Equity Magazine November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 | ISSUE 06
LEWIS HAMILTON
G.O.A.T ?
THE FUTURE
OF FINANCE
MAKE WAY FOR ROBOTS
TRAVEL
CELEBRITY-LOVED
ASIAN ESCAPES

Extraordinary is in the detail.
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Please contact us on 800-BENTLEY [800 236 8539]
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The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2017 Bentley Motors Limited.

Be Extraordinary.
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EQUITY

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WE CAN GROOM IT.

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From the EDITOR
Formula 1, Dubai Watch Week, Dubai Design
Days – there are plenty of events to hotfoot
to this month. Which one will you be at?
Our diaries are getting busier by the day,
and within no time the festive season will kick in. We
can’t wait to jet off to cooler climes, and with lavish
getaways now bookable at the click of a button –
sans stress – we have ample time to attend soirées,
and make it to exclusive openings and collection
launches around town.
Need inspiration booking a holiday? Choose from celebrity-loved
residences in Asia (page 59), or opt for an upscale Airbnb type service
featuring luxury homes (page 22). If you are heading back to the UK, read
all about Inheritance Tax and take necessary precaution (page 18). Find
out what Dennis Whitney, Senior Vice President of the Institute of
Management Accountants (IMA) has to say about robots paving the way
for the future. Since F1 is looming, we look at Lewis Hamilton’s rise to the
top and the rush he derives from racing and competing (page 27).
Equity’s statement pieces lend stimuli for gift buyers (page 38-39 and 45
onwards), so you don’t have to do the ground work. While here, golfers
looking to try a new fairway and treat the family to a staycation, can head
to Ras Al Khaimah (page 64 and 67). For al fresco gatherings, dinner dates
and unique culinary experiences, look no further than page 56.
EDITOR'S PICK
I’m on the hunt for double cuff
shirts for women, to accessorize
with these stunning Royal Oak
cufflinks from Audemars Piguet
Happy reading
Nicola
Nicola Monteath
I got my hands on a classic tan
handbag from the Swagger
collection with my initials and a
snowflake icon on the tag and
absolutely love it
Follow us:
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EQUITY - Always invest in yourself
EDITOR 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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Adding a burst of colour and a little
sparkle to my outfits with this Cherie
turquoise necklace from Chantecler
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insideEQUITY
22
mind
12
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The hottest events happening
around the globe
14 18
14
18
22
27
33
34
RISE OF THE MACHINES
Robots will soon replace
accountants worldwide
DOES INHERITANCE TAX
CONCERN YOU?
Chris Ferguson discusses further
THE ART OF TRAVEL
Why this CEO chose to launch a
luxury Airbnb style service?
LEWIS HAMILTON
His journey to the top, stardom
and track rivalry
HERE COMES THE MONEY
Education, the next best
alternative investment
SUPPORT LOCAL
A chat with the founder of
mrUsta, Ibrahim Colak
body
38
&
soul
THE CHECKLIST
Personalise your pieces and add
these staples to your wardrobe
42
40
42
SHOP TALK
It's time to go shopping
INDULGE YOURSELF
Make an appointment and try the
latest treatments on offer
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NOVEMBER 2017
45
45
ON OUR RADAR
Statement pieces to covet and
add to your wishlist
56
DINING CONCEPTS
Take your pick from these
culinary experiences
59
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
These escapes in Asia offer all the
amenities of a hotel
59
70
63
64
67
70
72
JETSETTER JOURNEYS
Travel inspiration for your next
big holiday
HIT THE LINKS
Explore this golf course
STAY OF THE MONTH
Explore Hilton
Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort
SUITE LIFE
Jordan has become the spot to
invest in
GET TO KNOW...
LINDSAY TRIVERS
A peek into her life
On the cover
LEWIS HAMILTON
Read his interview on page 27
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photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the permission
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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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mind
Should you worry about
robots taking over your
job? How can UK expats
work around inheritance
tax laws? Is Lewis Hamilton
F1's best driver ever? Read
on to find out the answers
to these questions
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CALENDAR
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Jetsetters, don’t forget to add these dates to your diary
1
THE PORTUGUESE COLLECTION BY KATE TOLEDO
2
WHERE? PROART Gallery, Dubai
WHEN? November 1
Dubai based artist Kate Toledo launches her fourth solo exhibition, entitled "The
Portuguese Collection," a retrospective on Portuguese history through modern travels.
The pieces showcase Toledo’s musings and inspiration, realised from over a dozen canvas
works, and her signature three silk scarves. The artist pays tribute to Seventeeth and
Eighteenth century ceramic works, with inspiration from Portuguese tile work on religious
and public buildings, and intricate patterns. The series took over three years to complete,
and is, in part, inspired by Reinado Wanili – one of the few documented faiança artists.
THE NEW YORK
COMEDY FESTIVAL
WHERE? Throughout New York
WHEN? November 1-6
Trevor Noah, Tracy Morgan,
Dane Cook and some of the
most renowned comedians of
our time will come together for a
few nights for a barrel of laughs
and entertainment.
3
ICELAND AIRWAVES
WHERE? Multiple venues
across Reykjavik
WHEN? November 1-5
It's one of the country’s most
renowned festivals, which began
in an aeroplane hangar in 1999.
Musical acts including Hozier,
Caribou and plenty others,
will stun audiences at venues
across Reykjavik. The five-day
festival also showcases Iceland’s
best volcanic bits, including
Blue Lagoon.
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CALENDAR
4
FINOVATE ASIA
WHERE? JW Marriott, Hong Kong
WHEN? November 7-8
The fintech community come
together to showcase cutting-edge
banking, finance and payments
technology in a short-form demoonly
format. Attend this to gain
insights from global financial
service experts, and meet with
companies in the field, while
listening to talks from industry
leaders.
GREENURBANSCAPE ASIA
2017 MARKETPLACE
5WHERE? Singapore EXPO
Convention and Exhibition Centre
WHEN? November 9
Calling those with a green thumb,
landscapers, and anyone interested
in greenery. The conference
focuses specifically on green
technology, design and
construction, with vendors
including Asano Mokkou – Sho
Co. Ltd, Every Green Agriculture,
Far East Flora and more. Get ready
to gain knowledge at workshops,
engaging talks and events, while
learning current trends.
6
SMART CITY EXPO WORLD CONGRESS
WHERE? Gran Via Venu, Barcelona
WHEN? November 14-16
The congress continues promoting debate and creating
synergies surrounding global topics. This is a platform
for experts and entrepreneurs looking to gain and share
knowledge on governance, mobility, the economy,
society, sustainability and data technology.
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MONEYLIVE
WHERE? St Paul’s, London
WHEN? November 28-29
The UK’s unrivalled strategic conference for retail
bankers offers everything from open banking and
fintech, to customer engagement and digitization.
Don’t miss keynotes from Lloyds Banking Group,
Santander, Google and plenty others. Current trends,
focus sessions on date and cyber security are part of the
programme too.
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FINANCE
RISE OF THE
MACHINES
Dennis Whitney, Senior Vice
President of the Institute of
Management Accountants
(IMA), elucidates the
AI phenomenon and talks
about robots replacing
accountants in the near future
By Meryl D’souza
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FINANCE
Dennis Whitney, Senior Vice President
of the Institute of Management
Accountants (IMA)
In 2013, Mark Zuckerberg hired one of the
world’s leading deep-learning and
machine-learning scientists, New York
University’s Professor Yann LeCun, to
lead Facebook’s artificial intelligence laboratory.
Facebook, a company that builds its business by
learning about its users and packaging their data
for advertisers, invested in AI with the hope that
it could better understand its users’ line of
thinking by teaching a computer to think.
There are about 1.2 billion people uploading
136,000 photos and updating their status
293,000 times per minute. It’s pretty much
impossible for Facebook to quantify that
volume of data with human employees. That’s
where the social media platform’s Artificial
Intelligence – in the shape of deep-learning –
comes in. Deep-learning allows machines to
learn and classify data by themselves. It’s no
wonder Zuckerberg is constantly championing
Artificial Intelligence and its many benefits.
In July this year, many newspapers and websites
resorted to sensationalism with headlines to the
tune of, “Did we humans just create
Frankenstein?”. Those headlines fed AI
naysayers. The truth is far less appealing.
Researchers at Facebook’s Artificial Intelligence
Research had built a chatbot that was meant to
learn how to negotiate, by mimicking human
trading and bartering. But when the social
network paired two bots, nicknamed Alice and
Bob, to trade against each other, they deviated
from human language and learnt their own form
of communication. Although Facebook’s
bargain-hunting bots aren’t a sign of an imminent
singularity — or anything even approaching that
level of sophistication — they are significant, in
part because they prove once again that an
important realm we once assumed was solely the
domain of humans, language, is definitely a
shared space.
The shock with AI though has always been the
singularity. How long until machines become
smarter than us? How long until they take over?
That line of thinking isn’t simply limited to a few
conspiracy theorists. There’s a growing number
of people, including great minds like Elon Musk,
who believe that a Terminator-style Armageddon
will be upon us soon enough. In fact, the Tesla
and SpaceX founder even described Zuckerberg’s
understanding of the subject as limited. When it
comes to AI, Musk doesn’t mince words. He is
strictly against the idea, dubbed it "the greatest
risk we face as a civilization" and has called for
swift government regulation on the subject. In
September this year, Musk even went so far as to
tweet, “China, Russia, soon all countries w strong
computer science. Competition for AI superiority
at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.”
When it comes to AI, Dennis Whitney, Senior
Vice President of the Institute of Management
Accountants (IMA), leans more towards
Zuckerberg than Musk. “I personally don’t
believe in a technological singularity,” Whitney
says. “I believe there are boundaries to how far
AI will go. There’ll be a self-imposed limit on our
creation of the robots that would not allow that
to happen.”
A vocal supporter of AI, Whitney believes the
technological advancement is just another tool
that can has the ability to make our lives easier
and more interesting. “There is a risk of people
losing their jobs. People with routine jobs like
auditors and accountants who file tax returns will
suffer,” Whitney says. “It’s just something that
will happen.”
He’s not wrong. Industrial revolution brings
disruption in just about every industry. What
matters is how we tackle that disruption. “I have
the benefit of experience which gives me
hindsight,” Whitney explains. “When I started,
we did accounting on paper and ledgers. If we
made a mistake, we’d have to recalculate
everything. Then, IBN came out with computers
and eventually products like Excel came into the
fold. Interestingly, with more technological
advancements, people kept saying accounting
jobs are going to go away. And some did, but
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FINANCE
we adapted. We’re here and we still have jobs. Jobs will go
away, but there will be other jobs that are created.”
He’s not wrong. In the US, more than 2 two million
people were employed as accountants, bookkeepers, and
auditors in 2015. Until now, these types of informationoriented
professions have resisted automation because they
require managing unstructured data emanating from the real
world, making judgments, and dealing with actual people.
What's different now, however, is that
artificial intelligence's perceptive
capabilities have improved. Machines can
now handle images, sounds, and text in a
way that enables them to ingest and
analyse data at high volume, without
making costly mistakes. Between
accounting professionals and truck
drivers alone, about 4.5 million human
jobs could be ceded to robots over the
next few years.
So, how are people to adapt when
they’re going to be replaced altogether?
Whitney believes education is the answer.
Specifically, education in those fields that will be in high
demand like computer programming, data analytics, applied
mathematics and statistics. Basically, high-level accounting
jobs like the CMA that’s focused on planning, analysis and
risk management. “We have to look at AI as a source of
analysis and information and retune ourselves so we can get
those higher-level jobs that require judgement and
We have to look at AI as a
source of analysis and
information and retune
ourselves so we can get
those higher-level jobs
that require judgement
and recommendations
recommendations,” Whitney says.
As proof, look no further than Germany. The Germans
went from having two industrial robots per thousand people
in 1994 to almost eight in 2014. This let factories cut worker
wages while managers and scientists took home more cash.
Whitney believes that while people can spend time educating
themselves to avoid being unemployed for too long, the
government also needs to take responsibility. “It’s not just
companies that have to be aware of the
AI revolution, governments need to
intervene and take care of its citizens,”
Whitney says. “That’s something we miss
in the US. The AI takeover is coming
quick – less than ten years away – which is
why governments need a plan in place.
Things like reduced cost of training, a
proper healthcare plan and minimum
wage could go a long way to make all of
this easier.” Since America and its
healthcare bills are a rabbit hole we’d
rather not get into right now, Whitney
talks about the alternatives for younger
minds. Specifically, the AI and cybersecurity field. “A
nightmare scenario for us right now is robots turning on
humans. Worse still, is a human controlling those robots
who are turning on humans,” Whitney warns. “It is a
possibility and that’s why I think more young people should
get into those fields. With everything online, the world
needs that bit taken care of.”
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WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DOES
INHERITANCE TAX
CONCERN YOU?
Chris Ferguson at Credence International explains why
UK expats should learn more about this tax type
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WEALTH MANAGEMENT
UK IHT receipts increased from £2.3bn in
2009/2010 to a staggering £4.8bn in
2016/2017. This is expected to increase to
£5.8bn around 2018/2019
There are few taxes in life that are optional and
inheritance tax is one of them. IHT can cost
your family and loved ones a considerable sum
of money in the event of your death. However,
with a little forward planning, it is possible to legitimately
avoid this tax. Therefore, it is a necessity to understand the
basics and create a strategic plan. Here’s a brief look at
IHT in the UK and some ways it can be minimised.
IHT is a tax payable by a British domiciled individual on
worldwide assets, in the event of their death. It is
chargeable at a rate of 40 per cent on all assets, over the
current Nil Rate Band (NRB) which is £325,000
(Dhs1,574,677). Married couples or those in a civil
partnership, each receive the NRB, thus increasing the
threshold to £650,000. The NRB has not changed since
2009 and is fixed at £325,000 until 2021.
In the past, IHT was largely aimed at high net worth
individuals, however more UK citizens are now paying
significant IHT. Indeed, UK IHT receipts increased from
£2.3bn in 2009/2010 to a staggering £4.8bn in 2016/2017,
according to figures from Statista. This is expected to
increase to £5.8bn around 2018/2019. London and the
South-East account for a high proportion of IHT receipts,
according to The Telegraph, which is not surprising, given
that much of the UK’s property and business wealth is
concentrated in these areas.
Whether or not you can change your domicile to avoid
the tax, is a complex area and often one that is
misunderstood. Whilst many people who have lived
abroad and have been non-residents for many years
consider themselves no longer UK domiciled, the reality is
very different. Being non-resident certainly does not imply
non-domicile, and it is your address that determines where
you pay IHT and not your residency. At birth, you receive
your domicile of origin from your father (or mother if
your parents were not married at the time). This will
remain unless your parents lived abroad and changed their
own domicile by choice before you were aged 16 – then
you would also change to the domicile of dependency.
After age 16, your domicile depends on your own
circumstances. British expats may live abroad for many
years without losing their UK domicile if they have not
taken sufficient steps to break their ties with the UK.
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WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Inheritance tax rules are convoluted, but it's
worth knowing that if you are married or in a civil
partnership, and your estate is worth less than
£325,000, any unused threshold can be added to
your partner’s threshold at your time of death. No
IHT is payable if you pass on your home to your
spouse or civil partner. However, if the home is
left to another person in your will, it will count
towards the value of the estate. If you give away
your home to your children or grandchildren, your
threshold will increase to £425,000. (This is known
as the Residence NRB and basically adds £100,000
to the NRB, if you pass to your direct descendants).
In relation to offerings, a gift made seven
years or more before death are known as a
‘potentially exempt transfers’ (PETs) and will
not be taxable. Gifts that are not exempt from
IHT will be charged 40 per cent tax if given in
the three years before you die. Gifts made three
to seven years before your death will be taxed
on a sliding scale. However, this only applies to
larger items as smaller than the NRB given,
within the seven years prior to death, will simply
use up all or part of the NRB allowance.
There’s no IHT to pay on gifts between spouses or
civil partners, if they reside in the UK permanently.
You can also currently give away £3,000 worth of
items (each tax year) as an annual exemption, and
unused annual exemptions can be carried forward for
one year. Any assets either gifted to or left in a will to
a registered charity, will also avoid IHT on death.
Nonetheless, other gifts are likely to be counted
towards the value of your estate, and the beneficiaries
of gifts will be charged IHT if you give away more
than £325,000 in the seven years before your death.
It’s worth noting that a loss in value when a
possession is transferred is counted as a gift. For
example, if you sold your property to your child
at a 50 per cent discount to market value, the
difference between the sale price and market
value would be classed as a gift.
To answer your question on whether IHT is
avoidable, the simple answer is yes, if you take
professional, qualified financial advice in advance.
For most people, this would be during their 50s or
60s rather than leaving it until much later in life.
THE NEXT STEP
IHT solutions are very much tailored to
the needs of the individual, there are
some simple steps you can take to
significantly reduce the impact:
• Make a gift to a partner
• Gift family members or friends
• Transfer assets into a trust
• Leave a legacy to charity
• Take out life insurance
When gifting away assets, there are some ways
to continue to see the benefits of that asset
including a regular retirement income. For this,
we recommend you seek professional advice.
Chris Ferguson is the CEO at
Credence International
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“Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy and
Greedy When Others Are Fearful”
Warren Buffett
Financial Planning | Tax Planning | Wealth Management | Corporate Services
United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom | Australia | Bermuda
www.credence-international.com
+971 4 556 5900 | info@credence-international.com
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ENTREPRENEUR
The art of
TRAVEL
Thomas Bennett, co-founder of the
luxury home rental social network Stay
One Degree, talks to us about how his
brainchild came about and why he can’t
stand a certain Swedish furniture brand
By Meryl D'Souza
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ENTREPRENEUR
never used Airbnb. Not because I
wasn’t attracted by the economical
rates and the amazing amenities some
I’ve
places provide, but because of a friend,
who had a horrible experience after booking a
temp abode so that he could attend the annual
Baselworld watch fair. Hotels weren’t an option
because those rooms in the city are booked
years in advance. In truth, he didn’t have much
of a choice. “Most of our previous experiences
with Airbnb were great, except that one time in
2015,” he says. “We landed at the host’s
apartment only to find out that it was under
renovation. There were no beds – just a few
mattresses on the floor, no furniture, no white
goods in the kitchen, and the bathroom door
was an improvised sheet of metal that had to be
crudely pulled over the door frame. There
wasn’t even a WiFi connection. Obviously, the
apartment looked nothing like the pictures that
were uploaded. We immediately raised the issue
with the owner who was occupying the floor
above us. While he sheepishly agreed to refund
the amount without much protest, we got back
onto Airbnb and quickly booked another
apartment across the city, whose owner, a Swiss
security guard, was only too happy to earn an
additional income that week.”
A quick google search showed me my friend
wasn’t alone. There are dreadful stories of
people who leased their homes through the app
for a couple of days only to find the place turned
upside down because of parties hosted there by
guests. Best case scenarios had furniture broken
and stolen, whereas worst-case scenarios had
faeces on the floor, X-rated parties and in one
instance, a guest-turned-squatter refused to
leave the host’s home. In that last instance, the
host had to lawyer up and go through an
eviction process just to get the squatter out of
her 600-sq-ft condo in Palm Springs, California.
Thomas Bennett, co-founder of Stay One
Degree, a luxury home rental social network, has
a similar, albeit less harrowing travel story. “We
had booked a holiday in Bali for two weeks,” he
says. “We trawled through hundreds of homes
on one of the large websites and ultimately
booked a villa that looked fantastic in the
pictures. When we arrived, it was clear that the
photos were heavily edited. The villa was very
tired, incredibly noisy and the air-conditioning
was non-existent. We were unable to sleep in the
30-degree heat. Even worse, we were unable to
change the villa despite complaints and it ruined
our holiday. We vowed never to book again
without a personal connection with the owner.”
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ENTREPRENEUR
The unique element of
Stay One Degree is that
it is a social network
focused on the luxury
segment of the market,
Bennett explains. Our site
operates in a similar
fashion to LinkedIn.
You can connect with
your friends and view
mutual connections
It was horror stories like those that drove
Bennett and co-founder Jorge Munoz to ditch
their roles in investment banking and create Stay
One Degree. To put it plainly, the website is an
ultra-luxury version of Airbnb. The difference,
however, is in the details. “The unique element
of Stay One Degree is that it is a social network
focused on the luxury segment of the market,”
Bennett explains. “Our site operates in a similar
fashion to LinkedIn. You can connect with your
friends and view mutual connections.”
What that essentially means is that if you want
to rent a holiday home, all you need to do is reach
out to the people within your network of friends
and their friends. That way you’re not reaching
out to a dodgy, anonymous house owner. The
business model also ensures that those renting
are doing so from a trusted connection. “You
also have the added confidence that we handpick
every home to ensure the right quality for
our members and we showcase the best homes
globally,” Bennett adds.
As Bennett mentions, each property that shows
up on the website is personally vetted by himself
and the team to ensure that they meet the
standards befitting their posh clientele – which
Bennett tells us includes Hollywood stars
(including an Oscar winner), golf and football
stars, a celebrity chef and a supermodel. Despite
its lofty standards, Stay One Degree prioritises its
customers. That’s not just regurgitated press
release nonsense. Where other property rental
websites command 50 per cent of a rental fee,
Stay One Degree asks for a meagre eight per cent.
“There are no annual fees or setup charges and
we do all the work for homeowners creating their
home profiles. We wanted to create a scenario
where there is zero cost or effort required to
become a member and list a home,” Bennett says.
“We vet our homes based on quality, desirability
and location rather than simply price,” Bennett
says. “Ultimately, we want our members to have
holiday homes in an exciting and desirable
location, furnished with tasteful décor, and have
access to a day-to-day contact (onsite staff,
property manager or owner).”
Note the remark about furniture that’s
casually sandwiched in there. The co-founders
of Stay One Degree are particular about things
like not having IKEA furniture in homes. “The
quality and style of the home interiors are part
of our selection process and reflect the fact that
most of our residences are real homes and have
not been furnished at the lowest cost solely for
mass rentals,” Bennett clarifies.
I somehow suppress the urge to say, “Oh, snap!”
24
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ENTREPRENEUR
25
EQUITY

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COVER STORY
MAN
IMAGES BY SHUTTERSTOCK AND MERCEDES BENZ
ON FIRE
A decade into his F1 career, Lewis Hamilton hasn’t taken his foot off the
throttle. The triple world champion is on the brink of his fourth title. Here’s
how he shred the rulebook and rose to the top of his game
By Varun Godinho
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COVER STORY
Lewis Hamilton was an interloper.
When he began his karting
career in 1993, the compulsively
competitive eight-year-old
would consistently beat the
other kids on the track, only to
have their moms come up and
tell him that he wasn’t good
enough. Racing was a whitedominated
sport for wealthy
participants. Hamilton was neither. Undoubtedly, those
disparaging comments had racists undertones. Ironically,
when he began his F1 career in 2007, he was the first black
driver in the history of the sport.
Hamilton grew up rough. His parents separated when he
was two. By the time he was 12, he went to stay with his
father, Anthony, in a tiny one-bed apartment in North
London along with his step-mother and her son. Anthony
worked at up to three jobs at a time and re-mortgaged the
house to finance his son’s racing career. The two travelled
around the UK participating in every karting race they could.
It’s where he perfected the skill of hitting the brakes at the last
moment while going into a corner – a technique to ensure
maximum speed that he still uses today. They had the worst
trailer, travelled in the cheapest car and had the simplest
go-kart compared to the other well-heeled participants, but
that didn’t stop Hamilton from winning every time.
In 1995, at the age of 10, during an awards ceremony at one
of the karting events, he met McLaren’s racing chief, Ron
Dennis. The plucky boy told the F1 veteran that he wanted to
race his cars one day. Incredibly, three years later Dennis
signed on Hamilton to the Young Driver’s Programme.
Hamilton caught his big break at the inaugural race of the
2007 Grand Prix in Australia. Defending double world
champion Fernando Alonso had just moved to McLaren
from Renault and Hamilton was brought in to play the role of
a wingman – rather than challenger – to his teammate. The
22-year-old F1 debutant had other plans. Not only did he
finish his first-ever F1 race on the podium, but also came
frustratingly close to winning the world championship that
year too. He lost out to Kimi Räikkönen by a single point.
Alonso finished third.
The following year, with his confidence peaking, Hamilton
had an incredible season. He won the world title on the final
corner, of the final lap, in the final race of the season
becoming the youngest driver to win a world championship.
An F1 superstar was born.
THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION
There’ve been very good drivers who weren’t showmen
(Michael Schumacher) and consummate playboys (James
Hunt) who weren’t consistent winners. Hamilton was both.
By carefully curating Brand Hamilton – the man who sits in
the front row of London Collections Men, then hops back
onto his Bombardier CL 600 private jet to fly halfway around
the world to win a race and then fly back to catch up with
Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney backstage at another
fashion show – he has turned into a paparazzi darling.
Hopscotching between his residences in Colorado, Monaco
and Switzerland, his pals include A-listers from Pharrell
Williams, Jay Z, Gigi Hadid, Justin Bieber and the
Kardashians; all of who regularly pepper his Instagram feed.
His on-off-on-off-again relationship with the glamorous
Nicole Scherzinger provided plenty of fertile fodder for
gossip rags from The Sun to the Daily Mail to regurgitate daily
in explicit detail.
Hamilton, it can be argued, has had a transcendental
effect on the sport. Think of him as an ambassador for F1.
Even if you haven’t watched a single NBA game in your life,
or couldn’t care less about football and never followed a
single golf championship, names like Michael Jordan, David
Beckham or Tiger Woods aren’t unfamiliar. That’s the case
with Hamilton too, who entered the sport in 2007 at a time
when the absolute dominance of Schumacher reduced F1 to
a predictable and boring phenomenon. Schumacher had
just announced his retirement at the end of 2006 season,
and Hamilton was the fresh-faced party-hard imageconscious
racer that the sport needed. According to a report
in TIME magazine, F1’s revenue was up 53 per cent to $1.83
billion at the end of July last year compared to when
Hamilton entered F1.
It’s no surprise then that erstwhile F1 boss Bernie
Ecclestone famously called Hamilton the “best world
champion we’ve had” – high-praise indeed from the whipin-chief
who made and broke world champions over the
nearly four decades that he was at the helm. “As a driver, he
is absolutely outstanding – as good as there’s ever been.
Apart from the talent, he’s a good guy, he gets out on the
street and supports and promotes Formula One. He is box
office, 100 per cent.”
One of his biggest box-office moments came in 2013 when
he decided to move from McLaren to Mercedes. McLaren’s
racing chief wasn’t happy. The parting between the two was
acrimonious. But with Mercedes believed to have inked a
$100 million three-year contract for their incoming driver,
there was no looking back. He was paired with Nico Rosberg
– the two grew up competing against one another in the
karting series.
Beginning 2014, having settled into his car, Hamilton
began to justify the mini commercial empire that was spun
around F1’s leading man. He romped home to a comfortable
championship win with his teammate finishing second. In
2015, Hamilton repeated his stellar performance and bagged
his third championship title, equaling his childhood hero
Ayrton Senna’s record. That year, Hamilton was offered
another three-year deal with Mercedes, reportedly worth
$135 million. By accepting it, he became the highest paid
British sportsman in Formula One history.
28
EQUITY

COVER STORY
29
EQUITY

COVER STORY
Apart from the talent, he’s a good
guy. He gets out on the street and
supports and promotes Formula
One. He is box office, 100 per cent
By the time the 2016 season began, it was Rosberg’s
time to shine. Hamilton made it clear though that the
gloves were off. He was there to compete and win races,
not make friends. The two began to duke it out on the
track, much to Mercedes’ chagrin. They crashed hard into
each other hard in the opening lap of the Spanish GP,
wrecking both cars. Mercedes’ non-executive chairman
Niki Lauda stepped in and threatened to sever both their
contracts if it ever happened again. That didn’t stop them
from colliding into each other once again two months later
in the final lap of the Austrian race.
Evidently, Rosberg and Hamilton had eroded nearly all
goodwill with their team. But the fact that at least one of the
two drivers – at times both – were on the podium in every
single race except the Spanish GP that year, was enough for
Mercedes to bite their tongue and tolerate the behaviour of
the sparring drivers. Hamilton even turned on his own team
by saying that the engine trouble that he suffered in three
races – Rosberg didn’t face any – wasn’t happenstance. Toto
Wolff, the team’s racing boss, had a soft corner for Hamilton
though and wasn’t ready to read the riot act to either driver.
Wolff’s patience paid off and although Hamilton lost the
championship to Rosberg, the team ended at the top of the
constructor’s championship at the end of the season.
Hamilton isn’t above courting controversies. In the final
race of the Abu Dhabi GP last year, while leading the race
with Rosberg on his tail, he deliberately slowed the pace of
the race. For him to win the championship, he needed to
finish first and Rosberg had to finish fourth or lower.
Hamilton defied team orders over the radio to pick up the
pace and although Rosberg eventually finished second,
Hamilton wasn’t gracious in defeat and defended his right
to control the pace of the race.
Earlier this year, at the Azerbaijan GP, he deliberately
braked hard when the safety car was out so that he could
bunch up the field. A furious Sebastian Vettel who was right
30
EQUITY

COVER STORY
Hamilton at the 2016
Abu Dhabi GP
behind him had to brake hard and was clearly unhappy with
Hamilton’s driving style. While none of these moves
amount to cheating, neither were they entirely fair play.
THE HOME STRETCH
Following Rosberg’s surprise announcement of his retirement
straight after he won the world championship last year,
Hamilton has a new teammate in Valtteri Bottas this year. At
the time of going to press, with only the Brazilian and Abu
Dhabi GP left, Hamilton is leading the driver’s championship.
In the decade he has spent in the fastest sport on the planet,
he has notched 63 wins and has been on the podium on 117
occasions. If he wins the 2017 F1 championship – and the
deck is dealt in his favour – his fourth world championship
win will mean that only Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael
Schumacher have won more championships than him.
Brand Hamilton is in rude health. The interloper is now
a player.
Hamilton with Mercedes
non-executive chairman
Niki Lauda and the team's
racing boss Toto Wolff
Hamilton with
Donatella Versace
31
EQUITY

EDUCATION
HERE
COMES
THE
MONEY
Why investing in education is the next big thing
By Meryl D’souza
32
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EDUCATION
Sunny Varkey was a little over three
years old when his parents left him in
the care of family members in India as
they made the haul to the UAE in
search of – figuratively – greener pastures.
When the Varkeys moved to Dubai in the late
Fifties, the then British protectorate was little
more than desert. When Sunny Varkey’s father
wasn’t working for the British Bank of the
Middle East, him and his wife would teach
English to local Arabs, including members of
the royal family.
With the discovery of oil and the influx of
expats from the Asian subcontinent, Sunny
Varkey’s parents saw the demand for their
services grow. To the point that they seized the
opportunity and founded Our Own English
High School in 1968. By then, Sunny Varkey,
who had completed his education at the St.
Mary's Catholic High School in Oud Metha
followed by a year at Bembridge School on the
Isle of Wight in Britain, was employed with
Standard Chartered. While working at the bank,
he stumbled upon his manager’s salary. "I
thought, if I end up being a banker, I will not be
able to develop in life," he told The Guardian.
In the Eighties, when Arab authorities
demanded that the Our Own English High School
be refurbished, Varkey decided to lift that weight
off his parents’ shoulders and oversaw operations
of the school. Today, Global Education
Management Systems (GEMS) Education boasts
schools and education services across 14 countries.
We could give you more stats and figures in a bid
to shock and surprise you, but we’d rather talk in
the universal language of money. GEMS
Education, backed by private equity firms
Blackstone Group LP and Fajr Capital Ltd,
reported unaudited earnings of $539.1 million for
the six months to February 2017 – up 18 per cent
from the same period the year before.
The best part about Varkey’s business model:
It’s recession proof. That, ladies and gentlemen,
is the beauty of investing in education. Sunny
Varkey took a singular school, saw the
opportunity, and created an empire with outlets
not dissimilar to a fast-food chain while offering
private education at varying rates, akin to airlines
with budget and high-end flight options.
If you’ve been paying attention to the markets
in the West, you will have noticed that investors
are starting to look past the conventional office,
retail or industrial property as investment
opportunities. Instead, alternative real estate
assets are rising in popularity owing to their
higher returns. Niche alternatives within the
healthcare and educational sectors outline lower
transactional volumes, less liquidity, lower
transparency and can produce higher yields than
traditional commercial property assets.
According to a comprehensive report by
American professional services and investment
management company, Jones Lang LaSalle
Incorporated (JLL), at least 1,100 additional
schools will be required in Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Jeddah, Riyadh and Cairo by 2020 to cope with
the increasing demand – 350 of which will need
to be private schools. These private schools
provide a significant opportunity for investors.
“The education sector has sparked the interest of
many real estate investors right across the MENA
region,” says Craig Plumb, head of research at
JLL Mena. “Private equity firms, in particular,
have been very active in recent years, and they
will continue to play a pivotal role in the
expansion of the private education sector here.”
If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, you
should know that between 2010 and 2015, about
Dhs2.3 billion ($626 million) was invested in 45
schools in Abu Dhabi alone. The level of
investments in the school market has increased by
22 per cent, bringing $2.7 billion into the education
sector, reshaping the landscape of education
locally. As innovation and technology will reform
the outdated curriculum and attract skilled
workforce into the system, the education sector
will provide many chances for profit.
Here’s the kicker: Per Khaleej Times
“Investors who canvas these type of alternative
solutions, either as a real estate asset or as a
private equity can earn 15 to 20 per cent more in
margins compared to eight to 10 per cent return
from a conventional property.” Think of it this
way: In five years (give or take a few) you could
either be the guy at home, sitting on his couch,
Netflix-ing a series about another guy who made
it big by playing the education system, or, you
could be the guy the series is about.
33
EQUITY

LOCAL STAR
Tell us about yourself?
I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey, and
hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical
engineering from Yildiz Technical
University and an MBA from Beykent
University. I am both the co-founder and
CEO of mrUsta.
What exactly is mrUsta?
It’s an open, online marketplace that
allows customers to find quality service
providers ‘Ustas’. Customers deal directly
with the Ustas with no middlemen – for
free – and receive offers from multiple
Ustas based on their requirements. Simply
choose the preferred offer to complete the
job, and rate their Ustas on the platform,
based on their performance. The service is
web-based, but for a more immersive
experience, we recommend that
customers download our app, available
for both Android and iOS devices.
What field were you in prior to this?
I was a product marketing manager at
Nokia, and worked for other large tech
giants like IBM and Vestel for the past
20 years.
How did you see a niche in the market?
A few years back, our air conditioner broke
down in the middle of August. The
building’s management promised to get it
fixed, but never showed up. I called around
for service providers in Dubai who were
willing to do it in short notice. This wasted
hours of my time, with broken promises,
and atrocious rates. After talking to several
friends and colleagues, I realised that this
was not an uncommon story in the UAE.
That’s when mrUsta – the idea – was born.
We officially launched in 2014, with minor
tweaks to our model along to the way, until
we reached the current product.
What have been your major
challenges till date?
We find the biggest challenge to be one of
education. The UAE has one of the most
diverse and complex demographics in the
globe, and finding one common ‘language’
or solution that works for all is nearly
impossibile. There are also varying degrees
of tech-savviness in the country, and not
to the extent you would expect in Europe
and North America. We have to bear in
mind that our friends, friends’ friends, and
social circles are not necessarily
representative of the UAE, as a whole. We
find the challenge is not only to educate
the public about mrUsta – taking into
consideration these complexities – but
also, to a certain degree, teaching them
how to use it. We see the same challenge
with service providers. As an
overwhelming number of them do not
exist in any form in the online space,
teaching them how to take their business
from offline to online does require a bit of
time, patience, and of course, education.
Have you secured funding or gearing
up for a round?
We raised Dhs1.2 million in seed funding
in late 2015, and Dhs2.6 million in a
second round in October 2017. This
second round was ‘bridge’ financing that
has been instrumental in driving our
growth until we go for our Series A
funding in 2018.
Any interesting launches rolling out
this year?
Based on insight and market studies, we
are regularly launching new categories that
we are confident that our customers – and
potential clients – would be happy to see.
We soft-launched in Riyadh a few months
ago, and as it organically ramps up, we will
officially launch in Saudi Arabia next year.
Where do you see the brand in the
next five years?
We will continue to grow and innovate, and
hopefully, set foot in major markets in the
region. In the next five years, I also see
mrUsta as a regional powerhouse in the
online marketing sector, moving 80 per
cent of offline service market to a digital
platform. In addition, I foresee the brand
being synonymous with service quality, and
our name always being associated with
happiness, convenience, and innovation.
#SUPPORTLOCAL
Meet Ibrahim Colak, Co-Founder and CEO of mrUsta,
an online marketplace that allows customers to find quality service providers
34
EQUITY

ody
&
soul
Indulge in a therapeutic
couple's massage, tee off at
Ras Al Khaimah's finest golf
course, score a megayacht
and place your order for the
next-generation of the
Bentley Continental GT.
Read on to get the inside
scoop on each
35
EQUITY

BILLIONAIRES ARE NOW BUYING
APOCALYPSE INSURANCE
FROM UNDERGROUND BUNKERS TO DETAILED EVACUATION
PLANS, THEY’RE PREPPED WITH PLAN B
IS AMAZON POISED TO
TAKE OVER THE WORLD?
Innovate or incinerate, that is the name of the game
READY FOR AN
ASTON MARTIN SUBMARINE?
Production of the $4 million vessel is limited to a
dozen units per year
THE CASE FOR A CASHLESS UAE
The UAE is primed to become a cashless society.
Here’s why that’s a pretty good idea
NOON AND THE RISE OF E-COMMERCE IN THE UAE
Is the UAE going to see a retail apocalypse soon?
Follow us on social media
36
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
YOUTHFUL PLAY
New York design house, Coach, have finally opened their
doors at Mall of the Emirates, bringing with itself a breath of
fresh air and stunning textured leather pieces. The modern
luxury store boasts that SoHo vibe, with a warm ambience to
make your shopping experience pleasurable. But that’s not all.
The Fall Winter collection lures you in with textured tea roses,
charms and pins adorning everything from mini handbags to
satchels. Take your pick and head to the Coach Create designit-yourself
stand to make it your own. Accesorize with straps,
charms, scarves and the tea rose or Coach link (their latest
chain embellishment), or perhaps with the monogramming
service including a range of tag colour options, 14 foil colours,
initials, numbers and over 100 adorable icons featuring
everything from snowflakes and donuts, to palm trees and
your Chinese zodiac animal. While you linger around for your
new piece to be customised, you may want to take a look at
the weekender luggage for your significant other, a silk scarf for
your bag handle, or an embellished charm. It may just be your
one stop shop for the festive holidays.
Personalize it is available at Coach, Level 1, Mall of the Emirates,
Mirdiff and Avenues, while the Accessorize it elements are
available at all stores
38
EQUITY

TRENDS
LOCAL TALENT
Romy Hourani’s Fall 2017
collection will have you swooning
over crushed velvet and lace
textures and patterns, packing in a
wardrobe with a vintage edge. The
New York-born, Italian-bred
designer relocated to Dubai in
2014, and stems inspiration from
her grandfather, an actor in
Sweden who starred across the
gracious Greta Garbo in one of his
movies. The 15-piece collection
showcases bold jumpsuits, dresses
and sharp silhouettes, with
feminine-led details including softbelted
waists and billowing sleeves
in shades of berry red, classic
checks, leopard print and florals.
Visit romycollection.com
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Renowned jewellery designer and artist Nadine Kanso,
has unveiled her latest collection, KHATT. Staying true
to her trademark Arabic letters, the pieces pays homage
to the Arabic phrase which means calligraphy, or line,
signifying a new direction of design from the brand.
Bangles, pendants, rings and ear cuffs can be personalised,
and are available in assorted colours, and variations of
gold and white gold, delicately finished with diamonds,
allowing for self-expression through accessories.
Exclusively available at Sauce Rocks, The Galleria Mall Dubai
THESE BOOTS WERE
MADE FOR WALKING
Men, look no further for a new pair of
boots. Online retailer MR PORTER
have curated an exclusive boot
capsule, The Urban Explorer,
comprising 24 pieces of cold-weather
footwear from 15 renowned brands
including Tom Ford, Berluti, John
Lobb and Grenson, to name a few.
Visit mrporter.com
39
EQUITY

IN STYLE
HOP
talk
The stores to visit for
Syour next shopping haul
CUFF IT
You may have a Royal Oak
or two, so why not get matching cufflinks to
complement your Audemars Piguet
timepiece? The collection entails six new pairs
with the brands signature octagonal shape
and hexagonal screws. Choose from three
in stainless steel with either blue, black or
silver “Tapisserie” pattern, pink gold with blue
or black, and yellow gold with the similar
blue pattern.
Available at all Audemars Piguet boutiques
MONOCHROME AFFAIR
Tory Burch’s latest collection features
a black-and-white scheme with
embroidery for texture and effect.
Feminine-cut jackets, blazers and flair
coats in soft ivory will fill up your winter
wardrobe, while velvet trousers and floorlength
maxis with mother-of-pearl
buttons, beads and sequins take outfits
from day to night, with the addition of
accessories – think, androgynous brogues,
pointed-toe ballerinas and embellished
satchels. Simple, yet sophisticated.
Across all Tory Burch stores
ACCESSORIES
GAME
The Middle East’s largest
department store Robinsons,
hailing from Singapore, is no
stranger to avid shoppers. Now,
there’s even more of a reason to
head there with the launch of the
highly-anticipated hall of fashion
and accessories. The sky-lit space
is home to coveted brands
exclusive to the store, such as
Louis Quatroze and Kwanpen, as
well as niche brands including
Pedro Garcia, Les Petits Joueurs
and Lili Radu, to name a few. If
you haven’t already visited, it’s
time to make a trip ahead of soirée
season. Visit robinsons.me
40
EQUITY

CAN’T SPOT
THE THREAT?
We can.
SPECIALIST CONSULTING BY CONSILIUM | THE ART AND SCIENCE OF RISK RESOLUTION
As a leading provider of specialist security solutions and risk consulting,
Consilium identifies and acts to remove or resolve vulnerability in
order to permit their clients to mitigate or avoid complex commercial
or personal security challenges throughout the world.
Consilium’s international footprint permits long or short term global
security solutions, sustained due diligence and business intelligence
in active and passive environments. Client confidentiality and
assured discretion is a trademark of Consilium’s delivery.
IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM | TALK TO US.
consiliumworld.com
+971 (0) 2 418 7560 | 24/7: +44 (0) 20 7078 9088 LONDON ABU DHABI LAGOS NEW YORK MANILA

WELLNESS
INDULGE YOURSELF
Tried-and-tested experiences of the month
Need to know:
Dhs1,500,
+971 4 394 7190
The venue: LA VIE CLINIC
The service: Fillers
The verdict: Upon going through the Instagram feeds of
certain models, make-up artists and celebrities, the most
noticeable element is their plump, luscious lips. It seems as
though filled-out eyebrows are now a thing of the past.
When we were given the opportunity to meet with Dr.
Malcolm Paul, a celebrity plastic surgeon from Beverley
Hills, and treat ourselves to literally anything on his service
list, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to obtain that
perfect pout.
La Vie Clinic can best be described as a hybrid between a
salon and a clinic. The minimalist décor in the lobby leads to
clinical-style treatment rooms boasting a soft green tone.
Before the treatment, Dr. Paul and I sat for a casual chat
where he explained the procedure, the fact that he needed
to fill my lower lip a third more than the above, and would
be filling in the entire lip and upper lip area to smoothen out
certain creases. To begin the treatment, local anaesthetic
was applied to numb the area, after which, I was pricked four
times – two near the nose and two slightly below the lip. As
you wait for the numbing effect to kick in, chatty Dr Paul
cracks a few jokes to calm the nerves. Unsurprisingly, I had
plenty to inquire about his career. The main question,
however, was which celebrities had he worked on? “Oh, I’ve
worked on a number of celebrities, but I won’t be able to
disclose any information – neither whom nor what they did,”
he tells us. I soon find out that Dr Paul doesn’t disclose any
patient’s treatments.
Once the area was numbed, the filling process began, with
Dr. Paul injecting hyaluronic acid – a substance naturally present
in the body – to plump the lips and smoothen out folds, which I
previously disregarded as laugh lines. I stopped counting the
number of pricks after it went over ten, but to be honest,
despite what I imagined, it didn’t hurt at all. As he went about
the process, he began chatting about the different procedures
popular in LA such as Buccal fat removal – a surgical facial
contouring procedure – and reconstructing of the jawline.
I ran to the mirror once done to admire my newly defined
lip line and lips. Dr. Paul was kind enough to let me know that I
could come back for a complimentary re-fill to use the
remaining substance that had been name-tagged and kept
aside. We went on to speak about music and quite a few
topics before I learnt about his schedule. He is a busy individual,
flying straight to Dublin (where he is a Clinical Professor of
Surgery), and then back to the US for multiple treatments.
He’s clearly in demand, so make sure to book ahead of his
next visit. As for me, naturally, I stepped out and took a picture
to post on Instagram – clearly, no disclosure needed here.
42
EQUITY

WELLNESS
The venue: HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN, WESTIN
DUBAI AL HABTOOR CITY
The service: Couple’s massage
The verdict: Whether you’re stressed or jet-lagged, there
really isn’t anything a therapeutic massage can’t help with.
Heavenly Spa at Westin, truly is heavenly. The sprawling
space features wooden finishing, and an essential oil aroma
that’s hard to pinpoint, nonetheless, calming. We were
shown the mixed and women’s only facilities before
heading to the couple’s suite. A jacuzzi, steam bath, and
thermal lounges make up the space, and are available to
use before and after treatments.
We slipped into our robes, had our feet washed in a
warm pebble bath and made our way to the bed for a deep
tissue massage. We were then asked to choose from three
rocks: love, hope and gratitude, to place under our bed.
The massage began with a focus on our backs and shoulders
to relieve knots and soothe muscles with prolonged
relaxed strokes. The oil was a mixture of cocoa and mango
butter, melted together and drizzled over the skin for a
moisturising treatment.
Soon after, our legs and feet were massaged, followed by
the arms, with similar movements throughout.
Medium pressure was applied all along, making my limbs and
body ache-free. The best part about the treatment and
suites is possibly the stunning view of the canal – try to book
an evening appointment, to take in the vibrant landscape
during daylight and after hours, when it’s all lit up.
V
Need to know:
AED 435 per
person, call
+971 4 437 3300
43
EQUITY

Bombardier, Global 6000 and Exceptional by Design are trademarks of
Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. © 2017 Bombardier Inc. All rights reserved.
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
44
EQUITY

COLLECTOR'S PIECES
ON OUR RADAR
Striking statement pieces
JEWELLERY
Chantecler
CHERIE NECKLACE
Diamonds are a woman’s best friend.
We know it. But today’s women
don’t just don a tennis bracelet or a
string of diamonds. It’s all about bold,
statement pieces with a hint of
sparkle, albeit over three carats. Enter
Chantecler, a jewel brand from Capri
that offers elegant yet eccentric
pieces, with traits typical to the
stunning Blue Island (Grotto). Most
pieces are created in limited numbers,
with each piece evoking the memory
of ancient goldsmith’s techniques that
hark back to territorial heritage, yet
with a contemporary touch.
So, what do women want? This
Cherie necklace in Turquoise 166.5
grams with white diamonds pave 7.63
carats. Worn with a crisp shirt,
elegant black dress and a power suit,
the turquoise beads inject a pop of
colour, personality and elegance to
the ensemble.
DHS217,380 AT ISTANA JEWELLERS
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
TIMEPIECE
Roger Dubuis
Excalibur Aventador S
FOR HIM
Roger Dubuis brings rock ’n’ roll to the otherwise sedated universe of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. Credit in no small part
is owed to its founder, Mr. Roger Dubuis, who founded the brand in the mid-Nineties and who unfortunately passed away
last month. He’s left a rich legacy for the brand that includes avant-garde designs and a reputation for being the only
watchmaker in the world which ensures that 100 per cent of the watches it manufactures are certified with the Geneva seal.
The latest is this Excalibur Aventador S. The 45mm case is made from carbon fibre, the same grade used in the
construction of Lamborghinis. The self-winding mechanical calibre has been skeletonized to reduce the weight of the
timepiece. The power reserve indicator has been cleverly integrated into that skeletonized movement and is visible
between one and two o’clock on the dial. This wristwatch is limited to only 88 pieces and another version with orange
accents (instead of yellow) is limited to just eight pieces. Let’s say the chance of you seeing one on someone’s wrist is as
good as randomly spotting two Lamborghinis in the wild in a single day.
$185,000 (DHS680,000) AT ROGERDUBUIS.COM
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
TIMEPIECE
Piaget
Altiplano 900 P
FOR HER
The Piaget Altiplano 900P is the world’s thinnest mechanical watch. It measures in at a slim 3.65mm when fully cased.
To reduce the thickness, the inner caseback serves as the mainplate of the movement. The 900P, although it first
debuted in 2013, wouldn’t have been possible without the invention of the revolutionary Calibre 9P in 1957 that
served as the bedrock for Piaget’s pursuit of ultra-thin watchmaking records.
This year, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of that storied calibre, Piaget has debuted an all-new Altiplano 900P
(ref G0A42110). The 38mm case of this anniversary edition timepiece is made from 18k rose gold. The screws
which are visible on the dial match the colour of the case while the white alligator-skin strap lifts this horological
hero into the realm of elegant dress-watches. The star of the show though is obviously the mechanical winding
movement which has 145 components and boasts a power reserve of 48hours. It’s limited to just 200 pieces. Turn one
on its side, and it disappears.
$38,200 (DHS140,300) AT PIAGET.COM
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AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES LICENSEE 483118 | ABN 27 608 511 593

COLLECTOR'S PIECES
GADGETS
Mako
SLINGSHOT JETBOARD
The shortfin mako shark is widely considered to be the fastest in the world.
At full-throttle, it’s estimated to go between 45 and 60 miles per hour. Its
wakeboard namesake, the carbon-fibre Mako Slingshot Jetboard, is powered
by a fuel-efficient Rotron XT100 engine that tops at about 34 miles per hour.
It’s essentially a 20kg jet-ski, surfboard hybrid that can fit in the trunk of your
car. Just remember you’re still prey when you take to the oceans.
$9,850 (DHS36,200) AT MAKOBOARDSPORTS.COM
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
BMW
ACTIVE HYBRID E-BIKE
Don’t be fooled, that bicycle-like contraption
you’re looking at is essentially a hybrid car. The
newest addition to BMW’s Bike Collection
shrewdly integrates a motor and a removable
battery into the aluminium frame that boasts a
range of up to 62 miles on a single charge. The
bike even features four different power modes
starting with Eco (50 per cent boost to pedal
power) all the way to turbo (275 per cent boost
to pedal power). To put it simply, you won’t
break a sweat even while going uphill. The bike
also comes with a headlight, rear LED indicators,
micro USB port and Bluetooth connectivity for
your smartphone because everyone knows you
still need tunes to get pumped.
$4,000 (DHS14,700) AT BMW-ME.COM
Master & Dynamic
MA770
Buben & Zorweg
THE SOLITAIRE VISION WATCH SAFE
We could wax lyrical about this speaker
but we’d rather blow your mind from
the get-go. Master & Dynamic’s 15kg
MA770 is made entirely out of
concrete. Designed by Pritzker
Architecture Prize winner, Sir David
Adjaye, the Wi-Fi and Bluetoothenabled
packs two four-inch woven
Kevlar woofers and a 1.5-inch titanium
tweeter; all obviously custom designed.
Moreover, it even plays nice with
Google Assistant for playlist voice
command. What more do you want
your exclusive speaker to do?
$1,800 (DHS6,700)
AT MASTERDYNAMIC.COM
Watches aren’t cheap. We’re sure you’ve already noticed but just to put things
into perspective, the Piaget Altiplano 900P timepiece we’ve featured this
month would set you back about $38,200. That’s about as much you would
pay as down payment for an Emaar-built three-bedroom apartment at Dubai
Creek Harbour. Given the exorbitant prices, it’s no wonder the German
watch manufacturers want your timepieces safe with its Solitaire Vision Watch
Safe. The stainless steel, precious wood, leather and bulletproof spyglass watch
safe can store up to 46 timepieces which can be automatically wound, if
required. It also provides storage for other accessories like jewellery, cigars and
more. A humidor, bar module and integrated Hi-Fi System are also
included. Even the centrepiece is an ornate word-time tourbillon clock.
PRICE TBA. AVAILABLE AT BUBEN-ZORWEG.COM
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AUTOMOBILE
CREWE’S
MISSILE
We find out if the third-generation
of the Continental GT is Bentley's finest
grand-tourer yet
By Varun Godinho
They called them the Bentley Boys. The motley bunch of
wealthy playboy racers were a rambunctious lot who
lived like rock stars and drove hell for leather each time
they stepped into their modified Bentley racing machines.
They first won the Le Mans in 1924 and then on four
consecutive occasions between 1927 and 1930. These
were the gentlemen that lent Bentley, which was only a
decade old at the time, its earliest identity as a racing
marque which was primed for the privileged.
It was during the Roaring Twenties when the marque’s
founder Walter Owen Bentley, a Bentley Boy himself,
coined the term “Continental”. All of Bentley’s cars were
built in Cricklewood, North London, and a select few
which were taken over to mainland Europe and personally
tested by W.O. received the continental moniker.
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COLLECTOR'S PIECES
The continental series were, therefore, flagship
statements of Bentley’s engineering and design prowess.
Applied to several cars over the decades, each new
launch is a cause for celebration. The latest addition is the
all-new 2018 Bentley Continental GT, unveiled at the
Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Continental GT is built on the Porsche Panamera
(remember parent Volkswagen owns both brands) platform.
But this is no copy-paste job. Bentley says that 83 per cent of
the parts have been modified to build the Continental GT.
As a grand-tourer, speed is a prerequisite and so it stripped
around 75 kilos off the outgoing model.
The two-door model still has space for two rear seats as
well. This one’s good to take the family along. The glass is
acoustic-laminated which means you can keep the noise of
traffic outside, and the beats coming from your Bang &
Olufsen 16-speaker sound system inside. Acousticdeadening
material has been added to the underbody of
the car to reduce the road noise and the Pirelli P Zero tires
have an additional layer of sound-absorbing material too.
The ride quality borrows from the Bentayga SUV. It’s
called the Bentley Dynamic Ride and uses a complex set of
algorithms and clever engineering to continuously adjust
the ride height, shock damping, stiffness and grip of the car
to ensure that it drives like a track-honed machine even
during your daily commute. There are four driving modes:
Comfort, Sport, Custom and Bentley. The first three are
self-explanatory. But the last one, and we suggest you keep
it in this mode always, is one that has been specifically
designed and customised by the Bentley team.
The beating heart of the machine, a twin-turbo W12
was first implanted into the Bentayga. In the Continental
GT, it has been tuned to deliver 626hp of power and
900Nm of torque. That kind of power-torque ratio means
that despite a gross weight of around 2,700 kilos, the car
will sprint from 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and has a top
speed of 333kph. Just make sure the kids are buckled in
tight before you start teasing the throttle. With that much
power and speed though, expect a brilliant set of brakes
too. You get 420mm brakes upfront – the largest fitted
into any production car that can easily scrub off speed.
One of the most striking physical appearances of the
car are those brilliant crystal glass headlights. The 82 LEDs
in each one has been programmed such that it can split
the beam and direct it away from blinding occupants in
oncoming cars, and it will do the same when overtaking
another car as well.
The interiors are as blue-blooded as you’d expect from
a car that operates at this level of the social pecking order.
There are eight wood veneer options to choose from to
kit your cabin with and the hides of precisely nine
Northern European bulls are used inside each car. The
centre console metal can be finished with a Cote
d’Geneve pattern that is used to design the movements
of high-end timepieces from Patek Philippe to Vacheron
Constantin. In the centre of the dashboard, mounted on a
rotisserie, is a panel that flips to reveal a 12.3-inch
infotainment screen on one side and three analogue dials
on the other that sits flush in the dashboard and can be
alternated with the flick of a switch.
Deliveries of the new car begin early next year. Bentley
has created a luxury touring machine that can go the
distance. To anthropomorphise the new Continental GT,
it’s all grown up now.
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Official Representative for
Bahrain - Kuwait - Oman - Qatar
Saudi Arabia - United Arab Emirates
Mangusta has been the undisputed leader in yachting fun for the past 30 years:
with its strength of character, timeless personal style
and experience in building dreams.
Today, Mangusta is a reference icon, a milestone in yachting fun since 1985,
and now availalbe throughout the GCC, distributed by DG Marine.
Motor City, Control Tower, 13th Floor, Studio 1302, Dubai - UAE
Mobile: +971 50 20 666 11 - Tel: +971 4 450
53
36 39
EQUITY
Email: greg@mangusta.ae - Website: www.mangusta.ae - Instagram: mangustayachts_me

COLLECTOR'S PIECE
SEA VESSEL
A YACHT FOR ALL
WIDER’s latest launch is the vessel you need for your next summer holiday
By Nicola Monteath
WIDER
130'
The launch of WIDER’s latest 130’ piece – the first novel project since the
acquisition of the shipyard in April by Genting Hong Kong Ltd – and sister to the
award winning WIDER 150’ Bartali and WIDER 165 Cecilia, offers a lavish abode
out at sea apt for travel across borders.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main saloon, outdoor living areas for al
fresco gatherings in the sky lounge, and a large waterside beach club, allow
sailing out into the sea to become a family and friends’ affair. Currently being
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COLLECTOR'S PIECE
built at the Ancona based shipyard, this yacht features six cabins for 12 guests,
as well as room for up to seven crew – depending on the owner’s requirements.
Since the interiors naturally make up the yacht, while reflecting the owner’s
lifestyle and requirements, owners have the option to work with WIDER, or
alternatively a designer of their choice, to fit out the space with interiors and
décor of their liking. WIDER’s aesthetically pleasing trademark wings on the
upper deck create space for the sky living area, totaling 85 square metres, and
being high enough above the water to offer panoramic views.
All WIDER yachts have additional space created using the diesel-electric
propulsion system. Eco-conscious minds will be glad to learn that the yacht
produces a low carbon footprint and up to 20 per cent less fuel consumption
than a traditional twin screw configuration – this is the quietest way to power
start a vessel. Additionally, at anchor, the yacht operates silently on battery
power for up to six hours, making nights peaceful and days by the coast relaxing.
VISIT WIDER.COM OR EMAIL SALES@WIDER-YACHTS.COM
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GASTRONOMY
WEEKEND DINING
An experience, brunches and a nocturnal hotspot you can’t miss this month
Nocturnal hotspot
Need to know:
Open daily from 6:30pm.
Call +9714 435 5577
1
J&G STEAKHOUSE
THE ST. REGIS DUBAI, AL HABTOOR CITY
First impression, this American steakhouse is apt for date-night or with a bevy of
carnivores. The restaurant’s setting is similar to a speakeasy, with leather
upholstery, dark wooden finishing, ambient lighting, and trolleys for everything
from cocktails to condiments. Ensconced at a corner of the restaurant, our eyes
quickly met with the martini trolley that rolled over to greet us. I opted for a
fruity concoction, while my partner preferred a strong, dirty mix.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s menu is concise, with just enough to help you
decide your meal in minutes. For appetisers, try the tender octopus cooked in a
tangy sauce, and truffle fritters – mini crisp batter-fried cheese balls that arrive hot
and oozing with cheese and truffle. The warm brioche-croissant hybrid allows for
butter to be smothered on and melted with perfection – the best freshly baked
bread we’ve ever come across. For mains, my dining partner and I couldn’t resist
the Australian full-blood Wagyu Kiwami MB9 Sirloin, a beautiful 200g piece cooked
medium (to our preferred temperature). Each morsel had the right amount of
meat and marbling, melting instantly. Before the mains arrive, a knife box is
presented for you to choose your piece. After which, a condiment cart comes
around for you to pick your mustard – try the gingerbread that offers a balance of
sweet and pungent notes – the signature J&G sauce (a rich tamarind blend with
assertive flavours) and pepper sauce. You will need sides to complement the meat,
and we highly suggest the carb-loaded, but delightful, truffle mac and cheese with a
crunch coating, and grilled asparagus and lemon zest, for a hint of something green.
End with a glass of smooth, full-bodied 20-year old port and dense chocolate
fondant with a perfect crust and melting chocolate centre.
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GASTRONOMY
2
LAPITA
DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS
While brunches and staycations might be two very different
activities for many, Lapita at the Dubai Parks and Resorts
offers an amalgamation of the two, calling it a daycation.
Kick off the day with pool access from 9am and when noon
rolls around, and you’ve perfected your tan, make your way
to the extensive buffet. The Polynesian-themed brunch has
re-opened, showcasing a sushi bar that covers all bases with
urumaki, sashimi, nigiri and maki. The oysters are fresh as
ever, and taste as though they were plucked from the ocean
and placed onto your plate. As you make your way through
the indoors buffet area, you’ll notice an assortment of
cheese, Indian vegetarian corner, candy floss station and a
dessert zone offering cookie crumbles, a chocolate fountain,
macarons and several frozen treats.
Out on the lawn is where the live grilling action takes place.
Help yourself to beef, chicken and seafood, as well as regional
specialities that tips its hat to the Indian sub-continent and
Thailand. It’s here where a three-piece band livens up the
venue. At around 3pm, the staff and chefs covered with face
paint, face off against each other performing the haka for
guests. Positioned as a family brunch, there are plenty of
activities for children including a special indoor play area, where
the staff at hand are keen to keep children occupied. There’s also
a separate kid’s buffet section with light nibbles including burgers,
pasta, popcorn and cupcakes. If you aren’t ready to leave, just
grab a float and head back to the pool – just as we did.
Family Brunch
Need to know: Every Friday. The daycation
including soft beverages is Dhs195, with in-house
beverages is Dhs295 and children below the age of 12
are charged Dhs95. Call +971 4810 9421
Indulgent frenzy
3
CAFÉ BELGE
RITZ CARLTON DIFC
Great Gatsby comes to mind when you step into this elegant
Belgian restaurant, with a Twenties vibe prevalent throughout.
The Granch Brunch commences at the sumptuous seafood
station, where you can fill your plates with sushi, freshly
shucked oysters, blinis with caviar and ceviche prepared on
the spot and served in a pineapple. Across the seafood
station, help yourself to eggs cooked to your liking with freshly
baked bread, croissants and quiche. Outdoors, tuck into a
wide selection of comforting dumplings, before biting into
steak with a side of Yorkshire pudding and gravy, and grills
including shrimp, juicy lobster, tender meaty lamb chops and
chicken tandoori. Our favourites were the Turkish chicken
doner, moules (mussels) in white wine sauce, and the fish
and chips – brought to your table in little steel buckets
complete with torn-out newspaper. Thai curries with
chicken and vegetables are also on hand for those who
want to dowse a bowl of steamed rice in spicy goodness.
Walk towards the gin-and-tonic station, and you will notice
a foie gras stand and cheese section - try the comte, truffle
cheese and brie with crackers. Don’t be surprised when you
see yourself in another room all together, the dessert station.
A sweet aroma fills the air, and you are surrounded by
desserts, cakes and puddings in all four corners. We absolutely
loved tucking into warm berry cobbler with custard, the
classic Opera cake slices, mango pudding, donut from a stand,
and ras malai from the decadent Indian treats. Make sure you
pace yourself, as there’s a lot of ground to cover here.
Need to know:
The brunch takes place from 12:30pm, priced from
Dhs295 for the soft drinks package, to Dhs595
including champagne. Call +971 4 372 2323.
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GASTRONOMY
One-of-a-kind
4
THE EXPERIENCE BY REIFOTHMAN
THE H HOTEL
We may sound a little biased saying this, but Play is hands-down amongst our
top five restaurants in town. When we heard of The Experience, an intimate
dinner with chef Reif Othman in a homely, cosy setting, with a menu based
upon whatever he feels like creating – much like our home dinner scenarios –
we knew we had to try it. The Experience is sited just above the restaurant and
truly does feel like you’ve entered an apartment, with stained wallpaper, large
lighting structures, comfortable armchairs, sweeping views of old Dubai, and an
open kitchen and dining seating arrangement. We sat with a lovely French
couple, making it seem as though we were invited to chef Othman's house for
a dinner party.
The evening began with freshly baked bread and amuse bouche followed
by Wagyu steak with a generous spread of anchovy paste and shiso cress.
We aren’t the biggest fans of anchovy, however this tasted a lot like tuna
and was quite flavour-packed. Up next, was Wagyu belly, followed by a
fresh piece of himachi sashimi. Other dishes featured a succulent piece of
meat – of course, the highest grade possible – and a single serving of ravioli
with an asbolutely tantalising sauce to complement. Desert was a tangy
passion fruit delight, ending on a light citrus note. Dining here is definintely
unlike your run-off-the-mill experience. Here, the ingredients steal the
limelight, with chef Othman sourcing only the best, playing around with
produce and dishes in the kitchen to curate a beautiful meal. As we rested
back and took a deep breath, chef Othman handed us each a goodie bag
filled with a chilli condiment and Zwilling J.A. Henckels products – a nice
parting gift.
Need to know:
To reserve a table,
call +971 4 336 4444
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TRAVEL
A HOME AWAY
FROM HOME
You want to get away from the humdrum of the city. However, in complete
privacy and with a homely setting that offers all the facilities of a lavish stay.
What do you do? Visit these celebrity-loved residences of course
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TRAVEL
A
well-rested getaway
doesn’t necessarily have
to be in a formal or
corporate environment.
High-thread-count sheets, fluffy robes
and butler services are available at
residences too. Here, we look at two
trending escapes in Asia.
FOREST HILLS, TALA
There isn’t much to say about the
quaint village of Taraste in Tala, the
Raigad district in Maharashtra, India.
Perhaps that is the village’s greatest
quality. Located about 72 kilometres
from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji
International Airport, the village isn’t
well-known or nearly as crowded. Of
late, however, the village has seen a
spike in the number of visiting
UHNWIs. And there’s only one reason
it can be attributed to, the luxurious
eco-friendly resort: Forest Hills, Tala.
Perched on the edge of a plateau
adjacent to a hill slope, the 160-acre
treetop property is surrounded by
lush green forests and a meandering
river and is about three kilometres
away from the Kuda caves - the
twenty-six caves that were excavated
in first century B.C were home to
Buddhist monks. That’s not why the
resort is attracting its distinct clientele
though, that has more to do with the
resort’s exclusivity.
The getaway only allows for nine
accommodation options, with a
maximum of four people for each.
These are split between opulent and
carefully designed cottages and
treehouses. The pick of the bunch is
the Glass House – a treehouse
enclosed by glass and wood. Built on
two levels, interconnected by a spiral
staircase, the 2,000 sq ft treehouse
offers unobstructed, panoramic views
of the surrounding mountains on one
side and the dense forest and valley on
the other. Each of the two levels come
with a private balcony and a cosy sit
out. The composition of partly white,
partly reflective and transparent
surfaces within a wooden framework
animate and lighten up the space. The
design elements question conventional
definitions of exterior and interior
while reinterpreting notions of privacy
and exposure.
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TRAVEL
Need to know:
From $550 per night at the Glass
House. For more information
visit foresthillstala.com
The other accommodation options
include the Blue Butterfly – a 2,000 sq. ft.
villa that features quirky design elements
and an impressive array of artwork, the
Pink Parrot – that features relatively
vibrant interiors, the Woodpecker – an
800 sq. ft. cottage made entirely out of
wood, the Camel House – an 800 sq. ft.
house featuring a private garden, rear
lawn and a glass-bathroom overlooking
the stars, the Tree Hopper – a 1,200 sq.
ft. cottage built on wooden stilts
overlooking the valley, the Tree Hugger
– a 400 sq. ft. treehouse featuring a
private balcony, and the Mud Hut built
completely out of eco-friendly
biodegradable material.
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TRAVEL
Need to know:
From $4,410 per night,
visit amillabeachvillaresidences.com
AMILLA FUSHI'S BEACH
RESIDENCES, VILLAS AND
ESTATES
Maldives never disappoints. And if
Leonardo DiCaprio is a fan – he
stayed here in July for the 1OAK
pop-up party – then so are we. The
array of extravagant hotels, culinary
offerings, white sandy beach, and
element of privacy in Maldives, is
comparable to no other archipelago.
With this in mind, Amilla Fushi's Beach
Villa Residences capture the
essence of island-living,
welcoming guests to a
picturesque paradise with
secluded and chic residential
options. Sited over the
shimmering waters, and amongst
lush treetops, the multi-bedroom
accommodation poses as an
advantage for large families, bevy
of friends and UHNWIs looking
for a unique setting to unwind.
Comprised of eight residences,
it features six four-bedroom villas,
one six-bedroom estate (The
Amilla Villa Estate), and one eightbedroom
residence (The Great Beach
Villa). Each and every whim is catered
for by a private butler, gourmet chef,
and a katheeb (house-master), who are
on call for everything from a special
request for breakfast, to drawing you a
soothing bath or booking an excursion.
Most villas boast a private swimming
pool, just steps away from the pristine
sandy beach. The Great Beach Villa
Residence, however, sets itself apart
with a 20-metre lagoon pool, complete
with a beachside hammock for a siesta
and afternoon read. While the adults
snooze and/or explore marine life –
Manta Rays, Guitar Shark and
Hawksbill turtles can be spotted
nearby – children can be placed in
expert hands, with babysitters, or
head to Sultan’s Village Kids Club to
keep entertained with a selection of
books, DVDs, PlayStation, and board
games.
The one element that makes a
house, a home, is a fully-equipped
kitchen. Here, the pantry is stocked to
your liking and you can order anything
you desire from the two extensive
Providore (grocery) lists. Premium
meats, cheese and gourmet items are
available to cook up a hearty meal for
family and friends. When you’re
starting to feel peckish, opt for the
quintessentially British tradition of
afternoon tea, or pre-dinner cocktail
snacks. If you do want to head out for
a bite, dine at Bazaar, a casual eatery
showcasing delectable Japanese
Izakaya dining with a Latin dash. For
beverages and nibbles, The Emperor
Beach Club and the Wine Shop &
Cellar Door don’t disappoint, with an
extensive wine list, charcuterie and
cheese assortment to impress.
Once every activity has been ticked
off your list, visit Javvu Spa, a sanctuary
featuring ocean-front sauna and steam
rooms, and the Bodyism programme,
which nourishes, transforms and heals
your body from inside and out.
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TRAVEL TALES
JETSETTER JOURNEYS
Explore the latest in experiences, tours and culinary breaks
PARADISE FOR TWO
Babymoon packages are
on the rise, with couples
flocking to a romantic
destination for a quick
getaway, before the
arrival of their little one.
And where better to
celebrate than in Paris?
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
has launched the ultimate
Babymoon Spa Break, including accommodation,
couple’s spa treatments, breakfast for two,
aqua-gym lesson and a bottle of Skinhaptic
massage oil to ease tension in the muscles and
make this sojourn as relaxing as possible.
From Dhs5,700 per night,
visit mandarinoriental.com
NATURE-LED VACATION
Activity and greenery enthusiasts will enjoy a stay at the
Giardino Ascona in Ticino, Switzerland, that has recently
welcomed its Power Guide (Activities Concierge). The
local expert will train, guide and coach guests on the
journey and sporting adventures they choose to set off on.
The programme is applicable to all age groups, with
activities including golf, hiking, biking, paragliding, Nordic
walking and boat trips.
giardino-ascona.ch
SPA ESCAPE
On your next visit to Turkey, stop by Caresse, Bodrum for
an afternoon well spent at Spa Caresse – recently named
the top Luxury Destination Spa at the World Luxury Spa &
Restaurant Awards 2017. The sea-facing spa is often
reserved for private parties, renowned treatments such as
Shirodhara (an Ayurveda treatment) and Caresse Rose
Experience, which begins with a scrub, followed by a rose
soap foam massage, mud body mask, rose hair cleanse and
soothing rose ice ritual. Which one will you pick?
caresse.com
STATEMENT BUY
Need a new suitcase? Look no further than the first,
and only, hard-sided suitcase collection in the world
with CX expansion-compression technology. It allows
for up to 25 per cent more packing space and can be
pressed down, once closed, to its original size. If you’re
convinced, the new Caramel & Cream Sympatico
collection is a stylish one to choose from, with three
sizes: carry-on, medium and large, and matching bag
styles – shopping tote, weekender and backpack.
The carry-on suitcase is available from Dhs2,093
at johnlewis.com, Selfridges.com and Harrods
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THE FAIRWAY
HIT the LINKS
Discover Al Hamra Golf Club nestled in the Northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah
A
quick 55-minute drive from Dubai takes you
away from the hustle and bustle to the peace
and tranquility of the northernmost of the
UAE’s seven Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah. The Al
Hamra Village development includes a golf course, marina,
residential complex, retail outlets and five-star hotel,
Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort.
Al Hamra Golf Club, designed by Swiss architect Peter
Harradine, takes many of its design features from
traditional links’ courses, meandering around four interconnected
open water lagoons merging seamlessly with
the water of the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Gulf comes
into play on the majority of the 18 holes. The Par 72
Championship course lends itself perfectly to all levels of
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THE FAIRWAY
players, providing the fledgling novices and
accomplished players with an entertaining and
interesting challenge. There are five varying tee options
on each hole, so you can enjoy a round of golf no
matter your experience level. In order to beat the heat
or the region's short daylight hours, a must try for any
golfing enthusiast is night golf with holes one to seven,
17 and 18; making up a composite floodlit course to be
played after sundown.
The nine hole par 3 Academy course with holes
ranging from 60 yards to 110, features a salt-water lake
designed to test even the novice golfer's nerve. With
its standalone clubhouse, it offers any level of golfer
the perfect place to hone their skills from the extensive
driving range, short-game area and floodlit course. Of
the two golf courses in Ras Al Khaimah, this one is
more expensive, but it's also incredibly maintained.
Make sure to pack plenty of balls, as wayward shots will
be punished.
The two holes that are a must are the 10th and 18th
hole. Hole 10 is the start of Al Hamra’s very own Amen
Corner. A long par 4 normally played into the prevailing
wind. A well-struck drive is required to either enable
the approach to the green in two or setup a positional
shot for the green in three. A huge bunker protects the
front and right sides. This hole truly deserves its stroke
index of one. Hole 18m, on the other hand, needs you
to bring your A-game. This intimidating par 5 is not
only elongated in length, but with the lagoon bordering
the entire hole down the right, is a slicer’s nightmare.
The large three-tiered green is surrounded by bunkers
and will be a welcomed sight once the lagoon, wind
and fairway bunkers have been challenged.
Golf is not the only thing on offer, however, with its
two modern clubhouses entailing a golf academy,
gymnasium, fully-stocked golf shop and a range of
dining options including Pesto (modern Italian eatery),
The Bay Sports bar – considered by many as the 19th
hole – Belgian Beer Café and Maison Mathis.
Those who want to try something a little different,
the club has recently launched foot-golf. Played on the
par 3 academy course, the aim is to kick the football
into oversized holes, around the course, providing fun
for family and friends or even corporate gatherings.
WINTER RATES
October1 - December 31 2017
Championship Course
PEAK RATE
(Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays)
18 Holes
9 Holes
GUEST Dhs695
UAE RESIDENT Dhs590
ACADEMY PAR 3 COURSE
Adult (1 round) Dhs100
FOOT GOLF
Adult (1 round)
Dhs60
KID (1 ROUND) 12 -18
Dhs50
65
EQUITY

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We will help you protect,
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Experts in advising the
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E: ibrahim.elsadig@blplaw.com
T: +971 (0)4 511 9718
www.blplaw.com

HOTEL REVIEW
The Hilton brand is known worldwide and, as
such, brings with it a level of expectation.
Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, is sited
between the Al Hajar Mountains and Ras Al
Khaimah’s seafront. The family-friendly resort flanks a 500
-metre sandy beach, where you can indulge in water
activities or bask in the sun.
The property comprises two swimming pools, landscaped
gardens, and plenty of sun loungers, with the resort being a
low-level building. Stylish and well-equipped rooms invite
you to relax after an active day either spent golfing (read
about it on page 64), indulging in the wide range of
watersport activities, or spent shopping in one of the
nearby malls. All rooms are en suite with a neutral grey
tone, crisp white sheets on plush beds, and hints of sea
tones that lend an airy vibe.
STAY
OF
THE
MONTH
Escape to Hilton Al Hamra Beach
& Golf Resort for a restful stay
coupled with a round of golf
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HOTEL REVIEW
Need to know:
The suites are available
from Dhs500+ going up
to the Presidential Suite,
being the highest in the
category at Dhs2,500++
Visit hilton.com
When it’s time to unwind, the Fitness by Hilton, Al
Hamra Spa, is the place to flock to. Therapeutic
treatments and reflexology ease away stress, prepping
you for a relaxing stay ahead.
DINE
Gastronomic options are designed with guest
satisfaction in mind. The day begins with a hearty
breakfast at Al Shamal, inspired by the local Middle
Eastern street markets, almost mimicking a souq. Grab
a plate and top it up with waffles, eggs made-to-order,
fresh fruit and pastries.
From business brunches to pre-dinner drinks and
everything in between, the options at Hilton cater to
all palates. Head to the Lobby Lounge for your dose of
caffeine, Le Chalet for the beachside eatery, Al Jazeera
for Lebanese food and shisha by the oceanfront, or
Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge for Polynesian flavours.
We dined at the latter, relishing lamb cutlets, dim sum,
prawns and pies for dinner, accompanied by creative
cocktails. British pub, Scirocco, is worth a visit too.
British grub is on the menu, with fish and chips, and
bangers and mash being the highlights. Live music sets
the tone for the evening, making it an entertaining
nightcap venue.
GET ACTIVE
Whether you are conducting business, keeping up with
a fitness routine or looking to spend quality time with
your family, this resort is here to make the most of
your stay by offering the services you need, the
amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve
Apart from adventurous water activities including
snorkelling and scuba diving, on-site options include a
state-of-the art gym, and a Peter Harradine-designed
18-hole championship golf course, merely 100 metres
away from the hotel.
68
EQUITY

69
EQUITY

REAL ESTATE
SUITE
LIFE
Campbell Gray Hotels makes
its entrance into Jordan with
residences worth calling home
By Nicola Monteath
If you find yourself heading down to
Jordan more often than you can imagine
– it has become quite the hub for
technology, startups, and long-weekend
getaways – the launch of this property
development is perhaps an investment
worth considering. Campbell Gray
Hotel is at the helm of this mixed
development and encompasses a
reputation that precedes itself. The
owner-operator and international hotel
management company focuses on
luxury hotels and residences, with a foot
in key markets across Europe and the
Middle East. And where better to set up
luxury residences than a trending
hotspot such as Amman? Jordan has
long been the destination of choice,
especially for those living in the GCC,
due to its proximity.
Campbell Gray Living Amman
residences showcases luxury homes
with a hotel-style touch. The region’s
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EQUITY

REAL ESTATE
most sophisticated development
offers one- two- and three-bedroom
apartments ideal for couples and
families. Rich hardwood oak is
prevalent throughout the open-plan
living, kitchen and dining areas, and
apartments are available either semior
fully-furnished, with bespoke pieces
from internationally established
interior architecture and design firm,
Martin Brundnizki Design Studio.
Those who enjoy whiling away with
a book will love the built-in solid oak
library in the living room. On the
other hand, gadget lovers can make
use of Lutron’s smart home
automation system that controls
everything at the touch of a button.
The bedrooms are in a league of its
own, with bespoke Hermès and silk
wallpaper that adorn the walls,
exuding elegance the minute you
step in. Duravit washbasins,
Dornbracht taps, and cast-stone
flooring accompany bespoke ceramic
tiles in the bathrooms.
Art plays an integral role within the
interiors of a development, and here,
works of renowned artists such as
Huw Williams, can be spotted
alongside pieces from local artists.
Since Jordan experiences lows of
around eight degrees during winter,
with average highs of around 25
degrees in July (their hottest month
of the year), al fresco gatherings can
be hosted throughout the year. The
rooftop area comprises of a heated
infinity-edge pool, private cabanas,
teak loungers, fire-pits and a jacuzzi,
resembling hotels and resorts
worldwide. Couples and families can
enjoy a restful opulent stay in
Amman, while enjoying the best the
city has to offer.
Visit campbellgrayliving.com
for more information
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ENTREPRENEUR
WHAT DOES INVESTING
IN YOURSELF MEAN
TO YOU?
Spending time and money
pursuing interests that will
improve your quality of life,
whether it’s upskilling yourself
professionally or taking a class
that will help you appreciate the
things you enjoy even more.
MOST RECENT PURCHASE
I splurged at Le Clos yesterday
on a magnum of Pol Roger
champagne, a magnum of
Bordeaux from Chateau
Potensac and a bottle of Domain
J.A. Ferret Pouilly-Fuisse.
ONE THING MOST
PEOPLE DON’T KNOW
I have Ojibway heritage
and a forklift operating license.
THE BEST GRAPE REGION?
That’s like asking a mother to tell
which of her kids is her favourite.
I try to drink different wines all
the time to keep my palate
sharp, but my preferred regions
are the ones that I have been to,
and have special memories of. I
love Central Otago, New
Zealand, where I lived for about
six months snowboarding,
working in a lakeside fine-dining
restaurant, knocking back great
Pinot Noir and refreshing white
wines, and staring at some of the
most picturesque landscapes I’ve
ever seen. I also love Margaret
River where I lived working in a
cellar door and in a few
restaurants. I spent my free time
cellar door hopping, jogging
enjoying seeing kangaroos (and
gorgeous surfer guys) in their
natural habitat.
GET TO KNOW…
LINDSAY
TRIVERS
Founder of
The Tasting Class
(TheTastingClass.com)
MORNING ROUTINE
I get up with my ‘baby alarm’ around 6am, check
social media, make a coffee and hang out with
my daughter for a few hours before getting
ready for work.
TYPICAL WORK DAY
Never the same! Some days are filled with
coordinating tastings for private clients and
public tastings, and those have been frequent
recently, as I’ve become an approved
provider of WSET (Wine & Spirit Education
Trust) courses and qualifications. Some days
are spent meeting with various partners,
whether that’s venues that want to host our
tastings or brands that want to collaborate
with us. On the day of a tasting, I will brush up
on the lesson I will deliver, follow up with
RSVPs, pack up whatever aids are needed,
head to the venue early to set up, teach a
wine lesson and schmooze.
HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
I have pretty much always worked in wine or
hospitality. Prior to launching The Tasting
Class I was a beer sommelier at a high-end
Belgian restaurant in Dubai, and before that I
worked at Decanter magazine helping them
run the world’s largest wine competition.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE
Find something
you love doing and
you’ll never work a
day in your life
THE BEST DHS1,000 YOU
HAVE EVER SPENT?
It was probably a contribution to
the airline ticket from my home
in Ontario, Canada, to Banff,
Alberta, Canada, which is where
I started learning about wine,
and where I met my husband.
TRAVEL FOR A MEAL…
Years ago, my husband and I
booked a round the world
ticket. While in Mendoza,
Argentina, I was introduced to a
black sausage called morcilla.
Don’t Google what it’s made
from, just eat it if you ever get
the chance. I’ve struggled to
find it since leaving, so if I got
the chance, I would head back
to the winery I used to work at
there, and tuck into a full Asado
between the vines – like old
times – with lots of morcilla and
Malbec. I arrived in Argentina in
skinny jeans and left in stretchy
pants – I regret nothing.
DUBAI HOTSPOTS
Call me biased but the best one
is definitely the Wine and Cheese
Pairing Class that Jones The
Grocer, Dusit Thani, runs with
The Tasting Class every month.
High quality cheese, classic wine
styles perfectly matched and a
lesson on what’s so special about
both the wine and the cheese.
FooDiva (Samantha Wood)
keeps us up to date with the
latest and greatest places to enjoy
fine-dining when we accompany
her as the resident sommelier on
the Dine Around Dubai Dinner
Experiences she runs. Peyote and
Zahira are two of the latest greats
I’ve enjoyed immensely. A classic
go-to that I can always count
on for consistent quality and a
welcoming, buzzy atmosphere
is BOCA.
72
EQUITY

TO BREAK THE RULES,
YOU MUST FIRST MASTER
THEM.
THE VALLÉE DE JOUX. FOR MILLENNIA A HARSH,
UNYIELDING ENVIRONMENT; AND SINCE 1875 THE
HOME OF AUDEMARS PIGUET, IN THE VILLAGE OF
LE BRASSUS. THE EARLY WATCHMAKERS WERE
SHAPED HERE, IN AWE OF THE FORCE OF NATURE
YET DRIVEN TO MASTER ITS MYSTERIES THROUGH
THE COMPLEX MECHANICS OF THEIR CRAFT. STILL
TODAY THIS PIONEERING SPIRIT INSPIRES US TO
CONSTANTLY CHALLENGE THE CONVENTIONS OF
FINE WATCHMAKING.
+41 21 642 32 66 | AUDEMARSPIGUET.COM
ROYAL OAK
PERPETUAL
CALENDAR
IN YELLOW GOLD
AUDEMARS PIGUET BOUTIQUES:
THE DUBAI MALL | MALL OF THE EMIRATES
73
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setting extraordinary records in the marketing, designing and
selling of the most important residential properties.
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