on the right for more information – but a recent stay at this four-star boutique hotel left me pleasantly surprised. And if, as I was, you are in town on business, then this is the perfect accommodation for a couple of days or so.

JET SETTER

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IRISH CHARM

irish charm While most travellers opt for Dublin, it’s really worth venturing out of the capital to explore Ireland’s true magic.

EL takes a three-day trip to Galway | Miranda Smith

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Jet Setter

W

henever I travel, I try to choose destinations that go beyond just visiting the capital.

More often than not, a main city doesn’t represent everything a country has to offer, and I’ll be very honest; I like to escape the fast-paced life of the UAE by heading somewhere mellower. So when I was offered the opportunity to explore one of Ireland’s smaller cities – Galway to be precise – I jumped at the chance.

You may think Ireland is an unusual destination for a GCC-based traveller, but the truth is that the destination has been rising in popularity in recent years. In fact, according to Tourism Ireland, around 60,000 visitors from the GCC visited last year – an increase of 10% from the previous year. And visitor numbers are expected to be even higher by the end of 2015.

So why Galway? Well, first of all, it’s not far from Dublin International Airport; it’s only a two-hour drive away and plenty of transport options are available.

Secondly, it’s a student town, meaning you won’t be short of quaint little restaurants, pubs and shops, and the locals are super friendly. Finally, County Galway is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country, so it's absolutely perfect for exploring nature.

In fact, it turned out to be a wonderful choice for a three-day trip.

� ESSENTIALS Getting there: Two airlines operate direct flights from the UAE; Etihad Airways (etihad.com)operates double daily flights from Abu Dhabi, while Emirates (emirates.com) offer double daily flights from Dubai (flight time is approximately 7 hours).

For our continuing journey to Galway, we booked a service via ganterchauffeurdrive.ie

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CHECKING IN Considering its size, there are not many hotels in Galway. In fact, travellers usually choose between two options: either the trendy G Hotel (theghotel.ie) – which features interiors crafted by none other than the hat couturier Philip Treacy – or the more historic Hotel Meyrick (hotelmeyrick.ie).

We opted for the latter. Not only is it in the heart of Eyre Square, Galway’s city centre, it’s also a fascinating building. This landmark opened in 1852 when it was then known as the Railway Hotel, and throughout the decades it has welcomed numerous notable figures, including President Charles De Gaulle of France, Fred Astaire and George Best.

Everything in this hotel is quaint and charming, and the rooms still maintain that classic 19th-century feel.

FIT FOR BUSINESS HOTEL MEYRICK: A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING FULL OF HISTORY

CITY CENTRE There are plenty of things to see and do during the day and in the evening near the hotel, and this where most of the outings take place.

In fact, most restaurants and shops are located within walking distance of the accommodation.

It’s lovely to see myriad one-off shops selling unique items such as Claddagh rings and Irish jewellery, or homegrown labels and handicrafts. Here, you can shop to your heart’s content, and there are plenty of unique gifts to be brought back to loved ones.

When you're not shopping, food and drink is definitely the order of the day, and Galway’s city centre isn’t short of splendid pubs and eateries. On our first night, we splurged on a hearty meal at McSwiggans (mcswiggans.ie), known as one of Galway’s finest restaurants that only uses locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables.

The next night’s dinner was at Ard Bia at Nimmos (ardbia.com), a quirky space where the furniture pieces don’t match and handkerchiefs are made out of denim. The menu also lives up to the eatery’s vibe – dishes include West Coast monkfish with lobster and bisque risotto, and pea shoots; rack of Kildare lamb with butternut squash, baby carrot and coriander pesto; and kefir ice cream with black river elderflower cordial.

ARD BIA AT NIMMOS

FOOD TOUR For anyone wanting to visit Galway, I cannot recommend enough including a food tour in your itinerary. Run by food expert and chef Sheena Dignam, tours take place Thursday to Sunday and last around two hours.

During this time, Dignam takes you around some of the finest market stalls and eateries in the city, including Wa Café, Galway’s first sushi stall; Danny Doughnuts, home to some of the best doughnut treats you will ever taste; and Sheridan’s Cheese. Other places included in the tour are pretty teahouse Cupan Tae, Brown’s Oysters and the brilliant Kai. Tours can be booked via facebook.com/Galway-Food-Tours-Aroundthe-Market-Place, and are priced at €26 (AED 100) per person.

BAKED GOODS AT KAI

Etihad Airways has launched a colourful new range of collectable limited edition Business Class amenity kits, the result of a unique collaboration between the airline and luxury travel brand LUXE City Guides.

The six stylish new kits – which were inspired by some of the iconic cities on the airline’s extensive global network – contain inflight amenities and natural facial products developed exclusively by London-based skincare and grooming brand Scaramouche + Fandango.

The designs for Abu Dhabi, London and Madrid, have been specially produced for Etihad Airways, whilst the Los Angeles, Sydney and Hong Kong kits feature bespoke LUXE artwork. Each kit contains a customised Etihad Airways LUXE City Guide which corresponds to the showcased city, covering everything from hotels and restaurants, to spas, bars, boutiques and bespoke shopping, as well as services, specialists and personal guides.

“The introduction of these kits is part of a much bigger journey which was started with the introduction of our new revolutionary cabins on the flagship Airbus A380 and Boeing 787s, and the new service concepts introduced fleet-wide,” said Calum Laming, Etihad Airways’ vice president guest experience. “These collectable kits also reflect the global nature of our business, while simultaneously highlighting the inspiration, style and unique qualities of our home, Abu Dhabi.”

ISLAND ESCAPE

SHERIDAN’S CHEESE

BROWN’S OYSTERS

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Jet Setter

Finally, the ultimate highlight without a doubt was a day trip to the Aran Islands. Considering we only had a day to explore, we opted for Inishmore, the largest of the islands. This can be reached by taking either a short internal flight or a ferry, depending on the weather; your hotel will be able to advise you on how to go.

Inishmore is simply beautiful. Residents speak Irish (Gaelic) as their first language, and the island is so peaceful that animals such as donkeys and even seals roam freely, while there’s a single policeman, doctor and nurse, and a bank is only open twice a week. It’s certainly a far cry from everyday life in Dubai.

A day trip included a visit to the historical Dun Aengus Fort, which is perched dramatically on the edge of a 90-metre cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, this fort was built in the 2nd century BC by the Builg following the Laginian conquest of Connacht.

WEALTH ALL ABOUT THE 'IT' BAG

ALL ABOUT THE ‘IT’ BAG Looking to buy a gift for the lovely lady in your life? Designer handbags are not just arm candy; the right piece can prove to be a very worthy investment | Miranda Smith

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Wealth

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ever underestimate the worth of a handbag; the right item can be treated treated in exactly the same way as a fine watch or beautiful piece of art. Don’t believe us? In June, a diamond-encrusted Hermès Birkin became the world’s most expensive handbag ever sold at auction, fetching a mammoth $221,846 (AED 814,175) at a Christie’s event in Hong Kong.

Prior to that, the record for most expensive handbag ever sold at auction was set in 2011, when a red Birkin with diamonds sold for $203,150 in New York.

Needless to say, the right handbag can mean good business, and that’s why it’s hardly surprising that creations by the right designer can go up in value over the years, and websites dedicated to selling the precious items have been launching left, right and centre.

One of the most popular in the UAE is that of TheLuxuryCloset.com, so EL asked CEO Kunal Kapoor to give his tips on how to choose and invest in a handbag.

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TOP 5 MOST EXPENSIVE HANDBAGS IN THE WORLD “Chanel handbags which feature limited edition and vintage flaps (from the 1990s and before). These bags are still sold for between $2000 and $3000 today, which is considerably more than their original selling price.”

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1001 Nights Diamond purse by Mouawad AED 14 million

“"Vintage Louis Vuitton luggage sets and classic Speedy bags maintain their price and often increase in price.”

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“The Hermès Birkin and Kelly are fantastic handbags to invest in thanks to their rarity and high demand in today’s market. TheLuxuryCloset.com manages to sell these handbags for a much higher value than the actual price today as they are able to get their hands on them without the usual waiting period (which can often be up to 6 years in the UAE).”

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“Handbags made of exotic skin (mainly crocodile and predominantly by Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Hermès) are usually limited to very few pieces around the globe, making them extremely desirable and lust-worthy, therefore increasing their demand and their value.”

Diamond Forever handbag by Chanel AED 957,870

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Cleopatra bag by Lana Marks AED 917,500

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Urban Satchel bag by Louis Vuitton AED 550,500

EXECUTIVE LIFE|Wealth

“Made-to-Order handbags are fantastic pieces to invest in. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Hermès often give VIP clients the option of creating their own handbags, selecting the colour, material, hardware and even initials.

These bags are unique and therefore increase in value with time.”

Hermès Birkin bag by Ginza Tanaka AED 6.9 million

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THE FINAL PAGE

EL PROMOTION

EXECUTIVE LIFE|The final page

FESTIVE CHIC Ascots & Chapels really needs no introduction. The British luxury couturier has been creating fine, personalised and bespoke garments for gentlemen for over 130 years.

And today, the brand continues to attract consumers who want to stand out in the boardroom and beyond.

Combining traditional tailoring techniques with modern design, every piece of clothing here is made from the finest quality fabric.

So if you are still struggling to look for that perfect festive gift for a fashion-savvy colleague or family member, then look no further. The brand has just released its latest collection of accesories which includes handkerchiefs, pocket squares and camel scarves, perfect for the winter season. Branches can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Visit ascotsandchapels.com

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Available in Dubai from 12 January 2016.