Equity Mag Sep_17 Book Folder

SEPTEMBER 2017 | ISSUE 04
NICOLE
KIDMAN
ON MOTHERHOOD,
HOLLYWOOD AND HER
TRIUMPHANT JOURNEY
TRAVEL
ISLAND HOPPING
IN SEYCHELLES
THE BIG
PICTURE
IS ART A
BULLETPROOF
INVESTMENT?

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Be Extraordinary.
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EQUITY

From the EDITOR
Your schedule is about to get a whole lot busier
this month with children back at school and a
calendar chock-full with events, garnering all
your attention. If you do have a few minutes
to spare, and in DIFC or Al Quoz for a meeting, stop by
a gallery and enjoy a peaceful moment with the artistic
talent that surrounds you. Art has become an element of
interest from investors, which is why if you are looking
to buy a piece, it’s worth consulting with an art advisor
(page 14). This month, we speak to two inspirational Emiratis and discover
their journey and challenges they’ve faced during their climb to the top (page
17-23). Our cover star, the stunning and sophisticated Nicole Kidman has
much to reveal about her career too. Read all about how she resonates with
each role as a mother and the happiness she derives from spending time with
her little ones (page 25).
Automobile aficionados, Ford may not be your first choice when it
comes to luxury cars, but turn to page 50 and you will find out why this
American sports car should be the latest addition to your fleet. And if you
are looking for a different mode of transportation to invest in, perhaps an
all-aluminium Pershing 140 yacht may be of interest? (page 52)
The lush tropical islands of Seychelles offered everything I wanted from a trip:
white sandy beaches, a bit of adventure (read hiking and snorkelling), culture and
city life. There’s another long weekend looming, so if you are looking for
inspiration, turn to page 59. While in the UAE, make the most out of your
weekend with a staycation (page 65) and sumptuous brunches (page 56).
EDITOR'S PICKS
I’ll be relying on
these bold Akillis
Mini Bang Bang
accessories to give
any outfit an
edgy touch.
Happy reading
Nicola
Nicola Monteath
Follow us:
equitymedia.uae equitymedia.uae equitymedia.uae equitymedia.uae
A Graff Diamonds necklace has, and
always will be, on my wish list. This
month though, I’m taking in the
sheer beauty of the MasterGraff
Floral Tourbillon 38mm.
EQUITY - Always invest in yourself
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICOLA MONTEATH - nicola@equity.media
DIGITAL EDITOR VARUN GODINHO
DEPUTY EDITOR MERYL D'SOUZA
ART DIRECTOR ODILAINE MEJORADA
SALES advertising@equity.media
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insideEQUITY
14
mind
10
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Take note of these events
21
14
17
21
25
31
33
CURATE WITH CAUTION
Is investing in art worth the risk?
PHILANTHROPIST:
OMAR AL BUSAIDY
The Emirati humanitarian reveals
his bumpy journey
ENTREPRENEUR: AMER
ABDULAZIZ KHANSAHEB
Get a peek into the career path
of this ambitious businessman
A MOTHER'S LOVE
Nicole Kidman discusses her
latest roles
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR
YOUR CHILD?
Tour this newly opened school
in Dubai
#SUPPORT LOCAL
A chat with Charles F. Blaschke
IV, founder of Taka Solutions
31
body
38
&
soul
THE CHECKLIST
Stylish upgrades and seasonal
items to invest in
38
40
42
SHOP TALK
Get ready for your next big
shopping haul
INDULGE YOURSELF
Make an appointment and treat
yourself to hours of pampering
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SEPTEMBER 2017
45
59
65
70
STAY OF THE MONTH
Explore the recently refurbished
Shangri-La Dubai
THE NEXT PHASE
Why this Four Seasons property
is worth looking into
72
GET TO KNOW...
DINA ZAKI
This fashion designer reveals her
favourite things
65
On the cover
NICOLE KIDMAN
Read her interview on page 25
45
56
59
63
ON OUR RADAR
Statement pieces to buy or covet
WEEKEND DINING
Two brunches to treat family and friends to
PARADISE BECKONS
Explore the islands of Seychelles
JETSETTER JOURNEYS
Travel inspiration for your next big holiday
The publication may not be
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system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means electronic,
photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the permission
of Equity Media. Where opinion
is expressed it is that of the
author and does not necessarily
reflect the editorial views of
the publishers of
EQUITY-Always invest in yourself.
All information in
EQUITY-Always invest in yourself
is checked and verified to the best
of the publisher’s ability, however
the publisher cannot be held
responsible for any mistakes or
omissions enclosed in
the publication in content,
advertising or graphics.
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CALENDAR
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Jetsetters, don’t forget to add these dates to your diary
1
THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FALCONRY
WHERE: Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu
Dhabi, UAE
WHEN: September 4-9
The national bird of the UAE has been a significant
element of the country’s history. The sport of falconry or
“Saqqara” as it is locally known, is regarded as a noble
pursuit that harks back to ancient Bedouin times. The
International Festival of Falconry is a unique platform for
the world’s best falconers and a reputable event dedicated
to falconry and its heritage. Falconers participate in the
festival that occurs once every three years, so this is an
event that shouldn’t be missed by bird lovers.
2
WHERE: Oslo, Norway
3
THE MYBA POP-UP SUPERYACHT SHOW
WHERE: Porto Montenegro, Bay of Kotor, Tivat
WHEN: September 8-10
Montenegro and its coastal cities have been
blessed with the waters of the Adriatic like its
more famous competitor Venice. Over time,
it has become the superyacht hotspot of the
Mediterranean, with its natural beauty, yachtfriendly
tax and legislation benefits, as well as
rapidly growing infrastructures making it an
ideal destination for yachts of any size. Sit
back, relax and feel the Mediterranean sun
warm your face.
ULTIMA OSLO CONTEMPORARY
MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN: September 7-16
Let’s face it, summer is all about
music and festivals, with the Ultima
Oslo Contemporary Music Festival
celebrating the best of contemporary
music in the capital of Scandinavia.
Enjoy the new art space Sentralen,
events, concerts, dance and art
exhibits across the city.
4
PHOTOFAIRS 2017
WHERE: Shanghai Exhibition Center,
Shanghai, China
WHEN: September 8-10
Asia’s leading contemporary art fair
offers collectors and curators a
once-in-a- lifetime experience at the
art world in Shanghai. Art
aficionados shouldn’t miss this.
Book your tickets to feed the artistic
soul within you.
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CALENDAR
BIJORHCA PARIS
WHERE: Paris-Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
WHEN: September 8-11
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and other jewels come in a real close
second. BIJORHCA PARIS is the only international trade show dedicated
to jewellery and all sectors of the industry in France. Held twice a year, it
allows nearly 12,000 buyers to meet 400 designers, suppliers, manufacturers
and service providers. With new designs and an astounding number of
precious jewels, this expo is one for jewellery-lovers and brides to be.
5
WHERE: Dubai Opera, Dubai,
6
UAE
MOZART: COSI FAN TUTTE AT DUBAI OPERA
WHEN: September 8-15
We have had outstanding performances at the Dubai Opera, from
Les Miserable, to Cats and many others. Cosi Fan Tutte, Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart’s most popular collaborations with librettist
Lorenzo da Ponte, is coming to town to add to the list. The comical
story evolves around two young officers and their efforts to discover
whether they have found true love or not. We can’t wait to head back.
BERLIN ART WEEK
WHERE: All over Berlin, Germany
WHEN: September 12-17, 2017
Art weeks are a celebration of culture and beauty, and the city of Berlin explodes
with creativity during Berlin Art Week. The Week combines several events that take
place every September, for instance, the two art fairs “abc art berlin contemporary”
and “Positions Berlin.” A number of Berlin-based institutions for contemporary art
use the opportunity to collaborate with many artists and galleries for a series of
events, promoting the city as a place for the arts and artistically inclined.
7MONACO CLASSIC WEEK–LA BELLE CLASSE
WHERE: YCM Marina, Monaco Bay, Monaco
WHEN: September
8
13-17
Glitz, class and glamour are synonymous with Monaco and so are yachts.
The La Belle Classe reflects Monaco’s unwavering attachment to the sea
and its maritime heritage. Launched in 1994, this biennial event brings
together in one harbour a full spectrum of boats, from the small
recreational crafts to the luxury units, with classic sailing yachts,
motorboats and period motor yachts all jostling for space and recognition.
9
2017 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES
SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
WHERE: Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
WHEN: September 15-17
A glamorous event set to turn the asphalt of the city state
ablaze, the Singapore Airlines Grand Prix is the place to be
seen at. See the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian
Vettel battle it out for the ultimate glory at the podium and
while you are at it, enjoy the world-class performances by
Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande, Duran Duran, Seal and
many more. Buckle up and book your tickets ASAP.
INTERNATIONAL ISO 31000 RISK
MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
WHERE: Rixos Premium Hotel, Dubai, UAE
WHEN: September 24-27
The world of financial markets and economics is rife with
risks. Learn about the latest ISO standards and the best
practices of the industry in today's day and age, from
ISO31000 through a wide variety of parallel sessions
delivered by 16 guest speakers, with pre-conference
masterclasses in which delegates can become ISO 31000
certified.
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mind
Emirati entrepreneurs Omar Al
Busaidy and Amer Abdulaziz
Khansaheb give us an insight into
their bumpy journeys. This
month, read all about our cover
star Nicole Kidman, who talks
about her multiple roles as a
mother. You can also learn more
about investing in art and your
child's education
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FINANCE
CURATE
WITH CAUTION
That stunning piece of art you want to get your hands on can either be a great
investment, or a risky one. Discover why an art advisor is not only essential for
novice collectors, but also those looking to grow their portfolio
By Nicola Monteath
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FINANCE
Above: Salma Shaheem
from The Fine Art Group.
Right: The "Untitled"
Basquiat painting that
sold for $110.5 million
You either love a Basquiat or you don’t. It isn’t
everyone’s cup of tea. But there are some who
understand the value of art as an investment, and
adding a contemporary piece from the late Jean-
Michel Basquiat to your collection, makes for a great longterm
investment. However, investing in art doesn’t mean you
pass up on pieces of interest. In fact, it’s vital to buy a piece
you love, one with a great history, that you connect with and
speaks volume. After all, it will most likely be hung in your
home or office. Take for instance the Japanese billionaire
Yusaku Maezawa, who purchased the Basquiat ‘Untitled’
impressionist, contemporary piece for $110.5 million at a
Sotheby’s auction in New York earlier this year. Maezawa’s
affection for the artist’s collection resulted in a recordbreaking
sale, the most expensive piece ever bought, that was
previously purchased by a couple (who left it to their two
daughters) for a mere $19,000 in the Eighties. The piece
appreciated by $109,981,000 in just 33 years, yielding a high
return that could never be anticipated. This isn’t the only
piece in Maezawa’s collection however, he previously bought
another painting by Basquiat for $57.3 million. Other works
in his collection include the likes of Jeff Koons, Christopher
Wool and Richard Prince.
Evidently, Maezawa has a penchant for contemporary art,
but if we had to follow in his footsteps, where would we
begin and how does one go about securing, or investing in, a
piece that appreciates overtime? That’s where art advisors
are brought into the equation. “There’s been a huge shift in
appetite for art. We’re seeing great, exponential growth in
the post warrant contemporary art genre in particular,” says
Salma Shaheem, head of Middle Eastern Markets of The
Fine Art Group (an art investment advisory house). “Over
the last 10-15 years or so, art has been made accessible to
everyone. Ten years ago, it probably wouldn’t make the
headlines of the New York Times and no one would talk
about it. Now, every time there’s a record-breaking auction,
all the media outlets talk about it. So, people are constantly
bombarded by this art news which I think is great,” says
Sylvain Gaillard, who transitioned from private banker to
an art advisor and Director of the Opera Gallery, to immerse
himself and grow his adoration for art and curation.
The sudden inflation can be attributed to the increase in
wealth, people looking to build a collection for investment
purposes and the fundamental law kind of mix, of supply and
demand. “You have a lot more people who want to buy art.
And the good pieces are either taken care of, spoken for, or in a
private collection or museums. So, when a good piece comes
out on the market, you have many who want to acquire it and
that drives the price and demand up,” he goes on to say.
The UAE, as Shaheem states, is an emerging market with a
strong foundation for the future of arts. As an advisor, her
job entails visiting museums, galleries, keeping an eye out for
art that has just come up on the market, and helping clients
pick the right piece for their specifically curated collection.
There are several ways in which art advisory works. “I meet a
client that knows they want to start collecting art and might
have an affinity towards it but they don’t know where to
begin. That's one scenario, the other is a person who began
collecting a few years ago, or inherited art, and now has over
40 pieces and doesn’t know what to do with it. We come in
and help with disposing of that and reinvesting whatever
money we can gain into better pieces,” she tells us.
But with art comes a price tag that can be considered quite
a risky investment. That’s where Shaheem stresses on the
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FINANCE
Left: The Louvre Museum
Below: Sylvain Gaillard,
Director of Opera
Gallery in DIFC
necessity for an advisor. “The market is highly
unregulated and very opaque. If you don’t know
what you’re doing, you will spend and not be able
to recover it,” says Shaheem. “I'm not saying don’t
buy art you love. All I’m saying is you can have a
piece that you’re in love with, and one that may
have the ability to increase in value over time too.
It’s significant that thorough research is conducted
with every transaction,” she explains further.
Gaillard, on the other hand, suggests approaching
art as an investment with caution. “By definition,
I’m always very cautious when people approach
art as an investment because it is something you
buy hoping that the value will go up in the future.
Art must be taken extremely cautiously, because
you can strike gold.” His guidelines? “Always buy
what you like because you are going to leave with
the piece, and should go for the long run. People
always hear about the guy who made millions from
selling one or two paintings, but what they don’t
tell you is that probably in the same year, he bought
another five paintings which are worthless today.
So, you always have to be careful about investing
in art as there’s always two sides of the story.”
There are a few established names that are rooted
in history and probably will continue to be a great
investment opportunity over the next few years or
so. For instance, Gaillard reveals that Picasso has
done over 50,000 pieces, most of which are in the
Catalogue Raisonné. He is amongst the top five
artists at 2017 auctions. “If you buy a piece right
now, guess what? In 30 years, it’s going to be older,
rarer, so most likely, will appreciate again. There’s
no guarantee but most likely it will.” The lesson to
learn is if you’re adamant about investing in art,
think long term. “Go with true and tested names
and make sure you buy them at the right price.
That’s where you’re going to get the upside. If you
just want to flip things, you will flip it around one,
two, three or four times and then the fifth time you
may go bust and lose everything. Just because you
buy a painting and sit on it for ten years doesn’t
mean it will appreciate,” says Gaillard.
At The Fine Art Group, Shaheem works with
clients on a retainer basis, wherein she advises on a
piece, evaluates something a client spotted while
travelling and even pitches artwork her team have
spotted, reporting on the provenance, condition and
value. Opera Gallery in DIFC, on the other hand, is a
playground for art enthusiasts and those who want to
see talent before their eyes. Here, you can walk in and
build a relationship, gaining guidance and support
along the way. “The goal is not to sell the piece. It is
to get into their brain, understand what their aim is,
whom they are buying it for, the purpose, and then
manage their expectations. We also advise clients
what might be tax-efficient. It’s a lot more than just
the transaction,” says Gaillard.
At the end of the day, any investment requires
careful thought, and art is just the same.
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PHILANTHROPY
PEOPLE GET INTO
PHILANTHROPY
BECAUSE THEY
WANT TO BE SEEN
DOING GOOD. I
ENCOURAGE THEM
Omar Al Busaidy talks about his role at the
Global Shapers Community and how
he makes time to give back despite
performing a plethora of other duties
Words by Meryl D’Souza
You may have heard the expression:
“Time and tide wait for no man”.
For Omar Al Busaidy, the tides have
been rough, but time certainly stands
still. By day, the 31-year-old is the Accessibility,
Chartered & Commercial Flights Manager
for the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture
Authority, and by nightfall, he’s an entrepreneur,
part-time student and teacher, author and a
Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum.
That’s too many feathers for one cap, especially
given the man’s age.
Omar credits his boss for his ability to juggle
his many roles. “I have a very cool boss,” Omar
says. “He understands that the more he puts me
in an office, the more he kills my vibe. So, his
only rule is that I get my work done on time. I like
that kind of flexibility.” And who wouldn’t?
Omar stresses on the importance of time
management though. “Like everyone else, my job
is my bread and butter,” he says. “It helps pay the
bills, which is why I prioritise office work over
everything else. As soon as I’m done, I make time
for my various other duties.”
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PHILANTHROPY
My mother tried hard, very hard, but a child needs both parents. One can never
compensate for the absence of the other. When you don’t have that figure of authority,
you can end up doing a lot of wrong things. And I did
You could call Omar the Man of Steel. Not because, like
Superman, he seems to have the time to work a day job
while giving back to the people – although that wouldn’t be
an incorrect analogy. His claim to the title is more literal,
owing to the metal plates in his back, the result of a nearincapacitating
bout of spinal tuberculosis in 2008. Born,
brought up and educated in the UAE, Omar only began his
philanthropic agenda after a bitter divorce. Unfortunately
for him, it coincided with a time when he was unemployed.
The close call with paralysis, unemployment and the
divorce, caught him like a swift MMA combo that knocked
the wind – and any fleeting sense of happiness – out of him.
“As you can imagine, I was in a rough state,” Omar recalls.
“At the time, all I wanted to do was run away from the
negativity because it was burning a hole through me.”
The then 26-year-old sought to fill that gaping hole by giving
back to people less fortunate than him. “I was reeling,
unemployed for eight months in my own country. I realised that
the only way I was going to feel better, was by trying to do things
for people who were in a worse situation, which is why I started
volunteering at orphanages and old-age shelters. I thought of it
as a calling – an SMS through pain, if you will. Working there
really opened my eyes. It was my lowest point in life that brought
me the most exposure. Life is funny like that.” It’s crazy to think
how someone who has gone through so much can still look at
the positive side of life. Although for Omar, those trials were just
more of the same. As a boy, he didn’t have the best relationship
with his father. His father was barely around to have one. “I
learned at a very early age that a fractured relationship like that
affects a child’s development,” Omar says. “My mother tried
hard, very hard, but a child needs both parents. One can never
compensate for the absence of the other. When you don’t have
that figure of authority, you can end up doing a lot of wrong
things. And I did.” Undoubtedly, those experiences as a boy
drew him towards younger people in need of help. Even his
book, Just Read It, directly addresses the youth, asking them to
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PHILANTHROPY
not lose hope while educating them from the hard lessons life has taught him. Think of
Omar as the cool, yet wise elder brother who wouldn’t want you to get into the kind of
trouble he did, but is there to bail you out if you do.
“Look around you today,” Omar commands. “Terrorism and extremism is
destroying the world. These things have nothing to do with poverty. There are
many places over the world that are poor and don’t have these problems. No,
these things happen because there is lack of hope and guidance. This makes kids
do wrong things, which is why I focus on youth. If we can just look after them
today, they will build a beautiful tomorrow.”
It’s this zeal and commitment towards helping adolescents that brought him to the
attention of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative by the World Economic
Forum. It is essentially a network of hubs developed and led by young people,
primarily between the ages of 20-30, who are exceptional in their potential,
achievements and drive to make a change in their communities. Each hub is
comprised of a maximum of 25 people. The UAE is home to three hubs: Abu Dhabi,
Dubai and Sharjah. Omar claims he didn’t even know about the Global Shapers
Community’s existence until he got a phone call from them. “They just told me that
they have been following my work and like what I’m doing,” Omar says. “They asked
me to continue my work but under the
umbrella of the community. We’re
expected to compile a report every
month and send it over to Switzerland so
that they know what we’re doing here.
The work I’ve done doesn’t even
compare to the kind of work some of
these people do. It’s incredible.”
As we know, social media trolls love
taking on celebrities and activists.
Considering his work and age, there’s a
high chance Omar has a couple hundred
trolls on his social media platforms. In
life, you don’t get to 14.4K Instagram
followers without a few who doubt and
question everything you do. Omar,
however, is unfazed by them. “There
are people who get into philanthropy
because they want to be seen doing
good. It helps their clout,” says the
blunt Emirati. “I encourage them
because although they’re doing it just
for the publicity, a lot of good comes
from it. The people who follow these publicity-hungry people will try to
emulate them, which means at most they will do what they can to help
other people. At the very least, they will become aware of the problems
in their society. I’m a big picture kind of guy.”
When asked whether more people outside the realms of social media
should be educated on the problems within their society and how best to
see them through, Omar says, “Not really. The truth is everyone has
problems. We’ve just trained ourselves to hide behind facades of
happiness. Nevertheless, I believe the UAE already does more than its
fair share to help others. According to a new Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, the UAE is the world’s
top aid donor for a third consecutive year. Not many know this because
news like this gets lost in the hullabaloo around the UAE being the
destination of the world’s tallest building and all that. We prefer it this
way. In Islam we follow a saying, “If you do something good with your
right, your left hand should not know.' Therefore, we will continue to
work behind the scenes, silently helping those that need it.”
How very un-Superman like.
19
EQUITY

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ENTREPRENEUR
The PURSUIT of
RECOGNITION
Amer Khansaheb takes
us through the history of his family business and its
journey from the bottom to the top
Words by Meryl D'Souza
21
EQUITY

ENTREPRENEUR
Dubai has
grown a lot.
It’s time for it
to start
maturing.
Business is supposedly a dynamic environment
where successful firms shine for a few years, until
livelier competitors outmanoeuvre them in a
constant tussle that spans from being feted to
forgotten in less than a generation. Seeing your company
evolve from a relative newbie to an established powerhouse,
in a matter of years, can be very fulfilling. But, seeing it
maintain that stature for generations is inexplicable.
The UAE turns 46 this year. Rather young for a country,
isn’t it? It’s hard to imagine it being nothing but acres of
desert. Even the piece of land that you’re currently reading
this story on used to be a stretch of sand – or a sea if you’re on
the Palm Islands. Few will be able to give you detailed
accounts of just how much the Emirati nation has changed
over the years.
22
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ENTREPRENEUR
Amer Abdulaziz Khansaheb, Managing Director of
Khansaheb Investment, is one of the few. Not because he’s
Emirati and has learned about it through his UAE Social
Studies’ books – as anyone who grew up here would – but
because his company is 83 years old. For those of you who
can’t be bothered to do the math, that makes the company 37
years older than the UAE.
Currently the longest serving contractor in the UAE,
Khansaheb was founded in 1935 by Khansaheb Hussain Bin
Hassan Amad, Amer’s grandfather’s uncle. “Somewhere in the
late Fifties my grandfather took over the reins and now we
have about three generations working here,” Amer says.
“Currently we have about 12 people from the family.”
The Khansaheb family business started out as a trading and
maintenance company that mainly worked with oil companies
before Amer’s grandfather, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb,
grew the company with an emphasis on construction. In fact,
the company was responsible for building the first causeway
that connected Abu Dhabi to the mainland in 1952. “Before
that, the island could only be accessed during low tide. During
the high tide… nothing,” says Amer. Imagine having to sit
through that. Sheikh Zayed Road at peak-hour traffic isn’t
looking so bad now, is it?
By the Seventies, Khansaheb started facing numerous
difficulties in terms of finding the right personnel to lead the
company. “Dubai was a desert at that time. It was empty. Who
would want to come to that?” says Amer. Fair enough, but the
company needs to keep evolving. Enter R.M. Douglas
Construction. “The partnership with RM Douglas helped us
through a rough time, but we helped them too,” says Amer.
“You see, they had the engineers but were struggling to get
work. We had a lot of work but didn't have the right personnel.
Plus, they were a family business too. We shared similar
ideologies. It was the perfect marriage.”
“I remember building the City Tower on Sheikh Zayed
Road,” reminisces Amer. “At the time, it was one of the tallest
buildings in the country and we were progressing so fast. We
were going at about three floors every week. Even H.H. Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was curious to find out
how we were doing it so quickly.” The secret, it turns out, was a
construction method called slip forming wherein concrete is
poured into a continuously moving form. This enables
continuous, non-interrupted, cast-in-place “flawless” (i.e. no
joints) concrete structures that have superior performance
characteristics to piecewise construction. Of the many
structures that Khansaheb has had a hand in creating over the
years – including the likes of Bab Al Shams and the Mall of the
Emirates – Amer takes particular pride in the Khan Murjan
restaurant at Wafi Mall. “It was my first job as an engineer,”
Amer says. “That’s why it will always be close to me.”
Growing up, Amer always knew he would join the family
business. It’s what he wanted. When he came back to Dubai
after completing his Bachelor’s in Engineering from the
University of Beirut, there was no hesitation. He worked in the
family business for about a year and a half before moving to
Deloitte. There he completed the Chartered Financial Analyst
programme that helped him see things from a financial and
investment perspective. He soon returned and helped diversify
Khansaheb Investments.
Why the time away from the family business though? The
whole point of owning a company means you don’t need to
work again, right? Wrong. Despite being an owner, Amer had
to earn his stars. The problem that then arises is you start at the
bottom with no one to really guide you. You become ‘one of
them’ and people start to keep you at a distance. “It becomes
difficult because you’re not being managed by anyone. There’s
no feedback or appraisal. It’s a bit frustrating,” Amer says.
“That’s one of the reasons I left. I needed experience outside.
It’s precisely why everyone from my generation who’s working
here has spent at least one-and-a-half to two years outside the
family business.”
On paper, Amer took over Khansaheb in 2012, but
there’s a stark difference between what happens on paper
and what goes on behind closed doors. “Back then, although
I saw many opportunities, I had trouble convincing the
people here to see where I was coming from and to invest,”
says Amer. “We only broke the ice two years later.” Owner
or not, you need to prove your mettle to take a seat at the
big table. In time, everyone came around. Amer had to take
baby steps. Once he got his first big decision right, he could
decide the next order of business. Business has boomed
though. “Since January 2014, we’ve delivered four realestate
developments in three years, which is something
we’ve never done before,” announces Amer. “We’re even
diversifying into healthcare, manufacturing, food and
beverage and fitness.”
When he isn’t busy with Khansaheb, Amer takes charge as
the President of the CFA Society Emirates. The title sounds
fancy but again, is a lot of work. “The society has been growing
fast. We were about 500 members when I became president.
We’re now at 800,” Amer says. “Managing volunteers, who
have other jobs, families, and are not paid anything for the
work they do on behalf of the society is an interesting
experience,” he adds coyly.
Khansaheb isn’t just a construction company anymore but
the question remains, with all the competition from
counterparts in the construction industry, where does the
company see its future and its vision of Dubai?
When posed with this question, Amer takes a minute to
gather his thoughts before answering meticulously, “Dubai
has grown a lot. It’s time for it to start maturing. By that I
mean it’s time to find innovative services, technologies and
industries that are geared towards energy efficiency.”
Not to be snooty, but I'd like to point out that in the same
year that – an old, “developed nation” – the United States
pulled out of agreements that champion the cause for
climate change and energy efficiency, one of the oldest
companies in the UAE – a young, “developing country” –
has set its sight on and urged other companies in the region
to going greener. Make of that what you will.
23
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COVER STORY
A MOTHER’S
LOVE
Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman dishes
out on her on-and off-screen roles as a mother
IMAGES BY SHUTTERSTOCK ; WORDS BY TOM SHONE | THE SUNDAY TIMES | THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE
Nicole Kidman’s two youngest
daughters get a little freaked out by
the strange women who sometimes
shows up in their kitchen. They
didn’t mind the villain from Paddington because
Paddington, is well, Paddington, and villains are
pretty cool. But the most recent woman who
showed up while mom was shooting the new
series of Top of the Lake with Jane Campion –
wild grey hair, freckles?
“I loved the way I looked in it,” Kidman says.
“It was very freeing. My kids were, like, ‘Oh my
God, you look like a witch!’ And I was, like,
‘Come on, not a witch!’ They’re used to seeing
all the different women. I morph into – these
funny women showing up in the kitchen. Yeah,
they don’t like it. It’s, ‘Where’s Mom?
Right now, mom is sitting in a private room in
the restaurant of the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills,
while her husband, the country singer Keith
Urban, lays down some tracks in a studio not too
far away. Wearing a Michael Kors shirt, jeans
and Gucci loafers, Kidman has caught a break
from planning dinner and breaking up fights
between her daughters to talk to me about
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COVER STORY
I’ve had such a weird, windy,
twisty road with it, So, this year’s
been where people have kind of decided
to discover things and support me
– but other times they haven’t,
so I’ve lived through it all
the extraordinary run of work she’s had, with roles in Sofia
Coppola’s latest, The Beguiled, the upcoming second season
of BBC2’s Top of the Lake and, before that, HBO’s Big Little
Lies, playing a photo-perfect Monterey housewife trapped
in a cycle of spousal abuse. The last of these performances
drew gasps, an Emmy nomination and a rash of career
reassessments with headlines like “How many times does
Nicole Kidman have to prove herself?” Variety ran a Nicole
Kidman World Cup on Twitter to determine her best
performance; those paying tribute ranged from the actress
Zoe Kazan to Moonlight’s director, Barry Jenkins. “She's
become cool again without ever seeking it out,” says the
director John Cameron Mitchell, who made 2010’s Rabbit
Hole with her. “She has this blueblood aura, this sort of regal
poise, but in her film choices she’s incredibly punk.”
The woman who shows up at the Four Seasons couldn’t
be further from the cool ice queen of media myth, standing
guard over the secrets of her previous marriage to Tom
Cruise like a sphinx. Candid, deep-feeling to the point of
tears when the subject of family comes up, Kidman, who
turned 50 in June, is much warmer and more offbeat than
you’d think – a kooky empathy attuned to an almost
spooky degree to the emotional temperature of whomever
she’s with, with an unruly laugh that seems to absorb all
the ups and downs of a 30-year Hollywood career. “I’ve
had such a weird, windy, twisty road with it,” she says. “So,
this year’s been where people have kind of decided to
discover things and support me – but other times they
haven’t, so I’ve lived through it all.” Out comes that big,
jaunty Aussie cackle. The second season of Top of the Lake
took Kidman back to suburban Sydney, where she grew up
and where, in the series, Elisabeth Moss’s detective is on
the trail of a prostitution ring. Kidman plays a feminist
matriarch with a glorious cascade of grey hair, whose
dinner table abounds with talk of Germaine Greer and
revolutionary politics, but whose relationship with her
adopted daughter, played by Campion’s actual daughter,
Alice Englert, has degenerated into a haggard war of
attrition. Kidman’s performance – ferocious, knotted, full
of thwarted love – joins a growing throng of mothers she
has played in recent years, from her saintly adoptive
mother in Lion, to her Medea-like, murderously fierce
mother in Alejandro Amenabar’s The Others.
“The strongest force I can find within me, right now, is
the maternal force,” she says. “Romantically, I’m obviously
incredibly awake and alive. I have a really, really strong,
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
good marriage. But maternal love brings you to your
knees. Its surfacing in pretty much everything I do.”
What lends this weight is the hard-fought, and at times,
torturously winding nature of Kidman’s path to
motherhood. The woman has had to fight. Two
miscarriages, two adopted children with Cruise. A
miraculous, unexpected late pregnancy with Urban, and
finally a fourth daughter, born via a surrogate just a few
years ago. The plot of Top of the Lake: China Girl, too,
touches on surrogacy, which in Australia is still illegal,
feeding a black market.
“Jane said to me, ‘Would this be a difficult place for you
to go in terms of what the theme of this is?’ And I said,
‘No, because my story seemed very different.’ Mine was
agreed upon and it was a beautiful thing that a woman
chose to give us. It was an incredible gift she made.”
The role brought her home in other ways, too. Her mother
was a nurse who sacrificed her career to raise a family, but
remained active in the women’s movement of the Seventies.
“I grew up in that world of feminism,” Kidman says. “I grew
up watching those dinner parties. That’s been my life since I
was probably four.” If actors have long enough careers, they
often end up playing their parents at some point, Brando
burst onto the scene playing rebels, wounded and bristling
against authority, but his maturity was reached when he
stepped into the shoes of Colonel Kurtz and Don Corleone,
the very authority figures his youthful rebellion presupposed,
viewed through a glass darkly.
Kidman as a teenager was a handful, hitting the clubs
in Sydney by the time she was 14 in tutu, fishnets and
lace-up black boots, fighting with her mother every step
of the way. Her fights with her tear-away daughter in
Top of the Lake thus played like rematches with her
teenage self, this time from her mother’s point of view.
“Absolutely. I can do, and wear, and behave any way I
want – and screw all of this. And I’m going to be with
any man I want, and who cares about your beliefs?
Totally. So, I’ve come at it from both sides, which is
why Jane is so clever – she could sort of flip things.
She’s incredibly perceptive.”
Kidman and Campion go a long way back, not just to the
1996 Henry James adaptation The Portrait of a Lady, but to a
handwritten note Campion sent the then 13-year-old actress
after her headmistress refused to let her appear in the
director’s student film. “It said, Don’t let anyone break your
spirit,” Kidman recalls. She started acting at 12, playing
Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named
Desire, attending classes where they studied mime, fencing,
the classics, the Greeks, Medea . “I was fascinated by all
the sexuality. That was probably the strongest element,
because the hormones are going for me, and I was trying to
put some sort of meaning to it. There were just so many
ways in which it could be expressed... I was always an intense
child. I wanted to connect.”
When the critic David Thomson wrote about
Kidman, itemising her “hide-and-seek eyes, boyish hips
and elegant Australian body,” like a Renaissance poet
eulogising his mistress’s eyebrows, he was roundly called
out for his heavy breathing. But Kidman’s most vivid early
performances were all to be found somewhere between
Catholic school and red-light district, whether her alpha
prefect in 1991’s Flirting, raising a toast to “risk” ; her pre-
Rapha elite host age, fighting back against her attacker in
1989’s Dead Calm; or best of all, her perky, murderous
small-town machiavel in Gus Van Sant’s To Die For (1995).
That was the performance that won Variety’s recent
tournament, with second place going to 2004’s Birth,
Jonathan Glazer’s haunting masterpiece (if you haven’t,
see it now) and third to Moulin Rouge (2000), Baz
Luhrmann’s pop-bohemian rhapsody, with Kidman
enduring broken ribs and bloody knees to play a doomed
courtesan who sacrifices everything for love. “It’s hard to
be a wife and a mother and do those performances,” she
says. “Emotionally it’s taxing. I would love to be able to
turn it on and turn it off that easily. I wish I could skim
more, but I’m no skimmer... That’s the massive struggle of
pretty much every artist, unless they’re alone, right? And I
don’t want to be alone.”
Acting and romantic love are alike, for Kidman, in that
both involve the obliteration of self. She loses herself in roles
and relationships alike – which may be one reason why her
American film career seemed to truly take off after her
marriage to Cruise ended abruptly in 2000. Before that it was
the usual array of neurosurgeons, nuclear scientists and batshrinks.
But soon she had won an Oscar for playing Virginia
Woolf in The Hours, then collaborated with Anthony
Minghella, Alejandro Amenabar, Lars von Trier, Noah
Baumbach... Was she hampered by being thought of as Mrs.
Cruise? “It’s so hard to come over here,” she says after much
thought. “I was in a small pond before, then I came to
America and was being given things and I was like, ‘These are
the roles? Oh, I want to go home!’ But I got married, and
when I’m married, I’m married. Then I was out of [the
marriage] and suddenly the energy shifted in my ability to go
anywhere. Yes, I can go to Europe if I want, and I can work
with Lars von Trier, and I can do Birth and just follow my
interests. And I didn't have to be answering to a relationship
– we had a two-week rule, of not being away for more than
two weeks. I didn’t have any of that.”
These days, home base is a farm in Nashville, where
Kidman goes largely unbothered: there it is the country
star Urban who is the more recognised celebrity. She likes
it that way. It was to this farm she retired when she first
found out she was pregnant with Sunday Rose. The subject
brings tears to her eyes. “I just went, okay, well, I’ve
adopted two children and I’m never going to have a birth
child, that’s going to be my path. I had to come to terms
with that. That was part of the thing when I married Keith
– ‘I probably can’t have a child, I hope you’re okay with
that.’ And he was. Then suddenly – I got pregnant, against
all odds. Really against all odds. Doctors were shocked.”
She withdrew to the farm, calling her doctor every week to
fret. “I can’t feel her.” He’d come by and let me see her. I
needed that, I needed to be told ‛No, it’s okay’, because I
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COVER STORY
had so much loss and tragedy. It’s a big thing in
my life, things, people getting taken suddenly.
Stanley [Kubrick], my father. I hear a phone call
at 3am and I’m terrified.” But she adds, pluckily:
“I’m determined to beat it.”
They go everywhere together, her, Keith and the
kids – packed onto the tour bus with dad or on
location with mom, off to Morocco for Werner
Herzog’s Queen of the Desert or Cincinnati for
Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer, out
in November. “We’re very tight,” she says. “And
we’re hard to penetrate, we’ve been told.” We
almost have our own language.” The balance is
immensely precious to her. “I’ve lost a marriage by
not being willing to have that happen. My daughter
came running in yesterday screaming – she had a
tick. And I’m thinking, gosh, I’m so glad I’m here
to take the tick out. I don’t want to miss those
things, so that’s why I now say no to a lot. The
career I have in my imagination is superb. The one
I have in reality is sort of back on track in a way.”
She has just completed a film called Untouchable,
and one with Joel Edgerton called Boy Erased, with
Russell Crowe – another childhood friend, from
the age of 14 – as her husband. Liane Moriarty, the
creator of Big Little Lies, is about to turn in a
novella, commissioned exclusively by the
producers to see if there's another series in there.
Then Kidman is off to Australia to film Aquaman
for James Wan, a Malaysian -Australian director.
“I wanted to do something nobody would think I
would do, and I know James,” she says. “I play
Queen Atlanna. She births a superhero. I said to
James, ‛If I’m birthing a superhero, you better give
me a good birth scene. And the Queen. Come on. I
was, like, okay. Now we’re talking.” What will her
daughters do when they find Queen Atlanna in the
kitchen? “They’ll be, like, ‘Yeah, yeah, where's the
crown? ” Her laugh fills the room.
It’s hard to be a wife
and a mother and do
those performances,
Emotionally it’s taxing.
I would love to be able
to turn it on and turn it
off that easily
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We didn’t get here by sheer luck. This was deliberate.
An act of craftsmanship and engineering prowess. Decades in the making.
Meeting at the intersection of art and technology. Defying conventions.
Redefining luxury. So when all is said and done,
we’ll know that we achieved something truly extraordinary.
businessaircraft.bombardier.com
30
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EDUCATION
THE RIGHT CHOICE
FOR YOUR CHILD?
In conversation with Daniel Lewis, Principal of North London
Collegiate School (NLCS), ahead of its first academic year
North London Collegiate School Dubai, the latest
addition to the city’s wide array of prominent
educational establishments, will be opening its
doors this September, adding to their growing
portfolio alongside London and Jeju, South Korea. The
International Baccalaureate (IB) system caters to students
between the age group of three to 18. Founded in partnership
with Sobha Group, the North London Collegiate School,
boasts a rich heritage in the UK dating back to 1850. For over
160 years, the London school has remained at the forefront
of academic excellence, consistently ranking as the highest
performing IB school in the UK. Here we find out more
about the Dubai outpost.
Why did NLCS launch in the UAE?
Dubai is a thriving international hub and a natural choice for
a location to establish a new international school. We were
also encouraged by the KHDA’s vision to bring truly worldclass
schools to Dubai, to provide parents with the confidence
to stay in the city for the duration of their childrens
education. Another key factor was our choice of partner.
Ultimately, we were looking for an organisation who shares
the same values and ethos as the NLCS family – it happened
to be Sobha Group’s commitment to deliver a quality
education that inspired us and confirmed our next location as
Dubai.
Any significant differences between North London
Collegiate School in London and in Dubai?
Our aim is to ensure that, whilst the location and student body
are different (NLCS Dubai is co-educational whereas the
London school is girls only), it retains a deep connection to our
‘mother’ school in London and an unremitting commitment to
replicating the quality and ethos. The school there has a key role
when it comes to recruiting and training our teaching staff. We
also benefit from its regular monitoring visits and inspections
and are committed to the sharing of best practice, online learning
activities, debates and staff/student exchanges. Of course, at
NLCS Dubai we are passionate about teaching children local
customs and language through engaging lessons and experiences.
Describe some of the highlights of the facility here
in Dubai?
NLCS Dubai is a purpose-built 38,000 square metre campus
which has been carefully designed for the best possible learning
experience for our students, as well as a close community feel.
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EDUCATION
The classrooms and other teaching spaces are equipped with
the latest technologies. There will be 13 science laboratories,
premium IT facilities, a state-of-the-art Performing Arts
Centre, a large airy dining hall and sporting facilities, including
tennis courts, outdoor basketball court, full-size sports-hall,
cricket and rugby field and an eight-lane indoor pool.
What do you think makes North London Collegiate
School exceptional when it comes to academics?
NLCS Dubai is a highly aspirational school. Our academically
ambitious education challenges students to discover their
passions, push beyond their horizons and become leaders of
the future. We provide our students with a quality of education
that allows them to transfer into any other system around the
world. Most importantly, we ensure that we recruit some of the
best teachers from around the world, who are highly qualified
and inspire their students to develop a love of learning. We
select teachers carefully for their passion towards each subject,
to encourage students to explore beyond its curriculum
boundaries and discover their own passions. In fact, several
teachers at NLCS Dubai had previous teaching history with the
NLCS family (London and Jeju) so they are well-versed in the
ethos. The Sutton Trust has described NLCS as the most
successful school in the United Kingdom, in placing its
students into the country’s most competitive universities. Our
2017 average IB Diploma score of 42 places NLCS as
consistently the most successful IB school in the UK for the
past 13 years and among the very best IB schools in the world.
Could you explain further the International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
(MYP) is the curriculum we offer to students from grades six to
ten. The programme contains eight subject groups which
include: language acquisition, language and literature, individuals
and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, design, and last but not
the least, physical and health education. It consists of projects
intended to develop our students’ independence and initiative, as
well as a sense of community. They are encouraged to decide
what they would like to learn, discover what research they will
need to do to complete the project and then present their
findings to the school community. The purpose is for our
students to be prepared for the IB Diploma. This is especially
key as they grow throughout their senior school years and are
encouraged to gain an awareness of their surroundings. In doing
so, they will develop resilience, leadership and international
mindedness that positively impacts the school community,
Dubai, the UAE and, we hope, the world.
With the school fees being relatively high here in the
UAE, enrolling a child is more of an investment for the
parent. Would you agree?
We tend to attract parents who are prioritising education
and many of our parents are supplementing education
allowances or making other sacrifices to send their son or
daughter to a school, which they believe will serve them
best and set them up for a successful future. In particular,
we seem to be appealing to parents who have experienced
private education in another country themselves, either as a
child, or for their own children and are looking for that kind
of experience here in Dubai. There are many schools here
and some of them are very good, but not many are able
effectively to emulate that ‛private school experience,
which these parents appear to be seeking. So, in terms of a
value proposition, with our strong track-record in the UK
and, more recently in Jeju, in terms of admissions to worldclass
universities, along with our truly ‛private school ethos
and approach, these parents are seeing us as value-formoney
and a sound investment for their childs future.
Does a good foundation prep them for Ivy League or
Golden Triangle institutions?
Of course, this is critical. Students who are able to enjoy
teaching and learning which truly stretches and challenges
them, and who can think on their feet and cope well with the
unfamiliar material, will tend to do well in public examinations
and during the selection processes for competitive universities.
Our students have confidence in their abilities and will be
encouraged to believe in themselves, take risks and reach
beyond what they thought possible. All of this prepares them
not only to apply and to be accepted into Ivy League or Golden
Triangle colleges but also to thrive during their studies there.
Are there any other advantages for students?
We have a lot of experience, both from London and Jeju, in
supporting students and providing guidance regarding work
experience and internships. We also have a large and
growing network of professional contacts due to our vibrant
alumni network, so we are well-placed to assist students not
only while they are at the school, but for their entire
professional career. NLCS prides itself on being a
‘community for life’. We are in the planning phase of
opening a campus in Singapore. Through our growing
global network, we will provide our teachers and pupils with
the opportunity to work and collaborate with their fellow
NLCS family-members across the world.
For more information, visit nlcsdubai.ae
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LOCAL STAR
#SUPPORTLOCAL
Discover this entrepreneur’s journey
American engineer and clean-energy
specialist Charles F. Blaschke IV is a
risk taker, helping build high-end
projects with reduced consumption of
energy. Blaschke graduated in 2007 from the
Missouri University of Science and Technology
with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was
recruited immediately to assist with the construction
of innovative, clean buildings. Charles is the
Founder and Managing Director at Taka Solutions,
an energy consulting company based in Dubai.
Tell us about yourself?
I grew up playing in my grandfather’s workshop,
nestled in his house basement, where he had a
small framing business during retirement that
gave us a chance to play with tools, machinery
and build things. I started pulling bikes and
Nintendo sets apart and assembling it again. That
gradually grew to dissassembling computers, cars
and now buildings. I guess, it's one of the reasons
I took up engineering at university.
What was your impression of the UAE when
you first landed here?
I have been here for a decade and was recruited by
Burt Hill (now Stantec) who came to recruit the
top young engineers from the US, to grow and
lead their Dubai office. I moved literally knowing
nothing about the company, job or projects. Like
most UAE expats, time swept by while living the
good life here.
Tell us about your company and how did you
identify the need for it?
Taka Solutions is the new face of energy in
the world. We use the latest in finance, engineering
and technology to help people reduce their energy
consumption and impact through efficiency.
We see it as an impactful way to reduce carbon
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LOCAL STAR
consumption and mitigate climate change. We
use an innovative paid-from-savings business
model with no capital cost for customers. It's
paid from the savings generated from the project,
creating perfect alignment with customers,
ourselves and the planet. If we don’t save, we
don’t get paid. The investment is made on behalf
of the customer, so their budget constraints are
no longer a roadblock to save and do well. In
today’s world, using energy correctly is an
economic and social global priority. Energy
efficiency is the most important fuel of the future
and buildings around the world, and especially in
the UAE, need to be energy efficient.
What are your long-term goals?
Our mission is to help reduce the world’s energy
and carbon by 20 per cent. This can be achieved by
reducing the consumption of the world’s existing
building stock by 50 per cent, which is possible
with today’s technology. Over this period,
renewable energy will begin to replace
conventional power generation technology,
providing all the new energy required to power the
world, creating a complete cycle of renewable
energy powering highly efficient, technologically
advanced buildings that feed into larger smart
cities. As the cost of technologies drops, and
savings increase from this technology, buildings
and homes will near net zero energy consumption.
What have been your major challenges?
The challenges of starting a company in the UAE
are huge. Launching a non-app based company,
and a traditional, capital intensive company
instead, makes it even harder. One of our largest
hurdles though is educating and teaching
customers about energy and efficiency, and how
we offer a paid-from-savings model.
Have you secured funding or gearing up for
the first round?
During the seed stage of funding, we worked very
hard, were smart about spending and able to
become profitable through our services and
projects. This gave us time to find the right
investor in 2016 when we finalised our partnership
with Corys Environmental, part of the GreenCoast
Enterprises family. They not only saw the value
and quality of us as a company but truly understood
our business of retrofitting buildings and offering
financed solutions. Together with Corys, we offer
100 per cent financed projects for any budget in
record time. We can approve financing for a
project within two weeks, as this allows us to
invest and save faster, as we can never get back lost
savings. For instance, a building that can save
Dhs5,000,000 per year loses over Dhs13,000 per
day in waiting.
Any interesting launches rolling out this year?
One of the biggest and most exciting things in the
next few months is our Taka AI cloud-based
artificial intelligence. We are using the latest
technology to analyse in real-time building
performance and learn how to optimise to save,
and make the building more comfortable and
longer lasting using AI.
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ody
&
soul
Crystal clear water, city life
and adventuorous trails
awaits readers at Seychelles -
turn over for inspiration.
Also, prep for next season or
a big trip, with a visit to the
stores for the latest in gadgets
and accessories
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EQUITY

BILL GATES DONATES $4.6 BILLION
IT’S THE LARGEST DONATION HE’S MADE SINCE 2000
BMW UNVEILS THE CONCEPT Z4
The two-seater roadster will enter production
next year
SAMSUNG’S NEWEST TV
MOONLIGHTS AS A PIECE OF ART
Because nothing exudes affluence like
buying art
ROBERTO CAVALLI’S NEW SUPERYACHT
The 27-metre Freedom superyacht is a fine
Italian job
THE WEALTHIEST INDIANS IN THE GCC
One of them started as a taxi driver while another was working
out of a basement
Follow us on social media
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EQUITY
EQUITYMEDIAUAE

THE ETERNAL MOVEMENT
Ulysse Nardin, from the movement of the sea to the perpetual
innovation of Haute Horlogerie. For over 170 years, the
powerful movement of the ocean has inspired Ulysse Nardin
in its singular quest: to push back the limits of mechanical
watchmaking, time and time again.
Marine Regatta
Chronograph
Countdown timer
Silicium technology
ulysse-nardin.com
ULYSSE NARDIN BOUTIQUES: The Dubai Mall +971 44341421, Mall of the Emirates +971 43950577, Beirut Souks +961 1992092
Abu Dhabi: Al Manara International Jewellery Amman: Time Center Bahrain: Asia Jewellers Cairo: BTC Exclusive Doha: Ali Bin Ali
Jeddah: First Jewelry Kuwait: Morad Yousuf Behbehani Muscat: Le Carat Riyadh: First Jewelry
37
EQUITY

TRENDS
The
CHECKLIST
Chic picks to keep you vogueish this summer
PURE TALENT
Antonio Marras is in a league of its own,
with striking patterns, mish mash of textures,
and fabrics and prints adding a burst of
colour to their Pre Fall 17/18 collection.
Think velvety jersey, grey and brown fabrics
borrowed from Savile Row workshops,
bomber jackets, parkas, duffle coats and
kimonos in haute couture materials featuring
damasks and brocade that can soon make
its way into your wardrobe, prepping you
for any occasion to come. The collection’s
elegant dresses with rose fabric inlay and
concretions of macramé ooze sophistication
and are a statement in itself, making it suitable
for afternoon tea and wedding receptions.
Visit the boutique at Citywalk
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TRENDS
NOSTALGIA IN A BOTTLE
Fragrances have the capacity to bring back memories and transform your mood almost instantaneously.
Amna Al Habtoor’s newly launched line, Arcadia, has us reaching out for their minimalist-style bottles
that capture the essence of the Gulf, with ingredients that are environmentally conscious and crueltyfree.
The theme of each focuses on nostalgia, with the concept of a modern apothecary at the
forefront, making each scent a delightful experience – especially for those who call the UAE their
home. The unisex perfumes are available individually and in a gift set of ten (15ml) fragrances for
Dhs650. Available at arcadiame.com, City Walk 2 and The Zoo Concept
PLAYFUL TAKE
Fendi’s Can Eye embellished sunglasses
give this pair a feminine touch with the
addition of pearls and a subtle hint of
colour. Wear it with an all-white
ensemble or a stunning kaftan.
Dhs2,490 at Solaris and Rivoli Group
BOLD BEAUTY
Power, speed and excitement
are the elements that make the
Akillis Mini Bang Bang
collection pendants a gift for
those with a hint of
rebelliousness. With handselected
materials and only the
highest quality of gold, diamonds
and gemstones used in each
piece, it makes for a stunningly
edgy accessory.
From Dhs10,500 at Ahmed
Seddiqi & Sons
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EQUITY

IN STYLE
HOP
talk
The stores to visit for
Syour next shopping haul
SCENTSATIONAL AROMAS
If the aroma of a Diptyque candle
instantly relaxes you the minute
you get home and light it, you may
want to head to the store to
get your hands on the all-new
Fragrance Gestures collection.
L’Ombre dans l’Eau, Do Son,
Philosykos and Eau Rose
scents that are now
available in the form of
balms, gels, oils and
foams, with the
fragrance being just as
strong as an eau de
toilette – which we
all know, lingers on
for hours.
Visit Diptyque at
Dubai Mall
ALL IN THE DETAILS FALL READY
Karl Lagerfeld’s Fall-Winter 2017
Ermenegildo Zegna’s See Now, Buy Now collection reveals
the comfiest shoe to don this season. The Tiziano presents
itself in two different colours, off-white and green, with calf
collection has us swooning over reinterpreted
pieces that are easy to throw on, and exude
androgyny, while being timeless yet youthful.
leather, minimalist style, Vicuna lining, triple stitch on the Eighteen-and nineteenth-century military
spoiler and the signature herringbone pattern with a
contrasting coloured leather insert.
Available at the store in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates
and Al Maryah Island
uniforms get a feminine update with tonal
patches, embroidery and decorative elements.
Meanwhile, high-waist sailor pants and
tuxedos with dainty bows pave the way for
effortless dressing, from board room to
dinner parties, while an oversized leather
jacket oozes edge. The entire collection
comprises a palette of black and white that
either pops with soft pink or adds a hint of
edge with army green.
Karl Lagerfeld stores can be found at CityWalk
and Dubai Mall
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41
EQUITY

GROOMING
INDULGE YOURSELF
Tried-and-tested experiences of the month
Tried-and-tested experiences of the month
V
Need to know:
A Royal Shave starts
from around Dhs240,
call +9714 340 0800
The venue: THE ART OF SHAVING
Service: A royal shave
The verdict: Ask any six-year-old and he’ll refer to the act
of shaving as aspirational. Something that only grown-ups
do. It’s the reason he’ll lather up for no apparent reason
other than trying to imitate his father’s morning ritual. Once
that six-year-old turns 18, shaving is inevitably reduced to a
necessary and mundane chore.
As I found out recently, there is a way to put the fun back
into your grooming regime – by visiting a barber spa. I
dropped by The Art of Shaving store in Citywalk to get their
top-of-the-line Royal Shave treatment.
The facility is built like a lounge, rather than a barbershop.
A reception area doubles up as one where you can purchase
all of Art of Shaving’s products and accessories. I was ushered
to a spacious room adjacent to the reception area with two
plush barber chairs occupying the floor.
Here, shaving isn’t a rushed job. The master barber places a
hot towel over my face to loosen the stubble and work the
grime off. He applies a pre-shave oil to prep my skin and next
up, a breadbox-sized machine dispenses warm foam – a first
in all my years of shaving. Using a straight razor, he tackles the
stubble in a couple of artful strokes. If you’ve got a particularly
stubborn stubble, he’ll repeat the foam and straight razor
shave, this time against the grain.
Another hot towel with fragranced oil is then applied to
soothe the skin, followed by a face mask to rehydrate. Another
cold towel later, and a refreshing product is massaged onto my
face – the oud after-shave balm is highly recommended.
Getting a shave here is all about discovering how one of the
manliest acts of grooming – even if you’ve been at it for
decades – can be aspirational all over again.
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GROOMING
Need to know:
The full colour with
highlights and blow-dry
is priced at Dhs1,400
for medium-length hair
(Price depends on
hair length), call +9714
338 1111
The venue: MIKE AND JACK
Service: Full colour with highlights and blow-dry
The verdict: Housed at the Emirates Financial
Towers, the Jordanian stylist duo Mike and Jack
– who are also cousins – have swept Dubai by
storm with their expertise and exclusive access
to certain L’Oreal hair products. After being in
awe of coloured manes for months, I decided it
was time to jump on the bandwagon and opt
for a bright colour. Senior hairstylist Joe
Alkerdim and Mike Alam were both on hand to
share ideas upon arrival. A quick refreshment
and off to the seat I went to highlight my hair
with non-damaging bleach, L’Oreal Smart Bond
additive, that also strengthens hair while
preventing damage. Heat was then applied for
30 minutes to let the bleach penetrate my hair,
after which it was blow-dried. This was followed
by a thorough rinse and comb through, after
which the colouring process began. I opted for
a pink hue that suited my facial features and skin
tone, and around five hours later, post tinting
and colouring from light to dark shades –
multiple washes and a trim to snip off split ends
– my hair looked vibrant. Highlights were added
in, in a shade lighter, to add depth and
dimension. While the entire experience was
well worth it, it can be time consuming –
especially if you have dark hair. Do take a friend
along for company.
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
ON OUR RADAR
Striking statement pieces
JEWELLERY
BVLGARI
THE VIPER RING
The first Serpenti jewel, a snake watch that wrapped around the wrist with the jaw locking the
timepiece, was first created in the forties to represent the distinct character of the Italian house.
Following the success, the brand has since launched annual gemstone reinterpretations, capturing
the boldness and essence of BVLGARI. This year’s creation showcases the sensuality of the viper
snake, the combination of gem colours and materials that make it a striking statement, and the
bold Roman design that exudes seduction.
BULGARI.COM
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
TIMEPIECE
Arnold & Son
Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36
FOR HIM
The La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaker has been around since 1764 and has some serious pedigree behind it. Founder John
Arnold’s son even worked with Abraham-Louis Breguet in the eighteenth century – the latter remains to this day one of the
ten most important people to have contributed to the development of mechanical watchmaking. Breguet’s skill has arguably
influenced and guided Arnold & Son through the centuries and still influences its watchmaking know-how even today.
This new Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is a tribute to some of the earliest chronometers that John Arnold created
for the British government in the eighteenth century. The 46mm rose gold case frames the dial that displays the intricate
mechanics of the watch including the tourbillon, barrels and going train. As a COSC-certified chronometer – only two per
cent of all Swiss watches made annually receive this certification – it’s an ultra-accurate timepiece too. Where do we sign?
$54,000 (Dhs 198,000) AT AROLDANDSON.COM
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
TIMEPIECE
Graff Diamonds
MasterGraff Floral Tourbillon 38mm
FOR HER
In 2014, Graff unveiled a $55 million wristwatch – the world’s most expensive timepiece – that was decorated with
110 carats worth of rare coloured diamonds. This year’s novelty, the MasterGraff Floral Tourbillon, signals the British
jeweller-and-watchmaker’s intent to be taken seriously within the mechanical watchmaking space. This manual-winding
timepiece with 68 hours of power reserve features a tourbillon at 5 o’clock and was developed through Graff’s
watchmaking division in Geneva.
The white-gold flowers on the dial are hand painted and set on a mother-of-pearl dial in a process that takes up to
50 hours to execute. To add some drama to the timepiece, Graff also designed blooms at eight, nine and 12 o’clock
that turns along with the wrist movements of its owner. True to Graff’s roots, the 38mm white-gold case is covered in
diamonds, as are the lugs and the crown. Bling it on.
PRICE ON REQUEST AT GRAFFDIAMONDS.COM
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
GADGETS
Oswalds Mill Audio
AC 1 TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Former filmmaker Jonathan Weiss started up Oswalds Mill Audio in 2006. The
bespoke American high-end audio equipment manufacturer debuted its first
loudspeaker, the AC1, in 2007. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, OMA has recently
unveiled this three-way speaker hand built from wood. Weiss’ background in
filmmaking means the midrange uses a vintage compression driver used in an actual
movie theatre. It also has a 15-inch woofer for some serious bass. Limited to just ten
pairs, it takes six months to build this 82-inch tall speaker after you sign up for one.
$171,200 (Dhs 630,000) AT OSWALDSMILLAUDIO.COM
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EQUITY

Riese & Müller
DELITE GT SIGNATURE
COLLECTOR'S PIECES
This electric bike designed by German duo Markus Riese
and Heiko Müller is a handsome GT machine. A capable
Bosch Performance CX 1,000 Wh battery drives the
11-speed Shimano gear set. The German marque has also
integrated Control Technology into its construction which
is a system that governs the relationship between the front
and rear wheel’s Fox Factory suspension and the frame to
deliver improved traction for spirited riding adventures.
Each bike is numbered and delivered with a certificate of
authenticity signed by Müller and Riese.
$11,099 (Dhs 40,000) AT R-M.DE
HP
Z VR BACKPACK
Wearables are having a moment. This military-grade dust- and water-resistant backpack PC is built tough and can take
a couple of hard knocks. Inside its take-no-prisoners exterior is an advanced processor: It packs a quad core i7
processor, Quadros P5200 graphics and 16 GB of video memory. Pair the backpack with any third-party virtual reality
system including the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive Business Edition. Game on.
$3,500 (Dhs 13,000) AT HP.COM
The New York-based startup has built an allelectric
sports utility truck. Kitted with twin
electric motors, this permanent all-wheel
drive vehicle is a proper off-roader. We’re
talking Jeep-rivalling break-over angles,
adjustable suspension and anti-roll bars. The
electric motor generates 360hp of power
and 472 lb ft of torque. It can do 0-100kph in
under five seconds and hit a top speed of
204kph. There are two battery options
available: A 60kWh version delivers 193km
of range, while the more powerful 100kWh
returns 321km of range. Deliveries are
expected to commence within the next two
years. Put us down for one already.
Bollinger Motors
B1
PRICE TBA. AVAILABLE AT
BOLLINGERMOTORS.COM
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EQUITY

COLLECTOR'S PIECE
AUTOMOBILE
AMERICAN SUPERHERO
Born on a track, finished on the highway – it’s everything we ever wanted in a supercar, and
some more
Words by Varun Godinho
In the Sixties, Ford made a play for Ferrari. The American
carmaker wanted to buy the Italian Prancing horse. Il
Commendatore strongly rebuffed Hank the Deuce and –
as the legend goes – he was neither polite nor gentle when
going about it either. Ford got mad, and then decided to
get even.
Ford got around to building its own supercar that could
compete with a Ferrari. If you are going to stick it to Ferrari
though, you need to do more than just raise the bar – you
must fling it right off its hinges. That’s precisely what Ford
did with the GT40, a ground-up home-grown supercar.
In 1966, Ford entered the GT40 into the 24 Hours of Le
Mans – one of the most gruelling endurance races in the
world. It finished in first position, and repeated that feat in
’67, ’68, and ’69. Ford had a bonafide champion on its hands.
Fifty years after that inaugural Le Mans race-winning
performance, the American carmaker decided to re-enter
the endurance race once again. It initially wanted to do so
with a modified Mustang, but swiftly discarded those plans
when it discovered that the Mustang was too large and
unwieldy to do the job. Instead, it decided to build a
bespoke GT car and that’s how it went about building this
all-new Ford GT last year. Mind you, it won in its category
at the 2016 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For a car to be entered into the endurance racing
category though, one of the rules stipulates that there
needs to be a homologated street-legal version of it.
That’s how we got the 2017 Ford GT road-going supercar
which was pressed into production late last year, with
deliveries commencing this year.
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COLLECTOR'S PIECE
There’s plenty of carbon fibre used across the
body of the car to keep the weight down to a
bare minimum. Under the hood, Ford made a
bold decision to strap in a V6. For those who
think Ford should have crammed in a few more
cylinders, it’s worth noting that the compact twin
turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 commands 647hp of
power and can launch the machine from
0-100kph in 2.8 seconds. The GT can hit a top
speed of 347kph. In the case of this V6, its size is
inversely proportional to its performance.
On the steering wheel is an aluminium knob
that has five drive settings. To really let loose in
the GT, turn it to T – aka Track mode – and
confirm by pressing another button. The car’s
suspension instantly drops 50mm, the chassis
stiffens and the rear spoiler hoists up in
anticipation of some serious speed. Pin the
throttle and the car’s active aerodynamics system
kicks in to divert airflow effortlessly across its
surface as you happily paddle shift your way
through the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
It’s heartening to know that there is an integrated
roll cage in the chassis that strengthens the frame
and prevents the car from rearranging your face
should you make a mistake at the wheel. To curb
your enthusiasm, the carbon ceramic brakes will
scrub off the speed just as fast as you gain it.
At a base price of approximately $580,000, the
Ford GT is more expensive than the average
Ferrari or McLaren, but cheaper than a Bugatti or
Pagani. Only 1,000 units will be produced up until
2020 when production will cease. If you aren’t
down for one already, you may need to wait for
Ford’s centenary celebrations of its ’66 Le Mans
win before you get your very own GT.
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COLLECTOR'S PIECE
YACHT
MAJESTIC
CREATION
A look at the largest model from Ferretti, the Pershing 140
Words by Nicola Monteath
Ferretti Group has long been one of the pioneers
in the design, construction and motor yacht retail
industry. By combining Italian craftsmanship with
centuries old yachting traditions, the Group –
established in 1968 – have managed to expand
to over 80 countries, providing cutting-edge
technological solutions with leisure boating
options. Some of these include boats such as the
fly bridge, runabout, open, coupé, lobster boats,
maxi and superyachts.
The latest launch from the group features the
largest and most anticipated one yet, the allalluminium
Pershing 140. Created in partnership
with architect Fulvio De Simoni, who boasts a
nautical culture and fervency towards aquatic
vessels, the yacht will be the first in the company’s
32-year history to be built in Ancona, where
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COLLECTOR'S PIECE
most of the fleet’s production currently takes place. The
sea vessel’s interiors possess clean, neat structures and lines
with a monochrome scheme, while pops of colour are
noticeable through oceanic-themed accessories.
Those who can’t wait to get their hands on the yacht
will be delighted to know that recent stages of work saw
the outfitting and on-board installation of the
superstructure blocks. Meanwhile, in late September,
further activity will focus on the hull and superstructure
that will be assembled. The following months will also see
the outfitting of the engine room, technical systems and
interiors. Yacht enthusiasts will get a thrill from knowing
that the Pershing 140 will be equipped with four MTU
M96L 16V 2000 engines, each generating 2,600 Mhp,
propelling it at a maximum speed of 38 knots at the trial
load – this, however, is preliminary data.
FERETTIGROUP.COM
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EQUITY

EID GIFT
SCRUMPTIOUS TREAT
Fine indulgence for a chocoholic
BOUTIQUE LE CHOCOLAT
HANDCRAFTED CREATIONS
Imagine this, a chocolate boutique that’s an enticing sensorial shopping experience,
complete with personalised blends, bespoke items, an extensive selection of
handmade items, complete with gold shavings, and rows and rows of freshly prepared
chocolate, with cocoa bean aromas that waft through the air. It’s a modern-day retail
version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, spanning 13,000 square feet, and an
additional 20,000 square feet planned for its upcoming expansion. Whether you are
looking for a customised chocolate bar for yourself, or a box of truffles as an Eid gift,
Boutique le Chocolat offers everything to appease chocolate lovers.
THE CHOCOLATE (PICTURED HERE) IS AVAILABLE IN A BOX OF
EIGHT PIECES FOR Dhs875. VISIT THE BOUTIQUE AT CITYWALK,
BOUTIQUELECHOCOLAT.COM
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GASTRONOMY
WEEKEND DINING
Two brunches worth a visit
THE LATE BRUNCH
1
WAKA, THE OBEROI DUBAI
Friday brunch has long been a Dubai institution and with
the launch of extravagant offerings now springing up at
night, the sumptuous meal has become even more
convenient – especially for those who want to sleep in on
a Friday morning. The vibrant setting at Waka, with hints
of Mexican décor, colourful accents, dim lighting and
comfortable couches embrace you the minute you walk in.
Lively music sets the tone for the evening as you order
drinks and begin your Latin American meal at the ceviche
station. We loved the corn salad, showcasing kernels in a
variation of sizes and colours, followed by tuna and
seafood in a citrus dressing. Hot appetisers are brought to
the table, beginning with nachos and guacamole, seafood
and vegetarian maki rolls, and finally, anticuchos (beef
heart) with a delectable sticky marinade. By now, you may
be slightly full so take your time and choose one main
course. Options are available for every protein, with dishes
such as spare ribs in a spicy Cantonese marinade, roasted
baby chicken, and truffle quinoa risotto to name a few.
Round the meal off with tres leches, a decadent dessert
soaked with three types of milk – you may want to
re-order this one! – cheesecake and sorbets.
Need to know: The Late Brunch takes place every
Friday from 8.30-11.30pm. From Dhs200 per person,
call +971 4 444 1455
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GASTRONOMY
THE GATSBY BRUNCH
2
BAZXAR, DIFC
Themed brunches make dining out all the more exciting.
And while flapper dresses and Leonardo DiCaprio’s white
tuxedo aren’t part of the dress code at this DIFC outpost,
dressing for the occasion isn’t frowned upon either. The
sprawling venue offers a three-course menu beginning with
freshly prepared appetisers brought to the table. Savour
dynamite shrimps, fried mac and cheese balls with a crisp
bite, pepperoni and margherita pizza, crisp tofu bao, chicken
pot stickers, a nutritious and refreshing beetroot salad with
herb-coated goat cheese and hazelnuts, and chicken wings.
You can re-order the starters as many times as you like.
However, we suggest leaving space for the next few
courses, especially desserts. While every appetiser
impressed in terms of portion sizes and taste, we have to
say the signature dishes lacked originality, with usual
suspects including miso-glazed cod and slow-cooked beef
on offer. Other main course options looked enticing and
innovative – judging from a quick peek at a neighbouring
table – and include wok pepper beef and chicken, pasta,
risotto and burgers. That said, the hot skillet cookie dessert
topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was oozing with
chocolate and instantly changed our perception of the
brunch. If you prefer a less chocolate-y take on dessert, pick
the light and fluffy tiramisu served in a glass. The brunch
doesn’t really come to a close here, as most people drift
away to the bar to sing along to upbeat R&B and hip hop
tunes, while indulging in happy hour specials.
Need to know:
The Gatsby Brunch
takes place every Friday
from 1-4pm. Packages
range from Dhs295,
call +971 4 355 1111
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EQUITY

Wealth has its challenges.
We will help you protect,
grow and pass it on.
Experts in advising the
wealthy located in
Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
London and 10 other
offices around the globe.
Murray North
Partner, Private Client
London
E: murray.north@blplaw.com
T: +44 (0)20 3400 4545
Ibrahim Elsadig
Partner, Head of Corporate (UAE)
Dubai
E: ibrahim.elsadig@blplaw.com
T: +971 (0)4 511 9718
www.blplaw.com
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TRAVEL
PARADISE
BECKONS
Seychelles isn’t merely the honeymooners island escape you may think it is.
Discover the island bursting with vivacity, culture and friendly faces
Words by Nicola Monteath
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TRAVEL
When you hear of the tropical Seychelles, you
imagine sun, sand and sea. Lush green hills
definitely don’t spring to mind, let alone
mingling with the locals to get an
understanding of the cuisine and culture. However, the
verdant islands of Seychelles are filled with fresh crisp air that
touches your skin upon arrival. To briefly paint a portrait of
the country, Seychelles was initially a French colonisation,
and even though the British rule was in power for over 150
years, the French influence never managed to dispel. The
country got its independence only recently, in 1976, and has
since developed the economy through tourism, processing
of vanilla, coconut fibre, and trade – the country exports
over 50 per cent of tuna from the Indian Ocean, to France
and the United Kingdom.
Mahé, the country’s largest and main island, is the most
inhabited city in the country and from here, you can take a flight
or boat to your island destination. Seychelles is also home to the
smallest capital city in the world, Victoria, which oozes charm
from its little Big Ben landmark to the colourful temple and Sir
Selwyn Clarke Market where locals sell everything from fish and
fruit and vegetables, to spices and souvenirs. To best discover
Seychelles, spend time at one of the island resorts when you
first arrive. Picking one can be a tough choice though. Praslin is a
hotspot for the Garden of Eden – where the world’s largest nut
in the world, coco de mer, can be found – while La Digue is
renowned for its boulders and beaches. North Island is the
honeymoon destination of choice – Prince William and Duchess
Kate Middleton vacationed here – whereas Silhouette is
favoured for adventure and absolute serenity.
PERFECT SILHOUETTE
Each island is steeped in history and this one is no
different. Nestled just 20 kilometers away from the
northwest of Mahé – the third largest archipelago in
Seychelles – is Silhouette, home to the sprawling familyfriendly
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and the first
leg of our trip.
The island can be seen from a distance and as you
gradually get into holiday mode on your 45-minute sea
journey, you will begin to conjure up images of days
spent lazing by the white sandy beach. That isn’t all
there is on offer though. Most countries are best
experienced through their culinary offerings, so it’s
best to begin your holiday on Silhouette at Grann Kaz,
to tempt your taste buds with authentic Creole cuisine,
which heavily boasts French and Indian influences.
Once you’ve enjoyed a tangy and fresh fish salad,
octopus coconut curry and a comforting warm banana
dessert, it’s time to explore the premises. Grann Kaz,
within the Village of La Passe, is perhaps the best
starting point to get an idea of the island’s historical
origins. Once home to Henri Dauban – owner of the
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island for over hundred years – the original plantation
house established in the first half of the Nineteenth
century has since been preserved, with minor tweaks
conducted to sustain itself and function as a restaurant
serving Creole dishes. Letters and newspaper clippings
are framed and hung at the bedrooms upstairs for visitors
to learn more.
The resort appeals to holiday-goers of all ages. Go on a
hike, enjoy a picnic by the sea, experience rare flora and
fauna sightings and immerse yourself wholly within history.
On the way to your hike, make a pit stop at the Dauban
Family Mausoleum, which contains the remains of Auguste
Dauban, his wife Catherine and their first child Eva. Once
you’ve ticked off the sights, it’s time to enjoy the comforts
of your room. The expansive villas boast an outdoor lounge
with an infinity pool, just a few steps away from the ocean,
outdoor rain showers within the bathroom, large bath tubs
with views of the sand and sea, and a plush bed that you
will sink into every now and then as you nap. For a bit of
activity, play a game of chess on the large set outdoors,
meander through the gorgeous pathways and lakes on a
push bike, begin your morning with a yoga class and go
snorkeling to spot turtles, octopus and colourful sea
creatures. The mystical spa, set amidst the forest on a
hillside, is worth a visit – large boulders and gekkos woo
you on your way to the treatment rooms, built around tree
barks. While Seychelles may not seem like your typical
family vacation destination, your notion will be proved
wrong at this resort, which offers plenty for little ones.
Culinary offerings are nothing short of exemplary here
either, with cooking styles to suit all palates. A favourite
with most guests is quite possibly the quaint beach bar that
plays reggae tunes to set the mood. However, the Italian
eatery (Portobello) is the place to dine at for an alfresco
meal with comfort food – think, ravioli doused in a creamy
sauce, fresh seafood and risotto. When cravings for Asian
food kick in, make your way to Sakura for contemporary
Japanese, or Teppanyaki for grilled fish prepared at the live
cooking stations. Feeling peckish by the pool? Order pizza,
salads, island-inspired cocktails and light snacks at Lo Brizan.
Couples looking to carry on their stay at Seychelles, and
in need of the humdrum of the main island after a few
days, can make their way to Mahé for a bit of culture,
sight-seeing, nightlife and shopping.
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Book now
To make a reservation,
visit hiltonseychelleslabriz.
com and hilton.com/hiltonseychelles-northolme-resort
MAGNIFICENT MAHÉ
The stunning adults-only resort on Mahé, Hilton Seychelles
Northolme Resort & Spa, is a picturesque abode perched atop
a hill, with wooden villas and suites that make up the space. The
cabin-like vibe exudes cosiness, making guests want to stay in
their villas to enjoy a cuppa on the terrace while gazing at the
hills and ocean. Upon walking around, we could see why author
of the James Bond series, Ian Flemming, felt a fervency towards
GETTING THERE
Air Seychelles offers direct flights from Abu Dhabi and is
just under five hours away. The codeshare with Etihad
Airways, gives Business Class passengers access to the
Lounge where they can help themselves to a widespread
buffet, unwind with a beverage, and make use of the
facilities. The Lounge also boasts a Six Senses Spa and
Style & Shave outlet for ladies in need of a manicurepedicure,
and men who want to avoid the 5pm shadow.
Business Class tickets are available from Dhs6,650 per
person. Visit airseychelles.com
this resort – the smallest Hilton hotel in the world – with its
charming nooks and tucked away beaches, allowing the creative
juices to flow as he penned away. The stunning infinity pool that
looks out to the shimmering waters is where you will most likely
want to spend all your time, whiling away with a book and fresh
coconut water.
While the resort doesn’t offer plenty of activities – it is a
relaxing honeymooners getaway after all – you can head into
town to explore. Begin your journey at the Seychelles National
Botanical Gardens located on the outskirts of Victoria to learn
about endemic plants, explore exotic trees within the tropical
gardens, spot a few fruit bats (also a delicacy in Seychelles) and
feed giant tortoises, some of which are over 150 years old.
Make your way to the Mission Lodge after, a vantage point
that offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains
southwards across Mahé. By this point the hunger pangs may
kick in, and there’s no better spot to enjoy an authentic Creole
lunch than at the highly-recommended hilltop restaurant at Le
Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. Savour fresh fish cooked in a
banana leaf with a side of gravy and rice, mango salad, and
banana crepes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. All dishes are
cooked with the plantation’s own spices. Walk through the
25-hectare garden after and tour the eighteenth-century
gardens developed by the French to promote spice trading in
the colonies. The nature walk exposes you to plenty of spices
and plantations including cinnamon, cotton, and a strangely
named Lipstick tree – the fruit’s flesh stains your fingers with a
vibrant pink-red hue.
Make your way back to the hotel for a much-needed
massage at the spa, with treatment rooms that look out to the
landscape, or a hot bath drawn in your suite. For the perfect
conclusion to a summer sojourn, enjoy dinner at the Hilltop
restaurant for local entertainment accompanied by Italian and
Asian specialties, or Les Cocotiers, which offers a Creoleinternational
fusion meal under the stars.
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TRAVEL TALES
JETSETTER JOURNEYS
Explore the latest in experiences, tours and culinary breaks
TIME TO HUNT
Living in the countryside gives you the added advantage of foraging produce for your next meal. When will you ever
get to do this in the UAE? Barring plucking dates, of course, for a seasonal dish. If this sort of experience sounds
enticing, head to the picturesque Aristi Mountain Resort and Villas in Greece (40 minutes away from Ioannina
airport) for their specially curated mushroom hunting package, combined with the Tsipouro festivities – an autumnal
spirit production festival that harks back to the Fourteenth century. Available from €250 (around Dhs1,080) for
two, inclusive of two nights stay, breakfast, the foraging experience with an expert and dinner. Visit aristi.eu
LATEST ADDITION
Travelling to the Chinese capital? Book a
stay at the Bulgari Hotel Beijing, an urban
resort nestled in the Genesis complex,
that fuses the best of art and nature.
Highlights include the Genesis Art
Foundation, designed by Tadao Ando,
and sculpted gardens that extend along
the Liangma River. If you do need to
meet your business partner or colleague,
hotfoot to Romito, the contemporary
fine-dining Italian eatery helmed by
Michelin-starred Italian chef Niko Romito.
The hotel will open its doors on
September 27th, visit bulgarihotels.com
WINTER PREP
The latest Wilderness Safaris Class Camp,
Qorokwe in Botswana, will make you want to plan
ahead for the holiday season. Set to open in
December, the camp offers a wildlife-rich landscape
featuring eight tented suites, a spacious family suite
with a splash pool, and the main area that offers
everything from a library and bar to an infinity pool.
The 100 per cent solar-powered camp is the ideal
escape for those looking for an adventure-packed
journey. Visit.wilderness-safaris.com
PICK OF THE MONTH
Don’t leave home without…
The stylish limited-edition
Carbon Fibre Trolley Case
from Globe-Trotter is the only
accessory you will want to lug
around. Created to mark its
120th anniversary, the retrostyle
luggage features a visible
weave, leather corners in
burgundy shade and black, and
a plush quilted microfiber lining,
apt for jetsetters that need a
distinct, durable case. Dhs16,570
at globe-trotter.com
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EQUITY

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EQUITY digital newsletter.
For Advertising: advertising@equity.media

HOTEL REVIEW
STAY OF THE MONTH
An all-access pass to peek into the multi-million dollar
refurbishment at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai
Words by Varun Godinho
Picture Dubai back in 2003. The Dubai
Mall and Burj Khalifa didn’t exist. The
city’s rapidly altering skyline though just
witnessed a 200m tall glass-and-steel
building rise from the ground right
along the boundary of Sheikh Zayed
Road opposite DIFC. At the time, the
42-storey Shangri-La Dubai was among
the 20 tallest hotels in the world.
Switch to 2017. It’s boom time in
Dubai’s burgeoning tourism industry.
There were over 15 million visitors in
Dubai last year alone and more than
4.5million in the first quarter of 2017.
Dubai is consistently beating cities
like New York, Singapore, Milan and
Hong Kong in attracting highspending
tourists.
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HOTEL REVIEW
To keep up, the city’s hospitality industry is also raising its
game, which explains the Asia-inspired Shangri-La’s decision
to undertake a massive renovation on its property last year.
The first phase of the two-stage renovation was completed
towards the end of 2016. It involved redesigning the lobby
area and fitting it out with new furnishings including two large
Lasvit chandeliers. Incredibly, the hotel stayed open right
through the renovation process with the check-in counters
moved up to the third floor of the hotel.
Office spaces occupy levels 5-8 of the hotel. For longstay
guests, there are residences located on levels 12-19
and serviced apartments from level 20-27. From the 29th
floor up, there are the 302 rooms and suites that are
getting a once over in the second part of the renovation
process currently underway and which is slated to be
completed by next year. We checked into one of the
renovated rooms that featured new panelling, fresh
artwork and changes to the fixtures in the room. Tip:
When making a reservation, ask for a room with a view of
the Burj Khalifa. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re going to opt for the all-in experience, book
yourself into either the 39th, 40th or 41st floor – those
are where you’ll find the Horizon Club one-bedroom
suites and also the Presidential Suites. Jackie Chan
checked into one of them a while back. For guests
occupying these three floors, you’d have a dedicated
check-in counter on the 41st floor, a lounge, a heated
infinity swimming pool, private gym and Jacuzzi. This is
where you’ll find that one percent of the one percent of
Dubai’s 15 million annual visitors kicking back.
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HOTEL REVIEW
EAT
Walk into any Shangri-La property worldwide,
and you’ll see one of two flagship restaurants:
Shang Palace or Summer Palace. Here in Dubai,
we dined at Shang Palace, the hotel’s awardwinning
Cantonese restaurant, located on the
same level as the Vietnamese eatery Hoi An
(charmingly helmed by the manager and the
head chef who are also siblings). We asked Chef
Chunlin Xu at Shang palace to surprise us with
his favourite dishes. The crispy prawns with
mango-mayonnaise sauce, Mongolian lamb, eel
fried rice, and green tea-infused dessert were all
packed with flavour and on-point. Make sure
your sugar comatose wears off early next
morning, as the Pan Asian and continental buffet
breakfast served up at Dunes Café is reason
enough to book a wakeup call with the
receptionist before you go to bed.
UNWIND
You can get professional therapists to tease the
knots away from your body at Chi, the hotel’s
spa. Fitness enthusiasts can pack in a gym visit or
a few laps at the outdoor swimming pool. During
the evenings in winter, the pool area is converted
into a trendy lounge called iKandy that attracts
the city’s hip crowd.
HIDEOUT
Head to the rooftop, essentially a
balcony that skirts the sides of the
building. The area can be set up for an
intimate dinner for two, or for a get
together of up to 20 people. It delivers
a breathtaking view of the Dubai Mall
intersection with lit skyscrapers to
your left and also of the low-rise
sprinkled Jumeirah with the Arabian
Gulf beyond that to the right.
Need to know:
The Deluxe Room (views
of the Burj Khalifa) start
at Dhs1,850 per night. The
Presidential Suite starts at
Dhs18,000. Shangri-la.com
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EQUITY

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EQUITY

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69
EQUITY

REAL ESTATE
THE NEXT PHASE
The Four Seasons Private Residences One Dalton Street is an architectural masterpiece in the heart of the city
Words by Olive Sevilla
Imagine Boston, and the Red Sox, Harvard, and
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
springs to mind. Boston, Massachusetts’ capital
and largest city, has a history rooted in the legacy
of arts, culture and education. However, only
recently it has begun garnering the attention of
global investors for alternative investments. In
particular, for Boston's latest development, Four
Seasons Private Residences One Dalton Street.
Located in the city’s most prestigious address
of Back Bay, the Four Seasons residences offer
the ultimate in luxury, tastefully fitted out by the
renowned Thierry Despont. This 61-storey, 742
ft building will be New England’s tallest residential
building – a towering architectural landmark in a
dynamic city. Comprising 160 ultra-luxury
condos and 215 rooms, the Four Seasons will,
upon completion in 2018, redefine the city’s
skyline while setting a benchmark for its
counterparts.
CEO of Carpenter & Company, Richard L.
Friedman, engaged celebrated architect and
Boston native Henry N. Cobb, of the
internationally acclaimed firm Pei Cobb Freed &
Partners, to create this soaring addition. A
massive 5,000 sq ft urban park designed by
renowned landscape architect Michael Van
Valkenburgh, will seamlessly integrate the
building with the Back Bay area. To offer
residents complete privacy, all entrances will
face the beautifully landscaped space, providing
an exclusive precinct while playing an integral
part in the building's grand arrival experience.
Privacy is a priority as residents and hotel guests
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REAL ESTATE
Richard Friedman,
CEO of Carpenter & Company
will have separate entrances and private
elevators at their behest. Sheathed in glass
sourced via three cities (California, Barcelona
and Toronto), it will be the only building in the
city to provide residents with panoramic views
of Boston, the Charles River and Boston
Harbor. Special UV-coated glasses minimise
internal reflections thereby increasing energy
efficiency. The building also boasts an array of
engineering feats to ensure there is no excessive
movement during high winds. The roof of One
Dalton is home to a state-of-the-art wind
dampening system, while the buildings’
foundations extend 165 ft below the Earth’s
surface, anchored to the bedrock.
Richard Friedman, CEO of Carpenter &
Company says; “Middle Eastern investors have
always been attracted by the breadth and depth
of the US markets and with the majority of GCC
countries' currencies pegged against the US dollar,
the financial risk of investment into this market is
reduced. With an extremely balanced economy
for technology, medical, venture capital and
financial management, plus most importantly the
incredible diversity of world-class educational
institutions, Boston is one of the safest places to
invest, commanding the attention of sophisticated
Middle Eastern buyers.”
Speaking of quality, luxury, and privacy, the
development keeps in mind Middle Eastern
investors looking for a new home. “The highest
levels of quality, service, privacy and luxury are
key factors for consideration for Middle Eastern
investors. Our sales success for Four Seasons
One Dalton validates our vision and we look
forward to building upon this,” he says.
THE PRICE
From $2.75 to 40 million
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
visit onedalton.com
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EQUITY

ENTREPRENEUR
THIS SUMMER I’M
TRAVELLING TO…
Greece. I love catching sunsets
from the hillsides of Santorini and
admiring the beauty of the
traditional whitewashed houses
and blue rooftops along the
coast. The fresh seafood and
Mediterranean flavours of Greek
cuisine are delightful. The fashion
you see there is also just so
effortlessly stylish. I always find
myself wandering in and out of
the local boutiques, on the hunt
for new emerging designers.
NOTEWORTHY ADVICE
Surround yourself
and collaborate with
the people who truly
value you
ONE THING PEOPLE
DON’T KNOW
ABOUT ME
I have a sweet tooth. I love
dessert and no meal is complete
without it.
TOP FITNESS CLASS
Flywheel Dubai, I feel their
approach to training is very
modern and the instructors
are highly knowledgeable
and approachable.
GET TO KNOW…
Fashion designer
DINA ZAKI
THE JOURNEY
I’ve been fascinated with fashion from a young
age and always knew this was the field I wanted
to be in. I get inspiration from everyday life, the
places I visit, the people I encounter,
architecture that surrounds me and sometimes
even particular conversations. Each collection I
design is created to suit a variety of tastes and
occasions. We carry an Arabian-inspired readyto-wear
collection featuring beautiful kaftan
designs and also a more western line suited to
different kinds of body types, aiming to make
women feel confident and empowered.
ON MY BOOKSHELF
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
It is an inspiring and truly
uplifting story about listening
to our hearts and following
our dreams.
CATCH ME AT…
Box Park. There are trendy
boutiques and a wide selection
of dining option. Plus, I like how
you can admire the artistic local
talent of the UAE in the art
houses or pop-up installations
throughout the park. Galeries
Lafayette is another personal
favourite and my one-stop
shop for anything from fashion
to homeware or food. As for
dining, I love Middle Eastern
food and Em Sherif has a
large variety of dishes. The
ambience is pleasant, making
the dining experience even
more enjoyable.
WHAT DOES
“INVESTING IN YOURSELF”
MEAN TO YOU?
To me, it’s about spending time
and money on the things that
make you happy. There’s
nothing like taking care of
yourself to improve the quality
of your life. It can be anything
from adopting healthy habits,
taking a break when you need
it, getting pampered at the spa,
learning something new, going
to a place you always wanted
to visit or just buying something
that you have had your eye on
for a while.
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EQUITY

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