Equity Magazine August 2017 Issue
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AUGUST <strong>2017</strong> | ISSUE 03<br />
TRAVEL<br />
WELLNESS<br />
RETREATS<br />
FOR A HEALTHY<br />
MIND AND BODY<br />
THE TRUE COST<br />
UNCOVERING THE<br />
BUSINESS OF CEO<br />
COMPENSATIONS<br />
LILY<br />
COLLINS<br />
ON CONTROVERSY<br />
AND HOLLYWOOD
Extraordinary is in the detail.<br />
To explore one of the world’s most detailed landscape photographs go to BentleyMotors.com/Explore.<br />
Please contact us on 800-BENTLEY [800 236 8539]<br />
or visit us at www.uae.bentleymotors.com for more information<br />
2<br />
EQUITY<br />
The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © <strong>2017</strong> Bentley Motors Limited.
Be Extraordinary.<br />
1<br />
EQUITY
2<br />
EQUITY
3<br />
EQUITY
insideEQUITY<br />
12<br />
mind<br />
12<br />
A BUYERS'S GUIDE TO<br />
OFFSHORE INVESTMENT<br />
Reasons why you should invest<br />
in international properties<br />
21 30<br />
14<br />
17<br />
21<br />
24<br />
30<br />
32<br />
THE REVOLUTION OF<br />
THEMATIC INVESTING<br />
Alternate investments to<br />
diversify your portfolio<br />
WHO YOU GOING TO CALL?<br />
HOWARD LEEDHAM<br />
Explore this war veteran's<br />
journey<br />
MONEY MEN<br />
Get a peek into the business<br />
behind a CEO's compensation<br />
REFLECTIVE ENCOUNTERS<br />
Lily Collins discusses her latest<br />
Netflix movies<br />
A SKILL FOR LIFE<br />
Need a hobby? Try these<br />
SUPPORT LOCAL<br />
A chat with the startup founder<br />
of Apotheca Beauty, Nora Al<br />
Ramadhan<br />
40<br />
body<br />
37<br />
TRENDING NOW<br />
The latest in summer fashion<br />
straight from the runway<br />
38<br />
40<br />
42<br />
THE CHECKLIST<br />
Add these items to your summer<br />
wardrobe for a stylish upgrade<br />
SHOP TALK<br />
Your next shopping haul sorted<br />
INDULGE YOURSELF<br />
Make an appointment for the<br />
latest treaments on the market<br />
4<br />
EQUITY
AUGUST <strong>2017</strong><br />
45<br />
soul<br />
55<br />
45<br />
ON OUR RADAR<br />
The latest statement pieces to<br />
buy or covet<br />
55<br />
WEEKEND DINING<br />
Two venues worth talking<br />
business matters over<br />
65<br />
58<br />
61<br />
65<br />
68<br />
70<br />
72<br />
ON THE MENU<br />
Take a seat and indulge at these<br />
fine restaurants around the UAE<br />
WELLNESS RETREATS<br />
Memorable mind and soul<br />
rejuvenating experiences<br />
JETSETTER JOURNEYS<br />
Travel inspiration for your next<br />
big holiday<br />
STAY OF THE MONTH<br />
Explore Al Wadi Desert,<br />
Ras Al Khaimah<br />
TANGIER BEAUTY<br />
Explore this Villa from Christie's<br />
GET TO KNOW...<br />
ANITA WILLIAMS<br />
A peek into her life<br />
On the cover<br />
LILY COLLINS<br />
Read her interview on page 24<br />
The publication may not be<br />
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of <strong>Equity</strong> Media. Where opinion<br />
is expressed it is that of the<br />
author and does not necessarily<br />
reflect the editorial views of<br />
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EQUITY-Always invest in yourself.<br />
All information in<br />
EQUITY-Always invest in yourself<br />
is checked and verified to the best<br />
of the publisher’s ability, however<br />
the publisher cannot be held<br />
responsible for any mistakes or<br />
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advertising or graphics.<br />
5<br />
EQUITY
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6<br />
EQUITY
From the EDITOR<br />
Just a month to go before the next long Eid<br />
break, that was quick, wasn’t it? Speaking of<br />
time flying by, this month we spoke to Howard<br />
Leedham about his past and transition from war<br />
veteran to finance expert (p17). On the topic of<br />
finance, the latest acquisitions (read our Business<br />
section on equity.media) and current stock market<br />
status has investors exploring new avenues for<br />
alternate investments (p12-15).<br />
Netflix movies are becoming all the more interesting, with controversial<br />
topics raising awareness amongst society. Lily Collins speaks to us<br />
about her past, present and future in Hollywood, following the success of<br />
her most recent Netflix movie To The Bone (p24). Gizmo-lovers and<br />
car enthusiasts, we have a treat for you, turn to page 48 for the latest in<br />
aerial vehicles and page 53 to feast your eyes on the Mercedes-Maybach<br />
G650, such a beauty!<br />
If you’re looking to escape this month, before September kicks in, in full<br />
swing, do so either with a staycation in the middle of the desert (p68) or<br />
recoup with a wellness break (p61). Need to impress a friend, visiting<br />
family member or business partner, look to page 56 for inspiration on<br />
dining spots that are worth relishing a meal at.<br />
Happy reading<br />
Nicola<br />
Nicola Monteath<br />
EDITOR'S PICK<br />
I’m in love with the Mercedes-<br />
Maybach G650. The adorable yellow<br />
and blue back brings to mind<br />
images of minions, while the tough<br />
front is just pure beauty. Can’t wait<br />
to see it on the roads in the UAE.<br />
This flirty ruffled<br />
Martin Grant<br />
Shirt Dress at<br />
modaoperandi.<br />
com is one that<br />
can easily be<br />
worn from day<br />
to night.<br />
Follow us:<br />
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EQUITY - Always invest in yourself<br />
EDITOR NICOLA MONTEATH - nicola@equity.media<br />
DIGITAL EDITOR VARUN GODINHO<br />
CONTENT MANAGER OLIVE SEVILLA<br />
ART DIRECTOR ODILAINE MEJORADA<br />
SALES advertising@equity.media<br />
WWW.EQUITY.MEDIA<br />
PRINTED BY United Printing & Publishing<br />
is a proud member of<br />
Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon<br />
Monete for men seems like a piece<br />
dug out from a hidden treasure, with<br />
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and intricate dial. Another timepiece<br />
to add to my ever-growing wish list.<br />
7<br />
EQUITY
CALENDAR<br />
MARK YOUR CALENDAR<br />
Jetsetters, don’t forget to add these dates to your diary<br />
1<br />
ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET: ROMEO AND JULIET<br />
WHERE: South Bank Centre, London<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 1-5<br />
Watch the eternal story of Romeo and Juliet unfold<br />
in this opera created by the English National Ballet<br />
in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee as it<br />
comes to the Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall<br />
this summer. Sit back and be dazzled with Nureyev's<br />
passionate choreography and Prokofiev's<br />
exhilarating score performed live by English<br />
National Ballet Philharmonic.<br />
WA! WONDER<br />
JAPAN EXPERIENCE<br />
2<br />
WHERE: Stellar Ball, The Prince<br />
3<br />
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE<br />
ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE<br />
& BUSINESS ETHICS<br />
WHERE: Village Hotel Albert Court, Singapore<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 3-5<br />
Hotel, Tokyo<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 1 - September 30<br />
An Argentinian Cirque Du Soleil style<br />
group called the Fuerza Bruta<br />
(meaning “brute force”) is about to<br />
stun Japan with their Japanese inspired<br />
“WA!” show. It has captivated<br />
audiences in over 30 countries and<br />
with all tickets being standing-only, it is<br />
sure to be an interesting watch.<br />
Global Business Research Journals (GBRJ)<br />
and SDMIMD invite researchers, scholars,<br />
economists, accounting and finance<br />
professionals from across the globe to<br />
submit their abstracts/full papers/case<br />
studies at the upcoming conference which<br />
focuses on ethical and governance practices to be followed not only by the corporate sector but<br />
anyone involved in business and services activities with the motive of earning profit. After all,<br />
profit should not be the only outcome of the business.<br />
4<br />
MASTER ILLUSIONIST – AHMED EL BAYED<br />
TAKE OFF WORLD TOUR<br />
WHERE: Al Raha Beach Theatre, Abu Dhabi<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 3-5<br />
If you are a fan of Criss Angel or Houdini-like artists, this<br />
is for you. Master Arab Illusionist Ahmed El Bayed has<br />
stunned audiences around the world with his unique<br />
tricks, and has developed quite the following. Come and<br />
watch his show in Abu Dhabi to experience it yourself.<br />
This is one the little ones will be amazed with too.<br />
8<br />
EQUITY
CALENDAR<br />
LES FÊTES DE GENÈVE <strong>2017</strong><br />
WHERE: The banks of Lake Geneva<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 3-13<br />
Get ready to yodel your way through the Swiss Alps, literally! The<br />
Les Fetes de Geneve is an annual 10-day festival held in the early<br />
days of <strong>August</strong>. There will be singers, music concerts and shows,<br />
food stalls, games for kids and amusement rides, with the fair lit up<br />
by their famous fireworks display. Attendees range up to 2 million a<br />
year and many rooms get sold out for the time of festival - so be<br />
sure to book early if you want to stay at Geneva's Hotel President<br />
Wilson.<br />
5<br />
WHERE: Ayia Napa, Cyprus<br />
6<br />
LIVING COLOR MUSIC FESTIVAL<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 5-6<br />
As being the fabled birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of<br />
love, it should come as no surprise that the colourful and vibrant<br />
Living Color Music & Arts Festival will be held in Cyprus. Watch<br />
talents like Dmitri Vegas & Like Mike, Nicky Romero and Nervo<br />
make you bust a few moves. International audiences have to purchase<br />
tickets online and provide ID ticket info at the entrance.<br />
7 8<br />
HANS ZIMMER LIVE<br />
WHERE: Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles<br />
WHEN:<strong>August</strong> 11<br />
Let’s face it; any movie without an impressive score is<br />
soon forgotten. And when Hans Zimmer is the score<br />
provider, you know what you are going to hear will be<br />
otherworldly. The prolific film composer plays through<br />
his silver screen hits backed by a sizable orchestra and<br />
featured soloists during his live shows.<br />
FESTIVAL OF FOLK ARTS<br />
WHERE: Buda Castle, Budapest, Hungary<br />
WHEN:<strong>August</strong> 17-20<br />
This festival celebrates Hungary’s birthday on <strong>August</strong> 20th.<br />
The fete is set on the open air courts of the Buda Palace, with<br />
breathtaking views making you feel ou have stepped into the<br />
medivial era, with cobblestoned yards, street food, live craft<br />
shows and Hungarian Folk dance shows. The entry fee is the<br />
same as the entry to the Budapest History Museum.<br />
9<br />
SWEDISH HOUSE OF FINANCE FINTECH CONFERENCE<br />
WHERE: Swedish House of Finance, Stockholm<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 22-23<br />
This year’s conference at the Swedish House of Finance revolves around FinTech and deals with the ever increasing and<br />
ever-changing use of technological solutions in the financial world. This two-day conference brings together representatives<br />
from the finance industry, regulators, and leading academic scholars. The first day will feature key- note presentations and<br />
panel discussions, aimed primarily towards a non-academic audience, while the second day is built around presentations of<br />
research papers with comments by invited guest.<br />
LA PERLE BY DRAGONE OPENING NIGHT<br />
WHERE: La Perle Theatre, Al Habtoor City, Dubai<br />
WHEN: <strong>August</strong> 31<br />
Dubai finally gets it very own Franco Dragone production called La<br />
Perle, or “The Pearl” as Dubai is fondly referred to as the Pearl of the<br />
Gulf. The one-of-a-kind venue houses a state-of-the-art aqua theatre<br />
with 130 cast and crew, and a 1,300 seat theatre purpose-built to host<br />
Dubai’s first permanent show. With only 14 rows around the aqua-stage,<br />
each seat offers an engrossing perspective as the action unfolds.<br />
10<br />
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mind<br />
Explore alternatives to investment,<br />
and discover why the international<br />
real estate market is still a hot topic.<br />
Take a look at powerful women<br />
entrepreneurs and the lovely Lily<br />
Collins, in an interview about<br />
controversial discussions and her<br />
love for Hollywood<br />
11<br />
EQUITY
SPONSORED<br />
A BUYER’S GUIDE TO<br />
OFFSHORE INVESTMENT<br />
Richard Bradstock, Head of IP Global Middle East discusses<br />
the perils of investing in property<br />
Purchasing property is seen to be a prudent<br />
investment as it can provide an individual with a<br />
solid income, increase their net worth and enable<br />
portfolio and geographical diversification.<br />
Property is often characterised as a stable and reliable<br />
asset, when compared to more volatile alternatives like<br />
stocks and shares. Finally, owning property can also bring<br />
with it a sense of pride and security, being a tangible,<br />
physical asset to pass on to future generations.<br />
IP Global recently conducted a survey with respected<br />
polling company YouGov, exploring the property trends<br />
within the UAE market. We found that 33 per cent of UAE<br />
residents plan to invest in property in their home country<br />
rather than stocks, shares or bonds (21 per cent) while 13<br />
per cent have plans to invest in property overseas in the<br />
next year. Reviewing the results of the YouGov study from<br />
a global perspective, residents of the UAE had the highest<br />
percentage of people planning to invest in property abroad<br />
12<br />
EQUITY
SPONSORED<br />
Words by Richard Bradstock, Head of IP Global, Middle East<br />
in the next 12 months, compared to Hong Kong, Singapore,<br />
China and the UK.<br />
The YouGov study clearly highlighted a strong appetite<br />
for offshore property investment. However, choosing the<br />
right market for your investment is key. At IP Global our<br />
approach involves extensive research and due diligence<br />
that can be best summarised by the ‘PIE’ acronym;<br />
understanding each market’s population, infrastructure<br />
and economy before making our recommendations to<br />
clients. The simple reason for this is that as a location’s<br />
population grows so does demand for dwellings, driving<br />
property prices upward. Additionally, a government’s<br />
approach to regeneration and improvement to transport<br />
infrastructure often correlates with rising population<br />
density, further increasing an asset’s value. Finally, a stable<br />
and robust economy with diverse industries and growing<br />
employment levels makes for a perfect investment<br />
opportunity. However, before purchasing property<br />
further, due diligence is required. Investors should<br />
consider how easily you can extract your profit; researching<br />
the income, capital gains and inheritance tax implications<br />
of investing in foreign markets. Another important factor<br />
to investigate is the process of obtaining mortgage finance<br />
in international markets. For example, properties in Berlin<br />
are now extremely popular because, in comparison to<br />
British properties, they do not undergo capital gains tax<br />
after ten years.<br />
Although a market may make an attractive investment,<br />
when purchasing overseas properties, it is important to<br />
understand the entire purchase process, including the legal<br />
and tax implications for foreign investors. Variables such<br />
as how and when to apply for a mortgage should be<br />
considered as the procedure changes significantly as per<br />
each country’s jurisdiction which can present a challenge<br />
in unfamiliar markets. A trusted mortgage advisor to guide<br />
you through the process is often an invaluable partner. As<br />
a foreign investor, it is also important to consider the<br />
exchange rate and how currency fluctuations might affect<br />
the investment in the medium-to-long term. Currently, the<br />
strengthening US Dollar, combined with a post-Brexit<br />
world, makes it cheaper for investors to buy properties<br />
abroad residing in countries like the UAE, which is pegged<br />
to the US Dollar. Once the purchasing logistics have been<br />
confirmed, potential investors also need to conduct their<br />
due diligence on their partners on the ground, assessing<br />
the credentials of all involved, from the developer to<br />
agents and lettings, to the property management teams.<br />
Additionally, they must understand the local rental market<br />
to ensure there is strong demand and future saleability<br />
prospects. Again, choose your partners wisely – ensure<br />
you are working with advisors that have a strong track<br />
record of success.<br />
Choosing a buy-to-let property can enable investors to<br />
repay their mortgage via the proceeds of their rental income.<br />
We have seen customer buying behaviour change in the last<br />
decade, as due to recent world events investors are becoming<br />
more cautious. Now our clients do not tend to buy trophy<br />
properties outright, but use their budget instead buy multiple<br />
properties in numerous locations – using mortgage as<br />
leverage to maximise their returns and enable their money to<br />
go further. On the other hand, many clients do possess the<br />
total cost of purchase. Yet we would continue to promote the<br />
strategic advantages of leveraging (borrowing money). By<br />
using leverage to finance their investment, investors with a<br />
large amount could not only buy more than one property but<br />
buy types of property that they could not otherwise afford.<br />
For example, a recent analysis of IP Global’s London<br />
property portfolio found the return on property investment<br />
was magnified 2.7 times on average using this strategy.<br />
Once investors have bought their property it is<br />
important to constantly asses the value and progression of<br />
your portfolio and if necessary re-evaluate your strategy<br />
whilst simultaneously managing tenants and property<br />
upkeep. The majority of UAE residents come to the region<br />
on a contract basis and so when the time is right, we advise<br />
our clients to plan their exit strategy. By purchasing<br />
overseas this gives you more freedom but, overall, we<br />
recommend a seven-to-ten year minimum hold on an<br />
investment property. To the majority of investors, the<br />
legal, mental and financial implications of purchasing<br />
overseas properties can be quite daunting. Therefore,<br />
most rely on companies like IP Global, which has both<br />
local and global expertise in research, consulting, working<br />
with solicitors and facilitating the purchase and<br />
conveyancing, arranging mortgages, lettings and managing<br />
the property as well as advising on the optimal time for<br />
reselling.<br />
Ultimately, the advantage of acquiring offshore property is<br />
that it provides continuous reliable returns through capital<br />
growth and rental yields, whilst giving investors a passive<br />
income with minimal active management. Individuals<br />
wanting to drive their net worth, property is the most reliable<br />
asset and with the existing opportunity to monopolise on the<br />
strengthened US Dollar, the time to buy is now.<br />
13<br />
EQUITY
FINANCE<br />
THE REVOLUTION OF<br />
THEMATIC INVESTING<br />
How thematic investing has grown to become the next<br />
disruptive innovation in the investing industry<br />
By Itsparipassu<br />
Prior to 1976, it was not possible for<br />
investors to replicate the performance of<br />
an index. Every stock that formed a part of<br />
the index had to be bought individually<br />
and fractional stock buying was not possible. Back<br />
then, active mutual funds dominated the investing<br />
world, where fund managers hand-picked stocks they<br />
expected to perform the best. However, consistently<br />
beating developed market indices was an extremely<br />
hard feat for them. Almost 80 per cent of active funds<br />
failed to sustainably beat their benchmark indices.<br />
The reason for this was usually the fees charged by<br />
the mutual funds. Managing an active fund costs<br />
money – hiring a team of research analysts, building<br />
research infrastructure, paying transaction costs for<br />
buying and selling etc., ate away any excess returns<br />
that the funds tried to generate. The famous John<br />
Bogle (founder of Vanguard Group) pioneered index<br />
investing when he launched Vanguard 500 (a lowcost<br />
mutual fund that mirrored the S&P 500) in 1976.<br />
His philosophy - “If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em” –<br />
kick-started the revolution of index investing. Index<br />
performance trackers such as Index funds and ETFs<br />
took over the reins and ushered in the era of low-cost<br />
passive investing. Investors were able to track the<br />
performance of major market indices by paying as<br />
low as 20 to 40 bps per instrument.<br />
With technological advancement, such passive<br />
index investment tools became available to all kinds<br />
of investors on every investing platform. Vanguard,<br />
iShares (by Blackrock), and many more prominent<br />
players dominated the market and provided easy<br />
access to these low-cost strategies. Once the<br />
revolution took over in a sustainable manner, index<br />
funds that tracked major sector indices started<br />
entering the investing world. For instance, an investor<br />
who was bullish on the U.S. market and specifically<br />
the U.S. Oil & Gas industry could take exposure to 2<br />
index funds – one that tracked the S&P 500 and the<br />
other that tracked an index of major U.S. Oil & Gas<br />
companies. Eventually, passive investing became<br />
possible across various regions, as well as, sectors.<br />
Today, we live in a world that is going through a<br />
paradigm shifting regime. In intervals of less than six<br />
months, technological innovations are responsible<br />
for turning obsolete the most familiar facets of our<br />
lives. People are adapting quicker to transformation<br />
and have learned to anticipate the unexpected.<br />
Analysts are spending hours, days and weeks in trying<br />
to predict the next mega trend in the coming decades.<br />
Will renewable energy take over, robotics be the next<br />
leading industry or will big data analytics become a<br />
necessary tool for corporates to survive? Similarly, are<br />
flying cars set to receive billions of dollars’ worth of<br />
investments? A vast majority of the new generation<br />
investors are excited to jump in on these mega trends.<br />
Most millennials have not only grown to distrust<br />
large financial institutions with traditional offerings,<br />
but also thrilled to see new offerings by technological<br />
corporations, embracing the wave of digital investing<br />
in long-run mega trends. Naturally, where there is a<br />
demand for an untapped space, it gets met by frontrunning<br />
innovators. An example of one such inspired<br />
individual is Hardeep Walia, Founder of Motif<br />
Investing. A few years ago, Walia was trying to invest<br />
a trend at the moment, mobile internet. He was<br />
advised by his peers to buy Apple’s stock. However,<br />
he wanted a broad exposure to the entire ecosystem -<br />
chip manufacturers, cell phone towers and operators.<br />
At that time, no index existed for such a specific part<br />
of the technology space and hence, there were no<br />
funds or ETFs that tracked it. Buying single stocks of<br />
various companies would lead to a massive<br />
transactional cost so that wasn’t a prudent choice.<br />
Recognising a gap in the investing industry, he put<br />
together a team that created a concept-based<br />
investing tool. The platform creates intelligently<br />
weighted and diversified baskets of up to 30 stocks or<br />
ETFs called ‘motifs’ that can be bought into for a<br />
little less than $10 (Buying 30 stocks individually can<br />
make the investor incur around $300 purely as<br />
commissions). The motifs can be used to track<br />
trends, such as the robotics revolution, or trading<br />
strategies, such as ‘buy the dip’ and many more<br />
creative thematic investments. It is possible to even<br />
own fractions of shares in these motifs, something<br />
that is not possible in traditional stock investing.<br />
Over 150 investment styles have been created<br />
in-house and investors can directly buy these or even<br />
create investment styles of their own.<br />
Similarly, PureFunds is another corporation that<br />
is continuing to revolutionise thematic investing.<br />
14<br />
EQUITY
FINANCE<br />
CEO of PureFunds, Andrew Chanin, realised that<br />
people wanted to invest, were not covered by<br />
ETFs yet. PureFunds licenses indexes that are<br />
created by International Securities Exchange, LLC<br />
(ISE). ISE creates indices for specific new themes,<br />
such as cybersecurity, big data, fintech, drones,<br />
gaming etc. and PureFunds launches low-cost<br />
ETFs, that track these indices, into the<br />
marketplace. Just like PureFunds and Motif,<br />
several focused tools are penetrating the investing<br />
world today. Strategies now exist that allow<br />
investors to get exposure to any concept they wish<br />
to buy into, be it technological mega trends,<br />
innovative real estate investing or even trading<br />
strategies they believe have the potential to beat<br />
traditional benchmarks.<br />
Today, such companies that are at the forefront of<br />
innovative thematic investing are seeing massive<br />
inflows into their strategies, which is proof that<br />
investors are looking for alternative ways and means<br />
to invest in the world that is their future. These firms<br />
have disrupted traditional banking and conventional<br />
investments and are innovating in line with the<br />
desires of the new generation investors. Costeffectiveness,<br />
unprecedented access, user-friendly<br />
trading tools and, above all, concept driven<br />
methodologies, have helped these firms in<br />
revolutionising thematic investing. Numerous<br />
competitors are recognising this trend and moving<br />
away from traditional strategies. Thus, an increase in<br />
competition will only serve to improve the experience<br />
for investors. That said, many UHNWIs continue to<br />
be unaware of these new generation investing tools<br />
that are easily available to them. The main reason<br />
being that conventional banking and wealth<br />
management continue to propagate affluent active<br />
funds and traditional investment strategies. It is<br />
imperative that financial advisors lead the progress<br />
and introduce modern age investing tools, such as<br />
these, to their clients, lest they be left behind in<br />
strategies turning obsolete by the day.<br />
itsparipassu.wordpress.com<br />
These firms have disrupted<br />
traditional banking and<br />
conventional investments and<br />
are innovating in line with the<br />
desires of the new generation<br />
investors<br />
15<br />
EQUITY
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businessaircraft.bombardier.com<br />
16<br />
EQUITY
ENTREPRENEUR<br />
WHO<br />
YOU<br />
GOING TO<br />
CALL?<br />
HOWARD<br />
LEEDHAM<br />
The former UK Navy Commando Pilot,<br />
Clearance Diver and Special Forces Officer<br />
Howard Leedham MBE, takes us<br />
through his journey<br />
Words by Nicola Monteath<br />
PHOTOGRAPH BY ODILAINE MEJORADA<br />
There’s something stimulating about interviewing a man<br />
from the finance world, exploring his past ventures and<br />
what brought him to this side of the world. Especially if<br />
that past involves tales of war and leading a force of<br />
soldiers to raid Taliban camps and hunt down victims in Pakistan.<br />
Howard Leedham isn’t exactly your run-of-the-mill finance expert.<br />
He didn’t graduate from an Ivy League, or even in economics or<br />
finance as a matter of fact. However, his journey has led him to<br />
become the Chairman of Dubai-based hedge fund firm Dalma<br />
Capital and most recently, a partner at Consilium. Upon meeting<br />
Howard, I could sense a sort of mystery, one where you get the vibe<br />
that much has happened in this gentleman’s life. He’s calm, almost as<br />
though everything in the past is a distant memory, with the excitement<br />
of his latest venture, Consilium, taking over. Thankfully, this makes<br />
our interview a breezy chat that goes on longer than I anticipated.<br />
17 17<br />
EQUITY
ENTREPRENEUR<br />
Howard began his career at the age of 18 as a diver, due to<br />
not being able to afford training. “I joined the Navy, became<br />
a clearance driver and was in bomb disposal and the<br />
clearance diving team for four years. I soon realised that<br />
divers don’t have much work and decided to become a pilot.<br />
I passed all the tests and went into flight training to pursue<br />
my career as a commando pilot. That was my first real brush<br />
with the men from the Special Forces,” he tells us. Soon<br />
after, Howard found himself joining the Special Forces,<br />
serving three tours thereafter. His love for flying never<br />
weaned throughout and Howard found himself between<br />
flying and at the Gulf War with the US Marines. As with<br />
to run his firm and told me he could teach me everything I<br />
needed to know about convertible bonds in six months.”<br />
Howard is the go-getter, take-up-a-challege type of<br />
individual. That said, life had other plans for him and he had<br />
to refuse the offer, as this came immediately after 9/11. The<br />
reason why was as terrifying as exciting, with Howard being<br />
commissioned by the US Government for a year-long<br />
mission in Pakistan. Kindly enough, the gentleman with the<br />
offer said, “serve us the courtesy of living through the next<br />
year, we’ll serve you the courtesy of offering you the job<br />
when you’re back.”<br />
“To me there are two types of adventures. One, which<br />
most army men, there comes a time when you feel you need<br />
to spend more time with the family and so Howard left the<br />
Navy to settle in the US, where he got the opportunity to get<br />
into business aviation in Maryland. “They had all the right<br />
certification but not the size of business I needed. I decided<br />
to advertise management of business jets in the business<br />
journal and lo and behold, it took off.” Opportunities came<br />
along, and one such offer altered the course of Howard’s<br />
life. “The CEO of a hedge funds company offered me a job<br />
people are aware of and the other that happens when you<br />
reach your destination. You know it’s an adventure when<br />
you’re on ground but it’s an adventure you may not want to<br />
experience ever again,” he tells us. That’s exactly how<br />
Howard felt when he was commissioned. “I rounded up<br />
militia and off we went for our mission,” he says. The<br />
conversation went off record for a few minutes, where we<br />
discovered his near-death experiences and stories that can’t<br />
be disclosed. But from the sounds of it, the risk Howard<br />
18<br />
EQUITY
ENTREPRENEUR<br />
took gave him a story to write home about. And years later,<br />
for the public too. After much persuasion from comrades,<br />
he released his first non-fiction book, Ask Forgiveness, Not<br />
Permission, revealing gritty details of his tenure in Pakistan.<br />
Fast forward a year and Howard saw himself joining the<br />
gentleman who offered him the position. “I used to pass<br />
through the UAE when going to Pakistan and always<br />
thought ‘Wow, this place is like a gold rush.’ When I got<br />
back, I joined the company and pressed them into setting<br />
up here,” he tell us. After two-and-a-half years Howard<br />
left the company, and assisted with the launch of several<br />
other hedge fund firms before joining Dalma Capital.<br />
“What I learned about the financial industry is that you<br />
need two sorts of people, in my opinion. Those who focus<br />
specifically on what they need to do, like Portfolio<br />
Managers, and those who I term as generalists, who run<br />
the company – they know the strategies, the know-how,<br />
but they don’t make the investments.”<br />
While he still has a foot at Dalma Capital, his heart and<br />
soul are wholly at Consilium. “I like to build things and<br />
make a difference. Trying to make a difference is very<br />
difficult with hedge funds where around – a random<br />
throwaway figure – but probably 90 per cent of the assets<br />
are managed by 10 per cent of the company, and yes,<br />
To me there are two types of<br />
adventures. One, which people are<br />
aware of and the other that happens<br />
when you reach your destination. You<br />
know it’s an adventure when you’re on<br />
ground but it’s an adventure you may<br />
not want to experience ever again<br />
there’s something for you there but trying to make a<br />
difference isn’t easy. That’s one of my frustrations of the<br />
finance sector,” says Howard.<br />
Judging by his past, Howard relishes the thrill of being on<br />
his feet at all times, especially for work. Two to three years<br />
ago, he was invited to a lunch in London by a man who<br />
served with him in the Special Forces, now his business<br />
partner, Simon Fordham OBE. “Him and another<br />
gentleman said they were going to roll security companies<br />
into one, offering risk management and crisis response.<br />
They had a great solution to create a global footprint and to<br />
deal with only the things we specialised in. I thought this<br />
was a great idea and out of that Consilium was born.”<br />
“For me, I feel like I’m building something here and<br />
making a difference. We do crisis response wherein we deal<br />
with kidnap and ransom negotiation. We are retained by<br />
numerous insurance companies, so if there is a kidnap the<br />
company calls us and we react immediately. Two to three<br />
months ago we had a case where three people were<br />
kidnapped. It was a three-week process and we got them<br />
out. It’s an amazing feeling when as a company, you go<br />
through this and get the job done,” says Howard. The<br />
company specialises in various other services, including<br />
specialist consulting and advisory. If either government<br />
cooperates or individuals think they are going to have a<br />
problem, or do, then their team is called in. “One of our<br />
team members always know the answers, we’re a great<br />
brunch. One of the members was a Former Colonel in the<br />
UK, while the other is a forensic accountant, we are all part<br />
of the brotherhood. We also have a cyber security team and<br />
it has really started to take off as people are becoming more<br />
and more aware,” he says.<br />
Besides concentrating on the global footprint, they are<br />
also focusing on specialised services that will roll out in<br />
Q4. At the moment, Consilium is based in London, Lagos,<br />
Abu Dhabi and Milan, with an affiliate in New York.<br />
“We’re setting up West Africa, and that’s more boots-onthe-ground<br />
operations. In Abu Dhabi, we were the first<br />
security company to set up at the Global Market, while in<br />
Dubai, we have a corporate membership with Capital<br />
Club.” The company also looks after HNWI families when<br />
they travel abroad.<br />
Through the eyes of a layman, Howard is a brawny army<br />
man. But as we chat about life, visits to unfortunate<br />
countries and his humanitarian efforts, we discover he is<br />
soulful too. “I tried to launch a charity that would airlift aid<br />
to countries that require it and almost got there, everything<br />
was good. But, 9/11 happened,” he tells us. “My view is this<br />
is going on all around the world and we live in a privileged<br />
environment. If something happens to us, we know<br />
someone will come and risk their lives to save us. What I’ve<br />
seen is that in unfortunate places, if a person gets ill or the<br />
building collapses, they know that nobody is going to come<br />
and they have minimum hope of survival. So, the concept<br />
of trying to put something together was that at the back of<br />
mind they know someone will get there,” he tells us.<br />
While it is on the back burner, Howard has much to be<br />
excited about. As we delve into his book, we learn that the<br />
movie pilot was created with the film going into production<br />
at just about any time. I began to imagine the blockbuster,<br />
the feeling of having once interviewed the protagonist, but<br />
began to wonder, who would play the lead? “Anyone but<br />
Tom Cruise,” he laughs and reveals, as we go on into a<br />
discussion about our background and life in the UAE.<br />
19<br />
EQUITY
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EQUITY<br />
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BUSINESS<br />
MONEY<br />
MEN<br />
V<br />
The CEO decides how much you get paid, but who decides his pay? Enter<br />
the secretive and complex world of the executive compensation consultant<br />
Words by Varun Godinho<br />
Warren Buffett and his chief<br />
lieutenant Charlie Munger are<br />
united in their overt distaste for<br />
executive compensation<br />
consultants – professionals appointed by the<br />
boards of some of the world’s biggest companies<br />
to determine the compensation-and-benefits<br />
packages of its top bosses. At the annual Berkshire<br />
Hathaway annual meeting in May this year, Buffett<br />
said, "If the board hires a compensation consultant<br />
after I go, I will come back – mad," while Munger<br />
added, “I have avoided all my life compensation<br />
consultants. I hardly can find the words to express<br />
my contempt."<br />
But is the business of compensation<br />
consultants getting an undeserved bad rap?<br />
“There is always a risk of us having an inflationary<br />
pressure on compensation. But the more<br />
balanced view is that we act as a controller and<br />
brake on executive pay. We’re very aware of what<br />
the market rate for a job is and the HR<br />
professionals inside the institutions that we deal<br />
with need third-party validation of what they are<br />
doing. In many instances, I find myself arguing<br />
for compensation to go down rather than up.<br />
That’s the bit of the discussion that Mr. Buffett<br />
might miss because he only receives the headlines<br />
where the numbers are going the other way,” says<br />
Dubai-based Martin McGuigan, Partner at Aon<br />
Hewitt Middle East, who also heads up the<br />
McLagan division at Aon that specifically deals<br />
with compensation within the financial services<br />
sector in the MENA region.<br />
Globally, Aon Hewitt is one of the biggest<br />
players in the industry – reportedly, over 70 per<br />
cent of the Fortune 500 and FTSE 100<br />
companies in America and the UK have<br />
contracted its services to determine the pay of<br />
its upper-crust management.<br />
Contrary to what you believe, these<br />
consultants aren’t the empowered sharks that<br />
dole out packages worth tens of million on a<br />
whim to slick CEOs. McGuigan explains its<br />
business model. Most organisations have what<br />
is known as an internal nomination and<br />
remuneration committee (NRC). The NRC is<br />
tasked with finding executive-level candidates –<br />
often accepting names pitched by headhunters<br />
– vetting and interviewing them and, most<br />
importantly, will act as the penultimate authority<br />
on determining the quantum of pay.<br />
To help them reach that decision though, the<br />
NRC cannot rely on headhunters who are<br />
motivated by securing a higher pay for their<br />
candidate because they are paid a percentage of<br />
the final package. Instead, they turn to thirdparty<br />
neutral external bodies like the Aon<br />
Hewitt to gather market intelligence on what<br />
21<br />
EQUITY
BUSINESS<br />
executives within the candidates’ peer group are<br />
being offered and to advise on a fair<br />
compensation package. Does he think that<br />
compensation packages are far higher today<br />
than they should justifiably be? “If a CEO is<br />
going to make you a billion dollars and you want<br />
to pay him 50 million, shareholders will say,<br />
‘That’s fine. We’re going to make 950 million.’<br />
There is no limit to how much it should be or<br />
could be, but the control should be in the design<br />
of the incentives that ensures that shareholders<br />
are taken care of first, and that the employees<br />
are always paid after the shareholders,” says<br />
McGuigan.<br />
In the wake of 2008 crisis, reports of millions<br />
being disbursed among the senior management<br />
of freshly-bailed out financial institutions<br />
caused shareholders to rile against the system<br />
that allowed these excesses. As McGuigan<br />
explains, 2008 led to the creation of governmentbacked<br />
financial legislation and checks-andbalances<br />
to prevent the abuse of the system,<br />
though they’ve fallen short of entirely remedying<br />
the matter. “The way compensation packages<br />
are set up is that one-third is guaranteed pay,<br />
one-third annual bonus, and one-third are longterm<br />
incentives like equity. It’s the bonus and<br />
incentives that are directly correlated to the<br />
performance of the organisation they lead, and<br />
that component was previously entirely at the<br />
discretion of the shareholders. However, in<br />
Europe you now have CRD IV regulatory<br />
authority that mandates that the bonus of those<br />
in the financial services sector in the European<br />
Union, can be a maximum of 100 per cent of<br />
their fixed component. That didn’t bring total<br />
MARTIN MCGUIGAN, PARTNER AT AON HEWITT MIDDLE EAST<br />
If a CEO is going to make you a billion<br />
dollars and you want to pay him 50<br />
million, shareholders will say, ‘That’s<br />
fine. We’re going to make 950 million.’<br />
There is no limit to how much it should<br />
be or could be, but the control should be<br />
in the design of the incentives<br />
compensation levels down. It was, in fact, bad<br />
for shareholders because the guaranteed<br />
component of the compensation was increased<br />
so that they [the executives] would be eligible<br />
for 100 per cent bonus of a bigger number.”<br />
That took away the uncertainty of having<br />
these men and women work harder to secure<br />
larger bonuses. The higher fixed component,<br />
says McGuigan, also had an adverse knock-on<br />
effect on end-of-service benefits, pension, and<br />
national insurance, among other things.<br />
In countries like America, regulation has had a<br />
better impact and now beginning to stick. “In the<br />
States, the same regulatory pressure was applied<br />
via Dodd Frank, a consumer protection act put in<br />
place by the US legislative institutions, in 2009. It<br />
capped compensation for senior executives and<br />
bank professionals and spelt out exactly how the<br />
risk and reward mechanisms should be linked.<br />
They made a very strong linkage on how people<br />
were incentivised and the risks they took which<br />
were previously responsible for the collapse of its<br />
financial institutions.”<br />
Everything isn’t always above board though,<br />
and there is a more sinister side to the<br />
compensation consulting business. To navigate,<br />
sometimes circumvent, these international<br />
regulatory mechanisms, often companies will<br />
appoint compensation consultants to sit on<br />
their board and NRC councils. “You can’t<br />
design [the compensation and benefits] plan and<br />
then sit on the same boards and say, ‘What a<br />
great plan that is.’ Believe it or not, five or six<br />
years ago, you could have done both.”<br />
“So now we’ve seen many [compensation<br />
consulting] companies split the design and<br />
consulting part from the regulatory advisory<br />
part so that they can work both sides of the<br />
22<br />
EQUITY
BUSINESS<br />
fence, but under two completely different<br />
company structures. Those employees are very<br />
clearly divided by Chinese walls internally.”<br />
The compensation consulting industry isn’t a<br />
one-size-fits all operation. The packages structured<br />
are varied across financial markets worldwide. In<br />
the West, executives are gung-ho on equity as their<br />
long-term incentives. In the Middle East, where<br />
many large corporations are family or state-owned,<br />
cash is still king. “In the Middle East, 95 per cent<br />
of the deals are cash based and this won’t change<br />
in the foreseeable future. Historically, we’ve had a<br />
transient population in the region. So when you<br />
bring talent in, they are interested in a cash deal<br />
because they are able to up<br />
sticks and leave with no<br />
encumbrances to taking the<br />
money with them.”<br />
While the matter of<br />
executive pay in the Middle<br />
East isn’t very closely<br />
regulated or as structured as<br />
it is in the West, things are<br />
changing even it’s still a case<br />
of the cart leading the horse.<br />
“There are many well-run<br />
forward-thinking<br />
companies who are<br />
divesting responsibilities<br />
outside of its family<br />
members to professionals.<br />
To secure the contract of<br />
these talented individuals, they [the companies]<br />
will revamp and reinvigorate their internal<br />
perspective on pay and use proper executive<br />
compensation metrics and techniques. It is<br />
happening, but slowly.”<br />
The executive compensation business is here<br />
to stay. As McGuigan saliently points out,<br />
companies will always require third-party<br />
validation and intelligence on the prevailing<br />
market conditions during the hiring process.<br />
“Shareholders will always demand an expert<br />
point of view on the reasonableness of what is<br />
being put in front of them.” If McGuigan is<br />
right, Buffett might never be able to rest easy.<br />
23<br />
EQUITY
CELEBRITY<br />
REFLECTIVE<br />
ENCOUNTERS<br />
Lily Collins chats with Christopher Hooton about her humble beginnings,<br />
latest Netflix movies and fascination with old-school Hollywood<br />
Lily Collins has had a busy year, appearing in<br />
Warren Beatty’s Howard Hughes biopic Rules<br />
Don’t Apply, Netflix’s biggest feature film yet,<br />
Okja and starring in one of its latest indie films,<br />
To the Bone (streaming now - the story of a girl dealing with<br />
anorexia. I caught up with her on a warm Tuesday afternoon<br />
at the Corinthia Hotel in London.<br />
There’s common ground here, you studied journalism<br />
right?<br />
Yeah I went to USC. Broadcast Journalism and<br />
Communications.<br />
I’ve always ultimately wanted to be directing and I’m<br />
trying to segue into that - with you, was it the case that<br />
you studied journalism and did a little after college, but<br />
the hope was always to go into acting?<br />
Yeah, I always knew that I wanted to act. But I was always<br />
super intrigued about asking questions and seeing human<br />
nature and human response and knew it would better inform<br />
me as an actor. And then, taking that on camera, I could<br />
better understand my angles, what it was to edit, how edits<br />
happen and how to take direction. There are so many facets<br />
of the industry I think can be applied to other areas you<br />
wouldn’t necessarily associate them with. So having those<br />
skills is really important because a lot of people in the field<br />
you end up in haven’t necessarily had the type of experience<br />
you’ve had. It can give you an interesting perspective I think.<br />
You’ve done some wild stuff in journalism, I read that<br />
you covered the 2008 presidential election for<br />
Nickelodeon!<br />
[Laughs] Yeah! It was really fun - I got to do the ’kids pick the<br />
president’ campaign which - I was 18 at the time so it was my<br />
first time voting, I had a lot of questions myself, so I got to go<br />
out in the field and ask questions for the kids but also for<br />
myself, which was interesting. I got to be there for the<br />
inauguration and all the parties afterward and the conventions<br />
too, it was crazy.<br />
You know that Nickelodeon kids' president poll has<br />
only been wrong like twice! It’s a more accurate<br />
predictor than many broadsheet polls.<br />
No way, that’s so funny!<br />
24<br />
EQUITY
CELEBRITY<br />
IMAGES BY SHUTTERSTOCK | WORDS BY CHRISTOPHER HOOTON | THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE<br />
25<br />
EQUITY
CELEBRITY<br />
So with To The Bone, you had personal experience of<br />
anorexia, right? When you were approached about it<br />
were you immediately like ’yes, I want to draw on it’ or<br />
was there a wariness and you weren’t sure whether you<br />
wanted to make that part of your life something to put<br />
on the screen?<br />
So I was sent the script by my team who didn’t know my<br />
association with it [anorexia] at all - they just thought it was an<br />
amazing opportunity for an actor. I’d ironically just written a<br />
chapter in my book about my experience with eating disorder a<br />
week before, so I was already reliving it by reading journals<br />
from that time period. It was like the world in a kismet situation<br />
saying ’this is something that maybe you need to expand upon,<br />
something you can may bring to more people - start a larger<br />
conversation.’ Before I read the script I was hesitant to step<br />
back into those shoes when I’d gone so far away from them but<br />
I also figured it’s about telling a larger story, so I gave it a shot<br />
and when I did it hit me in the gut - the writing was so spot on;<br />
I could really relate to some of the experiences in it. It was witty<br />
and had this dark humour that I think only someone who’d<br />
gone through it could write. It was semi-autobiographical for<br />
Marti [Noxon, the writer-director] so that made total sense,<br />
and when I finished it I called up right away and was like ’I have<br />
to meet with somebody about this.’ I met with Marti who had<br />
no idea about my connection with it whatsoever; we started<br />
talking, had a little bit of a lovefest and I explained to her my<br />
association with it and what I could relate to. And that was it<br />
really, I went home and expressed to my team my hopes of her<br />
liking me and she expressed her hopes of me liking her and it<br />
was kind of like a marriage from there.<br />
A film like that needs the humour doesn’t it, otherwise it<br />
can get a bit morbid.<br />
Yeah, it’s already a dark subject matter so you want to make<br />
sure you have lightness in there. Also, there’s a real truth to<br />
dark humour being used as a deflection from issues, especially<br />
with this kind of topic, you don’t want to address the elephant<br />
in the room, you just want to deflect, deflect, deflect. I<br />
personally used dark humour or in general in that way and so<br />
did Marti. My character, Ellen, is very sarcastic and fun and<br />
witty - she’s a bright young women who got a lot of darkness<br />
in there.<br />
And the scenes where you looked very emaciated, I’m<br />
guessing some it was body doubles, some of it was VFX?<br />
So some of it was me, some was a young woman who was in<br />
recovery, and they kind of molded the two of us together.<br />
The shot at the end is obviously not me that’s CGI, but it’s a<br />
dream sequence so you can kind of allow that.<br />
You obviously had to stay really thin for the role as well,<br />
was it weird having to go back to the kind of behaviour<br />
you’d put behind you, in terms of really worrying about<br />
what you eat?<br />
It was, but what was weird about it was someone else telling<br />
me what I could and couldn’t eat. It wasn’t about the<br />
satisfaction of me controlling it, it was actually being held<br />
accountable by a professional. And I started to go like, 'well<br />
maybe I want to eat that,’ and I had to remind myself it’s for a<br />
greater purpose. So, I wanted to eat, whereas before it would<br />
have been me telling myself I didn’t. It was interesting being<br />
held accountable throughout the process; I had a lot of<br />
people supporting me to help me through it. But also, I feel<br />
proud of the fact that, because of the regimen and<br />
supplements I was on as well as constantly eating throughout<br />
the day, I never forgot my lines, I was never late and never<br />
skipped out on work or was ever overly tired, and I had a<br />
great time shooting. I think a lot of what propelled me<br />
forward was that I was so passionate about the story and<br />
determined to get through it, make it to the end and have that<br />
feeling of pride. I knew the greater purpose of the story was<br />
much bigger than myself and that there was potential for<br />
change after this movie or at least a conversation starting<br />
about the subject matter, so I didn’t want to mess it up.<br />
Obviously, it was a little bit of pressure, but sometimes<br />
pressure can be good.<br />
So what is the healthy way they recommend actors to get<br />
down to a small size for roles?<br />
There really isn’t a recommended way. I know other actors<br />
who would literally eat a piece of fruit a day and smoke a lot<br />
and drink a lot of coffee, and that was totally not the vibe I<br />
wanted - I don’t even smoke - so I don’t condone that and, I<br />
reminded myself they’d hired me as an actor, not for the<br />
potential of what my body could look like. And so, it was just<br />
about limiting certain food groups, having smaller portions,<br />
lots of water and just the basics really. But always having<br />
supplements with every meal as well to make sure your body<br />
is functioning properly.<br />
I know one obviously draws on one’s own life with every<br />
role to an extent, but did this movie feel different<br />
because it was something so close to you, did it feel<br />
easier to tap into the emotion when you were in the<br />
scene?<br />
It definitely was a dissimilar type of experience for me and,<br />
watching it back, I can spot the moments where I’m actually<br />
having revelations of my own in the movie as myself, because<br />
the way Marti wrote the script is so accurate and there are<br />
things I’d never been open to talking about or ever really<br />
spoken to a professional about. The therapists in the house<br />
talking about why people stay in disorder or what we like<br />
about it, for instance, was so spot-on and creepily similar to<br />
my mindset at the time that I was just in awe that someone<br />
understood me, and that’s what Ellen’s going through in that<br />
moment, you know, someone’s caught me out’.<br />
I really was so present in this movie that I allowed myself to<br />
have those moments of clarity and they just happened to be<br />
captured on film. Like the scene in the bathroom where my<br />
step mom makes me step on the scales, take my clothes off<br />
and she takes pictures of me and asks me if I think they’re<br />
beautiful, I didn’t know that Kerry Preston, the actress,<br />
was actually going to use the iPhone and take a photo - I<br />
thought she’d turn it around and there’d be a blank screen -<br />
but she took a photo of me and it shook me in that moment<br />
because I was faced with something that I just hadn’t seen in<br />
myself. When you’re in disorder you don’t see yourself the<br />
way that everyone else does really, it’s distorted, so that was a<br />
real moment that shook me as Ellen but also as Lily. To<br />
the Bone provided me a lot of those ’aha’ moments.<br />
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CELEBRITY<br />
27<br />
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CELEBRITY<br />
I think in order to start conversations about them you have to take<br />
the taboo out of it, you have to put it out into the universe in some way<br />
Did you see the whole furor about Netflix’s 13 Reasons<br />
Why?<br />
I know that there was controversy surrounding it, but I think<br />
when you take any subject matter that is so relevant today<br />
people are really afraid to talk about, or don’t know how to talk<br />
about, there’s always going to be negative attention because it’s<br />
uncomfortable. With 13 Reasons Why, that’s something they set<br />
out to do from the start, this [To The Bone] was something that<br />
we’re indebted to Sundance in that they acquired and wanted<br />
to distribute it. In both situations I think it’s to be applauded<br />
that they’re taking risks on subject matter like that, because I<br />
think in order to start conversations about them you have to<br />
take the taboo out of it, and in order to do that you have to put<br />
it out into the universe in some way, and entertainment is a<br />
perfect platform for young people to pay attention. I think<br />
Netflix is really bringing change because conversations turn<br />
into change. There’s going to be negative attention with<br />
anything that people consider uncomfortable.<br />
It was weird to me because it seemed like everyone was<br />
coming from a liberal standpoint, but what they were<br />
asking for was essentially censorship, for the approach<br />
to be ’let’s just not talk about suicide and pretend it’s not<br />
happening’.<br />
Yeah, not talking about it’s not going to help. I wrote a book<br />
last year and the whole point of it was for readers not to feel<br />
alone, and in order to not feel alone you need to be able to<br />
share experiences with people, and that comes from opening<br />
yourself up and talking about what can be quite terrifying.<br />
The idea that you’re not alone also promotes the idea that<br />
asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength, and I think<br />
so often we consider needing help as meaning we can’t handle<br />
things ourselves, when really we’re just seeking out someone<br />
else to understand us, and I think these shows and this movie<br />
is a way of doing that.<br />
I’m always interested to ask actors how they feel about<br />
social media, because with so many industries now it’s<br />
become an accepted part of things and is just expected<br />
that people use it. I was talking to Alicia Vikander a few<br />
weeks ago and she was saying how she prefers just not<br />
to have it at all; I know you’re on Twitter and other<br />
mediums, how do you deal with social media and how<br />
much do you engage with it?<br />
It’s interesting, I was pretty against social media at the very<br />
beginning, because I love old Hollywood actors and actresses -<br />
the mystery around them. A real mystery and like, studios kept<br />
them secret. I was talking to Sir Michael Parkinson recently on<br />
his radio show and he was saying how it started at the very<br />
beginning of people being allowed to even go on talk shows.<br />
They didn’t come with publicists, they’d never done it before<br />
and there was almost no censorship because they just wanted<br />
to share things. And now it’s interesting because you can more<br />
easily control what you put out there and what you don’t. The<br />
journalist in me always loved relating and socialising and<br />
connecting with people, but there came a point where I needed<br />
to make a decision to stop that being my focus and really focus<br />
on acting - an audience are only really going to believe me as a<br />
character to an extent if they don’t know me as Lily that well.<br />
Instagram was the first place I went to because I could<br />
express my love of photos and I thought well, photos speak<br />
for themselves and I can just add a little caption, but it created<br />
this positive environment for young women supporting each<br />
other that I wasn’t expecting and it was that interaction that<br />
inspired me to write my book because they were all telling me<br />
their insecurities and their experiences assuming I couldn’t<br />
relate because I was an actor, whereas that was the furthest<br />
from the truth, I had just never really been open about it<br />
before. I wrote my book to basically say, ’wait a second, I<br />
actually can relate completely to you and I wanted my voice<br />
to be unfiltered, which is the title of the book, and also the<br />
photos in it to be unfiltered.<br />
It’s difficult, I really enjoy social media - certain forms of it -<br />
because I get to connect with young people around the world<br />
and really use my voice in a way that hopefully encourages others<br />
to as well, but also you do risk opening yourself up too much. I<br />
think if you can get a grasp on a balance, then that’s a really good<br />
thing, it’s healthy. It’s not easy, but I think I’m finding that<br />
balance and grateful for the interactions I’ve had on social media.<br />
That said, I don’t like, check it all the time, I’m not constantly<br />
tweeting and updating everything - Instagram’s the one I feel like<br />
I really curate because I love photography and visual art.<br />
Instagram’s weirdly my favourite one too, even though<br />
on the surface it seems all about façade.<br />
Exactly, it’s a lot of fast-paced opinions and that’s great that<br />
people are using their voice but, personally, I think photos for<br />
me say more.<br />
I haven’t heard much about The Last Tycoon in a while,<br />
is that still happening?<br />
Yes! I shot the first season like a month ago and it comes out<br />
this summer. I’m hoping people like it and that we go to a<br />
second season which would be amazing. It’s fun; it’s the<br />
golden era of Hollywood and we get to really dive deep and<br />
go dark in it as well.<br />
I can tell old school Hollywood is obviously in your<br />
interest what with Rules Don’t Apply as well.<br />
I know! I’ve really got the period stuff covered I guess, that’s<br />
why it’s been fun to do To The Bone and Okja and go outside of<br />
the box people might put me in, because that’s the last thing<br />
I’d ever want as an actor. I want to keep switching it up, to<br />
surprise them but also mainly to keep myself guessing.<br />
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FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE QUALITY FLEURIER CERTIFICATION AND PARTNER OF THE FONDATION DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE<br />
RÉCITAL 20 ASTÉRIUM ®<br />
2 TIMES PATENTED<br />
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AHMED SEDDIQI & SONS, DUBAI I AL MANARA, ABU DHABI I AL AWADI, SULTANATE OF OMAN<br />
ASIA JEWELLERS, BAHRAIN I ATAMIAN, LEBANON I BEHBEHANI, KUWAIT I BLUE SALON, QATAR<br />
29<br />
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EDUCATION<br />
A SKILL FOR LIFE<br />
When you feel like you’re at a junction in your life where you have a bit of<br />
spare time on your hands, or need to pick up a hobby, it may be time to learn a<br />
lifelong skill. Whether you want to channel Gordon Ramsay or Mario Testino,<br />
we have the best courses for you to tackle<br />
HONE YOUR CULINARY SKILLS<br />
The course: Beginner’s Cookery<br />
Venue: International Centre for Culinary Arts Dubai (ICCA)<br />
Destination: Dubai, UAE<br />
Dates: September 4, November 1, and December 13, <strong>2017</strong>. Classes are available in two cycles during the week:<br />
Sunday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and on a Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.<br />
Fees: Dhs17,500 (For UAE citizens and residents) and Dhs25,500 (For International students).<br />
If you are guilty of binge watching Chef’s Table on Netflix, indulging at Michelin-star restaurants across the globe and have a<br />
state-of-the-art kitchen with a slight passion for cooking and baking over the weekends – even if it’s just mashed avocado<br />
on toast or brownies, this may be the course for you. Rated as one of the top ten culinary training institutes around the<br />
world and internationally recognised by the City and Guilds, London, this culinary school guarantees you will leave knowing<br />
the difference between an éclair and a choux pastry. ICCA Dubai’s accredited Amateur Program in Culinary Techniques in<br />
Cookery or Patisserie provides hands-on skills and knowledge to help create exemplary culinary creations. The training<br />
incorporates classical culinary arts techniques, while teaching you how to prepare and store food correctly. A therapeutic<br />
way of spending quality time with yourself, family or friends. The skills you gain can act as an ice-breaker in your future and<br />
who knows? Maybe next time instead of ordering in, you can impress guests with dishes cooked up by yours truly.<br />
The course: Diploma in Cookery and Patisserie<br />
Dates: <strong>August</strong> 26, October 22, and December 3, <strong>2017</strong><br />
Duration: The Diploma is available full-time as a three months program or on a part time basis over the course of<br />
twelve months. The student intakes for the full-time regular program are held every six weeks, while the weekend<br />
program on Saturdays runs in a cycle and admissions for the same are open through the year.<br />
Fees: Dhs52,630 (For UAE citizens and residents) and Dhs 80,650 (For International Students)<br />
So, you know your wok from your skillet and can differentiate between Korean and Russian icing piping, how do<br />
you up the stakes? The ICCA provides two professional courses in the forms of diplomas for Professional Cookery<br />
and Patisserie. The course is precisely detailed and accredited by City & Guilds London and was awarded<br />
“Recognition of Quality Culinary Education” by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). It spans over<br />
620 hours of guided learning by certified trainers (chefs). When you have the best in the business nurturing your<br />
skills, you cannot go wrong.<br />
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EDUCATION<br />
DESIGNING FROM SCRATCH<br />
The course: Interior Design for Professionals<br />
Venue: Instituto Marangoni<br />
Destination: Milan, Italy<br />
Start Dates: 7 October - 19 November <strong>2017</strong>. The Executive<br />
Short Course<br />
spans over four weekends<br />
Fees: Dhs13,300<br />
If you enjoy collaborating with an interior expert or designing your home<br />
and shopping for accessories and artsy pieces at treasure troves, this may be<br />
one for you. Textures, colours, structures and worn-out pieces of bits and<br />
bobs might inspire you, making you feel as though you can transform a spare room or a friend’s attic. Cement your desires with<br />
a qualification. Founded by the famed Giulio Marangoni, The Instituto Marangoni offers an executive short course for those<br />
familiar with the rigours of interior design. The course will guide participants through the latest trends in the contemporary<br />
interior design sector presented during Salone del Mobile (the international reference point for the furnishing and design<br />
sector, often setting the benchmark worldwide) by developing a style capable of defining decor with originality. Whatever<br />
artistic abilities the participants have is fine-tuned and honed into stellar skills at the Institute.<br />
THE PERFECT PICTURE<br />
The course: Digital Photography Workshop Overview<br />
Venue: New York Film Academy<br />
Destination: New York City, USA<br />
Dates: September 11 - October 7, <strong>2017</strong><br />
Fees: Dhs15,000<br />
Ever get that feeling of being a photographer whenever you hold<br />
a sophisticated camera with a lens so powerful, you can see the<br />
moon at daytime? Your wish may come true. The New York<br />
Film Academy provides a digital photography workshop where<br />
students are immersed in the art and craft of still photography<br />
and introduced to the tools necessary to capture great images<br />
and refine them through digital imaging. Students are further taught the artistic and aesthetic element of their work<br />
through various photography techniques. No experience is required to enrol in the program and it is mandatory for<br />
students to bring their own camera with manual exposure control. If this hobby turns out well for you, you could<br />
perhaps exhibit your work someday.<br />
LEARN TO SURF<br />
The course: Surf Development Course<br />
Venue: Mojo Surf<br />
Destination: Sydney, Brisbane, or Baron Bay, Australia<br />
Dates: Available all year round for one month, five<br />
days per week<br />
Fees: Dhs11,600<br />
Australia brings to mind a land of sun and surf, with<br />
miles of endless sandy beaches and breathtaking<br />
scenery. The sunny coast down under and shimmering<br />
waters beckon keen surfers and water enthusiasts. The<br />
courses here are the ultimate learn-to -surf experiences.<br />
At the camp, you will focus on improving your technical<br />
skills, awareness, physical fitness and basically learn to<br />
live and breathe like a surfer. You will also be challenged<br />
and coached through various levels of development.<br />
There are quite a few packages to choose from but as a<br />
novice, this is the best, followed by the other complex<br />
courses, if you are up for the challenge.<br />
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LOCAL STAR<br />
#SUPPORTLOCAL<br />
Discover this entrepreneur’s journey<br />
Kuwaiti-national Nora Al<br />
Ramadhan, Co-Founder<br />
and General Manager of<br />
Apotheca Beauty was<br />
born and raised in her home country<br />
with her sisters, who are now her<br />
partners. Having grown up in a<br />
household primarily dominated by<br />
women and an inspirational, healthconscious<br />
mother, it was only natural<br />
for her up-bringing and career to be<br />
sparked by her love of beauty. Her<br />
career didn’t begin within the beauty<br />
industry though, she spent six years in<br />
the US, acquired her B.A. in Finance<br />
from the University of Southern<br />
California, and set foot into a career on<br />
Wall Street in New York.<br />
Tell us about your company?<br />
Apotheca was formed by three sisters,<br />
all of us equally fixated with finding<br />
the perfect solutions to our everchanging<br />
beauty needs. We exclusively<br />
distribute a curated selection of beauty<br />
brands, each of which excel in their<br />
category of beauty. We have been<br />
customers of these products ourselves<br />
and have collectively experimented<br />
with nearly every treatment and<br />
regime. Everything from the look to<br />
quality of the products is taken care of.<br />
We then analyse the potential of the<br />
brand by confirming there is a gap for<br />
it in the home market. It’s important<br />
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LOCAL STAR<br />
to us we keep our portfolio small and tight, so we are able to<br />
dedicate ourselves to the commitment each brand needs, as<br />
opposed to bringing anything and everything.<br />
What field were you in before you launched your brands?<br />
Before launching Apotheca, I was working in investment<br />
banking in New York. Having majored in finance, the natural<br />
move was to spend time in the financial hub of the world and<br />
learn all that I could. In doing so, I became fascinated with<br />
studying retail companies – analysing the steps each took to<br />
evolve and innovate in their industry.<br />
How long has it been operating?<br />
Apotheca has been operating for a little more than four years<br />
and has been growing strong ever since. We have a lot of plans<br />
coming up, including the launch of our e-commerce site later<br />
this year, in addition to the regional launch of new brands. We<br />
are constantly busy and deriving new ways to get the products<br />
that we love into the hands of our customers. Prior to launching<br />
Apotheca, we studied the market and noticed a serious niche,<br />
young beauty brands. While there was a demand for such<br />
specialty brands, the market still seemed to lack diversity in<br />
beauty. From there, Apotheca was born.<br />
What have been your major challenges till date?<br />
There are a range of challenges – such as legal processes and<br />
registrations can take a lot of time, and be difficult to<br />
complete particularly when we enter new countries. It has<br />
often been challenging to be taken seriously in male<br />
dominated societies. Also, hiring is always difficult, and<br />
finding quality staff can be a challenge. Probably the largest<br />
challenge, though, is educating the market on the importance<br />
of skin-care being equal to that of cosmetics.<br />
Where do you see your brand in five years?<br />
We plan to continue to expand our brands into new territories<br />
and retail partners. Our goal is always to ensure the growth of<br />
our brands is in line with their philosophy. We are also very<br />
fortunate that our brands continue to launch new and exciting<br />
products that we can then bring to the region.<br />
33<br />
EQUITY
THE CASE FOR SHORT-TERM PHILANTHROPY<br />
IS JEFF BEZOS RIGHT ABOUT HERE-AND-NOW PHILANTHROPY?<br />
V&A MUSEUM’S INCREDIBLE<br />
MAKEOVER<br />
The Victoria and Albert Museum gets a $70<br />
million revamp<br />
AUDEMARS PIGUET<br />
X HOTEL BYBLOS<br />
The Swiss watchmaker<br />
pays tribute to the<br />
iconic Hotel Byblos<br />
celebrating its 50th<br />
anniversary this year<br />
MICHAEL KORS<br />
BUYS<br />
JIMMY CHOO<br />
BALLOON-POWERED SPACE<br />
VOYAGES IN 2018?<br />
Your next holiday destination: Near-space<br />
The $1.2 billion deal<br />
is a significant fillip<br />
for the American<br />
fashion major<br />
Follow us on social media<br />
34<br />
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EQUITYMEDIAUAE
ody<br />
Discover the latest trending<br />
colours, collections and<br />
timepieces to add to your<br />
wardrobe. Spa treatments<br />
are aplenty in this city, but<br />
here are two apt for the<br />
season and weather<br />
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TRENDING NOW:<br />
FASHION<br />
The depth of this hue of yellow makes it a transitional colour for the season to come. The less intimidating<br />
deeper shade of yellow offers a cheerfulness to outfits, making it easier to wear from office to late<br />
night soirees. On the runway, Preen and Chloe showcased the trend in romantic silhouettes, with<br />
subtle pleats, neat structured shapes and ruffles, for a sophisticated feminine take. To wear it, without<br />
being over-the-top, carry a mustard yellow bag to accesorise with a statement piece, or pair the top<br />
with white trousers for a classic elegant day-time look. We love the sleek Galvan Lace-Trimmed velvet<br />
slip dress (seen here) for impromptu gatherings. Layer it with a flowy sheer kaftan, a denim jacket ot<br />
wear it on its own, with a pair of vibrant earrings that gracefully brush your shoulders.<br />
TALITHA<br />
MASAI<br />
EMBROIDERED<br />
COTTON TOP,<br />
Dhs 2,190 at<br />
Boutique 1<br />
MARTIN GRANT RUFFLED<br />
SHIRT DRESS, Dhs3,819<br />
at modaperandi.com<br />
Sylvie stud messenger bag at<br />
MICHAEL KORS<br />
GALVAN LACE<br />
TRIMMED VELVET<br />
SLIP DRESS,<br />
Dhs9,165 at<br />
modaperandi.com<br />
Handbag,<br />
Dhs4,145 at<br />
MULBERRY<br />
37<br />
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TRENDS<br />
The<br />
CHECKLIST<br />
Chic picks to keep you vogueish this summer<br />
SUMMERY TEXTURES<br />
Movement and an airy vibe come across in Halston<br />
Heritage’s latest collection, with a palette of soft blush,<br />
almond and sultry whites. Light ribbed cashmere tanks, a<br />
white trouser suit, and satin gowns allow for effortless<br />
dressing, while a sleek printed red midi and black gown<br />
showcases understated elegance for evening wear.<br />
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TRENDS<br />
MICRO TREND:<br />
OVERSIZED EARRINGS<br />
More is definitely more with large circular<br />
earrings that are bang on trend for seasons<br />
to come. Don a pair of statement earrings,<br />
such as this bohochic pair from Olivia Dar,<br />
for a bold look that puts jewellery at the<br />
forefront. We love the hand-beaded details<br />
and tassels on this shoulder grazing piece.<br />
Available at sauce concepts stores.<br />
LUST-WORTHY<br />
Shoes are stealing the limelight<br />
at Fall Winter collections. And<br />
while we just aren’t there yet in<br />
terms of weather, we are in<br />
mindset. Take your pick: Above,<br />
Dhs2,250 at Mulberry, and on<br />
the left, Penelope Arty<br />
collection, Dhs7,660<br />
at Longchamp<br />
GOLD AND COLLAGEN – THE PERFECT MATCH<br />
Jetlagged skin reveals ageing, dehydrated skin and a lack of<br />
radiance, and let’s face it, it isn’t a look adored by any. This<br />
month we’re unwinding with the Gold Collagen Hydrogel<br />
Mask, that immediately cools and when reaches body<br />
temperature, allows the active ingredients to penetrate<br />
through the skin. The beauty saviour contains hyaluronic acid<br />
to plump skin while keeping it moisturised, pearl extracts to<br />
aid inflammation and wound healing, botanical complex<br />
including houttuynia cordata leaf and green tea leaf extract<br />
to protect against climatic conditions, and glycerine for that<br />
perfect glow. Available at Boots and Gold-collagen.com<br />
39<br />
EQUITY
IN STYLE<br />
HOP<br />
talk<br />
The stores to visit for<br />
Syour next shopping haul<br />
SCANDINAVIAN<br />
ORIGINS<br />
If you’re a fan of By Malene Birger, Acne<br />
Studios and Scandinavian brands that<br />
have achieved perfection with structure,<br />
textures and cuts, then look no further<br />
than Twisted Roots by Emirati/<br />
Danish designer Latifa Al Gurg. The<br />
contemporary womenswear label’s<br />
latest collection, The Savannah, features<br />
khaki, camel, nude and ivory hues,<br />
stemming inspiration from the African<br />
Safari. Shop for delicate silk camisoles,<br />
button-down shirts, sleeveless cardigans<br />
and belted safari style jackets for a<br />
neutral tone summer wardrobe.<br />
The brand is available at Robinsons,<br />
BeYou, Ush Boutique and House of Fraser<br />
MIXING OLD WITH NEW<br />
Mulberry’s Fall/Winter ’17 collection takes us<br />
right back to the 70s, with equestrian and country<br />
looks making a comeback, to form a stimulating<br />
collection fusing the aristocratic with urban, and<br />
countryside with city-life. The result, a distinct<br />
combination of patterns, elements and fabrics<br />
making you reminisce clothing spotted at a vintage<br />
store, except, with a stylish upgrade this time<br />
around. Sturdy tweeds, Edwardian embroideries,<br />
dainty lace and elongated hemlines are<br />
showcased in blouses, jackets and pieces that can<br />
be thrown on to form a sophisticated fluid<br />
ensemble. The autumn winter palette features<br />
caramel, oxblood, ginger, rich Mulberry green,<br />
rust and a bright buttercup yellow, along with<br />
pastel tones. Accessories are nothing short<br />
of exemplary with signature quilting and<br />
bijoux charms showcased in handbags,<br />
while smaller leather bags are evocative of<br />
hat-boxes and antique luggage.<br />
BUG’S LIFE<br />
Your teen may want to borrow<br />
your Momento Fendi Bugs<br />
timepiece from time to time<br />
and we wholly understand why.<br />
With playful elements and a jolt<br />
of vivacity, the iconic eyes set<br />
with two diamonds on a silverwhite<br />
or black dial and intricate<br />
details lends an endearing charm<br />
to just about any outfit.<br />
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41<br />
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WELLNESS<br />
INDULGE<br />
YOURSELF<br />
Tried-and-tested experiences of the month<br />
SHINE SPA<br />
The treatment: Elemis high performace skin<br />
energizer facial<br />
Verdict: Connected to Sheraton Grand Hotel Mall of the<br />
Emirates, the spa is a great escape for when you’re lingering<br />
around the mall while little ones are at play, or when you’re in<br />
need of a pick-me-up. We were in dire need of a thorough<br />
cleanse, and the added pore minimisation, cell regeneration<br />
and pigment reduction didn’t hurt. Elemis products are used<br />
for all treatments, offering natural ingredients sans harmful<br />
chemicals, that leaves skin hydrated and cleansed. A run-down<br />
of the treatment was given to let us know what we opted in<br />
for. A quick cleanse, inhalation of floral aromas, and an<br />
invigorating, good-for-the-skin type of exfoliant was scrubbed<br />
on to our face, gently peeling off dead skin cells. Steam and<br />
extraction followed, to decongest pores, with the therapist<br />
really getting into every white-and black-head possible – the<br />
pricks are oddly pleasurable. A fruity-scented papaya enzyme<br />
was then slathered on to reduce discolouration, after which<br />
we felt a hot towel touch the surface of our skin to wipe away<br />
the dried mask. We’re a bit squeamish of people touching our<br />
feet, if not during a massage, but when asked if we’d like a foot<br />
rub, we didn’t oppose. To end our facial, the therapist applied<br />
a serum and moisturizer before immediately handing us a<br />
mirror. Staring back was fresh glowing skin, albeit with a few<br />
red bumps from the extraction that later wore off. We’re now<br />
gracing a no-make up face with a dollop of sunscreen smeared<br />
on before we head outdoors.<br />
Need to know: Dhs525, call +971 4 377 2380.<br />
NATURAL ELEMENTS SPA, LE MERIDIEN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE<br />
The treatment: Ku Nye Massage “For Head-to-toe healing” By ILA<br />
Verdict: Tying in perfectly with our wellness breaks (p61), we figured a similar treatment is something that needs to be<br />
undergone every month or so, to perform at optimal levels. With that in mind, we drove down to this hotel in Garhoud for<br />
the head-to-toe healing massage. Upon entering, sounds of flowing water put us at ease. We instantly changed up and<br />
headed to the Breeze treatment room where our feet were washed and the treatment began. The back, neck and shoulders<br />
were massaged with medium to hard pressure in long strokes to ease out knots. The therapist spent around 40-45 minutes<br />
on the back, neck and shoulders, pressing down joints along the back with a combination of oils that help detox while<br />
promoting blood flow and circulation. Legs, feet and arms are massaged in the same way, followed by a chest and upper back<br />
massage. The scalp was rubbed vigorously, waking us up from our nap with a 'Thank you' that soon followed. Ending with a<br />
cup of ginger tea is always blissful and on we went home, which took a mere 30 minutes to reach the end of Al Khail road.<br />
Need to know: The 90-minute treatment is available for Dhs680, call +971 4 217 0000.<br />
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soul<br />
Take a trip to a luxury<br />
wellness retreat to give your<br />
mind, body and soul the rest<br />
and relaxation it requires.<br />
For an escape in the city,<br />
head to the gorgeous desert<br />
hotel (p68) or on a culinary<br />
journey at these talk-of-thetown<br />
hotspots (p55).<br />
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THE ETERNAL MOVEMENT<br />
Ulysse Nardin, from the movement of the sea to the perpetual<br />
innovation of Haute Horlogerie. For over 170 years, the<br />
powerful movement of the ocean has inspired Ulysse Nardin<br />
in its singular quest: to push back the limits of mechanical<br />
watchmaking, time and time again.<br />
Marine Regatta<br />
Chronograph<br />
Countdown timer<br />
Silicium technology<br />
ulysse-nardin.com<br />
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EQUITY<br />
ULYSSE NARDIN BOUTIQUES: The Dubai Mall +971 44341421, Mall of the Emirates +971 43950577, Beirut Souks +961 1992092<br />
Abu Dhabi: Al Manara International Jewellery Amman: Time Center Bahrain: Asia Jewellers Cairo: BTC Exclusive Doha: Ali Bin Ali<br />
Jeddah: First Jewelry Kuwait: Morad Yousuf Behbehani Muscat: Le Carat Riyadh: First Jewelry
COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
ON OUR RADAR<br />
Striking statement pieces<br />
JEWELLERY<br />
Tiffany & Co.<br />
CHAIN WRAP NECKLACE<br />
IN 18K YELLOW GOLD<br />
The iconic blue box puts a smile on a face almost immediately. The launch of Tiffany HardWear collection by Tiffany &<br />
Co. is no different, offering powerful pieces that make a statement. Drawing its name from the urban soul of New York<br />
City, the collection exudes a rebelliousness that fuses high fashion with street style. Inspiration stems from a unisex<br />
bracelet created in 1971, to now boast a collection including earrings, rings, necklaces and pendants that easily injects<br />
sophistication to a couture ensemble and edginess to a denim or leather jacket. The industrialism of the city is<br />
encapsulated within the metal-intensive design, with the signature gauge links reflecting clean, simple shapes of<br />
functional hardware.<br />
CHAIN WRAP NECKLACE IN 18K YELLOW GOLD, DHS48,600 AT TIFFANY & CO.<br />
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
PERFUME<br />
Thomas Kosmala<br />
WHITE OUD<br />
Oud is the type of scent your either absolutely love or despise. Its strong notes waft through the air long after it has been<br />
sprayed or placed onto skin. Thomas Kosmala’s White Oud is hard not to love, with floral accords including white rose,<br />
jasmine and gardenia, fused with musky oud. A gift apt for any occasion.<br />
THOMAS KOSMALA IS AVAILABLE FOR DHS2,500 AT HOUSE OF FRASER, PLETHORA, ATELIER PERFUMERY,<br />
ROBINSONS DEPARTMENT STORE, AND OBSLIFESTYLE.COM<br />
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EQUITY
COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
FURNITURE<br />
Jaime Hayon<br />
THE RUG COMPANY<br />
Born in Madrid in 1974, Spanish artist-designer Jamie Hayon is known for his extraordinary artisan skills and intrinsic creativity.<br />
His work being regularly showcased at world renowned design museums such as London’s Design Museum, Rotterdam’s Vivid<br />
Gallery, the Germany’s Vitra Museum and Basel Art fair, has captured the eye of reputable art collectors. The latest collaboration<br />
with the Rug Company encapsulates Hayon’s creative energy, reflecting his ingenuity and affection for unconventional design.<br />
Our favourite, the ‘Silhouette’ reflects Hayon’s offbeat design, extremely fine knots to exhibit detailed drawing lines and shading,<br />
wool silhouettes layed above the piles exquisitely unravelling the floral and whimsical design, all handmade by weavers on<br />
Kathmandu whose skills are passed down through generations. Definitely a stunning piece to add to your collection.<br />
PRICE DHS52,830. VISIT THE THERUGCOMPANY.COM/INT/DESIGNERS/JAIME-HAYON<br />
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
GADGETS<br />
AeroMobil<br />
FLYING CAR<br />
Wishful thinking that your car could miraculously grow a set of wings and soar above the traffic is now a reality thanks<br />
to Slovakian firm Aeromobil. This six-metre long, two-seater car-airplane hybrid isn’t the figment of a Hollywood<br />
producer’s imagination – it’s a fully-operational prototype. Only 500 units will be produced in the first phase of its<br />
production, bookings for which are now open, followed by deliveries that will commence from 2020. In car-mode, this<br />
vehicle powered by a 2-litre turbocharged hybrid engine with electric motors has a top speed of 160kph with a range<br />
of 700km. Flick a button, and the wings that are nine-metres across will take three minutes to deploy. It will transform<br />
this machine into an airplane with an air cruising speed of 360kph and a range of 750km, rated to fly at altitudes of up<br />
to 10,000ft. And yes, you’ll need both a driver’s license and a pilot’s license to operate one.<br />
$1.5 MILLION (DHS 5.5 MILLION) AT AEROMOBIL.COM<br />
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
Elite Innovations<br />
X1 EVEREST<br />
If you’ve rounded up the crew for a game of pool at your home, the bog-standard green felt-surface isn’t going to earn<br />
any fistbumps. What you really need is this X1 Everest pool table by Aussie firm Elite Innovations which is the world’s<br />
first pool table with a transparent playing surface. The 8x4 table has a trippy LED lighting scheme that makes it look as<br />
much a part of the living room as it does the game room in your mansion. Each one is shipped with a set of custom<br />
balls, chrome cue ball, a bridge stick and a custom triangle. Elite is equipped to produce only four of these tables each<br />
year, and the custom build takes six months to complete.<br />
$85,500 (DHS 314,000) AT ELITEINNOVATIONS.COM.AU<br />
Grand Prix Audio<br />
PARABOLICA<br />
There is a strong case to be made for a direct-drive<br />
turntable. Not only are they the most popular turntable<br />
setup in the market, they’re also what DJs prefer to use<br />
when performing. Colorado-headquartered Grand<br />
Prix Audio has now unveiled this F1-inspired carbon<br />
fibre turntable called the Parabolica. How advanced is<br />
it? There are up to 150,000 measurements during each<br />
revolution, and that information is fed into an inbuilt<br />
supercomputer that controls the rotor. Get behind the<br />
deck, and even amateurs will look like they know how<br />
to spin a track and work a crowd.<br />
$20,000 (DHS 73,500) AT GRANDPRIXAUDIO.COM<br />
LG<br />
SIGNATURE OLED TV W<br />
This 77-inch 4K TV measures in at just under 3mm thick –<br />
look at it from the side, and it’ll disappear. That’s a good<br />
reason they’re dubbing this device as “picture-on-wall” and<br />
“wallpaper design”. Connectivity isn’t a collateral for the<br />
engineers who built this TV – it features in-built WiFi, HDMI<br />
and audio ports too. For the full home-theatre experience,<br />
this TV also boasts of the Dolby Vision HDR and a Dolby<br />
Atmos-sound optimised technology to project off the<br />
soundbar beneath it. We’re guessing you’re already thinking<br />
of Dunkirk as the first movie you’d want to watch on this TV?<br />
$24,500 (DHS 89,999) AT LG.COM<br />
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EQUITY
COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
TIMEPIECE<br />
Bulgari<br />
Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Monete<br />
FOR HIM<br />
Bulgari has made winning a habit. In 2014, it unveiled the world’s thinnest automatic flying tourbillon, the Octo Finissimo<br />
Tourbillon, and followed that up in 2015 with the world’s thinnest minute repeater, the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater.<br />
Then, earlier this year, it broke out the world’s thinnest automatic watch, the Octo Finissimo Automatique. If you spot the<br />
pattern, you’ll notice that not only is Bulgari becoming a powerhouse in the luxury mechanical watchmaking space, but<br />
that the Octo Finissimo is also the crown collection reserved for its finest novelties.<br />
Which is why we were suitably stoked when Bulgari recently announced an addition to the collection, this new Octo<br />
Finissimo Tourbillon Monete. It packs a skeletonised version of the BLV268 movement, the world’s thinnest tourbillon<br />
movement. But the reason you’ll pay top dollar for this wristwatch is the cover, hinged to the bezel at 9 o’clock, that<br />
features an image of Emperor Constantine <strong>August</strong>us on the outside and a very rare and mega expensive 4th-century<br />
Roman coin on the inside. This is a unique timepiece and Bulgari is offering up just one Monete for sale.<br />
$472,000 (DHS 1.7MILLION) AT BULGARI.COM<br />
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EQUITY
COLLECTOR'S PIECES<br />
TIMEPIECE<br />
Breguet<br />
Tradition Dame Ref 7038<br />
FOR HER<br />
Breguet does bold and elegant in a combination that entertains, charms and mesmerises in equal proportions. The<br />
French-Swiss watchmaker was founded by Parisian Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1775 and has spent nearly two-and-ahalf<br />
centuries refining its craft to a level where its watchmaking prowess is unmatched in the world of haute horlogerie,<br />
barring a handful of top-shelf watchmaking exceptions.<br />
This Tradition Dame Ref 7038 has a 37mm rose gold case and a bezel set with 68 brilliant-cut diamonds. A selfwinding<br />
movement with a 58-hour power reserve occupies a large part of the real estate on the openworked dial. You<br />
can tell the time off the mother of pearl sub dial at 12 o’clock that features those distinctive Breguet hands.<br />
Marie Antoinette was one of Breguet’s earliest royal customers around the time of the genesis of the brand. This<br />
Dame Ref 7038 is what you’d expect a 21st-century royal to rock.<br />
$38,000 (DHS 140,000) AT BREGUET.COM<br />
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COLLECTOR'S PIECE<br />
AUTOMOBILE<br />
THE BEAST<br />
The new Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet is dialled all the way up to attack mode<br />
Words by Varun Godinho<br />
A pall of gloom descended on petrolheads around the<br />
world on that bleak day in November 2011 when Daimler’s<br />
CEO Dieter Zetsche announced that the iconic Maybach<br />
would be euthanised. This was the car that hip hop royalty,<br />
actual royalty and heads of state from around the world<br />
loved and owned. The Maybach badge was to Mercedes-<br />
Benz what Bentley is to the Volkswagen Group or Rolls-<br />
Royce to BMW – flagship statements of gratuitous luxury.<br />
The universe has its way of mending itself though.<br />
Forward to 2014, and Daimler had a change of heart. The<br />
Maybach was reborn, christened now as the Mercedes-<br />
Maybach (hyphen not optional). The Mercedes-Maybach<br />
S600, S500 and Pullman that were subsequently released<br />
under the new partnership showed that even though the<br />
brand was consigned to the cold storage for three years, it<br />
hadn’t lost its mojo.<br />
Then at the Geneva Motor Show this year, Mercedes-<br />
Maybach pulled the covers off its first-ever SUV with<br />
Maybach signage on it – the G650 Landaulet.<br />
So how did it come up with this steroid-addled machine?<br />
Simple. It started off with a portal axle chassis of the 4X4 2 ,<br />
threw in a meaty G65 AMG twin-turbo V12 and added the<br />
first-class rear seats from an S-Class into the mix to create<br />
a blend of a highly-capable off-road vehicle that is also one<br />
of the most luxurious SUVs within its segment.<br />
With a ground clearance of 17.7 inches, even if you<br />
pointed this in the direction of errant cabbies who think of<br />
driving as a contact sport, you’re more likely to drive over<br />
them, rather than into them – well, almost.<br />
Like with any G-Class, the driver’s seat is the best seat<br />
in the house. Still, that’s not where you want to be if you<br />
are prone to bouts of road rage. The V12 6-litre biturbo<br />
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EQUITY
COLLECTOR'S PIECE<br />
If the driver’s seat is the most coveted in the<br />
G650 Landaulet, the rear seats come in at a<br />
close second. The two “first class” massageenabled<br />
rear seats can recline nearly flat. The<br />
folding tables stow in the centre console and<br />
the thermal cup holders can keep your soy latte<br />
warm during the drive. Robbe & Berking silver<br />
champagne flutes are tucked away in another<br />
compartment and each rear passenger has their<br />
own independent 10-inch infotainment screens.<br />
A glass partition separates the front seats<br />
from the rear. Need privacy? Flick a switch, and<br />
it’ll go from transparent to opaque. If you want<br />
to be admired by the hoi polloi instead – not an<br />
entirely irrational urge considering you are<br />
riding in one of the world’s most expensive<br />
SUVs – you can electronically retract the fabric<br />
roof that covers the rear passenger area.<br />
There are only 99 units of the G650 Landaulet<br />
on sale, with customer deliveries beginning this<br />
month, at a jaw-slacking price of over $740,000<br />
each. The Maybach is alive.<br />
produces significant bite – 630hp and 737lb ft<br />
of torque that begins to kick in as low as<br />
2,300rpm. It’ll hit the 60mph mark from a<br />
standstill in under six seconds and can keep<br />
accelerating until it gets to its top speed of<br />
150mph.<br />
The automatic gearbox has a seven-speed<br />
torque converter and the four-wheel drive<br />
system features three separate differential locks.<br />
In plainspeak, this SUV can scale a hill with the<br />
sure footedness of a mountain goat, ford a river<br />
with the grace of an Olympic synchronised<br />
swimming team and completely destroy a sand<br />
dune in a scene straight out of Mad Max.<br />
53<br />
EQUITY
Wealth has its challenges.<br />
We will help you protect,<br />
grow and pass it on.<br />
Experts in advising the<br />
wealthy located in<br />
Abu Dhabi, Dubai,<br />
London and 10 other<br />
offices around the globe.<br />
Murray North<br />
Partner, Private Client<br />
London<br />
E: murray.north@blplaw.com<br />
T: +44 (0)20 3400 4545<br />
Ibrahim Elsadig<br />
Partner, Head of Corporate (UAE)<br />
Dubai<br />
E: ibrahim.elsadig@blplaw.com<br />
T: +971 (0)4 511 9718<br />
www.blplaw.com<br />
54<br />
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GASTRONOMY<br />
WEEKEND DINING<br />
Impress your business partner at these two authentic dinner hotspots<br />
TASTE OF INDIA<br />
1<br />
KHYBER<br />
Culinary enthusiasts who have travelled<br />
to Mumbai, or natives from the state,<br />
may be familiar with this restaurant and<br />
its offerings. Set on the 15th floor of<br />
Dukes Dubai, the Indian eatery that’s<br />
well-loved amongst celebrities including<br />
Sir Paul McCartney and Brad Pitt, back in<br />
Mumbai, offers stunning views of the<br />
Palm Jumeirah from a bird’s eye view – it<br />
can be seen by the naked eye or through<br />
the rustic telescope kept in every nook<br />
and corner of the restaurant. The menu,<br />
we were told, offers signature dishes and<br />
classics that have stood the test of time,<br />
making a mark for the brand over the<br />
years. Sharing-style dishes are served,<br />
and we began with a bite into a tender<br />
shrimp with a beautiful charred flaky<br />
crust, tandoori broccoli, and a mild spicy<br />
chicken tikka packed with flavour that<br />
were all eaten with chutney and pungent<br />
lotus root pickle. The lamb raan has<br />
always been spoken off with rave<br />
reviews, with the Mumbai outlet often<br />
selling out the dish within a few hours of<br />
opening. The lamb leg is marinated with<br />
spices and highly recommended<br />
eaten on its own, as each strand of<br />
meat melts gorgeously upon touching<br />
your tongue. What’s an Indian<br />
restaurant without a great curry?<br />
Khyber impresses with prawns masala<br />
in a spicy red semi-gravy and thick and<br />
indulgent dal makhani (black lentils<br />
with cream, butter and tomato<br />
puree) devoured with freshly baked<br />
naan. The highlights, however, were<br />
the robust Nihari with depth and<br />
smoky bone-sucking meat, and<br />
creamy paneer korma – a dish Sir<br />
Paul McCartney sneakily requested<br />
the recipe for. The slightly sweet<br />
vegetarian dish comprises homemade<br />
cheese and cashew sauce and is quite<br />
heavy, although, hard to resist.<br />
Desserts play a significant role within<br />
India’s dining culture, so you can’t head<br />
out until and unless you round off the<br />
meal with gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa<br />
with almonds and sweetened milk)<br />
and kulfi (homemade ice cream),<br />
followed by a cup of hot Masala chai.<br />
Need to know: Open for dinner<br />
service, call +971 4 393 9456.<br />
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GASTRONOMY<br />
BRITISH CLASSICS<br />
2<br />
MARINA SOCIAL<br />
Training with top chefs including Ferran Adrià at elBulli<br />
and Marco Pierre White, and launching Gordon Ramsay’s<br />
Maze in London, gives you an overall understanding of<br />
the Food and Beverage business. Jason Atherton gained<br />
plenty of experiences from these culinary stars, launching<br />
his own restaurant group, The Social Company and<br />
picking up a Michelin star and accolades for his flagship<br />
outlet Pollen Street Social soon after. The brand has<br />
since been operational in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with<br />
the next natural step being the Middle East, and where<br />
better to launch than in Dubai? The InterContinental<br />
Dubai Marina is home to the Social Room, an elongated<br />
dimly-bit bar with perfect fruity and classic cocktails, with<br />
the sprawling dining outlet Marina Social set towards the<br />
other side. Atherton’s creativity comes through with the<br />
starters featuring substantial portions of goat’s cheese<br />
churros with truffle honey and a chunky succulent beef<br />
tartare with egg yolk jam, mixed tableside, and served<br />
with a dollop of horseradish cream. Up next, we dug into<br />
shredded chicken dumplings with crisp chicken skin, sunk<br />
under a moreish seductive foam with white onion and<br />
tarrago, to enhance the aromas and flavours. Chunky<br />
cloud-like pieces of potato gnocchi were served with<br />
mushrooms and a full-bodied wild garlic puree that<br />
gradually creeps up. The Munchies tasting menu followed<br />
on with a tear-apart slow-cooked BBQ veal short rib<br />
accompanied by mashed potato, perfectly done<br />
Yorkshire pudding and honey glazed carrots that offered<br />
a bite with nutty texture from the crumble atop. The<br />
delicate juicy duck breast is best enjoyed as one big<br />
morsel with the baked kohlrabi and truffle creamed<br />
savoy cabbage beneath it. New dishes have been added<br />
to the menu showcasing seabass with coco beans and<br />
green asparagus with a two-hour slow cooked egg.<br />
Desserts feature a chocolate coated banofee-style bar<br />
and gelati accompanied with a fun guess-the-flavour<br />
game. The mango, banana – tastes like pudding –<br />
lemongrass and parsnip were our favourites. A dessert<br />
trolley rolls around as you are about to depart, to create<br />
a complimentary box filled with jelly, brownies, tiramisu<br />
macarons and marshmallow, to take home. It’s a lovely<br />
little touch that makes the meal even more memorable.<br />
Need to know: Tasting menus range from Dhs325+ with<br />
grape pairing available. An a la carte menu is also<br />
available. Call +971 4 446 6664.<br />
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A World of Sophisticated Beauty<br />
Armani Hotel Dubai brings to life the “Stay with Armani” philosophy<br />
delivering a genuine home approach and a unique lifestyle experience<br />
where every need and desire is fulfilled for each guest individually.<br />
www.armanihoteldubai.com<br />
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HOTSPOTS<br />
ON THE<br />
Culinary offerings and flavours to try in the country<br />
MENU<br />
BEST OF ASIA<br />
Cho Gao has opened its doors at<br />
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, offering<br />
lunch, dinner and a casual lounge spot<br />
with signature dishes from Indonesia,<br />
Japan, Vietnam and Thailand to<br />
impress. The waterfront dining spot<br />
overlooks the marina and here you<br />
can breathe in the dizzying aromas of<br />
spices while feasting on Thai roasted<br />
duck red curry with pineapple, grape<br />
and basil, Chinese black pepper beef,<br />
Vietnamese banana blossom salad<br />
with chicken and plenty more.<br />
Open for lunch and dinner,<br />
call +971 2 616 6166<br />
FIT FOR TWO<br />
When date night rolls<br />
around, or if you and your<br />
dining partners are<br />
carnivores, hotfoot to<br />
folly by Nick & Scott for<br />
their weeknight dinner.<br />
The sharing dish of<br />
Australian grass-fed beef<br />
arrives over a charcoal<br />
grill, cooked to the guest’s<br />
liking, with hand cut chips,<br />
béarnaise sauce, button<br />
mushroom compote and<br />
vine tomato chutney. The meal is accompanied by a bottle of grape.<br />
The offer is available on Wednesdays for Dhs350, call +971 4 430 8535<br />
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HOTSPOTS<br />
SPICE IT UP<br />
Burger & Lobster have added a piquant twist to their menu with the launch<br />
of the lobster tikka. The crustacean is marinated in garam masala, coriander<br />
and coconut milk, and slow-cooked to become a juicy succulent dish served<br />
with cumin rice and brioche. Call +971 4 514 8838.<br />
BELGIAN SPECIALTIES<br />
The upscale Le Petit Belge at Pullman<br />
JLT is the place to head to for a couple<br />
of hops – a wide selection of fruity<br />
varieties are available – grape and<br />
comforting pub nosh. We highly<br />
recommend the Salad maison with a<br />
mixture of asparagus, beetroot, dried<br />
tomato, honey dressing and crunchy<br />
crushed hazelnut, beef carpaccio with<br />
cheese shavings and mushroom with<br />
truffle crostini to begin with, followed<br />
by a pot of mussels, steak and creamy<br />
vegetable casserole. End with a twist<br />
on the apple crumble and decadent<br />
chocolate mousse.<br />
Call +971 4 242 7794<br />
AFTERNOON DELIGHT<br />
Grab a couple of ladies and head to Brunello at Kempinski for the quintessential<br />
British tradition of afternoon tea, coupled with a soothing massage, at the Cinq Modes<br />
Spa. You can either begin with the treatment, or with scrumptious cakes, baked<br />
scones, pastries and a selection of brewed teas from the Ronnefeldt loose lead<br />
collection. The 30-minute massage, pool and beach access and afternoon tea are<br />
available from 3-6pm, at Dhs1,040 per person. Call +971 4 444 2501.<br />
EQUESTRIAN VIBES<br />
Horse-lovers can now enjoy an<br />
espresso at the first horsethemed<br />
café, Stable Caffe, at The<br />
Walk, Al Seef Resort & Spa by<br />
Andalus. Savour Italian specialities,<br />
gourmet burgers and a range of<br />
nutritious juices while basking in<br />
the cosy ambience. A great spot<br />
for relaxed business meetings or<br />
catch-up with friends.<br />
Call 800-ANDALUS (2632587)<br />
/ +971 2 307 6 207.<br />
EASY LIKE A<br />
FRIDAY MORNING<br />
Wake up and head to Address<br />
Montgomerie for a relaxed breakfast<br />
with the family. The menu comprises<br />
healthy offerings such as<br />
Granolalicious parfait, French brioche<br />
toast, burritos, sandwiches, made-toorder<br />
omelettes and plenty more.<br />
Every Friday and Saturday,<br />
call +971 4 363 1275<br />
NEW ADDITIONS<br />
Bocca, Hilton Abu Dhabi, has long been favoured for its Nonna-style comfort food, and we can now look forward to<br />
plenty more Italian specialties with the focus on simple premium ingredients. Relish tuna or beef carpaccio, slow-cooked<br />
octopus with marinated potatoes, and seared scallops with beans puree. For mains, try a pizza made from scratch at the<br />
live dough station, or opt for corn-fed baby chicken, grilled rack of lamb and pan-fried sea bream fillet. Leave space for<br />
marinated summer peach, banana panna cotta or coconut semifreddo. Call +971 2 692 4247.<br />
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Office 804-806, Arenco Tower, Dubai Media City | T: 04 432 79 72<br />
Dubai’s only high-end real estate and interior design company,<br />
setting extraordinary records in the marketing, designing<br />
and selling of the most important residential properties.<br />
WWW.LUXHABITAT.AE<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
WELLNESS<br />
RETREATS<br />
Awaken your senses at a luxury retreat<br />
Summer is nearly halfway done but the wanderlust bug that refuses to disperse is pestering us for adventures. Instead of a<br />
city-break for your next getaway, opt for a wellness trip to recoup and rejuvenate. We’ve picked the five outstanding<br />
retreats to treat yourself to.<br />
THE GODDESS SANCTUARY<br />
Where: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Thailand<br />
When: October 27-31<br />
Leading nutritionist, body coach and the UK’s Goddess of<br />
wellness Mel Wells invites women to take part in The Goddess<br />
Sanctuary, a four-day retreat offering a luxurious private haven<br />
set amidst the lush oasis of northern Phuket. It’s one that<br />
encourages emotional, physical and nutritional restoration and<br />
relief for women who want to set themselves free of diets and<br />
fall in love with their bodies. The Health and Eating Psychology<br />
Coach assists women through the transformation of their<br />
mindset, making peace with food. Carefully selected for its<br />
location, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort will aid in bringing to<br />
life self-love, encouraging people to celebrate themselves and<br />
each other in a safe and luxurious environment. For a bit of<br />
activity, Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), paddle boarding on the<br />
Andaman sea, exploring bustling local wet markets, cooking<br />
classes, spa treatments, yoga sessions and lounging setups by<br />
the infinity pool, will keep you active. Gather a few girlfriends<br />
and pack your bags for Thailand!<br />
Need to know: The Goddess Sanctuary retreat starts at Dhs<br />
9,400++ per night, visit phuketlayan.anantara.com/Mel-Wells-<br />
Goddess-Sanctuary-<strong>2017</strong><br />
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TRAVEL<br />
WELLNESS TREEHOUSES<br />
BY BODYISM AT AMILLA FUSHI<br />
Where: Maldives<br />
When: Depending on Amilla Fushi for Wellness<br />
Treehouse’s availability<br />
The very mention of the Maldives evokes days by the beach, a<br />
walk along the sandy beaches and trips to the spa. Located 30<br />
minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, Amilla<br />
Fushi offers a choice of 59 island homes and eight beach<br />
residences nestled among lush tree tops, flanked by the warm<br />
waves of the Indian Ocean. An exclusive collaboration between<br />
this luxury Maldives resort and global healthy living phenomenon<br />
Bodyism has borne fruit to a spectacular program called<br />
Wellness Treehouse by Bodyism. Imagine one-bedroom ‘spa<br />
nests’ with dedicated treatment suites, high in the treetops<br />
where guests can enjoy a unique wellness experience by the<br />
Specialists. Guests can form their own program from the Javvu<br />
Spa treatments and several Bodyism classes, all aimed to<br />
energise and revive the mind whilst creating a foundation for<br />
balance and health. Add to that an array of restaurants and<br />
healthy eating options, and this resort is a win-win for everyone.<br />
Need to know: Dhs 3,900 to Dhs 4,600 ++ per night, visit<br />
amilla.mv/wellness-tree-house<br />
SHA WELLNESS CLINIC<br />
Where: Alicante, Spain<br />
When: Dates depending on available wellness programs and treatments<br />
Spain may already be on your travel list, so why not make a quick stop<br />
at the SHA Wellness Clinic? The pioneering clinic brings in guests from<br />
all across the globe, and with the launch of a new Mind & Body unit, you<br />
can head there for a wellness break just about anytime. The energy<br />
balance treatment, is apt for those who are either stuck at a point in<br />
their life and need direction, or those looking for new avenues to<br />
explore. It helps free energy blockages on a physical, emotional, mental<br />
and spiritual level; while the stress management session features an<br />
assessment carried out with a thorough diagnosis of stress and its<br />
related problems. Activities such as energy healing, nature walks and a<br />
bevy of holistic experiences are newly-launched features the latest unit<br />
includes. You can also partake in Chikung, which stands for Chinese<br />
therapeutic art where “Chi” signifies vital energy and “Kung” for<br />
movement. Like the graceful Tai Chi, it focuses on serene, gentle<br />
movements to achieve a healthy balance between the mind and body.<br />
If Spain’s beaches, nightlife, breathtaking scenery and the La Liga weren’t<br />
enough of a temptation to visit the country, this surely tops the cake.<br />
Need to know: The stress management session is priced at Dhs 14,000<br />
for seven days, shawellnessclinic.com<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
LIGHT RAGAZ PACKAGE<br />
AT GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ<br />
Where: Bad Ragaz, Switzerland<br />
When: July 18-September 30<br />
Arguably Europe’s leading wellness and medical health<br />
hotspot, this Swiss retreat is supplied by healing thermal<br />
waters from the Tamina Gorge, which rumor has it, was home<br />
to dragons. Resort officials have joined forces with local<br />
tourism offices and municipal authorities to create a light show<br />
celebrating the folklore of the gorge’s coloured past in a<br />
spectacular light show called Light Ragaz. Strategically placed<br />
to make the best use of the healing waters, the resort offers<br />
guests a range of services from pampering massages to<br />
therapeutic spa treatments. A medical centre with over 70<br />
doctors and therapists are available at the resort, with the<br />
thermal waters forming the basis of a number of treatments<br />
and therapies such as the 36.5° wellness package which gives<br />
you Access to the 36.5° Thermal Spa and the legendary<br />
Helena pool, throughout your stay as well as bathing<br />
experiences in the popular Tamina Therme. Guests looking to<br />
experience the multisensory spectacle of Light Ragaz, the<br />
resort has put together a special package which includes two<br />
nights, a wellbeing package, four-course dinner and an<br />
admission to the Tamina gorge.<br />
Need to know: The Light Ragaz package starts at<br />
Dhs 1,300 ++ per night, visit resortragaz.ch<br />
THE SUCIMURNI RETREAT AT TANJONG<br />
JARA RESORT<br />
Where: Terengganu, Malaysia<br />
When: October 27-29<br />
For a country that boasts it is truly Asia, the Tanjong Jara<br />
Resort is a pure reflection of that saying. Located along<br />
Malaysia’s pristine east coast, the stunning resort is<br />
reminiscent of tropical rainforest and architecture brimming<br />
with the grandeur of 17th-century Malay palaces – it won<br />
the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The word<br />
“Sucimurni” is an ancient Malay way of life that embraces<br />
tranquility and purity through wholesome living, need we say<br />
more? The Sucimurni Retreat will be led by Malaysia’s most<br />
recognised yoga teacher, founder and instructor of Upward<br />
Yoga studio, Ninie Ahmad. The unique wellness experience<br />
aims to provide guests with a refuge from the pressures of<br />
daily life. The highlight of this retreat is the Zendoodling<br />
session (Zen and doodles). This freeform art-practice has<br />
been dubbed as “finger yoga” by some, as it enables<br />
practitioners to enter a calm, meditative state through the<br />
drawing of shapes. Additionally, guests will also partake in the<br />
resort’s signature Sucimurni Exercise – a series of stretches<br />
inspired by the main animal chakras, led by the resort’s very<br />
own Captain Mokh and yoga. Looks like we will be stretching<br />
ourselves to a new us thanks to this retreat.<br />
Need to know: The Sucimurni Retreat starts at Dhs 800++<br />
per night, visit tanjongjararesort.com<br />
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PRIVATE BANKING UAE<br />
PRIVATE BANKING PROVIDES HNWIS WITH TAILORED PROPRIETARY SOLUTIONS, WHICH ARE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL<br />
TO PREVENT COMPETITORS FROM LURING A PROMINENT CUSTOMER WITH A SIMILAR SOLUTION.<br />
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segment of the UHNWIs from business industry leaders to individuals seeking other opportunities in investments. It is<br />
an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment towards the sector’s growth and showcase your strengths, services,<br />
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as a reference guide to the Industry, as it will be available in both print and digital forms.via www.equity.media and<br />
EQUITY digital newsletter.<br />
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EQUITY<br />
For Advertising: advertising@equity.media
TRAVEL TALES<br />
JETSETTER JOURNEYS<br />
Explore the latest in experiences, tours and culinary breaks<br />
ISLAND POP-UP<br />
Baros Maldives have launched their latest destination dining venue,<br />
offering a tranquil experience under the stars, on a white sandy<br />
beach. Sandbank, the pop-up restaurant, is the place to propose,<br />
enjoy a memorable romantic dinner and feast on contemporary<br />
Maldivian and Mediterranean dishes including tandoor seafood<br />
platter, mixed grills and grape from the spectacular cellar. It’s an<br />
experience worth whisking away your loved one to.<br />
Visit baros.com<br />
MONTE-CARLO NIGHTS<br />
Jimmy’z is no stranger to Monte-Carlo’s<br />
regulars. The iconic club has re-opened its<br />
doors making it the destination to rub<br />
shoulders with celebrities or dance the<br />
night away. You could also relax back at<br />
the all-new Summer Bar, set down on a<br />
lagoon, which features unrivalled sea views.<br />
The club also boasts a private space<br />
devised by fashion designer Philipp Plein,<br />
boasting thousands of Swarovski crystals<br />
that inject a glitterati touch to the venue.<br />
Visit jimmyzmontecarlo.com<br />
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TRAVEL TALES<br />
IT’S BACK!<br />
Sunny Lisbon’s renowned Sky Bar at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisbon has<br />
reopened its doors on the top floor of the hotel, offering panoramic views over<br />
the city’s hills and the Serra da Arrábida mountains. Guests can visit the newly<br />
designed VIP lounge, that now boasts a private suite for business meetings and<br />
intimate gatherings. Savour truffle white fish ceviche, dried tomato, wakame and<br />
tiger’s milk, tartare taco with confit egg and plenty of sushi combinations.<br />
minorhotels.com<br />
MEETING HOTSPOT<br />
On your next trip to Jeddah, visit or stay<br />
at the Assila Hotel, a Rocco Forte<br />
Hotel known for its prime location,<br />
rooms boasting views of the Red Sea<br />
and gastronomic offerings. The newlyopened<br />
Pampas has been the talk of the<br />
city, with Argentinean style grilled meats,<br />
Patagonian octopus and empanadas<br />
served with Llajua sauce being some of<br />
the highlights on the menu.<br />
Visit roccofortehotels.com<br />
FROMAGE WITH A TWIST<br />
Tucked away in the Provençal hills is<br />
the stunning Hotel Crillon le Brave<br />
where guests can try some of the<br />
finest cheese available in Provence.<br />
The selection curated by resident<br />
Maître fromagère Claudine Vigier, is<br />
sourced from her local cheese shop<br />
in Carpentras and features a wide<br />
selection for cheese-lovers. Think<br />
fourme des dentelles affiné au<br />
Beaumes de Venise (blue cheese<br />
flavoured with muscat de Beaumes<br />
de Venise), le dartagnant affiné au marc de Châteauneuf du Pape (cow milk, ripened<br />
with Châteauneuf du Pape wine), the secret de Provence ripened with Ventoux<br />
truffles, and the Tournesol with raisins, infused with bourbon. Visit crillonlebrave.com<br />
YOUTH IN A BOTTLE<br />
If you’re the kind of person willing<br />
to spend on creams and serums<br />
and literally anything to remain<br />
youthful, but won’t resort to<br />
invasive treatments, the<br />
SpectraMed’s personalised biomolecular<br />
formula is something to<br />
look into on your next trip to<br />
Switzerland. Guests at Beau-Rivage<br />
can now ‘bank their youth’ thanks<br />
to this innovative service, which<br />
bottles a formula containing your<br />
bio-molecules (DNA amongst<br />
them) that are taken from saliva.<br />
The extraction and formulation<br />
process creates a bespoke product<br />
that can be preserved for 20 years<br />
and aids in preventing further skin<br />
aging, from the time the DNA has<br />
been extracted. The serum-like<br />
formula is then stored in a<br />
personalised box with the client’s<br />
name on it, and can be used either<br />
as a skin insurance or according to<br />
the client’s needs. The biomolecular<br />
formula takes ten to<br />
fourteen days to be produced, so<br />
you have plenty of time to savour<br />
cheese fondue and shop your next<br />
timepiece while in the country. The<br />
product can be purchased in yearly<br />
doses at CHF 6,000 (approximately<br />
Dhs22,980) per year; and can be<br />
re-ordered two months before the<br />
year is up, retrieved from the Swiss<br />
laboratory bio-bank and sent via<br />
express transporter to the client<br />
anywhere in the world. You can<br />
also opt for a one-time payment of<br />
CHF 10,000 to store bio molecules<br />
in a Swiss secured bio-bank to<br />
guarantee their bio-molecules<br />
supply for 20 years.<br />
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67<br />
EQUITY
HOTEL REVIEW<br />
STAY OF<br />
THE MONTH<br />
Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah,<br />
a Ritz-Carlton partner hotel<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
The meandering pathway to this hotel in<br />
Ras Al Khaimah gives you the chills,<br />
especially if you make your way up and<br />
down-hill with a drop-top Rolls Royce<br />
Dawn. Nestled amongst dunes, Al Wadi<br />
Desert is merely an hour away from<br />
Dubai and doesn’t need an introduction.<br />
The palatial hotel, formerly known as<br />
Banyan Tree Al Wadi, has long been<br />
known for its Arabesque décor, age-old<br />
activities and the renowned Rainforest.<br />
Rolling up to the hotel, you may come<br />
across an Arabian Onyx, but fear not,<br />
they’re harmless just as long as you keep<br />
your distance.<br />
ACCOMODATION<br />
As you enter your villa, you will notice<br />
it is segregated down the centre, with the<br />
washroom almost taking up half of the<br />
villa, a walk-in closet in front, and a<br />
mashrabiya beyond which the plush bed,<br />
a TV lounge area and outdoor terrace<br />
with pool beckons. Lanterns hang from<br />
the silk draped ceiling over the bed and<br />
are prevalent all over the villa, offering a<br />
subtle glow during the evening. Neutral<br />
hues and a Bedouin-inspired theme make<br />
it an uplifting retreat from the modernday<br />
staycation offerings. We highly<br />
recommend a hot bath with the provided<br />
Asprey bath salts, before sinking into bed.<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
There’s plenty on offer at this desert<br />
getaway, with everything from<br />
archery to a nature trail where you<br />
can explore birds within the<br />
landscape. We opted for the falcon<br />
watching show, a must-see if you<br />
haven’t experienced them in their<br />
natural habitat. Once the show is<br />
over, click a picture with the gorgeous<br />
owl and falcon.<br />
For years, Banyan Tree Al Wadi has<br />
been known for its Rainforest, a spa<br />
experience comparable to none other.<br />
While we imagined it to be an area<br />
with rainforest showers, we found<br />
ourselves quite far from wrong. Here<br />
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HOTEL REVIEW<br />
Need to know:<br />
The villas are available<br />
from Dhs1,700 +10%<br />
service charge<br />
per night, while<br />
The Rainforest is<br />
Dhs200+ per person.<br />
Visit ritzcarlton.com/<br />
en/hotels/uae/<br />
al-wadi-desert.<br />
you can embark on a journey through a<br />
Crystal Maze set-up, where you follow<br />
the path through 12 stops to<br />
experience the various climates of a<br />
rainforest. It begins with a pebble walk<br />
under water after which you enter an<br />
herb and flower infusion steam room,<br />
fresh showers, a brine salt cave, bucket<br />
shower, sauna, ice igloo and a tension<br />
release thunder storm shower. Each<br />
station offers either hot or cold<br />
temperatures to stimulate blood<br />
circulation, clear the nasal passage,<br />
detoxify the body, improve skin tone<br />
and clarity, target cellulite-prone areas<br />
and leave your body and skin cleansed,<br />
brighter and refreshed instantly. End<br />
the 60-minute experience at the vitality<br />
pool, complete with hydra jets, at<br />
various stations, to soothe upper and<br />
lower body pain. We loved the<br />
waterfall that gushes out of a large<br />
faucet right onto your shoulder and<br />
neck, to instantly rid pain and signs of<br />
fatigue caused from sitting at a desk.<br />
GASTRONOMIC OFFERINGS<br />
For a secluded desert getaway, the<br />
hotel offers plenty in terms of culinary<br />
options, including destination dining<br />
experiences. One we would have<br />
loved to try was The Wadi Tower,<br />
where you enjoy a meal under the<br />
stars. However, since the<br />
temperatures don’t permit alfresco<br />
experiences, we opted for Samar<br />
Lounge instead, where we relished<br />
coconut curry with prawns, butter<br />
chicken and an assortment of naans<br />
and steamed rice. Portion sizes from<br />
the sides could do with a little<br />
improvement here, especially since<br />
Indian cuisine is all about sharing, so<br />
you may need to order extra sides to<br />
complement the aromatic and<br />
mouthwatering curries.<br />
Next morning, grab the push-bike<br />
kept outside your villa and make your<br />
way down to Al Waha for a buffet<br />
breakfast. Request the divine eggs<br />
benedict from the live cooking station<br />
and indulge in a nutritious morning<br />
meal alongside a mango smoothie or<br />
fresh juice, fresh fruit, wide variety of<br />
bread and pastries – including gluten<br />
free options – and sweet selections<br />
such as waffle and pancakes. Asian<br />
spring rolls, noodles, Arabic spreads,<br />
pickles and the usual suspects (hash<br />
brown, beans and sausages) are<br />
available too.<br />
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REAL ESTATE<br />
Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast<br />
and Spain are on the horizon from the gorgeous<br />
Villa Putman, which stands majestically on the cliffs<br />
of Tangier, Morocco. Built in the Thirties and<br />
renovated by the late grand French dame of<br />
interiors, Andrée Putman, in 2001, Villa Putman is<br />
a sanctuary, celebrating the marriage of east-west<br />
design with tasteful décor.<br />
Spread over 6,700 square feet, the six-level villa is<br />
a lofty space comprising a maze of steps, terraces,<br />
decks, mezzanines and courtyards, all with a coastal<br />
panorama from every room. The four bedrooms of<br />
the property are elegantly positioned to catch early<br />
morning sunrays while the living space and terraces<br />
are intertwined seamlessly with just the right<br />
amount of natural light and shade. An abundance of<br />
light is made prominent with floor-to-ceiling<br />
windows and are interspersed with Piet Mondrian<br />
influences, with the entrance hall typical of Putman’s<br />
approach to design – sharp, crisp lines with a<br />
monumental staircase leading up to the first floor,<br />
acting as the spine to the house. Boasting six<br />
bathrooms, a sauna, gym, terraces with sunbeds<br />
and a 25-metre swimming pool with an outdoor<br />
salon, the villa is the ultimate retreat for those who<br />
want to kick back and recoup while enjoying the<br />
Mediterranean sunset.<br />
Previously purchased by French public<br />
intellectual and philosopher Bernard- Henri Lévy,<br />
16 years ago, the house showcases his<br />
globetrotting adventures with interiors<br />
incorporating materials such as limestone, metal,<br />
wood and glass. With boulders protruding from<br />
walls, floors of rough Sicilian stone, and dark<br />
TANGIER<br />
BEAUTY<br />
A peek into Andrée Putman’s architectural<br />
masterpiece perched on the cliffs of Tangier<br />
Words by Olive Sevilla<br />
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REAL ESTATE<br />
Canadian timber with a Moroccan dome topped roof<br />
terrace, it seems as though his vision came through. It isn’t all<br />
about the materials and décor though, to complement the<br />
estate, artwork of well-known faces adorns the walls. These<br />
include Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Cocteau, Frida Kahlo and<br />
Diego Rivera amongst many others. Rare books are stacked<br />
in the art nouveau glass display cases, with Bernard- Henri<br />
Lévy himself writing some of his best work in the villa.<br />
The city of Tangier bears the hallmarks of being a hybrid of<br />
two continents and has long been a hotspot luring artists and<br />
intellectuals seeking peace and inspiration. It remains a blissfully<br />
mysterious coastline city, the tranquil sister of Casablanca,<br />
inviting people to a mix of hillside homes, scented souks and<br />
gardens. North Africa with mystery; the city is destined to be a<br />
spot to watch out for and invest in, as FDI gear to pump funds<br />
into its economy and ambitious projects lined up to reinvent<br />
this port city into the ‘Moroccan Saint-Tropez’.<br />
THE PRICE<br />
DHS 26 MILLION<br />
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION<br />
visit www.christiesrealestate.com<br />
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ENTREPRENEUR<br />
THIS SUMMER I’M…<br />
heading home to Cork, Ireland for my<br />
sons’ graduation. It's a great time to<br />
be amongst family and friends. I’ll<br />
also be visiting Lebanon, a planned<br />
visit to Beirut and Byblos to view<br />
possible opportunities to perform<br />
there post summer.<br />
IF YOU COULD FLY<br />
AWAY FOR A MEAL<br />
I'd visit Chez Zakia Restaurant in<br />
Byblos, Lebanon. I had the most<br />
delicious freshly caught fish and local<br />
grape I have ever experienced.<br />
ON MY BOOKSHELF<br />
Biographies and autobiographies is<br />
something I tend to gravitate towards; it<br />
is very hard to pinpoint which particular<br />
one is my favourite because all of them<br />
are quite a fascinating read. I learn a lot<br />
from other people’s experiences; Frida<br />
by Frida Kahlo is one I can never read<br />
enough of – she was a mesmerising<br />
character with a colourful lifestyle.<br />
GET TO KNOW…<br />
ANITA<br />
WILLIAMS<br />
Resident performer at Music Hall<br />
Dubai, Zabeel Saray Hotel,<br />
Palm Jumeirah and jazz, swing,<br />
theatre and cabaret artist<br />
MORNING ROUTINE<br />
I am an early bird and usually wake up at<br />
6.30am with a strong espresso. I then head to<br />
the beach for my morning swim, which I must<br />
say is the best part of my day.<br />
PREVIOUS CAREER<br />
I focused on TV and radio presenting when I<br />
had my two children. Working as a fashion<br />
stylist for a TV show gave me a new exposure<br />
and an opportunity to maintain my creativity<br />
during this time. I returned to pursue music<br />
full time when the boys were old enough. I am<br />
now working to launch my online store - I<br />
design vintage hats and scarves which will<br />
soon be available for purchase.<br />
MUSICAL INSPIRATION<br />
My love for good old school jazz singers like<br />
Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Gershwin Benny<br />
Goodman and Ernest Hemmingway is what I<br />
listen to for inspiration. I am a big fan of vintage<br />
and everything from that era of the Twenties,<br />
Thirties and Forties is also a big inspiration.<br />
DUBAI HOTSPOTS<br />
I love the old souks in Deira, Satwa<br />
and Bur Dubai, such a dynamic<br />
experience. That buzz is so unique.<br />
Dubai Design District has a great<br />
range of pop up shopping experiences<br />
too. For food, I have a passion for<br />
Indian cuisine, with one of my<br />
favourites being Indigo by Vineet at<br />
Grosvenor House Hotel.<br />
THE BEST DHS1,000<br />
EVER SPENT<br />
My Sure 55s vintage microphone, worth<br />
every penny.<br />
WHAT DOES INVESTING<br />
IN YOURSELF MEAN TO<br />
YOU?<br />
Working towards self-development;<br />
acquiring and learning new skills for<br />
instance is a priority. At the moment I<br />
have registered for Arabic classes to<br />
help me communicate better with the<br />
local community. I would love to<br />
collaborate with an Arabic artist.<br />
NOTEWORTHY ADVICE<br />
Stay focused and<br />
don’t waste time on<br />
the small stuff. Use<br />
your gift to your<br />
best potential<br />
ONE THING PEOPLE<br />
DON’T KNOW ABOUT<br />
YOU?<br />
I am a home bird; I love nothing more<br />
than having my home filled with<br />
laughter – having my sons, their friends<br />
and all our friends. We love to cook and<br />
eat Irish dinners with jazz playing in the<br />
background. That’s who I am.<br />
72<br />
EQUITY
73<br />
EQUITY
CAN’T SPOT<br />
THE THREAT?<br />
We can.<br />
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