Best of Dubai vol 2

V o l u m e 2

D U B A IAND THE NORTHERN EMIRATES

B E S T O F

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This past year has been a time for Dubai to celebrate the era of diversifiedprogress that economic growth and heightened development has fostered in allspheres.

It is also a time for the emirate and its people to consolidate the rapid pace ofchange so that the impressive socio-economic indicators remain strong,persistently forging ahead to embrace fresh regional and global potentials.

Conveying this inexorable human capital, the second volume of 'Best of Dubai' isa testament to the dedication and innovative zeal of all the men and women thatunderscore the business successes of Dubai. We trace their individual stories asthey reinforce the foundations of an emirate that stands as a role model ofexcellence in the Middle East.

Building on their progress in dedicated chapters, we deepen our scope in thediscovery of new companies, people and lifestyles that weave together to create acolourfully exciting multi-cultural fabric of society. Together we aim to continue ourmission to inspire, in a positive scenario that extends worldwide.

This yearly publication viewed as an elegant access to business, tourism andlifestyles, is part of the 'Global Village Partnerships' publishing model that nowextends across 20 countries with a further 130 on the anvil.

Our editorial model is simple and is proving to be incisive. Through the illustrationof companies in different sectors making innovative contributions underscored bypowerful branding and effective corporate social responsibility, participantsshowcased plug into a vast global readership that is leveraged through a nichedistribution extended worldwide. To complement the readership of our print modelwe have developed www.globalvillageproduct.com where all our publications canbe viewed and downloaded online.

With each edition, 'Best of Dubai' will continue to tell stories, drawing on thevisions, missions and strategies of individuals and companies that represent thedynamics of an emirate in transition.

In these pages, readers will gain perception into how these vital stakeholders,large and small, are collaborating together to ensure a better Dubai, a betterRegion and ultimately, a better world.

'If history repeats itself, then we are in for an excellent future'.

International Group PublisherSven Boermeester

Publisher & Managing Group Editor

Lisa Durante

CEOMajdi Ali

Production & Design ManagerLuisa SDC Williams

Regional DirectorMatt Davis

Sales & Marketing DirectorAlenoosh Mirzakhanian

Media Consultants Jocelyn Chidiac

Lara Faraj Nadia Al Sheikh

PrintingEmirates Printing Press

Creative DirectorRavi Handve

AdministrationSharon Rosales

ContributorsSophie NeilGeoff KingRita KelaitaJane MeikleMuskan Ohri

Loft Office 1, Entrance- C, Office209, Dubai Media City, Dubai,

U.A.E.Tel. No.: +971 4 3671039Fax No.: +971 4 3672505

[email protected]@o2oGroup.com

Websitewww.GlobalVillageProduct.com

Published byOne2One Publishing

a division of One2One Group FZ LLC

ISBN # 1-904566-78-2Every effort has been made to ensurethe accuracy of the information in the

Best of Dubai vol.1 publication.Neither Best of Dubai nor One2One

Publishing FZ LLC take any responsibilityfor errors or omissions.

All rights reserved:No part of this publication shall be

reproduced, copied, transmitted, adaptedor modified in any form or by any means.

This publication shall not be stored inwhole or in part in any form in any

retrieval system.

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CHAPTER 1Best of Dubai

"Waiting has never been our choice inthe past, nor is it in the present.

We are always striving, anticipatingthe future and preparing for it".

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai

CHAPTER 1Best of Dubai

"Waiting has never been our choice inthe past, nor is it in the present.

We are always striving, anticipatingthe future and preparing for it".


Creek Life

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IT would be easy to presumethat this impressive entry onto the world stage has beenfunded by oil money, butthat's not the case. Oilrevenues amount to less thansix percent of the emirate'sincome. Historically, Dubaiwas a trading post betweenEast Asia and Europe, with ahistory of pearl diving,commerce ensconced in aBedouin heritage. Thanks tothe astuteness of its rulers -the Maktoum dynastyfounded in 1833 - combinedwith favourable geopoliticalconditions, it is regaining thatrole on a grander scale.Positioning itself at thecrossroads of continents andeconomies, the modest oilreserves discovered in the1960s, were cannily investedby Sheikh Mohammed'sfather, Sheikh Rashid, to upgrade Dubai's port facilities and free-tradeamenities. This has resulted in a location sufficiently liberal to attractwestern corporations and tourists, but Islamic enough to attract Arabmoney too. With the can-do attitude and feudal might of SheikhMohammed, the mission persists.

Elevating the concept of cluster economies to an art that is reaping vastdividends, to attract more IT companies, he commissioned a technologyzone called Internet City. To compete as a broadcasting centre, MediaCity was developed, and to place Dubai as a financial stop-over on thedaily global trading cycle between London and Hong Kong, a mammothDubai International Finance Centre - a business district larger thanCanary Wharf - is already capitalising from its world class legal andregulatory frame work to attract financial institutions keen to positionthemselves in this region immersed in oil wealth and the trillions ofdollars that have been repatriated from the US since 9/11.

Loved by his subjects and respected by Dubai's expatriate populationthat forms 80 per cent of the emirate's 1.2 million population. SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice Presidentof the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is an avid horse racing patron, and achampion endurance horse racer with numerous world titles to hisname. As the self avowed chairman of what is referred to as 'Dubai Inc.',his innovative moves based on fostering a knowledge economy, havepropelled Dubai into pole position regionally. What is perceived as thesuccessful Dubai model has inspired neighbouring countries in direneed of economic diversification from oil related revenues and jobcreation for the burgeoning demographic explosion of under 25's toreplicate his concepts in free zone development, tourism infrastructureinitiatives and property ownership for foreigners. Zany real estate projects notwithstanding, Dubai has worked tirelessly todevelop its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals,tourism developments - the hallmarks of an advanced society. Today

Dubai's transition from a small fishing and trading community into the globaleconomy fray represents a parable of remarkable urban development and economicdiversification. Thanks to the bold exploitation of unique niches, the strengthening

of weak links and aggressive pursuit of iconic or at least record breakingarchitecture, the emirate has upped its regional profile and kudos worldwide.

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his sons, their Highnesses Hamdan, Rashid and Maktoum

Trade Foundation.qxp 12/11/06 1:06 PM Page 1

that industrious approach is definitely paying dividends. In2005, Dubai's economy grew around 16 per cent to anestimated US$37 billion, with non-oil GDP increasing by14.92 percent. This illustrates the fabulous success of theemirate's diversification programme, which has been acentral plank of government policy since the 1980s.

Despite the visionary projects and never-ending expansionthat characterise Dubai, the links with the past remainstrong. The UAE is conservative, and is one of the last GulfStates to broaden the participation in the political process.Scratching the surface beneath the gleaming edifices thatepitomise the emirate's high standards of living,westernized mores and flourishing economy, a parallelsystem and population from Iran and South Asia controltraditional trading on the banks of Dubai's Creek. Thislegendary waterway crossing Dubai has been a vital part ofDubai's trading past; shaping the city from a flourishingfishing and pearl diving centre to international port in onethe fastest developing cities of the world. The Creekremains a hive of activity since time immemorial, withdhows still plying ancient trade routes to Iran, India andEast Africa. It is the symbol of how tradition can coexist withmodernity and prosper despite the manic pace of change.

There is no doubt that this traditional commercial tradingmodel that Dubai's economy was based on is still thrivingalongside the new genre of economic model - theknowledge economy, now taking shape.

Best of Dubai 25

HH, the late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

HH, the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

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With development in Dubai racing ahead at break-neck speed, what factors ensure that Business Baywill deserve the recognition and sustainability youhave envisaged? "Business Bay has been planned as a mixed-use urban development, which offers thebest design strategy for combining housing,employment, retail, cultural, and recreationalactivities in a people-friendly environment, creatingdynamic, attractive neighbourhoods and communities".

With the development of Business Bay marking thefirst concrete initiative to create a new commercialepicentre, are there more plans to increase theexistence of additional commercial hubs, which byextension will enhance Dubai's role as a 'city at thecrossroads of continents and economies'?"Dubai's economy is diversifying and the relianceon non-oil sectors means that the enhancement ofexisting commercial centres as well as thedevelopment of more commercial enterprises isinevitable. The World Bank has ranked the UAE69th worldwide in terms of cost of doing businessin 2005, higher than many other Middle East andNorth African countries. It also takes less timecomparatively to secure property rights in the UAE- three steps and nine days to register property inDubai compared with three steps and 52.2 days inMENA. Thus the UAE's competitiveness continuesto attract investors, thereby necessitating the needto constantly improve our commercial centres andthe associated facilities. At the same time, thiseventually enhances Dubai's role as an importantfinancial, trade and manufacturing hub in theworld".

With the desire to draw comparisons to BusinessBay and other architectural and engineeringachievements worldwide, what country or existingarchitectural feat would you say most inspired theconcept behind the project and why?"Business Bay is inspired by the great financialcentres of our time. However, successful urbanenvironments are not just an emulation of othercities. With Business Bay, through its architecturaland commercial achievements, our intention is toprovide international executives and investors withanother world-class commercial centre that provides something inaddition to existing hubs".

Can you define what Business Bay will mean for Dubai and for thearchitectural and commercial world as a whole and how will this add toreshaping the future of commerce in the region?"Business Bay will be to Dubai what Manhattan is to New York or Ginzais to Tokyo. It will provide the best possible commercial environment toworld-class companies, international investors and multinationalbusinesses. Our aim is to create a distinct personality for Dubai and itsbusiness heritage through architectural achievements, new markettrends and bustling, self-sufficient urban environments that adoptinternational business practice with the Middle East touch".

Given the fact that you are so involved in the fabric of Dubai'sinfrastructure and society, where would you like to see Dubai within tenyears in terms of its international real estate development?"Dubai enjoys a good reputation in the international community, and thatis mainly in part due to the efforts of its progressive government. At the

same time, we hope to see more legislation and initiatives from thepublic and private sectors that will facilitate Dubai's growth beyond thisregion. In terms of real estate development, there are already a lot ofprojects under planning or in progress that will add to the value of thiscity, precipitating constant change in the infrastructure and society.Within ten years, we hope to see Dubai at the same level as the mostadvanced cities in the world".

What makes an area particularly suited to mixed-use tenancy structures?"Mixed-use projects are a sophisticated trend that offers smart growth tothe retail industry, bringing greater lifestyle convenience to communities.Facilities such as gardens, parkways, waterways and children's playareas, create relaxing zones and comfort in mixed-use developments.An extensive analysis of city life establishes the fact that people thrive onspontaneous and circumstantial interaction. Mixed-use developments,such as the Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence, complementthe city's architectural objectives, while providing amenities for people tolive, work, and play within the same premises".

www.businessbay.ae

Business Bay

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international player in the world iconic real estate infrastructure?"Business Bay will offer world class infrastructure, in terms of roadnetworks and accessibility, as well as modern telecommunicationfacilities in hi-tech, sustainable commercial towers. In addition toproviding a platform for international business, the mixed-usedevelopment will be supported by a strong retail sector and integratedresidential projects. As opposed to traditional commercial areas thatwind down in the evenings, Business Bay will be a thriving and self-sufficient community".

What partnerships with industry stakeholders and internationalcorporations, has Dubai Properties fostered in the development ofBusiness Bay, and why?"Dubai Properties has ties with the local and regional businesscommunity. We have been approached by regional and internationalcorporations to set up their regional headquarters in Business Bay. Inaddition, we have also entered into partnership with developers such asSungwon, Bando, Porsche and Versace, among others, to developworld-first projects that will enhance the reputation of Business Bay asan enviable place to do business".

Best of Dubai 27

AA city within a city, Business Bay is a freehold commercial, residentialand business cluster that extends the famous Dubai Creek from Ras AlKhor to Sheikh Zayed Road. Covering an area of 64 million square feet,Business Bay will feature facilities such as commercial and residentialtowers, landscaped expanses of green, amenities every ilk, as well as anetwork for roads for easy access and exit. It will also boast canals toadd to the project's themed aspect that government developer, DubaiProperties, is hoping to attract: regional and international businessventures and multinationals.

The first phase of Dubai's staggering transformation into a buzzinghive of commercial activity began with the dredging of the Creek in the1970s. With the new extension of the Creek, and the creation of BusinessBay, developers hope that Dubai's entry into the premier business cities'league is finally ensured.

Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties, shares his insights aboutthis new topographical wonder to Dubai's expanding urban-scape.

How was the idea to expand upon the existing Dubai Creek and extend itinto Business Bay formulated and why? "Dubai Creek has an historic value as the commercial centre of Dubai.Trading ships from India, Iran and the Arabian Gulf traded on the abrafrom as far back as 1850s. As a resultwhen the idea for Business Bay as theregion's business capital wasconceived, we felt that it was symbolicto extend the Creek towards the newgrowth sector of the city, Sheikh ZayedRoad and its environs".

In what specific ways will Business Bayenhance Dubai's position as an

Welcome to the newest symbol of the emirate's progressas it embodies the crucial role that the Creek plays in

Dubai's past as well its future.

Hashim Al Dabal,CEO, Dubai Properties

Dancing Towers, Zahar Hadid’s enlightned architectural landmark

Bussiness bay Story.qxp 12/28/2006 4:45 PM Page 1

With development in Dubai racing ahead at break-neck speed, what factors ensure that Business Baywill deserve the recognition and sustainability youhave envisaged? "Business Bay has been planned as a mixed-use urban development, which offers thebest design strategy for combining housing,employment, retail, cultural, and recreationalactivities in a people-friendly environment, creatingdynamic, attractive neighbourhoods and communities".

With the development of Business Bay marking thefirst concrete initiative to create a new commercialepicentre, are there more plans to increase theexistence of additional commercial hubs, which byextension will enhance Dubai's role as a 'city at thecrossroads of continents and economies'?"Dubai's economy is diversifying and the relianceon non-oil sectors means that the enhancement ofexisting commercial centres as well as thedevelopment of more commercial enterprises isinevitable. The World Bank has ranked the UAE69th worldwide in terms of cost of doing businessin 2005, higher than many other Middle East andNorth African countries. It also takes less timecomparatively to secure property rights in the UAE- three steps and nine days to register property inDubai compared with three steps and 52.2 days inMENA. Thus the UAE's competitiveness continuesto attract investors, thereby necessitating the needto constantly improve our commercial centres andthe associated facilities. At the same time, thiseventually enhances Dubai's role as an importantfinancial, trade and manufacturing hub in theworld".

With the desire to draw comparisons to BusinessBay and other architectural and engineeringachievements worldwide, what country or existingarchitectural feat would you say most inspired theconcept behind the project and why?"Business Bay is inspired by the great financialcentres of our time. However, successful urbanenvironments are not just an emulation of othercities. With Business Bay, through its architecturaland commercial achievements, our intention is toprovide international executives and investors withanother world-class commercial centre that provides something inaddition to existing hubs".

Can you define what Business Bay will mean for Dubai and for thearchitectural and commercial world as a whole and how will this add toreshaping the future of commerce in the region?"Business Bay will be to Dubai what Manhattan is to New York or Ginzais to Tokyo. It will provide the best possible commercial environment toworld-class companies, international investors and multinationalbusinesses. Our aim is to create a distinct personality for Dubai and itsbusiness heritage through architectural achievements, new markettrends and bustling, self-sufficient urban environments that adoptinternational business practice with the Middle East touch".

Given the fact that you are so involved in the fabric of Dubai'sinfrastructure and society, where would you like to see Dubai within tenyears in terms of its international real estate development?"Dubai enjoys a good reputation in the international community, and thatis mainly in part due to the efforts of its progressive government. At the

same time, we hope to see more legislation and initiatives from thepublic and private sectors that will facilitate Dubai's growth beyond thisregion. In terms of real estate development, there are already a lot ofprojects under planning or in progress that will add to the value of thiscity, precipitating constant change in the infrastructure and society.Within ten years, we hope to see Dubai at the same level as the mostadvanced cities in the world".

What makes an area particularly suited to mixed-use tenancy structures?"Mixed-use projects are a sophisticated trend that offers smart growth tothe retail industry, bringing greater lifestyle convenience to communities.Facilities such as gardens, parkways, waterways and children's playareas, create relaxing zones and comfort in mixed-use developments.An extensive analysis of city life establishes the fact that people thrive onspontaneous and circumstantial interaction. Mixed-use developments,such as the Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence, complementthe city's architectural objectives, while providing amenities for people tolive, work, and play within the same premises".

www.businessbay.ae

Business Bay

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international player in the world iconic real estate infrastructure?"Business Bay will offer world class infrastructure, in terms of roadnetworks and accessibility, as well as modern telecommunicationfacilities in hi-tech, sustainable commercial towers. In addition toproviding a platform for international business, the mixed-usedevelopment will be supported by a strong retail sector and integratedresidential projects. As opposed to traditional commercial areas thatwind down in the evenings, Business Bay will be a thriving and self-sufficient community".

What partnerships with industry stakeholders and internationalcorporations, has Dubai Properties fostered in the development ofBusiness Bay, and why?"Dubai Properties has ties with the local and regional businesscommunity. We have been approached by regional and internationalcorporations to set up their regional headquarters in Business Bay. Inaddition, we have also entered into partnership with developers such asSungwon, Bando, Porsche and Versace, among others, to developworld-first projects that will enhance the reputation of Business Bay asan enviable place to do business".

Best of Dubai 27

AA city within a city, Business Bay is a freehold commercial, residentialand business cluster that extends the famous Dubai Creek from Ras AlKhor to Sheikh Zayed Road. Covering an area of 64 million square feet,Business Bay will feature facilities such as commercial and residentialtowers, landscaped expanses of green, amenities every ilk, as well as anetwork for roads for easy access and exit. It will also boast canals toadd to the project's themed aspect that government developer, DubaiProperties, is hoping to attract: regional and international businessventures and multinationals.

The first phase of Dubai's staggering transformation into a buzzinghive of commercial activity began with the dredging of the Creek in the1970s. With the new extension of the Creek, and the creation of BusinessBay, developers hope that Dubai's entry into the premier business cities'league is finally ensured.

Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties, shares his insights aboutthis new topographical wonder to Dubai's expanding urban-scape.

How was the idea to expand upon the existing Dubai Creek and extend itinto Business Bay formulated and why? "Dubai Creek has an historic value as the commercial centre of Dubai.Trading ships from India, Iran and the Arabian Gulf traded on the abrafrom as far back as 1850s. As a resultwhen the idea for Business Bay as theregion's business capital wasconceived, we felt that it was symbolicto extend the Creek towards the newgrowth sector of the city, Sheikh ZayedRoad and its environs".

In what specific ways will Business Bayenhance Dubai's position as an

Welcome to the newest symbol of the emirate's progressas it embodies the crucial role that the Creek plays in

Dubai's past as well its future.

Hashim Al Dabal,CEO, Dubai Properties

Dancing Towers, Zahar Hadid’s enlightned architectural landmark

Bussiness bay Story.qxp 12/28/2006 4:45 PM Page 1

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WWoorrlldd''ss bbiiggggeesstt tthheemmee ppaarrkkSpread over an area of two billion square feet,bigger in surface area than Liechtenstein, thismega project is touted to become the region'sown version of Disneyworld in Orlando (Florida),Dubailand. An entertainment, hospitality andmixed-use residential project par excellence,work on the major $5 billion parallel city, whichencompasses six themed worlds, is beingcarried out in phases to be complete by 2012.A few facilities, such as Dubai Heritage Vision,Dubai Autodrome and The Global Village arealready operational.

Hoping to attract over 200,000 visitors perday thanks to its futuristic leisure and retailattractions ranging from a snow-dome ice andleisure park, Falconcity of Wonders (replicatinglarger-than-life replicas of world landmarks suchas the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal), to a planetdome replete with animatronic dinosaurs as wellas the world's largest shopping complex, 'Mallof Arabia', Dubailand is a testament to theemirate's determination to broaden its economyaway from oil-related revenues towards tourism,real estate and leisure.

www.dubailand.ae

WWoorrlldd''ss bbiiggggeesstt iinntteerrnnaattiioonnaall aaiirrppoorrttOccupying a staggering 140 km site, twice thesize of Hong Kong Island, Dubai World Central

International Airport will be the world's largestpassenger and cargo hub boasting a capacityabove 12 million tonnes of cargo and 120million passengers annually when it is completeby 2012.

An estimated AED 120 billion is beingpumped into Dubai World Central, this multi-phased development centred on theinternational airport at Jebel Ali. Dubai'scharismatic aviation visionary, Sheikh AhmedHH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum,President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation(DCA) and Chairman of Emirates Grouprecently announced: "The first phase of thismega-project - which primarily involves thedevelopment of infrastructure for DWCInternational Airport, Dubai Logistics City,Residential City, Commercial City, a Golf Resortand Enterprise Park - is already underconstruction and will be completed in the firstquarter of 2008 at a total cost of AED 8 billion," .

www.dubailogisticscity.com

WWoorrlldd''ss ttaalllleesstt ttoowweerrWith vertical supremacy at the core of theemirate's architectural ambitions, Burj Dubai(Arabic for 'Dubai Tower') is on the way tobecoming the tallest skyscraper in the world,eclipsing current title holder, the 101 TaipeiTower in Taiwan. Blending commercial,

residential, retail, leisure and hospitality in itsoverall plan in the midst of Dubai's flourishing'downtown' district, its exact height is beingkept a secret but it is expected to be more than800 metres high.

Clearly Dubai is trying to build itself a futureas a celebrated global city. In the process, ithas become the largest architecturalexperiment on earth. Designed by USskyscraper specialists Skidmore Owings andMerrill, it is an elegant structure in constructionsince 2005. The lead architect, Adrian Smithwho is responsible for Chicago's Sears towerand many more vertical behemoths worldwideis creating a landmark that will allow anunfettered panorama across the Gulf to Iran ona clear day. Based on this projected height, the total number of habitable floors is expectedto be around 162. As of early October 2006, the Burj was at 75 stories and about 287 metres high.

From a three-pronged footprint, it rises up in slender, silver-glazed tubes. Being billed as the 'the most prestigious squarekilometre in the world' by its governmentdeveloper Emaar, "The Burj is nothing about the past," says Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Emaar'schairman. "It's about saying, 'We have arrived. We're here.' "

www.burjduabi.com

Best of Dubai 29

WWOORRLLDD''SS biggest man-made islands Made up ofover one billion cubic metresof rock and sand, increasingDubai's shoreline by 520 kmwith their nascent topographythat will be visible from theMoon and can already bespotted from outer space, the'iconic trio' are alreadyconsidered the 'eighthwonder of the world'. Eventhough the three palm islandsare still incomplete -Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira- are rising from the water atbreak neck speed.

Measuring 5.5 km inlength and width, JumeirahPalm will welcome a firstbatch of residents later thisyear. Cumulatively the threeislands will eventually support over 60 luxury hotels, 4000 exclusivevillas, 5000 shoreline apartments, marinas, water parks, miscellaneoushealth and leisure facilities as well as shopping malls galore.

www.thepalm.ae

WWoorrlldd''ss bbiiggggeesstt mmaann--mmaaddee aarrcchheeppeellaaggoo"The Palm put Dubai on the map, The World is putting the map onDubai", so says government developer Nakheel chairman, SultanAhmed Bin Sulayem. To be ready by 2008, the strategically positionedislands fashioned to resemble the global map, will consist of 250 to 300smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories. Measuringnine km in length and seven km in width, covering over 593 millionsquare feet, the islands are set to create over 200 km of beaches. Theonly means of transportation between these luxury hideaways will be byboat, helicopter and submarine.

Not a literal map of the world, channels have been carved betweenland masses such as 'France' and 'Spain', in order to create attractivelysaleable individual plots. Currently The World is undergoing its owntectonic shifts: a private consortium has purchased the whole ofAustralasia, so as to transform it into a holiday resort. They have plans tomodify its shape completely by joining it all up with bridges, building a12-storey hotel on the south island of New Zealand. The two-stagemammoth land reclamation project costing over US$ 3 billion follows theblueprint of the ultimate status symbol for the rich where owners buyingindividual 'nations' will have the freedom to create their personal lifestylevision. Fascinated by the notion of owning a country, or even acontinent, UK entrepreneur and Virgin chairman Richard Branson wasrecently spied pitching the British Union Jack on his latest purchasecosting USD$ 30 million - the United Kingdom.

www.theworld.ae

With one in out of every six cranes worldwide operating in Dubai, the emirate's fasttrack development feeds on an endless supply of grandiose mega projects that providea fresh impetus to Dubai's age-old trading reputation. The country is relentlessly, almost

obsessively, building itself into significance. Under the auspices of the crown princeSheikh Mohammed and the rest of the ruling Maktoum family, Dubai is being

transformed from a blank canvas into an Arabic fusion of Singapore and Vegas.

Palm Island, an impressive land reclamation project

Close to the Palm Island, ‘The World ‘ is a mixed-use archepelago to be reckoned with

Dubai Sports City in Dubailand, the world’s largest theme park Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower

World's biggest international airport

Future Fantastic.qxp 12/28/2006 4:46 PM Page 1

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ai

WWoorrlldd''ss bbiiggggeesstt tthheemmee ppaarrkkSpread over an area of two billion square feet,bigger in surface area than Liechtenstein, thismega project is touted to become the region'sown version of Disneyworld in Orlando (Florida),Dubailand. An entertainment, hospitality andmixed-use residential project par excellence,work on the major $5 billion parallel city, whichencompasses six themed worlds, is beingcarried out in phases to be complete by 2012.A few facilities, such as Dubai Heritage Vision,Dubai Autodrome and The Global Village arealready operational.

Hoping to attract over 200,000 visitors perday thanks to its futuristic leisure and retailattractions ranging from a snow-dome ice andleisure park, Falconcity of Wonders (replicatinglarger-than-life replicas of world landmarks suchas the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal), to a planetdome replete with animatronic dinosaurs as wellas the world's largest shopping complex, 'Mallof Arabia', Dubailand is a testament to theemirate's determination to broaden its economyaway from oil-related revenues towards tourism,real estate and leisure.

www.dubailand.ae

WWoorrlldd''ss bbiiggggeesstt iinntteerrnnaattiioonnaall aaiirrppoorrttOccupying a staggering 140 km site, twice thesize of Hong Kong Island, Dubai World Central

International Airport will be the world's largestpassenger and cargo hub boasting a capacityabove 12 million tonnes of cargo and 120million passengers annually when it is completeby 2012.

An estimated AED 120 billion is beingpumped into Dubai World Central, this multi-phased development centred on theinternational airport at Jebel Ali. Dubai'scharismatic aviation visionary, Sheikh AhmedHH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum,President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation(DCA) and Chairman of Emirates Grouprecently announced: "The first phase of thismega-project - which primarily involves thedevelopment of infrastructure for DWCInternational Airport, Dubai Logistics City,Residential City, Commercial City, a Golf Resortand Enterprise Park - is already underconstruction and will be completed in the firstquarter of 2008 at a total cost of AED 8 billion," .

www.dubailogisticscity.com

WWoorrlldd''ss ttaalllleesstt ttoowweerrWith vertical supremacy at the core of theemirate's architectural ambitions, Burj Dubai(Arabic for 'Dubai Tower') is on the way tobecoming the tallest skyscraper in the world,eclipsing current title holder, the 101 TaipeiTower in Taiwan. Blending commercial,

residential, retail, leisure and hospitality in itsoverall plan in the midst of Dubai's flourishing'downtown' district, its exact height is beingkept a secret but it is expected to be more than800 metres high.

Clearly Dubai is trying to build itself a futureas a celebrated global city. In the process, ithas become the largest architecturalexperiment on earth. Designed by USskyscraper specialists Skidmore Owings andMerrill, it is an elegant structure in constructionsince 2005. The lead architect, Adrian Smithwho is responsible for Chicago's Sears towerand many more vertical behemoths worldwideis creating a landmark that will allow anunfettered panorama across the Gulf to Iran ona clear day. Based on this projected height, the total number of habitable floors is expectedto be around 162. As of early October 2006, the Burj was at 75 stories and about 287 metres high.

From a three-pronged footprint, it rises up in slender, silver-glazed tubes. Being billed as the 'the most prestigious squarekilometre in the world' by its governmentdeveloper Emaar, "The Burj is nothing about the past," says Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Emaar'schairman. "It's about saying, 'We have arrived. We're here.' "

www.burjduabi.com

Best of Dubai 29

WWOORRLLDD''SS biggest man-made islands Made up ofover one billion cubic metresof rock and sand, increasingDubai's shoreline by 520 kmwith their nascent topographythat will be visible from theMoon and can already bespotted from outer space, the'iconic trio' are alreadyconsidered the 'eighthwonder of the world'. Eventhough the three palm islandsare still incomplete -Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira- are rising from the water atbreak neck speed.

Measuring 5.5 km inlength and width, JumeirahPalm will welcome a firstbatch of residents later thisyear. Cumulatively the threeislands will eventually support over 60 luxury hotels, 4000 exclusivevillas, 5000 shoreline apartments, marinas, water parks, miscellaneoushealth and leisure facilities as well as shopping malls galore.

www.thepalm.ae

WWoorrlldd''ss bbiiggggeesstt mmaann--mmaaddee aarrcchheeppeellaaggoo"The Palm put Dubai on the map, The World is putting the map onDubai", so says government developer Nakheel chairman, SultanAhmed Bin Sulayem. To be ready by 2008, the strategically positionedislands fashioned to resemble the global map, will consist of 250 to 300smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories. Measuringnine km in length and seven km in width, covering over 593 millionsquare feet, the islands are set to create over 200 km of beaches. Theonly means of transportation between these luxury hideaways will be byboat, helicopter and submarine.

Not a literal map of the world, channels have been carved betweenland masses such as 'France' and 'Spain', in order to create attractivelysaleable individual plots. Currently The World is undergoing its owntectonic shifts: a private consortium has purchased the whole ofAustralasia, so as to transform it into a holiday resort. They have plans tomodify its shape completely by joining it all up with bridges, building a12-storey hotel on the south island of New Zealand. The two-stagemammoth land reclamation project costing over US$ 3 billion follows theblueprint of the ultimate status symbol for the rich where owners buyingindividual 'nations' will have the freedom to create their personal lifestylevision. Fascinated by the notion of owning a country, or even acontinent, UK entrepreneur and Virgin chairman Richard Branson wasrecently spied pitching the British Union Jack on his latest purchasecosting USD$ 30 million - the United Kingdom.

www.theworld.ae

With one in out of every six cranes worldwide operating in Dubai, the emirate's fasttrack development feeds on an endless supply of grandiose mega projects that providea fresh impetus to Dubai's age-old trading reputation. The country is relentlessly, almost

obsessively, building itself into significance. Under the auspices of the crown princeSheikh Mohammed and the rest of the ruling Maktoum family, Dubai is being

transformed from a blank canvas into an Arabic fusion of Singapore and Vegas.

Palm Island, an impressive land reclamation project

Close to the Palm Island, ‘The World ‘ is a mixed-use archepelago to be reckoned with

Dubai Sports City in Dubailand, the world’s largest theme park Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower

World's biggest international airport


An enduring symbol of 'we're modern,we're going forward,' Dubai's love storywith iconic, or at least record-breaking,architecture began in 1999 with thecreation of the Burj Al-Arab. At 56storeys, it remains the tallest and onlyall-suites hotel in the world. Its simplesail-like form has become Dubai'snational symbol designed by Britisharchitects Atkins, but initially conceivedby Sheikh Mohammed himself.

Dubai's small pocket of 'old town', the Bastakia Quarter, still boasts examples of historic, pre-industrial architecture. Generally built with coral and lime-mortar walls, enveloped by an opencourtyard, the defining feature of these traditional Gulf houses is the barjeel or 'wind tower': a square tower rising above the roofline that channels the winds into the interior. Together withsun-shading, these traditional houses (or rebuilt versions of them) feel perfectly inhabitable in the summer months without air-conditioning. They are the ultimate in ‘Green Buildings.’

Let’s face it, despite the amazing innovations of Dubai, resource conservation and management has never been high on the list of priorities. With the highest rate of water consumption percapita in the world, planning a sustainable eco-friendly future has evidently been a scarce priority in Dubai. Whilst developed nations veer towards a low-energy future, the UAE has oodlesof cheap energy and a grand vision to fulfil. Hopefully a new awareness will set in. In the meantime, even though predictions have been made for decades that the infamous bubble willburst sooner rather than later, the massive amount of real estate coming onto the market, and the foreign workforce required to build and purchase it, makes the stakes now higher thanever. Ultimately, the issue is 'can the rest of the world keep up with the emirate's vision' or is Dubai is in for a reality check?

How should a 21st-century Arab city looklike? Ibn Battuta Mall showcases ArabianNights-themed indoor villages and asprawling Chinese-styled atrium with alife-sized sailing vessel in the middle.Egyptian-decorated Wafi City is all aboutobelisks and pyramids. Nakheel'sInternational City project, housing 60,000people in practically identical blocks,each garbed in varied national styles: forThailand, pagoda-like spires, forEngland, a faux Buckingham Palace-style neo-classicism. There seems to bescarce distinction between resortarchitecture and residential housing.There is also not much of a holistic urbanenvironment away from the old citycentre, with discrete, self-containeddevelopments, separated from eachother by ten-lane highways or emptydesert instead.

Despite the many imaginative works in Dubai, architecturally Arab kitsch sometimes takes hold. Coloured glass and arbitrary turrets have been stuck onto concrete tower blocks. Forresidential estates and malls, sometimes Dubai risks co-opting the rest of the world for its architectural reference points. This is unnecessary with the thriving socio-economic diversity ofthe emirate, the unique climatic and environmental conditions and its desire for a recognizable global identity. Dubai is now abundantly ready to set trends in architecture by spearheadingits own original design model.

Desi

gn in D

ubai

Attempts have been made to adapt traditional Arabic architectural style to wide-scale contemporary commercial needs - most notably the Madinat Jumeirah, a complex of hotels, bars,shops and resort facilities surrounded by canals. Quirky and original, its mall is an indoor version of a traditional Arab souk, with craft shops and piped Bedouin music. Transport is also funas you can move about the complex by internal river taxi. Even though the barjeels that make up its skyline are actually exhaust vents for the air-conditioning, the development comestogether organically like an agglomeration of small buildings rather than an impersonal mega-structure.

30 Best of Dubai Best of Dubai 31


An enduring symbol of 'we're modern,we're going forward,' Dubai's love storywith iconic, or at least record-breaking,architecture began in 1999 with thecreation of the Burj Al-Arab. At 56storeys, it remains the tallest and onlyall-suites hotel in the world. Its simplesail-like form has become Dubai'snational symbol designed by Britisharchitects Atkins, but initially conceivedby Sheikh Mohammed himself.

Dubai's small pocket of 'old town', the Bastakia Quarter, still boasts examples of historic, pre-industrial architecture. Generally built with coral and lime-mortar walls, enveloped by an opencourtyard, the defining feature of these traditional Gulf houses is the barjeel or 'wind tower': a square tower rising above the roofline that channels the winds into the interior. Together withsun-shading, these traditional houses (or rebuilt versions of them) feel perfectly inhabitable in the summer months without air-conditioning. They are the ultimate in ‘Green Buildings.’

Let’s face it, despite the amazing innovations of Dubai, resource conservation and management has never been high on the list of priorities. With the highest rate of water consumption percapita in the world, planning a sustainable eco-friendly future has evidently been a scarce priority in Dubai. Whilst developed nations veer towards a low-energy future, the UAE has oodlesof cheap energy and a grand vision to fulfil. Hopefully a new awareness will set in. In the meantime, even though predictions have been made for decades that the infamous bubble willburst sooner rather than later, the massive amount of real estate coming onto the market, and the foreign workforce required to build and purchase it, makes the stakes now higher thanever. Ultimately, the issue is 'can the rest of the world keep up with the emirate's vision' or is Dubai is in for a reality check?

How should a 21st-century Arab city looklike? Ibn Battuta Mall showcases ArabianNights-themed indoor villages and asprawling Chinese-styled atrium with alife-sized sailing vessel in the middle.Egyptian-decorated Wafi City is all aboutobelisks and pyramids. Nakheel'sInternational City project, housing 60,000people in practically identical blocks,each garbed in varied national styles: forThailand, pagoda-like spires, forEngland, a faux Buckingham Palace-style neo-classicism. There seems to bescarce distinction between resortarchitecture and residential housing.There is also not much of a holistic urbanenvironment away from the old citycentre, with discrete, self-containeddevelopments, separated from eachother by ten-lane highways or emptydesert instead.

Despite the many imaginative works in Dubai, architecturally Arab kitsch sometimes takes hold. Coloured glass and arbitrary turrets have been stuck onto concrete tower blocks. Forresidential estates and malls, sometimes Dubai risks co-opting the rest of the world for its architectural reference points. This is unnecessary with the thriving socio-economic diversity ofthe emirate, the unique climatic and environmental conditions and its desire for a recognizable global identity. Dubai is now abundantly ready to set trends in architecture by spearheadingits own original design model.

Desi

gn in D

ubai

Attempts have been made to adapt traditional Arabic architectural style to wide-scale contemporary commercial needs - most notably the Madinat Jumeirah, a complex of hotels, bars,shops and resort facilities surrounded by canals. Quirky and original, its mall is an indoor version of a traditional Arab souk, with craft shops and piped Bedouin music. Transport is also funas you can move about the complex by internal river taxi. Even though the barjeels that make up its skyline are actually exhaust vents for the air-conditioning, the development comestogether organically like an agglomeration of small buildings rather than an impersonal mega-structure.



Best of Dubai 3332 Best of Dubai

Legacy of a Visionary“My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my sondrives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.”

His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990)

This thinking reflected His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’sconcern that Dubai's oil would someday run out in a decade or two. Thus, he workedto build an economy in Dubai that could survive the end of Dubai's oil boom - Tourism.

His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990) was the Prime Ministerof the UAE and Ruler of Dubai from 1979 until his death in 1990. His Prime Ministerial predecessor andsuccessor was his son, His Highness late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was the primeminister of United Arab Emirates from 1971 to 1979 and from October 7, 1990 up until his sudden demiseon January 4, 2006. Known and acknowledged as one of the most successful rulers in the Middle East,Sheikh Rashid was responsible for the transformation of Dubai into a modern port city and commercial hub.

The Early YearsHis Highness Sheikh Rashid, Ruler of Dubai from 1958 - 1990, was the eighth ruler from the Al Maktoumfamily. Well-loved and greatly respected by the residents of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid ruledthe Emirate with compassion and with a clear vision of what was required in order to transform Dubaiinto a modern city. Driven by this vision, Rashid accomplished what many believed to be impossible.

As the first-born son of Sheikh Saeed, he involved himself at an early age in the politics of the Emirate.He frequently attended his father's Majlis; ever curious, he would listen intently to each man's dilemmaor opinion. Eager to comprehend the minutiae of governing a state, he would spend long hours questioninghis parents about the events of the day. As a child, he received the finest education available in the regionat the time. He attended the Al Ahmadiyah School, and his studies included Islamic studies, Arabic andArithmetic. Although he was a good student, the true focus of his enthusiasm was reserved for falconryand hunting. "From an early age, he was an excellent shot with the rifle and, while his mother took aleading role in his upbringing, falconry was a passion which brought together Sheikh Saeed and SheikhRashid, father and son, throughout their lives." These hunting expeditions, that were taken twice a year,led the Ruler and his hunting entourage to Iran and later, on occasion, to Pakistan. They provided SheikhRashid with brief, welcome respites from the responsibilities of his position. Houbara, gazelle, rabbit, andgrouse were the game of choice.

Sheikh Rashid's hand's-on approach called for a disciplined daily schedule. Twice daily he would tourDubai to see for himself how the projects were progressing. Sheikh Rashid was never satisfied with asimple explanation; instead he wanted to have a detailed understanding of every project undertaken inDubai. Furthermore, these inspections provided him with the opportunity to meet with the man on thestreet. "After returning home in the evening, it was time to take on more official business in the traditionalevening Majlis, an occasion where the Ruler gave his people the opportunity to meet him and shareproblems or grievances. This duty was one which Sheikh Rashid took very seriously." Sheikh Rashidwas famed and admired for his patience on these occasions; he thoughtfully considered each man'scomplaint or opinion, ensuring that proper assistance was given to each individual. The Majlis, a mix ofnationals, also provided a vibrant stage for debate. Surrounded by men whose opinions he valued,projects were dissected, moulded together, and often implemented by members of the Majlis.

Bes

t of

Dub

ai

Sheikh Rashid foundhimself engaged in

efforts on two levels,both in Dubai and

on a pan-TruicialStates basis.

(Khaleej Times)

Imag

es c

ourte

sy o

f Med

ia P

rima

When Dubai’s commercial artery, Creek, was silting up andimpacting the economic activity, the people turned toSheikh Rashid to find a solution (Dubai Municipality)

Left: Sheikh Rashid and two of his four sons, SheikhHamdan (left) and Sheikh Mohammed (right)

Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed


Legacy of a Visionary“My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my sondrives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.”

His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990)

This thinking reflected His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’sconcern that Dubai's oil would someday run out in a decade or two. Thus, he workedto build an economy in Dubai that could survive the end of Dubai's oil boom - Tourism.

His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990) was the Prime Ministerof the UAE and Ruler of Dubai from 1979 until his death in 1990. His Prime Ministerial predecessor andsuccessor was his son, His Highness late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was the primeminister of United Arab Emirates from 1971 to 1979 and from October 7, 1990 up until his sudden demiseon January 4, 2006. Known and acknowledged as one of the most successful rulers in the Middle East,Sheikh Rashid was responsible for the transformation of Dubai into a modern port city and commercial hub.

The Early YearsHis Highness Sheikh Rashid, Ruler of Dubai from 1958 - 1990, was the eighth ruler from the Al Maktoumfamily. Well-loved and greatly respected by the residents of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid ruledthe Emirate with compassion and with a clear vision of what was required in order to transform Dubaiinto a modern city. Driven by this vision, Rashid accomplished what many believed to be impossible.

As the first-born son of Sheikh Saeed, he involved himself at an early age in the politics of the Emirate.He frequently attended his father's Majlis; ever curious, he would listen intently to each man's dilemmaor opinion. Eager to comprehend the minutiae of governing a state, he would spend long hours questioninghis parents about the events of the day. As a child, he received the finest education available in the regionat the time. He attended the Al Ahmadiyah School, and his studies included Islamic studies, Arabic andArithmetic. Although he was a good student, the true focus of his enthusiasm was reserved for falconryand hunting. "From an early age, he was an excellent shot with the rifle and, while his mother took aleading role in his upbringing, falconry was a passion which brought together Sheikh Saeed and SheikhRashid, father and son, throughout their lives." These hunting expeditions, that were taken twice a year,led the Ruler and his hunting entourage to Iran and later, on occasion, to Pakistan. They provided SheikhRashid with brief, welcome respites from the responsibilities of his position. Houbara, gazelle, rabbit, andgrouse were the game of choice.

Sheikh Rashid's hand's-on approach called for a disciplined daily schedule. Twice daily he would tourDubai to see for himself how the projects were progressing. Sheikh Rashid was never satisfied with asimple explanation; instead he wanted to have a detailed understanding of every project undertaken inDubai. Furthermore, these inspections provided him with the opportunity to meet with the man on thestreet. "After returning home in the evening, it was time to take on more official business in the traditionalevening Majlis, an occasion where the Ruler gave his people the opportunity to meet him and shareproblems or grievances. This duty was one which Sheikh Rashid took very seriously." Sheikh Rashidwas famed and admired for his patience on these occasions; he thoughtfully considered each man'scomplaint or opinion, ensuring that proper assistance was given to each individual. The Majlis, a mix ofnationals, also provided a vibrant stage for debate. Surrounded by men whose opinions he valued,projects were dissected, moulded together, and often implemented by members of the Majlis.

Bes

t of

Dub

ai

Sheikh Rashid foundhimself engaged in

efforts on two levels,both in Dubai and

on a pan-TruicialStates basis.

(Khaleej Times)

Imag

es c

ourte

sy o

f Med

ia P

rima

When Dubai’s commercial artery, Creek, was silting up andimpacting the economic activity, the people turned toSheikh Rashid to find a solution (Dubai Municipality)

Left: Sheikh Rashid and two of his four sons, SheikhHamdan (left) and Sheikh Mohammed (right)

Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed


history of the UAE. With an eye on lessaffluent citizens, Sheikh Maktoum spear-headed a programme to construct thousandsof new homes in projects throughout theUnited Emirates. He and his brothers werealso responsible for transforming Dubai intoone of the most impressive cities in the world.

DevelopmentBetween 1990 and 2006, Sheikh Maktoum'sleadership led to nationwide development.In Dubai, this has resulted in major infra-structure projects, including internationallyrenowned sporting facilities, an impressiveroad network, modern parks and gardens,and public libraries. Dubai InternationalAirport has also been expanded andimproved to reflect the Emirates’ statusas the regional aviation hub.

His love of horses showed in his intro-duction of international horse racing to theArab world. He and his brothers ran thehighly successful Godolphin stables andSheikh Maktoum was the most successfulhorse owner in Europe in 1997. He playeda major role in raising the standard ofinternational racing.

Modern technology diversified Dubai has been quick to adapt to the intro-duction of e-commerce and the rapidtechnological development of recent years.The establishment of Dubai Internet City, inOctober 2000, and Dubai Media City, inJanuary 2001, has ensured that the majorityof the world’s major business players havea presence in Dubai. Both these establish-ments offer their clients state-of-the-artinfrastructure and many business incentives.Together with Dubai Knowledge Villagethey make up the Dubai Technology, E-Commerce and Media Free Zone, a centralfeature of the plans for Dubai’s future.

Information technology has not only beenincorporated into Dubai’s trade and industry,but also into its education system and itsgovernment. The e-government project isanother vital part of the Al Maktoum family’splans for the future.

Dubai has also moved into the worldof international finance, with the opening,in February 2002, of the Dubai InternationalFinancial Centre, which Sheikh Mohammedannounced would “be a bridge for financial services between our region andthe inter-national markets 24 hours a dayand 7 days a week.” He added, “this centrewill provide an ideal business environmentbased on a highly developed infrastructure,and control regula-tions and laws that rivalthe latest and most competent regulationsand laws worldwide.”

ProgressBefore 1990, Dubai International Airport wasalways busy, but the majority of passengerswere in transit. Now, millions of them eachyear stay in Dubai for their holidays, and theairport is even busier. In 2001 the state-of-the-art Sheikh Rashid Terminal openedto cater for the increase in passengers.

The Maktoum brothers have introducedmany initiatives to attract more visitors toDubai, the most famous of which is theDubai Shopping Festival – an annual month-long event during which the majority ofDubai’s stores offer considerable discountson their goods. One of the most popularfeatures of the Shopping Festival is the GlobalVillage, where various countries take theopportunity to showcase their heritagethrough exhibitions of traditional handicrafts,clothing, food, music and dance. Each countryhas its own pavilion, and every eveningthroughout the Shopping Festival, crowdsflock to the Village to enjoy this perfectexample of Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature.In recent years, Dubai has witnessed thedevelopment of some of the world’s mostwell-appointed and architecturally accom-plished hotels. On a man-made island justoff the shore of Jumeirah, the world’s tallesthotel, the Burj Al Arab, stands. This building,built to resemble the sail of a traditionalArabian dhow, is the centrepiece of Dubai’stourism industry, offering the most luxuriousaccommodation imaginable. The most recentPalm Island and The World projects provethat the Eighth Wonder of the World is indeedin Dubai. Little wonder, then, that the projects’builders say, “The Palm puts Dubai on theMap, but the World puts the map on Dubai.”

AchievementDespite the recent success that Dubai hasenjoyed in this area, the Maktoum brothershave shown that they share their father’s trait ofstriving for continual improvement by statingtheir aim to increase the number of touristsvisiting Dubai annually from twenty-five millionin 2005 to over fifty million by the year 2010.Innovative projects such as Burj Dubai, DubaiFestival City, International City, Dubai Water-front and Dubailand - plans that combine enter-tainment, dining, shopping, marinas, hotels,offices and residential apartments – are allmanifestations of the Maktoum families’ commit-ment to bring to fruition the vision of the found-ing father Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The discovery of oil certainly helped, but itis His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin SaeedAl Maktoum’s family’s commitment and intelli-gent use of resources that has modernisedDubai. The tale of Dubai is a tale of thewisdom of its Rulers.

Sheikh Rashid and delegates on a visit toDubai Port Services (Khaleej Times)

Determined in his unfaltering belief that a modernisedDubai could be achieved, Sheikh Rashid initiatednumerous remarkable developments in his city-state.

Project Inc.Projects viewed as impossible by many members ofsociety (including foreign nationals) were seen as challengesby the Ruler. Examples of such projects included the AlMaktoum Hospital, the first modern hospital in what wasthen the Trucial States; the Al Maktoum Bridge, whichspanned the Creek, joining Dubai with Deira and eliminatingthe long trip around the head of the Creek; and the DubaiAirport, which bore immediate reward as demand for seatsgrew much faster than anticipated. "Both these projects,the airport and the bridge, showed clearly that Dubai’sinfrastructure planning was hardly ever just a responseto the immediate needs of the community: it was clearlylinked to the ambitious ideas about the future developmentof Dubai." With his passing away on October 7, 1990,Sheikh Rashid left behind a legacy visible in the townplanning of Dubai. News of his death travelled far andwide. Heads of States throughout the world sent theircondolences. Most extraordinary, however, was the reactionacross the Atlantic in New York, at the United Nations. TheGeneral Assembly was debating a motion on Palestinewhen invited to mark the passing of Dubai's leader. BothGeneral Assembly and Security Council observed a minute'ssilence, after which representatives of Kuwait, Poland andthe US paid tribute to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.Though scarcely a whisper marked his birth in 1912, in aplace which few outsiders at the time had even heard of,

Sheikh Rashid had laboured hard to develop Dubai andlater the United Arab Emirates into a lasting and sustainableentity. Seventy-eight years later, his death drew the worldcommunity to its feet in the UN General Assembly, aremarkable tribute to a remarkable man and his manyachievements. A legacy he left to his sons, who continueto follow in their father’s footsteps.

A Vision AccomplishedSheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum recognised thatDubai had the potential to become a great city. When hebecame the Ruler of Dubai in 1958, Dubai's infrastructurewas developing to accommodate its rapidly growingpopulation. It was evident that basic services needed tobe established and existing services improved upon, butSheikh Rashid never settled for just meeting needs whenhe could plan for the future. In 1959, work began ondredging the creek, which had silted up rapidly duringthe 1950s, limiting the number of seagoing vessels thatcould enter it. As the creek was deepened, the excavatedrock and soil was deposited on low laying land along itsshores, this reclaimed land was sold to pay for the project.By the end of 1960, the creek project was completed andshipping lines began using Dubai as their main port inthe Gulf. Demand dictated the need for new wharfs,warehouses and port facilities. In 1967, construction beganon a deep-water harbour. Originally designed for fourberths, the completed harbour had fifteen and eventuallyexpanded to thirty-five. Built to service the largest ships,Port Rashid officially opened on 5 October 1972. A secondport was later built at Jebel Ali, just south of the city.

Above: Sheikh Rashid and hisparty on the steps of the CapitolBuilding in Washington.Inset: Visiting the United Nations in New York (Dubai Petroleum Company)

Right: Sheikh Rashid visiting arig. Excitement grew in Dubai as news spread that thegovernment was about toannounce the discovery ofcommercial oil deposits.(Simon Nicolas)

An imposing harbour with sixty-seven berths made it theworld's largest manmade port at the time. Built around the port,the Jebel Ali Free Zone was founded in 1985. The airfield thatSheikh Rashid ordered in 1959 opened in 1961 it proved verypopular with airlines seeking landing rights. As morecompanies established bases in Dubai and the populationgrew, the airfield expanded. In 1985, Dubai's airport becamethe home base for the newly founded Emirates Airline.

The mastermind of numerous projects, Sheikh Rashid wassteadfast in his belief that anything is possible. Dubai'stransformation is the result of massive effort driven by the visionof its rulers.

Sheikh Rashid’s decadesThe achievements of the UAE in the past three decades areevidence of the abilities of the people who worked selflesslyalongside the first UAE President, His Highness Late SheikhZayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In May 1981, Sheikh Rashid fellill and the onus fell firmly on his four sons. Although herecovered, he still needed much rest, leaving the practicalmanagement of day-to-day affairs to Sheikh Maktoum, whowas ably supported by his brothers, Sheikh Hamdan, SheikhMohammed and Sheikh Ahmed. The three brothers formed aneffective leadership team that maintained and expanded theirfather's legacy. Following the death of Sheikh Rashid in November1990, Sheikh Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai and VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE, positions he helduntil he passed away in January 2006. Sheikh Maktoum'sreturn as Prime Minister coincided with one of the mostastonishing bursts of national development in the thirty-year


history of the UAE. With an eye on lessaffluent citizens, Sheikh Maktoum spear-headed a programme to construct thousandsof new homes in projects throughout theUnited Emirates. He and his brothers werealso responsible for transforming Dubai intoone of the most impressive cities in the world.

DevelopmentBetween 1990 and 2006, Sheikh Maktoum'sleadership led to nationwide development.In Dubai, this has resulted in major infra-structure projects, including internationallyrenowned sporting facilities, an impressiveroad network, modern parks and gardens,and public libraries. Dubai InternationalAirport has also been expanded andimproved to reflect the Emirates’ statusas the regional aviation hub.

His love of horses showed in his intro-duction of international horse racing to theArab world. He and his brothers ran thehighly successful Godolphin stables andSheikh Maktoum was the most successfulhorse owner in Europe in 1997. He playeda major role in raising the standard ofinternational racing.

Modern technology diversified Dubai has been quick to adapt to the intro-duction of e-commerce and the rapidtechnological development of recent years.The establishment of Dubai Internet City, inOctober 2000, and Dubai Media City, inJanuary 2001, has ensured that the majorityof the world’s major business players havea presence in Dubai. Both these establish-ments offer their clients state-of-the-artinfrastructure and many business incentives.Together with Dubai Knowledge Villagethey make up the Dubai Technology, E-Commerce and Media Free Zone, a centralfeature of the plans for Dubai’s future.

Information technology has not only beenincorporated into Dubai’s trade and industry,but also into its education system and itsgovernment. The e-government project isanother vital part of the Al Maktoum family’splans for the future.

Dubai has also moved into the worldof international finance, with the opening,in February 2002, of the Dubai InternationalFinancial Centre, which Sheikh Mohammedannounced would “be a bridge for financial services between our region andthe inter-national markets 24 hours a dayand 7 days a week.” He added, “this centrewill provide an ideal business environmentbased on a highly developed infrastructure,and control regula-tions and laws that rivalthe latest and most competent regulationsand laws worldwide.”

ProgressBefore 1990, Dubai International Airport wasalways busy, but the majority of passengerswere in transit. Now, millions of them eachyear stay in Dubai for their holidays, and theairport is even busier. In 2001 the state-of-the-art Sheikh Rashid Terminal openedto cater for the increase in passengers.

The Maktoum brothers have introducedmany initiatives to attract more visitors toDubai, the most famous of which is theDubai Shopping Festival – an annual month-long event during which the majority ofDubai’s stores offer considerable discountson their goods. One of the most popularfeatures of the Shopping Festival is the GlobalVillage, where various countries take theopportunity to showcase their heritagethrough exhibitions of traditional handicrafts,clothing, food, music and dance. Each countryhas its own pavilion, and every eveningthroughout the Shopping Festival, crowdsflock to the Village to enjoy this perfectexample of Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature.In recent years, Dubai has witnessed thedevelopment of some of the world’s mostwell-appointed and architecturally accom-plished hotels. On a man-made island justoff the shore of Jumeirah, the world’s tallesthotel, the Burj Al Arab, stands. This building,built to resemble the sail of a traditionalArabian dhow, is the centrepiece of Dubai’stourism industry, offering the most luxuriousaccommodation imaginable. The most recentPalm Island and The World projects provethat the Eighth Wonder of the World is indeedin Dubai. Little wonder, then, that the projects’builders say, “The Palm puts Dubai on theMap, but the World puts the map on Dubai.”

AchievementDespite the recent success that Dubai hasenjoyed in this area, the Maktoum brothershave shown that they share their father’s trait ofstriving for continual improvement by statingtheir aim to increase the number of touristsvisiting Dubai annually from twenty-five millionin 2005 to over fifty million by the year 2010.Innovative projects such as Burj Dubai, DubaiFestival City, International City, Dubai Water-front and Dubailand - plans that combine enter-tainment, dining, shopping, marinas, hotels,offices and residential apartments – are allmanifestations of the Maktoum families’ commit-ment to bring to fruition the vision of the found-ing father Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The discovery of oil certainly helped, but itis His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin SaeedAl Maktoum’s family’s commitment and intelli-gent use of resources that has modernisedDubai. The tale of Dubai is a tale of thewisdom of its Rulers.

Sheikh Rashid and delegates on a visit toDubai Port Services (Khaleej Times)

Determined in his unfaltering belief that a modernisedDubai could be achieved, Sheikh Rashid initiatednumerous remarkable developments in his city-state.

Project Inc.Projects viewed as impossible by many members ofsociety (including foreign nationals) were seen as challengesby the Ruler. Examples of such projects included the AlMaktoum Hospital, the first modern hospital in what wasthen the Trucial States; the Al Maktoum Bridge, whichspanned the Creek, joining Dubai with Deira and eliminatingthe long trip around the head of the Creek; and the DubaiAirport, which bore immediate reward as demand for seatsgrew much faster than anticipated. "Both these projects,the airport and the bridge, showed clearly that Dubai’sinfrastructure planning was hardly ever just a responseto the immediate needs of the community: it was clearlylinked to the ambitious ideas about the future developmentof Dubai." With his passing away on October 7, 1990,Sheikh Rashid left behind a legacy visible in the townplanning of Dubai. News of his death travelled far andwide. Heads of States throughout the world sent theircondolences. Most extraordinary, however, was the reactionacross the Atlantic in New York, at the United Nations. TheGeneral Assembly was debating a motion on Palestinewhen invited to mark the passing of Dubai's leader. BothGeneral Assembly and Security Council observed a minute'ssilence, after which representatives of Kuwait, Poland andthe US paid tribute to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.Though scarcely a whisper marked his birth in 1912, in aplace which few outsiders at the time had even heard of,

Sheikh Rashid had laboured hard to develop Dubai andlater the United Arab Emirates into a lasting and sustainableentity. Seventy-eight years later, his death drew the worldcommunity to its feet in the UN General Assembly, aremarkable tribute to a remarkable man and his manyachievements. A legacy he left to his sons, who continueto follow in their father’s footsteps.

A Vision AccomplishedSheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum recognised thatDubai had the potential to become a great city. When hebecame the Ruler of Dubai in 1958, Dubai's infrastructurewas developing to accommodate its rapidly growingpopulation. It was evident that basic services needed tobe established and existing services improved upon, butSheikh Rashid never settled for just meeting needs whenhe could plan for the future. In 1959, work began ondredging the creek, which had silted up rapidly duringthe 1950s, limiting the number of seagoing vessels thatcould enter it. As the creek was deepened, the excavatedrock and soil was deposited on low laying land along itsshores, this reclaimed land was sold to pay for the project.By the end of 1960, the creek project was completed andshipping lines began using Dubai as their main port inthe Gulf. Demand dictated the need for new wharfs,warehouses and port facilities. In 1967, construction beganon a deep-water harbour. Originally designed for fourberths, the completed harbour had fifteen and eventuallyexpanded to thirty-five. Built to service the largest ships,Port Rashid officially opened on 5 October 1972. A secondport was later built at Jebel Ali, just south of the city.

Above: Sheikh Rashid and hisparty on the steps of the CapitolBuilding in Washington.Inset: Visiting the United Nations in New York (Dubai Petroleum Company)

Right: Sheikh Rashid visiting arig. Excitement grew in Dubai as news spread that thegovernment was about toannounce the discovery ofcommercial oil deposits.(Simon Nicolas)

An imposing harbour with sixty-seven berths made it theworld's largest manmade port at the time. Built around the port,the Jebel Ali Free Zone was founded in 1985. The airfield thatSheikh Rashid ordered in 1959 opened in 1961 it proved verypopular with airlines seeking landing rights. As morecompanies established bases in Dubai and the populationgrew, the airfield expanded. In 1985, Dubai's airport becamethe home base for the newly founded Emirates Airline.

The mastermind of numerous projects, Sheikh Rashid wassteadfast in his belief that anything is possible. Dubai'stransformation is the result of massive effort driven by the visionof its rulers.

Sheikh Rashid’s decadesThe achievements of the UAE in the past three decades areevidence of the abilities of the people who worked selflesslyalongside the first UAE President, His Highness Late SheikhZayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In May 1981, Sheikh Rashid fellill and the onus fell firmly on his four sons. Although herecovered, he still needed much rest, leaving the practicalmanagement of day-to-day affairs to Sheikh Maktoum, whowas ably supported by his brothers, Sheikh Hamdan, SheikhMohammed and Sheikh Ahmed. The three brothers formed aneffective leadership team that maintained and expanded theirfather's legacy. Following the death of Sheikh Rashid in November1990, Sheikh Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai and VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE, positions he helduntil he passed away in January 2006. Sheikh Maktoum'sreturn as Prime Minister coincided with one of the mostastonishing bursts of national development in the thirty-year


Consisting of Dubai Internet City, DubaiMedia City, Dubai Knowledge Village,International Media Production Zone,Dubai Outsource Zone, DubaiBiotechnology and Research Park, DubaiStudio City, e-Hosting Datafort, ITEP andTAMKEEN , TECOM Investmentsprovides a range of services andopportunities for internationalcorporations and companies to operatesuccessfully from the Middle East.

An initiative born out of the vision of HisHighness Sheikh Mohammed Bin RashidAl Maktoum, Vice-President and PrimeMinister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,the TECOM Investments project began in2000 as part of an ambitious andvisionary ten-year plan. The aim was torevolutionise and diversify the emirate'sbooming economy, which was previouslyreliant on the oil industry.

The concept stands forth as asuccessful implementation of clustereconomies as propounded by MichaelPorter through his theories. This is afamiliar business model in the Arab worldwhere industries such as gold, textiles,spices and electronics have all naturallyclustered into 'souks'.

The campus-style environments ofDubai Internet City, Dubai Media City andDubai Knowledge Village provide theultimate operations and networkingfacilities. Equipment vendors are nextdoor to systems integrators for convenientcoordination, while the close proximity ofDubai Media City encourages interactionbetween advertising agencies andcreative free-lancers. Specialist trainingfor companies and general academia isalso available in Dubai Knowledge village.

The incentives for companies entering TECOM Investments' free zone are numerous. From supportservices provided by its internaldepartments, sister companies andsubsidiaries, businesses are offered the ultimate efficiency, convenience and flexibility.

In fact, TECOM is now exporting itsexpertise in developing and managingknowledge-industry business clusters andis holding discussions with several cities in Asia and Europe to establishbusiness parks there. It has also tied upwith Dubai Investment Group (DIG), itssister company in the Dubai Holdinggroup to make strategic telecomacquisitions.

Today, this unique free zone is the ultimate success story. Home tohundreds of global companies, it isrecognised internationally as a world-leading business climate, serving information and communicationtechnology, (ITC) media, education,biotechnology and energy.

Interview with TECOM Investments CEO, Abdullatif Al Mulla:

With interests ranging from technologyclusters to e-education, what is thecommon thread that links all of theseentities together? What other areas doyou want to conquer?TECOM clusters are united by one goal -the development of Dubai's knowledge-based economy. TECOM's first cluster,Dubai Internet City, was established inOctober 2000, to develop the informationand communication technology (ICT)sector. Dubai Media City and DubaiKnowledge Village were set upsubsequently to develop the media andeducation sectors respectively.

Later we launched initiatives targeted atniche industries. International MediaProduction Zone (IMPZ) was focused onprinting and publishing and Dubai StudioCity was dedicated to film, broadcast andmusic production.

Business process outsourcing (BPO)was another area we identified aspotentially high-growth, and therefore welaunched Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ).Later, we announced the DubaiBiotechnology and Research Park(DuBiotech) to develop the knowledge-intensive biotechnology sector.

TECOM is constantly exploring newopportunities in knowledge-based sectorswhere we can add value.

What is your vision for your group in 10years' time? How do you thinktelecommunications will transform Dubaiand what role do you think TECOM willhave played in this development?Over the past five years, TECOM hasacquired considerable expertise in settingup and managing business campuses forknowledge based industries and we arenow looking to share this expertise withother countries.

TECOM is in talks with governments ofcountries in Asia and Europe to set up ITand media business campuses in citieswith high growth potential. This will create anetwork of business campuses, which willcreate tremendous synergies and promotegrowth both in Dubai and the regions theyare located in. Our vision for TECOM in thenext 10 years is to be a leading player inthe global knowledge-based economy.

Telecommunications is an integral partof TECOM's strategy to go international.We recently acquired stakes in Maltacomand Tunisie Telecom. We have alsoinvested in Interoute, the owner andoperator of Europe's largest and most-advanced voice and data network and Axiom Telecom, the largest distributor and retailer of wireless productsin the region.

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TECOM Investments is Dubai's state-of-the-art free zonefor business globalisation, a distinction it has earned foritself through the advanced infrastructure and supportivered tape free environment offered to its associates.

Standing Tall

Abdullatif Al MullaCEO - TECOM

Investments

Dubai Media City


Consisting of Dubai Internet City, DubaiMedia City, Dubai Knowledge Village,International Media Production Zone,Dubai Outsource Zone, DubaiBiotechnology and Research Park, DubaiStudio City, e-Hosting Datafort, ITEP andTAMKEEN , TECOM Investmentsprovides a range of services andopportunities for internationalcorporations and companies to operatesuccessfully from the Middle East.

An initiative born out of the vision of HisHighness Sheikh Mohammed Bin RashidAl Maktoum, Vice-President and PrimeMinister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,the TECOM Investments project began in2000 as part of an ambitious andvisionary ten-year plan. The aim was torevolutionise and diversify the emirate'sbooming economy, which was previouslyreliant on the oil industry.

The concept stands forth as asuccessful implementation of clustereconomies as propounded by MichaelPorter through his theories. This is afamiliar business model in the Arab worldwhere industries such as gold, textiles,spices and electronics have all naturallyclustered into 'souks'.

The campus-style environments ofDubai Internet City, Dubai Media City andDubai Knowledge Village provide theultimate operations and networkingfacilities. Equipment vendors are nextdoor to systems integrators for convenientcoordination, while the close proximity ofDubai Media City encourages interactionbetween advertising agencies andcreative free-lancers. Specialist trainingfor companies and general academia isalso available in Dubai Knowledge village.

The incentives for companies entering TECOM Investments' free zone are numerous. From supportservices provided by its internaldepartments, sister companies andsubsidiaries, businesses are offered the ultimate efficiency, convenience and flexibility.

In fact, TECOM is now exporting itsexpertise in developing and managingknowledge-industry business clusters andis holding discussions with several cities in Asia and Europe to establishbusiness parks there. It has also tied upwith Dubai Investment Group (DIG), itssister company in the Dubai Holdinggroup to make strategic telecomacquisitions.

Today, this unique free zone is the ultimate success story. Home tohundreds of global companies, it isrecognised internationally as a world-leading business climate, serving information and communicationtechnology, (ITC) media, education,biotechnology and energy.

Interview with TECOM Investments CEO, Abdullatif Al Mulla:

With interests ranging from technologyclusters to e-education, what is thecommon thread that links all of theseentities together? What other areas doyou want to conquer?TECOM clusters are united by one goal -the development of Dubai's knowledge-based economy. TECOM's first cluster,Dubai Internet City, was established inOctober 2000, to develop the informationand communication technology (ICT)sector. Dubai Media City and DubaiKnowledge Village were set upsubsequently to develop the media andeducation sectors respectively.

Later we launched initiatives targeted atniche industries. International MediaProduction Zone (IMPZ) was focused onprinting and publishing and Dubai StudioCity was dedicated to film, broadcast andmusic production.

Business process outsourcing (BPO)was another area we identified aspotentially high-growth, and therefore welaunched Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ).Later, we announced the DubaiBiotechnology and Research Park(DuBiotech) to develop the knowledge-intensive biotechnology sector.

TECOM is constantly exploring newopportunities in knowledge-based sectorswhere we can add value.

What is your vision for your group in 10years' time? How do you thinktelecommunications will transform Dubaiand what role do you think TECOM willhave played in this development?Over the past five years, TECOM hasacquired considerable expertise in settingup and managing business campuses forknowledge based industries and we arenow looking to share this expertise withother countries.

TECOM is in talks with governments ofcountries in Asia and Europe to set up ITand media business campuses in citieswith high growth potential. This will create anetwork of business campuses, which willcreate tremendous synergies and promotegrowth both in Dubai and the regions theyare located in. Our vision for TECOM in thenext 10 years is to be a leading player inthe global knowledge-based economy.

Telecommunications is an integral partof TECOM's strategy to go international.We recently acquired stakes in Maltacomand Tunisie Telecom. We have alsoinvested in Interoute, the owner andoperator of Europe's largest and most-advanced voice and data network and Axiom Telecom, the largest distributor and retailer of wireless productsin the region.

Bes

t of

Dub

ai

TECOM Investments is Dubai's state-of-the-art free zonefor business globalisation, a distinction it has earned foritself through the advanced infrastructure and supportivered tape free environment offered to its associates.

Standing Tall

Abdullatif Al MullaCEO - TECOM

Investments

Dubai Media City

We seek to contribute to the economic development ofthe regions we are investing in, which in the long run willcontribute to the success of our initiatives.

What other geographic markets do you wish to enter, nowthat TECOM already has a presence in Malta, Tunisia, andEurope?Our telecom investment strategy is global with a specialfocus on the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

What are the critical components of creating a successfulcluster development? Do you think that this model can besuccessfully implemented in every country? The single-most critical factor behind the success of aplanned cluster is the environment and infrastructure itprovides.

TECOM clusters have been successful because they have provided an exceptional hard and softinfrastructure as well as a host of financial incentives, and business-enabling and business developmentservices.

Our objective is to help companies cut down theiroperational hassles so that they can concentrate on theircore business. In addition, we provide them severalopportunities for business development.

The success of this model depends on the support and commitment of key stake-holders, mainly thegovernment. Dubai's government has shown exceptionalvision and commitment in supporting TECOM's knowledge-based clusters.

What impact will the convergence of communicationstechnologies have on the need for businesses to be locatedin physical proximity? How will you manage the balancingact of being a technology leader while keeping the realestate projects fully occupied?The convergence of communication technologies hasrevolutionised the way corporations do business and it hasfacilitated tremendous efficiencies. But you cannot limit thevalue of human interaction in conducting business.

Locating in a cluster gives companies greater opportunities to establishhuman relationships with partners, suppliers and customers critical tothe development of business. So, our aim to be a technology leaderdoes not conflict with our need to build a community of knowledge-based companies.

Demand for space in the Media and Internet Cities still exceeds supply.What provisions have you made for further expansion?Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are poised for massiveexpansion with a number of private investors developing buildings onFree Zone land. About 27 buildings are expected to be built in the nextfive years. This expansion will create the capacity for the growth ofDubai Media City and Dubai Internet City into a richer and even morevibrant knowledge industry hub.

What kind of businesses are you seeking for prime tenancy of StudioCity? From where do most of them originate?Dubai Studio City is a cluster for film, broadcast and music productioncompanies across the world. We are particularly targeting the Hollywoodand Bollywood film industries, which have being showing increasinginterest in what Dubai Studio City has to offer.

In the immediate term, we will be catering to the demand from Dubai Media City's broadcasting companies which are looking for theinfrastructure to expand.

Ultimately, Dubai Studio City aims to build a large cluster ofcompanies from across the industry value-chain. These includeproduction companies, support service providers offering productionand post-production facilities, animation studios and services like

dubbing, make-up, costume designing, stage designing and building,casting, telnet agencies as well as telecine and lab facilities.

Your stated aim in supporting e-TQM is to promote quality management.What does that mean for you?Total quality management is about quality being the guiding principle ofeverything that we do. It is a tool which enables all members of our teamto become involved in the continuous improvement of our services. It isalso about a commitment to standards, systems and processes thathelp us achieve high customer satisfaction.

What is TECOM's biggest strength?TECOM's biggest strength is its people. They are the ones responsible for our achievements and our continued success. Andtherefore, we believe that by developing our people we can develop our company.

If there was one thing in your career you would like to change or dobetter, what would it be?I am striving to work closer with my team leaders to shift the mindset of employees so that we can raise their efficiency, productivity andeffectiveness to meet international benchmarks rather than just local or regional. TECOM has always demonstrated its leadership inraising standards to meet international bench-marks and we will continue to do so.

Tel.: +9714 391 1111www.tecom.ae

DuBiotech Headquarters

Dubai Studio City Dubai Internet City

Dubai Knowledge Village


We seek to contribute to the economic development ofthe regions we are investing in, which in the long run willcontribute to the success of our initiatives.

What other geographic markets do you wish to enter, nowthat TECOM already has a presence in Malta, Tunisia, andEurope?Our telecom investment strategy is global with a specialfocus on the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

What are the critical components of creating a successfulcluster development? Do you think that this model can besuccessfully implemented in every country? The single-most critical factor behind the success of aplanned cluster is the environment and infrastructure itprovides.

TECOM clusters have been successful because they have provided an exceptional hard and softinfrastructure as well as a host of financial incentives, and business-enabling and business developmentservices.

Our objective is to help companies cut down theiroperational hassles so that they can concentrate on theircore business. In addition, we provide them severalopportunities for business development.

The success of this model depends on the support and commitment of key stake-holders, mainly thegovernment. Dubai's government has shown exceptionalvision and commitment in supporting TECOM's knowledge-based clusters.

What impact will the convergence of communicationstechnologies have on the need for businesses to be locatedin physical proximity? How will you manage the balancingact of being a technology leader while keeping the realestate projects fully occupied?The convergence of communication technologies hasrevolutionised the way corporations do business and it hasfacilitated tremendous efficiencies. But you cannot limit thevalue of human interaction in conducting business.

Locating in a cluster gives companies greater opportunities to establishhuman relationships with partners, suppliers and customers critical tothe development of business. So, our aim to be a technology leaderdoes not conflict with our need to build a community of knowledge-based companies.

Demand for space in the Media and Internet Cities still exceeds supply.What provisions have you made for further expansion?Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are poised for massiveexpansion with a number of private investors developing buildings onFree Zone land. About 27 buildings are expected to be built in the nextfive years. This expansion will create the capacity for the growth ofDubai Media City and Dubai Internet City into a richer and even morevibrant knowledge industry hub.

What kind of businesses are you seeking for prime tenancy of StudioCity? From where do most of them originate?Dubai Studio City is a cluster for film, broadcast and music productioncompanies across the world. We are particularly targeting the Hollywoodand Bollywood film industries, which have being showing increasinginterest in what Dubai Studio City has to offer.

In the immediate term, we will be catering to the demand from Dubai Media City's broadcasting companies which are looking for theinfrastructure to expand.

Ultimately, Dubai Studio City aims to build a large cluster ofcompanies from across the industry value-chain. These includeproduction companies, support service providers offering productionand post-production facilities, animation studios and services like

dubbing, make-up, costume designing, stage designing and building,casting, telnet agencies as well as telecine and lab facilities.

Your stated aim in supporting e-TQM is to promote quality management.What does that mean for you?Total quality management is about quality being the guiding principle ofeverything that we do. It is a tool which enables all members of our teamto become involved in the continuous improvement of our services. It isalso about a commitment to standards, systems and processes thathelp us achieve high customer satisfaction.

What is TECOM's biggest strength?TECOM's biggest strength is its people. They are the ones responsible for our achievements and our continued success. Andtherefore, we believe that by developing our people we can develop our company.

If there was one thing in your career you would like to change or dobetter, what would it be?I am striving to work closer with my team leaders to shift the mindset of employees so that we can raise their efficiency, productivity andeffectiveness to meet international benchmarks rather than just local or regional. TECOM has always demonstrated its leadership inraising standards to meet international bench-marks and we will continue to do so.

Tel.: +9714 391 1111www.tecom.ae

DuBiotech Headquarters

Dubai Studio City Dubai Internet City



Starting its days as a one-station force with just 29members, the Dubai Police have grown considerably overthe last 50 years to become a 15,000 strong organizationwith a reputation for safety and security that is second-to-none in the Gulf region.

40 Best of Dubai

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The Dubai Police force was establishedin January 1956 when the civil guardsemployed to protect souqs werepromoted to the regular force followingan order from the late Sheikh RashidBin Saeed Al Maktoum. His son,Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AlMaktoum, vice-president and primeminister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,was appointed as the first chief ofpolice. Gradually a comprehensiveagenda was developed for the localpopulation to acquire the necessaryskills for taking charge of their ownforce. This dream was realized in 1975with the appointment of ColonelAbdullah Khalfan Abulhoul as directorof the Dubai Police and ColonelMohammad Saeed Al Gaith as hisdeputy. In 1980, Lieutenant-GeneralDhahi Khalfan Tamim took over as chief

of the Dubai Police, a position he stillholds to this day.

Having joined the force as a 17-year-old Cadet Officer, Lieutenant-GeneralKhalfan quickly rose up the ranks toassume complete authority while stillonly 28. Despite his relative youth, thenew chief of police quickly set aboutbringing the organization into themodern world with his first project theestablishment of a Crime Lab. “In thosedays there were no police labs,” hesaid in an interview to mark 50 years ofthe Dubai Police. “The statement wouldbe recorded and the matter wouldeither be settled or disputed in ahaphazard manner.”

From the concept of the Crime Lab,the Dubai Police force was the firstArab police force to apply DNA testingto criminal investigations, the use of

Best of Dubai 41

Protect and Serve

electronic finger printing and implementation of the paperlessdepartment concept. Dubai Police were also among the first inthe Gulf to utilize the Automatic Vehicle Locator using Loran Csignals and the first to replace this system with satellite and GPS.

Under his guidance and the unflinching support of theLeadership, the Dubai Police Force is a highly efficient andmodern arm of government, with a humane face. Lieutenant-General Khalfan hasn’t forgotten his community responsibilities.“Community police means a police that is acceptable amongstsociety, its word reaches people and gets a response from them,”he said. “I believe we cannot be a community police unless weshare with the people their worries, tragedies and happiness.”

Under the guidance of a leader who considers policing notjust about arresting criminals, but also providing exceptionallevels of public service, it is no wonder the Dubai Police haverecorded a community satisfaction rating of 85 per cent, anenormous achievement considering the diverse nature of theDubai population.

It is precisely this dedication to community that Lieutenant-General Khalfan believes will maintain Dubai as one of the safestplaces on the globe to live and work. Despite the political geo-sensitivities of the region overall, the emirate is a haven of safetyand prosperity. “If we succeed in strongly establishing theconcept of community police we will be able to discover morecrimes, face the dangers of terrorism and large crimes becausethe public is willing to cooperate with the police”, he concludes.

Tel.: +9714 269 2222www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police at the opening of Dubai Police Headquarters in 2006

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police

Dubai Police.qxp 12/28/2006 11:01 AM Page 1

Starting its days as a one-station force with just 29members, the Dubai Police have grown considerably overthe last 50 years to become a 15,000 strong organizationwith a reputation for safety and security that is second-to-none in the Gulf region.

40 Best of Dubai

Bes

t of

Dub

ai

The Dubai Police force was establishedin January 1956 when the civil guardsemployed to protect souqs werepromoted to the regular force followingan order from the late Sheikh RashidBin Saeed Al Maktoum. His son,Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AlMaktoum, vice-president and primeminister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,was appointed as the first chief ofpolice. Gradually a comprehensiveagenda was developed for the localpopulation to acquire the necessaryskills for taking charge of their ownforce. This dream was realized in 1975with the appointment of ColonelAbdullah Khalfan Abulhoul as directorof the Dubai Police and ColonelMohammad Saeed Al Gaith as hisdeputy. In 1980, Lieutenant-GeneralDhahi Khalfan Tamim took over as chief

of the Dubai Police, a position he stillholds to this day.

Having joined the force as a 17-year-old Cadet Officer, Lieutenant-GeneralKhalfan quickly rose up the ranks toassume complete authority while stillonly 28. Despite his relative youth, thenew chief of police quickly set aboutbringing the organization into themodern world with his first project theestablishment of a Crime Lab. “In thosedays there were no police labs,” hesaid in an interview to mark 50 years ofthe Dubai Police. “The statement wouldbe recorded and the matter wouldeither be settled or disputed in ahaphazard manner.”

From the concept of the Crime Lab,the Dubai Police force was the firstArab police force to apply DNA testingto criminal investigations, the use of

Best of Dubai 41

Protect and Serve

electronic finger printing and implementation of the paperlessdepartment concept. Dubai Police were also among the first inthe Gulf to utilize the Automatic Vehicle Locator using Loran Csignals and the first to replace this system with satellite and GPS.

Under his guidance and the unflinching support of theLeadership, the Dubai Police Force is a highly efficient andmodern arm of government, with a humane face. Lieutenant-General Khalfan hasn’t forgotten his community responsibilities.“Community police means a police that is acceptable amongstsociety, its word reaches people and gets a response from them,”he said. “I believe we cannot be a community police unless weshare with the people their worries, tragedies and happiness.”

Under the guidance of a leader who considers policing notjust about arresting criminals, but also providing exceptionallevels of public service, it is no wonder the Dubai Police haverecorded a community satisfaction rating of 85 per cent, anenormous achievement considering the diverse nature of theDubai population.

It is precisely this dedication to community that Lieutenant-General Khalfan believes will maintain Dubai as one of the safestplaces on the globe to live and work. Despite the political geo-sensitivities of the region overall, the emirate is a haven of safetyand prosperity. “If we succeed in strongly establishing theconcept of community police we will be able to discover morecrimes, face the dangers of terrorism and large crimes becausethe public is willing to cooperate with the police”, he concludes.

Tel.: +9714 269 2222www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police at the opening of Dubai Police Headquarters in 2006

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police

Dubai Police.qxp 12/28/2006 11:01 AM Page 1

The World Tower

When Fortune Group first announced the launch of Burj Al Alam, theworld’s tallest commercial tower; it promised to construct one of the mostimpressive landmarks in Dubai. Replete with luxurious value additions,this vertical landmark will house offices, an exclusive shopping mall, theworld’s tallest 5-star hotel, serviced apartments, the world’s highestrestaurant as well as the world’s first rooftop spa. At almost half akilometre into the sky, Burj Al Alam, or ‘World Tower,’ as it is known inEnglish, is guaranteed to become one of the finest architecturalachievements in the world.

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42 Best of Dubai

At 500 meters high, Burj Al Alam willbeat the Petronas Twin Towers ofKuala Lumpur and the Sears Towerof Chicago as the world’s tallestcommercial landmark. “I was verymuch inspired by Toronto’s CNTower and especially its observationdeck,” says Syed Mohammed Ali,Chief Executive Officer, FortuneGroup. “Burj Al Alam will allowvisitors to view neighbouringemirates from its state of the art roof deck, the first of its kind in theregion.”

Prior to the project’s launch inBusiness Bay, there was debate onhow tall the building should be.“Some felt that 108 stories would beimpossible to achieve, that it wastoo high,” explains Ahmed HashimKhoory, Chairman, Fortune Group.“With the help of our team,consultants and overall goodwill, we found the confidence weneeded to forge ahead with thisincredible project.”

The team behind Burj Al Alamconsists of an impressivecombination of architects andconsultants. Ove Arup, one of theworld’s top engineering firms andNihon Sekkei, renownedarchitecture design firm, are just afew of the names associated withBurj Al Alam. “We chose Japaneseconsultants primarily because oftheir specialisation in earthquakeprotective construction. “We aredetermined to build the strongestpossible structure that will withstandthe test of time,” Ali explains.

The tower derives its inspirationfrom nature. Viewed from the top, itshexagonal tip will look like ablossoming flower with petalsopening outward. At another level,the six distinct ‘petals,’ ordemarcations, are said to paytribute to the Six Sigma process ofbusiness improvement. This befitsthe underlying entrepreneurial spiritof Business Bay and Dubai as awhole.

Burj Al Alam plans to offerunrivalled facilities to its corporatetenants with each floor divided intosix ‘petals’. The division will allowthe flexibility of mixed tenancyplanning and can even besubdivided to optimise efficiencyand productivity. As a testament to their success, the offices firstwent on sale in May 2006 andwithin three months, nearly half werealready sold.

Burj Al Alam will feature a uniqueshopper’s arcade, consisting of the

most exclusive brand names inretail. “We are still in the midst ofinterviewing prospective retailers forour shopping mall,” says Ali. “A totalof 330,000 square feet of leasablespace is being reserved for only thetop names in the business.”

An array of resources to satisfythe requirements of distinguishedhotel guests will be on offer at BurjAl Alam. The tallest hotel in theworld will consist of 200 suites, 104serviced apartments and 6 F&Boutlets. Many international hotelchains have been considered for management of the hotel but we have not yet ruled out theprospect of managing it ourselves,the possibilities are endless,” he adds.

Whether you are looking forcandlelit dinners, light snacks or asunlit patio, Burj Al Alam is bound tohave it. “Diverse cuisines,breathtaking views and impeccableservice will combine to make Burj AlAlam’s restaurants amongst thebest in the world”.

The world’s highest spa alsopromises to be amongst its mostluxurious. Personalisedprogrammes, services andtreatments will all be on offer todiscerning spa aficionados. “Burj AlAlam seeks to house the most elitespa in the world and for this FortuneGroup is negotiating and consultingon plans with some of the best spasglobally,” says Ali. Signaturetreatments utilising plants andminerals also represent the rangeand variety of services to be offeredat the spa.

The tower is strategicallydesigned to enhance the view ofBusiness Bay Creek on the Southside and Emaar’s Burj Dubai high-rise tower on the North. “Thephenomenal growth of Dubai’seconomic infrastructure has led to an increased demand forpremier office space. Burj Al Alam will provide the finestcorporate environment to topcompanies, investors andbusinesses,” Ali feels. “I can’t think of a better place in the world right now to be building suchan iconic structure.”

With one of the best addresseson Business Bay and a long list ofmust-see attractions, Burj Al Alam isbound to become one of theregion’s most exciting landmarks.

Tel.: +9714 331 6789www.burjalalam.com

Since the launch of the project Fortune Grouphave sold 50% of the project in terms of offices.

Syed Muhammed AliCEO - Fortune Group

Best of Dubai 43

The World Tower

When Fortune Group first announced the launch of Burj Al Alam, theworld’s tallest commercial tower; it promised to construct one of the mostimpressive landmarks in Dubai. Replete with luxurious value additions,this vertical landmark will house offices, an exclusive shopping mall, theworld’s tallest 5-star hotel, serviced apartments, the world’s highestrestaurant as well as the world’s first rooftop spa. At almost half akilometre into the sky, Burj Al Alam, or ‘World Tower,’ as it is known inEnglish, is guaranteed to become one of the finest architecturalachievements in the world.

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ai

42 Best of Dubai

At 500 meters high, Burj Al Alam willbeat the Petronas Twin Towers ofKuala Lumpur and the Sears Towerof Chicago as the world’s tallestcommercial landmark. “I was verymuch inspired by Toronto’s CNTower and especially its observationdeck,” says Syed Mohammed Ali,Chief Executive Officer, FortuneGroup. “Burj Al Alam will allowvisitors to view neighbouringemirates from its state of the art roof deck, the first of its kind in theregion.”

Prior to the project’s launch inBusiness Bay, there was debate onhow tall the building should be.“Some felt that 108 stories would beimpossible to achieve, that it wastoo high,” explains Ahmed HashimKhoory, Chairman, Fortune Group.“With the help of our team,consultants and overall goodwill, we found the confidence weneeded to forge ahead with thisincredible project.”

The team behind Burj Al Alamconsists of an impressivecombination of architects andconsultants. Ove Arup, one of theworld’s top engineering firms andNihon Sekkei, renownedarchitecture design firm, are just afew of the names associated withBurj Al Alam. “We chose Japaneseconsultants primarily because oftheir specialisation in earthquakeprotective construction. “We aredetermined to build the strongestpossible structure that will withstandthe test of time,” Ali explains.

The tower derives its inspirationfrom nature. Viewed from the top, itshexagonal tip will look like ablossoming flower with petalsopening outward. At another level,the six distinct ‘petals,’ ordemarcations, are said to paytribute to the Six Sigma process ofbusiness improvement. This befitsthe underlying entrepreneurial spiritof Business Bay and Dubai as awhole.

Burj Al Alam plans to offerunrivalled facilities to its corporatetenants with each floor divided intosix ‘petals’. The division will allowthe flexibility of mixed tenancyplanning and can even besubdivided to optimise efficiencyand productivity. As a testament to their success, the offices firstwent on sale in May 2006 andwithin three months, nearly half werealready sold.

Burj Al Alam will feature a uniqueshopper’s arcade, consisting of the

most exclusive brand names inretail. “We are still in the midst ofinterviewing prospective retailers forour shopping mall,” says Ali. “A totalof 330,000 square feet of leasablespace is being reserved for only thetop names in the business.”

An array of resources to satisfythe requirements of distinguishedhotel guests will be on offer at BurjAl Alam. The tallest hotel in theworld will consist of 200 suites, 104serviced apartments and 6 F&Boutlets. Many international hotelchains have been considered for management of the hotel but we have not yet ruled out theprospect of managing it ourselves,the possibilities are endless,” he adds.

Whether you are looking forcandlelit dinners, light snacks or asunlit patio, Burj Al Alam is bound tohave it. “Diverse cuisines,breathtaking views and impeccableservice will combine to make Burj AlAlam’s restaurants amongst thebest in the world”.

The world’s highest spa alsopromises to be amongst its mostluxurious. Personalisedprogrammes, services andtreatments will all be on offer todiscerning spa aficionados. “Burj AlAlam seeks to house the most elitespa in the world and for this FortuneGroup is negotiating and consultingon plans with some of the best spasglobally,” says Ali. Signaturetreatments utilising plants andminerals also represent the rangeand variety of services to be offeredat the spa.

The tower is strategicallydesigned to enhance the view ofBusiness Bay Creek on the Southside and Emaar’s Burj Dubai high-rise tower on the North. “Thephenomenal growth of Dubai’seconomic infrastructure has led to an increased demand forpremier office space. Burj Al Alam will provide the finestcorporate environment to topcompanies, investors andbusinesses,” Ali feels. “I can’t think of a better place in the world right now to be building suchan iconic structure.”

With one of the best addresseson Business Bay and a long list ofmust-see attractions, Burj Al Alam isbound to become one of theregion’s most exciting landmarks.

Tel.: +9714 331 6789www.burjalalam.com

Since the launch of the project Fortune Grouphave sold 50% of the project in terms of offices.


Best of Dubai 43

Comparisons DefiedMore than a sunbathing hotspot or the ultimate duty-free shopping haven,

Dubai, otherwise known as the 'Pearl of the Gulf', is a pulsatingarchitectural, economic and cultural metropolis-in-the-making that defiesstandard definition. With a population of just over one to one and a half

million, and only 12 per cent of those being local citizens, Dubai is averitable cultural melting pot, where more than 180 different nationalities

co-exist within this relatively small city-state of just 906.1 million sq. metres.

44 Best of Dubai

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Dub

ai

TTHHEE glitziest of the seven-strong United ArabEmirates Federation, Dubai boasts enthrallingcontrasts that underscore the speed ofdevelopment and the wealth that has beenengendered by the repatriation of vast capital inflows to the region.

Strategically located at the crossroads ofcontinents and time zones, the distinctionsbetween old and new are deliberate. Dubaidisplays a captivating blend of traditional Arab,Islamic values and culture with the modernity ofa tolerant and cosmopolitan living environment.

Best of Dubai 45

FAST FACTSLocation of UAE Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.Geographic Coordinates 24 00 N, 54 00 EPopulation Dubai and UAE 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. (UAE 4.2 million 2006).Ethnic Groups Emirati Nationals15%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%,

other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (figures for whole of the UAE)Religions Muslim 96%, Christian, Hindu and other 4%Languages Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.Independence Formerly part of the Trucial States of Oman, on the 2nd December 1971 six of the states

(Abu-Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al Quwain and Dubai merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined by Ras Al Khaimah in 1972.

Government Type Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE Federal Government and other powers reserved to member emirates.Political parties and leaders No political parties. In Dubai the Al-Maktoum family rules. Currently, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is the Ruler.Environmental issues Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills.Natural Resources Petroleum, natural gas (strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.)Natural Hazards Frequent sand and dust storms.Climate Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular and usually amounts to five days a year.

The average daily maximum temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July.Clothing Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and most types of casual dress can be worn.

However, in deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea not to wear very short or tight clothing.Business Days Public and private sectors now have Friday-Saturday weekends from September 2006.

Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers. Local Time The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.Country Dialling Code +9714Internet Code .aeCurrency UAE Dirham (AED)Exchange Rates UAE Dirhams per US dollar 3.67Electricity 220 or 240 volts AC 50 HZ

Imagine venturing into the desert on a cameltrek in the morning and brushing up on yourskiing skills in the world's largest indoor ski-slope in the afternoon. In Dubai, this andmore is possible. How about haggling forauthentic Middle-Eastern trinkets in an airconditioned souq whilst pondering buying achunk of the largest man-made landreclamation project development in theworld - The Palm? Have you consideredowning your own island? Fancy enjoying theamenities of the West, whilst basking in theservice culture of the East? If so, this emirateis the right place for you.

While Abu Dhabi has immense oil wealth,which is being shrewdly invested, Dubai nolonger relies on its dwindling oil reserves toexpand its growing economy. With projectedgrowth touching a sustainable 16 per centper annum Dubai is undeniably a boomingemirate that is showing the way of economicdiversification to neighbouring states keen toreplicate the emirate's success and growingkudos worldwide.

Over the years Dubai has not onlyconsolidated its position as a key tradinghub between the East and the West, it hasled the way as an attractive tax-freebusiness centre where legal formalities arenot bound by the widespread red tape found elsewhere.

Safe, clean and efficient, Dubai is a great place to live and work. Whilst climatessoar into the 40's (centigrade) between Mayand October, life is indeed balmy during therest of the year. This is not to say thateverything in the emirate is perfect. Inflation,officially recorded at 3 per cent per annum,but unofficially pegged at 18 per cent percent, is tarnishing the image of Dubai, making the luxury lifestyle ideal a mirage for many.

Never asleep, always exciting, Dubai is the safest, yet definitely the hippestplace to live in the Middle East, which is why Dubai continues to be the third mostpopular long-haul destination (afterBarbados and Mauritius) for British AirwaysHolidays. Impressive architecturallandmarks, excellent restaurants and avibrant nightlife, added to striking sandybeaches, mind-blowing theme parks and anaccessible culture and history make this theideal place to be.

Emirates Burj Al Arab is an enduring architectural and hospitality landmark

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, taking hospitality to stellar heights

Comparisons Defied.qxp 1/2/2007 9:44 AM Page 1

Comparisons DefiedMore than a sunbathing hotspot or the ultimate duty-free shopping haven,

Dubai, otherwise known as the 'Pearl of the Gulf', is a pulsatingarchitectural, economic and cultural metropolis-in-the-making that defiesstandard definition. With a population of just over one to one and a half

million, and only 12 per cent of those being local citizens, Dubai is averitable cultural melting pot, where more than 180 different nationalities

co-exist within this relatively small city-state of just 906.1 million sq. metres.

44 Best of Dubai

Bes

t of

Dub

ai

TTHHEE glitziest of the seven-strong United ArabEmirates Federation, Dubai boasts enthrallingcontrasts that underscore the speed ofdevelopment and the wealth that has beenengendered by the repatriation of vast capital inflows to the region.

Strategically located at the crossroads ofcontinents and time zones, the distinctionsbetween old and new are deliberate. Dubaidisplays a captivating blend of traditional Arab,Islamic values and culture with the modernity ofa tolerant and cosmopolitan living environment.

Best of Dubai 45

FAST FACTSLocation of UAE Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.Geographic Coordinates 24 00 N, 54 00 EPopulation Dubai and UAE 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. (UAE 4.2 million 2006).Ethnic Groups Emirati Nationals15%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%,

other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (figures for whole of the UAE)Religions Muslim 96%, Christian, Hindu and other 4%Languages Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.Independence Formerly part of the Trucial States of Oman, on the 2nd December 1971 six of the states

(Abu-Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al Quwain and Dubai merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined by Ras Al Khaimah in 1972.

Government Type Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE Federal Government and other powers reserved to member emirates.Political parties and leaders No political parties. In Dubai the Al-Maktoum family rules. Currently, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is the Ruler.Environmental issues Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills.Natural Resources Petroleum, natural gas (strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.)Natural Hazards Frequent sand and dust storms.Climate Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular and usually amounts to five days a year.

The average daily maximum temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July.Clothing Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and most types of casual dress can be worn.

However, in deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea not to wear very short or tight clothing.Business Days Public and private sectors now have Friday-Saturday weekends from September 2006.

Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers. Local Time The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.Country Dialling Code +9714Internet Code .aeCurrency UAE Dirham (AED)Exchange Rates UAE Dirhams per US dollar 3.67Electricity 220 or 240 volts AC 50 HZ

Imagine venturing into the desert on a cameltrek in the morning and brushing up on yourskiing skills in the world's largest indoor ski-slope in the afternoon. In Dubai, this andmore is possible. How about haggling forauthentic Middle-Eastern trinkets in an airconditioned souq whilst pondering buying achunk of the largest man-made landreclamation project development in theworld - The Palm? Have you consideredowning your own island? Fancy enjoying theamenities of the West, whilst basking in theservice culture of the East? If so, this emirateis the right place for you.

While Abu Dhabi has immense oil wealth,which is being shrewdly invested, Dubai nolonger relies on its dwindling oil reserves toexpand its growing economy. With projectedgrowth touching a sustainable 16 per centper annum Dubai is undeniably a boomingemirate that is showing the way of economicdiversification to neighbouring states keen toreplicate the emirate's success and growingkudos worldwide.

Over the years Dubai has not onlyconsolidated its position as a key tradinghub between the East and the West, it hasled the way as an attractive tax-freebusiness centre where legal formalities arenot bound by the widespread red tape found elsewhere.

Safe, clean and efficient, Dubai is a great place to live and work. Whilst climatessoar into the 40's (centigrade) between Mayand October, life is indeed balmy during therest of the year. This is not to say thateverything in the emirate is perfect. Inflation,officially recorded at 3 per cent per annum,but unofficially pegged at 18 per cent percent, is tarnishing the image of Dubai, making the luxury lifestyle ideal a mirage for many.

Never asleep, always exciting, Dubai is the safest, yet definitely the hippestplace to live in the Middle East, which is why Dubai continues to be the third mostpopular long-haul destination (afterBarbados and Mauritius) for British AirwaysHolidays. Impressive architecturallandmarks, excellent restaurants and avibrant nightlife, added to striking sandybeaches, mind-blowing theme parks and anaccessible culture and history make this theideal place to be.

Emirates Burj Al Arab is an enduring architectural and hospitality landmark

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, taking hospitality to stellar heights

Comparisons Defied.qxp 1/2/2007 9:44 AM Page 1

Strange but true…..

- Dubai bred the world's first cross between a camel and a llama: the 'Cama'was born in 1998.

- Dubai boasts the world'stallest stained glass mural,measuring approximately41 metres high and 9metres wide.

- Dubai prepared the world'sbiggest bowl of Biryani.and world's largestchocolate bar.

- Dubai has made the world's largest mattress, the world's longestsofa and the world's biggest chair, not forgetting the world's biggestshopping bag.

- Dubai held the highest tennis court play. In preparation for theDubai Duty Free Men's Open, Andre Agassi and Roger Federerwere invited to have a friendly match on the world's highest tenniscourt on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab. Tiger Woods has also teedoff from the Burj's helipad.

- If you are involved in a motor accident in which another party isinjured, you will automatically go to jail until the injured person isreleased from hospital.

- As recently as 1952, there weren't any schools and even todayonly primary education is compulsory.

- Today in local universities, women outnumber men by three to one,yet women only represent 40 percent of the workforce.

- In 2006, 24 per cent of the world's 125,000 construction craneswere operating in Dubai.

Useful Links

UAE Government www.uae.gov.aeDubai Municipality www.dm.gov.ae

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.dcci.org Dubai Police Headquarters www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

Political Resources on the Net www.politicalresources.netDubai City Guide www.dubaicityguide.com

Dubai Tourism and Commerce www.dubaitourism.co.aeDubai Dept. of Economic Development www.dubaided.gov.ae

Dubai's World Records

- The World's tallest and most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab. Theonly self-styled all suites hotel, which is taller than the Eiffel tower,is just 65 metres shorter than the Empire State building in NewYork. However, this building has the energy requirements of asmall city.

- The World's tallest building,Burj Dubai (under construction).- The World's biggest Duty Free shopping complex.- The World's richest horse race.- The World's first team to tour the globe in cars. The team covered

more than 96,000 kilometres and visited 48 countries in theMiddle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia.

- The World's most expensive water theme park.- The World's first Islamic Commercial Bank.- The World's Longest and Heaviest Gold Chain.- The World's Biggest Artificial Islands, Palm Jumeirah and Palm

Jebel Ali. The islands, like the Great Wall of China, will be visiblefrom space, as far away as the moon.

- The World's biggest and tallest indoor Snow Ski Resort - a 320metre downhill skiing slope.

Aquatic fun at Wild Wadi


Strange but true…..

- Dubai bred the world's first cross between a camel and a llama: the 'Cama'was born in 1998.

- Dubai boasts the world'stallest stained glass mural,measuring approximately41 metres high and 9metres wide.

- Dubai prepared the world'sbiggest bowl of Biryani.and world's largestchocolate bar.

- Dubai has made the world's largest mattress, the world's longestsofa and the world's biggest chair, not forgetting the world's biggestshopping bag.

- Dubai held the highest tennis court play. In preparation for theDubai Duty Free Men's Open, Andre Agassi and Roger Federerwere invited to have a friendly match on the world's highest tenniscourt on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab. Tiger Woods has also teedoff from the Burj's helipad.

- If you are involved in a motor accident in which another party isinjured, you will automatically go to jail until the injured person isreleased from hospital.

- As recently as 1952, there weren't any schools and even todayonly primary education is compulsory.

- Today in local universities, women outnumber men by three to one,yet women only represent 40 percent of the workforce.

- In 2006, 24 per cent of the world's 125,000 construction craneswere operating in Dubai.

Useful Links

UAE Government www.uae.gov.aeDubai Municipality www.dm.gov.ae

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.dcci.org Dubai Police Headquarters www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

Political Resources on the Net www.politicalresources.netDubai City Guide www.dubaicityguide.com

Dubai Tourism and Commerce www.dubaitourism.co.aeDubai Dept. of Economic Development www.dubaided.gov.ae

Dubai's World Records

- The World's tallest and most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab. Theonly self-styled all suites hotel, which is taller than the Eiffel tower,is just 65 metres shorter than the Empire State building in NewYork. However, this building has the energy requirements of asmall city.

- The World's tallest building,Burj Dubai (under construction).- The World's biggest Duty Free shopping complex.- The World's richest horse race.- The World's first team to tour the globe in cars. The team covered

more than 96,000 kilometres and visited 48 countries in theMiddle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia.

- The World's most expensive water theme park.- The World's first Islamic Commercial Bank.- The World's Longest and Heaviest Gold Chain.- The World's Biggest Artificial Islands, Palm Jumeirah and Palm

Jebel Ali. The islands, like the Great Wall of China, will be visiblefrom space, as far away as the moon.

- The World's biggest and tallest indoor Snow Ski Resort - a 320metre downhill skiing slope.

Aquatic fun at Wild Wadi


CHAPTER 2Hotels & Hospitality

"…Always smile and greet the guestfirst before the guest greets you. As a

first response to a guest's request,you can never say no - you've got to

try to make it a yes". Gerald Lawless, CEO Jumeirah Group

CHAPTER 2Hotels & Hospitality

"…Always smile and greet the guestfirst before the guest greets you. As a

first response to a guest's request,you can never say no - you've got to

try to make it a yes". Gerald Lawless, CEO Jumeirah Group

“Be hospitable”. When founder Conrad Hilton voicedthis famous motto for his eponymous chain of hotels,little did he know that the industry would eventually bemired by cutthroat competition, as well as thechallenges of segmentation and branding, exacerbatedby feverish globalisation.

50 Best of Dubai

Hot

els

& H

ospi

talit

y

This is probably why the two Hiltonbehemoths: Hilton Hotels Corporation (HCC)and Hilton International (HI) have joinedhands once again in what is hoped will be amega marriage of convenience.

After splitting up over 40 years ago, theunified company is currently the world'sleader with over 2,800 hotels and 490,000rooms in more than 80 countries.Complementing each other's markets, theformer built its name on an ethos of reliabilityand service, whilst the latter positioned itselfas an up scale provider of 'unforgettableexperiences'. Together, boasting a superlativefamily of brands such as: Hilton®, Conrad®,The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™,Doubletree®, Hampton Inn® and many more,the sky is the limit.

In the Arabian Peninsula, the Hiltonheritage stretches back over 30 years, whenit became the first international hotel brand toopen a property in the UAE - the Hilton Al Ainin 1972. Today, the company currentlyoperates 31 hotels, with eight in the UAE."The Middle East hosts an endless amount ofopportunity for the hotel industry, and theHilton brand will continue to persevere withthis opportunity. The region's shiftinglandscape can be challenging, but wealways love a challenge! It is our aim to havea landmark property in every major city in theGulf", says Guy Epsom, Regional Director ofSales and Marketing, Hilton International,Arabian Peninsula.

With the expanded brand range, thisgigantic purveyor of the inimitable 'HiltonMoment' is now able to offer regionalcustomers more choice and flexibility. Thecompany is also capitalising on emerginggaps in the market, such as the risingdemand for budget hotels. New brands likeDoubleTree® and Hampton Inn® will focus onbudget travellers, while simultaneouslycarrying the quality assurance that isassociated with the Hilton name. "As theregion's hospitality industry continues tounfold, hotels will continue to be built. Hiltongives you more care, rewards you for yourloyalty and offers unique properties in keylocations. It is these factors that set Hilton

apart from other international hotel brands,and keep us committed to our globalphilosophy", Epsom explains.

With the UAE being touted as the fourthmost visited region in the world, and Qatarenjoying the second fastest GDP growthbehind China, Hilton has homed in on thesetwo hotspots.

The first phase of a Hilton WorldwideResort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE opens laterthis year. A third Hilton property is alsocoming to life in Dubai: The Hilton JumeirahBeach Club will open in 2007 as an uppercrust leisure haven overlooking the Jumeirah beach strip, with 50 cabanas and seven food and beverage outletscatering to the flourishing Dubai Marinacomplex. In addition, Conrad marks its entry into the Gulf with a 400-roomopening on the Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, in 2008.

Last but not least, the Hilton Doha, thecompany's first foray into the Qatari market,will open by December 2007. Standing proud over the Corniche, the striking blue300-room property replete with grandballroom, 12 state-of-the-art meeting roomsand internationally placed restaurants likeBiCE restaurant, represents yet anotherexample of how rapidly the organisationevolves despite the noise and fanfare created by other hotel chains that areminiscule in comparison.

HI was a regional heavyweight before,and together with its US partner, the erstwhile HHC, they stand to blossom evenfurther as a unified family of brands spanning diverse hospitality segments andtypologies.

The test of this nascent relationship will be to ensure that as a result of theintegration, Hilton cements its foothold on theindustry sector, making it a true globalcompany and brazen competitor. Ultimately,the winners will be the loyal Hilton customers who can look forward to evenmore options and services as a result of this mighty merger.

www.hiltonworldwide.com

Best of Dubai 51

Tying the knot - again

AAll SShhaarrqq PPaallaaccee lloobbbbyy

Al Sharq Palace suiteGuy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing

“Be hospitable”. When founder Conrad Hilton voicedthis famous motto for his eponymous chain of hotels,little did he know that the industry would eventually bemired by cutthroat competition, as well as thechallenges of segmentation and branding, exacerbatedby feverish globalisation.

50 Best of Dubai

Hot

els

& H

ospi

talit

y

This is probably why the two Hiltonbehemoths: Hilton Hotels Corporation (HCC)and Hilton International (HI) have joinedhands once again in what is hoped will be amega marriage of convenience.

After splitting up over 40 years ago, theunified company is currently the world'sleader with over 2,800 hotels and 490,000rooms in more than 80 countries.Complementing each other's markets, theformer built its name on an ethos of reliabilityand service, whilst the latter positioned itselfas an up scale provider of 'unforgettableexperiences'. Together, boasting a superlativefamily of brands such as: Hilton®, Conrad®,The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™,Doubletree®, Hampton Inn® and many more,the sky is the limit.

In the Arabian Peninsula, the Hiltonheritage stretches back over 30 years, whenit became the first international hotel brand toopen a property in the UAE - the Hilton Al Ainin 1972. Today, the company currentlyoperates 31 hotels, with eight in the UAE."The Middle East hosts an endless amount ofopportunity for the hotel industry, and theHilton brand will continue to persevere withthis opportunity. The region's shiftinglandscape can be challenging, but wealways love a challenge! It is our aim to havea landmark property in every major city in theGulf", says Guy Epsom, Regional Director ofSales and Marketing, Hilton International,Arabian Peninsula.

With the expanded brand range, thisgigantic purveyor of the inimitable 'HiltonMoment' is now able to offer regionalcustomers more choice and flexibility. Thecompany is also capitalising on emerginggaps in the market, such as the risingdemand for budget hotels. New brands likeDoubleTree® and Hampton Inn® will focus onbudget travellers, while simultaneouslycarrying the quality assurance that isassociated with the Hilton name. "As theregion's hospitality industry continues tounfold, hotels will continue to be built. Hiltongives you more care, rewards you for yourloyalty and offers unique properties in keylocations. It is these factors that set Hilton

apart from other international hotel brands,and keep us committed to our globalphilosophy", Epsom explains.

With the UAE being touted as the fourthmost visited region in the world, and Qatarenjoying the second fastest GDP growthbehind China, Hilton has homed in on thesetwo hotspots.

The first phase of a Hilton WorldwideResort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE opens laterthis year. A third Hilton property is alsocoming to life in Dubai: The Hilton JumeirahBeach Club will open in 2007 as an uppercrust leisure haven overlooking the Jumeirah beach strip, with 50 cabanas and seven food and beverage outletscatering to the flourishing Dubai Marinacomplex. In addition, Conrad marks its entry into the Gulf with a 400-roomopening on the Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, in 2008.

Last but not least, the Hilton Doha, thecompany's first foray into the Qatari market,will open by December 2007. Standing proud over the Corniche, the striking blue300-room property replete with grandballroom, 12 state-of-the-art meeting roomsand internationally placed restaurants likeBiCE restaurant, represents yet anotherexample of how rapidly the organisationevolves despite the noise and fanfare created by other hotel chains that areminiscule in comparison.

HI was a regional heavyweight before,and together with its US partner, the erstwhile HHC, they stand to blossom evenfurther as a unified family of brands spanning diverse hospitality segments andtypologies.

The test of this nascent relationship will be to ensure that as a result of theintegration, Hilton cements its foothold on theindustry sector, making it a true globalcompany and brazen competitor. Ultimately,the winners will be the loyal Hilton customers who can look forward to evenmore options and services as a result of this mighty merger.

www.hiltonworldwide.com

Best of Dubai 51

Tying the knot - again

AAll SShhaarrqq PPaallaaccee lloobbbbyy

Al Sharq Palace suiteGuy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing

Company (DUTCO), whose companywas then building the new Jebel AliPort, agreed to take over the hoteland complete it. “This was a bold andshrewd business move on his part ashe envisioned the opportunity to turnthe Jebel Ali Hotel into a uniqueresort, with its 128 acres of groundsand nearly a kilometre of beachfront”,explains Bettsworth.

In the early days, the hotel was afavourite with Dubai residents whocould easily access the hotel forweekends and enjoy the extensivefacilities. Subsequently a shootingclub was also built a couple ofkilometres from the hotel – the idealtraining ground for Sheikh AhmedHasher al Maktoum, Olympic GoldMedallist in 2004. Recently a Centre ofExcellence with football pitches and aleadership centre were alsoestablished, with many of the UK andEurope’s top teams already havingtrained there. “We are proud of ourproduct diversity as we are proud tobe the flagship property for our group.Jebel Ali International Hotels boastsan enviable portfolio that comprises aselection of other unique properties inDubai”, he added.

Your ideal day at the Jebel Ali GolfResort & Spa can start in a millionways: Beach, sun, water sports andsailing. Or a morning at The Spa’sHammam, where you are expertlypummelled, scrubbed and massagedin a pristine Moroccan ambience asyou experience a Royal HammamRitual. Quality wellness elements areincreasingly vital aspects of anyholiday. Expertly catered for at theJebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, The Spais situated in front of the saltwaterpool amid swaying palms. This two-storey haven of relaxation features tentreatment rooms, a jacuzzi, sauna,steam room and invigorating showers.After your treatment you can unwindin the ladies majlis or relaxation roomand enjoy herbal infusions, fresh fruitand fantastic views over the beachand gardens. Otherwise, get into thesporting vibe with excellent golf,shooting and horse riding facilities.Learn the art of horse riding, or play around of golf on the immaculatelymaintained Resort Course. Everythingis convenient - even the horses baskin air-conditioned grandeur.

The 9-hole golf course whichopened in 1998, was landscapedaround the original grounds of thehotel, taking advantage of maturegardens and making it the mostpicturesque course in Dubai. Itspopularity was further enhanced by

James Williams; a much loved golfprofessional who taught most of thebudding golfers in Dubai at the time.

The next project that followed wasthe construction of the Palm TreeCourt & Spa, a 134-suitedevelopment on the beach, giving thehotel 394 rooms. The new extensionwas an enhancement with spaciousrooms and luxurious bathrooms. Therooms are perfect for long stays;spacious, comfortable and veryprivate. Those on the ground flooropen up onto sweeping lawns and shady palmtrees that merge into the beach andseashore. What better than to sitoutside, relaxing in a comfortablechair with a good book and sippingan ice cool lemonade?

Fine food choices are the hallmarkof any resort’s success and with 13restaurants and bars includingSignatures for French fine dining, La Traviata for Italian fare, WhiteOrchid for Asian cuisine and LaFontana for buffets and breakfasts,the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa putson a fine spread.

Signatures for instance, issensationally decorated and themenu boasts French options that arewholesome too - definitely a must forany special occasion. La Traviata isdesigned as a wine cellar with adistinctly cosy feel. The variety andquality of the Mediterranean food isexcellent, with loads of choice all inone location. With so many types of guests, from so many differentplaces, it is incumbent on the chefs to present diners with a workablemenu that looks good and tasteseven better.

White Orchid, a stylish restaurantset inside the Palm Tree Court & Spa,specialises in Asian cuisine, withindigenous chefs from the countriesrepresented adding that inimitableculinary ‘spice of life’. La Fontanaserves excellent buffets. For breakfastlovers, this is indeed one of the finestspreads you will enjoy anywhere, andyou can add to your breakfastrepertoire by experiencing the manydifferent types of cuisines.

Clearly, every aspect of thisimpeccably run operation isaccentuated by choice, quality,understated luxury and impeccableservice. No wonder that the resort is part of both ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ and‘Leading Spas’ associations.

Tel.: +9714 883 6000www.jebelali-international.com

Best of Dubai 53

Mark BettsworthGeneral Manager

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

“I must seize the opportunities to realise the great potential thatexists now”, says veteran hotelier, Bettsworth. “Our company hasa great tradition of hospitality and excellence and I look forwardto take this tradition a step further.”

Whether you are a Dubai resident looking for a relaxinghideaway ideal for couples and families, or a traveller onbusiness or leisure, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa offerssomething for everyone. The 800 metres of seashore (anincreasingly rare commodity in Dubai), fish-filled streams,waterfalls and first-class facilities remove you from the mundanestresses of life and beyond commonplace hospitality services, tosomething that cannot be experienced elsewhere.

How the hotel came to exist is part of Dubai folklore.Construction began in 1975 when the Penta Group were invitedout to Dubai to build an airport hotel near the planned new JebelAli Airport. Even though these plans were shelved and PentaHotels pulled out, Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai Transport

Even though many new hotel developments areplanned for Dubai’s purported increase of visitors,from five million yearly to 10 million in 2010, thereare some properties which will remain legendary intheir own right no matter what the competitionbrings. Take the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa forinstance – one of the region’s venerable havens ofrest and relaxation, set in 128 acres of landscapedgardens overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It is unique -a complete self contained resort. Here, guestsenjoy it to the full, often never leaving theunmatched facilities and luscious grounds for theduration of their stay.

Established in 1981, this 260 room five starproperty was located 45 kilometres from Dubai. Atthat time it took a drive through desert plains inorder to get to the city centre, but as a result ofDubai’s extraordinary growth it now enjoys anenviable location. These days this buoyant resortfinds itself nearby various residential communitiesand close to the famous Jebel Ali Free Zone andthe upcoming Dubai World Central airport - theworld’s largest. Plus of course, it’s right on the

beach, with extraordinary views overthe Arabian Gulf and Jebel Ali PalmIsland. The Jebel Ali Golf Resort &Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only TrueResort is underscored by the fact that itis the only resort in the region that hasits own air-conditioned riding stables,9-hole par 36 championship-standardgolf course, professional shooting cluband purpose-built spa with aspectacular Hammam scrub room.Additional luxury hotel accoutrementslike shopping arcades and variousrestaurants ensure the full force ofArabian hospitality envelop you withseamless ease.

Despite its obvious unique sellingpropositions, the resort has continuedto develop and expand, even more sosince the recent appointment of MarkBettsworth as General Manager. Hisfresh ideas will no doubt capitalise onthe property’s existing strengths.

52 Best of Dubai

The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only TrueResort is underscored by the fact that it’s the only integrated propertyin the region that has its own air-conditioned riding stables, 9-hole par36 championship-standard golf course, professional shooting cluband purpose-built spa with a spectacular Hammam scrub room.

Resort RevelsH

otel

s &

Hos

pita

lity

Company (DUTCO), whose companywas then building the new Jebel AliPort, agreed to take over the hoteland complete it. “This was a bold andshrewd business move on his part ashe envisioned the opportunity to turnthe Jebel Ali Hotel into a uniqueresort, with its 128 acres of groundsand nearly a kilometre of beachfront”,explains Bettsworth.

In the early days, the hotel was afavourite with Dubai residents whocould easily access the hotel forweekends and enjoy the extensivefacilities. Subsequently a shootingclub was also built a couple ofkilometres from the hotel – the idealtraining ground for Sheikh AhmedHasher al Maktoum, Olympic GoldMedallist in 2004. Recently a Centre ofExcellence with football pitches and aleadership centre were alsoestablished, with many of the UK andEurope’s top teams already havingtrained there. “We are proud of ourproduct diversity as we are proud tobe the flagship property for our group.Jebel Ali International Hotels boastsan enviable portfolio that comprises aselection of other unique properties inDubai”, he added.

Your ideal day at the Jebel Ali GolfResort & Spa can start in a millionways: Beach, sun, water sports andsailing. Or a morning at The Spa’sHammam, where you are expertlypummelled, scrubbed and massagedin a pristine Moroccan ambience asyou experience a Royal HammamRitual. Quality wellness elements areincreasingly vital aspects of anyholiday. Expertly catered for at theJebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, The Spais situated in front of the saltwaterpool amid swaying palms. This two-storey haven of relaxation features tentreatment rooms, a jacuzzi, sauna,steam room and invigorating showers.After your treatment you can unwindin the ladies majlis or relaxation roomand enjoy herbal infusions, fresh fruitand fantastic views over the beachand gardens. Otherwise, get into thesporting vibe with excellent golf,shooting and horse riding facilities.Learn the art of horse riding, or play around of golf on the immaculatelymaintained Resort Course. Everythingis convenient - even the horses baskin air-conditioned grandeur.

The 9-hole golf course whichopened in 1998, was landscapedaround the original grounds of thehotel, taking advantage of maturegardens and making it the mostpicturesque course in Dubai. Itspopularity was further enhanced by

James Williams; a much loved golfprofessional who taught most of thebudding golfers in Dubai at the time.

The next project that followed wasthe construction of the Palm TreeCourt & Spa, a 134-suitedevelopment on the beach, giving thehotel 394 rooms. The new extensionwas an enhancement with spaciousrooms and luxurious bathrooms. Therooms are perfect for long stays;spacious, comfortable and veryprivate. Those on the ground flooropen up onto sweeping lawns and shady palmtrees that merge into the beach andseashore. What better than to sitoutside, relaxing in a comfortablechair with a good book and sippingan ice cool lemonade?

Fine food choices are the hallmarkof any resort’s success and with 13restaurants and bars includingSignatures for French fine dining, La Traviata for Italian fare, WhiteOrchid for Asian cuisine and LaFontana for buffets and breakfasts,the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa putson a fine spread.

Signatures for instance, issensationally decorated and themenu boasts French options that arewholesome too - definitely a must forany special occasion. La Traviata isdesigned as a wine cellar with adistinctly cosy feel. The variety andquality of the Mediterranean food isexcellent, with loads of choice all inone location. With so many types of guests, from so many differentplaces, it is incumbent on the chefs to present diners with a workablemenu that looks good and tasteseven better.

White Orchid, a stylish restaurantset inside the Palm Tree Court & Spa,specialises in Asian cuisine, withindigenous chefs from the countriesrepresented adding that inimitableculinary ‘spice of life’. La Fontanaserves excellent buffets. For breakfastlovers, this is indeed one of the finestspreads you will enjoy anywhere, andyou can add to your breakfastrepertoire by experiencing the manydifferent types of cuisines.

Clearly, every aspect of thisimpeccably run operation isaccentuated by choice, quality,understated luxury and impeccableservice. No wonder that the resort is part of both ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ and‘Leading Spas’ associations.


Best of Dubai 53

Mark BettsworthGeneral Manager

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

“I must seize the opportunities to realise the great potential thatexists now”, says veteran hotelier, Bettsworth. “Our company hasa great tradition of hospitality and excellence and I look forwardto take this tradition a step further.”

Whether you are a Dubai resident looking for a relaxinghideaway ideal for couples and families, or a traveller onbusiness or leisure, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa offerssomething for everyone. The 800 metres of seashore (anincreasingly rare commodity in Dubai), fish-filled streams,waterfalls and first-class facilities remove you from the mundanestresses of life and beyond commonplace hospitality services, tosomething that cannot be experienced elsewhere.

How the hotel came to exist is part of Dubai folklore.Construction began in 1975 when the Penta Group were invitedout to Dubai to build an airport hotel near the planned new JebelAli Airport. Even though these plans were shelved and PentaHotels pulled out, Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai Transport

Even though many new hotel developments areplanned for Dubai’s purported increase of visitors,from five million yearly to 10 million in 2010, thereare some properties which will remain legendary intheir own right no matter what the competitionbrings. Take the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa forinstance – one of the region’s venerable havens ofrest and relaxation, set in 128 acres of landscapedgardens overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It is unique -a complete self contained resort. Here, guestsenjoy it to the full, often never leaving theunmatched facilities and luscious grounds for theduration of their stay.

Established in 1981, this 260 room five starproperty was located 45 kilometres from Dubai. Atthat time it took a drive through desert plains inorder to get to the city centre, but as a result ofDubai’s extraordinary growth it now enjoys anenviable location. These days this buoyant resortfinds itself nearby various residential communitiesand close to the famous Jebel Ali Free Zone andthe upcoming Dubai World Central airport - theworld’s largest. Plus of course, it’s right on the

beach, with extraordinary views overthe Arabian Gulf and Jebel Ali PalmIsland. The Jebel Ali Golf Resort &Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only TrueResort is underscored by the fact that itis the only resort in the region that hasits own air-conditioned riding stables,9-hole par 36 championship-standardgolf course, professional shooting cluband purpose-built spa with aspectacular Hammam scrub room.Additional luxury hotel accoutrementslike shopping arcades and variousrestaurants ensure the full force ofArabian hospitality envelop you withseamless ease.

Despite its obvious unique sellingpropositions, the resort has continuedto develop and expand, even more sosince the recent appointment of MarkBettsworth as General Manager. Hisfresh ideas will no doubt capitalise onthe property’s existing strengths.

52 Best of Dubai

The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only TrueResort is underscored by the fact that it’s the only integrated propertyin the region that has its own air-conditioned riding stables, 9-hole par36 championship-standard golf course, professional shooting cluband purpose-built spa with a spectacular Hammam scrub room.

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Built in 1999, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, evolved from the venerable Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) that is an integral part of the facility and is the mainstay of water sports inDubai. With 211 rooms, including the exclusive RoyalSuites, the resort boasts a 238 berth luxury marina andhosts the award-winning Victory Team, off-shorepowerboat world champions extraordinaire. There is even a floating restaurant, the Dhow, housed in theeponymous traditional Arabian vessel, which servesseafood and sushi and is the only floating restaurant onthe Jumeirah coast.

Water is also a focus for most of the hotel’s guests,who arrive from as far away as Europe and Russia fordeep sea fishing tours, or to obtain certifications insailing, relax on the Mina Seyahi’s 1200m beach - thelongest private beach in Dubai - or chill out at the swim-up bar in one of three terraced swimming pools, allin the same holiday.

But water sports are only the beginning. Golf is amere two minutes away at the Emirates and MontgomeryGolf Clubs, a polo pitch and qualified instructors are on

Mina MagicAt Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, “the sea is the firstthing you see when you walk into the lobby,” says Mike Scully, GeneralManager. And a refreshing sight it is, a world away from the dust andrampant construction around Dubai Marina next door and the PalmJumeirah upfront. It is a fitting first sight, too, as the sea is the resort’sraison-d’être.

54 Best of Dubai

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Best of Dubai 55

hand, and for the more robust, rugby matchestake place on the beach. Scully, a veteransportsman himself, proudly points out that theresort even sponsors a team in the RugbySevens. The Mina’s reputation as asportslover’s haven has even drawn sportinggreats such as Imran Khan and FrancoisPinard, amongst others.

Scully has been with the resort sinceinception and epitomizes its ethos - breezy,sporty and unpretentious – to the hilt. His sunburnt face and athletic physique attest to anactive life spent outdoors in his native SouthAfrica. “It’s the sports focus that keeps the Minaunique, and our strategy of marketingourselves as a destination for polo or sailingholidays represents the niche marketing thathotels in the region should focus on to staycompetitive,” he says. Situating his propertyslightly below the Jumeirah group in terms of luxury and price, and miles ahead ofthe rest in terms of facilities and activities,

Scully explains, “We managed to create a place forourselves that is unique, and within the industry we’rerespected for it.”

And the niche approach pays off in visitor numbers:to accommodate the sheer number of loyal guests,construction of a second building is already underway, an Italian-style hotel with 300 spacious rooms ofaround 50 square meters each, to be completed in2007. With the added beds, the sky is the limit -Scully’s eyes light up as he envisions sporting events, tournaments, and festivities galore since the“only impediment to our operation has been lack ofrooms”, he says.

The resort will also expand the Penguin Club, themassive children’s play area that is a landmark forresident families and holidaymakers alike. Here guests and club members can drop off their kids and rest secure in the knowledge that the expertchildcare and immense jungle gym will entertain themfor hours on end.

Scully takes care to emphasize that the hotel isperfect for business travellers, too. Its proximity toInternet and Media Cities as well as Jebel Ali FreeZone, added to its relaxed atmosphere, provide anantidote to downtown’s traffic and hectic pace.Facilities for business include extensive conferenceand banqueting facilities (indoors and outdoors), andinternet facilities in every room. There is also aBusiness Centre offering fax, photocopying,translation, wireless high-speed internet connectionand charter bookings. Further equipment such asprojectors, VCR's, OHP's, and amplification systemsare available to companies using the selection ofboardrooms or meeting rooms. And after themeetings, the sea awaits.

The beach, the friendly atmosphere, and thenumerous activities keep loyalty strong, ensuring

repeat visits from abroad as well as a core followingamong Dubai locals and club members. Everyone still fondly remembers the series of beach partiescalled ‘Mina Moons’ that took place during the slump following 9/11 and attracted some 4000 people each night. “At that time it was incumbent onus to think up new ways to keep a close connectionwith the residents of Dubai, and they stayed faithful tous”, he explains.

The resort’s sporty vibe does not mean it is simplyfor the able-bodied, however. Several rooms cater to special-needs guests, which Scullyfeels is a responsibility of the hospitality industry. Therestaurants, which are so popular that locals vie with guests for seats, will also accommodatedietary needs such as gluten-free diets. “We are notpretentious at all. It’s not just paying lip-service whenwe say that the customer’s needs are our commands.”

Scully’s infectious enthusiasm deepens when wemove on to the Mina’s six eateries. Bussola, the Italianrestaurant, is according to him, “the best Italianrestaurant in Dubai.” No small feat. His new baby isTang, the funky French fusion restaurant, where ChefStephane Buchholzer creates exquisite, innovativeFranco-Asian feasts to wide acclaim. There is alsoWaves, a brasserie and pizzeria, the aforementionedDhow, with its seafood emphasis, Dubai’s favouritebeach bar, Barasti, and Ciro’s Pomodoro, an Italianbar/ restaurant that also features live entertainment.

Whether you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, a business traveller, a parent with children or acombination of all three – a trip to the Mina will leave you more relaxed, better-fed and fitter than whenyou left home.

Tel.: +9714 399 3333www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

Scully, Veteran sportsman

Mina Seyahi.qxp 12/28/2006 4:55 PM Page 1

Built in 1999, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, evolved from the venerable Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) that is an integral part of the facility and is the mainstay of water sports inDubai. With 211 rooms, including the exclusive RoyalSuites, the resort boasts a 238 berth luxury marina andhosts the award-winning Victory Team, off-shorepowerboat world champions extraordinaire. There is even a floating restaurant, the Dhow, housed in theeponymous traditional Arabian vessel, which servesseafood and sushi and is the only floating restaurant onthe Jumeirah coast.

Water is also a focus for most of the hotel’s guests,who arrive from as far away as Europe and Russia fordeep sea fishing tours, or to obtain certifications insailing, relax on the Mina Seyahi’s 1200m beach - thelongest private beach in Dubai - or chill out at the swim-up bar in one of three terraced swimming pools, allin the same holiday.

But water sports are only the beginning. Golf is amere two minutes away at the Emirates and MontgomeryGolf Clubs, a polo pitch and qualified instructors are on

Mina MagicAt Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, “the sea is the firstthing you see when you walk into the lobby,” says Mike Scully, GeneralManager. And a refreshing sight it is, a world away from the dust andrampant construction around Dubai Marina next door and the PalmJumeirah upfront. It is a fitting first sight, too, as the sea is the resort’sraison-d’être.

54 Best of Dubai

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Best of Dubai 55

hand, and for the more robust, rugby matchestake place on the beach. Scully, a veteransportsman himself, proudly points out that theresort even sponsors a team in the RugbySevens. The Mina’s reputation as asportslover’s haven has even drawn sportinggreats such as Imran Khan and FrancoisPinard, amongst others.

Scully has been with the resort sinceinception and epitomizes its ethos - breezy,sporty and unpretentious – to the hilt. His sunburnt face and athletic physique attest to anactive life spent outdoors in his native SouthAfrica. “It’s the sports focus that keeps the Minaunique, and our strategy of marketingourselves as a destination for polo or sailingholidays represents the niche marketing thathotels in the region should focus on to staycompetitive,” he says. Situating his propertyslightly below the Jumeirah group in terms of luxury and price, and miles ahead ofthe rest in terms of facilities and activities,

Scully explains, “We managed to create a place forourselves that is unique, and within the industry we’rerespected for it.”

And the niche approach pays off in visitor numbers:to accommodate the sheer number of loyal guests,construction of a second building is already underway, an Italian-style hotel with 300 spacious rooms ofaround 50 square meters each, to be completed in2007. With the added beds, the sky is the limit -Scully’s eyes light up as he envisions sporting events, tournaments, and festivities galore since the“only impediment to our operation has been lack ofrooms”, he says.

The resort will also expand the Penguin Club, themassive children’s play area that is a landmark forresident families and holidaymakers alike. Here guests and club members can drop off their kids and rest secure in the knowledge that the expertchildcare and immense jungle gym will entertain themfor hours on end.

Scully takes care to emphasize that the hotel isperfect for business travellers, too. Its proximity toInternet and Media Cities as well as Jebel Ali FreeZone, added to its relaxed atmosphere, provide anantidote to downtown’s traffic and hectic pace.Facilities for business include extensive conferenceand banqueting facilities (indoors and outdoors), andinternet facilities in every room. There is also aBusiness Centre offering fax, photocopying,translation, wireless high-speed internet connectionand charter bookings. Further equipment such asprojectors, VCR's, OHP's, and amplification systemsare available to companies using the selection ofboardrooms or meeting rooms. And after themeetings, the sea awaits.

The beach, the friendly atmosphere, and thenumerous activities keep loyalty strong, ensuring

repeat visits from abroad as well as a core followingamong Dubai locals and club members. Everyone still fondly remembers the series of beach partiescalled ‘Mina Moons’ that took place during the slump following 9/11 and attracted some 4000 people each night. “At that time it was incumbent onus to think up new ways to keep a close connectionwith the residents of Dubai, and they stayed faithful tous”, he explains.

The resort’s sporty vibe does not mean it is simplyfor the able-bodied, however. Several rooms cater to special-needs guests, which Scullyfeels is a responsibility of the hospitality industry. Therestaurants, which are so popular that locals vie with guests for seats, will also accommodatedietary needs such as gluten-free diets. “We are notpretentious at all. It’s not just paying lip-service whenwe say that the customer’s needs are our commands.”

Scully’s infectious enthusiasm deepens when wemove on to the Mina’s six eateries. Bussola, the Italianrestaurant, is according to him, “the best Italianrestaurant in Dubai.” No small feat. His new baby isTang, the funky French fusion restaurant, where ChefStephane Buchholzer creates exquisite, innovativeFranco-Asian feasts to wide acclaim. There is alsoWaves, a brasserie and pizzeria, the aforementionedDhow, with its seafood emphasis, Dubai’s favouritebeach bar, Barasti, and Ciro’s Pomodoro, an Italianbar/ restaurant that also features live entertainment.

Whether you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, a business traveller, a parent with children or acombination of all three – a trip to the Mina will leave you more relaxed, better-fed and fitter than whenyou left home.


Scully, Veteran sportsman

Mina Seyahi.qxp 12/28/2006 4:55 PM Page 1

Vertical LuxuryThe recently launched 45 storey Oasis Beach Tower, is convenientlylocated on the Jumeirah beach strip opposite the Oasis BeachHotel. Close to the sea, it stands distinctly apart from the rest of thebuildings that make up the Dubai Marina development. One of a kindin a discerning environment that demands luxury and service, this isan ultra-smart and sophisticated architectural icon of 21st centuryliving in New Dubai.

56 Best of Dubai

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an extra guest bathroom at the entrance.You get the feeling that these environmentshave been conceptualised toaccommodate guests with a diversity ofneeds: Business travellers, families onholiday, short and long-term residents toDubai who don’t want the stress of rentingunfurnished property. With a set-up of thislevel, representing independent living with all the amenities of a hotel, relaxing in the modern day ‘chaise longue’that takes pride of place in the masterbedroom, is what you could find yourself spending time doing – in addition to reading, lazing or gazing at thesea view of course.

In-apartment catering and laundryservices are available through the OasisBeach Hotel, and if you fancy cooking yourown food, ordering all your supermarketneeds through the concierge is possible.

Lounging is ideal at the panoramic pooldeck on the second floor. Set in alandscaped area which makes it look like arock pool, it lends the environment ararefied feel that guests are happy to pay apremium for. Beach access and a host ofother facilities are available through thenearby Oasis Beach Hotel.

It was a sound strategic move tocombine the management of the OasisBeach Hotel and the Oasis Beach Towerunder veteran hotelier Martin Weber, whocombines the synergies of the twoproperties for the benefit of each other.

With 30 years in the business regionally,Weber “loves the challenge of change”

and the opportunity that managing thisnew property offers. “To build up acompletely new customer base is theessence of the job,” says Weber. Nostranger to the region, he first came toDubai in 1975 and can therefore ideallycomment on the changes and future trendsin the hospitality industry of Dubai.

“What characterises Dubai is that thehotels enjoy very high occupancies”,comments Weber. “In the 1970’s to 80’sbusinessmen came here on the back ofthe oil boom, and then the move to tourismbegan with the establishment of theDepartment of Tourism and CommerceMarketing. Since then we have seen anamazing development in tourism in Dubai.The corporate and MICE (Meetings,Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)markets have boomed and Dubai is nowwell established as a golfing destination.”

With Dubai’s expansion in tourism hascome a depth in sophistication, and withthe Oasis Beach Tower, this latest offeringon the Jumeirah Beach strip is a case inpoint. Undoubtedly to become a popularvenue for families who requirespaciousness, as well as senior businesspeople who utilise this thriving emirate as abase and need the benefits of a servicedapartment and access to quality servicestoo. Either way it is a superior productwhich will become a benchmark for futureproducts of this kind.

Tel.: +9714 399 4444www.oasisbeachtower.com

Talk about modern contemporary living elevatedto art. Here you have 180 furnished apartmentsthat are spacious, thoughtfully designed, andboasting the latest branded gadgetry too. In allshapes and sizes, dictated no doubt by thestylish lines of the building itself, the two, threeand four bedroom apartments are simplybreathtaking. The apartments have fabulousviews over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirahand Dubai Marina, whilst the four bedroomapartment’s kitchens have such awesomevistas that washing dishes there can never be achore again.

In line with the current clean lines, minimalistlook and dark hard wood trends, the interiordécor is perfect with the architecture of theapartments. No mess, no clutter – walls,upholstery and furniture contrast perfectly. As

Best of Dubai 57

for the bathrooms, they reflect theelegance and minute attention to detailthat has been devoted to every aspect of the Oasis Beach Tower.Beautifully appointed, all en suite,complete with quality toiletries that arereplenished on a regular basis – thesecomprehensive living spaces are notmerely standard, they are definitely inthe luxury suite category.

Where functionality and elegancemeet is where the Oasis Beach Towerhas positioned itself in design andservice terms. High speed panoramicelevators whisk guests up to theapartments that look great but arefunctional too, with walk-in cupboardspace areas, a storage room as well as

Oasis Beach Tower.qxp 12/28/2006 5:00 PM Page 1

Vertical LuxuryThe recently launched 45 storey Oasis Beach Tower, is convenientlylocated on the Jumeirah beach strip opposite the Oasis BeachHotel. Close to the sea, it stands distinctly apart from the rest of thebuildings that make up the Dubai Marina development. One of a kindin a discerning environment that demands luxury and service, this isan ultra-smart and sophisticated architectural icon of 21st centuryliving in New Dubai.

56 Best of Dubai

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an extra guest bathroom at the entrance.You get the feeling that these environmentshave been conceptualised toaccommodate guests with a diversity ofneeds: Business travellers, families onholiday, short and long-term residents toDubai who don’t want the stress of rentingunfurnished property. With a set-up of thislevel, representing independent living with all the amenities of a hotel, relaxing in the modern day ‘chaise longue’that takes pride of place in the masterbedroom, is what you could find yourself spending time doing – in addition to reading, lazing or gazing at thesea view of course.

In-apartment catering and laundryservices are available through the OasisBeach Hotel, and if you fancy cooking yourown food, ordering all your supermarketneeds through the concierge is possible.

Lounging is ideal at the panoramic pooldeck on the second floor. Set in alandscaped area which makes it look like arock pool, it lends the environment ararefied feel that guests are happy to pay apremium for. Beach access and a host ofother facilities are available through thenearby Oasis Beach Hotel.

It was a sound strategic move tocombine the management of the OasisBeach Hotel and the Oasis Beach Towerunder veteran hotelier Martin Weber, whocombines the synergies of the twoproperties for the benefit of each other.

With 30 years in the business regionally,Weber “loves the challenge of change”

and the opportunity that managing thisnew property offers. “To build up acompletely new customer base is theessence of the job,” says Weber. Nostranger to the region, he first came toDubai in 1975 and can therefore ideallycomment on the changes and future trendsin the hospitality industry of Dubai.

“What characterises Dubai is that thehotels enjoy very high occupancies”,comments Weber. “In the 1970’s to 80’sbusinessmen came here on the back ofthe oil boom, and then the move to tourismbegan with the establishment of theDepartment of Tourism and CommerceMarketing. Since then we have seen anamazing development in tourism in Dubai.The corporate and MICE (Meetings,Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)markets have boomed and Dubai is nowwell established as a golfing destination.”

With Dubai’s expansion in tourism hascome a depth in sophistication, and withthe Oasis Beach Tower, this latest offeringon the Jumeirah Beach strip is a case inpoint. Undoubtedly to become a popularvenue for families who requirespaciousness, as well as senior businesspeople who utilise this thriving emirate as abase and need the benefits of a servicedapartment and access to quality servicestoo. Either way it is a superior productwhich will become a benchmark for futureproducts of this kind.

Tel.: +9714 399 4444www.oasisbeachtower.com

Talk about modern contemporary living elevatedto art. Here you have 180 furnished apartmentsthat are spacious, thoughtfully designed, andboasting the latest branded gadgetry too. In allshapes and sizes, dictated no doubt by thestylish lines of the building itself, the two, threeand four bedroom apartments are simplybreathtaking. The apartments have fabulousviews over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirahand Dubai Marina, whilst the four bedroomapartment’s kitchens have such awesomevistas that washing dishes there can never be achore again.

In line with the current clean lines, minimalistlook and dark hard wood trends, the interiordécor is perfect with the architecture of theapartments. No mess, no clutter – walls,upholstery and furniture contrast perfectly. As

Best of Dubai 57

for the bathrooms, they reflect theelegance and minute attention to detailthat has been devoted to every aspect of the Oasis Beach Tower.Beautifully appointed, all en suite,complete with quality toiletries that arereplenished on a regular basis – thesecomprehensive living spaces are notmerely standard, they are definitely inthe luxury suite category.

Where functionality and elegancemeet is where the Oasis Beach Towerhas positioned itself in design andservice terms. High speed panoramicelevators whisk guests up to theapartments that look great but arefunctional too, with walk-in cupboardspace areas, a storage room as well as

Oasis Beach Tower.qxp 12/28/2006 5:00 PM Page 1

In the most prime of locations, at the heart of Dubai's business district,welcome to the most stylish property in town. Catering to theinternational business traveller, its wealth of gourmet eateries set instriking architectural minimalist elegance, the Hilton Dubai Creek is averitable landmark in the emirate’s sophisticated urban-scape.

The property is well served by a passionate and dedicated hotelierwhose 17 years of experience, in a total of nine different countries, haveunderscored the principles that underlie the success of the Hilton brand.

Mark Deere is clearly proud of his position as General Manager ofone of the most prestigious business hotels in Dubai and believes “Thishotel aspires to reflect the lifestyle of our guests in its attention to detailand personal service. Combine this with a mix of signature restaurants,the stunning Creek skyline and the sharp, modern interiors and youcreate a unique end product that offers guests understated excellence.”

In Dubai, for properties vying for size as a testament of power, here isa 154 room ‘boutique hotel’ that does not rely on sheer magnitude toimpress or conquer occupancy wars. Hilton Dubai Creek is one of a kindin the city. The building and its interior was designed by Carlos Ott, theinternationally renowned architect from Uruguay, who designed L'Operade la Bastille in Paris, Toronto’s Simcoe Place and the National Bank ofDubai Building, amongst others. Impressive by its understated design,chrome and glass merge in tasteful synchrony. The lighting is artfullydesigned and all is uncluttered, meaningfully minimalist. This exudes afeeling of calm and tranquillity that is immediately captured throughoutthe hotel as a whole even when running at full capacity - which in view ofits popularity - this hotel mostly does.

Checking in is brisk, clearly demonstrating that the staff have beenwell trained in the archetypal 16 Hilton behavioural brand servicestandards. If you are a member of the Hilton Honours programme andhave stayed at Hilton Dubai Creek before, chances are that you will beremembered upon entering. Deere elaborates on this by confirming that:

The Comfort of Style

One-of-a-kind in Dubai - welcome to a boutique property that does not relyon sheer magnitude to pack a powerful hospitality punch.

58 Best of Dubai

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“We provide a personalised service that our guests have cometo enjoy and expect. Sixty per cent of our guests are HiltonHonours members which highlights the exceptional level ofservice that we provide.”

The hotel provides accommodation under the following fourcategories; Hilton guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive roomsand suites. The deluxe and executive rooms are superb, 37square meters of well appointed and comfortablespaciousness. Everything the business person could desire -state-of-the-art internet technology, colour printer / scanner / faxin all rooms, scented toiletries in the marble bathrooms and ahealthy fruit basket. Hilton Dubai Creek is now entirelyaccessible by wireless providing an added advantage tobusiness guests. In addition, a special touch such as head,neck or even foot massages, in the comfort of the guest’s ownroom, is possible. “We will even provide you with a workout matin the room and an exercise video if you can’t make it to the in-house gym”, Deere explains. What better way to relax after along or short haul journey? Deere emphasises the importance ofa guest’s stay being restorative as well as functional. Clearly,much can be learned from excellent purveyors of service suchas Hilton; with respect to understanding customer needs. The‘brand promise’ he explains is “to establish equilibrium, to putback a little of what life takes out.” Deere is able to deliver thisthrough his painstaking attention to detail, which is evidentthroughout the hotel; nothing is allowed to mar service levels.“Ever”, he adds.

Best of Dubai 59

The hotel has a gym and atemperature controlled roof top pool,with stunning views over the Creek.Sitting out there you could mistake itfor the swimming deck on a cruiseliner, with decking, bar and maritimestyle railings, minus the noise.

The gastronomic edge of thisproperty is legendary - a deliciousattraction for both business travellersand Dubai residents alike. Thisreputation has been achieved byGordon Ramsay, Britain’s inimitable‘celebrity chef’.

Verre @ Hilton Dubai Creek wasGordon Ramsay’s first overseasventure. As the director of all food andbeverage outlets in the hotel, he ispersonally involved in the running ofthis restaurant too, with his protégéExecutive Chef, Jason Whitelock,following Ramsay’s culinary vision todizzying heights of gourmet art. The‘Glasshouse’ Mediterranean Brasserie,just across the mezzanine from Verre,is a stylish all day dining Brasserie thatallows guests to sample a true taste ofthe Mediterranean. It is hugely popularfor its unique Friday Brunch that offersthe discerning guest a choicebetween bubbly, Sangria and Pimmsjust to name a few. Definitely worthexperiencing, particularly whenaccess to the Hilton Dubai Creek willbe made much easier with theimminent improvements toinfrastructure.

Once all the crossing develop-ments over the Creek are completed,by the end of 2007, Deere wondershow he will be able to balance theneeds of the hotel guests and theDubai residents - a delightfulquandary to be in when the rest of thecities’ General Managers fret aboutcompetition.

Verre by Gordon Ramsay is HiltonDubai Creek’s signature restaurantand definitely deserves to steal thelimelight when it comes to reviews.There is both an a la carte menu anda fixed price ‘Menu Prestige’, made upof a selection of dishes from the a lacarte menu. A further bonus is that theSommelier Simone Luca Gagliardi caneither select wine by the glass toaccompany each course or by thebottle to accompany your meal.

Gourmandises at VerreA pleasing start to our dinner was the‘amuse bouche’ compliments of thechef, consisting of salmon and foiegras on wafer thin crisps,accompanied by a glass of Sancerrewhite wine. With eight starters andmain dishes to choose from, and an

equal number of desserts, some to berecommended are the roasted seascallops with caramelised five spicespork belly which melts in your mouth,the blue fin tuna seared and marinatedcarpaccio with pickled white radish,with a superb mildly spicy tang, andthe dill marinated Scottish salmon withfried oysters, a novelty that clearlychefs of this calibre are not afraid toexperiment with.

For the main course we enjoyed thecastaing duck breast with five spicesturnips and Madeira jus, which wasrare and well rested before beingserved, the fillet of wild sea bass withspaghetti of cucumber, cauliflowerpuree and caviar veloute, a healthyoption, and a richer choice of porkbelly, lentils, black pudding and panfried foie gras. The slow cookingmethod allowed the protein to remainsettled, making it extremely tender. Forthe fish dishes, the ChardonnayMargaret River Lower Estate was ideal- fruity and dry, and for the meatdishes the Pinotage Kannon Kop wasfull bodied and earthy.

Presentation is key at Verre and it isclear that a great deal of time andeffort is spent in creating suchexquisite dishes. However, it is alsovital that the plates are piping hot andgladly at Verre, this was the case.

What also stood out was theknowledge the waiting staff had of theproduct, and the artistic presentationof each dish, depicting a gastronomiccreativity that comes through bothvisually and taste-wise. The finalculmination, the desserts, was amagnificent finale. Highlyrecommended is the chocolate fondant with milk ice cream. This was a truly delicious chocolate creationcleverly balanced with the lightness of milk ice cream. Another superbdesert was the crème bruleé infusedwith basil, which was such anaromatically pleasant surprise, thateating crème bruleé sans basil willnever be the same again.

In a bid to banish the soullessalienation syndrome often felt by serialbusiness travellers, hotels try andcreate a ‘home away from home’image that fosters familiarity andhence, comfort. Having achieved thisunparalleled elegance and masteredhow to provide exceptional personalservice with superb attention to detail, after a stay at the Hilton DubaiCreek, who would ever want to gohome again?

Tel.: +9714 227 1111www.hilton.com

Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie

Verre by Gordon Ramsay

hilton creek - 6.qxp 12/28/2006 2:11 PM Page 1

In the most prime of locations, at the heart of Dubai's business district,welcome to the most stylish property in town. Catering to theinternational business traveller, its wealth of gourmet eateries set instriking architectural minimalist elegance, the Hilton Dubai Creek is averitable landmark in the emirate’s sophisticated urban-scape.

The property is well served by a passionate and dedicated hotelierwhose 17 years of experience, in a total of nine different countries, haveunderscored the principles that underlie the success of the Hilton brand.

Mark Deere is clearly proud of his position as General Manager ofone of the most prestigious business hotels in Dubai and believes “Thishotel aspires to reflect the lifestyle of our guests in its attention to detailand personal service. Combine this with a mix of signature restaurants,the stunning Creek skyline and the sharp, modern interiors and youcreate a unique end product that offers guests understated excellence.”

In Dubai, for properties vying for size as a testament of power, here isa 154 room ‘boutique hotel’ that does not rely on sheer magnitude toimpress or conquer occupancy wars. Hilton Dubai Creek is one of a kindin the city. The building and its interior was designed by Carlos Ott, theinternationally renowned architect from Uruguay, who designed L'Operade la Bastille in Paris, Toronto’s Simcoe Place and the National Bank ofDubai Building, amongst others. Impressive by its understated design,chrome and glass merge in tasteful synchrony. The lighting is artfullydesigned and all is uncluttered, meaningfully minimalist. This exudes afeeling of calm and tranquillity that is immediately captured throughoutthe hotel as a whole even when running at full capacity - which in view ofits popularity - this hotel mostly does.

Checking in is brisk, clearly demonstrating that the staff have beenwell trained in the archetypal 16 Hilton behavioural brand servicestandards. If you are a member of the Hilton Honours programme andhave stayed at Hilton Dubai Creek before, chances are that you will beremembered upon entering. Deere elaborates on this by confirming that:

The Comfort of Style

One-of-a-kind in Dubai - welcome to a boutique property that does not relyon sheer magnitude to pack a powerful hospitality punch.

58 Best of Dubai

Hot

els

& H

ospi

talit

y

“We provide a personalised service that our guests have cometo enjoy and expect. Sixty per cent of our guests are HiltonHonours members which highlights the exceptional level ofservice that we provide.”

The hotel provides accommodation under the following fourcategories; Hilton guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive roomsand suites. The deluxe and executive rooms are superb, 37square meters of well appointed and comfortablespaciousness. Everything the business person could desire -state-of-the-art internet technology, colour printer / scanner / faxin all rooms, scented toiletries in the marble bathrooms and ahealthy fruit basket. Hilton Dubai Creek is now entirelyaccessible by wireless providing an added advantage tobusiness guests. In addition, a special touch such as head,neck or even foot massages, in the comfort of the guest’s ownroom, is possible. “We will even provide you with a workout matin the room and an exercise video if you can’t make it to the in-house gym”, Deere explains. What better way to relax after along or short haul journey? Deere emphasises the importance ofa guest’s stay being restorative as well as functional. Clearly,much can be learned from excellent purveyors of service suchas Hilton; with respect to understanding customer needs. The‘brand promise’ he explains is “to establish equilibrium, to putback a little of what life takes out.” Deere is able to deliver thisthrough his painstaking attention to detail, which is evidentthroughout the hotel; nothing is allowed to mar service levels.“Ever”, he adds.

Best of Dubai 59

The hotel has a gym and atemperature controlled roof top pool,with stunning views over the Creek.Sitting out there you could mistake itfor the swimming deck on a cruiseliner, with decking, bar and maritimestyle railings, minus the noise.

The gastronomic edge of thisproperty is legendary - a deliciousattraction for both business travellersand Dubai residents alike. Thisreputation has been achieved byGordon Ramsay, Britain’s inimitable‘celebrity chef’.

Verre @ Hilton Dubai Creek wasGordon Ramsay’s first overseasventure. As the director of all food andbeverage outlets in the hotel, he ispersonally involved in the running ofthis restaurant too, with his protégéExecutive Chef, Jason Whitelock,following Ramsay’s culinary vision todizzying heights of gourmet art. The‘Glasshouse’ Mediterranean Brasserie,just across the mezzanine from Verre,is a stylish all day dining Brasserie thatallows guests to sample a true taste ofthe Mediterranean. It is hugely popularfor its unique Friday Brunch that offersthe discerning guest a choicebetween bubbly, Sangria and Pimmsjust to name a few. Definitely worthexperiencing, particularly whenaccess to the Hilton Dubai Creek willbe made much easier with theimminent improvements toinfrastructure.

Once all the crossing develop-ments over the Creek are completed,by the end of 2007, Deere wondershow he will be able to balance theneeds of the hotel guests and theDubai residents - a delightfulquandary to be in when the rest of thecities’ General Managers fret aboutcompetition.

Verre by Gordon Ramsay is HiltonDubai Creek’s signature restaurantand definitely deserves to steal thelimelight when it comes to reviews.There is both an a la carte menu anda fixed price ‘Menu Prestige’, made upof a selection of dishes from the a lacarte menu. A further bonus is that theSommelier Simone Luca Gagliardi caneither select wine by the glass toaccompany each course or by thebottle to accompany your meal.

Gourmandises at VerreA pleasing start to our dinner was the‘amuse bouche’ compliments of thechef, consisting of salmon and foiegras on wafer thin crisps,accompanied by a glass of Sancerrewhite wine. With eight starters andmain dishes to choose from, and an

equal number of desserts, some to berecommended are the roasted seascallops with caramelised five spicespork belly which melts in your mouth,the blue fin tuna seared and marinatedcarpaccio with pickled white radish,with a superb mildly spicy tang, andthe dill marinated Scottish salmon withfried oysters, a novelty that clearlychefs of this calibre are not afraid toexperiment with.

For the main course we enjoyed thecastaing duck breast with five spicesturnips and Madeira jus, which wasrare and well rested before beingserved, the fillet of wild sea bass withspaghetti of cucumber, cauliflowerpuree and caviar veloute, a healthyoption, and a richer choice of porkbelly, lentils, black pudding and panfried foie gras. The slow cookingmethod allowed the protein to remainsettled, making it extremely tender. Forthe fish dishes, the ChardonnayMargaret River Lower Estate was ideal- fruity and dry, and for the meatdishes the Pinotage Kannon Kop wasfull bodied and earthy.

Presentation is key at Verre and it isclear that a great deal of time andeffort is spent in creating suchexquisite dishes. However, it is alsovital that the plates are piping hot andgladly at Verre, this was the case.

What also stood out was theknowledge the waiting staff had of theproduct, and the artistic presentationof each dish, depicting a gastronomiccreativity that comes through bothvisually and taste-wise. The finalculmination, the desserts, was amagnificent finale. Highlyrecommended is the chocolate fondant with milk ice cream. This was a truly delicious chocolate creationcleverly balanced with the lightness of milk ice cream. Another superbdesert was the crème bruleé infusedwith basil, which was such anaromatically pleasant surprise, thateating crème bruleé sans basil willnever be the same again.

In a bid to banish the soullessalienation syndrome often felt by serialbusiness travellers, hotels try andcreate a ‘home away from home’image that fosters familiarity andhence, comfort. Having achieved thisunparalleled elegance and masteredhow to provide exceptional personalservice with superb attention to detail, after a stay at the Hilton DubaiCreek, who would ever want to gohome again?

Tel.: +9714 227 1111www.hilton.com

Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie

Verre by Gordon Ramsay

hilton creek - 6.qxp 12/28/2006 2:11 PM Page 1

to them. Indeed in the lobby, thereare bronzes of gazelles and lions onnatural rock formations that blend withthe natural decor. Comfortably pleasinginteriors aside, as a ‘Relais & Châteaux’listed property; great attention is paidto the hotel’s ‘gourmet experience’.

Dinner is served in the ‘Jeema’restaurant, where Chef Savio offers awide choice catering to diverse tastes.Prices are reasonable by Dubaistandards and the success of therestaurant can be judged by the repeatbusiness the establishment gets fromDubai residents who drive especiallyall the way to the Hatta Fort Hotel for theCaesar Salad, Snails, Chateaubriandand the Lobster Thermidor.

Breakfast and lunch are served inthe newly refurbished Café Gazebothat overlooks the picturesque residents’pool, with the stunning mountains asa backdrop. “Although I trust my staffimplicitly, I am obsessively hands-onin my management style. For me,upholding standards is more importantthan setting new ones. There is noneed to advocate change for the sakeof change, our menu is tried and tested,the response has been consistentlyexcellent over the years and that’s theway we want to proceed”, he explains.

Café Gazebo also features abeautiful terrace area for guests thatprefer an al fresco experience and inthe evenings, the Roumoul CocktailBar offers a choice of nightcapswhich can be enjoyed either beforeor after dinner.

The Hatta Fort Hotel has by defaultbecome an eco-friendly hotel. Thehotel has set up its own water recyclingplant, and all waste water is used forwatering the gardens. The plant also

desalinates well water, and a fleet oftankers supplies the rest of thehotel’s water needs.

Although it is compact, the HattaFort Hotel is bustling, and on Fridaysserves up to a thousand meals. Apartfrom the residents who enjoy their ownfacilities, such as the swimming pool,there are plenty of tour companiesthat stop by for lunch and a swim atthe new ‘Rock Pool’ swimming pooland restaurant area. “We are lucky;business is steady throughout theyear, even in the summer, the climateis so dry that the hot air is not the leastbit uncomfortable”, he says.

With conferences and incentives alarge part of their business, the HattaFort Hotel has developed successfullygiven its relative remoteness andstand-alone resort positioning. Adedicated facility equipped with all thelatest visual aids and plenty of meetingrooms is a firm favourite with organisersfrom the region and worldwide.

The Abami Activity Centre operatesthe ‘Team, Leadership and ManagementDevelopment Centre’ within in thegrounds of the hotel, where climbing walls and obstacles createoutdoor experiential learningprogrammes that mirror real situationsin the workplace.

So, all in all the Hatta Fort Hotel hasgot something for everyone. If you aretired with the beach, overwhelmed bythe malls and are looking for a havenof peace and tranquillity, this shouldbe your destination. Beware to bookwell ahead as it remains as popular,if not more so, than ever before.


Best of Dubai 61

Why it first came into being is a tale unto itself. The

late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid BinSaeed Al Maktoum, a frequent visitor to Hatta in the1970’s, built a small palace there to get away fromthe humidity of the city. The dry climate and peacefulsurroundings of this pristine mountain oasis were ideal,until the increasing entourage of those who wantedto meet him made life hectic. His solution was toask Mr. Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai TransportCompany (DUTCO), if he would build a hotel on theadjacent property to accommodate these visitors. Theproject started in 1977 and was completed in 1981.The rest is history.

On several fronts, the Hatta Fort Hotel is unique.Among the first hotels to be built in Dubai, it was thefirst to be located an hour out of town in the middleof the Hajar mountains, close to the Omani border.Ensconced in an 80-acre estate with every amenityyou could wish for – two temperature controlled pools,gym, skeet and trap clay pigeon shooting, two floodlittennis courts, beauty centre, golf driving range andpractice green - it has retained a distinctive characterthat has endeared it to the hearts of Dubai residents,

conference organisers andtourists alike.

With manic hotel devel-opment in Dubai slicing intomarket shares and guests’tendency towards novelty andvariety, retaining this pride ofplace has not been easy.Sergio Magnaldi, the hotel’sebullient Italian generalmanager, says “This mountainretreat has been an integralpart of my life for 30 years. Ieven feel that I have put thehotel before my family. Theysay my personality has left anindelible stamp on the Fort’scharacter – or vice versa.Who knows?”

With the feel of an exclusivelodge, the chalet-style anddeluxe chalet-style bedroomshave an almost African feel

60 Best of Dubai

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Sergio MagnaldiGeneral Manager

Hatta Fort Hotel

By Dubai standards, the Hatta Fort Hotel is smallwith its 50 chalet-style rooms, but of them all, it hasthe biggest story to tell.

Mountain Solace

The Emirate’smost exclusivemountain retreat,the Hatta FortHotel is an 80-acre, oasis ofrelaxation, offeringthe perfect breakfrom city life.

to them. Indeed in the lobby, thereare bronzes of gazelles and lions onnatural rock formations that blend withthe natural decor. Comfortably pleasinginteriors aside, as a ‘Relais & Châteaux’listed property; great attention is paidto the hotel’s ‘gourmet experience’.

Dinner is served in the ‘Jeema’restaurant, where Chef Savio offers awide choice catering to diverse tastes.Prices are reasonable by Dubaistandards and the success of therestaurant can be judged by the repeatbusiness the establishment gets fromDubai residents who drive especiallyall the way to the Hatta Fort Hotel for theCaesar Salad, Snails, Chateaubriandand the Lobster Thermidor.

Breakfast and lunch are served inthe newly refurbished Café Gazebothat overlooks the picturesque residents’pool, with the stunning mountains asa backdrop. “Although I trust my staffimplicitly, I am obsessively hands-onin my management style. For me,upholding standards is more importantthan setting new ones. There is noneed to advocate change for the sakeof change, our menu is tried and tested,the response has been consistentlyexcellent over the years and that’s theway we want to proceed”, he explains.

Café Gazebo also features abeautiful terrace area for guests thatprefer an al fresco experience and inthe evenings, the Roumoul CocktailBar offers a choice of nightcapswhich can be enjoyed either beforeor after dinner.

The Hatta Fort Hotel has by defaultbecome an eco-friendly hotel. Thehotel has set up its own water recyclingplant, and all waste water is used forwatering the gardens. The plant also

desalinates well water, and a fleet oftankers supplies the rest of thehotel’s water needs.

Although it is compact, the HattaFort Hotel is bustling, and on Fridaysserves up to a thousand meals. Apartfrom the residents who enjoy their ownfacilities, such as the swimming pool,there are plenty of tour companiesthat stop by for lunch and a swim atthe new ‘Rock Pool’ swimming pooland restaurant area. “We are lucky;business is steady throughout theyear, even in the summer, the climateis so dry that the hot air is not the leastbit uncomfortable”, he says.

With conferences and incentives alarge part of their business, the HattaFort Hotel has developed successfullygiven its relative remoteness andstand-alone resort positioning. Adedicated facility equipped with all thelatest visual aids and plenty of meetingrooms is a firm favourite with organisersfrom the region and worldwide.

The Abami Activity Centre operatesthe ‘Team, Leadership and ManagementDevelopment Centre’ within in thegrounds of the hotel, where climbing walls and obstacles createoutdoor experiential learningprogrammes that mirror real situationsin the workplace.

So, all in all the Hatta Fort Hotel hasgot something for everyone. If you aretired with the beach, overwhelmed bythe malls and are looking for a havenof peace and tranquillity, this shouldbe your destination. Beware to bookwell ahead as it remains as popular,if not more so, than ever before.


Best of Dubai 61

Why it first came into being is a tale unto itself. The

late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid BinSaeed Al Maktoum, a frequent visitor to Hatta in the1970’s, built a small palace there to get away fromthe humidity of the city. The dry climate and peacefulsurroundings of this pristine mountain oasis were ideal,until the increasing entourage of those who wantedto meet him made life hectic. His solution was toask Mr. Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai TransportCompany (DUTCO), if he would build a hotel on theadjacent property to accommodate these visitors. Theproject started in 1977 and was completed in 1981.The rest is history.

On several fronts, the Hatta Fort Hotel is unique.Among the first hotels to be built in Dubai, it was thefirst to be located an hour out of town in the middleof the Hajar mountains, close to the Omani border.Ensconced in an 80-acre estate with every amenityyou could wish for – two temperature controlled pools,gym, skeet and trap clay pigeon shooting, two floodlittennis courts, beauty centre, golf driving range andpractice green - it has retained a distinctive characterthat has endeared it to the hearts of Dubai residents,

conference organisers andtourists alike.

With manic hotel devel-opment in Dubai slicing intomarket shares and guests’tendency towards novelty andvariety, retaining this pride ofplace has not been easy.Sergio Magnaldi, the hotel’sebullient Italian generalmanager, says “This mountainretreat has been an integralpart of my life for 30 years. Ieven feel that I have put thehotel before my family. Theysay my personality has left anindelible stamp on the Fort’scharacter – or vice versa.Who knows?”

With the feel of an exclusivelodge, the chalet-style anddeluxe chalet-style bedroomshave an almost African feel

60 Best of Dubai

Hot

els

& H

ospi

talit

y

Sergio MagnaldiGeneral Manager

Hatta Fort Hotel

By Dubai standards, the Hatta Fort Hotel is smallwith its 50 chalet-style rooms, but of them all, it hasthe biggest story to tell.

Mountain Solace

The Emirate’smost exclusivemountain retreat,the Hatta FortHotel is an 80-acre, oasis ofrelaxation, offeringthe perfect breakfrom city life.

comfortable as well as functional,reflective of the many types of gueststhat patronise this sea facing property.

Whether it’s for business or tourism,nothing satisfies like a panoramic viewand at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, greatvistas are guaranteed. This is becausethe property is designed so that a largeproportion of the rooms, in addition tothe 56 sumptuous suites, enjoy a view of the Arabian sea. As for thebathrooms, they are marbled andutterly beautiful – replete with brandedtoiletries that push the Hiltonexperience up yet another notch. If youare lucky enough to stay in one of thesuites, they are sensational, ultraluxurious and extremely spacious, withwrap around views of the Arabian Gulf.

Below are the manicured gardens ofthe hotel, beach umbrellas and deckchairs tempting you outdoors into thefresh sea air and sunshine – neverlacking in Dubai. It is a short stroll downto the beachfront where you can stepon to the pristine sands and take a dipin the calm, clear blue waters. Inaddition, a spacious temperature-controlled swimming pool creates anidyllic environment that allows completerest and relaxation.

The Food and Beverage elements ofHilton Dubai Jumeirah are second tonone in terms of quality of food andinimitable ambience. With six differentplaces to enjoy - Wavebreaker, abeach-side favourite, Pergola Terrace,a poolside eatery, Oceana, an all daydining restaurant , Studio One, whereyou can catch all the latest sportsaction, and the superlative signatureoutlets Bice, including Bice Sky Bar,and Pachanga – you are spoilt forchoice.

Whilst Bice is special, the concept iswell known in Milan, Tokyo and NewYork, and has also been successfullylaunched in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai it isespecially popular with non-residentsand residents alike, and is packedevery night. One of the secrets of itssuccess is that it is run by a seasonedrestaurateur, as opposed to a hotelier,and Roberto Rella, the effervescentMaitre d’ welcomes everyone by name,even if he hasn’t seen them in months!The food is excellent; traditional Italianfare that passes the quality test for realItalians too. In this respect, the HiltonDubai Jumeirah has been successful inmaintaining a healthy mix of tourist andnon-resident business, by offeringauthentic cuisine from around theworld. This is in stark contrast to someof the other hotels on Dubai’s ‘GoldenStrip’ that have concentrated on foreignguests and overtly gimmicky concepts

to the exclusion of the increasinglydiscerning local business category.

Another firm favourite has to be‘Pachanga’, a Latin American stylerestaurant that seats up to 80 guestswith typical dishes from Brazil,Argentina and Mexico. The décor isgenuinely themed which is similarlyreflected in the style of the Cuban Bar,which features traditional woodenshuttering, Cuban style furniture, anexcellent selection of Cuban rums, awide variety of cigars and great music!Pachanga also boasts a secret winningingredient - an all South Americanteam. Chef David Contreras fromArgentina, Maitre d’ Wadim Alvarez andhis assistant Andrea, both Brazilian –add a frisson of authenticity in a foodand beverage scenario that issometimes sorely unoriginal here inDubai. Aside from the delicious andfairly priced food, if you are luckyenough to go on a Wednesday night,you will be enraptured by the localTango Club. With excellent fare featuring a wide variety of traditionaldishes native to Latin America it isimpossible not to love the place! A firmfavourite is the ‘churasco’. This uniqueBrazilian dish is a meal within itself andoffers a selection of different ‘melt inyour mouth’ meats grilled on a longskewer carved directly on to your plateserved with wines ideally from eitherfrom Chile or Argentina. The Argentinewines have improved enormously overthe last ten years, having imported thelatest technologies from Europe. One wine we enjoyed was called ‘Closde los Siete’ by Michel Rollard, madefrom a blend of seven different types ofgrapes – flavoursome and delicate atthe same time.

When asked how he was able toachieve a positive balance of keepingboth customers and staff happy, Muhr,explained that “providing excellent foodand service will not work unless youhave an excellent team in place.” Heexplained the so-called ‘espritphilosophy’ of his domain, whichcharacterises the spirit of Hilton culture:“only those that feel valued, can addvalue”. His first obligation was to“embed the Hilton philosophy into theteam members” and with training thispays off, as staff turnover is relativelylow compared to other hotels nearby.

Despite rampant competition inDubai, Hilton feels confident about thefuture. They have been in the UAE forover 30 years, and therefore know themarket and how quickly it can change.With the planned tourist projections andthe number of rooms expected to tripleover the next five years this will force

Best of Dubai 63

Pachanga is afabulous restaurantwith excellent fare

featuring a widevariety of traditional

dishes from SouthAmerica

Hospitality PassionWhenever you stay at any Hilton Hotel, you are bound toexperience a Hilton ‘moment’. This allows guests to recall anindelible memory, however small, that characterises theimpeccable service guaranteed in each of the 2,800 Hiltonproperties globally.

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Standardisation reigns supreme in the world’s largest hotel chain. This does not implymonotony. On the contrary, it guarantees consistent, unflinching fabulous service.From the moment you walk into any Hilton property you can be sure of seamlessefficiency rendered with a smile. This is true of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, one ofthe emirate’s veritable stalwarts ensconced on the new Jumeirah coastline, a stone’sthrow away from a variety of free zones, golf courses, the Palm Jumeirah, DubaiMarina and assorted real estate developments of every ilk.

The aptly named ‘Hilton moment’ is not arrived upon by chance; it is a brandpromise that is reiterated by General Manager Christian H. Muhr with conviction. “Thebuilding blocks that lead to this are consistency, hassle free experience andpersonalised service”, he says.

Built in 2000, this 10 floor, 389 room property, including 56 suites, does not needto rely on awesome architecture or a zany themed concept to set it apart. The qualityof service and standards in place allow this property to remain extremely popular,retaining widespread kudos despite ferocious competition and manic hoteldevelopment elsewhere. Outstanding services, food and beverage outletsnotwithstanding, the key to this success is actually when the key card first goes intothe appropriate slot. Always an occasion of anticipation tinged with excitement,peering around the door to see what your home for the next few days is going to belike is never a disappointment at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. The first impression isexcellent with spotless, well appointed and spacious rooms that are luxuriously

Pachanga Restaurant

Pachanga Restaurant

Hilton Jumeirah.qxp 12/28/2006 2:15 PM Page 1

comfortable as well as functional,reflective of the many types of gueststhat patronise this sea facing property.

Whether it’s for business or tourism,nothing satisfies like a panoramic viewand at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, greatvistas are guaranteed. This is becausethe property is designed so that a largeproportion of the rooms, in addition tothe 56 sumptuous suites, enjoy a view of the Arabian sea. As for thebathrooms, they are marbled andutterly beautiful – replete with brandedtoiletries that push the Hiltonexperience up yet another notch. If youare lucky enough to stay in one of thesuites, they are sensational, ultraluxurious and extremely spacious, withwrap around views of the Arabian Gulf.

Below are the manicured gardens ofthe hotel, beach umbrellas and deckchairs tempting you outdoors into thefresh sea air and sunshine – neverlacking in Dubai. It is a short stroll downto the beachfront where you can stepon to the pristine sands and take a dipin the calm, clear blue waters. Inaddition, a spacious temperature-controlled swimming pool creates anidyllic environment that allows completerest and relaxation.

The Food and Beverage elements ofHilton Dubai Jumeirah are second tonone in terms of quality of food andinimitable ambience. With six differentplaces to enjoy - Wavebreaker, abeach-side favourite, Pergola Terrace,a poolside eatery, Oceana, an all daydining restaurant , Studio One, whereyou can catch all the latest sportsaction, and the superlative signatureoutlets Bice, including Bice Sky Bar,and Pachanga – you are spoilt forchoice.

Whilst Bice is special, the concept iswell known in Milan, Tokyo and NewYork, and has also been successfullylaunched in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai it isespecially popular with non-residentsand residents alike, and is packedevery night. One of the secrets of itssuccess is that it is run by a seasonedrestaurateur, as opposed to a hotelier,and Roberto Rella, the effervescentMaitre d’ welcomes everyone by name,even if he hasn’t seen them in months!The food is excellent; traditional Italianfare that passes the quality test for realItalians too. In this respect, the HiltonDubai Jumeirah has been successful inmaintaining a healthy mix of tourist andnon-resident business, by offeringauthentic cuisine from around theworld. This is in stark contrast to someof the other hotels on Dubai’s ‘GoldenStrip’ that have concentrated on foreignguests and overtly gimmicky concepts

to the exclusion of the increasinglydiscerning local business category.

Another firm favourite has to be‘Pachanga’, a Latin American stylerestaurant that seats up to 80 guestswith typical dishes from Brazil,Argentina and Mexico. The décor isgenuinely themed which is similarlyreflected in the style of the Cuban Bar,which features traditional woodenshuttering, Cuban style furniture, anexcellent selection of Cuban rums, awide variety of cigars and great music!Pachanga also boasts a secret winningingredient - an all South Americanteam. Chef David Contreras fromArgentina, Maitre d’ Wadim Alvarez andhis assistant Andrea, both Brazilian –add a frisson of authenticity in a foodand beverage scenario that issometimes sorely unoriginal here inDubai. Aside from the delicious andfairly priced food, if you are luckyenough to go on a Wednesday night,you will be enraptured by the localTango Club. With excellent fare featuring a wide variety of traditionaldishes native to Latin America it isimpossible not to love the place! A firmfavourite is the ‘churasco’. This uniqueBrazilian dish is a meal within itself andoffers a selection of different ‘melt inyour mouth’ meats grilled on a longskewer carved directly on to your plateserved with wines ideally from eitherfrom Chile or Argentina. The Argentinewines have improved enormously overthe last ten years, having imported thelatest technologies from Europe. One wine we enjoyed was called ‘Closde los Siete’ by Michel Rollard, madefrom a blend of seven different types ofgrapes – flavoursome and delicate atthe same time.

When asked how he was able toachieve a positive balance of keepingboth customers and staff happy, Muhr,explained that “providing excellent foodand service will not work unless youhave an excellent team in place.” Heexplained the so-called ‘espritphilosophy’ of his domain, whichcharacterises the spirit of Hilton culture:“only those that feel valued, can addvalue”. His first obligation was to“embed the Hilton philosophy into theteam members” and with training thispays off, as staff turnover is relativelylow compared to other hotels nearby.

Despite rampant competition inDubai, Hilton feels confident about thefuture. They have been in the UAE forover 30 years, and therefore know themarket and how quickly it can change.With the planned tourist projections andthe number of rooms expected to tripleover the next five years this will force

Best of Dubai 63

Pachanga is afabulous restaurantwith excellent fare

featuring a widevariety of traditional

dishes from SouthAmerica

Hospitality PassionWhenever you stay at any Hilton Hotel, you are bound toexperience a Hilton ‘moment’. This allows guests to recall anindelible memory, however small, that characterises theimpeccable service guaranteed in each of the 2,800 Hiltonproperties globally.

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Standardisation reigns supreme in the world’s largest hotel chain. This does not implymonotony. On the contrary, it guarantees consistent, unflinching fabulous service.From the moment you walk into any Hilton property you can be sure of seamlessefficiency rendered with a smile. This is true of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, one ofthe emirate’s veritable stalwarts ensconced on the new Jumeirah coastline, a stone’sthrow away from a variety of free zones, golf courses, the Palm Jumeirah, DubaiMarina and assorted real estate developments of every ilk.

The aptly named ‘Hilton moment’ is not arrived upon by chance; it is a brandpromise that is reiterated by General Manager Christian H. Muhr with conviction. “Thebuilding blocks that lead to this are consistency, hassle free experience andpersonalised service”, he says.

Built in 2000, this 10 floor, 389 room property, including 56 suites, does not needto rely on awesome architecture or a zany themed concept to set it apart. The qualityof service and standards in place allow this property to remain extremely popular,retaining widespread kudos despite ferocious competition and manic hoteldevelopment elsewhere. Outstanding services, food and beverage outletsnotwithstanding, the key to this success is actually when the key card first goes intothe appropriate slot. Always an occasion of anticipation tinged with excitement,peering around the door to see what your home for the next few days is going to belike is never a disappointment at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. The first impression isexcellent with spotless, well appointed and spacious rooms that are luxuriously

Pachanga Restaurant

Pachanga Restaurant


hoteliers to constantly adapt, refine and reinvent. With this in mind, Hilton, whosecurrent Dubai portfolio stands at two properties, are planning to expand with abeach club next door to the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and a new property on the Palmclose by. In addition, following the re-marriage and merger of Hilton HotelsCorporation and Hilton International, a Conrad Hotel in Dubai is also on the cards aswell as the possibility of three and four star chains .

Muhr is confident that Hilton will continue to play its part and help Dubai achieveits goals of tourism pre-eminence. “With 30 per cent of our business as repeatbusiness, we are happy with the excellent ‘Hilton Honours’ programme that ensuresthat guests keep returning”, he explains. “Dubai is no longer a single destination; it isbecoming a number of unique and different destinations – with sea, shopping,culture, sports and themed activities underscoring this expansion”. Thanks to theGovernment’s effective segmentation and brand positioning, the massiveinfrastructural investment that underpins this is transforming the face of Dubai. With“so much more for tourists to do, see and experience here, they will have to comeagain and again to see it all”, Muhr adds. He also thinks that there will be morethemed hotels, and more three and four star hotels will be needed to attract thenumbers that Dubai hopes to achieve. “Responding to the needs of the market isthe only way to forge ahead”, he feels.

Even though the only constant in life is change, one thing that you can be sure ofis that the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah will maintain its impeccable standards through thickand thin and its guests will continue to experience that idyllic ‘Hilton moment’whenever they come to stay. That’s a Hilton promise...Guaranteed.

Tel: +9714 399 1111www.hilton.com

In future there will bemore themed hotels,and more three and

four star hotels will beneeded to attract thenumbers that Dubai

hopes to acheive.

Shining SheratonThe Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is abeautiful resort located on the white sands of JumeirahBeach, surrounded by landscaped gardens that boastmore than 150 palm trees.

One of the first hotel landmarks on the Jumeirah strip that is fastbecoming one of the region’s most sought after luxurydestinations, the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is abeautiful haven of tranquality located on the white sands ofJumeirah Beach. Surrounded by landscaped gardens that boastmore than 150 palm trees, the hotel has 256 stunning andbeautiful guest rooms that are newly decorated in a cool and freshMediterranean style.

There are over seven outlets, from the contemporary Chinese atthe Peacock and the fine dining Grill Room serving steaks andseafood, to the open buffet and a la carte restaurant Palm Garden.In addition, the Moods bar located at the lobby of the hotel offersdaily live entertainment with snacks included to boot.

Sheraton Jumeirah is minutes away from the world-famousEmirates Golf Club and close to Dubai’s Media City as well asInternet City. The hotel is only 25 kms from the city centre and 30kms from Dubai International Airport. It’s obviously convenient fromall corners, so a visit can never be amiss.

Tel.: +9714 399 5533www.sheraton.com



hoteliers to constantly adapt, refine and reinvent. With this in mind, Hilton, whosecurrent Dubai portfolio stands at two properties, are planning to expand with abeach club next door to the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and a new property on the Palmclose by. In addition, following the re-marriage and merger of Hilton HotelsCorporation and Hilton International, a Conrad Hotel in Dubai is also on the cards aswell as the possibility of three and four star chains .

Muhr is confident that Hilton will continue to play its part and help Dubai achieveits goals of tourism pre-eminence. “With 30 per cent of our business as repeatbusiness, we are happy with the excellent ‘Hilton Honours’ programme that ensuresthat guests keep returning”, he explains. “Dubai is no longer a single destination; it isbecoming a number of unique and different destinations – with sea, shopping,culture, sports and themed activities underscoring this expansion”. Thanks to theGovernment’s effective segmentation and brand positioning, the massiveinfrastructural investment that underpins this is transforming the face of Dubai. With“so much more for tourists to do, see and experience here, they will have to comeagain and again to see it all”, Muhr adds. He also thinks that there will be morethemed hotels, and more three and four star hotels will be needed to attract thenumbers that Dubai hopes to achieve. “Responding to the needs of the market isthe only way to forge ahead”, he feels.

Even though the only constant in life is change, one thing that you can be sure ofis that the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah will maintain its impeccable standards through thickand thin and its guests will continue to experience that idyllic ‘Hilton moment’whenever they come to stay. That’s a Hilton promise...Guaranteed.

Tel: +9714 399 1111www.hilton.com

In future there will bemore themed hotels,and more three and

four star hotels will beneeded to attract thenumbers that Dubai

hopes to acheive.

Shining SheratonThe Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is abeautiful resort located on the white sands of JumeirahBeach, surrounded by landscaped gardens that boastmore than 150 palm trees.

One of the first hotel landmarks on the Jumeirah strip that is fastbecoming one of the region’s most sought after luxurydestinations, the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is abeautiful haven of tranquality located on the white sands ofJumeirah Beach. Surrounded by landscaped gardens that boastmore than 150 palm trees, the hotel has 256 stunning andbeautiful guest rooms that are newly decorated in a cool and freshMediterranean style.

There are over seven outlets, from the contemporary Chinese atthe Peacock and the fine dining Grill Room serving steaks andseafood, to the open buffet and a la carte restaurant Palm Garden.In addition, the Moods bar located at the lobby of the hotel offersdaily live entertainment with snacks included to boot.

Sheraton Jumeirah is minutes away from the world-famousEmirates Golf Club and close to Dubai’s Media City as well asInternet City. The hotel is only 25 kms from the city centre and 30kms from Dubai International Airport. It’s obviously convenient fromall corners, so a visit can never be amiss.

Tel.: +9714 399 5533www.sheraton.com



In a quest for constant innovation, in response to guest's needs in linewith global hospitality trends; instead of mere hotel accommodation,Coral Boutique Villas and Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments have goneone step further. "Our challenge is to offer a home away from homewhere our guest does not have the feeling they are staying in a hotel,"explains Coral General Manager Chahnaz Gayraud. "They can stepoutside their house or apartment with a lavish variety of ways to refresh,relax and recharge without the feeling they stepped out."

A short drive from Jumeirah Beach, Coral Boutique Villas is ideal forfamilies visiting Dubai looking for a haven replete with the luxuries, plusmany more, of being at home. Idyllically located in a surprisingly sereneenvironment adjacent to the Mall of the Emirates - home to a plethora ofboutiques and the world-renowned Ski Dubai indoor ski centre to boot -Coral Boutique Villas consists of thirty 351 square metre luxury houses,

each with four spacious bedrooms and ensuite bathroom. All mod consabound - The villas are equipped with two plasma TVs, three flat screenTV and a DVD player. In the kitchen, there is a fully fitted kitchen withrefrigerator, microwave, stove, dish washing machine and washingmachine and dryer, while security is assured with a safety deposit box,private entrance and two-car parking area. There are also a separatemaid's lodging with bathroom if required.

Of course, Coral Boutique Villas also offer all the amenities expectedfrom a luxury hotel. WiFi internet is accessible over the whole property for business and keeping in touch, while leisure facilities include aswimming pool and children's pool, fitness centre and the exclusiveMurjan Spa, with the finest rejuvenating therapies to work away the stress of a long day. For relaxation and dining, guests can choosebetween the snacks and beverages offered at the 24-hour RumoursCafé, the outside barbecue facilities and juice bar as well as the outdoorshisha lounge. All this complemented with a daily housekeeping serviceand on call elite butler service, 24-hour room service and 24-hour security personnel as well.

For the solo traveller or the guest looking for something a little smaller,Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments offer one bedroom, two-bedroom andthree-bedroom suites, each with a comfortable living room, bedroomswith en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, supplying the samequality standards as the Boutique Villas at the same location. Theapartments also guarantee guest's daily housekeeping, 24-hours roomservice, broadband internet access, private secure parking, a safetydeposit box, an automatic shoeshine machine, valet parking, wake-upcalls, babysitting services on request, laundry/dry cleaning services anda rent-a-car desk. "Both properties," says Gayraud, "share the samevision, the same friendly atmosphere and the same personal service to the guest."

With more than 23 years in the hospitality industry, and expertise andcompetence that has seen her contribute a great deal of success tohotels and cruise liners in Paris, Monte Carlo, Santa Barbara, Arizona

Home away from homeThe Dubai government has predicted the emirate will welcome15 million tourists by 2015. While new hotels are constantlybeing launched to offset the current lack of room availability,visitors to the city now have a luxurious alternative.

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Coral Boutique Villas

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Coral Boutque C.qxp 12/27/2006 1:54 PM Page 1

In a quest for constant innovation, in response to guest's needs in linewith global hospitality trends; instead of mere hotel accommodation,Coral Boutique Villas and Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments have goneone step further. "Our challenge is to offer a home away from homewhere our guest does not have the feeling they are staying in a hotel,"explains Coral General Manager Chahnaz Gayraud. "They can stepoutside their house or apartment with a lavish variety of ways to refresh,relax and recharge without the feeling they stepped out."

A short drive from Jumeirah Beach, Coral Boutique Villas is ideal forfamilies visiting Dubai looking for a haven replete with the luxuries, plusmany more, of being at home. Idyllically located in a surprisingly sereneenvironment adjacent to the Mall of the Emirates - home to a plethora ofboutiques and the world-renowned Ski Dubai indoor ski centre to boot -Coral Boutique Villas consists of thirty 351 square metre luxury houses,

each with four spacious bedrooms and ensuite bathroom. All mod consabound - The villas are equipped with two plasma TVs, three flat screenTV and a DVD player. In the kitchen, there is a fully fitted kitchen withrefrigerator, microwave, stove, dish washing machine and washingmachine and dryer, while security is assured with a safety deposit box,private entrance and two-car parking area. There are also a separatemaid's lodging with bathroom if required.

Of course, Coral Boutique Villas also offer all the amenities expectedfrom a luxury hotel. WiFi internet is accessible over the whole property for business and keeping in touch, while leisure facilities include aswimming pool and children's pool, fitness centre and the exclusiveMurjan Spa, with the finest rejuvenating therapies to work away the stress of a long day. For relaxation and dining, guests can choosebetween the snacks and beverages offered at the 24-hour RumoursCafé, the outside barbecue facilities and juice bar as well as the outdoorshisha lounge. All this complemented with a daily housekeeping serviceand on call elite butler service, 24-hour room service and 24-hour security personnel as well.

For the solo traveller or the guest looking for something a little smaller,Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments offer one bedroom, two-bedroom andthree-bedroom suites, each with a comfortable living room, bedroomswith en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, supplying the samequality standards as the Boutique Villas at the same location. Theapartments also guarantee guest's daily housekeeping, 24-hours roomservice, broadband internet access, private secure parking, a safetydeposit box, an automatic shoeshine machine, valet parking, wake-upcalls, babysitting services on request, laundry/dry cleaning services anda rent-a-car desk. "Both properties," says Gayraud, "share the samevision, the same friendly atmosphere and the same personal service to the guest."

With more than 23 years in the hospitality industry, and expertise andcompetence that has seen her contribute a great deal of success tohotels and cruise liners in Paris, Monte Carlo, Santa Barbara, Arizona

Home away from homeThe Dubai government has predicted the emirate will welcome15 million tourists by 2015. While new hotels are constantlybeing launched to offset the current lack of room availability,visitors to the city now have a luxurious alternative.

66 Best of Dubai

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Coral Boutique Villas

Best of Dubai 67


Best of Dubai 68

and Bangalore, Gayraud is well placed tocomment on what it is attracting the touristand business dollar into Dubai. "Dubai is avery popular destination and the fastestgrowing place on Earth", she argues. "Thisregion boasts some of the best hotels in theworld and it is a pleasure to work at the heartof its growth."

As Dubai’s tourism grows, and segmentsevolve, so too does its hotel market, with newdevelopments popping up with amazingregularity. This expansion has engenderedhealthy competition and the ultimaterealisation that maintaining excellentstandards in service is imperative. "Wedefinitely follow international standards interms of innovation", stresses Gayraud. "Interms of services we are efficient and personalised, making the guestfeel at home." This proactive guest-friendlyattitude is emphasised when the future is taken into consideration. "My goal is to make my properties a unique place to live inwith the feeling not of being a hotel guest, butinstead of being a resident enjoying theirsecond home."

Playing a major role in achieving thesegoals is a unique branding strategy adoptedby the group. "Coral International is a regionalhotel company that has really come into itsown since its creation", explains Gayraud,emphasizing how the strategies employed sofar have been hugely successful in winningmarket share. "Families from all over the worldare choosing us because of our safeenvironment", she adds. This is coupled byher hands-on and visible approach tomanagement and an ability to motivate staff to provide the best possible service by following her 'can-do' approach to satisfying guest requirements.

Arguably, the greatest advertisement forCoral Boutique Villas and Hotel Apartments,however, comes from Gayraud herself. Withall the opportunities that Dubai has to offer, atthe end of a long day there is only one placeshe wants to be. "Murjan Spa in CoralBoutique Hotel Apartments is my favouriteplace because I can simply pamper everyinch of my body", she says. "The friendlyatmosphere helps me look after my physical,mental and spiritual needs and is the perfectway to recover from the daily stress of being abusy GM." Now who can argue with that?

Tel.: +9714 402 8888 (Boutique Villas)Tel.: +9714 340 6700 (Hotel Apt.)www.coral-international.com

Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments

Murjan Coral Signature Spa

Best of Dubai 69


Best of Dubai 68

and Bangalore, Gayraud is well placed tocomment on what it is attracting the touristand business dollar into Dubai. "Dubai is avery popular destination and the fastestgrowing place on Earth", she argues. "Thisregion boasts some of the best hotels in theworld and it is a pleasure to work at the heartof its growth."

As Dubai’s tourism grows, and segmentsevolve, so too does its hotel market, with newdevelopments popping up with amazingregularity. This expansion has engenderedhealthy competition and the ultimaterealisation that maintaining excellentstandards in service is imperative. "Wedefinitely follow international standards interms of innovation", stresses Gayraud. "Interms of services we are efficient and personalised, making the guestfeel at home." This proactive guest-friendlyattitude is emphasised when the future is taken into consideration. "My goal is to make my properties a unique place to live inwith the feeling not of being a hotel guest, butinstead of being a resident enjoying theirsecond home."

Playing a major role in achieving thesegoals is a unique branding strategy adoptedby the group. "Coral International is a regionalhotel company that has really come into itsown since its creation", explains Gayraud,emphasizing how the strategies employed sofar have been hugely successful in winningmarket share. "Families from all over the worldare choosing us because of our safeenvironment", she adds. This is coupled byher hands-on and visible approach tomanagement and an ability to motivate staff to provide the best possible service by following her 'can-do' approach to satisfying guest requirements.

Arguably, the greatest advertisement forCoral Boutique Villas and Hotel Apartments,however, comes from Gayraud herself. Withall the opportunities that Dubai has to offer, atthe end of a long day there is only one placeshe wants to be. "Murjan Spa in CoralBoutique Hotel Apartments is my favouriteplace because I can simply pamper everyinch of my body", she says. "The friendlyatmosphere helps me look after my physical,mental and spiritual needs and is the perfectway to recover from the daily stress of being abusy GM." Now who can argue with that?

Tel.: +9714 402 8888 (Boutique Villas)Tel.: +9714 340 6700 (Hotel Apt.)www.coral-international.com

Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments

Murjan Coral Signature Spa

Best of Dubai 69


While the rest of the world's global hotel chains are looking toexploit the growing popularity of Dubai as a tourist destination,there is one homegrown hospitality entity that has conquered theemirate and is propelling its brand worldwide.

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Best of Dubai 71

Staying Different

Geo-political sensitivities notwithstanding, tourism is soaring as one of the region'smost dynamic economic sectors that has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 7.1 percent since 1995, surpassing the global growth rate of 4.1 per cent over the sameperiod. As a winning model for the rest of the region and a victorious standard-bearer of all that is bold, innovative and lavishly service-oriented, the UAE has beenleading the way in the Middle East in this area and is set to attract an estimated 68.5million tourists to the region by 2020.

The figures speak for themselves: The UAE witnessed a 60 per cent increase inthe volume of resorts and hotels between 1993 and 2002, with 135 beingconstructed - a move that will offset worries about hotel room shortages that couldstrain tourism in the coming years given that visitor arrivals grew significantly more in2004 than hotel capacity itself, placing pressure on occupancy rates and thereforeon prices too.

Jumeirah is a viable example of how a fledging brand with a single property,Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel when the company was founded in 1997, canblossom into a hospitality giant with luxury properties in three continents, employing12,000 people worldwide and looking to grow that figure to 20,000 by 2009. Itsvision is typically ambitious, in the quintessential 'can-do' mode that the emirate'sDubai Inc ethos has become famous for: 'to develop a global super-brand under asingle, distinctive and memorable name.’

In conjunction with its recent rebranding in 2005, the company also announcedambitious plans to grow its portfolio to 40 luxury hotels and resorts by the end of2009. "This growth will mainly take place through the acquisition of managementcontracts, meaning that we will operate hotels for owners and investors rather thanbuying/acquiring assets ourselves," said Bill Walshe, Chief Marketing and BusinessInnovation Officer, Jumeirah. "This planned growth will see Jumeirah expand locally,regionally and globally," he added.

Among the developments already announced are Aqua Dunya in Dubailand,Jumeirah Al Khor in Healthcare City, Saraya Aqaba in Jordan, Jumeirah EssexHouse in New York, Hantang Jumeirah in Shanghai and Dubai Towers in Doha.

While the hotel and resort portfolio is the backbone of Jumeirah's operations,

planned and operating residences and servicedapartments, branded restaurants, water parks, retail outletsand educational facilities highlight Jumeirah's dedication toits brand strategy - 'Stay Different'. "Not one Jumeirahexperience is, and will be, the same and our two leastfavourite words are 'cookie cutter'," is how Walsheemphasized the Jumeirah philosophy.

As for the onslaught of global three and four-star hotelsentering the Dubai market, Walshe insists this is not a threatto Jumeirah's brand, but instead complements the localhotel market. "Jumeirah is operating in the luxury five starsegment and with the current shortage of hotel rooms in theluxury segment we see a huge opportunity for us and otherglobal luxury brands to grow within Dubai," he argues.

While the competition in the local market does notconcern Jumeirah, what about the challenges faced by thecompany in ensuring its worldwide growth? "We don't seechallenges but tremendous opportunity," says Walshe."Having firmly established Jumeirah as a luxury brandworldwide, we enjoy great interest from potential owners andinvestors and are contacted daily and asked if we areinterested to run hotels and resorts." It is this kind of interest,he believes, that will help ensure Jumeirah meets its 2009targets. "We are confident that we will achieve ouraggressive growth plans, and looking at the developmentswe have announced so far, we are well underway toachieving our goal by the end of 2009."

Of course, as with any business, making the rightinvestment decisions is the key to success, with vigilance indecision making all the more important when the offers areflooding in. "We have received and continue to receive a lotof leads and enquiries when it comes to businessdevelopment for Jumeirah," says Walshe, "and our biggestopportunity is also our biggest challenge, which is to makethe right choices and selection of projects for Jumeirah inthe markets we aim to be in." But what is it that Jumeirahlooks for in an investment opportunity? "There are manyfactors and criteria to consider, but the main ones would bethe feasibility of the project and potential return we couldachieve for the owner/investor and the 'fit' with the Jumeirahbrand and portfolio."

With a portfolio that already features the world's only all-suite uber-luxury property, the iconic Burj Al Arab, amongits local and international experiences, Jumeirah has welland truly positioned itself as one of the world's mostdynamic and fast growing luxury hospitality groups, withexciting times ahead as they look onwards and upwards todiversify their business by taking service and comfort tostellar heights.

www.jumeirah.com

Bill Walshe - Chief Marketing and Business Innovation Officer

Saraya Aqaba, Jordan

Hantang Jumeirah Shanghai Hotel

Jumeirah Essex House in New York

While the rest of the world's global hotel chains are looking toexploit the growing popularity of Dubai as a tourist destination,there is one homegrown hospitality entity that has conquered theemirate and is propelling its brand worldwide.

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Best of Dubai 71

Staying Different

Geo-political sensitivities notwithstanding, tourism is soaring as one of the region'smost dynamic economic sectors that has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 7.1 percent since 1995, surpassing the global growth rate of 4.1 per cent over the sameperiod. As a winning model for the rest of the region and a victorious standard-bearer of all that is bold, innovative and lavishly service-oriented, the UAE has beenleading the way in the Middle East in this area and is set to attract an estimated 68.5million tourists to the region by 2020.

The figures speak for themselves: The UAE witnessed a 60 per cent increase inthe volume of resorts and hotels between 1993 and 2002, with 135 beingconstructed - a move that will offset worries about hotel room shortages that couldstrain tourism in the coming years given that visitor arrivals grew significantly more in2004 than hotel capacity itself, placing pressure on occupancy rates and thereforeon prices too.

Jumeirah is a viable example of how a fledging brand with a single property,Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel when the company was founded in 1997, canblossom into a hospitality giant with luxury properties in three continents, employing12,000 people worldwide and looking to grow that figure to 20,000 by 2009. Itsvision is typically ambitious, in the quintessential 'can-do' mode that the emirate'sDubai Inc ethos has become famous for: 'to develop a global super-brand under asingle, distinctive and memorable name.’

In conjunction with its recent rebranding in 2005, the company also announcedambitious plans to grow its portfolio to 40 luxury hotels and resorts by the end of2009. "This growth will mainly take place through the acquisition of managementcontracts, meaning that we will operate hotels for owners and investors rather thanbuying/acquiring assets ourselves," said Bill Walshe, Chief Marketing and BusinessInnovation Officer, Jumeirah. "This planned growth will see Jumeirah expand locally,regionally and globally," he added.

Among the developments already announced are Aqua Dunya in Dubailand,Jumeirah Al Khor in Healthcare City, Saraya Aqaba in Jordan, Jumeirah EssexHouse in New York, Hantang Jumeirah in Shanghai and Dubai Towers in Doha.

While the hotel and resort portfolio is the backbone of Jumeirah's operations,

planned and operating residences and servicedapartments, branded restaurants, water parks, retail outletsand educational facilities highlight Jumeirah's dedication toits brand strategy - 'Stay Different'. "Not one Jumeirahexperience is, and will be, the same and our two leastfavourite words are 'cookie cutter'," is how Walsheemphasized the Jumeirah philosophy.

As for the onslaught of global three and four-star hotelsentering the Dubai market, Walshe insists this is not a threatto Jumeirah's brand, but instead complements the localhotel market. "Jumeirah is operating in the luxury five starsegment and with the current shortage of hotel rooms in theluxury segment we see a huge opportunity for us and otherglobal luxury brands to grow within Dubai," he argues.

While the competition in the local market does notconcern Jumeirah, what about the challenges faced by thecompany in ensuring its worldwide growth? "We don't seechallenges but tremendous opportunity," says Walshe."Having firmly established Jumeirah as a luxury brandworldwide, we enjoy great interest from potential owners andinvestors and are contacted daily and asked if we areinterested to run hotels and resorts." It is this kind of interest,he believes, that will help ensure Jumeirah meets its 2009targets. "We are confident that we will achieve ouraggressive growth plans, and looking at the developmentswe have announced so far, we are well underway toachieving our goal by the end of 2009."

Of course, as with any business, making the rightinvestment decisions is the key to success, with vigilance indecision making all the more important when the offers areflooding in. "We have received and continue to receive a lotof leads and enquiries when it comes to businessdevelopment for Jumeirah," says Walshe, "and our biggestopportunity is also our biggest challenge, which is to makethe right choices and selection of projects for Jumeirah inthe markets we aim to be in." But what is it that Jumeirahlooks for in an investment opportunity? "There are manyfactors and criteria to consider, but the main ones would bethe feasibility of the project and potential return we couldachieve for the owner/investor and the 'fit' with the Jumeirahbrand and portfolio."

With a portfolio that already features the world's only all-suite uber-luxury property, the iconic Burj Al Arab, amongits local and international experiences, Jumeirah has welland truly positioned itself as one of the world's mostdynamic and fast growing luxury hospitality groups, withexciting times ahead as they look onwards and upwards todiversify their business by taking service and comfort tostellar heights.

www.jumeirah.com

Bill Walshe - Chief Marketing and Business Innovation Officer

Saraya Aqaba, Jordan

Hantang Jumeirah Shanghai Hotel

Jumeirah Essex House in New York

The Hilton Fujairah Resort is no exception. Situated on the warm waters of theIndian Ocean and with the Hajar mountains as its backdrop, it is easy toargue that the beauty of the location alone is enough to entice the traveller.

Such an argument, however, falls on deaf ears at the Hilton FujairahResort, where dedication to providing the highest level of service isparamount to complementing the visual beauty of the surroundings.

"To create luxurious palaces and fill hotel rooms with technologies is whatthe UAE has specialized in, however soft issues like genuine friendliness andcustomer recognition seems to be as important as a glamorousinfrastructure," argues Hilton Fujairah Resort General Manager Markus Kraus."The key of success at Hilton Fujairah Resort is the continuous team membertraining and the team's unconditional responsiveness to customers' needsand expectations," he adds.

This dedication to friendliness and customer service goes beyond simplysatisfying the needs and expectations of the visitor, but also exceeding it.Every guest of the Hilton Fujairah Resort is accorded the VIP treatment with staff committed to providing superior and friendly service every day,every minute, every second. This, he stresses, is what makes the HiltonFujairah Resort unique.

Being unique is an essential quality for achieving success in the highlycompetitive UAE luxury accommodation market. Not satisfied with being justa player, he insists Hilton is a market leader. "Rather than benchmarkingourselves with the competition, Hilton is aiming to set the trends. We are anincredibly innovative and proactive company, which in many areas is

Sun, Sea and ServiceWhen it comes to brand recognition in the hotel industry, there is nobigger name than Hilton. A global institution in luxury hotelaccommodation, whether for business or for pleasure, the Hilton nameguarantees the complete hotel accommodation experience where theguest always comes first.

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introducing technologies and service standards way before others do." This,Kraus adds, is achieved by recognizing and understanding today's travellers'needs and being able to anticipate the next generation's requirements.

Having first opened its doors in 1978, the Hilton Fujairah Resort has prideditself on being not only the first choice home-away-from-home for visitors to the region, but also as a centre of activity for the local community. The hotel,he says will continue to operate with this largely successful strategy,complementing the business operations and the needs of the guest with being a part of the local community.

Forming part of the Hilton Fujairah Resort’s dedication to satisfying localneeds is developing improved infrastructure, providing quality entertainmentand extra-curricular activities, whilst also ensuring rigorous protection of theenvironment. In satisfying these local community commitments, the hotel is alsoguaranteeing improved and higher quality facilities for its guests.

Achieving these goals means the Hilton Fujairah Resort adds to theenjoyment of the guests stay by being able to provide a diverse range ofexperiences for guests to enjoy. The private beach, in particular, is a magnetfor the holidaymaker looking to relax, with the Fujairah climate makingswimming and sunbathing accessible all-year-round. For the more adventuroustypes, the Hilton Fujairah Resort specialises in motorized and non-motorizedwater sport activities, including wind surfing, snorkelling and fishing, whilediving trips to some of the most exotic dive sites in the UAE are also possible.

Whether for business, pleasure or a little bit of both, the Hilton FujairahResort guarantees every guest enjoys a stay they will want to relive over andover.

Tel: +971 9 222 2411Fax: +971 9 222 6541www.fujairah.hilton.com

Best of Dubai 73

Hilton Fujairah - Aproved.qxp 12/28/2006 2:05 PM Page 1

The Hilton Fujairah Resort is no exception. Situated on the warm waters of theIndian Ocean and with the Hajar mountains as its backdrop, it is easy toargue that the beauty of the location alone is enough to entice the traveller.

Such an argument, however, falls on deaf ears at the Hilton FujairahResort, where dedication to providing the highest level of service isparamount to complementing the visual beauty of the surroundings.

"To create luxurious palaces and fill hotel rooms with technologies is whatthe UAE has specialized in, however soft issues like genuine friendliness andcustomer recognition seems to be as important as a glamorousinfrastructure," argues Hilton Fujairah Resort General Manager Markus Kraus."The key of success at Hilton Fujairah Resort is the continuous team membertraining and the team's unconditional responsiveness to customers' needsand expectations," he adds.

This dedication to friendliness and customer service goes beyond simplysatisfying the needs and expectations of the visitor, but also exceeding it.Every guest of the Hilton Fujairah Resort is accorded the VIP treatment with staff committed to providing superior and friendly service every day,every minute, every second. This, he stresses, is what makes the HiltonFujairah Resort unique.

Being unique is an essential quality for achieving success in the highlycompetitive UAE luxury accommodation market. Not satisfied with being justa player, he insists Hilton is a market leader. "Rather than benchmarkingourselves with the competition, Hilton is aiming to set the trends. We are anincredibly innovative and proactive company, which in many areas is

Sun, Sea and ServiceWhen it comes to brand recognition in the hotel industry, there is nobigger name than Hilton. A global institution in luxury hotelaccommodation, whether for business or for pleasure, the Hilton nameguarantees the complete hotel accommodation experience where theguest always comes first.

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introducing technologies and service standards way before others do." This,Kraus adds, is achieved by recognizing and understanding today's travellers'needs and being able to anticipate the next generation's requirements.

Having first opened its doors in 1978, the Hilton Fujairah Resort has prideditself on being not only the first choice home-away-from-home for visitors to the region, but also as a centre of activity for the local community. The hotel,he says will continue to operate with this largely successful strategy,complementing the business operations and the needs of the guest with being a part of the local community.

Forming part of the Hilton Fujairah Resort’s dedication to satisfying localneeds is developing improved infrastructure, providing quality entertainmentand extra-curricular activities, whilst also ensuring rigorous protection of theenvironment. In satisfying these local community commitments, the hotel is alsoguaranteeing improved and higher quality facilities for its guests.

Achieving these goals means the Hilton Fujairah Resort adds to theenjoyment of the guests stay by being able to provide a diverse range ofexperiences for guests to enjoy. The private beach, in particular, is a magnetfor the holidaymaker looking to relax, with the Fujairah climate makingswimming and sunbathing accessible all-year-round. For the more adventuroustypes, the Hilton Fujairah Resort specialises in motorized and non-motorizedwater sport activities, including wind surfing, snorkelling and fishing, whilediving trips to some of the most exotic dive sites in the UAE are also possible.

Whether for business, pleasure or a little bit of both, the Hilton FujairahResort guarantees every guest enjoys a stay they will want to relive over andover.

Tel: +971 9 222 2411Fax: +971 9 222 6541www.fujairah.hilton.com

Best of Dubai 73

Hilton Fujairah - Aproved.qxp 12/28/2006 2:05 PM Page 1

Oasis SurpriseThe Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in the ‘Top 100Luxury Hotels Worldwide’ category in 2005 was well deserved.

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Jebel Ali International Hotels, the successful operator ofthe Oasis Beach Hotel has done a thoroughlyprofessional job in segmenting its markets and carvingout a niche for itself in the cutthroat worldwide touristmarket. Confidently handling holiday packages for in-bound tourists from the UK, Germany and Russia whomarvel at the value for money they are getting for theirstay, the 252-room sea facing property is also popularwith business travellers who now form half of its clientele.

Enjoying a reputation as the friendliest hotel on thebeach, the Oasis Beach Hotel is one of few propertiesthat has successfully pitched itself as a 4-star hotel tocater for the European tourist market that Dubai is out toattract. With more than 5 million visitors to the UAE in2005 expected to reach 10 million in 2010, the hotel willhave no shortage of guests. Five star grandeurnotwithstanding, it is the serviceable and efficient fourstar model that the emirate needs if it is to broaden itsappeal and segment the market to reach targets.

Says Martin Weber, the hotel’s general manager whohas been involved in the region’s hospitality industry for

Best of Dubai 75

three decades: “With new residentialdevelopments taking shape around ourproperty, we will also be busy cateringfor the many residents who will shortlybe moving into this area.” With 6000members, the hotel boasts aNeighbourhood Privilege Club thatprovides special offers at its outlets andaffordable daily club rates for thosewishing to use the hotel facilities. “Theobjective is to offer a little something foreveryone”, he explains.

Nowadays business is constant allyear round. Gone are the days of thedreaded summer exodus on the part ofDubai residents and the gaping roomvacancies caused by a nascent tourismindustry yet to find its feet. “Businessused to drop in the summer, but withthe Dubai Government moving theShopping Festival to December and the

a selection of treatments at the OasisRetreat. With all these options, it’simpossible to get bored. “Theactivities are tried and tested foroverall satisfaction and we keep theguest mix varied so that no singlenationality predominates”, Weberexplains. Good and plentiful food isthe other part of the equation, andguests have a vast selection tochoose from. Starting the day is apure delight, with the Bazaar’sexcellent buffet breakfast offering.You’ve got fabulous breakfast options like pancakes, DanishPastries and cold cuts in addition tocereal, fry ups, toast and the like.With a breakfast on this scale, half-board will suffice; even inveterategobblers will be satisfied until dinner.

With quaint themed restaurantsadding to the hotel experience, diningoptions are also wide and varied. TheBazaar Restaurant offers themedbuffets based on the concept of anopen market place with various livecooking stations. Oregano is aMediterranean farmhouse-stylerestaurant authentically fitted out, witha varied and wholesome selection ofspecialities from France and Italy, andlive background music played as youenjoy your meal. In 2006 it won theWhat’s On Award as ‘Dubai’sFavourite European SpecialityRestaurant’ and it still basks in thereflected glory. Another option isSingapura, which serves Singaporeancuisine and other selected exoticdishes from the Far East. LikeOregano, Singapura is themed, withoriginal antiques and artefacts givingit a distinctive feel while the soft glowof flickering candles adds a warmand cosy atmosphere. Here, the foodis absolutely superb, with asteamboat speciality to die for. The

service is friendly as well asprofessional and the quantities defythe ‘less is best’ dictum.” After dinner,if the night is still young, and you arelooking for excitement, whisk yourselfaway to the Caribbean by going toCharlie Parrot‘s, a lively night spotoffering a variety of entertainment anddancing through to the early hours.

Even though he keeps his guestsbusy and happy in-house, the central location of the Oasis BeachHotel at the heart of New Dubai is ideal, so during the heat of midday, retail therapy can be enjoyed in the area’s outstandingshopping malls.

“Everything is within reach. AsDubai evolves as a tourist destinationthe infrastructure develops to support its growth. Dubai isundeniably an excellent holidaydestination”, Weber feels.

So what is the recipe for thesuccess of his domain? Thisseasoned hotelier who has broughthis proverbial Swiss efficiency to hisArabian seaside realm concludes that“The key is to listen to guests andadapt accordingly. This is the bestform of benchmarking and thisapproach has been validated as weenjoy the highest proportion of repeatbusiness amongst equivalent hotelsin Dubai.”

So a thumbs up for the OasisBeach Hotel - by holiday end, you willhave relaxed, indulged andrejuvenated yourself homewardbound – wherever that may be -ready to face the challenges of work,grey skies and drizzle. But withrenewed vitality, nothing can stop youfrom looking forward to a return visit.


Summer Surprises to July, numbers went up despite the soaringtemperatures” Weber says. “Come to think about it, summers arenot so terrible, temperatures in some Mediterranean countriescan get very uncomfortable in the summer months too and theydo not have the luxury of air-conditioning everywhere.”

Furthermore, prices in the Med are at a peak in the summer,whilst in Dubai they offer great value; another reason to swap over from the Cote d’ Azur to the Jumeirah Beach stripwithout further ado.

Guests can stay in one of the 252 spacious and wellappointed rooms in the ten-level beachfront property overlookingthe Dubai Marina and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Afterguests are welcomed with exotic fruit cocktails at reception, theyare efficiently chaperoned to their no-frills rooms that boast farmore frills than your average European equivalent.

Take the sea-facing rooms with their ample balconies forinstance - nothing is more pleasant than lounging out there in theevenings with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in another,while the gentle sound of waves lapping up on the beachpermeates the air. Look down from your balcony and you canplan your day’s activities.

Will you spend your day around the large temperature-controlled pool, where you can swim up to the bar for a drink or asnack? Or go down to the hotel’s private beach and enjoy therefreshments being served at the Coco Cabana Beach Bar &Restaurant? Wouldn’t life be heavenly if that was the biggestdecision you had to make all day?

There are plenty of other activities if you are either feelingenergetic or are in need of some pampering. Guests seekingadventure can take part in an array of water sports, use the well-equipped gym or play tennis. After that they can relax in theoutdoor jacuzzi, or visit the wellness centre where they can enjoya steam bath, massage or sauna, and rejuvenate choosing from

Martin Weber,General Manager

Oasis Beach Hotel

Oasis Beach Hotel.qxp 12/28/2006 4:59 PM Page 1

Oasis SurpriseThe Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in the ‘Top 100Luxury Hotels Worldwide’ category in 2005 was well deserved.

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Jebel Ali International Hotels, the successful operator ofthe Oasis Beach Hotel has done a thoroughlyprofessional job in segmenting its markets and carvingout a niche for itself in the cutthroat worldwide touristmarket. Confidently handling holiday packages for in-bound tourists from the UK, Germany and Russia whomarvel at the value for money they are getting for theirstay, the 252-room sea facing property is also popularwith business travellers who now form half of its clientele.

Enjoying a reputation as the friendliest hotel on thebeach, the Oasis Beach Hotel is one of few propertiesthat has successfully pitched itself as a 4-star hotel tocater for the European tourist market that Dubai is out toattract. With more than 5 million visitors to the UAE in2005 expected to reach 10 million in 2010, the hotel willhave no shortage of guests. Five star grandeurnotwithstanding, it is the serviceable and efficient fourstar model that the emirate needs if it is to broaden itsappeal and segment the market to reach targets.

Says Martin Weber, the hotel’s general manager whohas been involved in the region’s hospitality industry for

Best of Dubai 75

three decades: “With new residentialdevelopments taking shape around ourproperty, we will also be busy cateringfor the many residents who will shortlybe moving into this area.” With 6000members, the hotel boasts aNeighbourhood Privilege Club thatprovides special offers at its outlets andaffordable daily club rates for thosewishing to use the hotel facilities. “Theobjective is to offer a little something foreveryone”, he explains.

Nowadays business is constant allyear round. Gone are the days of thedreaded summer exodus on the part ofDubai residents and the gaping roomvacancies caused by a nascent tourismindustry yet to find its feet. “Businessused to drop in the summer, but withthe Dubai Government moving theShopping Festival to December and the

a selection of treatments at the OasisRetreat. With all these options, it’simpossible to get bored. “Theactivities are tried and tested foroverall satisfaction and we keep theguest mix varied so that no singlenationality predominates”, Weberexplains. Good and plentiful food isthe other part of the equation, andguests have a vast selection tochoose from. Starting the day is apure delight, with the Bazaar’sexcellent buffet breakfast offering.You’ve got fabulous breakfast options like pancakes, DanishPastries and cold cuts in addition tocereal, fry ups, toast and the like.With a breakfast on this scale, half-board will suffice; even inveterategobblers will be satisfied until dinner.

With quaint themed restaurantsadding to the hotel experience, diningoptions are also wide and varied. TheBazaar Restaurant offers themedbuffets based on the concept of anopen market place with various livecooking stations. Oregano is aMediterranean farmhouse-stylerestaurant authentically fitted out, witha varied and wholesome selection ofspecialities from France and Italy, andlive background music played as youenjoy your meal. In 2006 it won theWhat’s On Award as ‘Dubai’sFavourite European SpecialityRestaurant’ and it still basks in thereflected glory. Another option isSingapura, which serves Singaporeancuisine and other selected exoticdishes from the Far East. LikeOregano, Singapura is themed, withoriginal antiques and artefacts givingit a distinctive feel while the soft glowof flickering candles adds a warmand cosy atmosphere. Here, the foodis absolutely superb, with asteamboat speciality to die for. The

service is friendly as well asprofessional and the quantities defythe ‘less is best’ dictum.” After dinner,if the night is still young, and you arelooking for excitement, whisk yourselfaway to the Caribbean by going toCharlie Parrot‘s, a lively night spotoffering a variety of entertainment anddancing through to the early hours.

Even though he keeps his guestsbusy and happy in-house, the central location of the Oasis BeachHotel at the heart of New Dubai is ideal, so during the heat of midday, retail therapy can be enjoyed in the area’s outstandingshopping malls.

“Everything is within reach. AsDubai evolves as a tourist destinationthe infrastructure develops to support its growth. Dubai isundeniably an excellent holidaydestination”, Weber feels.

So what is the recipe for thesuccess of his domain? Thisseasoned hotelier who has broughthis proverbial Swiss efficiency to hisArabian seaside realm concludes that“The key is to listen to guests andadapt accordingly. This is the bestform of benchmarking and thisapproach has been validated as weenjoy the highest proportion of repeatbusiness amongst equivalent hotelsin Dubai.”

So a thumbs up for the OasisBeach Hotel - by holiday end, you willhave relaxed, indulged andrejuvenated yourself homewardbound – wherever that may be -ready to face the challenges of work,grey skies and drizzle. But withrenewed vitality, nothing can stop youfrom looking forward to a return visit.


Summer Surprises to July, numbers went up despite the soaringtemperatures” Weber says. “Come to think about it, summers arenot so terrible, temperatures in some Mediterranean countriescan get very uncomfortable in the summer months too and theydo not have the luxury of air-conditioning everywhere.”

Furthermore, prices in the Med are at a peak in the summer,whilst in Dubai they offer great value; another reason to swap over from the Cote d’ Azur to the Jumeirah Beach stripwithout further ado.

Guests can stay in one of the 252 spacious and wellappointed rooms in the ten-level beachfront property overlookingthe Dubai Marina and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Afterguests are welcomed with exotic fruit cocktails at reception, theyare efficiently chaperoned to their no-frills rooms that boast farmore frills than your average European equivalent.

Take the sea-facing rooms with their ample balconies forinstance - nothing is more pleasant than lounging out there in theevenings with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in another,while the gentle sound of waves lapping up on the beachpermeates the air. Look down from your balcony and you canplan your day’s activities.

Will you spend your day around the large temperature-controlled pool, where you can swim up to the bar for a drink or asnack? Or go down to the hotel’s private beach and enjoy therefreshments being served at the Coco Cabana Beach Bar &Restaurant? Wouldn’t life be heavenly if that was the biggestdecision you had to make all day?

There are plenty of other activities if you are either feelingenergetic or are in need of some pampering. Guests seekingadventure can take part in an array of water sports, use the well-equipped gym or play tennis. After that they can relax in theoutdoor jacuzzi, or visit the wellness centre where they can enjoya steam bath, massage or sauna, and rejuvenate choosing from

Martin Weber,General Manager

Oasis Beach Hotel

Oasis Beach Hotel.qxp 12/28/2006 4:59 PM Page 1

CHAPTER 3Fine Dining

"Drink wine! 'Tis life eternal andtravail's meed, Fruitage of youth, andbalm of age's need: 'Tis the glad time

of roses, wine and friends;Rejoice thy spirit - that is life indeed".

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,Ancient Persian philosopher and poet

CHAPTER 3Fine Dining

"Drink wine! 'Tis life eternal andtravail's meed, Fruitage of youth, andbalm of age's need: 'Tis the glad time

of roses, wine and friends;Rejoice thy spirit - that is life indeed".

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,Ancient Persian philosopher and poet

Best of Dubai 79

TANG@Mina Seyahi

78 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

The moment you enter Tang, you sense that something remarkable isunderway. The giveaway is the décor, bold and funky, with monochromereds and blacks enveloping the 46- seat fine dining eatery. Furnishedwith enormously high-backed chairs with intriguing, Andy Warhol-likeprints depicting a sensual image of lips and noses, the symbolism isunequivocal - Tang is out to envelop the senses with a unique culinaryexperience. Add an Asian fusion twist to gourmet excellence and this iswhat you get.

With the breadth of selection and utterly novel foodcombinations, the menu needs explanation. It is notsimply a case of choosing a few dishes and hopingfor the best. To enjoy the meal to the full, dinershave to appreciate where Chef Stephane is comingfrom gastronomically speaking. It is of paramountimportance to understand why and how he hascombined the exciting textures and flavourstogether to create something that must be definedas perfectly executed haute nouvelle cuisine.

With Brendan, the dashing and well-informedMaitre D’-cum-Sommelier with a hypnotic Irishbrogue and a funky set of tails, help is on hand.

Despite the extensive and eclectic wine list,choosing a single vintage to suit all dishes is alwaysa challenge. This was deliciously overcome by hisrecommendation of a Sauvignon Blanc KimCrawford 2004 from New Zealand. It had anunsullied and well-balanced acidity, with delicateessences of passion fruit and honey. Its freshness isthanks to the wine not being touched by woodduring the fermentation process, thereforebypassing the absorption of any impurities. The onlyquirk is that there was no cork; the top is a screwcap, which is usually the hallmark of somethingcheap and nasty, but quite the opposite in this case.

Gastronomic ingenuity aside, the menu isdesigned so that you can have half the items on themenu as sharing dishes, or even better have all theitems as tasting portions to be shared with yourdining partner. Either option is a superlative, noholds barred dining extravaganza of the highestorder. And while sixteen courses may sound a lot,they are only a few mouthfuls of each, allowing youto leave the restaurant without that sinking feeling ofguilt-ridden over-indulgence.

Brendan describes the menu as “contemporaryFrench with a Far Eastern twist.” Twelve of thesixteen courses on the menu are fish based, andthe remaining four a selection of pork, chicken andbeef dishes, unashamedly prepared and presentedin nouvelle cuisine style a’ la Fernand Point fast-forwarded to the 21st Century.

Few chefs openly practice pure nouvelle cuisinetoday, but its influence is still widely felt. Forinstance, food presentation and visual appeal arevital, dishes must excite all five senses and herbsand spices are used extensively, with light saucesand stocks creating distinct and light options -combining flavours instead of overruling them.

Chef Stephane is a master at combining theseflavours in a highly creative and technologicallyavant-garde way: Drying food in liquid nitrogen,searing meat with lasers and cooking in vacuumpacking. Throwing aside conventional culinarywisdom and popular prejudice, he calls it “moleculargastronomy”. This allows for bizarre foodcombinations that share similar pH values to fusetogether to perfection in a futuristic explosion oftaste. A fervent believer in the myriad uses ofchocolate in cooking, he bases his reasoning onthese scientific pH values which match those ofmany different proteins such as prawns, or somemeats for instance.

This was not to say that anything tasted strange.On the contrary, every single thing tasted during the marathon mini portion meal was relished -flavours emerged amazing and delicate at the sametime. In the saturated restaurant scenario thatcharacterises Dubai, the meal was something

unique, fabulous, and delicious. The best restaurantmeal in at least six months.

To sift through each item of the menu is notfeasible, but a sample of some of the dishes youcould expect shows the variety on offer:

Yabies Teppanyaki / purple asparagus/ passion fruit caviar/basil

Australian crayfish Tartare/ green apple/ citrus/ wasabi/ pea soup

Sea scallops Fleur de cao velvet/ red beet sashimi/ ponzu pear

Foie gras & calamari Cured foie gras/ calamari teppanyaki/ orangeblossom vinegar/ miso

Black cod Pan seared/ mock emibuchi/ roasted spring garlic/potato cantal whip

Makerel Saké ponzu glazed/ baby ginger carrot/ oystermushroom caviar/ shiso velvet

Wagyu rib eye Pan seared/ barbecued eel/ pommes pont neuf/sage red currant gêlée

Each and every dish was beautifully presentedand exquisitely cooked, and the flavours quiteawesome with the Kim Crawford accentuating themwith every fork full. The attention to detail clearlydefined the work of an artiste. Bravo Stephane!

Sixteen courses later, surprisingly there was roomfor dessert, and again we followed the formulawhich had worked so well for us during the first partof the meal: A selection of desserts which againwere outstanding, with again never dreamed ofcombinations, but they worked every time.

Chocolate & Espresso Spring rolls / vanilla pear dip/ milk ice cream/ truffle

Chocolate Tart/ fleur de sel/ vanilla port wine swirl ice cream/mango jelly

Coconut Noodles/ strawberry salad/ crumble/ violet honey ice

Apple Tarte fine/ celery syrup/ prune chutney/ olive oil icecream

Banana Spring rolls/ peanut butter/ mint/ chocolate/cucumber

Lychee Tartare/ peanut wafer/ spicy mango écume/basil sorbet

How would one sum up the dinner? It is recalledinstantly when all the decadent details flash through one’s memory. The imaginative spontaneityis what gives it overall appeal, added to theexcitement as course after course is presented andsampled in a continuous relish of innovativecouplings of ingredients.

Tang is certainly at the cutting edge of culinarythinking in Dubai. And Chef Stephane and hisbrigade are right up there with him in the highestechelons of timeless fine dining.


Tang is more than just a restaurant,it's the place to be for the discerning

food lover who is passionate aboutfood and style.

Chef Stephane

Best of Dubai 79

TANG@Mina Seyahi

78 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

The moment you enter Tang, you sense that something remarkable isunderway. The giveaway is the décor, bold and funky, with monochromereds and blacks enveloping the 46- seat fine dining eatery. Furnishedwith enormously high-backed chairs with intriguing, Andy Warhol-likeprints depicting a sensual image of lips and noses, the symbolism isunequivocal - Tang is out to envelop the senses with a unique culinaryexperience. Add an Asian fusion twist to gourmet excellence and this iswhat you get.

With the breadth of selection and utterly novel foodcombinations, the menu needs explanation. It is notsimply a case of choosing a few dishes and hopingfor the best. To enjoy the meal to the full, dinershave to appreciate where Chef Stephane is comingfrom gastronomically speaking. It is of paramountimportance to understand why and how he hascombined the exciting textures and flavourstogether to create something that must be definedas perfectly executed haute nouvelle cuisine.

With Brendan, the dashing and well-informedMaitre D’-cum-Sommelier with a hypnotic Irishbrogue and a funky set of tails, help is on hand.

Despite the extensive and eclectic wine list,choosing a single vintage to suit all dishes is alwaysa challenge. This was deliciously overcome by hisrecommendation of a Sauvignon Blanc KimCrawford 2004 from New Zealand. It had anunsullied and well-balanced acidity, with delicateessences of passion fruit and honey. Its freshness isthanks to the wine not being touched by woodduring the fermentation process, thereforebypassing the absorption of any impurities. The onlyquirk is that there was no cork; the top is a screwcap, which is usually the hallmark of somethingcheap and nasty, but quite the opposite in this case.

Gastronomic ingenuity aside, the menu isdesigned so that you can have half the items on themenu as sharing dishes, or even better have all theitems as tasting portions to be shared with yourdining partner. Either option is a superlative, noholds barred dining extravaganza of the highestorder. And while sixteen courses may sound a lot,they are only a few mouthfuls of each, allowing youto leave the restaurant without that sinking feeling ofguilt-ridden over-indulgence.

Brendan describes the menu as “contemporaryFrench with a Far Eastern twist.” Twelve of thesixteen courses on the menu are fish based, andthe remaining four a selection of pork, chicken andbeef dishes, unashamedly prepared and presentedin nouvelle cuisine style a’ la Fernand Point fast-forwarded to the 21st Century.

Few chefs openly practice pure nouvelle cuisinetoday, but its influence is still widely felt. Forinstance, food presentation and visual appeal arevital, dishes must excite all five senses and herbsand spices are used extensively, with light saucesand stocks creating distinct and light options -combining flavours instead of overruling them.

Chef Stephane is a master at combining theseflavours in a highly creative and technologicallyavant-garde way: Drying food in liquid nitrogen,searing meat with lasers and cooking in vacuumpacking. Throwing aside conventional culinarywisdom and popular prejudice, he calls it “moleculargastronomy”. This allows for bizarre foodcombinations that share similar pH values to fusetogether to perfection in a futuristic explosion oftaste. A fervent believer in the myriad uses ofchocolate in cooking, he bases his reasoning onthese scientific pH values which match those ofmany different proteins such as prawns, or somemeats for instance.

This was not to say that anything tasted strange.On the contrary, every single thing tasted during the marathon mini portion meal was relished -flavours emerged amazing and delicate at the sametime. In the saturated restaurant scenario thatcharacterises Dubai, the meal was something

unique, fabulous, and delicious. The best restaurantmeal in at least six months.

To sift through each item of the menu is notfeasible, but a sample of some of the dishes youcould expect shows the variety on offer:

Yabies Teppanyaki / purple asparagus/ passion fruit caviar/basil

Australian crayfish Tartare/ green apple/ citrus/ wasabi/ pea soup

Sea scallops Fleur de cao velvet/ red beet sashimi/ ponzu pear

Foie gras & calamari Cured foie gras/ calamari teppanyaki/ orangeblossom vinegar/ miso

Black cod Pan seared/ mock emibuchi/ roasted spring garlic/potato cantal whip

Makerel Saké ponzu glazed/ baby ginger carrot/ oystermushroom caviar/ shiso velvet

Wagyu rib eye Pan seared/ barbecued eel/ pommes pont neuf/sage red currant gêlée

Each and every dish was beautifully presentedand exquisitely cooked, and the flavours quiteawesome with the Kim Crawford accentuating themwith every fork full. The attention to detail clearlydefined the work of an artiste. Bravo Stephane!

Sixteen courses later, surprisingly there was roomfor dessert, and again we followed the formulawhich had worked so well for us during the first partof the meal: A selection of desserts which againwere outstanding, with again never dreamed ofcombinations, but they worked every time.

Chocolate & Espresso Spring rolls / vanilla pear dip/ milk ice cream/ truffle

Chocolate Tart/ fleur de sel/ vanilla port wine swirl ice cream/mango jelly

Coconut Noodles/ strawberry salad/ crumble/ violet honey ice

Apple Tarte fine/ celery syrup/ prune chutney/ olive oil icecream

Banana Spring rolls/ peanut butter/ mint/ chocolate/cucumber

Lychee Tartare/ peanut wafer/ spicy mango écume/basil sorbet

How would one sum up the dinner? It is recalledinstantly when all the decadent details flash through one’s memory. The imaginative spontaneityis what gives it overall appeal, added to theexcitement as course after course is presented andsampled in a continuous relish of innovativecouplings of ingredients.

Tang is certainly at the cutting edge of culinarythinking in Dubai. And Chef Stephane and hisbrigade are right up there with him in the highestechelons of timeless fine dining.


Tang is more than just a restaurant,it's the place to be for the discerning

food lover who is passionate aboutfood and style.

Chef Stephane

Bateaux Dubai

Bateaux Dubai is a unique tourist asset, which isnow on the itinerary of the most discerning visitorsand residents of Dubai.

80 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing In 56 metres of air-conditioned

comfort, Bateaux Dubai offers itsguests a rare fusion of sensorydelights, both visual and savoury. Theinspiration is Paris and the RiverSeine, the reality is the charm of theDubai Creek explored from thecompletely glass enclosed diningarea with panoramic views eitherbathed in sunshine or under ablanket of stars.

With a nautical theme, the interiorsshine with lots of varnished wood and suffused lighting, ideal for tete-a-tete dining. Out on deck youcould be on a cruise liner, standingon quality teak decking and holdingthe rail as you watch the ebb andflow of life on the Creek. The rows ofdhows and small abras allnegotiating the waterway makes thisa bustling area, which is still seen asthe heart of the city.

Once onboard, you can admirethe diversity of the old souks and themodern buildings along the Creek,making it a unique feast of contrastswhich progresses all the way to thehead of the Creek. Even in thesummer months it is pleasant to takeyour glass of wine on deck betweencourses and enjoy the warm breezewatching life pass by.

Bateaux Dubai lends itself to avariety of events such as romanticevenings, corporate functions, private parties, fashion shows, pressconferences, product launches,wedding receptions and so much more.

The vessel can accommodate over300 standing guests for cocktailreceptions or 200 comfortably seatedguests with ample space betweentables. For private parties the gourmetmenu can be tailor-made to yourliking in advance, while on publiccruise nights Bateaux Dubai featuresan extensive a la Carte menu.

The management are on hand togreet passengers as they arewelcomed aboard.

A naval theme prevails with thedeck crew kitted out in sailors’uniforms and there’s a definitive spirit of travel in the air. On theevening we cruised the vessel wasfull; testament to Bateaux Dubai’sincreasing popularity.

While the vessel is tied upalongside, you can enjoy a selectionof fruit juices until Bateaux Dubaideparts from its pier. The excitementbuilds up as you can feel the bowthrusters gently easing the vesselaway from the wharf and the servicekicks in with military precision. Thosepre-ordered drinks arrive promptly

along with a selection of canapés,courtesy of Executive Chef TunjiOladipo. The canapés are a savouryselection of wontons, quiches,marinated meats and a miniatureYorkshire pudding.

In addition to the serviceable winelist, an excellent option is to go for the‘flight of wines’, which is the Chef’schoice. He will select a different glassof wine for each course dependingon what you are eating.

The gourmet menu is essentiallyinternational, giving guests plenty ofchoices to enjoy. All meals are freshlyprepared in the kitchen onboard.

For starters we chose themarinated tiger prawns, roastedtomatoes and smoky avocado aioli.This dish was delicately flavoured;the chilled prawn was firm, juicy andplentiful. The other starter, the searedblue fin tuna, papaya salad andhoney soya dressing was slightlyspicy which was well countered bythe Jacob’s Creek Cabernet Shiraz.After this course there was a twentyminute interval where diners wereencouraged to go on to the sterndeck and admire the sights along theCreek. Even though it was a typicalDubai summer evening, it wasextremely pleasant to be outside.

Once back at our table, the maincourse was served promptly. Weselected the Arabian Gulf seafood ‘enpapillote’ with fragrant spices andherbs accompanied by jasmine rice, and the slow roast beef sirloinserved with a cauliflower potato mashand a spinach puree.

Both these dishes were exquisitelyprepared and I can highlyrecommend the succulently tendermeat sirloin and the Arabian GulfSeafood. The combination of herbsand the use of jasmine rice in theseafood dish, made it both a tasteand smell fest of the highest order.

For a culinary adventurer such asmyself, all desserts lookedexceptionally tempting.

The piece de resistance was the popular dark chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream whichremains a firm favourite on the menu from year to year. It certainlylived up to expectations.

In an environment where novelty isde rigeur, Bateaux Dubai remains anunforgettable experience. Thecombination of an excellent meal andthe subtly gliding panorama of theDubai Creek makes you wish…if onlythis trip could last forever.


Best of Dubai 81

Executive Chef, Tunji Oladipo

BATEAUX.qxp 12/27/2006 1:17 PM Page 1

Bateaux Dubai

Bateaux Dubai is a unique tourist asset, which isnow on the itinerary of the most discerning visitorsand residents of Dubai.

80 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing In 56 metres of air-conditioned

comfort, Bateaux Dubai offers itsguests a rare fusion of sensorydelights, both visual and savoury. Theinspiration is Paris and the RiverSeine, the reality is the charm of theDubai Creek explored from thecompletely glass enclosed diningarea with panoramic views eitherbathed in sunshine or under ablanket of stars.

With a nautical theme, the interiorsshine with lots of varnished wood and suffused lighting, ideal for tete-a-tete dining. Out on deck youcould be on a cruise liner, standingon quality teak decking and holdingthe rail as you watch the ebb andflow of life on the Creek. The rows ofdhows and small abras allnegotiating the waterway makes thisa bustling area, which is still seen asthe heart of the city.

Once onboard, you can admirethe diversity of the old souks and themodern buildings along the Creek,making it a unique feast of contrastswhich progresses all the way to thehead of the Creek. Even in thesummer months it is pleasant to takeyour glass of wine on deck betweencourses and enjoy the warm breezewatching life pass by.

Bateaux Dubai lends itself to avariety of events such as romanticevenings, corporate functions, private parties, fashion shows, pressconferences, product launches,wedding receptions and so much more.

The vessel can accommodate over300 standing guests for cocktailreceptions or 200 comfortably seatedguests with ample space betweentables. For private parties the gourmetmenu can be tailor-made to yourliking in advance, while on publiccruise nights Bateaux Dubai featuresan extensive a la Carte menu.

The management are on hand togreet passengers as they arewelcomed aboard.

A naval theme prevails with thedeck crew kitted out in sailors’uniforms and there’s a definitive spirit of travel in the air. On theevening we cruised the vessel wasfull; testament to Bateaux Dubai’sincreasing popularity.

While the vessel is tied upalongside, you can enjoy a selectionof fruit juices until Bateaux Dubaideparts from its pier. The excitementbuilds up as you can feel the bowthrusters gently easing the vesselaway from the wharf and the servicekicks in with military precision. Thosepre-ordered drinks arrive promptly

along with a selection of canapés,courtesy of Executive Chef TunjiOladipo. The canapés are a savouryselection of wontons, quiches,marinated meats and a miniatureYorkshire pudding.

In addition to the serviceable winelist, an excellent option is to go for the‘flight of wines’, which is the Chef’schoice. He will select a different glassof wine for each course dependingon what you are eating.

The gourmet menu is essentiallyinternational, giving guests plenty ofchoices to enjoy. All meals are freshlyprepared in the kitchen onboard.

For starters we chose themarinated tiger prawns, roastedtomatoes and smoky avocado aioli.This dish was delicately flavoured;the chilled prawn was firm, juicy andplentiful. The other starter, the searedblue fin tuna, papaya salad andhoney soya dressing was slightlyspicy which was well countered bythe Jacob’s Creek Cabernet Shiraz.After this course there was a twentyminute interval where diners wereencouraged to go on to the sterndeck and admire the sights along theCreek. Even though it was a typicalDubai summer evening, it wasextremely pleasant to be outside.

Once back at our table, the maincourse was served promptly. Weselected the Arabian Gulf seafood ‘enpapillote’ with fragrant spices andherbs accompanied by jasmine rice, and the slow roast beef sirloinserved with a cauliflower potato mashand a spinach puree.

Both these dishes were exquisitelyprepared and I can highlyrecommend the succulently tendermeat sirloin and the Arabian GulfSeafood. The combination of herbsand the use of jasmine rice in theseafood dish, made it both a tasteand smell fest of the highest order.

For a culinary adventurer such asmyself, all desserts lookedexceptionally tempting.

The piece de resistance was the popular dark chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream whichremains a firm favourite on the menu from year to year. It certainlylived up to expectations.

In an environment where novelty isde rigeur, Bateaux Dubai remains anunforgettable experience. Thecombination of an excellent meal andthe subtly gliding panorama of theDubai Creek makes you wish…if onlythis trip could last forever.


Best of Dubai 81

Executive Chef, Tunji Oladipo

BATEAUX.qxp 12/27/2006 1:17 PM Page 1

Taste Addiction

With activities focussing on the process, not necessarily the finalproduct, children are encouraged to get messy, move freely andexplore the world around them in a safe, structured and of course,fun environment.

82 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

The festival saw most of theJumeirah Group’s hotels in Dubaiparticipate and the programmefeatured a dizzying array ofevents, gourmet nights,brunches, dinners and cookingclasses galore that wereexceedingly well attended.

Highlights included the ‘1001Nights Meet the Stars OpeningEvent’ at Jumeirah Beach Hotel,and the series of Gourmet Nightsin various Jumeirah restaurants –the Villa Beach Restaurant atJumeirah Beach Hotel withcelebrity Chef Jean ChristopheNovelli; VU’s restaurant atJumeirah Emirates Towers withcelebrity Chef Hans Haas andNapa restaurant at MadinatJumeirah with celebrity Chef GaryRhodes. With over five millionvisitors a year, Dubai has takenthe lead in developing novelconcepts such as this to keeptourists begging for more.

As an ultimate endorsement tounabashed luxury, the ‘Festival ofTaste’ put on the ‘Ultimate

Dinner Party’, which was limitedto four guests per evening andstarted with a limousine pick up from guests’ home to acocktail reception at JumeirahEmirates Towers.

From there, guests werewhisked off in a helicoptertransfer to Burj Al Arab for the firstand second course, a RollsRoyce transfer to Villa Beachrestaurant at Jumeirah BeachHotel for a hot entrée andsavoured the main course inMadinat Jumeirah’s Pisces,before rounding off thegastronomic experience withdessert, coffee and tea at theupmarket resort’s Naparestaurant.

The icing on the cake was anovernight stay at the luxuriousBurj Al Arab, with bubblybreakfast the next morning. Whenit comes to sumptuousness withpzzaz, nobody does it better thanJumeirah.

www.jumeirah.com

Too many cooks may spoil the broth but they certainly add spice to any foodfestival. The host of household chefs descended on Dubai for Jumeirah’s firstFestival of Taste, proving that when it comes to food and lifestyle, the dynamicand rapidly growing luxury hospitality group and member of Dubai Holding, hashit on the recipe for success.

Held in May 2006 in association with presenting sponsors American Expressand Emirates Airline. The ‘Festival of Taste’ was a culinary spectacle that sawsome of the world’s most renowned celebrity chefs alight upon Dubai toparticipate in the various events lined up for this extraordinary week long festival.

As the inaugural festival of what will become a bi-annual food and lifestyleevent for Jumeirah, the culinary maestros who cooked up a storm included HansHaas, Two-Star Michelin Chef from Germany; Gary Rhodes, Michelin StarRestaurateur and TV Personality; Sam Leong, one of Singapore’s most renownedChefs; James Martin, TV Personality and Chef; Michel Roux, Three-Star MichelinChef from the UK; Jean Christophe Novelli, TV Personality and Chef; YannickAlleno, Two-Star Michelin Chef from France; and Gina Koutropoulos and BenSisley from the famous Ping Eatery & Bar in Melbourne, Australia.

With the objective of ensuring that Jumeirah continues to build innovation andquality to expanding brand, this bi-annual food and lifestyle event, proved to bea gastronomic extravaganza that took Dubai’s discerning diners by storm,providing more meat to Dubai’s already aggressive global tourism promotion.

Willi Elsener, Group Director of Restaurants & Bars for Jumeirah said, “Dubaihas earned its reputation for being a world centre of culinary arts and lifestyleand we hope to further enhance this positioning by launching a bi-annual festivalthat will tantalise the taste buds of both residents and visitors alike.”

Best of Dubai 83

Willi Elsener,Group Director of

Restaurants &Bars for Jumeirah

Celebrity chef line-up from left to right:James Martin, Hans Haas, Ben Sisley, Jean Christophe Novelli,Michel Roux, Sam Leong, Yannick Alleno, Gary Rhodes.

Festival of Taste.qxp 12/28/2006 11:15 AM Page 1

Taste Addiction

With activities focussing on the process, not necessarily the finalproduct, children are encouraged to get messy, move freely andexplore the world around them in a safe, structured and of course,fun environment.

82 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

The festival saw most of theJumeirah Group’s hotels in Dubaiparticipate and the programmefeatured a dizzying array ofevents, gourmet nights,brunches, dinners and cookingclasses galore that wereexceedingly well attended.

Highlights included the ‘1001Nights Meet the Stars OpeningEvent’ at Jumeirah Beach Hotel,and the series of Gourmet Nightsin various Jumeirah restaurants –the Villa Beach Restaurant atJumeirah Beach Hotel withcelebrity Chef Jean ChristopheNovelli; VU’s restaurant atJumeirah Emirates Towers withcelebrity Chef Hans Haas andNapa restaurant at MadinatJumeirah with celebrity Chef GaryRhodes. With over five millionvisitors a year, Dubai has takenthe lead in developing novelconcepts such as this to keeptourists begging for more.

As an ultimate endorsement tounabashed luxury, the ‘Festival ofTaste’ put on the ‘Ultimate

Dinner Party’, which was limitedto four guests per evening andstarted with a limousine pick up from guests’ home to acocktail reception at JumeirahEmirates Towers.

From there, guests werewhisked off in a helicoptertransfer to Burj Al Arab for the firstand second course, a RollsRoyce transfer to Villa Beachrestaurant at Jumeirah BeachHotel for a hot entrée andsavoured the main course inMadinat Jumeirah’s Pisces,before rounding off thegastronomic experience withdessert, coffee and tea at theupmarket resort’s Naparestaurant.

The icing on the cake was anovernight stay at the luxuriousBurj Al Arab, with bubblybreakfast the next morning. Whenit comes to sumptuousness withpzzaz, nobody does it better thanJumeirah.

www.jumeirah.com

Too many cooks may spoil the broth but they certainly add spice to any foodfestival. The host of household chefs descended on Dubai for Jumeirah’s firstFestival of Taste, proving that when it comes to food and lifestyle, the dynamicand rapidly growing luxury hospitality group and member of Dubai Holding, hashit on the recipe for success.

Held in May 2006 in association with presenting sponsors American Expressand Emirates Airline. The ‘Festival of Taste’ was a culinary spectacle that sawsome of the world’s most renowned celebrity chefs alight upon Dubai toparticipate in the various events lined up for this extraordinary week long festival.

As the inaugural festival of what will become a bi-annual food and lifestyleevent for Jumeirah, the culinary maestros who cooked up a storm included HansHaas, Two-Star Michelin Chef from Germany; Gary Rhodes, Michelin StarRestaurateur and TV Personality; Sam Leong, one of Singapore’s most renownedChefs; James Martin, TV Personality and Chef; Michel Roux, Three-Star MichelinChef from the UK; Jean Christophe Novelli, TV Personality and Chef; YannickAlleno, Two-Star Michelin Chef from France; and Gina Koutropoulos and BenSisley from the famous Ping Eatery & Bar in Melbourne, Australia.

With the objective of ensuring that Jumeirah continues to build innovation andquality to expanding brand, this bi-annual food and lifestyle event, proved to bea gastronomic extravaganza that took Dubai’s discerning diners by storm,providing more meat to Dubai’s already aggressive global tourism promotion.

Willi Elsener, Group Director of Restaurants & Bars for Jumeirah said, “Dubaihas earned its reputation for being a world centre of culinary arts and lifestyleand we hope to further enhance this positioning by launching a bi-annual festivalthat will tantalise the taste buds of both residents and visitors alike.”

Best of Dubai 83

Willi Elsener,Group Director of

Restaurants &Bars for Jumeirah

Celebrity chef line-up from left to right:James Martin, Hans Haas, Ben Sisley, Jean Christophe Novelli,Michel Roux, Sam Leong, Yannick Alleno, Gary Rhodes.

Festival of Taste.qxp 12/28/2006 11:15 AM Page 1

Recently inaugurated ‘The Loft’ opens doors to adiscerning audience with high expectations. With newrestaurants opening constantly, it also has competition tofend off. With its central location, fashionable décor, livemusic from resident DJ's and magnificent menu, The Lofthas little to fear and can therefore dedicate all its energyinto welcoming guests.

84 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

If you thought that a chef being passionateabout food was a cliché, that after years ofbusy kitchens and 15 hour shifts, theenthusiasm would have faded, then youhaven't dined with Shane Brierly. As executivechef of the George V group of restaurants, food is not just his vocation, it's his life. Tip,Shane's wife, is head sous chef in the GeorgeV's sister restaurant Lotus One, and thereforefor Shane, working with food quite literally is a'labour of love'.

Shane and his wing man Shaun Venter havedeveloped a novel culinary concept named'Contemporary trans-Atlantic cuisine' with theaim to become an established market leader."The menu showcases modern Westerncuisine, with Atlantic coast influences, andpresents sexy food without pretence, attitude orfuss", says Brierly.

"We have a blank canvas to take anyWestern based cuisine or dish we like, andmake it funky, different, and true to its roots.Definitely expect the unexpected, but alsoexpect to be comforted by some familiar tastesand ingredients as well", he explains.

Whether you are eating a full meal orcomplementing a social evening with some'amuse bouche', an elegant offering, light yearsahead of deep filled potato skins, you will beentertained with choice.

The 'Latino Sopes', are bite sized Mexicancorncakes, topped with refreshing tomatosalsa, creamy goats cheese and a dash ofcoriander pesto. A delightful light twist of the alltoo common nachos we have all resorted toeating far too often.

Foie gras is seared and served with slowroasted garlic and shallot confit, and chickenliver pate is flambéed with cognac and is bothserved with toasted crostinis and splashed witha beautifully coloured parsley puree. A curiousvariation that is simply wonderful.

The New Zealand beef short ribs starter,which is braised with smoky chipotle barbequesauce, and a duet of apple & sage, is awonderful combination of different flavours. Thewarm spices of the chipotles, are beautifullybalanced by the sweet green apple sauce

whispered with a touch of sage. As a starter,this hearty option full of sophisticated flavourswill really stimulate enthusiasm for the maincourse to arrive.

Whether you have chosen white or red meat as your main course, expect to beintrigued by the choices. Grilled WesternAustralian beef with roasted onion & stilton,Quinoa, tempura asparagus & toasted cuminseed béarnaise will take you on a journey ofenlightenment as well as culinary discovery.Quinoa, native to the Andes in South America,is a “wonder grain” which contains everyprotein known to man within a single foodsource. It was one of the three staple foods ofthe ancient Inca civilization and is still knownnow as it was then as the 'mother grain'. The infused stilton used to bind the Quinoa and build its flavour will be a winner withcheese enthusiasts.

Burnt Lemon risotto complements the'Chicken Breast Supreme' beautifully and a rich syrup reduction of ripe Holland tomatoessweetens the tang - once again, an intelligent use of contrasting flavours that will set palates tingling.

To conclude your meal you might want to trythe delicious pumpkin brulee. It is a classicalinterpretation of the homely southern USclassic 'pumpkin pie' but served in a slightlymore refined French style. Topped with Pecanpraline it is simply exquisite.

It is immediately evident in the acute qualityof the flavours that everything is made from thefinest and freshest ingredients and prepared in- house. Everything is made from scratch bythe devoted hands of either Shane or Shaun,and you are guaranteed to leave enlightened,enthused and satisfied. Whilst the food isbeautifully presented, it is not over fussy. Whilstit offers intriguing combinations of flavours, theirorigins will be comfortingly familiar. Quitefrankly I've haven't enjoyed eating a meal asmuch since my mother cooked it. And that'ssaying something.

Tel.:+97150 846 3424www.theloftclubdubai.com

Best of Dubai 85

Lofty Living

Shane Brierly, Executive ChefShaun Venter, Head Chef

Loft1.qxp 12/28/2006 4:49 PM Page 1

Recently inaugurated ‘The Loft’ opens doors to adiscerning audience with high expectations. With newrestaurants opening constantly, it also has competition tofend off. With its central location, fashionable décor, livemusic from resident DJ's and magnificent menu, The Lofthas little to fear and can therefore dedicate all its energyinto welcoming guests.

84 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

If you thought that a chef being passionateabout food was a cliché, that after years ofbusy kitchens and 15 hour shifts, theenthusiasm would have faded, then youhaven't dined with Shane Brierly. As executivechef of the George V group of restaurants, food is not just his vocation, it's his life. Tip,Shane's wife, is head sous chef in the GeorgeV's sister restaurant Lotus One, and thereforefor Shane, working with food quite literally is a'labour of love'.

Shane and his wing man Shaun Venter havedeveloped a novel culinary concept named'Contemporary trans-Atlantic cuisine' with theaim to become an established market leader."The menu showcases modern Westerncuisine, with Atlantic coast influences, andpresents sexy food without pretence, attitude orfuss", says Brierly.

"We have a blank canvas to take anyWestern based cuisine or dish we like, andmake it funky, different, and true to its roots.Definitely expect the unexpected, but alsoexpect to be comforted by some familiar tastesand ingredients as well", he explains.

Whether you are eating a full meal orcomplementing a social evening with some'amuse bouche', an elegant offering, light yearsahead of deep filled potato skins, you will beentertained with choice.

The 'Latino Sopes', are bite sized Mexicancorncakes, topped with refreshing tomatosalsa, creamy goats cheese and a dash ofcoriander pesto. A delightful light twist of the alltoo common nachos we have all resorted toeating far too often.

Foie gras is seared and served with slowroasted garlic and shallot confit, and chickenliver pate is flambéed with cognac and is bothserved with toasted crostinis and splashed witha beautifully coloured parsley puree. A curiousvariation that is simply wonderful.

The New Zealand beef short ribs starter,which is braised with smoky chipotle barbequesauce, and a duet of apple & sage, is awonderful combination of different flavours. Thewarm spices of the chipotles, are beautifullybalanced by the sweet green apple sauce

whispered with a touch of sage. As a starter,this hearty option full of sophisticated flavourswill really stimulate enthusiasm for the maincourse to arrive.

Whether you have chosen white or red meat as your main course, expect to beintrigued by the choices. Grilled WesternAustralian beef with roasted onion & stilton,Quinoa, tempura asparagus & toasted cuminseed béarnaise will take you on a journey ofenlightenment as well as culinary discovery.Quinoa, native to the Andes in South America,is a “wonder grain” which contains everyprotein known to man within a single foodsource. It was one of the three staple foods ofthe ancient Inca civilization and is still knownnow as it was then as the 'mother grain'. The infused stilton used to bind the Quinoa and build its flavour will be a winner withcheese enthusiasts.

Burnt Lemon risotto complements the'Chicken Breast Supreme' beautifully and a rich syrup reduction of ripe Holland tomatoessweetens the tang - once again, an intelligent use of contrasting flavours that will set palates tingling.

To conclude your meal you might want to trythe delicious pumpkin brulee. It is a classicalinterpretation of the homely southern USclassic 'pumpkin pie' but served in a slightlymore refined French style. Topped with Pecanpraline it is simply exquisite.

It is immediately evident in the acute qualityof the flavours that everything is made from thefinest and freshest ingredients and prepared in- house. Everything is made from scratch bythe devoted hands of either Shane or Shaun,and you are guaranteed to leave enlightened,enthused and satisfied. Whilst the food isbeautifully presented, it is not over fussy. Whilstit offers intriguing combinations of flavours, theirorigins will be comfortingly familiar. Quitefrankly I've haven't enjoyed eating a meal asmuch since my mother cooked it. And that'ssaying something.

Tel.:+97150 846 3424www.theloftclubdubai.com

Best of Dubai 85

Lofty Living

Shane Brierly, Executive ChefShaun Venter, Head Chef

Loft1.qxp 12/28/2006 4:49 PM Page 1

It's not just the prolific and adventurous menu that holds surprises,but the genuine warmth of the welcome is a breath of fresh air initself. In Dubai's competitive F&B environment that demands thehighest levels of service 24-7, the human touch is sadly found to beoften robotic. Not so at Lotus One.

86 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

A futuristic blend of eatery, cocktail bar and club located at Dubai'sConvention Centre, the sharp design and intelligent use of lighting fordepth and ambience exudes sophistication and cosmopolitan flair.

Executive Chef and menu creator Shane Brierly has put great effortinto fashioning a contemporary menu designed to attract the curiosityof any diner - however jaded his or her palate may be. Is it anywonder that the Crocodile Samosa fights for first place with theKangaroo Fillet as most popular dish on the menu? Or is it more of asurprise that you can also find the traditional Chicken Ceasaralongside quirkier offerings?

At weekends, guests will be monstrously lucky to get even a whiffof a starter course, unless a table is booked in advance. The livelyLotus One vibe is wildly popular these days, and once seated for theirorders, diners stay firmly put until the night is over and the music hasbeen turned off. This is because Lotus One is not just about food, it'salso about great music and letting loose. Large parties of revellersswamp tables, eating, drinking and dancing to the ambient tunesspinning courtesy of the resident house DJ.

During the week, a different guest frequents Lotus One. Therestaurant's character transforms from the weekends' exuberantbustle, to a relaxed refined destination ideal for the romantic diner orupscale business get together. Mood music plays mutedly in thebackground and parties of noisy tables are a thing of the past.

Integrating itself to perfection as the ideal venue for both partygoers, quieter diners and fabulous business lunches too, Lotus Onewears its chameleon-like character with effortless elegance. Despitethe natural changes in its tempo according to unspoken guestdemand, and the fluctuation of the waitlist, one thing remains constant;the unwavering dedication of the staff when tending to their guests.Even on the busiest night, when seven waiters gracefully weave theirway through a packed 300-strong throng, they always have the time toexplain the menu, pick up a dropped purse, or flash you a smile - areal one.

Tel: +9714 329 3200www.georgev-dubai.com

Best of Dubai 87

Lotus Living

lotus one option 3.qxp 12/28/2006 4:49 PM Page 1

It's not just the prolific and adventurous menu that holds surprises,but the genuine warmth of the welcome is a breath of fresh air initself. In Dubai's competitive F&B environment that demands thehighest levels of service 24-7, the human touch is sadly found to beoften robotic. Not so at Lotus One.

86 Best of Dubai

Fine

Din

ing

A futuristic blend of eatery, cocktail bar and club located at Dubai'sConvention Centre, the sharp design and intelligent use of lighting fordepth and ambience exudes sophistication and cosmopolitan flair.

Executive Chef and menu creator Shane Brierly has put great effortinto fashioning a contemporary menu designed to attract the curiosityof any diner - however jaded his or her palate may be. Is it anywonder that the Crocodile Samosa fights for first place with theKangaroo Fillet as most popular dish on the menu? Or is it more of asurprise that you can also find the traditional Chicken Ceasaralongside quirkier offerings?

At weekends, guests will be monstrously lucky to get even a whiffof a starter course, unless a table is booked in advance. The livelyLotus One vibe is wildly popular these days, and once seated for theirorders, diners stay firmly put until the night is over and the music hasbeen turned off. This is because Lotus One is not just about food, it'salso about great music and letting loose. Large parties of revellersswamp tables, eating, drinking and dancing to the ambient tunesspinning courtesy of the resident house DJ.

During the week, a different guest frequents Lotus One. Therestaurant's character transforms from the weekends' exuberantbustle, to a relaxed refined destination ideal for the romantic diner orupscale business get together. Mood music plays mutedly in thebackground and parties of noisy tables are a thing of the past.

Integrating itself to perfection as the ideal venue for both partygoers, quieter diners and fabulous business lunches too, Lotus Onewears its chameleon-like character with effortless elegance. Despitethe natural changes in its tempo according to unspoken guestdemand, and the fluctuation of the waitlist, one thing remains constant;the unwavering dedication of the staff when tending to their guests.Even on the busiest night, when seven waiters gracefully weave theirway through a packed 300-strong throng, they always have the time toexplain the menu, pick up a dropped purse, or flash you a smile - areal one.

Tel: +9714 329 3200www.georgev-dubai.com

Best of Dubai 87

Lotus Living

lotus one option 3.qxp 12/28/2006 4:49 PM Page 1

CHAPTER 4Casual Dining

“A little fire, a little food and immense fulfilment”.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) US philosopher, poet essayist

CHAPTER 4Casual Dining

“A little fire, a little food and immense fulfilment”.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) US philosopher, poet essayist

DubaiAirport RoadTel.: +9714 283 0077 / 283 0055

BurjumanTel.: +9714 351 5254Dubai Healthcare CityTel.: +9714 362 4818

Best of Dubai 91

BreadTalk

BreadTalk, one of Singapore’s leading brands has crossed the seas with threenew branches in Dubai under the Bin Lahej banner - one in Burjuman, anotherin Dubai Healthcare City and a third on Airport Road. With more than 110different types of breads and pastries there is more than a little something for everyone.

Osama Salhin, President of Saleh Bin Lahej Group (Hospitality Division),defines BreadTalk as a ‘bakery boutique,’ “a combination of unique productsand sleek design catering to a funky lifestyle” this is an apt description and thecreamy orange lounge chairs coupled with colourful wall murals enhance theurban look.

To add to its décor, BreadTalk have quirky glass-fronted kitchens that allow glimpses of the chefs busy making bread. This punctuates the aroma of the baking goodies and is an utter tease to the appetite. The branch inDubai Healthcare City has a stainless steel bread bar running through thestore, where you can then pile your choices on a tray like plate and request for your bread to be heated up along with the coffee you might have ordered.

On the list of favourites are Rocky Milk- a sweet milky bun, Coffee-o – aflaky bun encrusted with a coffee roof, a curry chicken naan that definitelycaters to Dubai’s cosmopolitan culture, a pizza bun and a hot tuna turner.These are just a few of the selections on offer. For the more health-inclinedBreadTalk also boasts a fantastic rye and multigrain bread and a sure favouriteis the Californian raisin bread, which has just the right amount of sweetnessand flakiness to make it simply perfect. The best part is that the bread isalways fresh, “We never use or sell bread from the night before - this is vital,after all nobody likes stale bread”, Osama Salhin says.

Aimed at families, the BreadTalk branches in Dubai are ‘restaurant-like’which is specially devised to cater to Dubai’s lifestyle where people just do notgrab and go, but instead prefer to laze and munch at the same time.

Having won awards in the Far East, BreadTalk is set to wow their MiddleEast customers with affordable prices, fabulous service and naturally delicious treats.

90 Best of Dubai

“BreadTalk is a combination of unique products andsleek design catering to a funky lifestyle”, saysOsama Salhin, President, Saleh Bin Lahej Group.

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BreadTalk are totallycommitted to quality,innovation and customerservice.

DubaiAirport RoadTel.: +9714 283 0077 / 283 0055

BurjumanTel.: +9714 351 5254Dubai Healthcare CityTel.: +9714 362 4818

Best of Dubai 91

BreadTalk

BreadTalk, one of Singapore’s leading brands has crossed the seas with threenew branches in Dubai under the Bin Lahej banner - one in Burjuman, anotherin Dubai Healthcare City and a third on Airport Road. With more than 110different types of breads and pastries there is more than a little something for everyone.

Osama Salhin, President of Saleh Bin Lahej Group (Hospitality Division),defines BreadTalk as a ‘bakery boutique,’ “a combination of unique productsand sleek design catering to a funky lifestyle” this is an apt description and thecreamy orange lounge chairs coupled with colourful wall murals enhance theurban look.

To add to its décor, BreadTalk have quirky glass-fronted kitchens that allow glimpses of the chefs busy making bread. This punctuates the aroma of the baking goodies and is an utter tease to the appetite. The branch inDubai Healthcare City has a stainless steel bread bar running through thestore, where you can then pile your choices on a tray like plate and request for your bread to be heated up along with the coffee you might have ordered.

On the list of favourites are Rocky Milk- a sweet milky bun, Coffee-o – aflaky bun encrusted with a coffee roof, a curry chicken naan that definitelycaters to Dubai’s cosmopolitan culture, a pizza bun and a hot tuna turner.These are just a few of the selections on offer. For the more health-inclinedBreadTalk also boasts a fantastic rye and multigrain bread and a sure favouriteis the Californian raisin bread, which has just the right amount of sweetnessand flakiness to make it simply perfect. The best part is that the bread isalways fresh, “We never use or sell bread from the night before - this is vital,after all nobody likes stale bread”, Osama Salhin says.

Aimed at families, the BreadTalk branches in Dubai are ‘restaurant-like’which is specially devised to cater to Dubai’s lifestyle where people just do notgrab and go, but instead prefer to laze and munch at the same time.

Having won awards in the Far East, BreadTalk is set to wow their MiddleEast customers with affordable prices, fabulous service and naturally delicious treats.

90 Best of Dubai

“BreadTalk is a combination of unique products andsleek design catering to a funky lifestyle”, saysOsama Salhin, President, Saleh Bin Lahej Group.

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BreadTalk are totallycommitted to quality,innovation and customerservice.

“What The Pizza Company has successfully managedto do is deliver delicious pizza flavours like the QuatroFromaggio, the four cheese special, or the ultra variedSuper Supreme and to also give more original options too,such as the Tropical Prawn Pizza for instance. Diners lovethem all and the mega sizes of the pizzas prove just howmuch too”, he concludes.

Dubai SharjahDubai Healthcare City Crystal PlazaTel.: +9714 362 4929 Tel.: +9716 573 3838Rigga RoadTel.: +9714 229 9391Al Diyafa StreetTel.: +9714 345 4848

Best of Dubai 93

The Pizza Company

If you thought Pizza was all about tried and tested staples like mozzarella, pepperoni and oreganoyou’re wrong. At The Pizza Company, it’s also about blending exotic ingredients to create newflavours. Imagine what a Thai Pizza would taste like for example? Lashings of lemongrass andsprinklings of coconut, chillies and prawns, “that’s exactly what the famous ‘Tom Yun Kung’ pizzais all about” says Wesam Shehata, Director of Operations.

“The Tom Yum King is our signature pizza and is a favourite in all of our outlets in Dubai. This isbecause we use only the best ingredients and stay away from anything processed. The noveltaste and ultimately, the popularity, is a testament to our unique preparations”, he says.

The Pizza Company boasts more traditional selections too. From classic Italian style pizzas tofresh pastas, salads and bakery items to suit every hunger pang.

The quality edge with The Pizza Company however, lies in their ability to personalise theoffering to suit different tastes. “In this sense we are nothing like a fast food chain where masscatering is the norm. Ours is a family restaurant where everything from the pizza crust varieties, tothe appetizers, different breads and pastas are made in-house from scratch”, Shehata explains.

Take the starters for instance, the stuffed Calamari are delicious; succulent fresh squid lightlyfried to golden perfection. But if it’s a quick nibble of zesty starters that you fancy, then the starterplatter with spicy chicken wings and perfectly seasoned potato wedges is a great bet. “Ourobjective is to encourage diners to be experimental in their choices. So whilst we have the fulltraditional range of Italian inspired foods, we also have a definite Asian twist in our menu. Ourregulars love it”, he says.

Coming to breads. Welcome to a carbohydrate-fest that leads you to heaven and back.Particular specialties are the turkey and cheese twists – light pastry and smoked turkey withlashings of 100 per cent pure milk mozzarella, “We have reinvented the simple cheese twist andgiven it some oomph”, Shehata laughs.

The pasta counter faces the main entrance of the Al Dhyiafa Street branch and is all-systems-go with a specialised Pasta Chef ready to serve a fresh and delicious pasta treat made on thespot. On the menu are staples such as spaghetti with spicy tuna and olive, as well as pennepasta with broccoli and shrimp – both excellent and light on the waistline. If calorie counting is noton the agenda, then stuffed cannelloni with Parmesan cheese in black pepper and tomato sauceis a must. Also worth tasting is the three-cheese tortellini in pesto and cream sauce - verynaughty, but nice.

92 Best of Dubai

The Pizza Company only uses the best ingredients- with dough rolled out fresh each morning,staying away from anything processed.

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“What The Pizza Company has successfully managedto do is deliver delicious pizza flavours like the QuatroFromaggio, the four cheese special, or the ultra variedSuper Supreme and to also give more original options too,such as the Tropical Prawn Pizza for instance. Diners lovethem all and the mega sizes of the pizzas prove just howmuch too”, he concludes.

Dubai SharjahDubai Healthcare City Crystal PlazaTel.: +9714 362 4929 Tel.: +9716 573 3838Rigga RoadTel.: +9714 229 9391Al Diyafa StreetTel.: +9714 345 4848

Best of Dubai 93

The Pizza Company

If you thought Pizza was all about tried and tested staples like mozzarella, pepperoni and oreganoyou’re wrong. At The Pizza Company, it’s also about blending exotic ingredients to create newflavours. Imagine what a Thai Pizza would taste like for example? Lashings of lemongrass andsprinklings of coconut, chillies and prawns, “that’s exactly what the famous ‘Tom Yun Kung’ pizzais all about” says Wesam Shehata, Director of Operations.

“The Tom Yum King is our signature pizza and is a favourite in all of our outlets in Dubai. This isbecause we use only the best ingredients and stay away from anything processed. The noveltaste and ultimately, the popularity, is a testament to our unique preparations”, he says.

The Pizza Company boasts more traditional selections too. From classic Italian style pizzas tofresh pastas, salads and bakery items to suit every hunger pang.

The quality edge with The Pizza Company however, lies in their ability to personalise theoffering to suit different tastes. “In this sense we are nothing like a fast food chain where masscatering is the norm. Ours is a family restaurant where everything from the pizza crust varieties, tothe appetizers, different breads and pastas are made in-house from scratch”, Shehata explains.

Take the starters for instance, the stuffed Calamari are delicious; succulent fresh squid lightlyfried to golden perfection. But if it’s a quick nibble of zesty starters that you fancy, then the starterplatter with spicy chicken wings and perfectly seasoned potato wedges is a great bet. “Ourobjective is to encourage diners to be experimental in their choices. So whilst we have the fulltraditional range of Italian inspired foods, we also have a definite Asian twist in our menu. Ourregulars love it”, he says.

Coming to breads. Welcome to a carbohydrate-fest that leads you to heaven and back.Particular specialties are the turkey and cheese twists – light pastry and smoked turkey withlashings of 100 per cent pure milk mozzarella, “We have reinvented the simple cheese twist andgiven it some oomph”, Shehata laughs.

The pasta counter faces the main entrance of the Al Dhyiafa Street branch and is all-systems-go with a specialised Pasta Chef ready to serve a fresh and delicious pasta treat made on thespot. On the menu are staples such as spaghetti with spicy tuna and olive, as well as pennepasta with broccoli and shrimp – both excellent and light on the waistline. If calorie counting is noton the agenda, then stuffed cannelloni with Parmesan cheese in black pepper and tomato sauceis a must. Also worth tasting is the three-cheese tortellini in pesto and cream sauce - verynaughty, but nice.

92 Best of Dubai

The Pizza Company only uses the best ingredients- with dough rolled out fresh each morning,staying away from anything processed.

Cas

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g

menus’ fit the bill. With a picture ofeach dish, no item seems asintimidating or as foreign as it mightsound.

The staff and management areagreeable and accommodating andfor those with allergies or other issueswith food - do not hesitate. BlackCanyon is willing to go the extra mileand create appealing substitutions foryou that taste as good as the original.Elegantly enveloped by a relaxingcream and beige decor, Black Canyonhas a serene look to it. All in all, theBlack Canyon brings a whole newmeaning to international Thai cuisinewith its unique fusion dishes that neverdeviate from the true flavour andessence of Thai cuisine.

DubaiArabian RanchesTel.: +9714 360 9981

Cinestar (Oscar’s)Tel.: +9714 341 0900

Mall of the EmiratesTel.: +9714 341 3030

Dubai Healthcare CityTel.: +9714 362 4824www.blackcanyoncoffee.com

Best of Dubai 95

Black Canyon

The spicy Thai-infused restaurant, Black Canyon ThaiCuisine & Coffee has you aching for the tropics and leavesyou begging for more. Having expanded to three branchesin Dubai, this Thai original is a sure success in the Far Eastand thanks to its 100-plus locations worldwide.

Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon does notserve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with variety tooutdo most restaurants. Mohamed Saleh, Group ViceChairman, Saleh Bin Lahej Group, reinforces this, “We arenot a coffee house but instead are a café dining restaurant”,he says.

However, coffee addicts will appreciate Black Canyon’svast drinks menu on par with their food menu in terms ofchoice and quality. Iced coffees, hot coffees, blendedcoffees, teas, juices and smoothies - Black Canyon has it all.Catering to Dubai’s hot summer are a bevy of healthy juicestoo. The most popular are the lemon frost and thewatermelon frost, both of which are cool and thirstquenching with enough tang to give them sizzle.

For those who enjoy a good Thai meal, Black Canyon isthe ideal choice. From Eastern to Western cuisine, bothstyles merge into a delicious fusion such as spaghetti with agreen curry or fettuccini with seafood and chili paste.Among authentic Thai dishes, are fried rice with chickengreen curry, and rice with spicy seafood and hot basil that isdownright delicious. However, traditional steaks andsandwiches are also available, but an absolute must have isthe spicy seafood salad, which is extremely refreshing andeasy on the waistline.

The food at Black Canyon oozes with fresh herbs, spicesand natural ingredients that arrive straight from Thailand.This distinguishes Black Canyon from other restaurants thatmight not always use ingredients that are as fresh. Anotherpoint in its favour is that they absolutely do not use MonoSodium Glutamate (MSG) in their food. “Use of this additiveis often a concern for customers, so all can be assured thatthis is one Eastern restaurant they do not have to worryabout it”, explains Mohamed Saleh.

For those plagued with culinary indecision, the ‘magazine

94 Best of Dubai

Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon doesnot serve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with avariety to out do most restaurants.C

asua

l Din

ing

Black Canyon brings a whole new meaning

to international Thaicuisine with its unique

fusion dishes.

menus’ fit the bill. With a picture ofeach dish, no item seems asintimidating or as foreign as it mightsound.

The staff and management areagreeable and accommodating andfor those with allergies or other issueswith food - do not hesitate. BlackCanyon is willing to go the extra mileand create appealing substitutions foryou that taste as good as the original.Elegantly enveloped by a relaxingcream and beige decor, Black Canyonhas a serene look to it. All in all, theBlack Canyon brings a whole newmeaning to international Thai cuisinewith its unique fusion dishes that neverdeviate from the true flavour andessence of Thai cuisine.

DubaiArabian RanchesTel.: +9714 360 9981

Cinestar (Oscar’s)Tel.: +9714 341 0900

Mall of the EmiratesTel.: +9714 341 3030

Dubai Healthcare CityTel.: +9714 362 4824www.blackcanyoncoffee.com

Best of Dubai 95

Black Canyon

The spicy Thai-infused restaurant, Black Canyon ThaiCuisine & Coffee has you aching for the tropics and leavesyou begging for more. Having expanded to three branchesin Dubai, this Thai original is a sure success in the Far Eastand thanks to its 100-plus locations worldwide.

Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon does notserve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with variety tooutdo most restaurants. Mohamed Saleh, Group ViceChairman, Saleh Bin Lahej Group, reinforces this, “We arenot a coffee house but instead are a café dining restaurant”,he says.

However, coffee addicts will appreciate Black Canyon’svast drinks menu on par with their food menu in terms ofchoice and quality. Iced coffees, hot coffees, blendedcoffees, teas, juices and smoothies - Black Canyon has it all.Catering to Dubai’s hot summer are a bevy of healthy juicestoo. The most popular are the lemon frost and thewatermelon frost, both of which are cool and thirstquenching with enough tang to give them sizzle.

For those who enjoy a good Thai meal, Black Canyon isthe ideal choice. From Eastern to Western cuisine, bothstyles merge into a delicious fusion such as spaghetti with agreen curry or fettuccini with seafood and chili paste.Among authentic Thai dishes, are fried rice with chickengreen curry, and rice with spicy seafood and hot basil that isdownright delicious. However, traditional steaks andsandwiches are also available, but an absolute must have isthe spicy seafood salad, which is extremely refreshing andeasy on the waistline.

The food at Black Canyon oozes with fresh herbs, spicesand natural ingredients that arrive straight from Thailand.This distinguishes Black Canyon from other restaurants thatmight not always use ingredients that are as fresh. Anotherpoint in its favour is that they absolutely do not use MonoSodium Glutamate (MSG) in their food. “Use of this additiveis often a concern for customers, so all can be assured thatthis is one Eastern restaurant they do not have to worryabout it”, explains Mohamed Saleh.

For those plagued with culinary indecision, the ‘magazine

94 Best of Dubai

Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon doesnot serve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with avariety to out do most restaurants.C

asua

l Din

ing

Black Canyon brings a whole new meaning

to international Thaicuisine with its unique

fusion dishes.

DubaiAl Garhoud: +9714 282 8484Sheikh Zayed Road: +97140-3313113Jumeirah: +9714 344 1300Deira City Centre: +9714 295 9559Dubai Internet City: +9714 390 1495Healty Care City: +97140-3624820Green Community: +97140-8853366Burjuman: +9714 352 2900Al Ghurair: +9714 229 6760Mall of the Emirates: +9714 341 3355

Abu DhabiMariah Culture Complex: +9712 671 6300

Al AinAl Jimi Mall: +9713 763 8020

SharjahSahara Centre: +9716 531 8890Mega Mall: +9716 574 0020

Ras Al KhiamaChili's Al Manar Mall: +97170 2288838

Best of Dubai 97

Chili’s

Let’s face it – if you love American food, going without it can cause a deep longing. Chili’sis like no place else. It has an energy that you won’t find anywhere and offers a distinct,fresh and flavourful mix of grilled American favourites prepared in a way that keepsguests coming back for more.

With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and no less than seven in Dubai, there isno excuse not to try it out. As with all quality franchises, consistency of product is key,and with each outlet, you are guaranteed that the taste will be uniformly good. All theingredients are imported from the US, except for the vegetables, which explains theAmerican sized portions. So if you are ravenous, Chili’s generously sized portions willcertainly fill a hole, but if diet issues predominate, you might wish to select a dish fromChili’s Guiltless Grill range or one of their stunning salads, in that way fabulous range ofdeserts, which are eminently worth waiting for can be enjoyed.

Food aside, Chili’s is also a sound company to work for. Operated by the Bin LahejGroup, the management retain their staff for lengthy periods ensuring high levels ofservice. Hassan Kamel, Director of Operations, has been with the company for nineyears and previously worked for Chili’s Heliopolis in Egypt. He also set up the new Chili’sat Mall of the Emirates which opened last November.

Hassan Kamel commented, “Our customers represent a wide mix of nationalities andages, and Chili’s is one of the most popular restaurants in the Food Court, with 50 seatsinside and 110 outside nearly always full”. The most popular dishes are the traditionalfajitas and the Molten Chocolate Cake” Hassan Kamel said, and can you believe theyserve a staggering 600 meals a day!

The menu is a feast for the taste buds. There is a wide selection of starters, but theTriple Play combo is an excellent way of sampling three different starters at once, whilethe Quesadilla Explosion Salad is one of the more healthier options to be recommended.If you still have room after the starters, the choice of main dishes is spectacular, fromsteaks, fajitas, grilled chicken, fish and beef dishes to burgers and a second selection offavourites.

“Trying to get a table full of people to make up their minds on what to order is likeherding up cats. Some of my favourites are the Mushroom Jack Fajitas, half a pound ofgrilled chicken smothered in Monterey Jack cheese and the signature Grilled ShrimpAlfredo”, says Kamel.

Chili’s is well worth a visit after a heavy bout of shopping to restore energy levels andquieten any offspring who pester you with, “Can we go home now, Mum?”

Regardless of what you order, you’ll discoverthat Chili’s always puts an interesting andflavourful twist on the familiar.

96 Best of Dubai

With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah andDubai there is no excuse not to try it out.

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DubaiAl Garhoud: +9714 282 8484Sheikh Zayed Road: +97140-3313113Jumeirah: +9714 344 1300Deira City Centre: +9714 295 9559Dubai Internet City: +9714 390 1495Healty Care City: +97140-3624820Green Community: +97140-8853366Burjuman: +9714 352 2900Al Ghurair: +9714 229 6760Mall of the Emirates: +9714 341 3355

Abu DhabiMariah Culture Complex: +9712 671 6300

Al AinAl Jimi Mall: +9713 763 8020

SharjahSahara Centre: +9716 531 8890Mega Mall: +9716 574 0020

Ras Al KhiamaChili's Al Manar Mall: +97170 2288838

Best of Dubai 97

Chili’s

Let’s face it – if you love American food, going without it can cause a deep longing. Chili’sis like no place else. It has an energy that you won’t find anywhere and offers a distinct,fresh and flavourful mix of grilled American favourites prepared in a way that keepsguests coming back for more.

With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and no less than seven in Dubai, there isno excuse not to try it out. As with all quality franchises, consistency of product is key,and with each outlet, you are guaranteed that the taste will be uniformly good. All theingredients are imported from the US, except for the vegetables, which explains theAmerican sized portions. So if you are ravenous, Chili’s generously sized portions willcertainly fill a hole, but if diet issues predominate, you might wish to select a dish fromChili’s Guiltless Grill range or one of their stunning salads, in that way fabulous range ofdeserts, which are eminently worth waiting for can be enjoyed.

Food aside, Chili’s is also a sound company to work for. Operated by the Bin LahejGroup, the management retain their staff for lengthy periods ensuring high levels ofservice. Hassan Kamel, Director of Operations, has been with the company for nineyears and previously worked for Chili’s Heliopolis in Egypt. He also set up the new Chili’sat Mall of the Emirates which opened last November.

Hassan Kamel commented, “Our customers represent a wide mix of nationalities andages, and Chili’s is one of the most popular restaurants in the Food Court, with 50 seatsinside and 110 outside nearly always full”. The most popular dishes are the traditionalfajitas and the Molten Chocolate Cake” Hassan Kamel said, and can you believe theyserve a staggering 600 meals a day!

The menu is a feast for the taste buds. There is a wide selection of starters, but theTriple Play combo is an excellent way of sampling three different starters at once, whilethe Quesadilla Explosion Salad is one of the more healthier options to be recommended.If you still have room after the starters, the choice of main dishes is spectacular, fromsteaks, fajitas, grilled chicken, fish and beef dishes to burgers and a second selection offavourites.

“Trying to get a table full of people to make up their minds on what to order is likeherding up cats. Some of my favourites are the Mushroom Jack Fajitas, half a pound ofgrilled chicken smothered in Monterey Jack cheese and the signature Grilled ShrimpAlfredo”, says Kamel.

Chili’s is well worth a visit after a heavy bout of shopping to restore energy levels andquieten any offspring who pester you with, “Can we go home now, Mum?”

Regardless of what you order, you’ll discoverthat Chili’s always puts an interesting andflavourful twist on the familiar.

96 Best of Dubai

With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah andDubai there is no excuse not to try it out.

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Croissant ConnoisseursAmbience and overall menu options aside, the test of animpeccable coffee shop is the quality of its croissants. At thisGallic inspired bakery, established in 1997, to-die for croissantsare their raison d’etre. With many delicious varieties to bite into,breakfasts and snacks have taken on a whole new dimension.

98 Best of Dubai

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Connection Café revolutionised the café culture and introduced free wirelessInternet access from any hot spot within its premises, hence the name ‘Connection’.

In the same year, this popular eatery opened its own bakery, to cater to all threecafé’s daily requirements. All products are hand made on a daily basis, to ensurethe highest quality. For instance, over 12 types of bread are baked early everymorning along with a multitude of other sumptuous delights, all of which beautifullycompliment an extensive and cosmopolitan selection. Apart from the a la Cartemenu service, daily specials are popular.

Part of the French Connection’s ethos is that this family owned business extendsthe essence of its close-knit feel to include employees too. This philosophy isconsidered paramount to be able to deliver the personal hospitality one wouldexpect when being welcomed into any family home. “Our employees are anextension to our family and help us reach our commitment to providing a delightfulexperience whenever our guests visit our outlets. Families always want the best fortheir guests and this is reflected in our perseverance in offering, without eversacrificing, exceptionally high quality of cold and hot beverages, homemadebakery products, and café food”, says a spokesperson for this trendy rendezvousspot.

In addition to the frequently found bakery goods popular in most café’s, FrenchConnection prepares signature cakes and pastries that are both available in storeor to order. Special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries canbe catered and menus created to compliment any occasion. Free delivery isavailable to all customers large or small, for a convenient way to enjoy FrenchConnection’s hospitality in the comfort of your own home.

Speciality foods from France and other corners of Europe are available in storeand are found abundantly, adorning the front counters. Many internationally famousbrands are offered, like Carambar Candy, Malabar Gum, authentic French FoieGras, Le Moeleux dry fruits from Turkey, Mestemacher pumpernickel bread fromGermany and many other goodies which provide customers from far and wide witheither a much longed for taste from home, or the adventurous indulger with anexciting and tempting discovery.

Currently one can find one of these fashionable café’s in three locations withinDubai, and has recently added franchise opportunities to any top entrepreneurswanting to join on the bandwagon of its café concept success.

Needless to say, whether it is to grab a fleeting business lunch, a quiet morningcoffee, or a mouth-watering bakery delight, the lively yet relaxing surroundings withthe comforting rumble of distant chatter, makes French Connection Café the tastiestvenue in town. Croissants included.

Tel.: +9714 343 8311www.fcdubai.com

Since French Connection opened its flagship café on SheikhZayed Road, it has become a landmark, consistentlyinnovating its image and range. This has allowed thetraditional café concept to be upgraded, welcoming guests ina contemporary but relaxing environment that offers thefreshest of products and services.

Inspired by Europe and its diverse gastronomic favourites,French Connection’s walls are brightly adorned with roughcast renditions of Picasso prints, a colourful and livelyreminder that has become part of the café’s trademark.

With a 120 seating capacity, a roaring made-to-order andoutside catering division, this café’s entrepreneurial ownerBasil Bahar envisioned a future trend for working breakfastsand lunches and saw the potential for offering an Internetservice to his guests too. Therefore, in 2003, French

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Croissant ConnoisseursAmbience and overall menu options aside, the test of animpeccable coffee shop is the quality of its croissants. At thisGallic inspired bakery, established in 1997, to-die for croissantsare their raison d’etre. With many delicious varieties to bite into,breakfasts and snacks have taken on a whole new dimension.

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Connection Café revolutionised the café culture and introduced free wirelessInternet access from any hot spot within its premises, hence the name ‘Connection’.

In the same year, this popular eatery opened its own bakery, to cater to all threecafé’s daily requirements. All products are hand made on a daily basis, to ensurethe highest quality. For instance, over 12 types of bread are baked early everymorning along with a multitude of other sumptuous delights, all of which beautifullycompliment an extensive and cosmopolitan selection. Apart from the a la Cartemenu service, daily specials are popular.

Part of the French Connection’s ethos is that this family owned business extendsthe essence of its close-knit feel to include employees too. This philosophy isconsidered paramount to be able to deliver the personal hospitality one wouldexpect when being welcomed into any family home. “Our employees are anextension to our family and help us reach our commitment to providing a delightfulexperience whenever our guests visit our outlets. Families always want the best fortheir guests and this is reflected in our perseverance in offering, without eversacrificing, exceptionally high quality of cold and hot beverages, homemadebakery products, and café food”, says a spokesperson for this trendy rendezvousspot.

In addition to the frequently found bakery goods popular in most café’s, FrenchConnection prepares signature cakes and pastries that are both available in storeor to order. Special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries canbe catered and menus created to compliment any occasion. Free delivery isavailable to all customers large or small, for a convenient way to enjoy FrenchConnection’s hospitality in the comfort of your own home.

Speciality foods from France and other corners of Europe are available in storeand are found abundantly, adorning the front counters. Many internationally famousbrands are offered, like Carambar Candy, Malabar Gum, authentic French FoieGras, Le Moeleux dry fruits from Turkey, Mestemacher pumpernickel bread fromGermany and many other goodies which provide customers from far and wide witheither a much longed for taste from home, or the adventurous indulger with anexciting and tempting discovery.

Currently one can find one of these fashionable café’s in three locations withinDubai, and has recently added franchise opportunities to any top entrepreneurswanting to join on the bandwagon of its café concept success.

Needless to say, whether it is to grab a fleeting business lunch, a quiet morningcoffee, or a mouth-watering bakery delight, the lively yet relaxing surroundings withthe comforting rumble of distant chatter, makes French Connection Café the tastiestvenue in town. Croissants included.

Tel.: +9714 343 8311www.fcdubai.com

Since French Connection opened its flagship café on SheikhZayed Road, it has become a landmark, consistentlyinnovating its image and range. This has allowed thetraditional café concept to be upgraded, welcoming guests ina contemporary but relaxing environment that offers thefreshest of products and services.

Inspired by Europe and its diverse gastronomic favourites,French Connection’s walls are brightly adorned with roughcast renditions of Picasso prints, a colourful and livelyreminder that has become part of the café’s trademark.

With a 120 seating capacity, a roaring made-to-order andoutside catering division, this café’s entrepreneurial ownerBasil Bahar envisioned a future trend for working breakfastsand lunches and saw the potential for offering an Internetservice to his guests too. Therefore, in 2003, French

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French Connection.qxp 12/28/2006 11:28 AM Page 1

Located on the ground floor of API Tower onSheikh Zayed Road, Mille Miglia Café is aspacious loft-style café with a staircase thatleads up to the city's first all-French bookstorein the heart of the city.

The café also continues with the automobiletheme that her eatery helped popularise in thispart of the world. Indeed, Mille Miglia was theannual road race held in Italy for sports carsbuilt between 1927 and 1957. Nowadays it's aparade for pre-1957 cars covering 1000 miles.

Great food, service and convenience aside,an original feature of Mille Miglia Restaurantand Café are cars. "They are my passion", saysMillie Miglia proprietor, Jocelyne Chidiac. "Ilearnt a lot about cars from my father andbrothers and eventually worked for a renownedauto company in Dubai for nine years. Oneday I got the idea to open a restaurantdedicated to people interested in cars. I spenttime entertaining clients and educating themon all there is to know about cars and thedifferent and unique options available, and Ithought to myself, “why not combine the twoand create something unique?"

That's exactly what this ebullient Lebanesepowerhouse did. The restaurant proved such asuccess that it brought the itch for Chidiac totry her hand at a new project. "We had a spacethat had been vacant for a while. I was waitingfor the perfect idea. Then a friend wanted toopen a French bookstore and I thought thatwould go beautifully with a café idea I had inmind. Since I also love reading and like to besurrounded by cultural minds in a culturalenvironment - it was an ideal combination." It'sa marriage made in heaven, perusing thebook selection upstairs and then venturingdownstairs to read, nibble and enjoy adelectable selection from café au lait,croissants, crepes and fresh fruits dipped inthe chocolate fountain, to more besides.Alternatively, something more substantial canbe had from the nearby Mille Miglia restaurantnext door.

As it turns out, Mille Miglia is not simplyabout a 'theme', it's about tasty food in aconvivial atmosphere. Two top chefs were

Café Zooms In

With a following of avid gastronomes since itsinception two years ago, Mille Miglia Restaurantand Cafe recently celebrated its secondanniversary by launching its new 'Café-Librairie'- another milestone in proprietor JocelyneChidiac's road to good food, good cheer andgood vibes.

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MMiillllee MMiigglliiaa iiss nnoott ssiimmppllyy aabboouutt aa''tthheemmee'',, iitt''ss aabboouutt ttaassttyy ffoooodd iinn aaccoonnvviivviiaall aattmmoosspphheerree..

Jocelyne Chidiac, owner of Mille Miglia

flown in from Lebanon for consultation prior tothe opening and, while the menu has changed several times, the attention andquality that goes into creating and preparingeach dish remains. "I supervise and help in thekitchen everyday and I set the daily menu too",she adds.

The atmosphere, like the owner, is warmand friendly, with customers frequentlycommenting on how they ‘feel at home in the café.’ This, no doubt, is why in such ashort time the café has become a popular host for birthday parties, office bashes, poetry evenings, paintings displays, book club meetings, games nights and othercelebrations too.

Couple this with the restaurant's gorgeous2000 square meter garden courtyard, whichcomes into its own during cooler months, withshisha smoking galore and a more Arabian twistto the overall ambience and it is easy tounderstand why Mille Miglia is an inimitablehaven in the heart of Dubai.

Tel.: +9714 331 6288E-mail :[email protected]

LISA-Mille Miglia 8.qxp 12/28/2006 4:54 PM Page 1

Located on the ground floor of API Tower onSheikh Zayed Road, Mille Miglia Café is aspacious loft-style café with a staircase thatleads up to the city's first all-French bookstorein the heart of the city.

The café also continues with the automobiletheme that her eatery helped popularise in thispart of the world. Indeed, Mille Miglia was theannual road race held in Italy for sports carsbuilt between 1927 and 1957. Nowadays it's aparade for pre-1957 cars covering 1000 miles.

Great food, service and convenience aside,an original feature of Mille Miglia Restaurantand Café are cars. "They are my passion", saysMillie Miglia proprietor, Jocelyne Chidiac. "Ilearnt a lot about cars from my father andbrothers and eventually worked for a renownedauto company in Dubai for nine years. Oneday I got the idea to open a restaurantdedicated to people interested in cars. I spenttime entertaining clients and educating themon all there is to know about cars and thedifferent and unique options available, and Ithought to myself, “why not combine the twoand create something unique?"

That's exactly what this ebullient Lebanesepowerhouse did. The restaurant proved such asuccess that it brought the itch for Chidiac totry her hand at a new project. "We had a spacethat had been vacant for a while. I was waitingfor the perfect idea. Then a friend wanted toopen a French bookstore and I thought thatwould go beautifully with a café idea I had inmind. Since I also love reading and like to besurrounded by cultural minds in a culturalenvironment - it was an ideal combination." It'sa marriage made in heaven, perusing thebook selection upstairs and then venturingdownstairs to read, nibble and enjoy adelectable selection from café au lait,croissants, crepes and fresh fruits dipped inthe chocolate fountain, to more besides.Alternatively, something more substantial canbe had from the nearby Mille Miglia restaurantnext door.

As it turns out, Mille Miglia is not simplyabout a 'theme', it's about tasty food in aconvivial atmosphere. Two top chefs were

Café Zooms In

With a following of avid gastronomes since itsinception two years ago, Mille Miglia Restaurantand Cafe recently celebrated its secondanniversary by launching its new 'Café-Librairie'- another milestone in proprietor JocelyneChidiac's road to good food, good cheer andgood vibes.

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MMiillllee MMiigglliiaa iiss nnoott ssiimmppllyy aabboouutt aa''tthheemmee'',, iitt''ss aabboouutt ttaassttyy ffoooodd iinn aaccoonnvviivviiaall aattmmoosspphheerree..

Jocelyne Chidiac, owner of Mille Miglia

flown in from Lebanon for consultation prior tothe opening and, while the menu has changed several times, the attention andquality that goes into creating and preparingeach dish remains. "I supervise and help in thekitchen everyday and I set the daily menu too",she adds.

The atmosphere, like the owner, is warmand friendly, with customers frequentlycommenting on how they ‘feel at home in the café.’ This, no doubt, is why in such ashort time the café has become a popular host for birthday parties, office bashes, poetry evenings, paintings displays, book club meetings, games nights and othercelebrations too.

Couple this with the restaurant's gorgeous2000 square meter garden courtyard, whichcomes into its own during cooler months, withshisha smoking galore and a more Arabian twistto the overall ambience and it is easy tounderstand why Mille Miglia is an inimitablehaven in the heart of Dubai.

Tel.: +9714 331 6288E-mail :[email protected]

LISA-Mille Miglia 8.qxp 12/28/2006 4:54 PM Page 1

Testa Rossa Caffè in Pole Position. The success story of the Wedl & Hofmann Trading House andTesta Rossa Caffè is the stuff that dreams are made of. Started in 1904 when Leopold Wedl decided to open the doors of 'Unterer Stadtplatz 9a' House, he dealt in prime coffee beans, fresh andfrozen products as well as beverages. Soon his idea of a convenient delivery service to customers became a hit, and the rest is history...

Ahead in Red

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Over the years thanks to the sound business acumenof Leopold II and III inherited from their father LeopoldWedl I, the growth of the business through two worldwars and difficult times was ensured.

The rapid expansion to its present size came underthe wise directives of the current President of theholding company, Leopold Wedl the IV, who has beenat the helm of this family business since 1981. WithLeopold Wedl V as a present Board Member, thesubsequent generation is already in place to take thecompany into the next century and beyond.

In 2004, the Wedl & Hofmann Holding Austriaproudly celebrated their 100th anniversary. Growinginto to a vast and diversified enterprise consisting ofover 20 companies with over 1.800 employees and a total turn over of approx Euro 351 million, awealth of celebrities from political, sporting and social echelons present at the official ceremonyshowed the importance of the Wedl Holding and the honour it holds as a vibrant force in theAustrian economy.

Epitomising the unmistakable pleasure andenjoyment of the true Italian Espresso culture andtradition, the Testa Rossa Caffè was launched in 1988.Today it boasts 90 outlets in over 10 countries. Withplans to extend the franchise further, another 50-60outlets are being developed to capitalise on the topgrade brand and the exclusive and modern look,targeting higher-range customers with a recognisablevalue and a beverage to die for. The flair and pleasureof true coffee culture and tradition combined withcreativity and top service is guaranteed. The Italian lifestyle and atmosphere underscored by the stunning interiors created out of a mix of old traditional and natural materials give the

Caffebar a special warm feel. From the UK, France, Spain and Poland the

international expansion of the franchise conceptstarted in 2004 with the incorporation of the subsidiaryoffice in Dubai by Gerhard Griebel, Managing Directorof Testa Rossa Caffè Middle East. "I embraced theopportunity to bring this brand to this part of the worldbecause this young and vibrant market offerstremendous scope for growth", he explains. Inaddition, the potential of the brand in the next fiveyears is enormous within the Middle East, Africa andIndian Subcontinent seeing a minimum of 450Caffebars in this region.

In 2006, Testa Rossa Caffè signed a partnership for 12 countries in the Middle East to be developed in a Joint Venture company named Samama TRFZCO, based in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. One ofthe 100 largest companies in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh based Samama Group of Companies withtheir owners Prince Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin SaudAl Kabir Al Saud and Sheikh Nasser Mohammed H. Al Otaibi was established in 1979 and has 16.500 employees with a total contract volume of SR6.5 Billion.

Samama is planning to take the the Testa RossaCaffè concept to pole position in the Middle East. Thefirst four outlets, including the Flagship Caffebar atDubai International Financial Centre are already underconstruction. "The Middle East development plan seesan additional 15 Caffebars in 2007, as well as about100 Shops to be opened in the following four years",he concludes.

Tel.: +9714 887 2511www.testarossacaffe.com

Best of Dubai 103

Testa Rossa coffee is produced intheir own Italian Roastery, a lovingly

blended espresso from five of themost precious, low-acid and highest

qualities of Arabica highland coffees,it has elevated the concept of a cup

of coffee to an art.

Testa Rossa Caffè in Pole Position. The success story of the Wedl & Hofmann Trading House andTesta Rossa Caffè is the stuff that dreams are made of. Started in 1904 when Leopold Wedl decided to open the doors of 'Unterer Stadtplatz 9a' House, he dealt in prime coffee beans, fresh andfrozen products as well as beverages. Soon his idea of a convenient delivery service to customers became a hit, and the rest is history...

Ahead in Red

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Over the years thanks to the sound business acumenof Leopold II and III inherited from their father LeopoldWedl I, the growth of the business through two worldwars and difficult times was ensured.

The rapid expansion to its present size came underthe wise directives of the current President of theholding company, Leopold Wedl the IV, who has beenat the helm of this family business since 1981. WithLeopold Wedl V as a present Board Member, thesubsequent generation is already in place to take thecompany into the next century and beyond.

In 2004, the Wedl & Hofmann Holding Austriaproudly celebrated their 100th anniversary. Growinginto to a vast and diversified enterprise consisting ofover 20 companies with over 1.800 employees and a total turn over of approx Euro 351 million, awealth of celebrities from political, sporting and social echelons present at the official ceremonyshowed the importance of the Wedl Holding and the honour it holds as a vibrant force in theAustrian economy.

Epitomising the unmistakable pleasure andenjoyment of the true Italian Espresso culture andtradition, the Testa Rossa Caffè was launched in 1988.Today it boasts 90 outlets in over 10 countries. Withplans to extend the franchise further, another 50-60outlets are being developed to capitalise on the topgrade brand and the exclusive and modern look,targeting higher-range customers with a recognisablevalue and a beverage to die for. The flair and pleasureof true coffee culture and tradition combined withcreativity and top service is guaranteed. The Italian lifestyle and atmosphere underscored by the stunning interiors created out of a mix of old traditional and natural materials give the

Caffebar a special warm feel. From the UK, France, Spain and Poland the

international expansion of the franchise conceptstarted in 2004 with the incorporation of the subsidiaryoffice in Dubai by Gerhard Griebel, Managing Directorof Testa Rossa Caffè Middle East. "I embraced theopportunity to bring this brand to this part of the worldbecause this young and vibrant market offerstremendous scope for growth", he explains. Inaddition, the potential of the brand in the next fiveyears is enormous within the Middle East, Africa andIndian Subcontinent seeing a minimum of 450Caffebars in this region.

In 2006, Testa Rossa Caffè signed a partnership for 12 countries in the Middle East to be developed in a Joint Venture company named Samama TRFZCO, based in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. One ofthe 100 largest companies in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh based Samama Group of Companies withtheir owners Prince Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin SaudAl Kabir Al Saud and Sheikh Nasser Mohammed H. Al Otaibi was established in 1979 and has 16.500 employees with a total contract volume of SR6.5 Billion.

Samama is planning to take the the Testa RossaCaffè concept to pole position in the Middle East. Thefirst four outlets, including the Flagship Caffebar atDubai International Financial Centre are already underconstruction. "The Middle East development plan seesan additional 15 Caffebars in 2007, as well as about100 Shops to be opened in the following four years",he concludes.

Tel.: +9714 887 2511www.testarossacaffe.com

Best of Dubai 103

Testa Rossa coffee is produced intheir own Italian Roastery, a lovingly

blended espresso from five of themost precious, low-acid and highest

qualities of Arabica highland coffees,it has elevated the concept of a cup

of coffee to an art.

CHAPTER 5Travel, Tours & Leisure

"The secret to the success of DIMC is thatwe have no room for compromise,

everything is planned in advance down tothe last detail. Our facilities have proved

to be among the best in the world."

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, DIMC

CHAPTER 5Travel, Tours & Leisure

"The secret to the success of DIMC is thatwe have no room for compromise,

everything is planned in advance down tothe last detail. Our facilities have proved

to be among the best in the world."

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, DIMC

and it does so very successfully. The symbioticrelationship between the hotel and DIMC is not common knowledge, butHareb is keen to bring it to light. Hareb is closely involved in the running of thehotel, and tells me it is going to expand with a300-room extension later this year.

A Success Story

Under Hareb’s leadership, each year DIMChosts a stage of the UIM Class 1 WorldOffshore Powerboat Championship with theDubai Grand Prix. The competition offersunrelenting drama and excitement withcontestants from 11 countries.

Hareb is a celebrity on the OffshorePowerboat racing circuit. As early as 2000, heauthored organisational guidelines that wereaccepted by UIM as official guidelines for allinternational races. He is also regularly calledupon by UIM to organise international races inEurope. Until recently, he has held seniorpositions within the UIM, including UIMPermanent Commissioner, which saw himtravelling around the world overseeing Class 1Powerboat races and was elected asChairman of the International OffshoreCommission (COMINOFF), for the Class 1, 2and 3 categories of races. His resignation fromthe UIM due to an internal managementdisagreement has come as a blow to theinternational racing community.

Hareb cites the support of Dubai’s Royalfamily as key to the success of DIMC. For him,more important than the Maktoum family’sfinancial contribution has been their passion forwater-sports, which has had a profoundinfluence on the way the industry hasdeveloped. “They are not just morallysupporting DIMC, they are physically present,often attending and supporting DIMC events,”he says. Watersports has always been viewedas one of the ways to put Dubai on theinternational map, and as DIMC’s ManagingDirector, Hareb was given carte blanche todevelop the DIMC brand internationally.

Hareb’s modest nature makes him reluctantto take personal credit for DIMC’s success.However, reading between the lines, it is clearthat Hareb is a dynamo in the area of raceorganisation and management.

Hareb brings discipline, patience andattention to detail to boat race organisation,qualities, he says he picked up during his 20-year career in the army. “Nerves and time aremy enemy, if these control me I looseeverything,” he tells me. Races are plannedwith military precision. In a typical race, manyinterdependent factors are simultaneously atplay. Aside from the boats, which numberhundreds and sometimes thousands, seaconditions, rescue services, and mediahelicopters need critical direction. However, not once in his long career has Hareb lost hisnerve. He uses powerful visualisationtechniques to overcome them: “visualise thenerves as another person and tell them to get lost !”

Hareb is at pains to point out that he owes alot to his team at DIMC. He believes indelegation and trust. His egalitarian natureleads him to treat everyone with respect andhe displays none of the arrogance ofleadership. Hareb cites his humility as aproduct of his Islamic faith, and this approachseems to have worked. Over the last 16 years,he has built a solid and loyal group ofdedicated staff, some of whom have been withhim for as long as he has been at DIMC.

Dubai�s Sailing Heritage

Dubai’s heritage of dhow (traditional woodentrading vessels) sailing emerged with thedevelopment of the pearling industry.

The support of the Royal family has beenkey to maintaining this tradition. It was HisHighness Sheikh Hamdan Bin RashidMaktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, who conceived theidea of traditional dhow racing in both sailingand rowing categories.

As the current moral custodian of thistradition, Hareb is passionate about preservingthe past. The annual dhow racing competitionshe organises are as important to him as thehigh profile inter-national events. For Hareb, thedhow sailing races are without a doubt themost spectacular events on the watersportscalendar. He is delighted that the dhow-racingseason has grown steadily in recent years andnow involves a greater number of participantsthan ever before - estimated to be around 3000.

The dhows are fashioned in exactly the sameway as those used by the pearl sailors ofyesteryear, with the races divided into threeclasses of 22, 43 and 60 feet. The events havebecome a family affair over the years and sinceeach boat must have a crew of at least ten, it isnot uncommon for up to four generations of thesame family to be involved.

The Future

Hareb is not complacent about his success; hisgreatest challenge is to maintain the worldclass standards he has established for DIMC.Amongst DIMC’s up and coming projects is the establishment of a sailing academy,which will provide the infrastructure andfacilities for world class sailing teams to trainthroughout the year. New Zealand‘s team havealready reserved a place. The academy’s otherpurpose is to build a world-class UAE nationalsailing team, similar to the Victory Team. Afterthat, the sky’s the limit for Hareb. He has beentold by a leading Olympic games official that“Dubai’s sea is the world’s best water stadium.”The ultimate challenge for Hareb will be to hostthe Olympic watersports and sailingchampionships. With his indomitable spirit, heis likely to succeed.

A Family Man

Outside of DIMC, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, thefamily business and his internationalcommitments, Hareb is also a devoted father offive. Sadly, he lost his wife in 1997 but his sparetime is spent catching up with his children andinstilling in them a sense of pride in theirheritage. “I have instilled in all my five children -Mohammed, Sultan, Shamsa, Ayesha andHareb the same values that my parents andgrandparents instilled in me. More than wealthand financial achievements, what counts is thegood name handed down from generation togeneration”. Aside from his grandfather andfather, who else does Hareb admire? He takeslittle time to think about it: “Sheikh Mohammed,he is an inspirational leader. His presence isevery-where. He is involved in every aspect ofDubai, he is a visionary”.

Tel.: +9714 399 5777www.dimc-uae.com

Dubai - A Centre of Excellence in Event Organisation It is the destination of choice for international business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitionsand events, hosting major global events such as the annual meetings of the Boards ofGovernors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in 2003. Thiswas the world’s largest financial event - over15,340 delegates were accommodated inthe 8100 square meter space. The success of this event, dubbed the ‘FinancialOlympics,’ prompted Dubai to bid for the 2016 Olympics. In 2006, Dubai beat Miami,Bucharest and Sydney to host the much coveted International AdvertisingAssociation’s 40th World Congress. In the longer term, the Dubai government plans tobuild Dubai Exhibition City at Jebel Ali Airport City. The Dh8 billion (US$ 2.17 billion)project, launched in May 2005 on a 3 million square meter plot, will be the world’slargest display space.

Consummate organisers on the global scale, Dubai International Marine Club(DIMC) excels in the fields of Offshore Powerboat racing, yachting, jet-skiing, traditionalrowing, wooden powerboating, keel boat and dhow races, as well as eventmanagement. Dubai’s Victory Team, one of the world’s most successful power boatingteams, has won six World Championships. For three years in a row, DIMC wasawarded the prestigious ‘Best Organiser in the World’ prize for its organisation ofinternational races from the world’s governing body for Offshore Powerboat racing - theUnion Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

DIMC and Mina SeyahiEstablished in 1990, DIMC was the first Arab organisation to be granted fullmembership of the UIM. The management committee is impressive with Sheikh AhmedBin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Avation and Chairman Emirates Group atits helm. His deputy, Major General Saif Al Shaffar, is Undersecretary at the Ministry ofthe Interior, and Colonel Saeed Hareb acts as Managing Director. The undisputed‘motor’ behind this organisation, Hareb has developed an international reputation forexcellence in boat race organisation. Born into a family of leading seafarers; his fatherwas a sailor and his grandfather Sardal (Al Amlah), was a guide for pearl divers. Inaddition to his many commitments, he still runs the family boat design business, ‘HarebMarine’. His pride in Dubai’s heritage led him to commission the painting of a mural onone of his office walls depicting an idyllic scene of a sleepy fishing village which, hetells me, is where he grew up. The rest of his office is very much rooted in 21st century,resembling the interior of a luxury yacht. The charismatic Hareb, recently voted bestdressed man in Dubai, greets me in white jeans and elegant shirt. Hareb’s fashionphilosophy is understated sophistication, and he exudes this quality in all that he does.

His involvement in DIMC was fortuitous: in 1990, he attended a boat race at MinaSeyahi on which DIMC is now built. There, he met and impressed Sheikh Ahmed BinSaeed Al Maktoum, who made Hareb Managing Director of DIMC, with the task ofcreating rules for races.

DIMC’s origins were humble. At first they occupied a small office in Al DhiyafahStreet, but before long, Hareb had moved them to the slightly more upscalesurroundings of a Dh 20,000 Portakabin on the Mina Seyahi strip. Hareb points out thatMina Seyahi (meaning Tourist Harbour in Arabic) was aptly named by the father of theUAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, over forty years ago, before development ofthis tiny Emirate had even started. This is another example of the visionary nature of theRoyal Families, who have revolutionised the UAE.

By 1994, development of a marina and clubhouse started. Hareb’s commercialacumen led him to take a two-pronged approach. A watersports centre was built forboat races, and a clubhouse and commercial marina developed where boats could bemoored all year round. Since boat racing could only ever be a seasonal enterprise, themarina was to provide a more regular source of income for DIMC. Rather thandiscarding the Portakabin, the resourceful Hareb covered it in palm leaves and namedit ‘Barasti Bar.’ It is now one of the most popular bars in Dubai.

By 1996, work had started on the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort andMarina, which was the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whocleverly suggested that a hotel on this idyllic strip of beach would be the best way to generate money for DIMC. Now established as one of the premier hotels inDubai, this government-owned hotel’s financial raison d’etre is to run DIMC,

Best of Dubai 002

Saeed Hareb, Managing DirectorDubai International Marine Club

Dubai has become a centre of excellence in thefield of exhibition and event organisation.

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and it does so very successfully. The symbioticrelationship between the hotel and DIMC is not common knowledge, butHareb is keen to bring it to light. Hareb is closely involved in the running of thehotel, and tells me it is going to expand with a300-room extension later this year.

A Success Story

Under Hareb’s leadership, each year DIMChosts a stage of the UIM Class 1 WorldOffshore Powerboat Championship with theDubai Grand Prix. The competition offersunrelenting drama and excitement withcontestants from 11 countries.

Hareb is a celebrity on the OffshorePowerboat racing circuit. As early as 2000, heauthored organisational guidelines that wereaccepted by UIM as official guidelines for allinternational races. He is also regularly calledupon by UIM to organise international races inEurope. Until recently, he has held seniorpositions within the UIM, including UIMPermanent Commissioner, which saw himtravelling around the world overseeing Class 1Powerboat races and was elected asChairman of the International OffshoreCommission (COMINOFF), for the Class 1, 2and 3 categories of races. His resignation fromthe UIM due to an internal managementdisagreement has come as a blow to theinternational racing community.

Hareb cites the support of Dubai’s Royalfamily as key to the success of DIMC. For him,more important than the Maktoum family’sfinancial contribution has been their passion forwater-sports, which has had a profoundinfluence on the way the industry hasdeveloped. “They are not just morallysupporting DIMC, they are physically present,often attending and supporting DIMC events,”he says. Watersports has always been viewedas one of the ways to put Dubai on theinternational map, and as DIMC’s ManagingDirector, Hareb was given carte blanche todevelop the DIMC brand internationally.

Hareb’s modest nature makes him reluctantto take personal credit for DIMC’s success.However, reading between the lines, it is clearthat Hareb is a dynamo in the area of raceorganisation and management.

Hareb brings discipline, patience andattention to detail to boat race organisation,qualities, he says he picked up during his 20-year career in the army. “Nerves and time aremy enemy, if these control me I looseeverything,” he tells me. Races are plannedwith military precision. In a typical race, manyinterdependent factors are simultaneously atplay. Aside from the boats, which numberhundreds and sometimes thousands, seaconditions, rescue services, and mediahelicopters need critical direction. However, not once in his long career has Hareb lost hisnerve. He uses powerful visualisationtechniques to overcome them: “visualise thenerves as another person and tell them to get lost !”

Hareb is at pains to point out that he owes alot to his team at DIMC. He believes indelegation and trust. His egalitarian natureleads him to treat everyone with respect andhe displays none of the arrogance ofleadership. Hareb cites his humility as aproduct of his Islamic faith, and this approachseems to have worked. Over the last 16 years,he has built a solid and loyal group ofdedicated staff, some of whom have been withhim for as long as he has been at DIMC.

Dubai�s Sailing Heritage

Dubai’s heritage of dhow (traditional woodentrading vessels) sailing emerged with thedevelopment of the pearling industry.

The support of the Royal family has beenkey to maintaining this tradition. It was HisHighness Sheikh Hamdan Bin RashidMaktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, who conceived theidea of traditional dhow racing in both sailingand rowing categories.

As the current moral custodian of thistradition, Hareb is passionate about preservingthe past. The annual dhow racing competitionshe organises are as important to him as thehigh profile inter-national events. For Hareb, thedhow sailing races are without a doubt themost spectacular events on the watersportscalendar. He is delighted that the dhow-racingseason has grown steadily in recent years andnow involves a greater number of participantsthan ever before - estimated to be around 3000.

The dhows are fashioned in exactly the sameway as those used by the pearl sailors ofyesteryear, with the races divided into threeclasses of 22, 43 and 60 feet. The events havebecome a family affair over the years and sinceeach boat must have a crew of at least ten, it isnot uncommon for up to four generations of thesame family to be involved.

The Future

Hareb is not complacent about his success; hisgreatest challenge is to maintain the worldclass standards he has established for DIMC.Amongst DIMC’s up and coming projects is the establishment of a sailing academy,which will provide the infrastructure andfacilities for world class sailing teams to trainthroughout the year. New Zealand‘s team havealready reserved a place. The academy’s otherpurpose is to build a world-class UAE nationalsailing team, similar to the Victory Team. Afterthat, the sky’s the limit for Hareb. He has beentold by a leading Olympic games official that“Dubai’s sea is the world’s best water stadium.”The ultimate challenge for Hareb will be to hostthe Olympic watersports and sailingchampionships. With his indomitable spirit, heis likely to succeed.

A Family Man

Outside of DIMC, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, thefamily business and his internationalcommitments, Hareb is also a devoted father offive. Sadly, he lost his wife in 1997 but his sparetime is spent catching up with his children andinstilling in them a sense of pride in theirheritage. “I have instilled in all my five children -Mohammed, Sultan, Shamsa, Ayesha andHareb the same values that my parents andgrandparents instilled in me. More than wealthand financial achievements, what counts is thegood name handed down from generation togeneration”. Aside from his grandfather andfather, who else does Hareb admire? He takeslittle time to think about it: “Sheikh Mohammed,he is an inspirational leader. His presence isevery-where. He is involved in every aspect ofDubai, he is a visionary”.

Tel.: +9714 399 5777www.dimc-uae.com

Dubai - A Centre of Excellence in Event Organisation It is the destination of choice for international business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitionsand events, hosting major global events such as the annual meetings of the Boards ofGovernors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in 2003. Thiswas the world’s largest financial event - over15,340 delegates were accommodated inthe 8100 square meter space. The success of this event, dubbed the ‘FinancialOlympics,’ prompted Dubai to bid for the 2016 Olympics. In 2006, Dubai beat Miami,Bucharest and Sydney to host the much coveted International AdvertisingAssociation’s 40th World Congress. In the longer term, the Dubai government plans tobuild Dubai Exhibition City at Jebel Ali Airport City. The Dh8 billion (US$ 2.17 billion)project, launched in May 2005 on a 3 million square meter plot, will be the world’slargest display space.

Consummate organisers on the global scale, Dubai International Marine Club(DIMC) excels in the fields of Offshore Powerboat racing, yachting, jet-skiing, traditionalrowing, wooden powerboating, keel boat and dhow races, as well as eventmanagement. Dubai’s Victory Team, one of the world’s most successful power boatingteams, has won six World Championships. For three years in a row, DIMC wasawarded the prestigious ‘Best Organiser in the World’ prize for its organisation ofinternational races from the world’s governing body for Offshore Powerboat racing - theUnion Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

DIMC and Mina SeyahiEstablished in 1990, DIMC was the first Arab organisation to be granted fullmembership of the UIM. The management committee is impressive with Sheikh AhmedBin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Avation and Chairman Emirates Group atits helm. His deputy, Major General Saif Al Shaffar, is Undersecretary at the Ministry ofthe Interior, and Colonel Saeed Hareb acts as Managing Director. The undisputed‘motor’ behind this organisation, Hareb has developed an international reputation forexcellence in boat race organisation. Born into a family of leading seafarers; his fatherwas a sailor and his grandfather Sardal (Al Amlah), was a guide for pearl divers. Inaddition to his many commitments, he still runs the family boat design business, ‘HarebMarine’. His pride in Dubai’s heritage led him to commission the painting of a mural onone of his office walls depicting an idyllic scene of a sleepy fishing village which, hetells me, is where he grew up. The rest of his office is very much rooted in 21st century,resembling the interior of a luxury yacht. The charismatic Hareb, recently voted bestdressed man in Dubai, greets me in white jeans and elegant shirt. Hareb’s fashionphilosophy is understated sophistication, and he exudes this quality in all that he does.

His involvement in DIMC was fortuitous: in 1990, he attended a boat race at MinaSeyahi on which DIMC is now built. There, he met and impressed Sheikh Ahmed BinSaeed Al Maktoum, who made Hareb Managing Director of DIMC, with the task ofcreating rules for races.

DIMC’s origins were humble. At first they occupied a small office in Al DhiyafahStreet, but before long, Hareb had moved them to the slightly more upscalesurroundings of a Dh 20,000 Portakabin on the Mina Seyahi strip. Hareb points out thatMina Seyahi (meaning Tourist Harbour in Arabic) was aptly named by the father of theUAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, over forty years ago, before development ofthis tiny Emirate had even started. This is another example of the visionary nature of theRoyal Families, who have revolutionised the UAE.

By 1994, development of a marina and clubhouse started. Hareb’s commercialacumen led him to take a two-pronged approach. A watersports centre was built forboat races, and a clubhouse and commercial marina developed where boats could bemoored all year round. Since boat racing could only ever be a seasonal enterprise, themarina was to provide a more regular source of income for DIMC. Rather thandiscarding the Portakabin, the resourceful Hareb covered it in palm leaves and namedit ‘Barasti Bar.’ It is now one of the most popular bars in Dubai.

By 1996, work had started on the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort andMarina, which was the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whocleverly suggested that a hotel on this idyllic strip of beach would be the best way to generate money for DIMC. Now established as one of the premier hotels inDubai, this government-owned hotel’s financial raison d’etre is to run DIMC,

Best of Dubai 002

Saeed Hareb, Managing DirectorDubai International Marine Club

Dubai has become a centre of excellence in thefield of exhibition and event organisation.

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Dubai today is the product of a skilfully planned and strategicallydesigned economy where trading, commerce, banking and tourism arethe benchmarks for progress that are no longer measured by barrels ofoil. Al Sahra Desert Resort, a Dubai Heritage Vision initiative, is the firstDubailand themed offering in a widening gamut of integrated leisureresorts and entertainment attractions.Tr

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Heritage Vision2.qxp 12/12/06 3:35 PM Page 1

The brainchild of seasoned entrepreneur Anita Mehra Homayoun, AlSahra is one of the key projects of Dubailand - the Emirate's themedanswer to Orlando in Florida. The vision of Dubai's ruler SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubailand is expected to be a fullfeatured city divided into six theme worlds. The short range goal ofDubailand is to attract 15 million tourists to Dubai by 2015. Developersexpect to accomplish this goal by creating a tourism, entertainment andleisure destination that will attract visitors not only from surroundingcountries but also from Europe and Asia. On a longer term basis,Dubailand is seen as a way to phase out Dubai's dependence on oilrevenues by establishing a sustainable economy through higher valueadded services. The venture is expected to attract approximately200,000 visitors daily and cost $20 billion. It will transform Dubai from asingle destination resort to a multiple destination within a decade.

"In its first phase Dubailand encompasses 25 projects. Whencompleted, over 150 attractions covering a land area of 3 billion squarefeet, the same size as Singapore, will create an entertainmentconstellation, which we wanted to be a part of", says Johan Viljoen,General Manager of Dubai Heritage Vision LLC, the owners of the AlSahra Desert Resort.

Dubai Heritage Vision LLC is a joint venture with diversifiedheavyweight group DUTCO. In tourism terms the group is renowned fortheir ownership of several five star properties in Dubai and environssuch as the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, the Oasis Beach Hotel,Bateaux Dubai as well as Hatta Fort Hotel and most recently, the OasisBeach Tower. This project further presents synergies in the group -DUTCO's construction arm, Dutco Balfour Beatty, has built theintegrated entertainment complex and continues to be involved in thefurther phases of the development.

"Combining a sensitively conceptualised themed heritageenvironment with the natural desert is the essence of the project that isset to attract an estimated 230,000 visitors annually by 2007", he explains.

Al Sahra is set in four hundred hectares (40 million square feet) ofundulating sand dunes approximately 40 kilometres outside Dubai. Thisunique eco-tourism resort offers visitors an experience of Arabhospitality and culture; arts and crafts in a natural environment featuring typical clay-plastered stone pillars and arched structures - all conceived to afford visitors an unforgettable experiencein the desert. "Al Sahra represents Arabian culture and heritage from Persia, the Maghreb, the Levant, the Gulf region, Oman andYemen", elaborates Viljoen.

The main entertainment complex encompasses an amphitheatrewith a seating capacity for up to 2,500 spectators. The amphitheatrefaçade incorporates a traditional Arabic craft souk, restaurants and acoffee shop, surrounded by indigenous regional flora and fauna in atypical desert oasis landscape. A Bedouin style working farm with liveanimals and a date plantation; a camel farm; and stables complete the setting.

The star attraction of the development, is an imagistics theatre show, 'Jumana - Secret of the Desert', bringing to the amphitheatre

Visions of an imagistics

theatre show with a difference

Best of Dubai 109


stage a matchless feast ofperformance, excitement andtechnical innovation.

"We have chosen some of thebest partners in the business tocreate a spectacle of unmatchedproportions in the region.Frenchman Pierre Marcoutcreated the concept, with otherfamous names including PedroPauwels, the choreographer;composer/arranger Mick Lanaroresponsible for the soundtrack;and pyrotechnics expert,Francois Montel, renowned forlighting the Eifel Tower at the turnof the millennium and theopening of the Greek Olympics,Athens 2004."

The show is performed on astage set in a waterbodycontaining 10 million litres ofwater - the size of the stage iscomparable to any world classopera or ballet theatre stage suchas the La Scala in Milan, theCovent Garden or theMetropolitan Opera House inNew York.

In order to achieve scale andspectacular dimensions the showincorporates various imagisticstheatre techniques. State-of-the-art laser effects are generatedusing three laser generators.Various large-scale water effectsenhance the visual effects, themost impressive of which are thethree 35 meter wide by 18 meterhigh water screens, which createa backdrop to the performancearea. The height of these waterscreens supersedes that of thefamous dancing fountains on theLas Vegas hotel strip.

The Al Sahra Amphitheatreemploys some of the mostadvanced projection techniquesand projection equipment toenhance the excitement of theJumana show - animation, videoand still images are projectedonto an eighteen meter high duneand the water screens, providingthe creative team with a widecanvas to illustrate any story.

The technology is rounded offby a lighting system customisedfor the desert climate, a soundsystem with an output of between110dB and 120dB at any point inthe amphitheatre; and the firstpermanent pyrotechnicsinstallation in the Middle East,including fireworks and flame.

"The technology used is someof the most advanced in theworld and we are confident that

the fusion of different light, water,laser and pyrotechnic effectsadded to the vibrant soundtrackwill mesmerise the Jumanaaudience", enthuses Viljoen.

Complementing the show theresort offers a quaint environmentfor show visitors to wine and dineto their hearts' content. Terracottaplastered colonnades; Barastihuts made of woven palm fronds, authentic Bedouin tents;and an impressive Falaj (anancient Arabic irrigation system)provide a tranquil setting forpicnickers to relax before they goto see the show.

For those who prefer their foodserved, the Arabesque, providesa fine dining experience, a coffeeshop, The Fig and Date, offers atypical Arabic bistro-style fare;and an outdoor restaurant,Lahab, provides traditionalbarbeque meals, includingspecialised dishes associatedwith festivals such as Eid,including Khouzi (from the Gulfregion), Shuwa (Oman); andMandi, the traditional dish fromHadramut, Yemen.

Eco-tourism of a so-called

'barefoot luxury' mien

For those who prefer the back-to-basics approach in a naturalenvironment, holistic stays willbecome available during the firstquarter of 2007. Camp styletented lodges, designed so thatguests can get a feel of under-the-stars-living, a la Bedouin, inan air-conditioned environment,will provide visitors a luxurydesert safari experience.

Pièce de résistance

Ready for occupation during thepeak season 2008, a 132 roomboutique-style hotel will offervisitors to Al Sahra the ultimate indesert luxury. Themed like aCaravanserai - a traditionaltrader's inn in historical Arabiaand Persia - the complex willinclude an Islamic/Turkish-inspired hamam (spa). In theolden days the heavy woodengates to a caravanserai would beclosed at night to keep thievesand brigands out. ConcludesViljoen: "Our guests are friends,not foe; they will always bewelcome - just knock politely wewill surely let you in!”

Tel: +971 4 367 9500Website: www.alsahra.com

Views from ‘Jumana-Secret of the Desert’

110 Best of Dubai


Stepping into heritage Arabian style

Best of Dubai 111


Air Arabia is charting new routes and new trends as it opens the skiesby encouraging regional travel to a widening base of passengers. With acurrent fleet of eight brand-new A320 aircraft flying directly to over 30destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Europe, in2006, Air Arabia crossed the two million-passenger milestone. Theirrapid growth and efficiency is also putting pressure on conventionalairlines to slash their costs and their fares too.

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Since it started operations in 2003, this refreshingly Arab ‘low faresairline’ has succeeded in its vision to be among the world's leadingbudget airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation andoperational excellence. With an emphasis on convenience tourism, AirArabia is the first international budget airline in the region to offer residents short weekend breaks to exciting regional destinations.

Modelled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, AirArabia’s services are tailored to satisfy local preferences and to make airtravel easier and frequent for all. Through their powerful valueproposition, ‘Pay less. Fly more’, Air Arabia encourages residents whohave previously been unable to afford air travel to start travellingthroughout the region, and those who do travel to do so more frequently,benefiting both business and leisure travellers alike.

With a diverse workforce, the airline has over 500 employees fromover 60 different nationalities all committed to enhancing passenger’soverall travel experience by guaranteeing exceptional dedication,professionalism and the unique talents that make them successful intheir service remits.

Last year, Air Arabia received certification to conduct its own in-housetraining for aircraft familiarisation, first aid, general procedures, in-flightemergencies and service techniques which now allow them to completecabin crew training in-house.

In addition, Air Arabia's flight officers have extensive experience frommultiple international airlines with several captains flying for over 20years each. This experience in international airline operations worldwide,including considerable regional familiarity, ensures the level of trust thatthe carrier is rapidly being associated with. Indeed, among Air Arabia'sstaff the first female pilot to fly for a UAE airline stands as a furthertestament to the organisation's proactive stance.

With a string of accolades to strengthen its brand position, Air Arabiahas also accumulated several achievements in their first two years ofoperation. For instance, its financial break-even results in the airline’s firstyear of operation is a groundbreaking feat for any carrier, followed by arecord profit announcement in year two of Dh 32.1 million.

Additionally, their loyal customers awarded them the silver award for

the best MENA (Middle East and North Africa) airline in 2005 and 2006and on the operations side they enjoy consistently high load factors, ontime performance and high aircraft utilisation too.

Over and above offering the lowest fares in the market withoutcompromising on service standards, ease of booking, particularlythrough the Internet, as well as increasing the flexibility on wherepayment can be made, adds additional value to the Air Arabiaexperience

Following the ultimate convenience concept, Air Arabia passessavings back to passengers with onboard purchase catering, offering a menu with an affordable variety of food and beverages, for passenger’s flexibility.

Additional in-flight services include in-flight entertainment and DutyFree shopping with a selection of gifts and luxury items that can bepurchased in most foreign currencies, or by credit card.

Ideally based at Sharjah International Airport, Air Arabia customersenjoy the benefits of quick access to Dubai and other Emirates, fastcheck-in processes, low congestion, friendly airport staff, as well asaccess to other commercial carriers served at the airport. All in all itmakes sense to 'Pay less and Fly more’ with Air Arabia.

Online reservation system www.airarabia.com Air Arabia also offers visa assistance with a one-day stop for Sharjah.

Current Air Arabia destinations Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia (Syria); Alexandria, Assiut and Luxor(Egypt); Amman (Jordan); Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan); Bahrain;Beirut (Lebanon); Colombo (Sri Lanka); Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh(KSA), Doha (Qatar); Istanbul (Turkey); Kabul (Afghanistan); Kathmandu(Nepal); Khartoum (Sudan); Kuwait; Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai,Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram (India); Muscat (Oman); Sana'a(Yemen); Sharjah (UAE); Tehran (Iran) and Yerevan (Armenia).

Tel.: +9716 558 0000www.airarabia.com

Best of Dubai 113

Happy Third Birthday

Increasingly popular regionally and worldwide, the low fares airline model centresaround keeping a low cost edge by encouraging short haul traffic, high fleetutilisation, single-fleet families, rapid aircraft turnarounds and high labourproductivity. “Our job is to make the differential between the fares of low cost airlinesand conventional airlines attractive enough for customers to choose us”, says Ali.Adel Ali, CEO with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamad Al Thani, Chairman Air Arabia

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Air Arabia is charting new routes and new trends as it opens the skiesby encouraging regional travel to a widening base of passengers. With acurrent fleet of eight brand-new A320 aircraft flying directly to over 30destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Europe, in2006, Air Arabia crossed the two million-passenger milestone. Theirrapid growth and efficiency is also putting pressure on conventionalairlines to slash their costs and their fares too.

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Since it started operations in 2003, this refreshingly Arab ‘low faresairline’ has succeeded in its vision to be among the world's leadingbudget airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation andoperational excellence. With an emphasis on convenience tourism, AirArabia is the first international budget airline in the region to offer residents short weekend breaks to exciting regional destinations.

Modelled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, AirArabia’s services are tailored to satisfy local preferences and to make airtravel easier and frequent for all. Through their powerful valueproposition, ‘Pay less. Fly more’, Air Arabia encourages residents whohave previously been unable to afford air travel to start travellingthroughout the region, and those who do travel to do so more frequently,benefiting both business and leisure travellers alike.

With a diverse workforce, the airline has over 500 employees fromover 60 different nationalities all committed to enhancing passenger’soverall travel experience by guaranteeing exceptional dedication,professionalism and the unique talents that make them successful intheir service remits.

Last year, Air Arabia received certification to conduct its own in-housetraining for aircraft familiarisation, first aid, general procedures, in-flightemergencies and service techniques which now allow them to completecabin crew training in-house.

In addition, Air Arabia's flight officers have extensive experience frommultiple international airlines with several captains flying for over 20years each. This experience in international airline operations worldwide,including considerable regional familiarity, ensures the level of trust thatthe carrier is rapidly being associated with. Indeed, among Air Arabia'sstaff the first female pilot to fly for a UAE airline stands as a furthertestament to the organisation's proactive stance.

With a string of accolades to strengthen its brand position, Air Arabiahas also accumulated several achievements in their first two years ofoperation. For instance, its financial break-even results in the airline’s firstyear of operation is a groundbreaking feat for any carrier, followed by arecord profit announcement in year two of Dh 32.1 million.

Additionally, their loyal customers awarded them the silver award for

the best MENA (Middle East and North Africa) airline in 2005 and 2006and on the operations side they enjoy consistently high load factors, ontime performance and high aircraft utilisation too.

Over and above offering the lowest fares in the market withoutcompromising on service standards, ease of booking, particularlythrough the Internet, as well as increasing the flexibility on wherepayment can be made, adds additional value to the Air Arabiaexperience

Following the ultimate convenience concept, Air Arabia passessavings back to passengers with onboard purchase catering, offering a menu with an affordable variety of food and beverages, for passenger’s flexibility.

Additional in-flight services include in-flight entertainment and DutyFree shopping with a selection of gifts and luxury items that can bepurchased in most foreign currencies, or by credit card.

Ideally based at Sharjah International Airport, Air Arabia customersenjoy the benefits of quick access to Dubai and other Emirates, fastcheck-in processes, low congestion, friendly airport staff, as well asaccess to other commercial carriers served at the airport. All in all itmakes sense to 'Pay less and Fly more’ with Air Arabia.

Online reservation system www.airarabia.com Air Arabia also offers visa assistance with a one-day stop for Sharjah.

Current Air Arabia destinations Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia (Syria); Alexandria, Assiut and Luxor(Egypt); Amman (Jordan); Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan); Bahrain;Beirut (Lebanon); Colombo (Sri Lanka); Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh(KSA), Doha (Qatar); Istanbul (Turkey); Kabul (Afghanistan); Kathmandu(Nepal); Khartoum (Sudan); Kuwait; Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai,Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram (India); Muscat (Oman); Sana'a(Yemen); Sharjah (UAE); Tehran (Iran) and Yerevan (Armenia).

Tel.: +9716 558 0000www.airarabia.com

Best of Dubai 113

Happy Third Birthday

Increasingly popular regionally and worldwide, the low fares airline model centresaround keeping a low cost edge by encouraging short haul traffic, high fleetutilisation, single-fleet families, rapid aircraft turnarounds and high labourproductivity. “Our job is to make the differential between the fares of low cost airlinesand conventional airlines attractive enough for customers to choose us”, says Ali.Adel Ali, CEO with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamad Al Thani, Chairman Air Arabia

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Travco ExpansionLeading Dubai tour operator continues to build its name across theregion with at least three deluxe properties looming on the horizon.

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When your name has been around as long asDubai’s tourism industry itself, it makes sense tocapitalise on the strength of your brand. Travco,whose Dubai branch is 14-years-old this year, isbusy diversifying its business by investing inmajor hotel projects in the UAE and Oman.

The group has signed an MoU with Oman’sgovernment to develop a AED 200 million resortin the Sultanate and is spending AED 161.73million on two resorts in Fujairah. It has alsoapplied to develop a hotel on the luxurious Palm Jumeirah.

Travco, which serves 125,000 outboundtourists a year out of the UAE, has recorded 25 per cent growth year-on-year – and its newdevelopments will help meet rising inbounddemand.

Operating in a strategic joint venturepartnership with TUI, Travco has become one ofthe most prominent names in travel tourism inthe region, and undoubtedly played a major rolein the growth of the UAE’s profile.

Its principal strength lies in its ability to caterto the needs of all sections of the travel market,be they inbound leisure tourists seeking citytours or desert safaris, corporates requiringconference or incentive venues or managersneeding that urgent airline booking.

With its modern fleet of high-efficiency four-wheel drives and luxury buses, tourists can beassured of the highest standards of comfortwhen touring the city or desert. Multi-lingual staffare on hand to provide tailor-made packagesand assist with itinerary planning for individualsor large groups.

Travco’s commitment to customer care startsthe moment guests arrive in Dubai, with itsexclusive ‘meet and assist’ service to the hoteland visa processing capabilities.

“Our service is one of our main strengths”,said Osama Bushra, Regional General Managerof Travco. “We firmly believe that it is theindividual duty of each one of our members tomake a customer’s visit to the UAE as enjoyableas possible.”

Friends and families accompanyingexecutives are also closely cared for by Travco,which will organise packages such as golfingbreaks or ladies’ days out.

Even though veteran tourism professionalBushra admits to his companies’ undisputedlevels of professionalism, he acknowledges the pivotal role that the Department of Tourismand Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has played in making the sector grow and theemirate increasingly popular to a diverse rangeof traveller.

“Dubai’s east-meets-west location makes it perfect for tourism and such are the breadth of services and activities availablethat it has something for everyone”, said Bushra.

While he has visited the US several times witha view to developing business, especially in theincentive and conference segments, the sheerdistance does not make it viable in the shortterm. “This is why we are nurturing our Europeancustomers. Dubai is an ideal location for them.”

Tel.: +9714 336 6643www.travcotravel.com

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Osama BushraRegional General Manager

Travco ExpansionLeading Dubai tour operator continues to build its name across theregion with at least three deluxe properties looming on the horizon.

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When your name has been around as long asDubai’s tourism industry itself, it makes sense tocapitalise on the strength of your brand. Travco,whose Dubai branch is 14-years-old this year, isbusy diversifying its business by investing inmajor hotel projects in the UAE and Oman.

The group has signed an MoU with Oman’sgovernment to develop a AED 200 million resortin the Sultanate and is spending AED 161.73million on two resorts in Fujairah. It has alsoapplied to develop a hotel on the luxurious Palm Jumeirah.

Travco, which serves 125,000 outboundtourists a year out of the UAE, has recorded 25 per cent growth year-on-year – and its newdevelopments will help meet rising inbounddemand.

Operating in a strategic joint venturepartnership with TUI, Travco has become one ofthe most prominent names in travel tourism inthe region, and undoubtedly played a major rolein the growth of the UAE’s profile.

Its principal strength lies in its ability to caterto the needs of all sections of the travel market,be they inbound leisure tourists seeking citytours or desert safaris, corporates requiringconference or incentive venues or managersneeding that urgent airline booking.

With its modern fleet of high-efficiency four-wheel drives and luxury buses, tourists can beassured of the highest standards of comfortwhen touring the city or desert. Multi-lingual staffare on hand to provide tailor-made packagesand assist with itinerary planning for individualsor large groups.

Travco’s commitment to customer care startsthe moment guests arrive in Dubai, with itsexclusive ‘meet and assist’ service to the hoteland visa processing capabilities.

“Our service is one of our main strengths”,said Osama Bushra, Regional General Managerof Travco. “We firmly believe that it is theindividual duty of each one of our members tomake a customer’s visit to the UAE as enjoyableas possible.”

Friends and families accompanyingexecutives are also closely cared for by Travco,which will organise packages such as golfingbreaks or ladies’ days out.

Even though veteran tourism professionalBushra admits to his companies’ undisputedlevels of professionalism, he acknowledges the pivotal role that the Department of Tourismand Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has played in making the sector grow and theemirate increasingly popular to a diverse rangeof traveller.

“Dubai’s east-meets-west location makes it perfect for tourism and such are the breadth of services and activities availablethat it has something for everyone”, said Bushra.

While he has visited the US several times witha view to developing business, especially in theincentive and conference segments, the sheerdistance does not make it viable in the shortterm. “This is why we are nurturing our Europeancustomers. Dubai is an ideal location for them.”

Tel.: +9714 336 6643www.travcotravel.com

Best of Dubai 115

Osama BushraRegional General Manager

Dubai is a city synonymous with luxury and nothing screamsluxurious louder than a fully serviced cruise. Whether formeetings, product launches or private functions, Danat DubaiCruises is the premier operator of cruising hospitality for everyoccasion in the Gulf Region.

116 Best of Dubai

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With a market presence in Dubai that extends back to 1999, the Australiancompany offers professional tailored solutions for businesses keen to makea special effort to impress. This includes offering the best choice in cruisingoptions, combined with fun, adventure and five-star dining, with thespeciality of sunset and dinner cruises with traditional Arabic andinternational flavours.

As the Gulf region's premier marine tour operator, the Danat DubaiCruise fleet comprises of modern and traditional dining and entertainmentvessels that are operated under strict international safety standards. The Danat Dubai Cruises staff is committed to offering guests five-starcustomer service and hospitality and pride themselves on being 'simply the best'.

Heading the Danat Dubai Cruise fleet is the 'MV Danat Dubai', a 34-metre Australian built catamaran available for charter to and from all themarinas along the region’s coastline. The MV Danat Dubai is a three-decked vessel that offers theatre style seating for up to 80 people andpresentation style seating for 40 people. Facilities include a large screenprojector with screen, indoor and outdoor break-out areas, full diningand/or tea and coffee and computer facilities. This luxurious cruising vesselis licensed to carry 300 people in air-conditioned comfort and includes twobars, a dance-floor and the ability to comfortably seat 160 diningpassengers.

A traditional dhow experience in a luxurious atmosphere, the beautiful'Arabian Discoverer' has developed a reputation as the 'pride of the creek'.A typical cruise starts from the company's berth on the Bur Dubai side ofthe Creek and cruises along the tranquil waters towards the Al MaktoumBridge and the Garhoud Bridge. Along the way guests see the magnificentolder style architecture of the Dubai Court Building, Creek Park with thecable cars moving overhead and the Creek View Golf and Yacht Clubs, itthen sails past the Garhoud Bridge to the old dhow building yards and thenew Festival City development. The 'Arabian Discoverer' will then turn andcruise back along the Creek past Deira and Bur Dubai and the bustlingabra stations towards the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Discoverer has acapacity of 200 guests, 120 dining, with the ability to offer full bar facultiesand a variety of sumptuous menus, including an Arabic/international lunchor dinner buffet.

For a taste of the sea, the high-speed ocean-rafting vessel, the 'GulfAdventurer', is definitely the most thrilling way to explore the Gulf.Manufactured in New Zealand, this 14 metre long, 31 seater rib rafterspeeds across the Arabian waves at 40 knots per hour. With a sole charter,passengers can get up close and personal with the Burj al Arab, racearound the Palm Project and stop at one of the many beautiful beachesalong the coast for swimming and snorkelling. The Gulf Adventurer canalso be chartered to meet up with the MV Danat Dubai to add extra thrillsto a 'Fun in the Sun' cruise or beat the traffic and provide a never to beforgotten transfer for guests from the beach hotels to the centre of Dubai.

In a region where business, entertainment and tourism intertwine, whatbetter way to sail to new horizons than with a luxury cruise from DanatDubai Cruises.

Tel.: +9714 351 1117www.danatdubaicruises.com

Best of Dubai 117

Staying afloat

Mr. Salah El Khayat,Executive Director

Danat Dubai Cruises

Danat Dubai Cruise.qxp 12/27/2006 1:56 PM Page 1

Dubai is a city synonymous with luxury and nothing screamsluxurious louder than a fully serviced cruise. Whether formeetings, product launches or private functions, Danat DubaiCruises is the premier operator of cruising hospitality for everyoccasion in the Gulf Region.

116 Best of Dubai

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el,T

ours

& L

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re

With a market presence in Dubai that extends back to 1999, the Australiancompany offers professional tailored solutions for businesses keen to makea special effort to impress. This includes offering the best choice in cruisingoptions, combined with fun, adventure and five-star dining, with thespeciality of sunset and dinner cruises with traditional Arabic andinternational flavours.

As the Gulf region's premier marine tour operator, the Danat DubaiCruise fleet comprises of modern and traditional dining and entertainmentvessels that are operated under strict international safety standards. The Danat Dubai Cruises staff is committed to offering guests five-starcustomer service and hospitality and pride themselves on being 'simply the best'.

Heading the Danat Dubai Cruise fleet is the 'MV Danat Dubai', a 34-metre Australian built catamaran available for charter to and from all themarinas along the region’s coastline. The MV Danat Dubai is a three-decked vessel that offers theatre style seating for up to 80 people andpresentation style seating for 40 people. Facilities include a large screenprojector with screen, indoor and outdoor break-out areas, full diningand/or tea and coffee and computer facilities. This luxurious cruising vesselis licensed to carry 300 people in air-conditioned comfort and includes twobars, a dance-floor and the ability to comfortably seat 160 diningpassengers.

A traditional dhow experience in a luxurious atmosphere, the beautiful'Arabian Discoverer' has developed a reputation as the 'pride of the creek'.A typical cruise starts from the company's berth on the Bur Dubai side ofthe Creek and cruises along the tranquil waters towards the Al MaktoumBridge and the Garhoud Bridge. Along the way guests see the magnificentolder style architecture of the Dubai Court Building, Creek Park with thecable cars moving overhead and the Creek View Golf and Yacht Clubs, itthen sails past the Garhoud Bridge to the old dhow building yards and thenew Festival City development. The 'Arabian Discoverer' will then turn andcruise back along the Creek past Deira and Bur Dubai and the bustlingabra stations towards the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Discoverer has acapacity of 200 guests, 120 dining, with the ability to offer full bar facultiesand a variety of sumptuous menus, including an Arabic/international lunchor dinner buffet.

For a taste of the sea, the high-speed ocean-rafting vessel, the 'GulfAdventurer', is definitely the most thrilling way to explore the Gulf.Manufactured in New Zealand, this 14 metre long, 31 seater rib rafterspeeds across the Arabian waves at 40 knots per hour. With a sole charter,passengers can get up close and personal with the Burj al Arab, racearound the Palm Project and stop at one of the many beautiful beachesalong the coast for swimming and snorkelling. The Gulf Adventurer canalso be chartered to meet up with the MV Danat Dubai to add extra thrillsto a 'Fun in the Sun' cruise or beat the traffic and provide a never to beforgotten transfer for guests from the beach hotels to the centre of Dubai.

In a region where business, entertainment and tourism intertwine, whatbetter way to sail to new horizons than with a luxury cruise from DanatDubai Cruises.

Tel.: +9714 351 1117www.danatdubaicruises.com

Best of Dubai 117

Staying afloat

Mr. Salah El Khayat,Executive Director

Danat Dubai Cruises

Danat Dubai Cruise.qxp 12/27/2006 1:56 PM Page 1

CHAPTER 6Mall Destinations

"Oh my son, it befitteth thee to becomefamiliar with the folk, especially with the

merchants, so thou mayest learn of themmerchant craft, seeing that the same

hath now become thy calling".Aladdin, young hero in Arabic mythological tale

‘A thousand and one nights’.

Courtesy of Pankaj Shah

CHAPTER 6Mall Destinations

"Oh my son, it befitteth thee to becomefamiliar with the folk, especially with the

merchants, so thou mayest learn of themmerchant craft, seeing that the same

hath now become thy calling".Aladdin, young hero in Arabic mythological tale

‘A thousand and one nights’.


Living it up

Redefining the city's leisure-lifestyle boundary all undera single roof of vast proportions, welcome to Dubai’sfirst integrated shopping resort that delivers anaddictive fix of shopping, entertainment, dining, fun andfive-star accomodation to boot.

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There aren't many malls in the worldwhere you can ski down a slope, pop offfor some shopping and then check into afive-star hotel. But the Mall of the Emirates(MOE) offers all this and more, providinga new dimension to the city's leisure andlifestyle offering.

The world's first integrated shoppingresort blends retailing, sport,entertainment, dining and five-staraccommodation from Kempinski all underone roof. The $850 million mall, which hasits own overpass off Sheikh Zayed Road,opened in September 2005 and today,boasts a range of premier brands,ranging from Armani, Bvlgari and Guccito the ultra-chic Harvey Nichols. Littlewonder that MOE's projected footfall is 30million visitors per year.

Divided into three architecturallydistinct sections, the precincts areinspired by a dizzying kaleidoscope ofstyles, featuring Greek revival,international modern, ItalianMediterranean, Moorish and Arabic. With a glazed dome 42 meters aboveground, it is reminiscent of la Galleria diMilano in Italy.

It is the biggest development so farundertaken by Majid Al FuttaimInvestments (MAF), already famed fortheir City Centre success story launchedin the mid nineties and still going fullthrottle today.

A compelling set of familyentertainment options include arebranded and redesigned children'sMagic Planet, a dedicated communityand arts centre and a 14-screen Cinestarcomplex - but there can be no doubtingthat Ski Dubai steals the show. When theexcitement of braving the pistes - thelongest is 400 meters - elapses, thenthere is a 3,000 square meters Snow Parkreplete with its own snow cavern, retailSnow Pro shop and cafes tempting wearyskiers for a spot of après ski indulgence.

Without any of the unpleasant aspectsof real mountain skiing, Ski Dubaiguarantees crisp temperature-controlledweather and fluffy snow every day yearround - not bad for a desert environment!

Ski Dubai has a full capacity of 1,500guests, as well as a Snowboard stuntpark for adrenalin junkies.

This sports and entertainmentbehemoth also comes with a hotel ofcourse. Breathe in the rarefied mountainair of the five star Kempinski Hotel as youenter the Alpine-style resort with 400deluxe rooms including 13 ski chaletswith unprecedented views over theMiddle East's first indoor ski resort. It is managed by renowned hotel operator Kempinski, marking its firstproperty in Dubai.

Designed by top commercialarchitects Wilson & Associates andstrategically positioned at the forefront ofthe Mall of the Emirates mega complex(touted as the biggest shopping centreoutside the USA), this 48,000 squaremeter hotel introduces one of the mostspacious hotel guest rooms in the UAE.

The resort is also executive-friendlywith its 13 conference and meetingrooms, dedicated business centre and private meeting rooms on theExecutive floor.

Kempinski's plethora of trulyexceptional dining and banquetingfacilities takes the MoE experience to new heights.

With almost 2 million square meters ofretail space planned in Dubai by 2010,the mind boggles as to how the shoppingand leisure experience can get anybetter. Certainly the cool MoE has turnedthe heat up in the competitive retailingmarket and any future projects will haveto work hard to attract shoppers awayfrom this stunning resort.

Mall of the EmiratesTel.: +9714 341 4747www.malloftheemirates.com

Ski DubaiTel.: +9714 409 4000www.skidxb.com

Kempinski Hotel Dubai Tel.: +9714 341 0000www.kempinski.com

Living it up

Redefining the city's leisure-lifestyle boundary all undera single roof of vast proportions, welcome to Dubai’sfirst integrated shopping resort that delivers anaddictive fix of shopping, entertainment, dining, fun andfive-star accomodation to boot.

120 Best of Dubai

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ions

Best of Dubai 121

There aren't many malls in the worldwhere you can ski down a slope, pop offfor some shopping and then check into afive-star hotel. But the Mall of the Emirates(MOE) offers all this and more, providinga new dimension to the city's leisure andlifestyle offering.

The world's first integrated shoppingresort blends retailing, sport,entertainment, dining and five-staraccommodation from Kempinski all underone roof. The $850 million mall, which hasits own overpass off Sheikh Zayed Road,opened in September 2005 and today,boasts a range of premier brands,ranging from Armani, Bvlgari and Guccito the ultra-chic Harvey Nichols. Littlewonder that MOE's projected footfall is 30million visitors per year.

Divided into three architecturallydistinct sections, the precincts areinspired by a dizzying kaleidoscope ofstyles, featuring Greek revival,international modern, ItalianMediterranean, Moorish and Arabic. With a glazed dome 42 meters aboveground, it is reminiscent of la Galleria diMilano in Italy.

It is the biggest development so farundertaken by Majid Al FuttaimInvestments (MAF), already famed fortheir City Centre success story launchedin the mid nineties and still going fullthrottle today.

A compelling set of familyentertainment options include arebranded and redesigned children'sMagic Planet, a dedicated communityand arts centre and a 14-screen Cinestarcomplex - but there can be no doubtingthat Ski Dubai steals the show. When theexcitement of braving the pistes - thelongest is 400 meters - elapses, thenthere is a 3,000 square meters Snow Parkreplete with its own snow cavern, retailSnow Pro shop and cafes tempting wearyskiers for a spot of après ski indulgence.

Without any of the unpleasant aspectsof real mountain skiing, Ski Dubaiguarantees crisp temperature-controlledweather and fluffy snow every day yearround - not bad for a desert environment!

Ski Dubai has a full capacity of 1,500guests, as well as a Snowboard stuntpark for adrenalin junkies.

This sports and entertainmentbehemoth also comes with a hotel ofcourse. Breathe in the rarefied mountainair of the five star Kempinski Hotel as youenter the Alpine-style resort with 400deluxe rooms including 13 ski chaletswith unprecedented views over theMiddle East's first indoor ski resort. It is managed by renowned hotel operator Kempinski, marking its firstproperty in Dubai.

Designed by top commercialarchitects Wilson & Associates andstrategically positioned at the forefront ofthe Mall of the Emirates mega complex(touted as the biggest shopping centreoutside the USA), this 48,000 squaremeter hotel introduces one of the mostspacious hotel guest rooms in the UAE.

The resort is also executive-friendlywith its 13 conference and meetingrooms, dedicated business centre and private meeting rooms on theExecutive floor.

Kempinski's plethora of trulyexceptional dining and banquetingfacilities takes the MoE experience to new heights.

With almost 2 million square meters ofretail space planned in Dubai by 2010,the mind boggles as to how the shoppingand leisure experience can get anybetter. Certainly the cool MoE has turnedthe heat up in the competitive retailingmarket and any future projects will haveto work hard to attract shoppers awayfrom this stunning resort.

Mall of the EmiratesTel.: +9714 341 4747www.malloftheemirates.com

Ski DubaiTel.: +9714 409 4000www.skidxb.com

Kempinski Hotel Dubai Tel.: +9714 341 0000www.kempinski.com

It’s all in the Mall

Referred to as 'mall metropolis', it is estimated that by 2009,Dubai will boast the highest retail expenditure in the GCC, evensurpassing erstwhile big spender, Saudi Arabia. Conceptualised forthe burgeoning retail needs of the emirate's booming population,malls of every ilk are set to cater to Dubai's yearly influx of 15 milliontourists by 2015, sealing these astounding levels of retail income.

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In a relatively new urban-scapethat lacks historical monumentsand significant landmarks ofarchitectural merit such asDubai, the function of the mallbecomes doubly important. Notonly is it an environment forshopping, entertainment andsocial interaction, but it alsobecomes a landmark that lendsa recognisable face to thetopography of the city. This isalso why themed malls work sowell. They become comprehen-sive destinations of aestheticappeal that tell a far moreinteresting story than a mereshopping spree.

Picture a North Africanmarketplace beneathmagnificent blue skies: Acrashed vessel run aground onthe shores of China's CalicutHarbour: Intricate hieroglyphicfriezes adorning the walls ofmedieval Cairo. With all thesefeatures, you could be forgivenfor thinking you'd stepped back in time.

Ibn Battuta Mall is perhapsthe most remarkable addition toDubai's retail landscape. Asidefrom offering new shoppingand entertainment experiences,the mall captures theimagination of shoppers by

transporting them back into abygone era.

A mini lesson in history, IbnBattuta emblemises aquintessentially Arabian heritagestory. From Arabic wind towers,to Indian domes, the exhilaratingtheme of the mall is a testamentto the life Ibn Battuta, aglobetrotter who travelled theworld nearly 700 years ago insearch of knowledge andexcitement. Setting off at 21, hisjourney covered almost 30years, with his accountsrecorded for time eternal in IbnJuzay's book The Rihla.

Ibn Battuta Mall traces sixelaborately themed courts -Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt,Persia, India and China. The sixcourts are designed to reflectthe architecture of the region inthe 14th century, providing anovel experience to visitors withtheir original design and style.Each of the themed destinationsin the mall has a separateentrance and is connected in acontinuous beat.

The distinctive architecture,16-outlet Food Court, uniqueRestaurant Court, and huge 21-screen Megaplex, including theUAE's first IMAX theatre, haveprovided an attractive lure to

the millions of visitors who havealready poured through themall's doors.

From global departmentstores, to small boutiques, Ibn Battuta Mall currentlyhouses more than 275tenancies, 50 of which are new brands to the UAE andmany of whom are familiarinternational brands.

A major attraction is the 25-meter long Chinese Junklocated in China Court, areplica of the ship that IbnBattuta sailed across the IndianOcean. Inside the ship, state-of-the-art technology has beenused to create a 3D virtualaquarium in which visitors canobserve marine life rangingfrom different schools of fish toGreat White sharks.

Combining retail,entertainment, restaurants and family activities all within a uniquely themedenvironment that is designed toreflect the eclectic mix ofvarious heritages andcosmopolitan lifestyle - IbnBattuta Mall represents the veryessence of Dubai.

Tel.:+9714 362 1900www.ibnbattutamall.com

China Court

PPeerrssiiaa CCoouurrtt

Ibn Battuta emblemises aquintessentially Arabian

heritage story. FromArabic wind towers, to

Indian domes

IBN Batutta Mall.qxp 12/28/2006 4:11 PM Page 1

It’s all in the Mall

Referred to as 'mall metropolis', it is estimated that by 2009,Dubai will boast the highest retail expenditure in the GCC, evensurpassing erstwhile big spender, Saudi Arabia. Conceptualised forthe burgeoning retail needs of the emirate's booming population,malls of every ilk are set to cater to Dubai's yearly influx of 15 milliontourists by 2015, sealing these astounding levels of retail income.

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Best of Dubai 123

In a relatively new urban-scapethat lacks historical monumentsand significant landmarks ofarchitectural merit such asDubai, the function of the mallbecomes doubly important. Notonly is it an environment forshopping, entertainment andsocial interaction, but it alsobecomes a landmark that lendsa recognisable face to thetopography of the city. This isalso why themed malls work sowell. They become comprehen-sive destinations of aestheticappeal that tell a far moreinteresting story than a mereshopping spree.

Picture a North Africanmarketplace beneathmagnificent blue skies: Acrashed vessel run aground onthe shores of China's CalicutHarbour: Intricate hieroglyphicfriezes adorning the walls ofmedieval Cairo. With all thesefeatures, you could be forgivenfor thinking you'd stepped back in time.

Ibn Battuta Mall is perhapsthe most remarkable addition toDubai's retail landscape. Asidefrom offering new shoppingand entertainment experiences,the mall captures theimagination of shoppers by

transporting them back into abygone era.

A mini lesson in history, IbnBattuta emblemises aquintessentially Arabian heritagestory. From Arabic wind towers,to Indian domes, the exhilaratingtheme of the mall is a testamentto the life Ibn Battuta, aglobetrotter who travelled theworld nearly 700 years ago insearch of knowledge andexcitement. Setting off at 21, hisjourney covered almost 30years, with his accountsrecorded for time eternal in IbnJuzay's book The Rihla.

Ibn Battuta Mall traces sixelaborately themed courts -Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt,Persia, India and China. The sixcourts are designed to reflectthe architecture of the region inthe 14th century, providing anovel experience to visitors withtheir original design and style.Each of the themed destinationsin the mall has a separateentrance and is connected in acontinuous beat.

The distinctive architecture,16-outlet Food Court, uniqueRestaurant Court, and huge 21-screen Megaplex, including theUAE's first IMAX theatre, haveprovided an attractive lure to

the millions of visitors who havealready poured through themall's doors.

From global departmentstores, to small boutiques, Ibn Battuta Mall currentlyhouses more than 275tenancies, 50 of which are new brands to the UAE andmany of whom are familiarinternational brands.

A major attraction is the 25-meter long Chinese Junklocated in China Court, areplica of the ship that IbnBattuta sailed across the IndianOcean. Inside the ship, state-of-the-art technology has beenused to create a 3D virtualaquarium in which visitors canobserve marine life rangingfrom different schools of fish toGreat White sharks.

Combining retail,entertainment, restaurants and family activities all within a uniquely themedenvironment that is designed toreflect the eclectic mix ofvarious heritages andcosmopolitan lifestyle - IbnBattuta Mall represents the veryessence of Dubai.

Tel.:+9714 362 1900www.ibnbattutamall.com

China Court

PPeerrssiiaa CCoouurrtt

Ibn Battuta emblemises aquintessentially Arabian

heritage story. FromArabic wind towers, to

Indian domes

IBN Batutta Mall.qxp 12/28/2006 4:11 PM Page 1

Reaching New HeightsAir Miles is expanding its membership base and corporate presenceacross the region.

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which enables high-profile businesses tostimulate excellence from their employees andtrade partners by providing a tailoredbusiness solution.

Increased company support With an existing portfolio of 160 regionalparticipants, Air Miles recently signed afurther 35 participants in Bahrain, Qatar andthe UAE.

Air Miles maintains a unique asset – theregion’s largest and most active retaildatabase. It is from this central database thatparticipants are given access to valuableinformation including customer profiles andbuying habits.

The programme expects to attract anadditional 100,000 members in the first yearfrom new markets, with a further 20 per centannual growth predicted until the end of thedecade. The impact on Air Miles participantshas been huge, with companies reportingmajor increases in sales and turnover. HSBCreported a 29 per cent rise in customer spendlevels and 50 per cent increase in cardacquisitions year after year, since joining Air Miles.

Air Miles partners include householdnames such as Spinneys, Damas, LamcyPlaza, Axiom Telecom, the Jawad BusinessGroup, Thomas Cook Al Rostamani (Travel & Tourism), Gulf Greetings, Hertz, BinSina Pharmacy, Hilton Hotels, EMAX, CineStar Cinemas, Pan Emirates HomeFurnishings, Rotana Hotels, Al Futtaim

Watches and Jewellery, Al Ghandi Electronics, JW Marriott Hotel, RenaissanceHotel, SNTTA Travel & Tours, Abela, African & Eastern, Al Jaber Optical Centre,CompuMe, Al Ansari Exchange, Bin HendiCafes and Emirates Post.

Wider range of rewards More card holders are now redeeming their Air Miles for adventure sports, themeparks and other outdoor activities, indicating a consumer shift towardsexperience-based rewards.

Air Miles, recognising that aspiration is atthe heart of all the loyalty programmeexperience, communicates with its membersthrough quarterly mailings, email and SMSpromotions, and through its Customer ServiceCentre. As a policy, the company maintainsthe strictest controls on data privacy for bothcustomers and participants.

To date, hundreds of thousands of rewardshave been exchanged by Air Miles cardholders in categories such as electronics,jewellery, dining, adventure and amusement,travel and gift vouchers.

With a large number of shoppers activelycollecting Air Miles and market-leadingcompanies participating in the programme,Air Miles is at the heart of Dubai’s boomingretail revolution.

Tel.: +9714 391 3410www.airmilesme.comwww.airmilesincentivesme.com

Air Miles, the world’s leading multi-participantloyalty programme, chose Dubai toinaugurate its regional operations in 2001.Today, the company has more than onemillion members enrolled in the UAE andQatar and has issued over 10 billion AirMiles. The free-to-join programme is enteringBahrain shortly and will then branch out toSaudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan.

Managed by Rewards ManagementMiddle East (RMMEL), Air Miles Middle Eastis part of Air Miles International, whichpreviously included the UK’s Air Milesprogramme & more recently the market-leading Nectar rewards programme in theUK, plus operations in Canada, theNetherlands and Spain.

Air Miles is the only inter-countryprogramme that offers UAE members theopportunity to collect Air Miles in Qatar.

Sir Keith Mills, the founder of Air Milesand one of Britain’s most influential businessleaders, visited Dubai recently to celebratethe programme’s fifth anniversary in theMiddle East.

“With a predicted 250 per cent rise inleaseable retail area by 2010, the MiddleEast is a shopper’s dream”, he said. “This isexactly where Air Miles, as a coalition loyaltyprogramme offering aspirational rewards,can help members make the most of theirdaily spend.”

Air Miles is expanding its businessrecognition programme, Air Miles Incentives,

Best of Dubai 125

Dave Battiston, CEO

A shift towards experience-based rewards

Airmiles.qxp 12/26/2006 9:23 AM Page 1

Reaching New HeightsAir Miles is expanding its membership base and corporate presenceacross the region.

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ions

which enables high-profile businesses tostimulate excellence from their employees andtrade partners by providing a tailoredbusiness solution.

Increased company support With an existing portfolio of 160 regionalparticipants, Air Miles recently signed afurther 35 participants in Bahrain, Qatar andthe UAE.

Air Miles maintains a unique asset – theregion’s largest and most active retaildatabase. It is from this central database thatparticipants are given access to valuableinformation including customer profiles andbuying habits.

The programme expects to attract anadditional 100,000 members in the first yearfrom new markets, with a further 20 per centannual growth predicted until the end of thedecade. The impact on Air Miles participantshas been huge, with companies reportingmajor increases in sales and turnover. HSBCreported a 29 per cent rise in customer spendlevels and 50 per cent increase in cardacquisitions year after year, since joining Air Miles.

Air Miles partners include householdnames such as Spinneys, Damas, LamcyPlaza, Axiom Telecom, the Jawad BusinessGroup, Thomas Cook Al Rostamani (Travel & Tourism), Gulf Greetings, Hertz, BinSina Pharmacy, Hilton Hotels, EMAX, CineStar Cinemas, Pan Emirates HomeFurnishings, Rotana Hotels, Al Futtaim

Watches and Jewellery, Al Ghandi Electronics, JW Marriott Hotel, RenaissanceHotel, SNTTA Travel & Tours, Abela, African & Eastern, Al Jaber Optical Centre,CompuMe, Al Ansari Exchange, Bin HendiCafes and Emirates Post.

Wider range of rewards More card holders are now redeeming their Air Miles for adventure sports, themeparks and other outdoor activities, indicating a consumer shift towardsexperience-based rewards.

Air Miles, recognising that aspiration is atthe heart of all the loyalty programmeexperience, communicates with its membersthrough quarterly mailings, email and SMSpromotions, and through its Customer ServiceCentre. As a policy, the company maintainsthe strictest controls on data privacy for bothcustomers and participants.

To date, hundreds of thousands of rewardshave been exchanged by Air Miles cardholders in categories such as electronics,jewellery, dining, adventure and amusement,travel and gift vouchers.

With a large number of shoppers activelycollecting Air Miles and market-leadingcompanies participating in the programme,Air Miles is at the heart of Dubai’s boomingretail revolution.

Tel.: +9714 391 3410www.airmilesme.comwww.airmilesincentivesme.com

Air Miles, the world’s leading multi-participantloyalty programme, chose Dubai toinaugurate its regional operations in 2001.Today, the company has more than onemillion members enrolled in the UAE andQatar and has issued over 10 billion AirMiles. The free-to-join programme is enteringBahrain shortly and will then branch out toSaudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan.

Managed by Rewards ManagementMiddle East (RMMEL), Air Miles Middle Eastis part of Air Miles International, whichpreviously included the UK’s Air Milesprogramme & more recently the market-leading Nectar rewards programme in theUK, plus operations in Canada, theNetherlands and Spain.

Air Miles is the only inter-countryprogramme that offers UAE members theopportunity to collect Air Miles in Qatar.

Sir Keith Mills, the founder of Air Milesand one of Britain’s most influential businessleaders, visited Dubai recently to celebratethe programme’s fifth anniversary in theMiddle East.

“With a predicted 250 per cent rise inleaseable retail area by 2010, the MiddleEast is a shopper’s dream”, he said. “This isexactly where Air Miles, as a coalition loyaltyprogramme offering aspirational rewards,can help members make the most of theirdaily spend.”

Air Miles is expanding its businessrecognition programme, Air Miles Incentives,

Best of Dubai 125

Dave Battiston, CEO

A shift towards experience-based rewards

Airmiles.qxp 12/26/2006 9:23 AM Page 1

CHAPTER 7Fashion & Jewellery

"Perhaps time’s definition of coal is the diamond.”

Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher

CHAPTER 7Fashion & Jewellery

"Perhaps time’s definition of coal is the diamond.”

Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher

What you desireIf you live in the UAE and you haven't heard of Ginger &Lace, then you probably aren't a dedicated follower offashion. Ask any fashionista worth her weight in JimmyChoos where she likes to shop in Dubai for high quality,international brands and Ginger and Lace is guaranteed tobe among her favourite shopping destinations.

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ion

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ewel

lery Here's a taste of what it is that makes women go

weak at the knees when they hear the words, Ginger & Lace.

Décor to die for… The first Ginger & Lace storeopened in April 2005 at Ibn Battuta. Like a beacon ofindividuality flashing in the otherwise high-street storedominated shopping mall, women were quickly drawnto the boutique by its feminine, clean cut design - aswell as the fabulous array of eye-catching dresses ondisplay. Open and airy with simple moulded woodfixtures and fittings the boutique let its clothes do thetalking, while providing a spacious and welcomingenvironment for its guests. It didn't take long for thenews of Ginger & Lace's arrival to spread, and it soonhad a loyal following of fashion-hungry females.

Labels the ladies love…Ginger & Lace was one ofthe first stores in Dubai to provide shoppers with realchoice when it came to designer brands. It started atrend by importing a new generation of cult labels thathad previously only been available in the US orEurope. Welcome to designs women in the MiddleEast had seen their favourite style icons such as KateMoss, Sienna Miller or Nicole Richi wearing ininternational fashion magazines - they suddenlybecame available here in the UAE. Betsey Johnson,Wheels & Doll Baby, Ingwa Melero, Meghan, Sassand Bide, Issa, La Petite Salope and EricksonBeamon, to name just a few, lined the store's rails. Theunique mix of niche and more established namessuch as Anna Sui and Nicole Miller soon made Ginger& Lace a must-stop shop for global glamour.

An eye for a buy…Like any successful fashionboutique, Ginger & Lace relies on the expertise of itsbuyers and vision of its owner to guarantee futuregrowth. Luckily for this unique venture it gets the tworolled into one; owner Sahar Mekkawi also sources allthe designs while on extended buying trips to theworld's fashion hotspots. Her experience is second tonone having worked in the fashion business in theregion, promoting and marketing international brandssuch as Tod's, Christian Lacroix, and Ralph Lauren.The contacts and knowledge that this youngentrepreneur picked up while working in the fashionindustry, give Ginger & Lace a solid base on which togrow and expand in tandem with the growingdemand for high fashion in the Middle East.

The bigger picture…Ginger & Lace is part of alarger group, Syslink, a processing agency and afashion consultancy as well as distribution businessthat was launched in Los Angeles in 2002. Withbranches in Paris and Dubai, Syslink specializes inintroducing new as well as established US designersto the Middle East. Syslink was the first to workintroduce famous US designers such as Nicole Miller,Betsey Johnson, Wheels and Doll Baby, Tibi, Lotta,James Coviello and Ingwa Melero. The company nowcaters to more than 32 luxury department stores, aswell as specialty stores around the Gulf.

Looking forward…And the best news for Ginger &Lace fans? Expect to see the name above the door ofmany more boutiques in the region. In addition,shoppers will continue to see new and excitingbrands such as Tord Boontje home accessories andLockhart handbags being introduced to the stores inthe near future.

Tel.: +9714 3685109www.gingerandlace.com

Best of Dubai 129

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What you desireIf you live in the UAE and you haven't heard of Ginger &Lace, then you probably aren't a dedicated follower offashion. Ask any fashionista worth her weight in JimmyChoos where she likes to shop in Dubai for high quality,international brands and Ginger and Lace is guaranteed tobe among her favourite shopping destinations.

128 Best of Dubai

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ewel

lery Here's a taste of what it is that makes women go

weak at the knees when they hear the words, Ginger & Lace.

Décor to die for… The first Ginger & Lace storeopened in April 2005 at Ibn Battuta. Like a beacon ofindividuality flashing in the otherwise high-street storedominated shopping mall, women were quickly drawnto the boutique by its feminine, clean cut design - aswell as the fabulous array of eye-catching dresses ondisplay. Open and airy with simple moulded woodfixtures and fittings the boutique let its clothes do thetalking, while providing a spacious and welcomingenvironment for its guests. It didn't take long for thenews of Ginger & Lace's arrival to spread, and it soonhad a loyal following of fashion-hungry females.

Labels the ladies love…Ginger & Lace was one ofthe first stores in Dubai to provide shoppers with realchoice when it came to designer brands. It started atrend by importing a new generation of cult labels thathad previously only been available in the US orEurope. Welcome to designs women in the MiddleEast had seen their favourite style icons such as KateMoss, Sienna Miller or Nicole Richi wearing ininternational fashion magazines - they suddenlybecame available here in the UAE. Betsey Johnson,Wheels & Doll Baby, Ingwa Melero, Meghan, Sassand Bide, Issa, La Petite Salope and EricksonBeamon, to name just a few, lined the store's rails. Theunique mix of niche and more established namessuch as Anna Sui and Nicole Miller soon made Ginger& Lace a must-stop shop for global glamour.

An eye for a buy…Like any successful fashionboutique, Ginger & Lace relies on the expertise of itsbuyers and vision of its owner to guarantee futuregrowth. Luckily for this unique venture it gets the tworolled into one; owner Sahar Mekkawi also sources allthe designs while on extended buying trips to theworld's fashion hotspots. Her experience is second tonone having worked in the fashion business in theregion, promoting and marketing international brandssuch as Tod's, Christian Lacroix, and Ralph Lauren.The contacts and knowledge that this youngentrepreneur picked up while working in the fashionindustry, give Ginger & Lace a solid base on which togrow and expand in tandem with the growingdemand for high fashion in the Middle East.

The bigger picture…Ginger & Lace is part of alarger group, Syslink, a processing agency and afashion consultancy as well as distribution businessthat was launched in Los Angeles in 2002. Withbranches in Paris and Dubai, Syslink specializes inintroducing new as well as established US designersto the Middle East. Syslink was the first to workintroduce famous US designers such as Nicole Miller,Betsey Johnson, Wheels and Doll Baby, Tibi, Lotta,James Coviello and Ingwa Melero. The company nowcaters to more than 32 luxury department stores, aswell as specialty stores around the Gulf.

Looking forward…And the best news for Ginger &Lace fans? Expect to see the name above the door ofmany more boutiques in the region. In addition,shoppers will continue to see new and excitingbrands such as Tord Boontje home accessories andLockhart handbags being introduced to the stores inthe near future.

Tel.: +9714 3685109www.gingerandlace.com

Best of Dubai 129

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The benefits of retail therapy are never to be overlooked. When stress levels sky rocket, you've got two choices: Either indulge on chocolate ice cream, orshop yourself into a good mood. The former makes you fat, the latter makes youbroke! Not if you choose wisely though. And when it comes to derivingmaximum satisfaction from the retail therapeutic angle, nothing fulfils likeshopping for shoes in a boutique called Candella.

Launched in Dubai's Village Mall in 2003, with a second branch on the way inDubai Mall, this is a veritable Aladdin's Cave for shoe fetishists, and more. "Wehave combined a multiple mix of brands and styles in different price bracketsthat reflect our tastes and needs as women", explains founding partner ShirinAbdulrazak who, together with her eldest daughter Rasha, runs this quirky, flirtyand utterly fabulous retail gem. "We have also handpicked accessories likescarves, costume jewellery, hats and handbags to make putting together anoutfit easier", she adds.

Hot on the international shoe buyer's circuit, Candella has developed the 'lessis more' strategy. This means that collections are changed frequently to avoidthe dreaded replication syndrome. In addition, limited quantities of any one itemare ordered so as to engender the 'must have' factor and consequent customer

Whilst practical yet pretty, strappy flats can look cute. The appeal of a stiletto however is unabashedly sensuous.Thanks to the added height, sashaying in all her glory, a womanin heels feels powerful, glamorous and utterly alluring.

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lery loyalty, further honed by a well-

received in-house customerloyalty card programme. "Ourbrand and marketing strategyhas naturally based itself oncommon sense and personalsensibilities," 24-year-oldRasha explains. With topbrands at diverse price rangesand in varying styles, thismother and daughter duo arethe forerunners of the genuineboutique concept - somethingthat is missing in Dubai'sovertly standardised retailchain scenario. "Entrepreneursin this part of the world oftenplay it safe by investing inpopular franchise retail options.Not only does it deaden choiceand kill excitement when allmalls house the same shopsthat look alike and stock similarproducts, it destroys thenovelty and the breathless funthat comes from discovering anew and beautiful item: like a lovely pair of shoes,"Rasha adds.

This is also why quirkyhome grown boutique brands like Candella arebecoming so popular withshoppers and mall marketersalike. Candella not only looksdifferent, airy yet cosy, repletewith glass shelves and well

positioned point of sale anglesstrewn with great finds -vertiginous stilettos, diamante'flip flops, beaded pashminas,dangly earrings - theyencourage browsing, mixingand matching.

Candella is getting it rightbecause Shirin and Rashaunderstand their customersand, in many ways, identifywith them by responding totheir desires quickly andcreatively. Oscar Wilde claimed“that the best things in life wereeither illegal, immoral or theymade you fat.” Not so when itcomes to shoes. If there is onething that a woman can beaddicted to without qualms,then it has to be shoes", saysRasha. Elevated from anecessary accessory to aprized style statement, "Wegladly celebrate thesecompulsions and genuinelyenjoy feeding the cravingbecause to some extent, weare equally infatuated", Rashalaughs. "I own at least 100pairs myself." Clearly, motherand daughter have their headsin the sky but their feet firmlyon the ground…

Tel.: + 971 4 3421961www.candellatrading.com

Best of Dubai 131

Shirin Abdulrazak & Rasha

Stepping in Style

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The benefits of retail therapy are never to be overlooked. When stress levels sky rocket, you've got two choices: Either indulge on chocolate ice cream, orshop yourself into a good mood. The former makes you fat, the latter makes youbroke! Not if you choose wisely though. And when it comes to derivingmaximum satisfaction from the retail therapeutic angle, nothing fulfils likeshopping for shoes in a boutique called Candella.

Launched in Dubai's Village Mall in 2003, with a second branch on the way inDubai Mall, this is a veritable Aladdin's Cave for shoe fetishists, and more. "Wehave combined a multiple mix of brands and styles in different price bracketsthat reflect our tastes and needs as women", explains founding partner ShirinAbdulrazak who, together with her eldest daughter Rasha, runs this quirky, flirtyand utterly fabulous retail gem. "We have also handpicked accessories likescarves, costume jewellery, hats and handbags to make putting together anoutfit easier", she adds.

Hot on the international shoe buyer's circuit, Candella has developed the 'lessis more' strategy. This means that collections are changed frequently to avoidthe dreaded replication syndrome. In addition, limited quantities of any one itemare ordered so as to engender the 'must have' factor and consequent customer

Whilst practical yet pretty, strappy flats can look cute. The appeal of a stiletto however is unabashedly sensuous.Thanks to the added height, sashaying in all her glory, a womanin heels feels powerful, glamorous and utterly alluring.

130 Best of Dubai

Fash

ion

& J

ewel

lery loyalty, further honed by a well-

received in-house customerloyalty card programme. "Ourbrand and marketing strategyhas naturally based itself oncommon sense and personalsensibilities," 24-year-oldRasha explains. With topbrands at diverse price rangesand in varying styles, thismother and daughter duo arethe forerunners of the genuineboutique concept - somethingthat is missing in Dubai'sovertly standardised retailchain scenario. "Entrepreneursin this part of the world oftenplay it safe by investing inpopular franchise retail options.Not only does it deaden choiceand kill excitement when allmalls house the same shopsthat look alike and stock similarproducts, it destroys thenovelty and the breathless funthat comes from discovering anew and beautiful item: like a lovely pair of shoes,"Rasha adds.

This is also why quirkyhome grown boutique brands like Candella arebecoming so popular withshoppers and mall marketersalike. Candella not only looksdifferent, airy yet cosy, repletewith glass shelves and well

positioned point of sale anglesstrewn with great finds -vertiginous stilettos, diamante'flip flops, beaded pashminas,dangly earrings - theyencourage browsing, mixingand matching.

Candella is getting it rightbecause Shirin and Rashaunderstand their customersand, in many ways, identifywith them by responding totheir desires quickly andcreatively. Oscar Wilde claimed“that the best things in life wereeither illegal, immoral or theymade you fat.” Not so when itcomes to shoes. If there is onething that a woman can beaddicted to without qualms,then it has to be shoes", saysRasha. Elevated from anecessary accessory to aprized style statement, "Wegladly celebrate thesecompulsions and genuinelyenjoy feeding the cravingbecause to some extent, weare equally infatuated", Rashalaughs. "I own at least 100pairs myself." Clearly, motherand daughter have their headsin the sky but their feet firmlyon the ground…

Tel.: + 971 4 3421961www.candellatrading.com

Best of Dubai 131

Shirin Abdulrazak & Rasha

Stepping in Style

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A prized fascination for centuries, pearls are the mostmagical and feminine of all gems. Uniquely created by aliving organism, they come in different shapes, colours andsizes emanating glow and quintessential elegance. No ladyof substance can be without a string of precious pearls.

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Pearl Obsession

Meena Jethwani, MD of UMI Pearls explains,“We have launched two new brands, CarteBlanche and Kokeishi, to cater to the variousconsumer segments we wish to address.”

When and why did you first start your operations in Dubai?“Our company, Universal Pearls & Jewels LLC(UMI), was started in 1994 on the strength of theexpertise fostered by my father, Mr. DoulatramHarchandrai, a pioneer of the cultured pearl exportindustry in Japan way back in 1956.”

Throughout your years in Dubai, what changes have you witnessed in terms of the emirate’sdevelopment as a hub for pearl jewellerymanufacturing and trading?“With cultured pearls, operations in Dubai havefocussed predominantly on trading and wholesalesupply, as opposed to manufacture and design.Things are now changing, with traders such asourselves moving strongly into brand developmentbased on the creation of unique pearl jewellerypieces aimed at a young, yet discerning, globalclientele.”

What challenges have you faced in growing yourbusiness?“Challenges are part and parcel of any business,so in this sense our struggles over the years havebeen shared by other companies in diversespheres. The crucial difference lies in the mannerwith which we have remained true to the guidingprinciples of my father, who has upheld honesty,

quality and grace in every aspect of hisdealings. This ethos has effectively helped usin transforming challenges into greatopportunities.”

Do you plan any expansions? If so, when,what and why?“We recently developed two new brands,Carte Blanche and Kokeishi, to cater to thevarious consumer segments we wish toaddress. Carte Blanche is a high-end rangeof diamond jewellery, which comes withcertification, whilst Kokeishi, which meansJapanese Dolls,is colourful, young andversatile. Kokeishi consists of a wide range ofcoloured precious and semiprecious stones.By developing these fresh concepts, we arecapitalising on the renewed popularity ofjewellery that is innovative, stylish andaccessible to those with taste.”

Dubai strives for a sophisticated image. Whattype of branding strategy do you envision foryour exclusive pearl brand?“We are devising tailor-made promotionalcampaigns worldwide that will help uspromote our new brands and reinforce ourexisting UMI brand. Whilst advertising isessential in today’s world, we neverthelessrely on our individual customers’ word ofmouth, and their continued loyalty to andappreciation of our designs.”

Can you briefly run through the individualthemes of your operations and services,explaining the new trends and approaches inyour field of pearl jewellery fashions?“At Universal Jewels and Pearls, wespecialise in pearls. In terms of currenttrends, ‘mixing n’ matching’ is the name of the

game. With our Pearls brand, funky, chunkydesigns made with all kinds of pearls andsemi-precious stones for instance are therage - an ethnic look with a sophisticated feel.Essentially, novelty always appeals, as doesfine workmanship and guaranteed quality –this never goes out of style.”

How would you define your managementstyle? What lessons have you learnt duringthis working experience in Dubai?“I am relaxed, I work as a family with my staff,and I am open to suggestions and ideas fromeach member of the company. Living andworking in Dubai has enriched my life. It ishome in every sense of the word.”

How has your business increased over theyears? What further strategies for profitabilitydo you have?“We plan to build our brands, widen ourproduct range and deliver quality every stepof the way.”

When you are not selling pearls and creating beautiful jewellery designs, what do you do to relax?“Being at home is like an antidote to stress. Ihave a big family to love and take care of,and who support me in every way. In additionto this, I read, listen to music, and paint. I lovepainting. Ultimately, I would like to add thatthe greatest teaching that I have receivedfrom my parents in life is to be humble. Myyoungest son, Avinash, is all that and more.This is what he has brought home to me. Onecan always learn from young and old.”

Tel.: +9714 225 2555www.universalpearls.com

Vikram and Natasha JethwaniDoulatram Harchandrai

Rukmani D. Harchandrai

UMI Pearls.qxp 1/4/2007 3:03 PM Page 1

A prized fascination for centuries, pearls are the mostmagical and feminine of all gems. Uniquely created by aliving organism, they come in different shapes, colours andsizes emanating glow and quintessential elegance. No ladyof substance can be without a string of precious pearls.

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Best of Dubai 133

Pearl Obsession

Meena Jethwani, MD of UMI Pearls explains,“We have launched two new brands, CarteBlanche and Kokeishi, to cater to the variousconsumer segments we wish to address.”

When and why did you first start your operations in Dubai?“Our company, Universal Pearls & Jewels LLC(UMI), was started in 1994 on the strength of theexpertise fostered by my father, Mr. DoulatramHarchandrai, a pioneer of the cultured pearl exportindustry in Japan way back in 1956.”

Throughout your years in Dubai, what changes have you witnessed in terms of the emirate’sdevelopment as a hub for pearl jewellerymanufacturing and trading?“With cultured pearls, operations in Dubai havefocussed predominantly on trading and wholesalesupply, as opposed to manufacture and design.Things are now changing, with traders such asourselves moving strongly into brand developmentbased on the creation of unique pearl jewellerypieces aimed at a young, yet discerning, globalclientele.”

What challenges have you faced in growing yourbusiness?“Challenges are part and parcel of any business,so in this sense our struggles over the years havebeen shared by other companies in diversespheres. The crucial difference lies in the mannerwith which we have remained true to the guidingprinciples of my father, who has upheld honesty,

quality and grace in every aspect of hisdealings. This ethos has effectively helped usin transforming challenges into greatopportunities.”

Do you plan any expansions? If so, when,what and why?“We recently developed two new brands,Carte Blanche and Kokeishi, to cater to thevarious consumer segments we wish toaddress. Carte Blanche is a high-end rangeof diamond jewellery, which comes withcertification, whilst Kokeishi, which meansJapanese Dolls,is colourful, young andversatile. Kokeishi consists of a wide range ofcoloured precious and semiprecious stones.By developing these fresh concepts, we arecapitalising on the renewed popularity ofjewellery that is innovative, stylish andaccessible to those with taste.”

Dubai strives for a sophisticated image. Whattype of branding strategy do you envision foryour exclusive pearl brand?“We are devising tailor-made promotionalcampaigns worldwide that will help uspromote our new brands and reinforce ourexisting UMI brand. Whilst advertising isessential in today’s world, we neverthelessrely on our individual customers’ word ofmouth, and their continued loyalty to andappreciation of our designs.”

Can you briefly run through the individualthemes of your operations and services,explaining the new trends and approaches inyour field of pearl jewellery fashions?“At Universal Jewels and Pearls, wespecialise in pearls. In terms of currenttrends, ‘mixing n’ matching’ is the name of the

game. With our Pearls brand, funky, chunkydesigns made with all kinds of pearls andsemi-precious stones for instance are therage - an ethnic look with a sophisticated feel.Essentially, novelty always appeals, as doesfine workmanship and guaranteed quality –this never goes out of style.”

How would you define your managementstyle? What lessons have you learnt duringthis working experience in Dubai?“I am relaxed, I work as a family with my staff,and I am open to suggestions and ideas fromeach member of the company. Living andworking in Dubai has enriched my life. It ishome in every sense of the word.”

How has your business increased over theyears? What further strategies for profitabilitydo you have?“We plan to build our brands, widen ourproduct range and deliver quality every stepof the way.”

When you are not selling pearls and creating beautiful jewellery designs, what do you do to relax?“Being at home is like an antidote to stress. Ihave a big family to love and take care of,and who support me in every way. In additionto this, I read, listen to music, and paint. I lovepainting. Ultimately, I would like to add thatthe greatest teaching that I have receivedfrom my parents in life is to be humble. Myyoungest son, Avinash, is all that and more.This is what he has brought home to me. Onecan always learn from young and old.”

Tel.: +9714 225 2555www.universalpearls.com

Vikram and Natasha JethwaniDoulatram Harchandrai

Rukmani D. Harchandrai

UMI Pearls.qxp 1/4/2007 3:03 PM Page 1

Passionate about beauty and innovation The expression 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever' may ringtrue, but what truly lives up to that maxim? When it comes tofine jewellery, Scintilla Monaco (SM) enshrines that age-olddictum with glistening glamour and effortless aplomb.

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Erminia De Marco, PR Manager, SM explains this philosophy. "Beauty enriches usall", she says. "It stimulates the senses, moves the heart and gives us that veryspecial glow of well-being. That's what our jewellery expresses."

Featuring only exclusive fancy-shaped diamonds in its collections, theirproposition is unique. De Marco says, "This allows our designers an infinite range ofcreative possibilities. Unlike round stones which, to be honest, are rather boring,fancy shapes are more stimulating and inspiring. That is why our jewellery is thechoice of women who wear jewels that are as distinctive as themselves."

In a world where the terms 'design' and 'innovation' are used to death, welcome toone jewellery company that unabashedly proves that innovation and creativity haveno boundaries. Take their latest collection - Rialto - for instance, named after thefamous Venetian bridge, the brilliance and impeccable quality of SM diamonds arefurther enhanced by the unique setting, aptly named 'Gondola'. This totally novelsetting, signifies a shift from the traditional Scintilla setting to a more modern andminimalist one reminiscent of this traditional vessel plying the canals of Venice.

In addition, the Rialto collection advances even further with the use of two shades of gold; green and pink, recalling the aristocratic colour combination ofmystical Venice.

Taking pride of place at the most exclusive retailers in Monte Carlo, Nice, Tokyo,Moscow, Riyadh, Manama and, naturally, in Dubai, this purveyor of fine jewellery haselevated innovation and excellence to an art.

Tel.: +9714 800 MONACOwww.scintilla.com

Passionate about beauty and innovation The expression 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever' may ringtrue, but what truly lives up to that maxim? When it comes tofine jewellery, Scintilla Monaco (SM) enshrines that age-olddictum with glistening glamour and effortless aplomb.

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Best of Dubai 135

Erminia De Marco, PR Manager, SM explains this philosophy. "Beauty enriches usall", she says. "It stimulates the senses, moves the heart and gives us that veryspecial glow of well-being. That's what our jewellery expresses."

Featuring only exclusive fancy-shaped diamonds in its collections, theirproposition is unique. De Marco says, "This allows our designers an infinite range ofcreative possibilities. Unlike round stones which, to be honest, are rather boring,fancy shapes are more stimulating and inspiring. That is why our jewellery is thechoice of women who wear jewels that are as distinctive as themselves."

In a world where the terms 'design' and 'innovation' are used to death, welcome toone jewellery company that unabashedly proves that innovation and creativity haveno boundaries. Take their latest collection - Rialto - for instance, named after thefamous Venetian bridge, the brilliance and impeccable quality of SM diamonds arefurther enhanced by the unique setting, aptly named 'Gondola'. This totally novelsetting, signifies a shift from the traditional Scintilla setting to a more modern andminimalist one reminiscent of this traditional vessel plying the canals of Venice.

In addition, the Rialto collection advances even further with the use of two shades of gold; green and pink, recalling the aristocratic colour combination ofmystical Venice.

Taking pride of place at the most exclusive retailers in Monte Carlo, Nice, Tokyo,Moscow, Riyadh, Manama and, naturally, in Dubai, this purveyor of fine jewellery haselevated innovation and excellence to an art.

Tel.: +9714 800 MONACOwww.scintilla.com

CHAPTER 8Luxury Lifestyles

"Quality is not merely an end. It has become a way of life."


CHAPTER 8Luxury Lifestyles

"Quality is not merely an end. It has become a way of life."


Clouds of Kudos

La Casa del Habano, Dubai's exclusive provider of the world's finestcigars, offers its distinguished clientele a simple yet clear declaration ofsocial kudos and quality combined.

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The UAE boasted 59,000 millionaires in 2005, up 12 per cent from 2004. This means that withluxury residences, superior shopping centresand technologically progressive industriesflourishing throughout the nation, a certainlifestyle is to be had that embodies refinementand of course, wealth.

While the rapid growth Dubai hasexperienced to date is a relatively newphenomenon, early players such as thepioneering FMCG marketing and distributioncompany, Baqer Mohebi Establishment (BME)has looked ahead, cementing its reputation asprovider of high-end products and consumables.A local and regional leader in the FMCG industryand the name behind leading products fromcorporate giants Danone and Kimberly-Clark, itsbeen operating since 1931. Already a veteran inthis young and thriving Emirate - BME hascontinuously diversified its interests andexpanded its range, region and core business.Today, this family-run business has risen from

humble beginnings in the souk to become a national and regional institution promoting andcatering to elite branding and tastes.

We are all familiar with the image: designeroutfits, fabulous accessories, luxury sports cars,a premier residence and an active social life.The basic characteristics of Dubai's successful,these underline "I've arrived!" and can all beperfectly accented with a simple accessory...theiconic Cuban cigar. Dubai's discerninggentlemen and more and more ladies need onlyturn to one place… La Casa del Habano,Dubai's exclusive provider of the world's finestcigars. As a division of the tobacco retail arm ofBME, La Casa del Habano offers itsdistinguished clientele a simple yet cleardeclaration of social kudos, first class serviceand quality combined.

Six years ago La Casa del Habano openedits flagship store at one of Dubai's premieraddresses, the Emirates Towers shoppingboulevard. In under a decade, the brand has

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strengthened with six additional locationsthroughout the UAE, Oman and Iran and the largest Casa in the worlddestined for the Walk at the JumeirahBeach Residence. BME’s expansionplans clearly indicate the increasingpopularity of Cuban cigars affording cigarsmokers the ease, convenience andselection that come with a first gradeproduct and service.

In 2004, the chairman of the group, Dr. Zainal Mohebi, was awarded the titleof ‘Habano Man of the Year’ in thebusiness category. Mohammed Mohebi,CEO of Zainal Mohebi Group receivedthis accolade on behalf of his father whowas the passionate inspiration behind thegroup's success.

In typical Mohebi fashion and Cuban tradition, La Casa del Habanodeeply respects the intricacies andpersonal selection process of each of its 'family members'.

"Habano enthusiasts can explore theirpassion in our in-store lounge," explainsBME's general manager, S.H. Siadat.Each store is equipped with a cigarlounge for clientele to experience andsavour the aromatic lure of the famedCuban cigar. To further ensure utmostquality and knowledge of each individualcigar, BME implements strict climatecontrol in each location and all retail staffare required to undergo training andrefresher courses to keep abreast ofdevelopments taking place in Cuba andthe cigar industry. Likewise, thedistribution division of BME trains all hoteland restaurant staff in the art of storing,cutting and serving a cigar.

As for health concerns, “Cigarsmoking is a passion - not a habit. It’s adelicate relationship and clients are veryparticular. They enjoy seeing aprofessional cutting and preparing thecigar for them to savour the exquisitepleasure properly” explains Siadat.

According to him, no textbook

description can be applied to cigarsmokers. A cigar smoker is as “diverseas the streets of Dubai and as intense as the streets of Havana.” A love forCuban cigars stems from a desire toexperience a rich and pure tradition thatis as intriguing as it is simple, a traditionthat dates back 500 years and isexquisitely preserved today with over 160 million cigars produced by handevery year and encased in a signaturewooden box.

With an astounding 38 brands ofHabanos available to choose from andglobal trends heralding a smoke-free era,Dubai seems headed in the samedirection. Siadat is not worried. Hebelieves that true cigar aficionados willremain true and simply adapt their life-styles to ensure the continued anduninterrupted pleasure of a Habano.

As a testament to this confidence,BME plans to extend its innovativemarketing and advertising campaignsthrough cigar-inspired events and themenights in close collaboration with thehospitality industry. He goes on to assureus that Dubai's transient expatriatesociety on the go is not a problem,because outbound numbers pale in com-parison to the multitudes choosing Dubaias their base.

With approximately 50,000 millionairescurrently residing in Dubai today andthousands more aspiring to enjoy thecity’s distinct privileges, Habanos and allthe fineries of life, image and socialdiscernment show no signs of dwindling.Where industrial cities worldwide existbeneath a thick black cloud of smog, theclouds above Dubai's glistening skylineare laced with an intoxicating aromaredolent with success and fulfilment.Heaven or Havana…Dubai and La Casadel Habano offer a slice of both.

Tel.: +9714 396 9777www.lacasadelhabano.cu

Best of Dubai 139

Dr. Zainal Mohebi Chairman - Zainal Mohebi Group

Mohammed MohebiCEO - Zainal Mohebi Group

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As home entertainment and automation technology advances and becomesincreasingly complex, it doesn’t need to be complicated to use. Today’shomes are becoming more and more luxurious and a large part of the luxurylifestyle is based on integrated home entertainment and automationsystems. These allow you to enjoy a superior audio and video experiencewherever you happen to be, with simplified control solutions that make it alleasy to use. Archimedia specializes in high end audio video and automationsystems that bring that lifestyle home.

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Home Entertainment Solutions enjoying your music and movies anywhere at anytime. You don’t need DVDs towatch your movies, and you can play three different movies, in three different rooms,all off one digital source. Your music gets the same treatment - Sinatra in the livingroom, Bach in the study and Coldplay in the bedroom, and not a CD in sight.Archimedia integrates some of the industry’s most impressive technologies to delivertotally seamless control and multi – room solutions.

A Structured ProcessArchimedia is a member of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association(CEDIA), an organisation dedicated to the design and installation of residential audiovideo and control systems. Through their membership of CEDIA, Archimedia is ableto stay on top of all of the important trends in residential systems integrationtechnology. In addition, Archimedia specializes in working with consultants andinterior designers throughout the process to ensure that the result is a fully integratedsystem. Systems will be designed by a team of professionals and CAD designers will prepare working drawings for all structured wiring to be performed by the builder of electrical contractor. This ensures no need to retrofit once finishing hasbeen completed.

Already furnished your home? Archimedia has solutions that minimise the need tomake any structural changes using wireless technology and innovative cablemanagement techniques.

BRANDSBowers and Wilkins Over the past 30 years, the name Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has become synonymouswith high-fidelity loud-speakers of the finest quality, from affordable compact speakersystems to the most sophisticated, hand-crafted collector's pieces. B&W's scientistsand engineers work closely with teams from recording industry giants such as EMI,Decca and Deutsche-Grammophon and Bowers and Wilkins loudspeakers areinstalled in famous recording studios throughout the world, including the prestigiousAbbey Road Studios in London, England.

KaleidescapeWith the Kaleidescape Entertainment Server System, an elegant and intuitiveinterface lets you instantly locate and enjoy the media you want, when you want it,anywhere in your home. Because it’s extraordinarily easy to use, every member of thefamily and even your guests can enjoy their favourite movies and music throughoutthe house.

The system stores all your music and movies on a sophisticated array of digitalstorage media and allows you to stream them all over your home.

The Kaleidescape System delivers exceptional entertainment value withoutcompromise – movies and music are imported and stored at the highest qualitypossible in order to deliver the viewing and listening experience exactly as the artistintended.

ClasséClassé is Canada’s leading maker of high-performance music and home theatrecomponents. Since building their first amplifier in 1980, passion and dedication haveinspired the research that yields Classé’s outstanding no-compromise electronics. In2001, Classé became part of the B&W Group. The distribution, financial andorganizational resources offered by this leading UK-based loudspeaker manufacturerhave propelled Classé to the forefront of contemporary high-end audio design.

CrestronTotal Home Technology from Crestron streamlines and simplifies all the technology inyour home or yacht, offering the ultimate lifestyle of comfort and convenience.Crestron's award-winning Total Home Technology Solution eliminates the need towalk from room to room to adjust drapes, lights, temperature, and audio/videocomponents. Total control is always at your fingertips. With just a single touch thelights dim, the shades close, the plasma TV turns on and your favorite movie begins.All you need is the popcorn and soda. Your window treatments can be programmedto adjust at pre-set times to protect delicate fabrics and fine art from harmful directsunlight. At night, the hallway lights can be programmed to automatically illuminateas you walk by.

Tel.: +9714 337 0181 / 2www.archimedia-me.com

The possiblities are truly endless. The solutions that are now available enablesystems to be totally tailor made to enhance not only your lifestyle, but alsothe beautiful interior décor of your home.

Many customers opt for state-of-the art home cinemas, which can becustomised to meet individual tastes. Art Deco? Beaux Arts? Contemporary?Perhaps a tailor-made theme that reflects a special hobby or passion?Archimedia offers numerous control solutions such as programmable remotecontrols and touch panels that will allow you to control your entireentertainment system from practically anywhere in your home. Lighting,climate control, multi room audio and video, security and even your curtainscan be literally managed at your fingertips.

Quality of Sound and Image When it comes to quality, Archimedia will not compromise. Theirsystems have been installed in the homes of royalty, heads ofstate, audio enthusiasts and afficionados throughout the region,and only use the world’s finest audio and video equipmnent.Archimedia's brands include some of the world’s best names inaudio visual: Bowers and Wilkins, Classe, Rotel, Theta Digital,Sim2, Kaleidescape, Sonos, Nevo, Xperinet and Straight wire.

Streaming What is Streaming? Streaming is setting your media free and

archimedia.qxp 12/27/2006 1:12 PM Page 1

As home entertainment and automation technology advances and becomesincreasingly complex, it doesn’t need to be complicated to use. Today’shomes are becoming more and more luxurious and a large part of the luxurylifestyle is based on integrated home entertainment and automationsystems. These allow you to enjoy a superior audio and video experiencewherever you happen to be, with simplified control solutions that make it alleasy to use. Archimedia specializes in high end audio video and automationsystems that bring that lifestyle home.

140 Best of Dubai

Luxu

ry L

ifest

yles

Best of Dubai 141

Home Entertainment Solutions enjoying your music and movies anywhere at anytime. You don’t need DVDs towatch your movies, and you can play three different movies, in three different rooms,all off one digital source. Your music gets the same treatment - Sinatra in the livingroom, Bach in the study and Coldplay in the bedroom, and not a CD in sight.Archimedia integrates some of the industry’s most impressive technologies to delivertotally seamless control and multi – room solutions.

A Structured ProcessArchimedia is a member of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association(CEDIA), an organisation dedicated to the design and installation of residential audiovideo and control systems. Through their membership of CEDIA, Archimedia is ableto stay on top of all of the important trends in residential systems integrationtechnology. In addition, Archimedia specializes in working with consultants andinterior designers throughout the process to ensure that the result is a fully integratedsystem. Systems will be designed by a team of professionals and CAD designers will prepare working drawings for all structured wiring to be performed by the builder of electrical contractor. This ensures no need to retrofit once finishing hasbeen completed.

Already furnished your home? Archimedia has solutions that minimise the need tomake any structural changes using wireless technology and innovative cablemanagement techniques.

BRANDSBowers and Wilkins Over the past 30 years, the name Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has become synonymouswith high-fidelity loud-speakers of the finest quality, from affordable compact speakersystems to the most sophisticated, hand-crafted collector's pieces. B&W's scientistsand engineers work closely with teams from recording industry giants such as EMI,Decca and Deutsche-Grammophon and Bowers and Wilkins loudspeakers areinstalled in famous recording studios throughout the world, including the prestigiousAbbey Road Studios in London, England.

KaleidescapeWith the Kaleidescape Entertainment Server System, an elegant and intuitiveinterface lets you instantly locate and enjoy the media you want, when you want it,anywhere in your home. Because it’s extraordinarily easy to use, every member of thefamily and even your guests can enjoy their favourite movies and music throughoutthe house.

The system stores all your music and movies on a sophisticated array of digitalstorage media and allows you to stream them all over your home.

The Kaleidescape System delivers exceptional entertainment value withoutcompromise – movies and music are imported and stored at the highest qualitypossible in order to deliver the viewing and listening experience exactly as the artistintended.

ClasséClassé is Canada’s leading maker of high-performance music and home theatrecomponents. Since building their first amplifier in 1980, passion and dedication haveinspired the research that yields Classé’s outstanding no-compromise electronics. In2001, Classé became part of the B&W Group. The distribution, financial andorganizational resources offered by this leading UK-based loudspeaker manufacturerhave propelled Classé to the forefront of contemporary high-end audio design.

CrestronTotal Home Technology from Crestron streamlines and simplifies all the technology inyour home or yacht, offering the ultimate lifestyle of comfort and convenience.Crestron's award-winning Total Home Technology Solution eliminates the need towalk from room to room to adjust drapes, lights, temperature, and audio/videocomponents. Total control is always at your fingertips. With just a single touch thelights dim, the shades close, the plasma TV turns on and your favorite movie begins.All you need is the popcorn and soda. Your window treatments can be programmedto adjust at pre-set times to protect delicate fabrics and fine art from harmful directsunlight. At night, the hallway lights can be programmed to automatically illuminateas you walk by.

Tel.: +9714 337 0181 / 2www.archimedia-me.com

The possiblities are truly endless. The solutions that are now available enablesystems to be totally tailor made to enhance not only your lifestyle, but alsothe beautiful interior décor of your home.

Many customers opt for state-of-the art home cinemas, which can becustomised to meet individual tastes. Art Deco? Beaux Arts? Contemporary?Perhaps a tailor-made theme that reflects a special hobby or passion?Archimedia offers numerous control solutions such as programmable remotecontrols and touch panels that will allow you to control your entireentertainment system from practically anywhere in your home. Lighting,climate control, multi room audio and video, security and even your curtainscan be literally managed at your fingertips.

Quality of Sound and Image When it comes to quality, Archimedia will not compromise. Theirsystems have been installed in the homes of royalty, heads ofstate, audio enthusiasts and afficionados throughout the region,and only use the world’s finest audio and video equipmnent.Archimedia's brands include some of the world’s best names inaudio visual: Bowers and Wilkins, Classe, Rotel, Theta Digital,Sim2, Kaleidescape, Sonos, Nevo, Xperinet and Straight wire.

Streaming What is Streaming? Streaming is setting your media free and

archimedia.qxp 12/27/2006 1:12 PM Page 1

If you were to define Dubai in a single word, itwould most likely be ‘luxury’. Through the visionof its progressive leadership and enterprisingresidents, the emirate has spearheaded aregional drive for the development of a superiorlifestyle in a superior environment. Thecommon thread in all sectors of the emirate’sastounding economic growth is undoubtedly toprovide the best of the best.

An example is leading Dubai automotivedealer Al Habtoor Motors. Since 1983, thecompany has enjoyed a steady, upwardgrowth through exclusively offering the world’sthree most prestigious automobiles: AstonMartin, Bentley and lately the Bugatti, known tobe the fastest car on earth.

Aside from being the exclusive agent of

Japanese car manufacturing giant MitsubishiMotors, Al Habtoor Motors is an Aladdin’s cave for status and quality consciousDubaians. According to Roger Ghosn,marketing manager for Al Habtoor Motors, theowner of a prestige automobile possesses a thirst to make a statement and define himself as a connoisseur.

He explains, “I read somewhere of a young,Arab woman working an average job and yetdreaming of one day owning a V12 VanquishAston Martin (the James Bond car). Practicalconsiderations aside, chances are that herdesire will ultimately be fulfilled, because whenanyone sees this art work in motion with itsexquisite detailing, they will stop at nothing tomake it their own.”

Dreams of automotive speed and luxury areindicative of a robust economy and anincreasingly brand conscious consumer. Majorplayers such as Al Habtoor provide the meansof staking claim to success through theownership of prestigious cars that mirror theprivileged lifestyle of Dubai.

Statistically speaking, owning a car is thesecond most important investment afterpurchasing a home, and until recently was theonly large investment expatriates living inDubai were legally permitted to make. But withthe advent of freehold housing laws, Dubai’swealthy come in all shapes and sizes and‘keeping up with the Joneses’ can be taken toanother level entirely.

So who is the owner of a Bugatti asopposed to a Bentley or an Aston Martin, bothof which are in any case extremely sought -after and costly cars in themselves? “Ourbuyers comprise bank owners, CEOs,royalty…VIPs and VVIPs of all nationalities,”states Ghosn, adding, “Al Habtoor does nottarget a market segment but rather theindividual who has the means to buy an AstonMartin and Bentley. Everything is possible hereand anyone can acquire a bank loan and owneither of these cars. The big difference is theBugatti. Not everyone can own a Bugatti sonow we are even separating the prestige

cars into two different segments.”While perfectly-coiffed heads in Dubai may

still turn in appreciation of a Bentley or an Aston Martin, the spotting of a Bugatti stillinspires unabashed admiration in a town thathas seen it all.

A Bugatti owner fits a selective and specific profile. “A Bugatti owner will purchasehis or her Bugatti as a second car because youcannot drive a Bugatti every day. If you go fullspeed at 400km/h, you will get around 12minutes of drive time to the tank.” Aside fromthe engineering feat of being the world’s fastest car, equipped with a W16 airplaneengine, a Bugatti is a collector’s item. InGhosn’s words, “the prestige of owning aBugatti is truly special.”

Without disclosing the who of his clientbase, Ghosn assures us that business inDubai’s prestige sector is booming, with AlHabtoor Motors enjoying a high ratio ofreferrals. Through innovative marketingcampaigns and strategies as well as adedicated staff training programme and highconsumer satisfaction, Al Habtoor Motors has been able to enjoybetween 17 and 22 percent market growth in its automotive divisions, and has furthercemented its enviable position with thesuccessful launch of a new car every two tothree years. Since Bugatti was first introducedto the UAE market in late 2005, the phoneshaven’t stopped ringing.

Today, Al Habtoor caters to the rising needs of its privileged consumer whilesimultaneously ‘growing with the UAE’. This is a testament to Dubai’s uniqueness, and atribute to Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder of the AlHabtoor Group, who believed in the followingprinciple: “If you want to secure your future, justcreate it.” This profound lesson is not onlyfiercely followed by the staff at Al HabtoorMotors, but perfectly sums up this nation’soverall attitude and perspective.

Tel.: +9714 269 1110www.alhabtoor-motors.com

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Al Habtoor provide the means of staking claimto success through the ownership of prestigious carsthat mirror the privileged lifestyle of Dubai.

Roger Ghosn, Marketing Manager

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Bentley Flying Spur GT

Bugatti Veyron Aston Martin DB9

Driving Luxury

If you were to define Dubai in a single word, itwould most likely be ‘luxury’. Through the visionof its progressive leadership and enterprisingresidents, the emirate has spearheaded aregional drive for the development of a superiorlifestyle in a superior environment. Thecommon thread in all sectors of the emirate’sastounding economic growth is undoubtedly toprovide the best of the best.

An example is leading Dubai automotivedealer Al Habtoor Motors. Since 1983, thecompany has enjoyed a steady, upwardgrowth through exclusively offering the world’sthree most prestigious automobiles: AstonMartin, Bentley and lately the Bugatti, known tobe the fastest car on earth.

Aside from being the exclusive agent of

Japanese car manufacturing giant MitsubishiMotors, Al Habtoor Motors is an Aladdin’s cave for status and quality consciousDubaians. According to Roger Ghosn,marketing manager for Al Habtoor Motors, theowner of a prestige automobile possesses a thirst to make a statement and define himself as a connoisseur.

He explains, “I read somewhere of a young,Arab woman working an average job and yetdreaming of one day owning a V12 VanquishAston Martin (the James Bond car). Practicalconsiderations aside, chances are that herdesire will ultimately be fulfilled, because whenanyone sees this art work in motion with itsexquisite detailing, they will stop at nothing tomake it their own.”

Dreams of automotive speed and luxury areindicative of a robust economy and anincreasingly brand conscious consumer. Majorplayers such as Al Habtoor provide the meansof staking claim to success through theownership of prestigious cars that mirror theprivileged lifestyle of Dubai.

Statistically speaking, owning a car is thesecond most important investment afterpurchasing a home, and until recently was theonly large investment expatriates living inDubai were legally permitted to make. But withthe advent of freehold housing laws, Dubai’swealthy come in all shapes and sizes and‘keeping up with the Joneses’ can be taken toanother level entirely.

So who is the owner of a Bugatti asopposed to a Bentley or an Aston Martin, bothof which are in any case extremely sought -after and costly cars in themselves? “Ourbuyers comprise bank owners, CEOs,royalty…VIPs and VVIPs of all nationalities,”states Ghosn, adding, “Al Habtoor does nottarget a market segment but rather theindividual who has the means to buy an AstonMartin and Bentley. Everything is possible hereand anyone can acquire a bank loan and owneither of these cars. The big difference is theBugatti. Not everyone can own a Bugatti sonow we are even separating the prestige

cars into two different segments.”While perfectly-coiffed heads in Dubai may

still turn in appreciation of a Bentley or an Aston Martin, the spotting of a Bugatti stillinspires unabashed admiration in a town thathas seen it all.

A Bugatti owner fits a selective and specific profile. “A Bugatti owner will purchasehis or her Bugatti as a second car because youcannot drive a Bugatti every day. If you go fullspeed at 400km/h, you will get around 12minutes of drive time to the tank.” Aside fromthe engineering feat of being the world’s fastest car, equipped with a W16 airplaneengine, a Bugatti is a collector’s item. InGhosn’s words, “the prestige of owning aBugatti is truly special.”

Without disclosing the who of his clientbase, Ghosn assures us that business inDubai’s prestige sector is booming, with AlHabtoor Motors enjoying a high ratio ofreferrals. Through innovative marketingcampaigns and strategies as well as adedicated staff training programme and highconsumer satisfaction, Al Habtoor Motors has been able to enjoybetween 17 and 22 percent market growth in its automotive divisions, and has furthercemented its enviable position with thesuccessful launch of a new car every two tothree years. Since Bugatti was first introducedto the UAE market in late 2005, the phoneshaven’t stopped ringing.

Today, Al Habtoor caters to the rising needs of its privileged consumer whilesimultaneously ‘growing with the UAE’. This is a testament to Dubai’s uniqueness, and atribute to Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder of the AlHabtoor Group, who believed in the followingprinciple: “If you want to secure your future, justcreate it.” This profound lesson is not onlyfiercely followed by the staff at Al HabtoorMotors, but perfectly sums up this nation’soverall attitude and perspective.

Tel.: +9714 269 1110www.alhabtoor-motors.com

142 Best of Dubai

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Best of Dubai 143

Al Habtoor provide the means of staking claimto success through the ownership of prestigious carsthat mirror the privileged lifestyle of Dubai.

Roger Ghosn, Marketing Manager

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Bentley Flying Spur GT

Bugatti Veyron Aston Martin DB9

Driving Luxury

Magical MilesFounded in 1988, the House of Cars Group has grown tobecome one of Dubai's most prestigious luxury car dealers.With a turnover of over 250 top-end vehicles per year, the dedicated downtown showroom boasts an excellent arrayof fairly priced models in pristine condition.

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experienced Porsche techniciansworking with state-of-the-art equipmenton your vehicles.

Services Exclusive 7 Star Warranty All our cars come with an IndustryLeading 7 star warranty, exclusive to theHouse of Cars Group. House of Carsindemnifies you, our valued customeragainst loss, for both parts and labour,due to mechanical or electricalbreakdown of components specificallycovered, occurring during the validity ofyour agreement.

Car ProtectionThe naturally hot climate in the UAE is notan ideal environment for any car. Wehave joined forces with Diamond Britewho have a highly researched process,which has been developed over thirtyyears, to offer protection to your carspaintwork and to ensure your vehicleretains its showroom appearance formany years. Unlike other productsavailable in the market there is nomileage limit with the guarantee.

Auto LoansWe believe at HOC that wishes shouldnot be kept waiting. That's why our Auto Loans are designed forsimplicity and most importantly for speed. You can count on our experienceand expertise as a leading automotivegroup in the UAE to make them cometrue, with our speedy approvals, flexibleterms and special customer privileges we really do make car ownership simple and affordable.

The Missing Cover on your VehicleYou've sorted out the finance, theInsurance and even the registration, butthere's one more thing you need toconsider, GAP Plus Finance Protection.It's easy and inexpensive and thebenefits are huge, it protects yourinvestment for up to 3 years, settlesoutstanding finance and helps to put you back in a position to replace yourvehicle on a like to like basis.

Car InsuranceTogether we're stronger, now you havechosen your car let us help you chooseyour car insurance and make thenecessary arrangements on your behalf. When we get the insurance foryour new vehicle you can be sure we'llbe there for you whenever you need us.Our partners in Insurance pridethemselves on their claims service,should you ever need to make one, that is. They promise to give you qualitycover and to deal with your claimspeedily and efficiently.

BodyshopAt our X-Centre facility you will find theGroups accident & body repair centre.Unfortunately at some time or anothermost of us are involved in that smallbump, crunch or even worse. We willtake all the hassle and handle allcorrespondence and repair your car inour first class bodyshop to it's originalcondition and get you back on the roadin no time at all.

Tel.: +9714 343 5060www.houseofcarsgroup.com

Craig Johnson tells the story...

The House of Cars Group (HOC) wasfounded in 1998 and has built up to beprobably the most enthusiastic motorbusiness today in Dubai. Each of the 80 loyal and committedemployees are proud of our group’sservices, sales and after sales. Tocomplement our Group's customerservices, we have our own independentPorsche Garage and BMW ServiceCentre.

These proudly boast outstandingvalue for money and superb qualityacross a full range of vehicles, plus fullbody or accident repair including vehicleenhancement facilities, available for allour customers.

The X Service CentreThe X Service Centre is the firstprofessional independent BMW ServiceCentre in Dubai. We offer you thatpersonal touch. As BMW specialists weunderstand BMW drivers as well as othermarques and that's why we'll have youback in the drivers seat in the time ittakes for you to enjoy a hot cappuccinoin our air conditioned comfortablewaiting area, while our techniciansservice your vehicle on the other side ofthe glass in the spotless hi-techworkshop.

House of Cars Porsche Garage Our Porsche garage is arguably thefinest independent specialist PorscheService Centre in the UAE with

Best of Dubai 145

Our Porsche garage is arguably the finestindependent specialist Porsche Service

Centre in the UAE with experiencedPorsche technicians working with stateof the art equipment on your vehicles.

Craig Johnson, Owner and Motorsportsenthusiast. Member of theAutomobile and TowingClub, UAE

House of Cars.qxp 12/28/2006 4:09 PM Page 1

Magical MilesFounded in 1988, the House of Cars Group has grown tobecome one of Dubai's most prestigious luxury car dealers.With a turnover of over 250 top-end vehicles per year, the dedicated downtown showroom boasts an excellent arrayof fairly priced models in pristine condition.

144 Best of Dubai

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experienced Porsche techniciansworking with state-of-the-art equipmenton your vehicles.

Services Exclusive 7 Star Warranty All our cars come with an IndustryLeading 7 star warranty, exclusive to theHouse of Cars Group. House of Carsindemnifies you, our valued customeragainst loss, for both parts and labour,due to mechanical or electricalbreakdown of components specificallycovered, occurring during the validity ofyour agreement.

Car ProtectionThe naturally hot climate in the UAE is notan ideal environment for any car. Wehave joined forces with Diamond Britewho have a highly researched process,which has been developed over thirtyyears, to offer protection to your carspaintwork and to ensure your vehicleretains its showroom appearance formany years. Unlike other productsavailable in the market there is nomileage limit with the guarantee.

Auto LoansWe believe at HOC that wishes shouldnot be kept waiting. That's why our Auto Loans are designed forsimplicity and most importantly for speed. You can count on our experienceand expertise as a leading automotivegroup in the UAE to make them cometrue, with our speedy approvals, flexibleterms and special customer privileges we really do make car ownership simple and affordable.

The Missing Cover on your VehicleYou've sorted out the finance, theInsurance and even the registration, butthere's one more thing you need toconsider, GAP Plus Finance Protection.It's easy and inexpensive and thebenefits are huge, it protects yourinvestment for up to 3 years, settlesoutstanding finance and helps to put you back in a position to replace yourvehicle on a like to like basis.

Car InsuranceTogether we're stronger, now you havechosen your car let us help you chooseyour car insurance and make thenecessary arrangements on your behalf. When we get the insurance foryour new vehicle you can be sure we'llbe there for you whenever you need us.Our partners in Insurance pridethemselves on their claims service,should you ever need to make one, that is. They promise to give you qualitycover and to deal with your claimspeedily and efficiently.

BodyshopAt our X-Centre facility you will find theGroups accident & body repair centre.Unfortunately at some time or anothermost of us are involved in that smallbump, crunch or even worse. We willtake all the hassle and handle allcorrespondence and repair your car inour first class bodyshop to it's originalcondition and get you back on the roadin no time at all.

Tel.: +9714 343 5060www.houseofcarsgroup.com

Craig Johnson tells the story...

The House of Cars Group (HOC) wasfounded in 1998 and has built up to beprobably the most enthusiastic motorbusiness today in Dubai. Each of the 80 loyal and committedemployees are proud of our group’sservices, sales and after sales. Tocomplement our Group's customerservices, we have our own independentPorsche Garage and BMW ServiceCentre.

These proudly boast outstandingvalue for money and superb qualityacross a full range of vehicles, plus fullbody or accident repair including vehicleenhancement facilities, available for allour customers.

The X Service CentreThe X Service Centre is the firstprofessional independent BMW ServiceCentre in Dubai. We offer you thatpersonal touch. As BMW specialists weunderstand BMW drivers as well as othermarques and that's why we'll have youback in the drivers seat in the time ittakes for you to enjoy a hot cappuccinoin our air conditioned comfortablewaiting area, while our techniciansservice your vehicle on the other side ofthe glass in the spotless hi-techworkshop.

House of Cars Porsche Garage Our Porsche garage is arguably thefinest independent specialist PorscheService Centre in the UAE with

Best of Dubai 145

Our Porsche garage is arguably the finestindependent specialist Porsche Service

Centre in the UAE with experiencedPorsche technicians working with stateof the art equipment on your vehicles.

Craig Johnson, Owner and Motorsportsenthusiast. Member of theAutomobile and TowingClub, UAE

House of Cars.qxp 12/28/2006 4:09 PM Page 1

Leisure Marine Middle East & Leisure Marine ChartersSince new marina developments will increase berth capacity by an estimated 4,500 within the next 18months, the growing infrastructure is laying the foundations for a new leisure industry to come to life.Whether you wish to purchase a vessel or hire one for the weekend, as the sole agents for Princess andLarson in the region, Leisure Marine Middle East can cater to your needs. Joining forces with LeisureMarine Charters, together they are servicing the rise in boating interests. "Our corporate philosophy is tooffer boat owners an enjoyable and hassle free yachting experience by anticipating their expectations andfulfilling their needs - throughout all aspects of boat ownership and usage" explains Mr. Sam QubrosiManaging Director.

If you are not ready to take the plunge and purchase your own vessel, chartering one is the next bestthing. Departing from the prestigious Dubai Golf and Creek Club, one of LMC's spectacular yachts cantake you for leisurely cruise along the coast; stopping for a refreshing swim in the beautiful Gulf watersalong the way, or perhaps an overnight trip to neighbouring Oman will suit a more special occasion.Whether your journey is short or long, you will be accompanied by a team of highly skilled crew who havecollectively sailed over 60,000 nautical miles, and you will experience a luxury service second to none.

Founded in 1965 as Marine Projects Ltd in Plymouth, PYI has earned its world class reputation byintroducing over 80 exceptional model lines into the market. Now, as one of the most respected names inthe marine industry, they remain as firmly committed to creating some of the world's most exciting hand-built motor yachts as they were to making their mark in the industry all those years ago. The entirePrincess Yacht model collection, from the charming 42ft to the magnificent 90ft yacht, is available to thosewho are as passionate about yachts as Leisure Marine Middle East is.

Founded in 1913 on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Paul Larson discovered the art of boat building, and a legend was born. Larson now offers 24 models to seafaring enthusiasts. Using only the highest-grade materials, Larson combine the most advanced technology with the same age olddedication to craftsmanship, quality, and honest value that Paul Larson had when he was buildingwooden boats. Attracting a younger, sportier audience, Larson boats are a hit with water sport enthusiastsand the young at heart.

Tel.: +9714 338 8604 (LMME)Tel.: +9714 355 1703 (LMC)www.leisuremarine-me.com

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When the best inyachts reflects the

best in innovation andluxury lifestyles

With approximately 60,000 properties being built in the ‘New Dubai’ thatnestles along the coast of the Gulf, the emirate's nascent leisure sailingand yachting industry is taking shape. With budding enthusiasts takingto the water and setting sail towards luxury lifestyle pursuits, Dubai'scenturies-old seafaring traditions are being rediscovered.

Cresting the Waves

1 LMME - C.qxp 12/28/2006 4:48 PM Page 1

Leisure Marine Middle East & Leisure Marine ChartersSince new marina developments will increase berth capacity by an estimated 4,500 within the next 18months, the growing infrastructure is laying the foundations for a new leisure industry to come to life.Whether you wish to purchase a vessel or hire one for the weekend, as the sole agents for Princess andLarson in the region, Leisure Marine Middle East can cater to your needs. Joining forces with LeisureMarine Charters, together they are servicing the rise in boating interests. "Our corporate philosophy is tooffer boat owners an enjoyable and hassle free yachting experience by anticipating their expectations andfulfilling their needs - throughout all aspects of boat ownership and usage" explains Mr. Sam QubrosiManaging Director.

If you are not ready to take the plunge and purchase your own vessel, chartering one is the next bestthing. Departing from the prestigious Dubai Golf and Creek Club, one of LMC's spectacular yachts cantake you for leisurely cruise along the coast; stopping for a refreshing swim in the beautiful Gulf watersalong the way, or perhaps an overnight trip to neighbouring Oman will suit a more special occasion.Whether your journey is short or long, you will be accompanied by a team of highly skilled crew who havecollectively sailed over 60,000 nautical miles, and you will experience a luxury service second to none.

Founded in 1965 as Marine Projects Ltd in Plymouth, PYI has earned its world class reputation byintroducing over 80 exceptional model lines into the market. Now, as one of the most respected names inthe marine industry, they remain as firmly committed to creating some of the world's most exciting hand-built motor yachts as they were to making their mark in the industry all those years ago. The entirePrincess Yacht model collection, from the charming 42ft to the magnificent 90ft yacht, is available to thosewho are as passionate about yachts as Leisure Marine Middle East is.

Founded in 1913 on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Paul Larson discovered the art of boat building, and a legend was born. Larson now offers 24 models to seafaring enthusiasts. Using only the highest-grade materials, Larson combine the most advanced technology with the same age olddedication to craftsmanship, quality, and honest value that Paul Larson had when he was buildingwooden boats. Attracting a younger, sportier audience, Larson boats are a hit with water sport enthusiastsand the young at heart.

Tel.: +9714 338 8604 (LMME)Tel.: +9714 355 1703 (LMC)www.leisuremarine-me.com

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Best of Dubai 147

When the best inyachts reflects the

best in innovation andluxury lifestyles

With approximately 60,000 properties being built in the ‘New Dubai’ thatnestles along the coast of the Gulf, the emirate's nascent leisure sailingand yachting industry is taking shape. With budding enthusiasts takingto the water and setting sail towards luxury lifestyle pursuits, Dubai'scenturies-old seafaring traditions are being rediscovered.

Cresting the Waves

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yles Intelligent Homes – The Home Automation People

One way to customize the home is through an “intelligent” wiring designwith multi-room entertainment systems, comprehensive audio andvideo designs, interior and exterior lighting, and even curtains andsecurity that can be controlled from one simple central panel.

Intelligent Homes, a CEDIA member since 2002, is a leading customelectronic installation company in Dubai. Since its inception, thecompany has secured a place within the UAE as one of the marketleaders in the field of home automation through its offerings of thehigh-end Crestron and Opus control systems. The company recentlysecured installation contracts at the Palm Jumeirah within the Oceana and Tiara apartments, and its fully-trained programmers andengineers have installed many systems in Emirates Hills and otherDubai suburbs.

• Intelligent Homes are the preferred dealers of both CRESTRON & OPUS.

• Intelligent Homes are exclusive agents for complimentary products like Phase Technology and Waterfall speakers.

• Intelligent Homes have good business compatibility with renowned brands in audio-visual and lighting and security systems to provide customers with the most comprehensive system possiblewithin their budget.

• Intelligent Homes have demonstration rooms showcasing theirautomation systems to give the clients a glimpse of what ispossible.

Tel.: +9714 343 3960 Email: [email protected]

As the saying goes, “a man’s home is his castle,” and with theinduction of the new Dubai Property Law, more and more consumerswill be locking to fix up their newly-bought “castles” in style.

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Living à la carte Living à la carte : 3) Waking up to tropical bird song.Is the beauty of exotic locations calling you? Our global portfolio of elite residences, hotels and resorts will give wings to your dreams of living in luxury.

UAE Toll Free T: 800 4322 Dubai T: + 971 4 391 2022E: [email protected]

Kuwait T: + 965 249 0218www.ifahotelsresorts.com

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Affordable LuxuryNo longer restricted to the very rich or the very lucky , morecomprehensive options and added flexibility means thatpartaking in a luxury leisure lifestyle is now possible forincreasingly larger segments of consumers across continents.

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"Luxury means top end in all aspects", says WernerBurger, President and COO IFA Hotels & Resorts(IFA HR). "We choose unique and exotic locationsand then take into account what the luxury marketrequires. We look at the environment, the lifestyleand needs of the visitor, the design ethos, the detailof the resort layout and strive to make sure that whatwe envisage becomes a reality. All of our resortsreflect a new and accessible definition of luxury."

By planning resorts holistically and discoveringways to incorporate the ideal service and facilities,IFA HR has developed a reputation as a leadingprovider of luxury resorts and accommodation. Thishas seen the Kuwait-based company taking a giantleap forward with some of its most ambitiousprojects to date - projects that define an entirelynew level of sumptuousness.

While products such as IFA Travel & Tourism, IFALifestyle Membership Clubs and IFA VacationOwnership have added gloss to the IFA HRportfolio, for unadulterated grandeur, then it is theIFA Yacht Ownership Club that stands out abovethe rest.

The IFA Yacht Ownership Club is designed andcrafted for the bold, the discerning and the self-assured. The IFA Yacht Ownership Club is for thosewho understand the difference between aninvestment and an expense, with membershipproviding all the facilities of a five-star hotel in astunning fleet of luxury vessels.

Thanks to the 21st century business modelemployed by the IFA Yacht Ownership Club, owninga magnificent sailing vessel has been madepossible at a fraction of the traditional cost. Being amember of the IFA Yacht Ownership Club alsoensures the availability of a personal, fully crewedand maintained fleet too.

Guaranteeing only the most comfortable journeyto the most exotic locations, the club has invested ina high-tech fleet, moorings and berths at selectdestinations in the Middle East and Europe. Withmore global destinations being added and furtherenhanced membership options too, value for moneydoes not come at the cost of elite service andfacilities.

In contrast to the IFA Yacht Ownership Club, IFAHR provides total rest and relaxation for thelandlubber with their mixed-use resorts of the

Best of Dubai 151

highest order. These provide holidaymakers with the perfect retreat, and homeowners withquality accommodation accompanied by all the added extras of a five star resort. Eventhough IFA HR entrusts the management of these facilities to top international hoteloperators, the company still maintains a close bond with its investment. "We provide aluxury development", states Burger, "and then stay on hand to see that the standards aremaintained, which boosts investor confidence and enables us to keep the 'top end' luxuryaspects of our initial concept in place."

The IFA HR ambition for linking resorts across the globe has meant the traveller now hasaccess to luxury accommodation in locations that include Lebanon (Alabadiyah Hills andFour Seasons Hotel Beirut), Portugal (Sheraton Algarve Hotel and Pine Cliffs Resort), SouthAfrica (Zimbali Coastal Resort, Zimbali Lodge, The Fairmont Zimbali and BoschendalLimited), Kenya (Lonrho Hotels), Zanzibar (Movenpick Resort and Spa) and the UnitedKingdom (YOtel). Just as they have done in Dubai, IFA HR have established a reputationfor providing luxurious resort and residential housing in a tranquil environment in theselocations. Plans are currently underway to expand this reach into markets such as theUnited States, Mauritius, Eastern Europe and the Far East. This will offer investors andtourists access to world class facilities through a network of hotels, residential resorts,vacation and residence club destinations across the globe.

With the stresses and strains of modern living a constant struggle against the pressuresof staying on top, everyone deserves a break. Earning the right to be pampered, therefore,is a must. Whether yachting, or enjoying a resort lifestyle, IFA HR provides exclusive levelsof indulgence while still managing to remain assessable and convenient.

Tel.: +9714 391 2022www.ifahotelsresorts.com


CHAPTER 9Design & Interiors

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".

Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter, sculptor, engineer and architect

CHAPTER 9Design & Interiors

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".


An apt parallel for the speed of growthand change in Dubai, in the region andin the world overall. The popularity of thisbrand that has taken shape by way of athree-store franchise operation calledThe Living Zone which includes Bombay and Zone in Mercato, Mall ofthe Emirates and Wafi City respectively,has indicated the receptiveness of the market for all home products that are innovative, good quality andfairly priced.

For Shirin Abdulrazak speaking onbehalf of her partners, this sense isepitomised in the creation andmeticulous sourcing of their uniqueproducts. Ideal for every homeenvironment, the Danish global brandZone coins areas such as: Foodzone,livingzone, personalzone and workzone.They are more than quirky monikers.They represent the typically northernEuropean utilitarian design ethos thateverything is made for a reason,creating an entire 'feel' for a home thateschews frivolity without eradicating theelement of 'fun'.

In Zone we see clean lines; anabundance of chrome, glass and mutedtones does not equate to minimalistsameness. On the contrary, browsingthrough the Zone stock is a refreshingsurprise, you get to see useful every dayhome items reinvented with a zest thatopens up a world of endlesspossibilities. Without needing to rely ongimmicks, the cooking and table ware,bathroom accessories, towels as well asspace saving devices like hangers,trolleys represent totally useful bit and bobs that are ideal for both yourselfand guests.

'On the other hand shopping atBombay is a journey to the heart of thehome'. Bombay International with itsheadquarters in Texas USA, designsand sources its own proprietary homefurnishings through an overseas networkof contract factories and agents,resulting in a unique, fashion-focusedproduct line.

Despite the retail frenzy prevalent inDubai, one walks into shops here insearch of a retail pick-me-up and oftenfind yourself walking out empty handed.This is not the case when enteringBombay. It is a veritable treasure trovesuited to any budget, need or mood.

"These shops are all about inspiration

A World in Motion'Time is not standing still. It is constantly moving. Thechallenge lies in catching the moment. The momentwhere everything makes sense'.

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and freedom in a non-intimidating atmosphere", Shirin says.Perfect for all shoppers, from their signature Colonial-inspired four poster beds, matching occasional furniture andbedding, to exquisitely finished desks, accompanyingaccoutrements and lighting solutions - the varied periodelegance that is somehow never passe, takes a hold of you.I guarantee that it is impossible not to trawl around Bombay in a semi-trance visualising how the endlesspurchase possibilities can somehow make your life easierand more beautiful.

As the chain expands with over 500 stores worldwide, the Dubai owners are participating in this growth.

When Shirin and her partners brought this chain to theMiddle East in 2002 their affordable, practical and innovativerange was invigorating. "I loved it and given the brand'sgrowing popularity in Dubai, I predicted rightly then that itwould be an enduring relationship", she says.

Now that the emirate has opened the floodgates to bothtourism on a mass scale and freehold residential ownershipfor foreigners, there is a fresh interest in home productstores. Go to any local mall and the dedicated outlets in this category abound. It is the same at The Living Zone.Here, visitors can pick up items convenient to take home as gifts and residents who pop in are quicklyenveloped by new shapes and combinations of materials that rapidly transform any seemingly mundaneitem into an essential 'must-have'. “We appreciate both Zone and Bombay's creation of products in-house, butalso their expansive global strategy, We love goodcraftsmanship, I respect creativity. But above all The Living Zone is happy bringing value and beauty intopeople's homes.”

Wafi City Tel: + 9714 324 5255Mercato Mall: + 9714 344 5994Mall of the Emirates: + 9714 341 1220www.livingzone.ae

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An apt parallel for the speed of growthand change in Dubai, in the region andin the world overall. The popularity of thisbrand that has taken shape by way of athree-store franchise operation calledThe Living Zone which includes Bombay and Zone in Mercato, Mall ofthe Emirates and Wafi City respectively,has indicated the receptiveness of the market for all home products that are innovative, good quality andfairly priced.

For Shirin Abdulrazak speaking onbehalf of her partners, this sense isepitomised in the creation andmeticulous sourcing of their uniqueproducts. Ideal for every homeenvironment, the Danish global brandZone coins areas such as: Foodzone,livingzone, personalzone and workzone.They are more than quirky monikers.They represent the typically northernEuropean utilitarian design ethos thateverything is made for a reason,creating an entire 'feel' for a home thateschews frivolity without eradicating theelement of 'fun'.

In Zone we see clean lines; anabundance of chrome, glass and mutedtones does not equate to minimalistsameness. On the contrary, browsingthrough the Zone stock is a refreshingsurprise, you get to see useful every dayhome items reinvented with a zest thatopens up a world of endlesspossibilities. Without needing to rely ongimmicks, the cooking and table ware,bathroom accessories, towels as well asspace saving devices like hangers,trolleys represent totally useful bit and bobs that are ideal for both yourselfand guests.

'On the other hand shopping atBombay is a journey to the heart of thehome'. Bombay International with itsheadquarters in Texas USA, designsand sources its own proprietary homefurnishings through an overseas networkof contract factories and agents,resulting in a unique, fashion-focusedproduct line.

Despite the retail frenzy prevalent inDubai, one walks into shops here insearch of a retail pick-me-up and oftenfind yourself walking out empty handed.This is not the case when enteringBombay. It is a veritable treasure trovesuited to any budget, need or mood.

"These shops are all about inspiration

A World in Motion'Time is not standing still. It is constantly moving. Thechallenge lies in catching the moment. The momentwhere everything makes sense'.

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and freedom in a non-intimidating atmosphere", Shirin says.Perfect for all shoppers, from their signature Colonial-inspired four poster beds, matching occasional furniture andbedding, to exquisitely finished desks, accompanyingaccoutrements and lighting solutions - the varied periodelegance that is somehow never passe, takes a hold of you.I guarantee that it is impossible not to trawl around Bombay in a semi-trance visualising how the endlesspurchase possibilities can somehow make your life easierand more beautiful.

As the chain expands with over 500 stores worldwide, the Dubai owners are participating in this growth.

When Shirin and her partners brought this chain to theMiddle East in 2002 their affordable, practical and innovativerange was invigorating. "I loved it and given the brand'sgrowing popularity in Dubai, I predicted rightly then that itwould be an enduring relationship", she says.

Now that the emirate has opened the floodgates to bothtourism on a mass scale and freehold residential ownershipfor foreigners, there is a fresh interest in home productstores. Go to any local mall and the dedicated outlets in this category abound. It is the same at The Living Zone.Here, visitors can pick up items convenient to take home as gifts and residents who pop in are quicklyenveloped by new shapes and combinations of materials that rapidly transform any seemingly mundaneitem into an essential 'must-have'. “We appreciate both Zone and Bombay's creation of products in-house, butalso their expansive global strategy, We love goodcraftsmanship, I respect creativity. But above all The Living Zone is happy bringing value and beauty intopeople's homes.”

Wafi City Tel: + 9714 324 5255Mercato Mall: + 9714 344 5994Mall of the Emirates: + 9714 341 1220www.livingzone.ae

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Design Retreat

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand,there is no Art."

Leonardo da Vinci

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With an artistic luminary such as da Vinci as the inspiration behind their missionstatement, Venetian Inter Décor delivers creativity to transform the emptycanvas of homes and offices into the ideal space.

A dream-child of the Time Machine Group, Venetian Inter Décor caters toclassical and modern style residences, boutique stores, retail outlets, spas andsalons, as well as corporate projects, restaurants and hotels. This new agedécor and project management entity encompasses a design house, a fullyfledged manufacturing unit, state-of-the art technology and an exclusiveclassical showroom showcasing international brands.

Whether commercial or residential, Venetian Inter Décor's dynamic team isequally adept at responding to specific requirements. This involvement extendsfrom preliminary concepts right through to the actual production and execution.Customers are guided through the entire process of design and materialselection, along with inputs on customized furniture, carpets, fixtures,upholstery, linen and detailed accessories, while the extensive portfolio ofdesigns and special finishes includes thematic murals, intricate woodencarving and sculptures and architectural glass design.

The synchronized merger of engineering and art is what makes VenetianInter Décor special, and an emerging market leader. Since its inception in2004, Venetian Inter Décor has gradually developed into a multi-faceted interiordesign organization comprising different divisions - Design, Contracts andManufacturing - handling key aspects of turnkey projects.

The design division ensures each style is unique and each setting defines itstrue purpose, while the contract team ensures the workflow is smooth and thefinal project exceeds customer satisfaction. The manufacturing division, on theother hand, provides both soft furnishing and joinery solutions to provide theuniqueness and quality only available from proper handcrafting.

Embodying the spirit of this talented international team, Venetian InterDécor's work reflects the essence of the esteemed clientele. Inspired by theelegant, classical French and Italian designers and reminiscent of the VictorianEra, the team at Venetian Inter Décor create interior masterpieces - anamalgamation of the warmth of Arabic culture with a touch of French elegance.A unique showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road also showcases French and Italiandécor, timeless furniture classics, intricate carvings and ethnic rustic lines. Each setting, though different, carries the signature of superior creations andintrinsic style.

Young at heart and eager in spirit, Venetian Inter Décor aims to bepositioned at the forefront of this industry by combining creative design styleswith a radically thorough approach to execution. In achieving this, the companyensures quality custom interiors, whether for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom ora unique piece for any part of the house or retail outlet, at affordable prices.

Tel.: +9714 339 3330www.venetian-interdecor.com

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Design Retreat

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand,there is no Art."

Leonardo da Vinci

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With an artistic luminary such as da Vinci as the inspiration behind their missionstatement, Venetian Inter Décor delivers creativity to transform the emptycanvas of homes and offices into the ideal space.

A dream-child of the Time Machine Group, Venetian Inter Décor caters toclassical and modern style residences, boutique stores, retail outlets, spas andsalons, as well as corporate projects, restaurants and hotels. This new agedécor and project management entity encompasses a design house, a fullyfledged manufacturing unit, state-of-the art technology and an exclusiveclassical showroom showcasing international brands.

Whether commercial or residential, Venetian Inter Décor's dynamic team isequally adept at responding to specific requirements. This involvement extendsfrom preliminary concepts right through to the actual production and execution.Customers are guided through the entire process of design and materialselection, along with inputs on customized furniture, carpets, fixtures,upholstery, linen and detailed accessories, while the extensive portfolio ofdesigns and special finishes includes thematic murals, intricate woodencarving and sculptures and architectural glass design.

The synchronized merger of engineering and art is what makes VenetianInter Décor special, and an emerging market leader. Since its inception in2004, Venetian Inter Décor has gradually developed into a multi-faceted interiordesign organization comprising different divisions - Design, Contracts andManufacturing - handling key aspects of turnkey projects.

The design division ensures each style is unique and each setting defines itstrue purpose, while the contract team ensures the workflow is smooth and thefinal project exceeds customer satisfaction. The manufacturing division, on theother hand, provides both soft furnishing and joinery solutions to provide theuniqueness and quality only available from proper handcrafting.

Embodying the spirit of this talented international team, Venetian InterDécor's work reflects the essence of the esteemed clientele. Inspired by theelegant, classical French and Italian designers and reminiscent of the VictorianEra, the team at Venetian Inter Décor create interior masterpieces - anamalgamation of the warmth of Arabic culture with a touch of French elegance.A unique showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road also showcases French and Italiandécor, timeless furniture classics, intricate carvings and ethnic rustic lines. Each setting, though different, carries the signature of superior creations andintrinsic style.

Young at heart and eager in spirit, Venetian Inter Décor aims to bepositioned at the forefront of this industry by combining creative design styleswith a radically thorough approach to execution. In achieving this, the companyensures quality custom interiors, whether for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom ora unique piece for any part of the house or retail outlet, at affordable prices.

Tel.: +9714 339 3330www.venetian-interdecor.com

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83 Best of Dubai

Emtex's works of art are found in all the public areas of theworld's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful,their signature pieces are partly responsible for Emtex's catapultinto the international market place.

Opulent Flooring

CCaarrppeettiinngg tthhee JJuummeeiirraahh BBuurrjj AAll AArraabb

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83 Best of Dubai

Emtex's works of art are found in all the public areas of theworld's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful,their signature pieces are partly responsible for Emtex's catapultinto the international market place.

Opulent Flooring

CCaarrppeettiinngg tthhee JJuummeeiirraahh BBuurrjj AAll AArraabb

Best of Dubai 161

In tandem with most Gulf states, oil-basedrevenues have traditionally dominated theeconomic sector. However the U.A.E. andparticularly Dubai has pursued an enlightenedstrategy based on economic diversification,notably into financial services, tourism andmanufacturing. Emtex, a manufacturer of pureNew Zealand wool hand tufted carpets is aperfect example of the ideal company theemirate wants to see flourish.

Established in 1993 as the first hand tuftedcarpet factory in the region, Emtex have hadthe privilege to be involved in some of the mostprestigious projects carried out throughout theGCC and Middle East, with projects completedas far a field as in France, UK and US.

In interior design terms, opulent floorings -either carpets or rugs - are as essential as theicing on a cake, and along with fine upholsteryand curtains they represent the final designaccoutrements to any well appointed space. Itis for these reasons that the carpet designers atEmtex work extensively with some of the world’sleading Interior Designers to develop carpetpatterns to suit the individual needs of their VIPclients. With customisation and convenience ascore priorities, hand crafted carpet samples areprovided free-of-charge usually within 48 hoursof receiving approved design with colourdetails given so as to make the interiordesigner’s life easier. Once the samples areapproved, 100 per cent Pure New ZealandWool dyed in customised colours are orderedfrom Emtex’s overseas suppliers.

Prior to the yarn arriving at the factory, artists

prepare the canvas which is stretched onto thetufting frame. Teams of skilled hand tufters thenbegin the process of tufting the carpet design,colour by colour and shape by shape, usingcustom coloured yarns until the wholedesignated area is accurately and completelycovered with woolen tufts.

Once the tufting process is completed, thecarpet is latexed with a secondary backing andthen transferred to the finishing section wherethe skilled process of cropping , shearing andcarving is carried out by hand, ensuring that thecarpet is finished perfectly smooth and that thedesign areas are perfectly embossed to meetthe quality expectations of individual clients.

Emtex's works of art are found in all thepublic areas of the world's most luxurious hotel,the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful, theirsignature pieces are partly responsible forEmtex's catapult into the international market place. Elevating carpet design to a rare art, connoisseurs understand theunique mix of artistry and quality when they see an Emtex carpet. With the proliferation ofmore luxury hotels and palaces in the pipeline,Emtex is clearly on a magic carpet ride toglobal success.

Tel.: +9714 881 5662www.emtexcarpet.com

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Emtex carpets in the Burj Al Arab


In tandem with most Gulf states, oil-basedrevenues have traditionally dominated theeconomic sector. However the U.A.E. andparticularly Dubai has pursued an enlightenedstrategy based on economic diversification,notably into financial services, tourism andmanufacturing. Emtex, a manufacturer of pureNew Zealand wool hand tufted carpets is aperfect example of the ideal company theemirate wants to see flourish.

Established in 1993 as the first hand tuftedcarpet factory in the region, Emtex have hadthe privilege to be involved in some of the mostprestigious projects carried out throughout theGCC and Middle East, with projects completedas far a field as in France, UK and US.

In interior design terms, opulent floorings -either carpets or rugs - are as essential as theicing on a cake, and along with fine upholsteryand curtains they represent the final designaccoutrements to any well appointed space. Itis for these reasons that the carpet designers atEmtex work extensively with some of the world’sleading Interior Designers to develop carpetpatterns to suit the individual needs of their VIPclients. With customisation and convenience ascore priorities, hand crafted carpet samples areprovided free-of-charge usually within 48 hoursof receiving approved design with colourdetails given so as to make the interiordesigner’s life easier. Once the samples areapproved, 100 per cent Pure New ZealandWool dyed in customised colours are orderedfrom Emtex’s overseas suppliers.

Prior to the yarn arriving at the factory, artists

prepare the canvas which is stretched onto thetufting frame. Teams of skilled hand tufters thenbegin the process of tufting the carpet design,colour by colour and shape by shape, usingcustom coloured yarns until the wholedesignated area is accurately and completelycovered with woolen tufts.

Once the tufting process is completed, thecarpet is latexed with a secondary backing andthen transferred to the finishing section wherethe skilled process of cropping , shearing andcarving is carried out by hand, ensuring that thecarpet is finished perfectly smooth and that thedesign areas are perfectly embossed to meetthe quality expectations of individual clients.

Emtex's works of art are found in all thepublic areas of the world's most luxurious hotel,the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful, theirsignature pieces are partly responsible forEmtex's catapult into the international market place. Elevating carpet design to a rare art, connoisseurs understand theunique mix of artistry and quality when they see an Emtex carpet. With the proliferation ofmore luxury hotels and palaces in the pipeline,Emtex is clearly on a magic carpet ride toglobal success.

Tel.: +9714 881 5662www.emtexcarpet.com

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Emtex carpets in the Burj Al Arab


CHAPTER 10Health & Beauty

"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything."

Arabic proverb,Anonymous

Courtesy of Jumeirah Group

CHAPTER 10Health & Beauty

"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything."

Arabic proverb,Anonymous

Courtesy of Jumeirah Group

Forever Care

The American Hospital Dubai provides quality, cost effective, Americanstandard healthcare to meet the needs of Dubai and the surrounding Gulfstates through comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary careservices on an inpatient, outpatient and referral basis.

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Each year almost half a billion dollars is pumped into the UAE’s Healthcaresystem, and the public and private facilities available to the nation’s residentsboast the latest in technology, resources and professional expertise.

This was not always the case. Up until a decade ago, healthcare in the UAEwas limited to a handful of respectable but over-populated government-runpublic hospitals and clinics. As the population grew to 1.2 million, so did thedemand for Western-equivalent medicine on par with International, namelyAmerican, standards.

Ask anyone in town to name the best hospital in Dubai, and the answerwould be the American Hospital Dubai. A landmark in the city, The AmericanHospital Dubai (AHD), a 143 bed acute care, general medical / surgical hospitalwas established in 1996 and has proven itself to be a leader among private and medical centers in the Emirate. The Hospital was planned, designed, builtand equipped to meet American Standards of Healthcare. The hospital operates to these standards and all its physicians are North American BoardCertified or of equivalent Western training programs, such as those in the UnitedStates, the United Kingdom and Canada. Catering to quality medicine, AHD isthe first hospital in the Middle East to be accredited by the Joint CommissionInternational Accreditation (JCIA); a subsidiary of the United States based JointCommission on Accreditation of Healthcare organizations (JCAHO).

This pioneering initiative has not only eased the worries of Dubai’s residents,it has also heralded the creation of a thriving health industry. Projects such as theUS$ 1.8 billion Dubai Healthcare City – the strategic vision of General SheikhMohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE,Ruler of Dubai– seek to strengthen Dubai as a global hub for specializedhealthcare and a center for medical education and research. The spearhead forall of this was AHD. Despite the expensive mandate, “AHD is committed toprovide American Standard Healthcare with the highest quality of patient care”,says Michael French, CEO.

Eliminating the need to travel abroad for treatment, AHD continued toexpand its facilities to include an 180,000 square foot Outpatient MedicalBuilding, to enable the continued expansion of physician specialties, which wasopened in September 2006. He adds, “We remain committed to our continuousinvestment in new technologies, services and American Board Certified orequivalent standard Physicians.”

AHD is a leader in primary and secondary programs that have beenexpanded into the more complex tertiary programs such as the newlyestablished Cancer Care Center, as well its Heart Center, offering the completespectrum of cardiac care from Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and theBeating Heart Cardiothoracic surgery. This is in addition to the well establishedTotal Joint Replacement and Diabetes Centers.

The AHD Total Joint Replacement Center is the first of its kind in the MiddleEast and the fourth worldwide after similar centers in Holland, Spain and Britain.Dr. Samih Tarabichi, the Center’s Director has performed over 4000 jointreplacements and holds two surgical patents used in knee joint replacement.

With a dedicated approach to improving services, “We expect to see morehospitals seeking international accreditations and investment in newertechnologies and expertise”, remarks French.

Tel.: +9714 336 7777www.ahdubai.com

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Forever Care

The American Hospital Dubai provides quality, cost effective, Americanstandard healthcare to meet the needs of Dubai and the surrounding Gulfstates through comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary careservices on an inpatient, outpatient and referral basis.

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Each year almost half a billion dollars is pumped into the UAE’s Healthcaresystem, and the public and private facilities available to the nation’s residentsboast the latest in technology, resources and professional expertise.

This was not always the case. Up until a decade ago, healthcare in the UAEwas limited to a handful of respectable but over-populated government-runpublic hospitals and clinics. As the population grew to 1.2 million, so did thedemand for Western-equivalent medicine on par with International, namelyAmerican, standards.

Ask anyone in town to name the best hospital in Dubai, and the answerwould be the American Hospital Dubai. A landmark in the city, The AmericanHospital Dubai (AHD), a 143 bed acute care, general medical / surgical hospitalwas established in 1996 and has proven itself to be a leader among private and medical centers in the Emirate. The Hospital was planned, designed, builtand equipped to meet American Standards of Healthcare. The hospital operates to these standards and all its physicians are North American BoardCertified or of equivalent Western training programs, such as those in the UnitedStates, the United Kingdom and Canada. Catering to quality medicine, AHD isthe first hospital in the Middle East to be accredited by the Joint CommissionInternational Accreditation (JCIA); a subsidiary of the United States based JointCommission on Accreditation of Healthcare organizations (JCAHO).

This pioneering initiative has not only eased the worries of Dubai’s residents,it has also heralded the creation of a thriving health industry. Projects such as theUS$ 1.8 billion Dubai Healthcare City – the strategic vision of General SheikhMohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE,Ruler of Dubai– seek to strengthen Dubai as a global hub for specializedhealthcare and a center for medical education and research. The spearhead forall of this was AHD. Despite the expensive mandate, “AHD is committed toprovide American Standard Healthcare with the highest quality of patient care”,says Michael French, CEO.

Eliminating the need to travel abroad for treatment, AHD continued toexpand its facilities to include an 180,000 square foot Outpatient MedicalBuilding, to enable the continued expansion of physician specialties, which wasopened in September 2006. He adds, “We remain committed to our continuousinvestment in new technologies, services and American Board Certified orequivalent standard Physicians.”

AHD is a leader in primary and secondary programs that have beenexpanded into the more complex tertiary programs such as the newlyestablished Cancer Care Center, as well its Heart Center, offering the completespectrum of cardiac care from Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and theBeating Heart Cardiothoracic surgery. This is in addition to the well establishedTotal Joint Replacement and Diabetes Centers.

The AHD Total Joint Replacement Center is the first of its kind in the MiddleEast and the fourth worldwide after similar centers in Holland, Spain and Britain.Dr. Samih Tarabichi, the Center’s Director has performed over 4000 jointreplacements and holds two surgical patents used in knee joint replacement.

With a dedicated approach to improving services, “We expect to see morehospitals seeking international accreditations and investment in newertechnologies and expertise”, remarks French.

Tel.: +9714 336 7777www.ahdubai.com

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“Since 2003, our mandate under the guidance of His Highness GeneralSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, PrimeMinister and Ruler of Dubai, has been to create a specialist Centre thatharmonises conventional and alternative medicine to provide relief forchronic conditions”, explains Dr Upendra Acharya, the centre’s medicaldirector and himself a Dermatologist and Energy Medicine specialist.

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What do you do if you are physically run-down andmentally exhausted? What if you have tried to getconventional medical relief from all manner of chronicailments without success? Or if none of the above applies,and all you want is to stay fit and healthy, what are theoptions?

First there’s the allopathic route, which involves surgicalrepair or removal, where an isolated body part is targetedfor attention. Drugs, often causing side-effects of varyingseriousness, are commonly used as part of the treatment -or to alleviate symptoms and even side-effects of otherdrugs.

Then there are alternative or complementary treatmentsthat fall under the category of the ‘Holistic’ approach. Thisis a general term for any therapy intended to treat theindividual as a whole – mind, body, soul.

When holistic medicine is used alone instead ofallopathic remedies, outside the realm of modernconventional medicine, it is called ‘Alternative’. However, when a holistic treatment is practised alongsideconventional medicine, it is referred to as ‘Complementary’.

Expertly merging these two approaches is the DubaiHerbal & Treatment Centre (DHTC). “Since 2003, ourmandate under the guidance of His Highness GeneralSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE VicePresident, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has been tocreate a specialist Centre that harmonises conventionaland alternative medicine to provide relief for chronicconditions”, explains Dr Upendra Acharya.

Whilst merely tackling symptoms may be standardpractice elsewhere, at the DHTC the prevention of diseasein order to increase longevity and vitality are pivotalobjectives common to all nine therapies practised at thispristine facility.

Secluded in ample manicured gardens, the team of 24internationally qualified medical personnel tend, nurtureand heal. Friendly and calming, the overall ambience ofthe spacious treatment centre is so unlike the cold andsterile feel of other clinics that it's easy to forget that DHTCis the world’s only integrated facility, with both the ISO9001:2000 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2004Environment Management certification. “At DHTC webelieve in prevention first, treatment next and wellnessabove all. Our holistic focus reflects the expandingawareness of our patient-base of all ages and differentwalks of life who are embracing our philosophy and this iswhy we are flourishing”, Dr. Acharya explains.

This expanding awareness at the root ofcomplementary health is seen as the basis of the so-called ‘New Age’ movement. Originating in the East, thisphilosophy, giving supreme importance to a healthy mind-bodysoul connection, gained momentum in the West inthe Sixties. Since then it has embraced all areas ofpopular western culture, particularly the medical field. Thisis not to say that the operation at DHTC veers towards thefaddish or the exclusive spa mode; on the contrary. “Weare keen to ensure that the bona fide medical aspect ofthis facility is maintained wherein our complementarytreatments fit into a well balanced range that makes theclinic both unique and able to tackle, as well as preventdisease in a multi-pronged way”, explains MohammedHadi Al-Marashi, Administrative Director, DHTC.

Whilst good genes count, good choices count evenmore on the path of a long and healthy life. Resolutelycomplementary in their approach, every practitioner atDHTC believes that a positive attitude and a healthy

lifestyle are more vital in determining this over genesalone. This is why the majority of these allopathicpractitioners have taken nature’s bounty and diversetraditional wellness systems on board in addition to theirstandard medical practice. Take Traditional ChineseMedicine (TCM) for instance. One of the most popularspecialties at DHTC, the principles and thinking behindthis complete medical system dates back 3,000 years! “Inboth India and China, wellness and illness wereconsidered opposite forces, where wellness held illness inbalance. Doctors therefore realised that the focus shouldbe on achieving harmony of mind, body and spirit as ameans of preventing illness. In fact this is the origin of the‘Ying Yang’ symbol of the sun and moon representingopposites in harmony”, explains Dr Maria Ridao Alonso,Head of TCM at DHTC. Strengthening the immune systemis fundamental in this medical system. “The body consistsof Qi or energy, as well as moisture and blood thatcirculates through bodily channels called ‘meridians’.Good health can only exist when these three flowuninhibited through the body”, she explains.

The challenge the DHTC team face however is not tostem disease, or to treat the increasing numbers ofpatients that visit the clinic every day. It is above all to“change perceptions in terms of disease prevention byabandoning a quick-fix approach in favour of integratedholistic tactics”, explains Dr Sean Penny, Homeopath andFamily Doctor. This includes embracing wholesomechoices when it comes to diet, supplementation productssuch as vitamins, natural medication and immunestrengthening as well as detoxifying treatments. Hebelieves that the aim of DHTC should not be to merelytackle chronic ailments but to “put in place a lifestylewellness programme that will stop disease frommanifesting itself in the first place.”

To this end, the DHTC has established a meticulouslydevised three-month package aimed at “generally healthypeople who want to fine tune their overall fitness levelsand slow down the aging process”, Dr Penny says. “Bycharting patients’ biological age with simple, rapid testingat the start of the process, we then introduce them to ourcomprehensive range of treatments which, if experiencedin combination, work towards reducing biological age inan achievable and clearly measurable way. It is anexciting process that everyone should consider as afoundation to his or her health and vitality”, he feels.

In addition to Yoga and Tai Chi lessons, a new adjacentspa facility on the cards and a comprehensive wellnessprogramme aimed at children, things are moving fast atDHTC. Despite the growing worldwide popularity ofcomplementary health, the staff’s biggest challenge is to“Change perceptions about what we do here. This isneither a spa nor a hospital – it is a unique facilitydedicated to treatment options that embrace the entireorganism in a delicate interaction between physical,mental, spiritual, genetic and environmental factors”, saysDr Acharya. “Our job is to introduce patients to the idea ofcombining traditional medicine with naturopathy overall in a bid to adopt a more holistic approach to wellbeing”,he explains.

Excellent facilities, professional team, fair rates and toppractitioners notwithstanding, ultimately challengesremain. “Sometimes, patient’s expectations are unrealistic;sometimes they expect positive results too soon.Sometimes they do not follow the proper treatment courseand discouragement may set in…Managing thesetendencies whilst ensuring the best possible care is afundamental”, says Marianne Gerstner, Head Nurse,

Dr Upendra Acharya,Dermatologist and

Energy Medicine Specialist


Business Development Executive. With agrowing patient base and reputation, incombination with Dubai’s opennesstowards quality and innovation in everysphere, “Our message and approach iscoming across strongly – we aredefinitely going places”, she laughs.

How does your practice promote holisticwellness and combat chronic disease?

Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ayurveda “To promote holistic wellness in chronicconditions like joint pains, nerve, muscleand bone problems I use an integratedapproach, combining Ayurveda withRehabilitation medicine. The majority ofmy patients are on a number ofmedicines for different complaints. Forexample, a diabetic patient will alsohave high blood pressure and highcholesterol, or other complicationsarising from diabetes. When weapproach these ailments holisticallythrough Ayurveda, the majority of thesesymptoms subside. I integrate one of theoldest medical sciences in the worldwith the youngest specialty in modernmedicine for the ultimate benefit of thepatient. In people with diabetic nerveproblems, the use of diagnostic tools likeFoot Scanner can identify high-pressureareas, and we can prevent thedevelopment of foot ulcers, for instance.The use of Ayurvedic herbalpreparations in these cases can reducethe number of allopathic drugs.”

Dr. Maria Alonso, Traditional ChineseMedicine (TCM) “TCM is a complete medical system thatis ideal for the prevention, diagnosis andtreatment of disease for over 3000years. The emphasis of the systemhowever, is strongly focused towardsprevention rather than mere cure. In theolden days if Chinese doctors lost apatient at the royal court, he would bekilled in retribution. So through a senseof self preservation, practitionersdevised a system based on retaininggood health above all.”

Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic“Chiropractic doesn’t treat disease; itpromotes optimal functioning of yourbody. The goal is to work with themuscles, joints and nervous system toachieve this. A chiropractor is similar toa motor mechanic. You take your car toa mechanic for a service and so youshould visit a chiropractor for regularspinal checks and adjustments beforepain occurs.”

Elizabeth Crawford, Manual LymphaticDrainage (MLD) “MLD can aid in general well-being, as a

detoxifier, because it stimulates thelymphatic vessels to remove excess fluid,get toxins moving along into thebloodstream, stimulate the lymph nodes,and get the bloodstream working better. Inthis way it is an excellent preventativemeasure for overall health.

I often see pregnant women, becauseMLD can help with swollen ankles andpuffiness during pregnancy. It is alsoexcellent for any pathology that involvesswelling, or ‘oedema’. This can includeorthopaedic problems like broken bones,sprains and strains, or inflammation afterorthopaedic surgery. It can help with osteoproblems, too, like arthritis, and evensoothes sinusitis - I can drain the sinusesthrough manipulation of the hard and softpalates on the roof of the mouth.”

Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homepath, ChildCare, Family Health “We apply an advanced form of clinicalHomoeopathy known as Homotoxicology.This is the study of the effects of anythingthat proves to be toxic to the Human body.As we know, the body is continuallyattempting to maintain a balance offunction known otherwise as Homeostasis.Anything that may upset this balancecould be termed a ‘Homotoxin’. It is ourmain goal to facilitate the body’s dealingwith these homotoxins in such a way as topromote their most effective elimination.This process ultimately results in effectivemanagement of acute conditions, as wellas reduces the risk of development ofchronic disease. Once however a chronicdisease has established itself, themanagement focuses on attempting toreverse or at least delay the progression ofthe disease processes.

Our practice is holistic in that weaddress three levels of management,namely therapeutic life style change,management of the ‘terrain’ andmanagement of the specific disease itself.”

When did you first become involved in thisbranch of complementary medicine andwhy?

Dr. Maria Alonso, TCM “I started to experiment with TCM whilstworking as an allopathic doctor inGermany. My husband, a dentist, got meinterested and I soon realised TCM had alot to offer. Unfortunately it is sometimesgrossly mistaken as being only a singletherapy, like acupuncture. This is not thecase - there are a variety of treatmentmethods and herbal preparations too,which do not have the side effects ofconventional drugs”.

Dr. Asha Rani, Ayurveda “My father treats people suffering fromasthma respiratory infections with fresh

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Dr Manoj KumarAyurveda & Rehabilitation Medicine

Dr Maria AlonsoTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)& Ozone Therapy

Dr Travis MitchellChiropractic

Elizabeth CrawfordManual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Dr Ryan PennyClinical Homepath, Child Care,Family Health

Dr Asha RaniAyurveda & Colon Hydrotherapist

Dr Sean PennyHomoeopathy

Mohammed Al MarashiAdministrative Director


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herbal medicines. When they come backand report significant improvements intheir health conditions, this inspired meto study Ayurveda.”

Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic “I have been going to the chiropractorsince I was three months old, and when Iwas a child, every small bump or niggle,I would go to the chiropractor, notbecause my parents werehypochondriacs, but because they knewthe value of chiropractic. My father had amassive injury and the chiropractorwalked him through every stage of hisrecovery, and I saw what it did for him. Infact, that’s the best thing about being achiropractor - my patients say thatthey’re so thankful they have me in theirlife, because it means someone will bethere with them every step of the way.”

Elizabeth Crawford, Manual LymphaticDrainage “I qualified as a licensed practitioner ofmanual lymphatic drainage massage in2001, before that I had been working asa massage therapist specialising incancer and palliative care. I cameacross a lot of lymphodoema in mypatients, a lot of whom had had majorsurgeries or had had lymph nodesremoved. I decided to specialize in it,and I trained at the Vodder School inAustria, and also at a LymphodoemaInpatient facility in Germany.Lymphodoema is my passion.”

Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homepath, ChildCare, Family Health “I first became interested inHomoeopathy in 1992. I then qualified asa licensed Homoeopathic practitioner inSouth Africa in 1999. I was interested inbeing involved in a form of health carethat was able to address the majority ofnon-surgical conditions in a way thatwent beyond mere symptommanagement. I have a respect for theadvances in surgery and conventionalmedicine but at the same time feel thatthere are many conditions that can bewell managed without exposing thepatient to unnecessary drugs and theirside effects. I believe in an integratedapproach to the patient for the good ofthe patient. There are many goodconventional medical practitioners and Ibelieve that in order to have a genuinebalance between conventional andcomplementary medicine, we need morepractitioners on the side of thecomplementary that are not antagonistictowards the conventional. I choseHomotoxicology as I firmly believe thatthis new and advanced form ofHomoeopathy is indeed a bridgebetween the conventional and

complementary for the ultimate good ofthe patient.”

How do you rate Dubai’s development asa centre for complementary therapies?

Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ayurveda“Dubai is a pivotal location place for theintegration of Eastern and Westernmedicine, as we get different nationalitiesfrom all over the world. I am sure that inthe future, DHTC will continue to be ahub for complementary medicinespecialties handled with a scientificoutlook -working towards a commongoal: holistic patient care.”

Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic“Complementary therapies are acceptedwell in Dubai by both mainstreamdoctors and patients. Maybe it’s becausewe’re from all different parts of the world,so we each bring something differenthere - chiropractic, Chinese medicineetc. There a plenty of options here.”Chiropractic all though relativelyunknown in Dubai is growing remarkablequickly. Many new Chiropractors arearriving because of the need in the UAE.

Elizabeth Crawford,Manual Lymphatic Drainage“It’s really taking off now - when I arrivedfour years ago, very little was known. It’salso positive that the Ministry of Health isgetting involved, so that we canstandardise practices.”

Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homepath, ChildCare, Family Health “Dubai might well be the ideal place fora genuinely integrated medicalmanagement system to thrive. The rateat which most things generally move,along with a solid integrated facility likethe DHTC, I am sure that Dubai can bean example of comprehensive andpatient focussed health care.”

What particular challenges do you face indeveloping your practice?

Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ayurveda “The main challenge is to createawareness about healthy living andeating habits among the general public.Ayurveda firmly believes that ‘Man iswhat he eats’, but we eat a lot of foodmaterials in different, less desirableforms: Pre- cooked, half cooked, re-cooked, roasted, canned, preserved,chilled, and flavoured and so on.

People expect sudden recovery fromchronic illness when they approachcomplementary practitioners. Themajority of them come as a last resortjust for a trial, but they want miracles. Inthis part of world, many people believe


that Ayurveda is synonymous withmassage and beauty treatment. That isnot the case; it represents only about fiveto ten per cent of the total treatmentoptions in Ayurveda. We are trying tochange that image.”

Dr. Maria Alonso, TCM “TCM is growing from strength to strength,and my practice reflects this increasingpopularity. The TCM department has anagreement with the University of Beijingand we have doctors and professors inour team. However, bridging culturaldivides can take time and breakingthrough as a female professional alsocomes with its unique challenges.”

Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic “Getting people to understandchiropractic - People come to me withpain and symptoms. I hate pain andsymptoms. More people should come forprevention and maintenance, and thenthey wouldn’t be having those pain andsymptoms in the first place. It’s also achallenge to deal with different languagesand cultures, explaining chiropractic tothem. I also have to touch people whenI’m examining them, and sometimespeople here are uncomfortable with that.”

Elizabeth Crawford, Manual LymphaticDrainage “I would like to see more training coursesoffered here in Dubai with recognizedcredentials. Right now I go back to Europe

regularly - last year I went to the UK andthis year I’m going to Germany, tocontinue to learn and develop.”

Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homeopath, ChildCare, Family Health “Showing people that Homoeopathy hasnot remained in the dark ages but hasrather developed along the scientificpathway in the form of Homotoxicology isthe principal challenge. The other is toshow parents that many of the ways inwhich they are managing their children’scommon ailments are not beneficial forthem and that there are safer ways toachieving good health.”

How should we promote a healthy lifestyle in light of the stresses and strainsof modern life?Dr. Maria Alonso, TCM “Detoxification and de-stressing of thesystem through TCM detoxification andrelaxation methods, coupled with healthyeating habits, regular exercise andlearning to control mind as well asbreathing through systems such as Tai Chiwill definitely improve your ability to stayhealthy and manage the inevitablestresses of life in a positive way.”

Dr. Asha Rani, Ayurveda “In this world of eat-on-the-go, do-it-today,we can’t lead a life like a yogi or a saint.We have to lead our life with all thesituations. If we follow a few things that areimportant for our health we can see a

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change. Aspects like healthy food, sleep,and life style are basic pillars of health,as well as detoxifying the body regularly,Yoga, focusing on positive thoughts, andliving in the moment.”

Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic• Eat and drink correctly - Eat a balanced

diet and make sure to supplementappropriately, because we don’t alwaysget everything we need for our diets.We also have to drink enough water,especially in Dubai where it’s hot.

• Adequate sleep - We should averageseven to eight hours of sleep a night,preferably in decent air conditions,which isn’t always possible when it’s hot.

- Exercise regularly after proper stretching.- Have a positive attitude about life.• Look after your back - maintain good

posture, take care when lifting heavythings and go for regular chiropracticadjustments.

Elizabeth Crawford, Manual LymphaticDrainage “My advice would be to exercise. I don’t go in for all kinds of bizarretreatments, but for instance if I had anoverweight patient I would refer them to a nutritionist. I believe in moderation most of all - everything inmoderation.”

Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homeopath,Child Care, Family Health “The irony of this question is thatbecause of the stresses of modern lifewe actually need to pay more attention toour over all health in order to keep upwith the demands. The truth of the matteris that, the greater the demands, the lesswe usually do to promote health. Thisoften results in breakdown, and is one ofthe greatest contributors to the scourgethat is chronic disease. I generally try tohelp people see this and then structureprograms to help them cope with theirdemanding lifestyle.”

Glossary - Therapies GaloreAcupunctureAn integral part of Oriental or TCM, itstimulates ‘acupoints’ along the bodies’meridians or energy paths by using fineneedles. Releasing endorphins, this ‘pin-prick’ methodology promoteswellbeing by harmonising and unifyingimbalances present in disease conditionsso as to avoid illness.

Moxibustion, Acupressure and TuinaMassageAs perfect health results in the free flow of energy throughout the body by 14 meridians, heat, thumb pressureand massage respectively applied to various acupoints for the

attainment of proper meridian flow isessential.

Chinese Decoctions Equally pivotal to TCM, they may taste vile but these ancient andindividualised herbal decoctions ideal for detoxification as well astreatment and disease prevention workbetter than many standard medicationsfor the treatment of certain conditions.In addition, only quality herbs checked by the University of Munichare used.

Colon HydrotherapyThe foundation of Naturopathyincorporates natural internal hygienethat is a painless deep cleansingmethod for the large intestine with freeflowing water. Ideal for constipation,allergies and candida too, it removestoxins, empowers the immune system, improves digestion and skinconditions too.

Ozone TherapyOtherwise known as ‘active oxygen’,this relaxing trans-dermal orintravenous, treatment detoxifies theliver, enforces the decomposition of fatslike cholesterol and triglycerides,improves circulation, breaks down uricacid and improves the transport ofoxygen through the blood. It’s alsoexcellent in killing off bacteria, virusesand fungi.

Beauty TherapiesWith the exclusive use of the high-endcosmetological product ranges, a widearray of excellent beauty treatments isavailable for men and women at DTHC.From Swedish, scalp and cellulitemassages to expert facials, try theDHTC special: Environmental facial,one hour and 15 minutes ofpamperingbliss. Unmissable.

Wellness BoutiqueIn addition to the standard in-housepharmacy, the clinic’s nutritionist, Mary Kerich manages an outlet with one of Dubai’s widest ranges of herbalsupplements, body care products,essential oils, specialist books andholistic brands exclusive to DHTC - likeVital Healthfoods (essential oils), RoyalBodycare, Optimal health systems and more.

• Chiropractic• Manual Lymphatic Drainage• Biopuncture• Auyervedic Therapies

Tel.: + 9714 335 1200www.dubaihtc.com

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Dubai Healthcare City is bringing the world's best healthcare companiestogether in one location. In this quest, they have found, among manyothers, The Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre (HMC) which has beenoffering unsurpassed medical care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for over tenyears. HMC's underlining philosophy is in line with the ever-changing worldof health-care. Their goal is not merely to stay apace with, but to outshinethe latest advances in patient care and treatment. These are the standardsthat the HMC are bringing to their new location in Dubai Healthcare City.

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An individual's greatest asset is their health: one might even say 'your health isyour wealth.' Therefore ensuring proper medical treatment is not a luxury, but anecessity. This is where Consultant Physicians comes in.

Located in Dubai Healthcare City, Consultant Physicians is the result of acooperative partnership between the leading healthcare providers of SaudiArabia and Lebanon, the Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre Group (HMC)and the American University of Beirut Medical Centre, respectively. ConsultantPhysicians is not just a new clinic, but a synthesis of two well established andhighly respected factions of the Middle East's flourishing health community. TheConsultant Physicians, however, is just one powerful arm of the Habib Group.

With the founding of Dubai Healthcare City, the emirate is rapidly establishingitself as a healthcare centre capable of not only servicing the region butadvancing the technology of medical treatment. Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib,chairman of HMC agrees. "Dubai is the hub for future expansion, that is why weare investing massively in infrastructure here now."

Dr Habib started his career as a Paediatrician but quickly reinvented himselfas a health care entrepreneur. His experience has proven to him that if theHabib Group wants to prosper, despite the increased numbers of medicalfacilities available in the emirate, then its employees must differentiatethemselves from 'the pack' and provide a truly superior service. "This is essentialin remaining competitive. We are a one-stop shop for people requiring medicalattention," he explains. "Anyone coming to see us has access to the bestlaboratory and comprehensive imaging, as well as a team of 80 sub-specialists.We take health seriously."

Al-Habib Medical Centre

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Often patients in search of expert medical treatment are unduly stressedas they are shunted from one location to the other. At his clinic, there is amodern laboratory employing only highly qualified technicians utilising the latest equipment which means test results are quickly and readilyaccessible. This is also the case for imaging, including x-rays, CT's, MRI's,mammograms, ultrasound and bone density analysis. "When it comes tohealth care services, convenience and efficiency are essential prerequisitesto patient's peace of mind, and as we all know, stress can kill. This is why weaim to take away the element of worry by ensuring seamless service", Dr. Habib adds.

Lofty aspirations and state-of-the-art facilities aside, ultimately it is the staffthat makes the real difference. While having a team of specialists is notunheard of, the Habib Group takes this to the next level by employing 80 sub-specialists. This implies rather than just having a paediatrician in-house, forexample, there is a paediatric dermatologist, a paediatric endocrinologist, apaediatric gastroenterologist and so on. In this manner, patients areguaranteed the optimum and most thorough possible care.

Another unique feature of Habib Group is its maintenance of a completelypaperless office. From x-rays, to laboratory results, to drop notes, all recordsare maintained digitally. "Time stands still for no man", Dr Habib explains, "andthe same is true for technology, we are constantly and tirelessly upgradingand enhancing the quality of our technological approaches in all fields toenhance efficiency, ensuring results faster and more reliably".

Having gained his qualifications in the UK, where he is now registered asa Member of the Royal College of Physicians and was awarded a Diploma inChild Heath, Dr Al-Habib insists that his doctors have similar superior trainingand a minimum of ten years experience. Thus the Habib Group's doctorswere educated in Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand,South Africa, as well as the American University of Beirut.

Dr Al-Habib has extensive experience in the medical sector. While inRiyadh, he was Chief of Medical Staff at the University Hospital and Chief of

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Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib


Paediatricians at the American MedicalInternational. Yet, he is more than just adoctor: he is a businessman. "Being anoted and well-respected doctor is onething, running a high quality clinic isanother", he laughs "however beingsuccessful in these different roles oftenrequires similar skill-sets." By applying bothperseverance and sincerity, he hasmanaged these dual roles as evidenced bythe success of the Dr Sulaiman Al-HabibMedical Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It isfrom the success of this clinic that Dr Al-Habib has been able to open ConsultantPhysicians in partnership with the region'smost respected medical school.

Looking to the future, the Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre Group has formed apartnership with Laborataire MercelMerieux, one of the largest laboratories inEurope, as well as having established tele-radiology contracts that will allow GCChospitals to digitally forward their x-rays tothe Habib Group for analysis by the expertin-house team. "We have such advancedequipment, we can do it," argues Dr Al-Habib in reference to both opportunities."We also have the basic desire to add valueto our brand by joining forces with the bestnames worldwide so as to bring trueexcellence in health care to this region".

An optimist-cum-medical realist whoseeternal motto is 'onwards and upwards,' DrAl-Habib is cementing his foray into DubaiHealthcare City by choosing it as theoperating hub for the Habib Medical Group."This will complement the existing centre inRiyadh and also benefits all our otheroperations in the area", he concludes."When it comes to success, co-operation isanother vital necessity. Any business, evena health care business, is like a livingorganism. All the parts should work inunison in order to strengthen the whole".

Tel.:+9714 362 2999www.aub-dubai.com

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With an international team of professors,specialists, technicians and staff working togetherfor comprehensive quality care, the ManchesterClinics hallmark underscored by trust, care andexpertise lives on.

By utilising innovative procedures andtreatments, as well as effective preventative careand education, this medical landmark in Dubaiprovides families and corporates with the most advanced treatments available locally and worldwide.

Treating ailments aside, its emphasis is onpromoting good health, which is not merely theabsence of disease, but a positive feeling ofphysical and mental well-being. "The advanceddiagnostic and therapeutic tools available toManchester Clinics ensure that patients attendingthe clinic receive the optimum treatment withinmodified health care programmes and areprovided with continuous follow-up that includesthe implementation of the highest standards ofquality in medical services", explains Dr Mitry.

As a result of their recognised success, thisprofessional facility with a humane face ispositioned as a market leader in the health careindustry in UAE. With patients treated in a friendlyand relaxed atmosphere, it is the idealestablishment for meeting the health care needsof the community overall.

Welcome to the Manchester Clinics specialistconsulting: Urology Clinic, General Surgery Unit,Plastic Surgery Unit, Obstetrics and GynaecologyUnit, Internal Medicine Unit, Paediatric Unit,General Practitioners Unit and Dental Surgery Unit.

The Urology Unit has the latest high-techequipment to provide a full range of urologicalservices within international parameters. Thisincludes Cystoscopic Examination, Urodynamicstudies, Microwave Hypothermia therapy, 3DUltrasound examination and Laser Therapy. There is also a treatment facility for both male andfemale infertility, sexual dysfunction, stressincontinence and a specialised unit for treatment of paediatric urological problems andcongenital anomalies.

The General Surgery Unit provides a range ofsurgical services with the support of an advancedendoscopic and unique surgical laser facility that minimizes the risk of bleeding and scarformation, assisting the rapid healing of wounds.The unit is also equipped with a wide range ofinvestigatory procedures for managingemergency and elective surgeries.

The Plastic Surgery Unit offers artistic solutionscarried out by leading experts and a full range ofcosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries,including abdominoplasty, dermolipectomy,liposuction, breast augmentation and reduction,rhinoplasty as well as face lifts.

The Obstetric and Gynaecology unitguarantees the highest standards of care andadvanced medical services with the latestdiagnostic facilities - ultrasound and Dopplerultrasound examinations and laser therapy - forthe treatment of all gynaecological disorders. Fully packaged for antenatal care, femaleinfertility, post menopausal disorders, femalehormonal disorders, contraception, laparoscopyand deliveries.

The Internal Medicine unit staff appliesevidenced based medical programmes forchronic diseases such as hypertension anddiabetes mellitus. It also provides the mostaccurate methodology for treatment of acutediseases and emergency cases supported bycomputerised diagnostic results.

The Manchester Clinic paediatric services areboth child and family oriented, supporting themanagement and treatment through education,preventive medicine approaches and familyadvice to develop children's health. Servicesinclude general paediatric, neonate andpremature baby care, paediatric endoscopies inaddition to vaccination and immunization.

The General Practitioner Service offers basiccare and first aid, emergency services, follow-upand referral as well as executive health checks.While the Dental Surgery Unit boasts up-to-datehygienic sterilisation equipment and panoramic x-ray facilities for general dentistry, cosmeticdentistry and dental hygiene.

All Manchester Clinic services arecomplemented by integrated diagnostics andlaboratory facilities, comprising ten specialisedunits, including haematology, biochemistry,serology, microbiology and parasitology, all underthe supervision of Gordon Laboratory, UK.

"Within Manchester Clinics all our services areimparted only after a thorough evaluation of thepatients' current health status with analysis of theirmedical histories. Offering the appropriate curecan only come after appropriate due diligence",Dr Mitry concludes.

Tel.:+9714 344 0300www.manchester-clinic.com

Established by Dr Nabil Mitry in 1994 as a British standardMedical facility in cooperation and accreditation with ManchesterClinics UK, Manchester Clinics-Dubai is part of this network ofdynamic medical facilities that is reinforcing the Emiratesposition as a centre for quality medical care.

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Health First All specialized units are managedand directed by international

professors, consultants and well-trained staff powered by a solid

computerized recording system.Consulting services are supported

by accessible connections tointernational institutes and

foundations.

Dr. Nabil Mitry,Owner & Founder

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With an international team of professors,specialists, technicians and staff working togetherfor comprehensive quality care, the ManchesterClinics hallmark underscored by trust, care andexpertise lives on.

By utilising innovative procedures andtreatments, as well as effective preventative careand education, this medical landmark in Dubaiprovides families and corporates with the most advanced treatments available locally and worldwide.

Treating ailments aside, its emphasis is onpromoting good health, which is not merely theabsence of disease, but a positive feeling ofphysical and mental well-being. "The advanceddiagnostic and therapeutic tools available toManchester Clinics ensure that patients attendingthe clinic receive the optimum treatment withinmodified health care programmes and areprovided with continuous follow-up that includesthe implementation of the highest standards ofquality in medical services", explains Dr Mitry.

As a result of their recognised success, thisprofessional facility with a humane face ispositioned as a market leader in the health careindustry in UAE. With patients treated in a friendlyand relaxed atmosphere, it is the idealestablishment for meeting the health care needsof the community overall.

Welcome to the Manchester Clinics specialistconsulting: Urology Clinic, General Surgery Unit,Plastic Surgery Unit, Obstetrics and GynaecologyUnit, Internal Medicine Unit, Paediatric Unit,General Practitioners Unit and Dental Surgery Unit.

The Urology Unit has the latest high-techequipment to provide a full range of urologicalservices within international parameters. Thisincludes Cystoscopic Examination, Urodynamicstudies, Microwave Hypothermia therapy, 3DUltrasound examination and Laser Therapy. There is also a treatment facility for both male andfemale infertility, sexual dysfunction, stressincontinence and a specialised unit for treatment of paediatric urological problems andcongenital anomalies.

The General Surgery Unit provides a range ofsurgical services with the support of an advancedendoscopic and unique surgical laser facility that minimizes the risk of bleeding and scarformation, assisting the rapid healing of wounds.The unit is also equipped with a wide range ofinvestigatory procedures for managingemergency and elective surgeries.

The Plastic Surgery Unit offers artistic solutionscarried out by leading experts and a full range ofcosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries,including abdominoplasty, dermolipectomy,liposuction, breast augmentation and reduction,rhinoplasty as well as face lifts.

The Obstetric and Gynaecology unitguarantees the highest standards of care andadvanced medical services with the latestdiagnostic facilities - ultrasound and Dopplerultrasound examinations and laser therapy - forthe treatment of all gynaecological disorders. Fully packaged for antenatal care, femaleinfertility, post menopausal disorders, femalehormonal disorders, contraception, laparoscopyand deliveries.

The Internal Medicine unit staff appliesevidenced based medical programmes forchronic diseases such as hypertension anddiabetes mellitus. It also provides the mostaccurate methodology for treatment of acutediseases and emergency cases supported bycomputerised diagnostic results.

The Manchester Clinic paediatric services areboth child and family oriented, supporting themanagement and treatment through education,preventive medicine approaches and familyadvice to develop children's health. Servicesinclude general paediatric, neonate andpremature baby care, paediatric endoscopies inaddition to vaccination and immunization.

The General Practitioner Service offers basiccare and first aid, emergency services, follow-upand referral as well as executive health checks.While the Dental Surgery Unit boasts up-to-datehygienic sterilisation equipment and panoramic x-ray facilities for general dentistry, cosmeticdentistry and dental hygiene.

All Manchester Clinic services arecomplemented by integrated diagnostics andlaboratory facilities, comprising ten specialisedunits, including haematology, biochemistry,serology, microbiology and parasitology, all underthe supervision of Gordon Laboratory, UK.

"Within Manchester Clinics all our services areimparted only after a thorough evaluation of thepatients' current health status with analysis of theirmedical histories. Offering the appropriate curecan only come after appropriate due diligence",Dr Mitry concludes.

Tel.:+9714 344 0300www.manchester-clinic.com

Established by Dr Nabil Mitry in 1994 as a British standardMedical facility in cooperation and accreditation with ManchesterClinics UK, Manchester Clinics-Dubai is part of this network ofdynamic medical facilities that is reinforcing the Emiratesposition as a centre for quality medical care.

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Health First All specialized units are managedand directed by international

professors, consultants and well-trained staff powered by a solid

computerized recording system.Consulting services are supported

by accessible connections tointernational institutes and

foundations.

Dr. Nabil Mitry,Owner & Founder

Manchester Clinic2.qxp 12/28/2006 4:51 PM Page 1


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Dr. Rajkumar, is a specialist in Internal Medicine whotrained in India and the UK, set up his practice in1995 with the help of his Paediatrician wife, Samitha.The dynamic couple soon realised that theirpartnership with the community could be furtherenhanced by providing even more services underone roof. This led to setting up a multi-specialtymedical centre in 1998, next to Burjuman centre.

UniCare currently has nine specialties and alsohas under its group BioSytech Medical Laboratory, a referral centre used by other centres as well forspecial tests. “Easy access to the referral laboratory and in house radiology, physiotherapyand minor surgical facilities, provide our patients with more efficient treatment times”, says Dr. Rajkumar.

From Orthopedics to Orthodontics, minor surgery to advanced plastic surgery, UniCare offersa wide range of services. The UniCare teamprovides services in Family Medicine, Paediatrics,Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics &Genecology, General Surgery, General andCosmetic Dentistry. Diabetes clinics providingcomprehensive diabetes care, wellness programs,health checks for different lifestyles and life stages.Aeromedical examinations for pilots are alsoavailable at UniCare.

Patients at UniCare can expect the same level ofcare as in a hospital outpatient department, but in aprimary care setting. This means less waiting

times for appointments and continuity of care withfamiliar doctors. “This helps families to form a long term relationship with UniCare, which further enhances the quality of care they receive”,explains Dr. Rajkumar.

He explains, “Being aware of the growingdemand for alternative healthcare solutions, we aremoving into a new state-of-the-art facility in 2007which will include a large range of alternativetherapies, as well as specialised allopathic services.“Integrated medicine which incorporates the manystrengths of alternative medicine is the way forward,this will give each individual the choice in the modeof treatment and take responsibility for their well-being. In addition to serving as a point ofdelivering curative services to the community thiscentre will play a proactive role in promoting healthand wellness in the community, truly a long termpartnership with our community in Dubai”.

But despite providing a cutting-edge service,cost effectiveness is also central to the centre’sphilosophy, which is no easy task in a climate whereexpenses seem to rise daily. However, the UniCareteam strives to provide the best quality healthcarefor the most reasonable price as part of their ‘YourPartner in Healthcare’ mantra.

Tel.: +9714 352 9292www.unicaredubai.com Email: [email protected]

Plastic Surgery WorksOn the cutting edge of Aesthetic Surgery, Dr Sanjay Parashar uses innovative technology and skilled artistry to create the desired results.

With 15 years surgical experience from India,Australia to the US; fine-tuning his skills byworking alongside the cream of the industry, itis no wonder that Dr Parashar’s clientele list isas diverse as his experience. Numerousnationalities of different backgrounds turn tohim for his expertise in Plastic andReconstructive as well as Aesthetic Surgery,colloquially referred to as Cosmetic Surgery.

Operating within UniCare, Dr Parashar’sdivision is independent. This maximises patientconfidentiality and most procedures areundertaken at Dubai’s International ModernHospital, although he has affiliations with other hospitals including Welcare Hospital,Jebel Ali Hospital and Belhoul SpecialityHospital. “Patients have the choice where to be cared for, based on preferential, geographical or financial reasons”, Dr Parasharexplains.

Motivated by success stories and multi-disciplinary options, he works closely withNutritionists and Fitness Centres. “Sometimes,surgery should be the final option – prevention

is always better than cure”. On some levels heconsiders himself a counsellor providing hispatients with emotional support, which hebelieves to be equally important as the medicalprocess itself.

In Dr. Parashar’s opinion the greatestdevelopment worldwide in the field of PlasticSurgery is ‘Audience understanding’. Thanks togreater media awareness and publicity, oncerestricted only to the medical profession,patients are now far more knowledgeable anddiscerning. “Prospective patients know whatthey want and what they need. It makes theconsultation process less time consuming allround”, he explains.

“Trust is essential in this field. This is mutualand can only be achieved through honestcommunication between Patient and Doctor. This is almost as important as adopting newtrends and techniques, as the only way toensure success is to truly understand whatyour patient is hoping for and for doctors tomanage their expectations.”

Not only is Dubai on overdrive, it

encapsulates a culture of speed, consumerismand youthfulness. This has increased demandfor ‘minimally invasive procedures’ and DrParashar has introduced many to his wealthymenu of medical solutions. These proceduresranging from mini face lift, neck lift to minimal incision breast lift and mini tummy tuck allow them to return to real life quickly,causing minimal disruption. Dr Parashar hasalso introduced ‘twilight anaesthesia’ to hisrepertoire, which is minimally invasive and less risky, and is highly recommended forits cost and convenience benefits. Mostimportantly it benefits the surgeons’ ability to assess immediate outcomes, enhancingoptimum results.

So-called ‘body contouring’ is currently therage. These procedures includingliposculpturing to remove unaesthetic bulges,fat transfer for contouring and breastenlargement come under the aesthetic surgeryumbrella and are usually the choice for those looking to restore, maintain or enhancetheir appearance.

Dr Parashar is a certified plastic surgeonwith basic training in India and fellowshiptraining in Australia (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) & USA (Fellowship ofInternational College of Surgeons), training inthe fields of microvascular, craniofacial, laserand aesthetic surgery. The Department of Health & Medical Sciences, Dubai PlasticSurgery Society of Emirates MedicalAssociation govern his practice. A native ofIndia with 7 years working experience in theGulf, he has published extensively, including‘Annals of Plastic Surgery’ and ‘Plastic andReconstructive Surgery’ .

Tel.: +9714 352 [email protected]

The healing process is as important as the technology itselfand compassionate medical care has been the formula of oursuccess, says Dr Rajkumar, Medical Director and SpecialistPhysician of Unicare.

Dr. Rajkumar

Dr. Parashar


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Dr. Rajkumar, is a specialist in Internal Medicine whotrained in India and the UK, set up his practice in1995 with the help of his Paediatrician wife, Samitha.The dynamic couple soon realised that theirpartnership with the community could be furtherenhanced by providing even more services underone roof. This led to setting up a multi-specialtymedical centre in 1998, next to Burjuman centre.

UniCare currently has nine specialties and alsohas under its group BioSytech Medical Laboratory, a referral centre used by other centres as well forspecial tests. “Easy access to the referral laboratory and in house radiology, physiotherapyand minor surgical facilities, provide our patients with more efficient treatment times”, says Dr. Rajkumar.

From Orthopedics to Orthodontics, minor surgery to advanced plastic surgery, UniCare offersa wide range of services. The UniCare teamprovides services in Family Medicine, Paediatrics,Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics &Genecology, General Surgery, General andCosmetic Dentistry. Diabetes clinics providingcomprehensive diabetes care, wellness programs,health checks for different lifestyles and life stages.Aeromedical examinations for pilots are alsoavailable at UniCare.

Patients at UniCare can expect the same level ofcare as in a hospital outpatient department, but in aprimary care setting. This means less waiting

times for appointments and continuity of care withfamiliar doctors. “This helps families to form a long term relationship with UniCare, which further enhances the quality of care they receive”,explains Dr. Rajkumar.

He explains, “Being aware of the growingdemand for alternative healthcare solutions, we aremoving into a new state-of-the-art facility in 2007which will include a large range of alternativetherapies, as well as specialised allopathic services.“Integrated medicine which incorporates the manystrengths of alternative medicine is the way forward,this will give each individual the choice in the modeof treatment and take responsibility for their well-being. In addition to serving as a point ofdelivering curative services to the community thiscentre will play a proactive role in promoting healthand wellness in the community, truly a long termpartnership with our community in Dubai”.

But despite providing a cutting-edge service,cost effectiveness is also central to the centre’sphilosophy, which is no easy task in a climate whereexpenses seem to rise daily. However, the UniCareteam strives to provide the best quality healthcarefor the most reasonable price as part of their ‘YourPartner in Healthcare’ mantra.

Tel.: +9714 352 9292www.unicaredubai.com Email: [email protected]

Plastic Surgery WorksOn the cutting edge of Aesthetic Surgery, Dr Sanjay Parashar uses innovative technology and skilled artistry to create the desired results.

With 15 years surgical experience from India,Australia to the US; fine-tuning his skills byworking alongside the cream of the industry, itis no wonder that Dr Parashar’s clientele list isas diverse as his experience. Numerousnationalities of different backgrounds turn tohim for his expertise in Plastic andReconstructive as well as Aesthetic Surgery,colloquially referred to as Cosmetic Surgery.

Operating within UniCare, Dr Parashar’sdivision is independent. This maximises patientconfidentiality and most procedures areundertaken at Dubai’s International ModernHospital, although he has affiliations with other hospitals including Welcare Hospital,Jebel Ali Hospital and Belhoul SpecialityHospital. “Patients have the choice where to be cared for, based on preferential, geographical or financial reasons”, Dr Parasharexplains.

Motivated by success stories and multi-disciplinary options, he works closely withNutritionists and Fitness Centres. “Sometimes,surgery should be the final option – prevention

is always better than cure”. On some levels heconsiders himself a counsellor providing hispatients with emotional support, which hebelieves to be equally important as the medicalprocess itself.

In Dr. Parashar’s opinion the greatestdevelopment worldwide in the field of PlasticSurgery is ‘Audience understanding’. Thanks togreater media awareness and publicity, oncerestricted only to the medical profession,patients are now far more knowledgeable anddiscerning. “Prospective patients know whatthey want and what they need. It makes theconsultation process less time consuming allround”, he explains.

“Trust is essential in this field. This is mutualand can only be achieved through honestcommunication between Patient and Doctor. This is almost as important as adopting newtrends and techniques, as the only way toensure success is to truly understand whatyour patient is hoping for and for doctors tomanage their expectations.”

Not only is Dubai on overdrive, it

encapsulates a culture of speed, consumerismand youthfulness. This has increased demandfor ‘minimally invasive procedures’ and DrParashar has introduced many to his wealthymenu of medical solutions. These proceduresranging from mini face lift, neck lift to minimal incision breast lift and mini tummy tuck allow them to return to real life quickly,causing minimal disruption. Dr Parashar hasalso introduced ‘twilight anaesthesia’ to hisrepertoire, which is minimally invasive and less risky, and is highly recommended forits cost and convenience benefits. Mostimportantly it benefits the surgeons’ ability to assess immediate outcomes, enhancingoptimum results.

So-called ‘body contouring’ is currently therage. These procedures includingliposculpturing to remove unaesthetic bulges,fat transfer for contouring and breastenlargement come under the aesthetic surgeryumbrella and are usually the choice for those looking to restore, maintain or enhancetheir appearance.

Dr Parashar is a certified plastic surgeonwith basic training in India and fellowshiptraining in Australia (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) & USA (Fellowship ofInternational College of Surgeons), training inthe fields of microvascular, craniofacial, laserand aesthetic surgery. The Department of Health & Medical Sciences, Dubai PlasticSurgery Society of Emirates MedicalAssociation govern his practice. A native ofIndia with 7 years working experience in theGulf, he has published extensively, including‘Annals of Plastic Surgery’ and ‘Plastic andReconstructive Surgery’ .

Tel.: +9714 352 [email protected]

The healing process is as important as the technology itselfand compassionate medical care has been the formula of oursuccess, says Dr Rajkumar, Medical Director and SpecialistPhysician of Unicare.

Dr. Rajkumar

Dr. Parashar

Dubai is building an increasingly strong infrastructure in healthservices, and quality dental care is no exception. Families residing inthis rapidly expanding emirate no longer need to go 'back home' fortheir elective dental procedures. Now they have the ideal choice righthere, on their doorstep in Dubai.

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Best of Dubai 183

Smile Forever

Dr. M. F. Talass, DDS, MSc. PhD. Orthodontist

Choosing the best team of dedicated dentalspecialists that take pride in impeccablepatient care is the only way to go if perfectionin dentistry is what you are after. When itcomes to treating the full range of dentalneeds at this level, 'Talass' is a name thatshines out from the rest.

Despite the proliferation of dental surgeriesof every type and positioning, their 13-yearsuperb track record, excellent reputation,cutting-edge technology, highly experiencedand Western-educated team of experts and supporting staff guarantee you a winning smile.

Among the leading orthodontic and dental centres in Dubai, ‘Talass’ has a fullrange of services, including: complimentaryconsultation, airflow cleaning, plasma tooth-whitening, cosmetic fillings, ceramic veneers,crown and bridge work, invisible braces,dental implants, maxillo-facial surgery, TMjoint treatment, root canal treatment and family& child dentistry.

In addition, if ambience is vital in alleviatingall the possible stress traditionally associatedwith a standard visit to the dentist, you canpamper yourself by stepping through the door

of their traditional Japanese Dental Spa. Thislittle Zen-designed sanctuary unfolds beforeyour eyes offering care and expert dedicationin the most serene ambiance. Some of theirfinest services can be provided in thetranquility of this Spa, including your regulardental cleaning and your painless andharmless plasma tooth whitening.

With the concept of convenience andprevention as fundamental themes of the‘Talass’ message, their tailor-made 'QualityDental Program' allows you, your family andcorporate members to benefit from thesepremium dental services for as little as Dhs900 annually.

Located in the heart of Dubai, on theJumeirah Beach Road, just minutes from theworld-famous Burj Al Arab, ‘Talass’ is theplace for those in search of premium dentalservices. In this ever-expanding city whereincreasingly discerning patient expectationsare pushing up the levels of quality andconvenience, here is a name that delivers asmile…forever.

Tel.: +9714 349 2220www.talass.com

Do You Like My Smile ?Dr. L. S. Talass, DDS, Dip. Ortho. Orthodontist

Talass 2.qxp 1/2/2007 10:09 AM Page 1

Dubai is building an increasingly strong infrastructure in healthservices, and quality dental care is no exception. Families residing inthis rapidly expanding emirate no longer need to go 'back home' fortheir elective dental procedures. Now they have the ideal choice righthere, on their doorstep in Dubai.

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Best of Dubai 183

Smile Forever

Dr. M. F. Talass, DDS, MSc. PhD. Orthodontist

Choosing the best team of dedicated dentalspecialists that take pride in impeccablepatient care is the only way to go if perfectionin dentistry is what you are after. When itcomes to treating the full range of dentalneeds at this level, 'Talass' is a name thatshines out from the rest.

Despite the proliferation of dental surgeriesof every type and positioning, their 13-yearsuperb track record, excellent reputation,cutting-edge technology, highly experiencedand Western-educated team of experts and supporting staff guarantee you a winning smile.

Among the leading orthodontic and dental centres in Dubai, ‘Talass’ has a fullrange of services, including: complimentaryconsultation, airflow cleaning, plasma tooth-whitening, cosmetic fillings, ceramic veneers,crown and bridge work, invisible braces,dental implants, maxillo-facial surgery, TMjoint treatment, root canal treatment and family& child dentistry.

In addition, if ambience is vital in alleviatingall the possible stress traditionally associatedwith a standard visit to the dentist, you canpamper yourself by stepping through the door

of their traditional Japanese Dental Spa. Thislittle Zen-designed sanctuary unfolds beforeyour eyes offering care and expert dedicationin the most serene ambiance. Some of theirfinest services can be provided in thetranquility of this Spa, including your regulardental cleaning and your painless andharmless plasma tooth whitening.

With the concept of convenience andprevention as fundamental themes of the‘Talass’ message, their tailor-made 'QualityDental Program' allows you, your family andcorporate members to benefit from thesepremium dental services for as little as Dhs900 annually.

Located in the heart of Dubai, on theJumeirah Beach Road, just minutes from theworld-famous Burj Al Arab, ‘Talass’ is theplace for those in search of premium dentalservices. In this ever-expanding city whereincreasingly discerning patient expectationsare pushing up the levels of quality andconvenience, here is a name that delivers asmile…forever.

Tel.: +9714 349 2220www.talass.com

Do You Like My Smile ?Dr. L. S. Talass, DDS, Dip. Ortho. Orthodontist

Talass 2.qxp 1/2/2007 10:09 AM Page 1

Claiming to be a novelconcept that puts thecustomer first may soundclichéd', but if you look at theunique range of convenientservices and productsavailable, then Sisters is trulydifferent. "When I started, thepiecemeal approachprevalent in beauty serviceswas frustrating. Women, whousually have to juggle myriadtasks every moment of everyday, were forced to get theirnails done in one place, theirwaxing in another and theirhair in another in order to getthe best results from eachprocedure. I felt this wastotally impractical and I askedmyself how it could all bedone better and all under one roof ? "

The answer came in 2003when she launched her firstbranch. Feminine with subtleivory hue décor, the beautylounge is set in an unclutteredenvironment peppered withelegant little multi-functionworkstations, where two oreven three therapists canminister to your beautymaintenance whilst youhappily sip tea, work on yourlaptop thanks to in-storebroadband facilities, chat onthe phone or even have aninformal meeting. I did all ofthe above whilst having anexquisite French manicure,pedicure and roots donesimultaneously. Despite thenoisy activity here, Sistersboasts soothing treatmentrooms in an utterly relaxingoasis of calm.

Clearly, multitasking comesto women naturally, as doesgetting the best deal withrelentless discernment. In thissense Shirin has got herservice and product mix justright. Her growing base ofclients is also especiallydependable thanks to a nifty

One-stop beauty made real

Shirin Abdulrazak, the founder of Sisters Beauty Lounge inJumeirah's Village Mall - soon to open up a second salon inDubai Mall - laughs when she says, “women are constantly inneed of maintenance with so many wonderful friends and femalefamily members I had all the inspiration that I needed.”

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loyalty programme that Sisters has initiated in tandem with an associated outlet under the same corporate umbrella - Candella. "We are grateful for the response from clients. In many ways they areallowing me to hone my skills as an entrepreneur in acompetitive service industry - that is a challenge I love", she explains.

Even though a successful business is not new to this Emirati national of distinguished Iranian background, Shirinwinner of Emirates Woman Entrepreneur of the year 2005, afashion designer by profession, founded and managed a well-known uniform manufacturing unit for 18 years until it wasprofitably sold. Shirin also co-owns the Bombay and Zoneoutlets in the UAE.

Apart from the salon services, great location, fab team andall the rest, what is it that truly sets Sisters apart? For a startnobody does eyelash extension this side of the Suez Canal, let alone in Dubai. Within a painless two-hour stint, thesalon's eyelash supremos, make even the skimpiest of lashesthicker and longer through the dexterous application of anindividual synthetic eyelash directly onto your own eyelash -one by one - with a specially formulated bonding agent. I have tried them, I love them and I want my fluttery new oh so long lashes forever. You can swim and cry with ease - aslong as you don't pick at them, they only need re-bondingevery fortnight.

Another unique feature in this salon that is more akin to aladies lounge has to be the Sisters' Youngblood make-uprange. "As the beauty industry moves towards wellness trends, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is the way to go", saysShirin, the exclusive Dubai agent for this US product range.Made from natural pigments instead of petroleum dyes, theyare high performance, water resistant and non-comedogenic.In addition, the numerous skin tone shades provide essentialsun-protective properties with less shimmer but a healthy glowand flawless finish that make any girl look as pretty as apicture. I saw, I tried, and I loved. It is so good I actually sleptin it Need I say more? This is where sisters meet and maintainthemselves. Don't take my word for it. Go to Sisters and try outthis boudoir of beauty for yourself.

Tel + 971 4 342 0787www.sistersbeautylounge.com

Best of Dubai 185

Shirin believes that results come by empowering a professional workforce. “Sisters’ success is atribute to their efforts and enthusiasm. The team’s achievements make Sisters what it is today”

Claiming to be a novelconcept that puts thecustomer first may soundclichéd', but if you look at theunique range of convenientservices and productsavailable, then Sisters is trulydifferent. "When I started, thepiecemeal approachprevalent in beauty serviceswas frustrating. Women, whousually have to juggle myriadtasks every moment of everyday, were forced to get theirnails done in one place, theirwaxing in another and theirhair in another in order to getthe best results from eachprocedure. I felt this wastotally impractical and I askedmyself how it could all bedone better and all under one roof ? "

The answer came in 2003when she launched her firstbranch. Feminine with subtleivory hue décor, the beautylounge is set in an unclutteredenvironment peppered withelegant little multi-functionworkstations, where two oreven three therapists canminister to your beautymaintenance whilst youhappily sip tea, work on yourlaptop thanks to in-storebroadband facilities, chat onthe phone or even have aninformal meeting. I did all ofthe above whilst having anexquisite French manicure,pedicure and roots donesimultaneously. Despite thenoisy activity here, Sistersboasts soothing treatmentrooms in an utterly relaxingoasis of calm.

Clearly, multitasking comesto women naturally, as doesgetting the best deal withrelentless discernment. In thissense Shirin has got herservice and product mix justright. Her growing base ofclients is also especiallydependable thanks to a nifty

One-stop beauty made real

Shirin Abdulrazak, the founder of Sisters Beauty Lounge inJumeirah's Village Mall - soon to open up a second salon inDubai Mall - laughs when she says, “women are constantly inneed of maintenance with so many wonderful friends and femalefamily members I had all the inspiration that I needed.”

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loyalty programme that Sisters has initiated in tandem with an associated outlet under the same corporate umbrella - Candella. "We are grateful for the response from clients. In many ways they areallowing me to hone my skills as an entrepreneur in acompetitive service industry - that is a challenge I love", she explains.

Even though a successful business is not new to this Emirati national of distinguished Iranian background, Shirinwinner of Emirates Woman Entrepreneur of the year 2005, afashion designer by profession, founded and managed a well-known uniform manufacturing unit for 18 years until it wasprofitably sold. Shirin also co-owns the Bombay and Zoneoutlets in the UAE.

Apart from the salon services, great location, fab team andall the rest, what is it that truly sets Sisters apart? For a startnobody does eyelash extension this side of the Suez Canal, let alone in Dubai. Within a painless two-hour stint, thesalon's eyelash supremos, make even the skimpiest of lashesthicker and longer through the dexterous application of anindividual synthetic eyelash directly onto your own eyelash -one by one - with a specially formulated bonding agent. I have tried them, I love them and I want my fluttery new oh so long lashes forever. You can swim and cry with ease - aslong as you don't pick at them, they only need re-bondingevery fortnight.

Another unique feature in this salon that is more akin to aladies lounge has to be the Sisters' Youngblood make-uprange. "As the beauty industry moves towards wellness trends, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is the way to go", saysShirin, the exclusive Dubai agent for this US product range.Made from natural pigments instead of petroleum dyes, theyare high performance, water resistant and non-comedogenic.In addition, the numerous skin tone shades provide essentialsun-protective properties with less shimmer but a healthy glowand flawless finish that make any girl look as pretty as apicture. I saw, I tried, and I loved. It is so good I actually sleptin it Need I say more? This is where sisters meet and maintainthemselves. Don't take my word for it. Go to Sisters and try outthis boudoir of beauty for yourself.

Tel + 971 4 342 0787www.sistersbeautylounge.com

Best of Dubai 185

Shirin believes that results come by empowering a professional workforce. “Sisters’ success is atribute to their efforts and enthusiasm. The team’s achievements make Sisters what it is today”

Making Waves

French hairstyling virtuoso, Franck Provost, started his careerwith a small salon outside Paris 25 years ago. Since then hiscelebrity status has grown in tandem with the scale of hisfranchise operation. With thousands of salons worldwide, todayFranck Provost is not only a household name in France. With histhree outlets in Dubai, he looks to become one here as well.

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Frank Provast_L1.qxp 12/9/06 4:49 AM Page 1

Those looking for a simple trim and blow dry beware. Franck Provost is noordinary salon. Anyone looking for a total revamp can come in and indulgethemselves without restraint. Even though customers generally look goodwhen they walk in, the fab in-house team ensures that they look stunningwhen they walk out. The aim is to dare for a new look..

The preferred hairstylist of Queen Rania of Jordan, Sharon Stone andIman Bowie, Franck Provost has sprinkled a little glamour and gold dustonto all his salons in Dubai by choosing optimally plush locations and atailor-made service to match - in keeping with his star-studded image. Withsalons at Burj Al Arab, Mall of the Emirates and the Convention Centre, arelaxed and serene atmosphere pervades. Working with hair is an art, sopeace is conducive to the creation of a beautiful hairstyle.

Fancy Curls TestimonialClaiming to match a new hair do with one's personality, I wondered whatkind of zany style would suit my stressed-out, time starved and utterlydysfunctional self. I should not have worried. Whilst I went in looking frizzyand unkempt, with shoulder-length curls twisted around a tight scrunchieknot, I came out looking sleek, poised and staggeringly glamorous. Soft,silken tresses were achieved thanks to the leave-in hair packs thatnourished my coloured hair and enveloped the shafts with a rich, protectivecoating. The 'glamour gal' look was ultimately sealed with the blow dry ofthe decade. Give me a strong grip and a firm wrist any day, my dedicatedhairdresser at the flagship Mall of the Emirates branch teased, eased andfashioned my look to resemble a re-invented Farah Fawcett look, similar tothe cool flicked-back look currently being sported by Madonna. With topKerastase products, in addition to a bevy of experienced staff who have theability to take a hair style to another level, is what makes their salonsspecial. "So true", I thought to myself as I sauntered out looking great andfeeling even better, "this is a hairstyle and a half".

Tel.: +9714 304 6444www.franckprovost-dubai.com

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Dubai’s current tryst with beauty would be lacking if it did not includeMalini Ohri. A well known name in Dubai in the field of cosmetology,she is a UK trained health and beauty therapist, make-up artist, Reikimaster and aromatherapist with over 30 years of multi-facettedexperience in these fields.

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Best of Dubai 189

Makeover Marvels

With a hands-on approach to beauty therapy and image managementoverall, she is the founder of Splendour, one of the Emirate’s salons thatstands out when it comes to skin care, makeup and slimmingtreatments. With an exclusive weekly column in top newspapers andnumerous TV and radio appearances, she has elevated beauty andwellness to an art she shares with all.

As make-up is a vast field, Malini has managed to spread herexpertise across this area catering to all types of faces and events.

At the forefront of Dubai’s advertising and entertainment industry- shehighlights model’s faces for photo shoots, ramp modelling, musicvideos, movies and commercials too.

“I also share the excitement and anxiety of a bride, by creating magicon her face, a few hours before the wedding”, she says. Malini explainsthat “make-up should not take away from the brides’ identity. It shouldenhance her beauty and features, not change them.” She says that toooften a brides’ make-up is so overdone that she ends up looking like thewedding cake.

Her in-house makeup team apply the same principles when it comesalso to party and casual make-up.

New colour fashion shades aside, innovation is the key to success. Inthis regard, Malini has introduced “airbrush” make-up to women inDubai. This cutting-edge technique is a fast growing phenomenon in thebeauty industry that allows the creation of a flawless, almost natural look.It can be applied heavily, for party or modelling make-up, or is ideal for a“barely there” look too. In addition, “Airbrushing can also be used tomake temporary tattoos and to create fantasy looks. The sky is the limit”,she explains.

At her boutique salon, Splendour, you can receive a complete makeover and can pick up tips and tricks on health and beauty whilst you areat it. Make-up classes are also offered, and you can choose what kind ofmake-up application you want to learn about, as well as the length anddepth of your make-up education. “There is more to a woman’s appealthan slapping on lipstick, whacking on blusher and hoping for the best.Make-up is an expert craft that needs to be learnt. And with our range ofexclusive products and experience, we can make any face radiate itsbest features.”

Depending on what you want, Splendour will cater to your needs.Housing a down to earth and efficient staff, she connects with her clientsin a reassuring, honest, no-nonsense manner. Only once you are sure

about what you want, will the Splendour team go ahead with thetreatments. After all, we all know how intimidating a new beautytreatment or a make over can be.

Splendour offers a diverse range of treatments. With Malini’sexperience of having been a trained Swedish masseuse, you can besure to receive a range of professional massages options that rangefrom the leisurely to hard-core therapeutic. With a physiotherapist onboard, care and attention is elevated to high levels.

Her facials also encompass the latest techniques. These include,micro derma abrasion, glycolic peels, face lifting and oxygen facials.Slimming treatments, non surgical face lifts and diet consultations areavailable on request.

“If you want to get rid of all the unwanted toxins in your body - thefoot detox should do the trick”, Malini explains.

And from a simple hair cut and blow dry to an elaborate up do-Splendour is there for you.

Moreover ,treatments at Splendour are at affordable prices. According to Malini, “my clients shouldn’t have to pay for the Picassoson the wall. It is the treatments and the services that they take home.” Soyou can go treat yourself to a day of best of the line make-up andpampering, without burning a hole in your pocket and feeling guilty inthe process. Make up and beauty care is all about fun. Our job is tomake your experience a pleasurable one that leaves you looking good,but above all, feeling even better”.

With another parlour in the pipeline, Malini, along with her team of in-house professionals is set on making Dubai a little more splendid.

Tel.: +9714 398 9336www.splendourbeauty.com

Splendour Supremo, Malini

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Dubai’s current tryst with beauty would be lacking if it did not includeMalini Ohri. A well known name in Dubai in the field of cosmetology,she is a UK trained health and beauty therapist, make-up artist, Reikimaster and aromatherapist with over 30 years of multi-facettedexperience in these fields.

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Makeover Marvels

With a hands-on approach to beauty therapy and image managementoverall, she is the founder of Splendour, one of the Emirate’s salons thatstands out when it comes to skin care, makeup and slimmingtreatments. With an exclusive weekly column in top newspapers andnumerous TV and radio appearances, she has elevated beauty andwellness to an art she shares with all.

As make-up is a vast field, Malini has managed to spread herexpertise across this area catering to all types of faces and events.

At the forefront of Dubai’s advertising and entertainment industry- shehighlights model’s faces for photo shoots, ramp modelling, musicvideos, movies and commercials too.

“I also share the excitement and anxiety of a bride, by creating magicon her face, a few hours before the wedding”, she says. Malini explainsthat “make-up should not take away from the brides’ identity. It shouldenhance her beauty and features, not change them.” She says that toooften a brides’ make-up is so overdone that she ends up looking like thewedding cake.

Her in-house makeup team apply the same principles when it comesalso to party and casual make-up.

New colour fashion shades aside, innovation is the key to success. Inthis regard, Malini has introduced “airbrush” make-up to women inDubai. This cutting-edge technique is a fast growing phenomenon in thebeauty industry that allows the creation of a flawless, almost natural look.It can be applied heavily, for party or modelling make-up, or is ideal for a“barely there” look too. In addition, “Airbrushing can also be used tomake temporary tattoos and to create fantasy looks. The sky is the limit”,she explains.

At her boutique salon, Splendour, you can receive a complete makeover and can pick up tips and tricks on health and beauty whilst you areat it. Make-up classes are also offered, and you can choose what kind ofmake-up application you want to learn about, as well as the length anddepth of your make-up education. “There is more to a woman’s appealthan slapping on lipstick, whacking on blusher and hoping for the best.Make-up is an expert craft that needs to be learnt. And with our range ofexclusive products and experience, we can make any face radiate itsbest features.”

Depending on what you want, Splendour will cater to your needs.Housing a down to earth and efficient staff, she connects with her clientsin a reassuring, honest, no-nonsense manner. Only once you are sure

about what you want, will the Splendour team go ahead with thetreatments. After all, we all know how intimidating a new beautytreatment or a make over can be.

Splendour offers a diverse range of treatments. With Malini’sexperience of having been a trained Swedish masseuse, you can besure to receive a range of professional massages options that rangefrom the leisurely to hard-core therapeutic. With a physiotherapist onboard, care and attention is elevated to high levels.

Her facials also encompass the latest techniques. These include,micro derma abrasion, glycolic peels, face lifting and oxygen facials.Slimming treatments, non surgical face lifts and diet consultations areavailable on request.

“If you want to get rid of all the unwanted toxins in your body - thefoot detox should do the trick”, Malini explains.

And from a simple hair cut and blow dry to an elaborate up do-Splendour is there for you.

Moreover ,treatments at Splendour are at affordable prices. According to Malini, “my clients shouldn’t have to pay for the Picassoson the wall. It is the treatments and the services that they take home.” Soyou can go treat yourself to a day of best of the line make-up andpampering, without burning a hole in your pocket and feeling guilty inthe process. Make up and beauty care is all about fun. Our job is tomake your experience a pleasurable one that leaves you looking good,but above all, feeling even better”.

With another parlour in the pipeline, Malini, along with her team of in-house professionals is set on making Dubai a little more splendid.

Tel.: +9714 398 9336www.splendourbeauty.com

Splendour Supremo, Malini

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Baré NecessitiesMale grooming is booming across Dubai and BaréSalon is leading the charge with masculine-focusedoutlets springing up across the city.

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With Bare Salons opening new stores on a yearly basis, the brand's profile is growing rapidly in the city - there's probably one on your own street corner. The salons, located in Mazaya Centre, Ibn Battuta, Springs and Emaar Tower in Deira, are spread evenly across Dubai and easily accessible by all clientele.

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Walk into any Baré Salon outlet andyou’re hit by an unmistakable senseof energy; the staff is busy cutting,washing, talking, sweeping – allthings you may find in any salon, onlyfew can rival the tangible feeling ofteamwork and commitment.

The eponymous Baré, whocelebrates 10 years in Dubai this year, has come a long way since hefirst started working in the JW Marriott Hotel.

During those early days, in whichhe was approached by Emirates tobe a grooming consultant and workon the company’s corporate image,he realised the potential for providingpremium grooming services to men.His experience with Emiratesencouraged Baré at a corporate leveland he quickly started working on achain of salons.

Today, that strategy has been welland truly vindicated, as the malegrooming industry is booming and hisbusiness has taken off.

Baré’s fourth salon opened forbusiness in Emaar Towers in Augustand the company’s fifth operation isdue to open in the City of Arabia Mall in 2008. The salon on the firstfloor of the Mazaya Centre is also apopular tight-knit operation,commanding loyal following ofArabian and expatriate clients.

Baré points to changing socialtrends for the increased interest inmale grooming.

Men now account for 29 per centof all spa goers, according to theInternational Spa Association andsales of male-oriented products areshowing double-digit growth, twicethe rate of ladies’ products. TheMiddle East beauty and groomingsector is growing 12 per centannually and is expected to be wortharound US$ 2.1 billion in 2006.

“Men like to feel that they have

made an effort to look their best, and that going the extra mile can be proven rewarding both on a personal and professional level”, he said.

“If you look healthy, then thatprojects an image of an organisedand responsible person and this isvery attractive to others.”

But he maintains that a healthyimage requires work on a daily basis; turning to professionaltreatments once in a while will notcover or aid your physicalappearance or sense of well-being.

“Men should shave everyday athome and once or twice a week with a professional to ensure that the skin remains tuned and problemfree”, he said. “Short hair must betrimmed every three weeks andhighlights if used, touched upregularly. Facials are also essential toassure a better result when shaving.”

Every client can expect apersonalised consultation, by any ofBaré’s personally trained team.Whether they want to create a newlook or maintain their current style,Baré’s goal is for every client todiscover the style that suits them bestand he is committed to offeringindividual clients an individual look.His reputation precedes him andclients trust his judgement implicitly, something that Baré findspricelessly rewarding.

Mazaya Shopping CentreTel.: +9714 343 4112

IBN Battuta Shopping MallTel.: +9714 368 5111

Springs, Town Living CentreTel.: +9714 363 8883

EMAAR Tower, DeiraTel.: +9714 227 7555

Baré Muafak Ghazal

Baré Salon atIbn Battuta

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Best of Dubai 193

Fuelled by the passion of theircompany's slogan: "We make youlook good." Risarg has entered thescene with the powerful launch of itsprincipal haircare product, AlternaProfessional Haircare. Made inBeverly Hills, Alterna is an exclusivelyhigh-end, unisex line that is preferredby millions and endorsed bycelebrities, such as: Madonna;Jennifer Aniston; David & VictoriaBeckham; Paris & Nicky Hilton;Nicole Richie; Penelope Cruz; KateMoss; Naomi Campbell; JuliaRoberts; ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and24s Kiefer Sutherland. With such areputation to back it up, Risarg isconfident that Alterna willrevolutionise how men and women inthe UAE pamper and treat their hair.

Based on a firm moral conviction, theRisarg sisters are not interested inrepresenting anything they don't believe in ordon't use themselves.

"Alterna will only be sold in leading salonsand spas and is ideal for the discerning clientwho wants the very best hair product," saysSargina Kelaita, Risarg managing partner."Alterna is a valuable commodity for theindividual who is dedicated to and defined bythe health, feel and look of his or her hair. Wedon't want to simply add yet another brand tothe existing bottles collecting dust on salonshelves. Alterna is more than just anothershampoo or conditioner, it is a unique andpowerful resource that is essential to yourbeauty regime."

With so much available, one wonders ifand how Alterna is truly different and canactually live up to the bottled promises ofbeautiful, healthy and shiny hair. The answeris in the technology. In 1997, Alterna'sground-breaking Enzymetherapy™ process

was born. The core technology behind everyproduct in the Alterna line, Enzymetherapy™promotes the production of superior keratinthat is essential for enhanced and healthiergrowing hair. Unlike other brands, Alternadoesn't simply mask hair problems with thickand deceptive solutions but alternativelynourishes from the scalp out, for a genuineand long term result.

"Yes, we're in the business of beauty butwe're not in the business of selling a lie. Wepride ourselves on founding Risarg on astrong ethos and as two women who areextremely aware of our own appearance; werefuse to sell products that insult theintelligence and integrity of our clients,"advocates Rita Kelaita, Risarg managingpartner. "We are representative of our clientsand know how stressful the local climate canbe for our hair. This isn't just another priceyproduct that gives temporary results. This isthe end to unhealthy hair."

The Alterna difference is achieved throughits four very extensive and distinct productlines ranging from White Truffle and Caviar to

Life and Hemp. Each line works with aninvigorating blend of ingredients ranging fromGrape Seed Oil; Arabian Frankincense;Seaweed, Algae and Wasabi Extracts toHoneyquat; White Tea; Milk Thistle; Beeswax; Silk Protein; Amino Acids, and FruitEnzymes. Tackling anything from radicaldamage; constant UV exposure and chemicaland mechanical processing to improvingmoisture; strength; elasticity; manageability,and shine.

As the exclusive agents, Risarg hopes aquality product like Alterna will prove to be thebenchmark for the brands, service and qualityit seeks to introduce into the UAE andbeyond. Perhaps the ultimate ambassadorand beholder of beauty with grand plans toraise the bar on what's currently available in atired and oversaturated market and industry,Risarg is looking to a future that clearlycaptures and defines the promise to make uslook good.

Tel +9716 743 6656www.risarg.com

Alternate Hair AttitudeBeauty can be achieved in many ways but for two sisters, truebeauty came in the name of their company…Risarg. Inspired bythe combination of the first few letters of their names, Risargepitomises the unrelenting efforts of Rita and Sargina Kelaita -two strong and ambitious women answering a lifelongentrepreneurial calling. Newly-opened Risarg aims to positionitself as the leading supplier of high-end beauty and hair careproducts and luxury designer salon furnishings and fixtures.

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A sample of Alterna’s extensive luxury haircare line

Rita & Sargina Kelaita, sisters and Managing Partners

Best of Dubai 193

Fuelled by the passion of theircompany's slogan: "We make youlook good." Risarg has entered thescene with the powerful launch of itsprincipal haircare product, AlternaProfessional Haircare. Made inBeverly Hills, Alterna is an exclusivelyhigh-end, unisex line that is preferredby millions and endorsed bycelebrities, such as: Madonna;Jennifer Aniston; David & VictoriaBeckham; Paris & Nicky Hilton;Nicole Richie; Penelope Cruz; KateMoss; Naomi Campbell; JuliaRoberts; ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and24s Kiefer Sutherland. With such areputation to back it up, Risarg isconfident that Alterna willrevolutionise how men and women inthe UAE pamper and treat their hair.

Based on a firm moral conviction, theRisarg sisters are not interested inrepresenting anything they don't believe in ordon't use themselves.

"Alterna will only be sold in leading salonsand spas and is ideal for the discerning clientwho wants the very best hair product," saysSargina Kelaita, Risarg managing partner."Alterna is a valuable commodity for theindividual who is dedicated to and defined bythe health, feel and look of his or her hair. Wedon't want to simply add yet another brand tothe existing bottles collecting dust on salonshelves. Alterna is more than just anothershampoo or conditioner, it is a unique andpowerful resource that is essential to yourbeauty regime."

With so much available, one wonders ifand how Alterna is truly different and canactually live up to the bottled promises ofbeautiful, healthy and shiny hair. The answeris in the technology. In 1997, Alterna'sground-breaking Enzymetherapy™ process

was born. The core technology behind everyproduct in the Alterna line, Enzymetherapy™promotes the production of superior keratinthat is essential for enhanced and healthiergrowing hair. Unlike other brands, Alternadoesn't simply mask hair problems with thickand deceptive solutions but alternativelynourishes from the scalp out, for a genuineand long term result.

"Yes, we're in the business of beauty butwe're not in the business of selling a lie. Wepride ourselves on founding Risarg on astrong ethos and as two women who areextremely aware of our own appearance; werefuse to sell products that insult theintelligence and integrity of our clients,"advocates Rita Kelaita, Risarg managingpartner. "We are representative of our clientsand know how stressful the local climate canbe for our hair. This isn't just another priceyproduct that gives temporary results. This isthe end to unhealthy hair."

The Alterna difference is achieved throughits four very extensive and distinct productlines ranging from White Truffle and Caviar to

Life and Hemp. Each line works with aninvigorating blend of ingredients ranging fromGrape Seed Oil; Arabian Frankincense;Seaweed, Algae and Wasabi Extracts toHoneyquat; White Tea; Milk Thistle; Beeswax; Silk Protein; Amino Acids, and FruitEnzymes. Tackling anything from radicaldamage; constant UV exposure and chemicaland mechanical processing to improvingmoisture; strength; elasticity; manageability,and shine.

As the exclusive agents, Risarg hopes aquality product like Alterna will prove to be thebenchmark for the brands, service and qualityit seeks to introduce into the UAE andbeyond. Perhaps the ultimate ambassadorand beholder of beauty with grand plans toraise the bar on what's currently available in atired and oversaturated market and industry,Risarg is looking to a future that clearlycaptures and defines the promise to make uslook good.

Tel +9716 743 6656www.risarg.com

Alternate Hair AttitudeBeauty can be achieved in many ways but for two sisters, truebeauty came in the name of their company…Risarg. Inspired bythe combination of the first few letters of their names, Risargepitomises the unrelenting efforts of Rita and Sargina Kelaita -two strong and ambitious women answering a lifelongentrepreneurial calling. Newly-opened Risarg aims to positionitself as the leading supplier of high-end beauty and hair careproducts and luxury designer salon furnishings and fixtures.

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A sample of Alterna’s extensive luxury haircare line

Rita & Sargina Kelaita, sisters and Managing Partners

CHAPTER 11Young People

"Your children are not your children. Theyare the sons and daughters of Life’s

longing for itself. They came through youbut not from you and though they are with

you yet they belong not to you". Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher

CHAPTER 11Young People

"Your children are not your children. Theyare the sons and daughters of Life’s

longing for itself. They came through youbut not from you and though they are with

you yet they belong not to you". Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher


Enriching Infancy

With activities focussing on the process, not necessarilythe final product, children are encouraged to get messy,move freely and explore the world around them in asafe, structured and of course, fun environment.

Whilst it’s easy to pinpoint when Farah BizzariNabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi decided toopen Favourite Things, an integrated leisureand learning facility for mothers and children,“We started thrashing about embryonic ideasabout 18 months ago.” And to trace how theirjoint passion for taking onboard the needs ofthese two segments with an innovative spiritand a discerning eye for detail, “Wecoalesced our respective needs first asmothers, then as business partners, andfound that our separate wish lists ultimatelymatched.” It is not so easy to define in whatspecific ways their 6,771 square footFavourite Things living and learning centre inJumeirah’s Palm Strip Mall will evolve. This isnot surprising. Launched in August 2006,“Our core objective is to let end-users dictatetheir needs that will then influence the rangeof our services and the product mix based onthe stake holders – mothers and children –and not the other way around”, Sandra, aSaudi of German-Palestinian origin, universitylecturer-turned-entrepreneur explains.

This is not to say that they don’t have theirfirst exquisitely designed centre up andrunning to a lively, action-packed momentumthat has added a much-needed option forexclusive venues of this type. They do, withflair and pizzazz. Inspired by motherhood andthe desire to give the best to their ownchildren whilst spending quality time together,activities ranging from arts n’ crafts, fancydress, water n’ sand play to jungle gym, wallclimbing and scheduled activities like storytelling, have ensured that the arrival ofFavourite Things on the Dubai scene hascaused a positive furore. This has set a newbenchmark for quality, originality, interactivityand downright fun in a critical service areathat – with scarce exceptions notwithstanding– has been missing in the emirate. “We havenot reinvented the wheel with FavouriteThings, we have merely succeeded in addingsome new cogs that unleash children’screativity and allow mothers to participate in acreative dialogue with their kids. Add this toan ideal venue for them to relax, snack andshop and you’ve got something entirelydifferent”, Farah, a Palestinian-Emirati, formerInvestment Banker, and CFA adds.

With a multinational team of 11 trained staffthat adhere to Favourite Things ‘educationthrough entertainment’ dictum, infants up tochildren of 10 years old are welcome to atailor-made hang-out kitted out in age-appropriate uber chic interactive style.Games and fun notwithstanding - Check outthe interactive, brightly hued wall collage toenhance toddler’s motor skills, the water tablewith exciting hydraulic elements and thespacious glass walls that allow mums to gazeadoringly at their little ones in full play modewhilst they sip designer cappuccinos in theadjacent café area. They are all originaldesign elements thought through by theMadi-Nabulsi duo that look great and workeven better. “Nothing is overkill at Favourite

Things. Everything mothers and children seeand experience is the painstaking result of ourown dreams and needs as mums. Frombringing onboard a dedicated birthday andevents planner to ensuring a spaciousmaternity room, cutting corners is not ourstyle. Edutainment in a safe environment isessential. We felt that putting together a novellifestyle option with a genuine personal feelwould make sense and add value all round”,Sandra says.

Naturally, this achievement has not beenhassle-free. Both partners anticipated chal-lenges along the way and their expectationswere at times, sorely, met. Farah clarifies:“Finding the right team, aligning practicalpossibilities with budgets and timelines,balancing intuition with rational logic, as wellas sticking to a plan whilst having theflexibility of changing it if necessary. We havehad moments of total impasse”, she laughs.

The result however, is outstanding.Favourite Things is a winner all round. Here isa place where children of all ages can play,while parents can join in or shop, meet friendsand relax. Raising the bar on providingpersonalised customer care destinations forthe entire family is spurring the duo forward.They are moving onwards and upwards asbudding entrepreneurs developing a home-grown Middle Eastern brand. This processhas been enhanced by several quarters. Forinstance, Sandra has nothing but praise forthe “unbelievably fantastic” assistance thepartners got from Dubai’s EconomicDepartment throughout the entire licensingand set-up process. “Who says that equalopportunities do not exist in this part of theworld? Staff at the Women’s Division werefriendly and efficient. Once they did their duediligence, we came up trumps. As long asyou follow the system and show a hands-onwillingness to get your project through, I can’timagine why any woman would not want todo her own business if she has a winningidea”, Sandra adds.

Fiercely passionate and protective of theirmulti-facetted family destination haven that ispart fun, part food and part retail too, settingup Favourite Things was “A substantialinvestment and far more than a ladies’business whim. With our joint complementarybackgrounds, we elevated the quality andlevel of planning at Favourite Things to matchexpectations for our own most prizedpossessions – our kids”, Farah says. With thisuncompromising standpoint, “Whenever wewere faced with a ‘no’ from any quarter, for usit became the beginning of the conversation –never the end.”

With Favourite Things still in its infancy,Sandra and Farah are already exploring thepossibility of franchising their interactive kidsn’ mums concept, as well as eyeing suitablecommercial property to house FavouriteThings second and third outlets in Dubai.“Growth is inevitable if your objectives are to build a brand capable of crossing

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Partners Farah Bizzari Nabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi are keen tobring their children to work.


Enriching Infancy

With activities focussing on the process, not necessarilythe final product, children are encouraged to get messy,move freely and explore the world around them in asafe, structured and of course, fun environment.

Whilst it’s easy to pinpoint when Farah BizzariNabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi decided toopen Favourite Things, an integrated leisureand learning facility for mothers and children,“We started thrashing about embryonic ideasabout 18 months ago.” And to trace how theirjoint passion for taking onboard the needs ofthese two segments with an innovative spiritand a discerning eye for detail, “Wecoalesced our respective needs first asmothers, then as business partners, andfound that our separate wish lists ultimatelymatched.” It is not so easy to define in whatspecific ways their 6,771 square footFavourite Things living and learning centre inJumeirah’s Palm Strip Mall will evolve. This isnot surprising. Launched in August 2006,“Our core objective is to let end-users dictatetheir needs that will then influence the rangeof our services and the product mix based onthe stake holders – mothers and children –and not the other way around”, Sandra, aSaudi of German-Palestinian origin, universitylecturer-turned-entrepreneur explains.

This is not to say that they don’t have theirfirst exquisitely designed centre up andrunning to a lively, action-packed momentumthat has added a much-needed option forexclusive venues of this type. They do, withflair and pizzazz. Inspired by motherhood andthe desire to give the best to their ownchildren whilst spending quality time together,activities ranging from arts n’ crafts, fancydress, water n’ sand play to jungle gym, wallclimbing and scheduled activities like storytelling, have ensured that the arrival ofFavourite Things on the Dubai scene hascaused a positive furore. This has set a newbenchmark for quality, originality, interactivityand downright fun in a critical service areathat – with scarce exceptions notwithstanding– has been missing in the emirate. “We havenot reinvented the wheel with FavouriteThings, we have merely succeeded in addingsome new cogs that unleash children’screativity and allow mothers to participate in acreative dialogue with their kids. Add this toan ideal venue for them to relax, snack andshop and you’ve got something entirelydifferent”, Farah, a Palestinian-Emirati, formerInvestment Banker, and CFA adds.

With a multinational team of 11 trained staffthat adhere to Favourite Things ‘educationthrough entertainment’ dictum, infants up tochildren of 10 years old are welcome to atailor-made hang-out kitted out in age-appropriate uber chic interactive style.Games and fun notwithstanding - Check outthe interactive, brightly hued wall collage toenhance toddler’s motor skills, the water tablewith exciting hydraulic elements and thespacious glass walls that allow mums to gazeadoringly at their little ones in full play modewhilst they sip designer cappuccinos in theadjacent café area. They are all originaldesign elements thought through by theMadi-Nabulsi duo that look great and workeven better. “Nothing is overkill at Favourite

Things. Everything mothers and children seeand experience is the painstaking result of ourown dreams and needs as mums. Frombringing onboard a dedicated birthday andevents planner to ensuring a spaciousmaternity room, cutting corners is not ourstyle. Edutainment in a safe environment isessential. We felt that putting together a novellifestyle option with a genuine personal feelwould make sense and add value all round”,Sandra says.

Naturally, this achievement has not beenhassle-free. Both partners anticipated chal-lenges along the way and their expectationswere at times, sorely, met. Farah clarifies:“Finding the right team, aligning practicalpossibilities with budgets and timelines,balancing intuition with rational logic, as wellas sticking to a plan whilst having theflexibility of changing it if necessary. We havehad moments of total impasse”, she laughs.

The result however, is outstanding.Favourite Things is a winner all round. Here isa place where children of all ages can play,while parents can join in or shop, meet friendsand relax. Raising the bar on providingpersonalised customer care destinations forthe entire family is spurring the duo forward.They are moving onwards and upwards asbudding entrepreneurs developing a home-grown Middle Eastern brand. This processhas been enhanced by several quarters. Forinstance, Sandra has nothing but praise forthe “unbelievably fantastic” assistance thepartners got from Dubai’s EconomicDepartment throughout the entire licensingand set-up process. “Who says that equalopportunities do not exist in this part of theworld? Staff at the Women’s Division werefriendly and efficient. Once they did their duediligence, we came up trumps. As long asyou follow the system and show a hands-onwillingness to get your project through, I can’timagine why any woman would not want todo her own business if she has a winningidea”, Sandra adds.

Fiercely passionate and protective of theirmulti-facetted family destination haven that ispart fun, part food and part retail too, settingup Favourite Things was “A substantialinvestment and far more than a ladies’business whim. With our joint complementarybackgrounds, we elevated the quality andlevel of planning at Favourite Things to matchexpectations for our own most prizedpossessions – our kids”, Farah says. With thisuncompromising standpoint, “Whenever wewere faced with a ‘no’ from any quarter, for usit became the beginning of the conversation –never the end.”

With Favourite Things still in its infancy,Sandra and Farah are already exploring thepossibility of franchising their interactive kidsn’ mums concept, as well as eyeing suitablecommercial property to house FavouriteThings second and third outlets in Dubai.“Growth is inevitable if your objectives are to build a brand capable of crossing

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Partners Farah Bizzari Nabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi are keen tobring their children to work.

FAVOURITE THINGS at a glance

Edutainment Area

Favourite Things play area (ages 0 – 3) Offering climbing structures, tailor-madeinteractive collages and games, booksand loads of the best quality toys in acustom made, stimulating safeenvironment.

State of the art children’s play area (ages 2-10)- An intergalactic space themed

climbing Wall.- An animal themed jungle Gym. - A Fancy Dress room, filled with

over 70 costumes and props fordifferent ages.

- An Art room; where creativity andmessiness coexist either solo or withan Arts supervisor.

- A Stations Room which includes:Interactive water play area, sand play area and a constructiontable too.

Favourite Things Multi-Function RoomStylishly designed, with a lounge areafor reading, playing board games orjust watching a movie on flat screen TV,relaxing on funky bean bags takes awhole new meaning. Of course, thisspace also converts into the perfectsetting for those extra special events…

Favourite Things Scheduled ActivitiesApart from the free play areas, to whichall kids have access, multi-lingualscheduled activities, such as storytimes, sing-a-longs, dramatic play inEnglish, Arabic, French and Germanare all the rage given Dubai’scosmopolitan mien.

Retail Area

The CaféA haven where mums n’ dads areoffered an opportunity to relax, whilekids play. Nutritious, wholesome food ideal for a quick snack, withyummy selections of savouries, sweetsand plenty of options for the little ones as well.

The BoutiqueLooking frumpy during pregnancy is nolonger an option. The Favourite Thingsboutique has introduced a wide rangeof trendy maternity and non-maternitystyles, including brands such asSusana Monaco, Woo Maternity andOrla Kiely, Diane Von Furstenberg,Paulina Quintana and more.

With carefully selected gift items andnovelties, the boutique also boasts thelatest and hippest baby and childproducts, from the Mozzee Highchair, tothe Easywalker push chair; and theStorksak diaper bag too.

200 Best of Dubai

borders and effecting positive change”,Sandra explains. “Working withchildren’s overall betterment in mind,we both agree that a strong element ofcorporate social responsibility is an integral part of the FavouriteThings picture.” This is why the team already has plans to ensure thatless privileged children get theopportunity to participate in fun life atFavourite Things. “There are a millionways to give back to society. Asentrepreneurs, we feel it incumbent onus to explore ways to help the morevulnerable parts of society through avehicle such as Favourite Things. Forus, it’s not about making money formoney’s sake. Above all, it’s aboutfinding ways to expand the businessso that we can improve our services,customise our offering in different

outlets so as to strengthen our brandand therefore be in a position to giveback. Reciprocity is definitely one ofthe most exciting visions that we havefor Favourite Things”, Farah concludes.

LocationThe Palm Strip Shopping MallJumeira 1 (opposite THE ONE)Second Floor(Underground parking available)

Opening HoursSundays – Thursdays 9:00 am – 9:00 pmFridays & Saturdays 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Tel.: 04 345 2725, Fax: 04 345 2763 Email: [email protected]

Best of Dubai 201

FAVOURITE THINGS at a glance

Edutainment Area

Favourite Things play area (ages 0 – 3) Offering climbing structures, tailor-madeinteractive collages and games, booksand loads of the best quality toys in acustom made, stimulating safeenvironment.

State of the art children’s play area (ages 2-10)- An intergalactic space themed

climbing Wall.- An animal themed jungle Gym. - A Fancy Dress room, filled with

over 70 costumes and props fordifferent ages.

- An Art room; where creativity andmessiness coexist either solo or withan Arts supervisor.

- A Stations Room which includes:Interactive water play area, sand play area and a constructiontable too.

Favourite Things Multi-Function RoomStylishly designed, with a lounge areafor reading, playing board games orjust watching a movie on flat screen TV,relaxing on funky bean bags takes awhole new meaning. Of course, thisspace also converts into the perfectsetting for those extra special events…

Favourite Things Scheduled ActivitiesApart from the free play areas, to whichall kids have access, multi-lingualscheduled activities, such as storytimes, sing-a-longs, dramatic play inEnglish, Arabic, French and Germanare all the rage given Dubai’scosmopolitan mien.

Retail Area

The CaféA haven where mums n’ dads areoffered an opportunity to relax, whilekids play. Nutritious, wholesome food ideal for a quick snack, withyummy selections of savouries, sweetsand plenty of options for the little ones as well.

The BoutiqueLooking frumpy during pregnancy is nolonger an option. The Favourite Thingsboutique has introduced a wide rangeof trendy maternity and non-maternitystyles, including brands such asSusana Monaco, Woo Maternity andOrla Kiely, Diane Von Furstenberg,Paulina Quintana and more.

With carefully selected gift items andnovelties, the boutique also boasts thelatest and hippest baby and childproducts, from the Mozzee Highchair, tothe Easywalker push chair; and theStorksak diaper bag too.

200 Best of Dubai

borders and effecting positive change”,Sandra explains. “Working withchildren’s overall betterment in mind,we both agree that a strong element ofcorporate social responsibility is an integral part of the FavouriteThings picture.” This is why the team already has plans to ensure thatless privileged children get theopportunity to participate in fun life atFavourite Things. “There are a millionways to give back to society. Asentrepreneurs, we feel it incumbent onus to explore ways to help the morevulnerable parts of society through avehicle such as Favourite Things. Forus, it’s not about making money formoney’s sake. Above all, it’s aboutfinding ways to expand the businessso that we can improve our services,customise our offering in different

outlets so as to strengthen our brandand therefore be in a position to giveback. Reciprocity is definitely one ofthe most exciting visions that we havefor Favourite Things”, Farah concludes.

LocationThe Palm Strip Shopping MallJumeira 1 (opposite THE ONE)Second Floor(Underground parking available)

Opening HoursSundays – Thursdays 9:00 am – 9:00 pmFridays & Saturdays 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Tel.: 04 345 2725, Fax: 04 345 2763 Email: [email protected]

Best of Dubai 201

Understanding Children BetterA first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zonecommunity, TLC is the only Day Care foundwithin Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itselfbelies its uniqueness.

202 Best of Dubai

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Kindly, yet driven in her pursuit of excellence, Lina Jabbour is the'godmother' you did not realise your child ever had. In the ever-transientscenario of Dubai, her Day Care aptly named Tender Love and Care(TLC) is a 'home away from home,' where parents are as welcome in theclassrooms as much as the children are. Indeed, this Lebanese-bornand Canadian educated early childhood specialist asserts that “Parentsare encouraged to participate in all activities and I welcome theiropinions, with an open-door policy at all times.” Even though this hands-on modus operandi may make her very busy at times, “Parentsare the eyes and ears of TLC and as such their thoughts and opinionsare integral to the wellbeing of the Day Care and the children overall”,explains Lina.

As a postgraduate in Early Childhood Education, Lina's approach toteaching is as gentle as it is educationally sound. “I believe that allchildren's senses need to be stimulated through playing and having funto encourage curiosity and to spark a natural desire to learn. It is veryimportant nowadays to encourage children to make their own decisionsand be independent. This is why we concentrate on a comprehensivetailor-made curriculum that is based on several approaches.”

As an expert in different worldwide schooling systems, she believesthat the ideal combination lies in pooling the resources and values of allthe above. “Keeping in mind the tremendous diversity of all my littlestudents that range age-wise from infancy until little ones are ready to goto junior school, my duty is to keep the curriculum adaptable andflexible, while maintaining high standards of excellent professional anddedicated staff and top-of-the-line resources intact. Pre-school is one ofthe most important aspects of a child's development.”

A first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zone community, TLC is theonly Day Care found within Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itselfbelies its uniqueness.

Ideally located to service Dubai's expanding freehold communities,TLC is a second home to children and a haven for their parents, many ofwhom work as part of the free zone's white collar workforce, the nurseryis situated in one of DMC's exclusive villas. The surroundings offercomfort, cleanliness and an overall feeling of noisy, happy cheerfulnessessential to defer any feelings of anxiety children may feel when firstjoining day care. "Naturally each child reacts differently to nursery school,but at TLC we make it our duty to ensure that the experience is a positiveone, with fun as well as the acquisition of skills equally important", Linaadds.

A commitment to refreshing and upgrading her offering is paramount,given the fierce competition and her natural desire to give children the

best. To this end she has incorporated music, arts and crafts in her DayCare. “It is vital to understand the differences between the many differenttraditions that coexist in today's rainbow society. With art and musichowever, these differences can be bridged in an inclusive and effectiveway. Our basic aim is to provide appropriate learning experiences basedon the interest and needs of the individual child and to provideopportunities for growth in all areas - emotional, social, physical,intellectual and cultural. This individual treatment is essential to allowchildren to be able to think for themselves. Nevertheless, this also allowsfor a tailor-made approach as the curriculum is designed aroundindividual needs and all children are encouraged to explore their owntalents”.

With languages foremost on parent's minds, French classes areavailable along with the main teaching in English. Lina's faith in childrenis inspirational. “Children from birth until at least five years old are likesponges. The more you offer them, then the more eager they are tolearn. I believe that children are able to absorb far more than we givethem credit for, this is why I want to offer as many opportunities aspossible under my guidance at TLC.”

Having said this, having a multicultural environment brings its own setof challenges, and since it is very important to TLC to adhere to parents'desires, it is often hard to juggle differing requirements. However, beinga parent herself to her two boys who belong to TLC too, no oneunderstands better than Lina how precious a child is to their parent, andtherefore she and her 18-strong team appreciate the need to find a wayto manage expectations. “I will always put time aside to sit with eachand every parent to explain the importance of routine, whilst maintaininga harmonious synergy with the individual needs of the child and thedesires of the parent”, Lina says.

Currently, TLC welcomes children from walking stage to four years.Despite her nursery’s evident success, Lina does not rest on her laurelsand takes her responsibilities very seriously. “I am entrusted withpeople's prized possessions and this trust cannot be taken lightly”, sheexplains. A fierce believer in the hands-on approach in child care, thereis no room for mistake at TLC. That is why, whenever you pass by thewell appointed DMC Boutique Office Villa, you will find her surroundedby her ‘extended family’. “I am there to welcome children in the morningand to wave goodbye to them when all the toys have been put away forthe night.”

Tel:+971 4 367 1636www.tenderloveandcare.com

Best of Dubai 203

Understanding Children BetterA first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zonecommunity, TLC is the only Day Care foundwithin Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itselfbelies its uniqueness.

202 Best of Dubai

Youn

g P

eopl

e

Kindly, yet driven in her pursuit of excellence, Lina Jabbour is the'godmother' you did not realise your child ever had. In the ever-transientscenario of Dubai, her Day Care aptly named Tender Love and Care(TLC) is a 'home away from home,' where parents are as welcome in theclassrooms as much as the children are. Indeed, this Lebanese-bornand Canadian educated early childhood specialist asserts that “Parentsare encouraged to participate in all activities and I welcome theiropinions, with an open-door policy at all times.” Even though this hands-on modus operandi may make her very busy at times, “Parentsare the eyes and ears of TLC and as such their thoughts and opinionsare integral to the wellbeing of the Day Care and the children overall”,explains Lina.

As a postgraduate in Early Childhood Education, Lina's approach toteaching is as gentle as it is educationally sound. “I believe that allchildren's senses need to be stimulated through playing and having funto encourage curiosity and to spark a natural desire to learn. It is veryimportant nowadays to encourage children to make their own decisionsand be independent. This is why we concentrate on a comprehensivetailor-made curriculum that is based on several approaches.”

As an expert in different worldwide schooling systems, she believesthat the ideal combination lies in pooling the resources and values of allthe above. “Keeping in mind the tremendous diversity of all my littlestudents that range age-wise from infancy until little ones are ready to goto junior school, my duty is to keep the curriculum adaptable andflexible, while maintaining high standards of excellent professional anddedicated staff and top-of-the-line resources intact. Pre-school is one ofthe most important aspects of a child's development.”

A first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zone community, TLC is theonly Day Care found within Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itselfbelies its uniqueness.

Ideally located to service Dubai's expanding freehold communities,TLC is a second home to children and a haven for their parents, many ofwhom work as part of the free zone's white collar workforce, the nurseryis situated in one of DMC's exclusive villas. The surroundings offercomfort, cleanliness and an overall feeling of noisy, happy cheerfulnessessential to defer any feelings of anxiety children may feel when firstjoining day care. "Naturally each child reacts differently to nursery school,but at TLC we make it our duty to ensure that the experience is a positiveone, with fun as well as the acquisition of skills equally important", Linaadds.

A commitment to refreshing and upgrading her offering is paramount,given the fierce competition and her natural desire to give children the

best. To this end she has incorporated music, arts and crafts in her DayCare. “It is vital to understand the differences between the many differenttraditions that coexist in today's rainbow society. With art and musichowever, these differences can be bridged in an inclusive and effectiveway. Our basic aim is to provide appropriate learning experiences basedon the interest and needs of the individual child and to provideopportunities for growth in all areas - emotional, social, physical,intellectual and cultural. This individual treatment is essential to allowchildren to be able to think for themselves. Nevertheless, this also allowsfor a tailor-made approach as the curriculum is designed aroundindividual needs and all children are encouraged to explore their owntalents”.

With languages foremost on parent's minds, French classes areavailable along with the main teaching in English. Lina's faith in childrenis inspirational. “Children from birth until at least five years old are likesponges. The more you offer them, then the more eager they are tolearn. I believe that children are able to absorb far more than we givethem credit for, this is why I want to offer as many opportunities aspossible under my guidance at TLC.”

Having said this, having a multicultural environment brings its own setof challenges, and since it is very important to TLC to adhere to parents'desires, it is often hard to juggle differing requirements. However, beinga parent herself to her two boys who belong to TLC too, no oneunderstands better than Lina how precious a child is to their parent, andtherefore she and her 18-strong team appreciate the need to find a wayto manage expectations. “I will always put time aside to sit with eachand every parent to explain the importance of routine, whilst maintaininga harmonious synergy with the individual needs of the child and thedesires of the parent”, Lina says.

Currently, TLC welcomes children from walking stage to four years.Despite her nursery’s evident success, Lina does not rest on her laurelsand takes her responsibilities very seriously. “I am entrusted withpeople's prized possessions and this trust cannot be taken lightly”, sheexplains. A fierce believer in the hands-on approach in child care, thereis no room for mistake at TLC. That is why, whenever you pass by thewell appointed DMC Boutique Office Villa, you will find her surroundedby her ‘extended family’. “I am there to welcome children in the morningand to wave goodbye to them when all the toys have been put away forthe night.”

Tel:+971 4 367 1636www.tenderloveandcare.com

Best of Dubai 203

OUR VISION STATEMENTThe Monkeynastix Corporation providesfranchisees, instructors, schools, teachers,parents, children and communities withservices and products that enrich, support andcelebrate childhood.

OUR PHILOSOPHYTo teach children Monkeynastix in a fun, safe environment and raise their levels of self-confidence. This is a circular goal with nobeginning and no end, but which continuallyfeeds on the nourishment of the opportunity to move.

BORN TO MOVELet Monkeynastix take your child on ajourney of discovery that will not only shapethe body, but wire the mind for academicsuccess. Children are born to move andthrough Monkeynastix we encourage themto explore and discover the world throughtheir senses and their bodies with our funand exciting movement educationprogramme - designed by specialists,endorsed by therapists and teachers, andloved by kids!

DID YOU KNOW?There is a direct connection between thelarge body movements involved in climbing, running, walking, swimming and ball play,and the small movements necessary forreading and writing activities.

Babies and young children learn from the inside out. Their core muscle strength isvital to healthy overall development and for laying strong foundations for higher order learning.

Children need to repeat movementsthousands of times in many different ways tomaster them and gain confidence.

When a child is moving he or she is notjust working his or her body but the eyemuscles too. The co-ordination between theeyes and hands and the eyes and feet isintegral to overall development.

GOOD FOUNDATIONSGood movement education helps developfoundations for:- Neater handwriting- The ability to sit comfortably in a chair and

focus on desk work- Improved concentration- Eye strength for reading and copying from

books, worksheets or the blackboard- The ability to follow movement

demonstrations and auditory instructions- Sequencing, memory and rhythm - for

reading and writing - The acquisition of vocabulary that relates

to movement eg. numbers, up, down, bodyparts, action words (in, behind), direction(left, right) etc.

RESEARCH TELLS USChildren today are living in smaller

environments eg. townhouses and clusters.Children have increasingly limited access

to large gardens and jungle gym equipment.Children are at risk of spending too much

time in front of a screen instead of movingeg. computers, TV, electronic games, cell-phone games etc.

Security concerns limit the freeexploration of the environment by children.

THE PROGRAMME Our fun and creative approach to movementallows children to be children again.Monkeynastix is a broad-based, holisticprogramme that combines creativity, musicand storytelling with basic training inflexibility, balance, strength, agility, co-ordination and body awareness. Your childwill love each energy-packed lesson.

HOW DOES MONKEYNASTIX WORK?A qualified instructor will come to your child's school or public venue to run a classonce a week.

Lessons run for 30 minutes.Lessons include a warm up to music,

stretch and tone and working withspecialised equipment.

We believe in rewarding children to buildtheir self esteem - each child receives asticker at the end of every class.

A certificate will be given to your child atthe end of each term.

At the end of each year your child willreceive a special Monkeynastix medal.

HEALTHY LIVING HABITSGet your child into healthy living habits froman early age. At Monkeynastix we reinforcewhat you are doing at home by incorporatingsome of the following into our lessons:- Emotional intelligence (e.g. respect

yourself and others)- Social skills (e.g. please and thank you)- Environmental awareness

(e.g. conserve water)- Moral standards (e.g. waiting your turn)- Healthy habits (e.g. Like brushing teeth,

sun protection, hygiene)

OPEN THE DOOR TO LEARNCreate opportunities for your child to move.Your encouragement and support isimportant. Remember that every time yourchild moves the door to learning opens.

10 YEARS OF EXPERTISEMonkeynastix - the pioneer of movementeducation in South Africa for the past 10years. Now also successful and expandingin the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius,Turkey, Zambia, Dubai and starting in Egypt in 2007.

Tel: +97150 676 3697www.monkeynastix.biz

Movement is as natural to children as breathing andalmost as essential. The Monkeynastix programmeprovides children with a myriad of different movementexperiences in different contexts for them to discover theunlimited possibilities that exist in physical activity.

204 Best of Dubai

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Monkeynastix is an Internationally recognised Movement Education Programmefor children ages 1- 8 in three separate curriculums for ages 1-2, 3-6 and 7-8 and is structured in a franchise business system with more than60 franchisees, currently with 250 qualified instructors presenting classes at morethan 2000 venues worldwide to more than 35 000 children in this age group.

Today's children are not moving nearly as much as we did when we werechildren. Modern living, easy access to fast food, television and computers allcontribute to the fact that children are more passive and generally overweight.The Monkeynastix programme is non-competitive, builds self-confidence and apositive self-image and focus on long-term motivation.

We at Monkeynastix are dedicated in making a difference in the lives of manyyoung children and our enthusiasm and work ethic will ensure that children's livesare touched forever.

Best of Dubai 205

Monkeynastix 4 Healthy Living

Monkeynastix.qxp 12/28/2006 4:55 PM Page 1

OUR VISION STATEMENTThe Monkeynastix Corporation providesfranchisees, instructors, schools, teachers,parents, children and communities withservices and products that enrich, support andcelebrate childhood.

OUR PHILOSOPHYTo teach children Monkeynastix in a fun, safe environment and raise their levels of self-confidence. This is a circular goal with nobeginning and no end, but which continuallyfeeds on the nourishment of the opportunity to move.

BORN TO MOVELet Monkeynastix take your child on ajourney of discovery that will not only shapethe body, but wire the mind for academicsuccess. Children are born to move andthrough Monkeynastix we encourage themto explore and discover the world throughtheir senses and their bodies with our funand exciting movement educationprogramme - designed by specialists,endorsed by therapists and teachers, andloved by kids!

DID YOU KNOW?There is a direct connection between thelarge body movements involved in climbing, running, walking, swimming and ball play,and the small movements necessary forreading and writing activities.

Babies and young children learn from the inside out. Their core muscle strength isvital to healthy overall development and for laying strong foundations for higher order learning.

Children need to repeat movementsthousands of times in many different ways tomaster them and gain confidence.

When a child is moving he or she is notjust working his or her body but the eyemuscles too. The co-ordination between theeyes and hands and the eyes and feet isintegral to overall development.

GOOD FOUNDATIONSGood movement education helps developfoundations for:- Neater handwriting- The ability to sit comfortably in a chair and

focus on desk work- Improved concentration- Eye strength for reading and copying from

books, worksheets or the blackboard- The ability to follow movement

demonstrations and auditory instructions- Sequencing, memory and rhythm - for

reading and writing - The acquisition of vocabulary that relates

to movement eg. numbers, up, down, bodyparts, action words (in, behind), direction(left, right) etc.

RESEARCH TELLS USChildren today are living in smaller

environments eg. townhouses and clusters.Children have increasingly limited access

to large gardens and jungle gym equipment.Children are at risk of spending too much

time in front of a screen instead of movingeg. computers, TV, electronic games, cell-phone games etc.

Security concerns limit the freeexploration of the environment by children.

THE PROGRAMME Our fun and creative approach to movementallows children to be children again.Monkeynastix is a broad-based, holisticprogramme that combines creativity, musicand storytelling with basic training inflexibility, balance, strength, agility, co-ordination and body awareness. Your childwill love each energy-packed lesson.

HOW DOES MONKEYNASTIX WORK?A qualified instructor will come to your child's school or public venue to run a classonce a week.

Lessons run for 30 minutes.Lessons include a warm up to music,

stretch and tone and working withspecialised equipment.

We believe in rewarding children to buildtheir self esteem - each child receives asticker at the end of every class.

A certificate will be given to your child atthe end of each term.

At the end of each year your child willreceive a special Monkeynastix medal.

HEALTHY LIVING HABITSGet your child into healthy living habits froman early age. At Monkeynastix we reinforcewhat you are doing at home by incorporatingsome of the following into our lessons:- Emotional intelligence (e.g. respect

yourself and others)- Social skills (e.g. please and thank you)- Environmental awareness

(e.g. conserve water)- Moral standards (e.g. waiting your turn)- Healthy habits (e.g. Like brushing teeth,

sun protection, hygiene)

OPEN THE DOOR TO LEARNCreate opportunities for your child to move.Your encouragement and support isimportant. Remember that every time yourchild moves the door to learning opens.

10 YEARS OF EXPERTISEMonkeynastix - the pioneer of movementeducation in South Africa for the past 10years. Now also successful and expandingin the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius,Turkey, Zambia, Dubai and starting in Egypt in 2007.

Tel: +97150 676 3697www.monkeynastix.biz

Movement is as natural to children as breathing andalmost as essential. The Monkeynastix programmeprovides children with a myriad of different movementexperiences in different contexts for them to discover theunlimited possibilities that exist in physical activity.

204 Best of Dubai

Youn

g P

eopl

e

Monkeynastix is an Internationally recognised Movement Education Programmefor children ages 1- 8 in three separate curriculums for ages 1-2, 3-6 and 7-8 and is structured in a franchise business system with more than60 franchisees, currently with 250 qualified instructors presenting classes at morethan 2000 venues worldwide to more than 35 000 children in this age group.

Today's children are not moving nearly as much as we did when we werechildren. Modern living, easy access to fast food, television and computers allcontribute to the fact that children are more passive and generally overweight.The Monkeynastix programme is non-competitive, builds self-confidence and apositive self-image and focus on long-term motivation.

We at Monkeynastix are dedicated in making a difference in the lives of manyyoung children and our enthusiasm and work ethic will ensure that children's livesare touched forever.

Best of Dubai 205

Monkeynastix 4 Healthy Living

Monkeynastix.qxp 12/28/2006 4:55 PM Page 1

CHAPTER 12Corporate Profiles

"We have to make history andapproach the future with steady steps,not wait for the future to come to us".


Jumeirah Burj Al Arab conference facilities

CHAPTER 12Corporate Profiles

"We have to make history andapproach the future with steady steps,not wait for the future to come to us".


Jumeirah Burj Al Arab conference facilities

208 Best of Dubai

Onwards and UpwardsThe pitfalls that accompany long-term economicoverdependence on a solitary source, namely oil andgas, are being successfully curtailed in the UAE. Thehealthy state of the manufacturing sector is a testamentto this strategy. C

orpo

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Pro

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Best of Industry.qxd 12/9/06 10:02 AM Page 1

Best of Dubai 209

Dubai, the frontrunner of economic diversification, has seen its manufacturingsector gear into fast forward mode. Just ten years ago, manufacturerscontributed 8.3 per cent of local GDP, a figure that has now doubled to 16 percent, making it the second largest source of local wealth. In total, despitemaking up only five per cent of the UAE landmass, 30 per cent of the country'stotal GDP is generated by Dubai.

In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), Dubai has strategicallypositioned itself as the regions leading destination for businesses, hostingnearly 150 Fortune 500 companies. The Department for EconomicDevelopment reports that total capital investment into Dubai industry stood atapproximately US$7 billion for 2004, with the total production valued at US$680million. During this period, manufacturing grew 17 percent and similar growthpatterns are expected for 2005/06.

This investment has been most beneficial to the metallic mineral products,non-metallic products, food processing, fabricated metal and equipment, andchemical and plastic products sectors of industry. The UAE has alsodeveloped into a major hub for the textile and garment industry in the region.

A major factor in promoting a bulk of the FDI for the Dubai industrial sectorhas been the formation of industrial cities, technology parks, and free zones.The favourable conditions for operating in these zones make them sustainablelong-term options.

As the oldest and most well established free zone in the country, hostingnearly 400 companies, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has established a newbusiness zone to focus on creating eight specific industry clusters. In doing so,the number of companies operating in JAFZA is expected to climb to 6000.

US$700 million has also been invested into Dubai Industrial City (DIC) inorder to provide the supporting infrastructure to entice more companies intothe emirate. DIC will consist of six main zones specialising in machinery andmechanical equipment, transport equipment, base metals, chemical products,food and beverage and mineral products. A 50 million square feet LogisticsPark is being developed inside the city that will also contain labouraccommodation. It is anticipated that DIC will contribute US$545 million per


210 Best of Dubai

annum to GDP by 2010. To avoid federaltaxation and customs tariffs, which range for 5to 7 per cent on production and certain exportactivities, DIC has not been set up as a freezone. The DIC is also hoping for a change inthe federal companies law to allow for majorityforeign ownership.

In the private sector, Dubai InvestmentsPark, a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, itself amajor investor in the local industrial sector, hasalso proven popular as a base for industry. Among the industries to have settledhere are specialists in pharmaceuticalproducts, insulation material, water purification,cold storage, building systems and amanufacturer of cast steel valves for the oil andwater sectors.

With the launch of Emaar Industries, EmaarProperties is looking to capitalise on thegrowing opportunities in the manufacturingsector brought about by Dubai's rapideconomic growth. In particular, the amazinggrowth of the construction sector over the last four years has impacted on thefurniture, cement, steel and iron industries, with all experiencing expansion as a result. Of these, the furniture sector grew by 50 percent in 2005 and is now worth US$270 million. There is, however, a risk of overcapacityin some of these sectors should there be aslowdown in the construction sector, but this iscountered by good investment opportunities inindustries such as chemicals and foodstuffs.

The depreciation of the UAE dirham againstmajor currencies, including the euro, yen andsterling, as a result of its being pegged to theUS dollar, is expected to broaden the non-oilexport sector. Currently, base metals fromcompanies such as DUBAL dominate non-oilmanufactured exports, but cement,pharmaceuticals, corrugated cartons, scrapmetal, snack foods, plastic products, paints,lubricants and chemicals are quickly becomingsignificant contributors.

As Dubai continues to diversify its economy,synergies are being developed acrossindustries allowing linkages between sectors.Once projects like the Dolphin Gas project (anunderwater gas pipeline from Qatar) kick in, theresulting increase in cheaper and abundantenergy will herald a new industrial era forDubai, with many projects already lined up andwaiting for the gas to start flowing Major entitiesthat have been established in Dubai

DUBALDUBAL is the largest single site aluminiumsmelter in the western world, covering 480hectares. The company was established in1979 under the leadership of H.H. SheikhRashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and over theensuing years has become a leading globalaluminium producer. Generating a total volumeof 861,000 metric tonnes of quality metal in2006, DUBAL is the largest non-oil contributorto the economy.

http://www.dubal.ae/

DUTCOFounded by the late Yousuf Baker in 1947, theDutco Group of Companies is one of the oldestbusiness organizations in the United ArabEmirates, where it has a long anddistinguished history. The company has a widerange of activities, including construction,hotels and leisure, manufacturing, freights andtrading, and oil and gas.

www.dutco.com

DUGASDUGAS, wholly owned by the Government ofDubai, was set up in 1977 and its Jebel Aliprocessing plant was inaugurated on April22nd, 1980 by H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin SaeedAl Maktoum. The company produces andexports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) andcontinually introduce scientific innovations thatreduce the ecological imprint of industry in theregion.

http://www.sheikhhamdan.ae/english/chairmanship/dugas.htm

Dubai Dry-docksThe international and regional shipyard ofchoice for ship repair, conversion, new building,oil rig repairs, offshore fabrication, afloat repairsand industrial services. Dubai Dry-docks have2,500 metres of repair berths capable ofaccommodating 8 U.L.C.C.s.

http://www.drydocks.gov.ae/

ENOCENOC is a wholly owned company of the Dubaigovernment. Established in 1993, its diverseactivities include refining, shipping andterminalling, and a wide range of retail projectsincluding petrol stations and lines of automotivepetroleum products. The company employs aworkforce in excess of 3,800 staff of differentnationalities across 28 companies.

http://www.enoc.com

EPPCOA joint venture between ENOC and Caltex, theEmirates Petroleum Products Company(EPPCO) LLC operates across a variety ofsectors, including petroleum retailing, aviationrefuelling, lubricants marketing andterminalling. EPPCO has a network of over 120service stations across Dubai and the NorthernEmirates supplemented by 24-hour Star Martconvenience stores, mini-marts, car washesand Quick Lube outlets. EPPCO also runs theENOC network of 30 service stations, Tasjeelcar registration and the FixPlus vehicleservicing centres.

www.eppcouae.com

Dubai HoldingDubai Holding currently has 19 companiesoperating in a variety of sectors, including

health, technology, finance, real estate,research, education, tourism, energy,communication, industrial manufacturing,biotechnology and hospitality. Thesecompanies include: Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Healthcare City,Dubailand, Dubai International Capital, DubaiIndustrial City, Dubai Properties, DubaiInternational Properties, Dubai InvestmentGroup, Dubai Energy, Dubai KnowledgeVillage. Dubai Holding is also looking toexpand its interests into Tunisia, Malta and Pakistan.

www.dubaiholding.com

NakheelNakheel originated in the late 1990s after H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid alMaktoum recognized one of Dubai's mostattractive features was its pristine beaches. The idea for the iconic Palm developmentcame from a desire to maximize beachfront living and was launched in 2001.Originally the Palm was its own separatecompany, however the launch of the second Palm (Jebel Ali) made expansionnecessary and Nakheel was born in 2003.The company's portfolio now currentlyextends to 15 projects.

www.nakheel.ae

EmaarFounded in 1997, Emaar has several realestate projects in various stages ofcompletion. The company has witnessedtremendous growth since its inception in 1997and boasts a rapidly growing tenant basewith more than 13,000 homes already handedover. Emaar has also begun construction ofone of the world's most ambitious projects,the AED73 billion (US$20 billion) Burj DubaiDowntown. The Burj Dubai will be the world'stallest tower when it is completed in 2008.Emaar also has joint ventures and projectsacross the region, covering India, Egypt,Turkey, Morocco, Syria, Pakistan, Tunisia andSaudi Arabia.

www.emaar.com

DU-Emirates IntegratedTelecommunication CompanyIn February 2006, EITC was launched as the competitor to the state-owned Etisalat and has been popular with investors ever since. Their license grants theright to install, operate and manage a public telecom network providing servicesacross the United Arab Emirates. Introducing a second telecom operatorenabled the UAE government to realize its vision of providing competition to one ofthe most significant, dynamic and vitalsectors.

http://www.du.ae/

Best of Industry.qxd 12/9/06 2:53 PM Page 3

Best of Dubai 211


Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC) provides a knowledge economy ecosystem designed to support the businessdevelopment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East's biggestICT infrastructure, built inside a free trade zone.

DIC is a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in a vast region extending from theMiddle East to the Indian subcontinent, and from Africa to the CIS countries, covering 2 billion people with aGDP of $6.7 trillion.

Almost all the global ICT giants have a base in DIC including Microsoft, Oracle, HP, IBM, Dell, Siemens,Canon, Logica, Sony Ericsson, Schlumberger and Cisco, as well as many small and medium enterprises andentrepreneurial ventures. The ICT cluster in Dubai Internet City comprises companies from various sectors:software development, business services, ecommerce, consultancy and sales and marketing.

DIC provides an environment that attracts most elements of the value chain for an ICT business. Inaddition, it has developed programmes that can be leveraged by the ICT community to explore and expandchannel and business development opportunities. The cluster of ICT companies in DIC comprises SoftwareDevelopment, Business Services, Web Based & e-Commerce, Consultancy, Sales & Marketing and BackOffice Operations. Currently there are over 850 companies operating out of DIC.

In line with Dubai's liberal economic policies and regulations, DIC offers foreign companies 100 per centtax-free ownership, 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, easy registrationand licensing, stringent cyber regulations, and protection of intellectual property.

One of DIC's key facilities for new market entrants is firststeps@DIC. The facility offers short-term offices tocompanies looking to have a temporary, cost-effective base to explore the regional market before setting up afull-fledged office. Many established companies and entrepreneurial ventures from around the world haveleveraged firststeps to establish a foothold in the market before going on to establish larger permanentoffices.

www.dubaiinternetcity.com

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Dubai Media City

Strategically located in Dubai at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Media City(DMC) has rapidly emerged as a global media hub. DMC provides an advanced infrastructure andsupportive environment for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai.

DMC is a place where every kind of media business can operate with collective synergy, including mediaand marketing services, printing and publishing, music, film, new media, leisure and entertainment,broadcasting and information agencies.

Since its inception, Dubai Media City has grown impressively. The list of DMC-based companies todayreads like a who's who of the global media industry. The community includes global media giants such asReuters, CNN, CNBC, MBC, Sony, Showtime and Bertelsmann.

Dubai Media City has also set up Media Business Centres to promote talent and entrepreneurship in theregion. These unique facilities are targeted at freelancers and independent media professionals. Freelancersfind the Centres an ideal base for gaining visibility and building relationships with the media industry.

Being a dedicated media zone, DMC ensures that all media businesses are given the "Freedom toCreate". The advanced infrastructure, support services, freedom of capital movement, tax-free income andeasy access to markets rich with untapped opportunities makes DMC the ideal base for productive mediabusinesses.

June 2001 saw the launch of the Ibda'a Media Student Awards, an annual event held by Dubai Media Cityto recognize and foster young media talent in the region. The Ibda'a Awards cover a range of media-relatedcategories.

Under the auspices of Dubai Media City, Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) was launched inDecember 2004. DIFF showcased 76 films from around the world at six venues in Dubai, and attractedinternational celebrities and an audience of 40,000 people.

www.dubaimediacity.com

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Dubai Knowledge Village (KV), launched in September 2003, provides an advanced infrastructure andenvironment for a variety of organisations to create and disseminate knowledge. Its mission is to create avibrant, connected learning community to develop the region's talent pool and accelerate its move into theknowledge economy.

As a leading centre for knowledge, KV has attracted prominent international universities from Australia,India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium, UK, Ireland and Canada. KV seeks to provide the right environment forthe development of scholarship, education, training, creativity, innovation, R&D and entrepreneurial expertise.

It offers a unique campus ambience with a creatively stimulating and welcoming atmosphere for students,professionals, teachers, instructors and researchers to interact.

KV is also equipped with a business centre, providing modern facilities for freelancers and start-up entitiesin the education, training and learning sectors.

There are currently 16 prominent international universities from different countries operating at theKnowledge Village. These include The University of Wollongong in Dubai, from Australia, Middlesex UniversityDubai Campus, from UK and S.P Jain Centre of Management Dubai, from India among others.

These institutions offer programmes that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academicprogrammes on offer include engineering, computer science, fashion and design, biotechnology,environmental studies, quality management and business management programmes.

In addition to universities and institutions of higher education the Knowledge Village also plays host tomore than 350 global and regional training centres which include human resource development centres,professional training institutes, R&D organisations, innovation centres and e-learning companies.

Several internationally renowned institutions of higher education will be based at the new campus of DubaiKnowledge Village in the Academic City. The new campus will give students access to an even wider rangeof degrees and programmes, all from one location.

www.kv.ae

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Dubai International Media Production Zone

IMPZ: A call to the 3P fraternity across the world

Dubai's International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) seeks to create a unique cluster environment for mediaproduction companies from across the industry value chain, and from across the world, to interact andcollaborate effectively.

Catering exclusively to companies in the 3P industries - Printing, Publishing and Packaging - IMPZ is aninitiative of the visionary Dubai government, under the patronage of parent company, Dubai Holding.

As a master developer, IMPZ will provide an environment of growth by building key facilities, investing ininfrastructure, and forming a unique free zone that incorporates industrial, commercial, residential andcommunity service projects under its mantle. The vast complex will be housed on a territory of over 43 millionsquare feet of land, in the heart of commercial Dubai.

Key investments

IMPZ has committed to an initial investment of approximately US$ 280 million and it is expected that tenantsin the printing and packaging business will invest a further US$ 280 million in machinery alone.

Irresistible advantages

The IMPZ initiative is designed to bring a wide range of benefits to the industry. As with other free zones inDubai, companies joining IMPZ can avail of 100 per cent ownership and will be exempt from almost allcorporate and personal taxes including those for machinery, equipment, raw materials and spares utilised bythe industry. Furthermore, rules governing media production have been simplified to provide maximum easeof operations.

The concept of clusters offered by IMPZ will allow print companies to coordinate production activitiesefficiently with feeder companies like machinery and equipment providers and suppliers of raw materials andspares. For small and medium-sized businesses, the time and costs involved in sourcing requirements will beconsiderably reduced, as they can avail of several shared services.

www.impz.ae


Dubai Studio City

Dubai Studio City (DSC), officially announced in Feb, 2005, will offer a complete technical and communityinfrastructure catering to the film and TV production industries.

To be built within Dubailand, DSC aims to attract production companies and a wide range of supportservices, including providers of animation, dubbing, makeup, costume design, stage design and building,casting, telnet agencies, telecine and laboratory facilities.

DSC will feature pre-built studios, sound stages, workshops, backlots and stage areas, a broadcast centrehousing offices and post-production studios, and a business centre for freelancers. The cluster will alsohouse a film academy, location approval services, entertainment and retail spaces, and hotels and residentialfacilities to accommodate crews and casts.

DSC's Location Approval Services (LAS) will provide a single window for applying for production permitsand visas. A fast-track immigration process will enable crews to obtain visas quickly. This service will allowcompanies to recruit talent easily. In addition, flexible labour laws will ensure that the industry's needs for part-time and temporary requirements are met.

DSC's infrastructure will allow a film to be shot right from the start to the finish; all in one location. Everyaspect of film making including scripting, casting, pre-production, filming in exotic locations, editing, soundrecording, visual animation, processing and distribution will be catered to within the DSC enclave.

Companies can lease office space and studios as well as plots of land to build their own infrastructure.There are three types of spaces available on lease: Commercial offices, Boutique studios and Residential.Business partners are also invited to build residential complexes, hotels, leisure and entertainment centres(shopping malls, museums, cineplexes) and sound stages.

www.dubaistudiocity.com


Dubai Outsource Zone

Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ), the world's first free zone dedicated to the outsourcing industry, offers anappropriate base for both captive and third-party outsourcing operations to provide mid and high-endservices in areas such as finance, accounting, IT, payroll processing, engineering, R&D and design.

DOZ also serves as a centre for off-shore disaster recovery facilities besides catering to off-shoringrequirements from Europe, the US and the region.

The custom-made facilities offered in the Zone, including next-generation telecom infrastructure, office spacein intelligent buildings, and facilities management, enable outsourcing companies to set up efficientoperations.

The package of telecom services include reliable and redundant high-bandwidth connectivity, IP telephony,Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and predictive dialing systems, satellitecommunication services as well as technical and infrastructure support. These facilities form part of a plug-and-play infrastructure which helps offshore service providers start operations quickly with minimal upfrontinvestment.

A Location Assessment Study conducted by AT Kearney ranked DOZ among the three top offshore locationsin the world. The research takes into account Dubai's traditional strength in attracting cost-effective talent froma skill-rich region spreading across the Indian Sub-continent, Philippines, Levant, Africa, Middle East andIran.

Businesses operating out of DOZ enjoy the following benefits

- Lower salary expense- 100 per cent tax free environment for 50 years- Absence of corporate tax- No income tax- No customs duty- 100 per cent foreign ownership - Full currency convertibility- No Red Tape - Quick and Simplified Licensing, Incorporation and Visa Processing- Customised Plug-and-Play Infrastructure - Transparent Laws and One-Stop Shop of Business services- No Restriction on Profit or Capital Repatriation- Stringent Attrition Law- Reduced Real Estate Cost

www.doz.ae


DuBiotech

The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), launched in February 2005 is the region's first andforemost science and business park dedicated entirely to the global life science industry.

DuBiotech aims to be the central hub for all life science industries for the greater Middle East. DuBiotechoffers a vibrant environment for key players of such industries to thrive within their sphere of activity. The parkoffers drug manufacturers and industry specific service providers all the support needed to make theirpresence at DuBiotech an efficient and effective process. Such service providers include suppliers oflaboratory equipment and reagents, Venture Capital firms, design consultants, etc.

With its award winning designed headquarter and its state-of-the-art laboratory complexes, DuBiotechadditionally offers an unique environment where companies can truly capture and serve their target market ina setting that reflects DuBiotech's dedication to exceptional architecture and practicality with an emphasistowards the requirements of life science companies.

A central focus of DuBiotech is research, and to support the drive toward setting a park dedicated toresearch excellence, DuBiotech has established the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI). The FRIwill initially focus on medical, industrial, environmental and agricultural biotechnology.

DuBiotech is governed by world class regulations in line with those applied to the top life science clustersglobally. The UAE Ministry of Health has also been a close partner to further enhance life science regulationsat the federal level. Intellectual property (IP) protection is at the core of the life science industry. As such, byworking closely with the industry, federal authorities and world IP bodies, DuBiotech will ensure that existingIP laws and regulations are strictly enforced. DuBiotech attaches considerable importance to IntellectualProperty issues, considering the sensitive nature of work done within this industry.

As part of TECOM's corporate social responsibility, all DuBiotech's buildings are to be classified as LEEDcertified 'Green' buildings. This extends not only to the headquarter and laboratory complexes, but also themanufacturing and community services buildings that will be part of the park. The headquarter building, oncecompleted, is expected to be one of the largest 'Green' buildings globally. Our unique environment alsoincludes an animal reserve spread over 500,000 square feet, where some animal species indigenous to theregion will roam freely.

www.dubiotech.com


TAKtical Raises the Bar, not just Capital In today's global and increasingly volatile economy, successful businesseshave to thrive in a dynamic marketplace. In this environment, passiveinvestments often result in unpredictable returns. To meet this challenge,international holding company, TAKtical International, has established aglobal footprint and various entities to take advantage of globalopportunities that present themselves.

Based in Dubai, the principals of TAKtical have leveraged their extensiveand established relationships with hedge funds, ultra high net worthindividuals, merchant families and an array of other financial institutions,particularly in the Middle East, to identify unique investment opportunitiesaround the globe. The abundant liquidity of the Middle Eastern region,coupled with the company's extensive network, ensures a unique abilityto rapidly react to these opportunities as they present themselves.

Although TAKtical has built a respectable clientele around the globe,over the past few years, particular emphasis has been given to itsMiddle Eastern clientele. This special relationship has come about due torecent economic shifts in the region brought about by increasing oilprices and the corresponding strong economic growth.

The majority of the investments TAKtical has recently targeted havebeen in regions such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East and GreaterChina. With interests in industries including financial services, real estate,media and entertainment, technology and healthcare, the TAKtical teambrings together more the 30 years of collective international experiencefor providing corporate finance, management consulting, marketing andbranding strategies and international growth strategic planning. Sosuccessful has this team been that the last decade has seen themmanage over USD400 million in transactions.

With a list of previous initiatives that has seen them undertakebusiness in locations including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany,Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Korea, China, and Taiwan, the company also boasts a multinational in-house team of English, Spanish, French,Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, Farsi, Croatian and Urdu/Hindi speakers, sothat clients from all parts of the world can rest assured that a partnershipwith TAKtical strengthens every opportunity and will open countless new doors.

Tel.: +9714 367 1890www.taktical.com

Best of Dubai 219

TCOM - Matt1.qxp 12/11/06 3:16 PM Page 1

The Middle East online marketplace

“IT Literacy and education go hand in handwith our growth strategy.”

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hand in hand with our growth strategy”, saidOmar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer, thesuccessor of Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy as Tejari’sCEO in July of 2005. “In countries where e-commerce is on the national agenda andInternet penetration is high, our franchise has grown quickly. The real challenge exists in getting lesser-developed countries in theregion up to speed with the vast potential of e-commerce.”

Whilst the UAE has been ahead of the game regionally, it still has a long way to go interms of its online transaction culture.“Electronic transactions must be as good aspaper for us to reach our full potential”, saidHijazi, who brings 20 years of knowhow to theorganisation through his experience with theworld’s largest CPG firms as well as Ernst andYoung LLP and A.T. Kearney, Inc, amongstothers. “In some countries, we have evenpushed for legislative reform to facilitate e-commerce activity,” he added.

In November 2005, Tejari was a keyparticipant in the first GCC E-CommerceConference and Exhibition. Topics discussedincluded drafting a unified Gulf e-commercelaw, developing e-payment and unifying online governmental purchase orders. “A wholeseries of government initiatives has beenintroduced to help boost Internet andbroadband penetration across the region”, said Hijazi. “Tejari is committed to thetechnological development of the UAE andaims not only to share its expertise, but to help local governments in their efforts toadvance electronically.”

With an M.B.A in Finance and years inbusiness in the US, Hijazi represents the newbreed of highly skilled technocrat that theMiddle East is successfully wooing back to theregion. He has been inspired by Dubai’s

appetite for growth and generalaggressiveness across all sectors. “Dubaishares a similar passion with the US in terms ofgrowth and development. I truly believe that thenext global suite of companies will come fromthis Emirate. Dubai Ports World and Emaar, forexample, are just the just tip of the iceberg”,Hijazi explained.

An increased focus on services andcontinued expansion are amongst Tejari’s toppriorities. ‘Tejari Consulting’ was launched lastyear to enable trading partners around theregion to optimise their supplier base. ‘TejariConnect’ was introduced to offer backendsystems integration, whilst ‘My Tejari’ wasbrought in to provide members with apersonalised website including alerts andcontent facilities. Tejari is also working todevelop industry-specific solutions for thedifferent sectors it represents. In addition, ‘MyLink Dubai’ was successfully launched with theDubai Economic Department whereby Tejarihelped bring in over 70,000 companies online.

Creative solutions as well as rationalplanning and innovation have ensured thatTejari maintains substantial yearly growth. Thismeans that it has never been short ofrecognition, with some 20 awards overall,ranging from the Gulf Brand of the DecadeAward, World Summit Best Content Award andthe Superbrands Award three yearsconsecutively. Tejari also received the DubaiQuality Award, an honour reserved for only thebest organisations in the region.

Clearly, Tejari is the leading business-to-business online marketplace in the MiddleEast, and will continue to play a fundamentalrole in propelling regional economies into theInternet age.

Tel.: +9714 391 3777www.tejari.com

Best of Dubai 221

Capitalising on the explosion of e-commerce worldwide, the launch of Tejari inJune 2000 has dramatically changed the way this region does business. With anonline presence in seven countries and further plans to be in at least 18countries by 2008, the e-marketplace and regional pioneer in electronicprocurement has been a success story from the beginning.

Providing an online meeting point for buyers and sellers of goods andservices, Tejari offers buyers access to a range of commodities covering oil andgas, building and construction, healthcare, information technology and more. Byallowing companies access to online catalogues, create tenders, receive andaward business online and perform spot purchases, paper-based administrativecosts are reduced and corporate efficiency is immediately improved.

With trading partners exceeding 60,000 organisations, which have negotiatedover 55,000 online Auctions valued at more than $3 billion, buyers on Tejari havecarried out over 85,000 electronic purchase orders. In addition, Tejari was thefirst company in the world to upgrade to the latest version of Oracle Exchange, afacility providing members with a multitude of new tools and features essential toefficiently manage e-commerce transactions.

Valuable business model notwithstanding, this growth has also been aided byits franchise partnership model. This has allowed Tejari to rapidly expand intoJordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon. Simply put, Tejari businessesin each country function as 100 per cent locally-owned entities, ensuring thatissues of time zone, language and currency are eradicated. Ensuring excellence,partners are selected for their strong local knowledge, management expertiseand extensive business networks. This powerful strategy is facilitating Tejari’saggressive plans to extend across the Middle East, Africa, the Subcontinent, FarEast and Central Europe too.

Education has been key to Tejari’s success. “IT literacy and education go

Omar Hijazi (centre), Tejari’s CEO, receiving theprestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Award fromUAE’s Minister of Finance and Dubai’s Deputy RulerSheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right), whilebeing accompanied by Tejari’s Marketing DirectorAbdullah Salman (left).

Tejari highlighted on the cover ofSuperbrands’publication; havingwon the award forthree years in a row.

Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer

Tejari.qxp 1/4/2007 2:41 PM Page 1

The Middle East online marketplace

“IT Literacy and education go hand in handwith our growth strategy.”

220 Best of Dubai

Cor

pora

te P

rofil

es

hand in hand with our growth strategy”, saidOmar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer, thesuccessor of Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy as Tejari’sCEO in July of 2005. “In countries where e-commerce is on the national agenda andInternet penetration is high, our franchise has grown quickly. The real challenge exists in getting lesser-developed countries in theregion up to speed with the vast potential of e-commerce.”

Whilst the UAE has been ahead of the game regionally, it still has a long way to go interms of its online transaction culture.“Electronic transactions must be as good aspaper for us to reach our full potential”, saidHijazi, who brings 20 years of knowhow to theorganisation through his experience with theworld’s largest CPG firms as well as Ernst andYoung LLP and A.T. Kearney, Inc, amongstothers. “In some countries, we have evenpushed for legislative reform to facilitate e-commerce activity,” he added.

In November 2005, Tejari was a keyparticipant in the first GCC E-CommerceConference and Exhibition. Topics discussedincluded drafting a unified Gulf e-commercelaw, developing e-payment and unifying online governmental purchase orders. “A wholeseries of government initiatives has beenintroduced to help boost Internet andbroadband penetration across the region”, said Hijazi. “Tejari is committed to thetechnological development of the UAE andaims not only to share its expertise, but to help local governments in their efforts toadvance electronically.”

With an M.B.A in Finance and years inbusiness in the US, Hijazi represents the newbreed of highly skilled technocrat that theMiddle East is successfully wooing back to theregion. He has been inspired by Dubai’s

appetite for growth and generalaggressiveness across all sectors. “Dubaishares a similar passion with the US in terms ofgrowth and development. I truly believe that thenext global suite of companies will come fromthis Emirate. Dubai Ports World and Emaar, forexample, are just the just tip of the iceberg”,Hijazi explained.

An increased focus on services andcontinued expansion are amongst Tejari’s toppriorities. ‘Tejari Consulting’ was launched lastyear to enable trading partners around theregion to optimise their supplier base. ‘TejariConnect’ was introduced to offer backendsystems integration, whilst ‘My Tejari’ wasbrought in to provide members with apersonalised website including alerts andcontent facilities. Tejari is also working todevelop industry-specific solutions for thedifferent sectors it represents. In addition, ‘MyLink Dubai’ was successfully launched with theDubai Economic Department whereby Tejarihelped bring in over 70,000 companies online.

Creative solutions as well as rationalplanning and innovation have ensured thatTejari maintains substantial yearly growth. Thismeans that it has never been short ofrecognition, with some 20 awards overall,ranging from the Gulf Brand of the DecadeAward, World Summit Best Content Award andthe Superbrands Award three yearsconsecutively. Tejari also received the DubaiQuality Award, an honour reserved for only thebest organisations in the region.

Clearly, Tejari is the leading business-to-business online marketplace in the MiddleEast, and will continue to play a fundamentalrole in propelling regional economies into theInternet age.

Tel.: +9714 391 3777www.tejari.com

Best of Dubai 221

Capitalising on the explosion of e-commerce worldwide, the launch of Tejari inJune 2000 has dramatically changed the way this region does business. With anonline presence in seven countries and further plans to be in at least 18countries by 2008, the e-marketplace and regional pioneer in electronicprocurement has been a success story from the beginning.

Providing an online meeting point for buyers and sellers of goods andservices, Tejari offers buyers access to a range of commodities covering oil andgas, building and construction, healthcare, information technology and more. Byallowing companies access to online catalogues, create tenders, receive andaward business online and perform spot purchases, paper-based administrativecosts are reduced and corporate efficiency is immediately improved.

With trading partners exceeding 60,000 organisations, which have negotiatedover 55,000 online Auctions valued at more than $3 billion, buyers on Tejari havecarried out over 85,000 electronic purchase orders. In addition, Tejari was thefirst company in the world to upgrade to the latest version of Oracle Exchange, afacility providing members with a multitude of new tools and features essential toefficiently manage e-commerce transactions.

Valuable business model notwithstanding, this growth has also been aided byits franchise partnership model. This has allowed Tejari to rapidly expand intoJordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon. Simply put, Tejari businessesin each country function as 100 per cent locally-owned entities, ensuring thatissues of time zone, language and currency are eradicated. Ensuring excellence,partners are selected for their strong local knowledge, management expertiseand extensive business networks. This powerful strategy is facilitating Tejari’saggressive plans to extend across the Middle East, Africa, the Subcontinent, FarEast and Central Europe too.

Education has been key to Tejari’s success. “IT literacy and education go

Omar Hijazi (centre), Tejari’s CEO, receiving theprestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Award fromUAE’s Minister of Finance and Dubai’s Deputy RulerSheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right), whilebeing accompanied by Tejari’s Marketing DirectorAbdullah Salman (left).

Tejari highlighted on the cover ofSuperbrands’publication; havingwon the award forthree years in a row.

Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer

Tejari.qxp 1/4/2007 2:41 PM Page 1

A Generation Ahead

Devoted to the world of luxury lifestyle, Time Machine Group stands foroptimum performance and enduring quality.

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As a holding company, the Group is involved invarious sectors of trade and commerce. Itidentifies potential business opportunities andnurtures them into successful and recognizedbusiness entities.

Armed with a thorough local knowledge,Time Machine Group (TMG) has maintained aremarkable reputation in the corporate world.This has allowed it to engender numerousindependent, leading and successfullyoperating companies in the region.

TMG acts as a pure venture capitalistlooking for diverse business activities to investin. The Group identifies creative businessideas, studies their viability, hunts for humancapital, injects seed capital and extends itscentral support services to commenceoperations, and developing ideal strategies forbusiness growth. The Group's primary focus ison quality and excellence.

A vision to be the 'ambassador of luxurylifestyle' in the Middle East and South Asia setsthe pace for a mission to establish the Group as a forerunner in providing the highestquality product and service in all areas ofbusiness. This in turn highlights the governingphilosophy to surpass the highest standards of quality and attention to detail in every aspect of life.

In 1975, Chairman, Jaikishin B Bhojwanibegan business in Dubai. Through sheer hard work, dedication and a burning desire tosucceed, he built it into a sizable and well-respected enterprise. TMG is currently headedby Vice-Chairman and President PrakashBojwani. A visionary with strong businessacumen, Prakash is well known for his knack of identifying potential new businessventures and turning them into success stories.

As the CEO of the Group, Mike J Bhojwani, younger brother of Prakash, believes stronglyin the saying, "The stronger the challenge, thegreater the glory." His current challenge is toposition Time Machine Group, among the ‘TOP10’ companies in the UAE.

With the group's structured and integratedbusiness plans, coupled with a core team ofprofessionals willing to go that extra mile, abright future looms ahead.

TMG profit centres: Bhojwani Investments Corporation identifiesbusiness ventures that display middle to longterm potential. It acts as a venture capitalist,scanning the market for new, different andunique opportunities and ideas. It offersfinancial support and expert advice to nurturethem into prosperous independently operating entities.

George V Leisure & Hospitality LLC isundoubtedly the leading food & beverageexpert in the Middle East region. Specialistsat creating hospitality and entertainmentconcepts, the company sets up andmanages a number of top class lounges,restaurants, clubs and coffee shops. Theseinclude restaurant and lounges The Loft and Lotus One, Modern Japanese restaurant- 'Itsu', The Grind - Living Room Café and Coffee Convention a self service café. Beauty & Wellness division has world famous Franck Provost - Paris that rendersimpeccable services in the sphere of beautycare and hairdressing.

Spark Time is a high energy BrandCommunication Agency that draws its strength from its team's vast experience inthe local and international markets. Theyprovide strategic and innovative marketingsolutions based on thorough researchanalysis. The areas of expertise being,advertising, public relations & promotions,multimedia, media buying, loyalty cardprograms, Innovative special projects and E-marketing.

Time Machine Media deals with indoor and outdoor media. It's indoor advertisingportfolio comprises indoor LED's, multi-circuits and wall mounted plasma screens.The company is committed to develop high-end out-of-home advertisingopportunities generating a dynamic impactfor the brand image, thus making sellingmost effective and more original.

Time Machine Realty the real estatecompany that specializes in the acquisition,development, marketing and sale of eliteproperties globally, with its current focus onthe dynamic and emerging Dubai market. Itprimarily acts as a real estate advisory,

consultancy and facilitator for introducingregional developers to the international markets. With a presence in Australia, India,Pakistan and London, the team brings withthem over 20 years of expert real estateexperience. Time Machine Propertieshandles property broking, propertymanagement and E property.

Venetian Interior Décor targets a nichemarket in interior design. The qualities that set the company apart from all others are in-house design and conceptualizing facilityand team, boutique showroom, joinery andwoodwork factory and a soft furnishingfactory. The company handles classicresidential styling, contemporary décor anddesign, retail outlets, specialized boutiquesand hospitality projects.

International Brands Retailers &Distributors (IBRD), has been conceived fromits inception to embark on a quest to proudlyrepresent a portfolio of hand-picked premiumbrands from some of the world's finest luxuryhouses across the MESA region. Thecompany optimizes the retail brand equity ofeach one of its carefully chosen brands viaselected channel distribution that matchesthe perception with the international criterionof the selected brands.

Time Machine Corporate Advisors acts as a financial advisor to investors seeking to enhance their return oninvestments from new business ventures. The company offers consultants an exclusive range of advisory services thatkeeps the decision maker informed. It alsooffers bespoke consultation services and can undertake independent research formedia and other organizations interested inthe latest hotel, tourism, leisure and realestate developments in the rapidly emerging region. Professional servicesinclude, business structuring and financials, concept and developmentplanning, development strategies, marketfinancial feasibility studies and strategicplanning.

Tel.: +9714 304 6444www.timemachineworld.com

Best of Dubai 223

Mike and Prakash with their father Jaikishin Bhojwani

A Generation Ahead

Devoted to the world of luxury lifestyle, Time Machine Group stands foroptimum performance and enduring quality.

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As a holding company, the Group is involved invarious sectors of trade and commerce. Itidentifies potential business opportunities andnurtures them into successful and recognizedbusiness entities.

Armed with a thorough local knowledge,Time Machine Group (TMG) has maintained aremarkable reputation in the corporate world.This has allowed it to engender numerousindependent, leading and successfullyoperating companies in the region.

TMG acts as a pure venture capitalistlooking for diverse business activities to investin. The Group identifies creative businessideas, studies their viability, hunts for humancapital, injects seed capital and extends itscentral support services to commenceoperations, and developing ideal strategies forbusiness growth. The Group's primary focus ison quality and excellence.

A vision to be the 'ambassador of luxurylifestyle' in the Middle East and South Asia setsthe pace for a mission to establish the Group as a forerunner in providing the highestquality product and service in all areas ofbusiness. This in turn highlights the governingphilosophy to surpass the highest standards of quality and attention to detail in every aspect of life.

In 1975, Chairman, Jaikishin B Bhojwanibegan business in Dubai. Through sheer hard work, dedication and a burning desire tosucceed, he built it into a sizable and well-respected enterprise. TMG is currently headedby Vice-Chairman and President PrakashBojwani. A visionary with strong businessacumen, Prakash is well known for his knack of identifying potential new businessventures and turning them into success stories.

As the CEO of the Group, Mike J Bhojwani, younger brother of Prakash, believes stronglyin the saying, "The stronger the challenge, thegreater the glory." His current challenge is toposition Time Machine Group, among the ‘TOP10’ companies in the UAE.

With the group's structured and integratedbusiness plans, coupled with a core team ofprofessionals willing to go that extra mile, abright future looms ahead.

TMG profit centres: Bhojwani Investments Corporation identifiesbusiness ventures that display middle to longterm potential. It acts as a venture capitalist,scanning the market for new, different andunique opportunities and ideas. It offersfinancial support and expert advice to nurturethem into prosperous independently operating entities.

George V Leisure & Hospitality LLC isundoubtedly the leading food & beverageexpert in the Middle East region. Specialistsat creating hospitality and entertainmentconcepts, the company sets up andmanages a number of top class lounges,restaurants, clubs and coffee shops. Theseinclude restaurant and lounges The Loft and Lotus One, Modern Japanese restaurant- 'Itsu', The Grind - Living Room Café and Coffee Convention a self service café. Beauty & Wellness division has world famous Franck Provost - Paris that rendersimpeccable services in the sphere of beautycare and hairdressing.

Spark Time is a high energy BrandCommunication Agency that draws its strength from its team's vast experience inthe local and international markets. Theyprovide strategic and innovative marketingsolutions based on thorough researchanalysis. The areas of expertise being,advertising, public relations & promotions,multimedia, media buying, loyalty cardprograms, Innovative special projects and E-marketing.

Time Machine Media deals with indoor and outdoor media. It's indoor advertisingportfolio comprises indoor LED's, multi-circuits and wall mounted plasma screens.The company is committed to develop high-end out-of-home advertisingopportunities generating a dynamic impactfor the brand image, thus making sellingmost effective and more original.

Time Machine Realty the real estatecompany that specializes in the acquisition,development, marketing and sale of eliteproperties globally, with its current focus onthe dynamic and emerging Dubai market. Itprimarily acts as a real estate advisory,

consultancy and facilitator for introducingregional developers to the international markets. With a presence in Australia, India,Pakistan and London, the team brings withthem over 20 years of expert real estateexperience. Time Machine Propertieshandles property broking, propertymanagement and E property.

Venetian Interior Décor targets a nichemarket in interior design. The qualities that set the company apart from all others are in-house design and conceptualizing facilityand team, boutique showroom, joinery andwoodwork factory and a soft furnishingfactory. The company handles classicresidential styling, contemporary décor anddesign, retail outlets, specialized boutiquesand hospitality projects.

International Brands Retailers &Distributors (IBRD), has been conceived fromits inception to embark on a quest to proudlyrepresent a portfolio of hand-picked premiumbrands from some of the world's finest luxuryhouses across the MESA region. Thecompany optimizes the retail brand equity ofeach one of its carefully chosen brands viaselected channel distribution that matchesthe perception with the international criterionof the selected brands.

Time Machine Corporate Advisors acts as a financial advisor to investors seeking to enhance their return oninvestments from new business ventures. The company offers consultants an exclusive range of advisory services thatkeeps the decision maker informed. It alsooffers bespoke consultation services and can undertake independent research formedia and other organizations interested inthe latest hotel, tourism, leisure and realestate developments in the rapidly emerging region. Professional servicesinclude, business structuring and financials, concept and developmentplanning, development strategies, marketfinancial feasibility studies and strategicplanning.

Tel.: +9714 304 6444www.timemachineworld.com

Best of Dubai 223

Mike and Prakash with their father Jaikishin Bhojwani

Recipe for Success

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Success is a journey, not a destination. 'Keep walking'- these are the guiding words that have beeninstrumental in shaping the growth and success ofentrepreneur Prakash Bojwani.

Prakash Bhojwani1.qxp 12/9/06 1:51 PM Page 1

Prakash Bojwani born with an urge to succeedhas set a high vision in his life and holds adistinction created for himself within his richurbane society. He has a craving drive to beoutstanding and successful in every task that hepursues.

A prominent figure amongst elite society, hisentrance calls for the attention of all those presentaround him be it at a business or socialgathering. It is no wonder that this unique featuremakes him most admired, noticed and respectedamongst them.

A noble and true man at heart he attributes hisphenomenal success to the people in hiscompany. As a straightforward person hebelieves that a man with a vision is bound toaccomplish his mission.

Prakash Bojwani shares his recipe for success.

What is your business philosophy and how do youtranslate this into your work?With 'Nothing is impossible' being the corefundamental that I believe in, and strengthening itwith the finest attention to detail, I havemaintained extreme quality not just in mybusiness but in my everyday life. Having been inthe trading business and dissuaded from enteringthe hospitality business, would be a primeexample where my core philosophy has come tothe fore. My forthcoming project is a hotel incentral Dubai which further demonstrates myphilosophy.

With a variety of Business interests you areinvolve in, how do you bring in synergies?I am passionate about being in the lifestylebusiness and hence the slogan 'Ambassador ofluxury lifestyle'. My other business ventures aretrading and distribution, real estate andconstruction and a business service sector. Giventhe influx of the varied nationalities into thecountry for tourism, employment and thespending power of the local population, thedirection that I have taken into trading anddistribution of luxury goods was obvious a naturalone. Perfumes, cosmetics, accessories were anapparent choice. This has strong links with themedia and advertising business that we areinvolved in. International quality, beauty andwellness, alongside hospitality, takes care ofpersonal needs of niche targets andcomplemented with the high end interior décorunit has helped us make an entry into the homesof our high net worth clients.

What uniqueness do you bring to the region?I have clearly identified opportunities and myexperience in the businesses that I operate couldwell be described as forerunners and innovatorsin their fields, adding value to the city and theregion. Good quality human capital is the ultimateresource that has given each unit strongmomentum in their areas. Coming from across theglobe, bringing their personal cultures andbusiness interactions enhances the melting potthat Dubai is. We are proud of the fact that weemploy 61 different nationalities.

You have always wanted to achieve withexcellence, how do you stay a step ahead?With a strong attitude that - Good is not goodenough when excellence is expected.

Innovation is the key to success, how do youcontinue to build on unique brands?Having identified opportunities in Dubai, optimumuse of human capital and modern technologyhelped us build unique brands. Our restaurantsand clubs are the first in their categories withinnovative cuisine, design and service levels. Theinterior décor and design services have beenpath breaking and irreplaceable. And, finallybringing world class beauty treatments into thecountry has given us an edge over otherproviders.

Do you have any associations with the art andcultural world? I come from a culturally rich Indian heritage and itis further strengthened with my wife being anartist. I support her very strongly in everythingthat she does. My involvement with the DubaiCommunity Theatre & Arts Centre further justifiesmy need to be associated with creative arts andforms. This is a non-profit theatre and arts centrefor all communities and cultures, a centre whereeveryone can be entertained by and learndifferent art forms. It promotes both Arabic andinternational art and culture in Dubai, and theregion. It gives me immense pleasure to be a partof this venture.

What is your dream as an entrepreneur? Creating world class brands and achievingrecognition from my family and my group,focusing on being a successful Chief Executiveand building an empire that has a winningcombination of automation that is driven byprofessionals. My inspiration comes from thegreat author Jim Collins' book 'Good to Great',where you understand how ‘good is the enemy ofgreat’.

Family values are deeply embedded in you; couldyou share some of them for us?My family is my most treasured possession,without them I would have never been able toattain my dreams. Success is not just adestination, it is a journey and you can neverachieve it without integrity and honesty. This hasbeen rooted in me by my parents. My guidingforce has been my father who has taught me totake a long term attitude and approach toanything I do in my life.

Although we are a diversified business house,I try not to lose the family touch in all that we do.Living in a joint family along with my father andyounger brother and his family has not justensured that we follow our Indian family valuesand traditions but ensure that they will also berooted in the next generation. Lastly, but mostimportantly, it is my wife who is a source ofconstant encouragement, and my two daughterswho are my shining stars of tomorrow.

Tel: +971 4 304 6444www.prakashbhojwani.com

Best of Dubai 225

Prakash Bojwani receiving ‘Hind Rattan’award from the former

Prime Minister, Shri H. D. Deve Gowda

Prakash Bojwani with Franck Provost

Prakash Bojwani with Ashoo Bhojwani

Prakash Bhojwani1.qxp 12/9/06 1:52 PM Page 2

As easy as ABCThe UAE, Dubai in particular, has made no secret of its desire tobring big business into the country. In order to achieve this goal,developing a strong relationship with the world's businessleaders is a must.

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Washington Monument

American Business Council1.qxp 12/9/06 2:22 PM Page 1

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As the world's largest economy, no other country has attracted theattention of the local market as much as the US. Having the ability and knowledge to encourage US business into the UAE, has been of the utmost importance and this is where the American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (ABC) hasachieved so much.

The ABC is a non-profit, voluntary association of individuals andcompanies seeking to promote commercial development andinvestment between the United States and the UAE. Comprised ofAmerican citizens currently working with approximately 500 USbusinesses in the region, the ABC is a vital forum for the exchange ofideas that helps foster a new understanding and spirit of cooperationbetween the American and international business communities.

The ABC seeks to promote trade between the UAE and the USA andto further develop a safe and stable regional business environmentwhere Americans and American businesses can prosper. The goal ofthe ABC is to raise the commercial profile of the American community inthe Emirates, to encourage the UAE and the American community tobecome closer and more active together and to promote productivereviews of commercial issues in Washington to improve Americancommercial performance in the UAE region.

ABC members are US citizens currently residing in the GCC whobelieve in free trade, equality of treatment of investment and fair dealing.The ABC also works closely with the American Business Council of GulfCountries (ABCGC) and the United States Public Affairs Committee(USPAC), focusing on critical issues facing GCC Americans living andworking abroad and maximizing their influence in the GCC.

The ABC aims to educate, inform and encourage Americans to viewthe UAE as a model for other Middle East countries, as well as developand provide a skilled workforce in a growing and maturing society. This

enhanced understanding is designed to improve the global businessclimate between the two nations, as well as increase outreach efforts inDubai and the greater Middle East. Ultimately, it means building a solidbase of American activity, interest, and participation in this economy,improving economic development, developing sound business andpersonal relationships, and encouraging more American businesses tocome the Emirates.

The ABC helps position America as a key player in the Middle Eastmarket and coordinates with other business groups to identify andresolve problems. The council works directly with the US and foreignChambers of Commerce and business organizations, expressing theviews of the local American business community to public and privateinterests in the United States.

As a vehicle for expanding trade, the ABC heightens awareness ofDubai's commercial position in the Middle East among the Americanbusiness community, encouraging individuals and organizations inDubai and the Northern Emirates to work on matters of mutual interest.ABC directors participate with a consortium of other Middle EastAmChams (American Chambers of Commerce) and American BusinessCouncil of Gulf Countries (ABCGC) to energize initiatives and newdevelopments, as well as hosting American Business Forums and TradeMissions to foster economic partnerships.

Demonstrating a continued commitment to the Arab-American worldfor developing a channel framework to educate the global community,the ABC promotes stability and balanced growth in international tradeand investment, which, in turn, facilitates a flourishing global economythrough a healthy and symbiotic UAE-USA relationship.

Tel.: +9714 340 7566www.abcdubai.com

Ambassador Michele Sison & Consul General Paul Sutphin H. H. Sheikha Lubna Al Quasimi

American Business Council1.qxp 12/9/06 2:23 PM Page 2

Best of Dubai 229

When Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal founded the real estate andgeneral trading company that bears his name back in 1947, little didhe know the Alserkal Group would also play a major role in thedevelopment of the United Arab Emirates.

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es The Alserkal LegacyA Pioneering past, An innovative

Mr. Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal is the founding father of Nasser BinAbdullatif Alserkal Est. - a Real Estate and General Trading Companyestablished in 1947. Mr. Alserkal not only established a highly reputablecompany but also played a major role in the development of the United Arab Emirates. He was instrumental in bringing the essentialservices such as Electricity and Telecommunications to this country. Infact, he was a founding member of the boards governing these twoindustries. Furthermore, when water was a scarce commodity, heventured in the drilling of bore wells and the installation of water pumpsand related equipment. In addition, he was the founder of several local banks and a supporter of the local market through heavyinvestment in local companies.

Today, under the able administration of Mr. Eisa Bin Nasser Al-Serkal,the company has grown in diverse fields and invests heavily in the localand regional financial markets as it develops strong trade linksthroughout the GCC countries. This exponential growth has made thecompany a giant force to reckon with.

Among the diverse interests of Alserkal Group are many internationaland regional industry leaders.

The Bridgestone Division stocks a very large range of Bridgestonetyres to cater to the needs of customers in the UAE - major fleets andcontraction companies as well as government departments supportedby a well-developed network of dealers across Dubai and NorthernEmirates. Apart from these dealers, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal alsohave a chain of its own retail outlets which provide the discerningmotorist with technical advise and support on tyre selection,inflammation pressure and tyre care tips. Getting closer to the customer,Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alsekal Est. introduced Dial A Tyre, a fullyequipped mobile service van that will change and balance tyres andwheels at selected locations at no extra cost.

Nasser bin Abdullatif has been recognized by Bridgestone as one ofthe most professional and dynamic distributors in the region and hastwice won the prestigious “Best Distributor Award – Middle East andAfrica” in recent years.

The Real Estate Division owns, manages and maintains bothcommercial and residential properties in the United Arab Emirates,Oman and Lebanon. The company offers villas, apartment complexes,office buildings and shopping centers and caters to all levels of people.The management has adopted a just, considerate and liberal rentalpolicy.

The Travel and Tourism Division operates Al Khayam Hotel, opened in1978 in the heart of Dubai - Deira near the famous Gold Souk – acomfortable haven for both businessmen and leisure travelers. EisaTravels has been in operation since 1980 and are the GSA for RoyalNepal Airlines and Ariana Afghan Airline in United Arab Emirates. It hastwo offices - the head office located on Airport Road and a branch officein Deira.

The Shelving, Shopfitting and Flooring Division was established withAlserkal Shelves in 1975 and specializes in design, supply andinstallation of sophisticated material handling systems from the supply ofpallet racking, drive-in, narrow aisle and mobile storage systems tosimple and cost effective bolt free and slotted angles shelving. Thecompany represents Arcoma, (KSA), Universal Storage Systems (SouthAfrica), Dozhpad (Iran) and Nilkamal (India).

The company also represents Kaindl (Austria), one of the largest

manufacturers of floorings from wood products. They also produce otherproducts like laminated kitchen tops and other MDF/HDF products.

The Off-site Storage and Management of Records and MagneticMedia Division was established by Mr. Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal withMetrofile-UAE in 1997. The company was set up as a joint venturebetween Alserkal Group (UAE) and Data Storage Technologies (SouthAfrica). Data Storage Technologies owns Metrofile International; theglobal leader in “Off-Site Storage, Management Of Records AndMagnetic Media”.

The concept of off-site storage and management is fast gainingground locally and is being driven by a surge of rental, labor and utilitycosts. Businesses both large and small are realizing that Metrofile’sservices provide them with a real opportunity to cut costs and increaseefficiency.

The Engineering Division offers comprehensive EnvironmentalProtection Solutions. One of the main services of the division is providingenvironmentally friendly waste treatment systems. The division is theMaster Franchisee of Environmental Biotech Inc® (EBI) in the countriesof UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. EBI is a company based inFlorida, USA and are experts in the field of development and applicationof live vegetative bacteria harnessed to consume waste and convert itinto harmless carbon dioxide and water.

The Odor Control and Air Quality Systems Division focuses ondesigning and implementing solutions to address Odor Controlconcerns, Air Quality issues and Air Freshening needs. We are the soledistributors for Sager Industries in UAE and Oman. In addition, thedivision represents a host of leading companies from all over the worldthat design and produce Ozone Generators, Ionizers and Air Filters.

The Equipment & Spare Parts Division has many internationalagencies like LISTER PETTER®, UK for Diesel Engines, DPF, India forpumps, Piaggio Vespa®, Italy for Scooters, Electrolux®, Sweden forgas/electric refrigerators, Skiold®, Denmark for grinding mills. Thesection re-exports most of these products to African countries. Toprovide better service the section maintains all the requisite parts for allthe equipment it deals with.

The Alserkal Ceramic Arts Division are the pioneers in services ofartistic and decorative works. It was established in 1995 and hascontributed in the revival of Islamic heritage in our region withhandcrafted painting and decorations on ceramics to enhance thebeauty of mosques, palaces, villas, hotels and institutions.

The Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. staff are treated as individuals and all their contributing attributes are encouraged anddeveloped. The concept of a “family concern” continues to facilitate theprofessional capacity and growth of each person, encouraging constantand useful exchange of ideas. Each and every person is made to feellike an integral part of a Team and plays a vital role to achieve thecompany’s objectives with excellence in customer services as theultimate goal.

The strong and professional administration team aims to continuouslyimprove and develop the company’s organizational structure.Coordination of company policy, improvement and strengthening ofinternal communication amongst the various divisions helps keep theunity and pride of the group.

The Group’s mission is to constantly improve customer service andcustomer relationships by keeping up to date with new trends in allindustries, opening new areas of business and continuing to grow in themost efficient, profitable and responsible way. The company alsoensures its international position by favoring business relations withforeign companies for joint ventures.

Pioneering work has landed the company in a comfortable positiontoday to emerge successfully into a modern and healthy tomorrow. Tocontinue to have a constant thrust for new products in order to satisfycustomer needs with products and services of superior quality is thecompany’s vision for the future.

Tel.: +9714 339 4111www.alserkal.com

Best of Dubai 229

When Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal founded the real estate andgeneral trading company that bears his name back in 1947, little didhe know the Alserkal Group would also play a major role in thedevelopment of the United Arab Emirates.

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es The Alserkal LegacyA Pioneering past, An innovative

Mr. Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal is the founding father of Nasser BinAbdullatif Alserkal Est. - a Real Estate and General Trading Companyestablished in 1947. Mr. Alserkal not only established a highly reputablecompany but also played a major role in the development of the United Arab Emirates. He was instrumental in bringing the essentialservices such as Electricity and Telecommunications to this country. Infact, he was a founding member of the boards governing these twoindustries. Furthermore, when water was a scarce commodity, heventured in the drilling of bore wells and the installation of water pumpsand related equipment. In addition, he was the founder of several local banks and a supporter of the local market through heavyinvestment in local companies.

Today, under the able administration of Mr. Eisa Bin Nasser Al-Serkal,the company has grown in diverse fields and invests heavily in the localand regional financial markets as it develops strong trade linksthroughout the GCC countries. This exponential growth has made thecompany a giant force to reckon with.

Among the diverse interests of Alserkal Group are many internationaland regional industry leaders.

The Bridgestone Division stocks a very large range of Bridgestonetyres to cater to the needs of customers in the UAE - major fleets andcontraction companies as well as government departments supportedby a well-developed network of dealers across Dubai and NorthernEmirates. Apart from these dealers, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal alsohave a chain of its own retail outlets which provide the discerningmotorist with technical advise and support on tyre selection,inflammation pressure and tyre care tips. Getting closer to the customer,Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alsekal Est. introduced Dial A Tyre, a fullyequipped mobile service van that will change and balance tyres andwheels at selected locations at no extra cost.

Nasser bin Abdullatif has been recognized by Bridgestone as one ofthe most professional and dynamic distributors in the region and hastwice won the prestigious “Best Distributor Award – Middle East andAfrica” in recent years.

The Real Estate Division owns, manages and maintains bothcommercial and residential properties in the United Arab Emirates,Oman and Lebanon. The company offers villas, apartment complexes,office buildings and shopping centers and caters to all levels of people.The management has adopted a just, considerate and liberal rentalpolicy.

The Travel and Tourism Division operates Al Khayam Hotel, opened in1978 in the heart of Dubai - Deira near the famous Gold Souk – acomfortable haven for both businessmen and leisure travelers. EisaTravels has been in operation since 1980 and are the GSA for RoyalNepal Airlines and Ariana Afghan Airline in United Arab Emirates. It hastwo offices - the head office located on Airport Road and a branch officein Deira.

The Shelving, Shopfitting and Flooring Division was established withAlserkal Shelves in 1975 and specializes in design, supply andinstallation of sophisticated material handling systems from the supply ofpallet racking, drive-in, narrow aisle and mobile storage systems tosimple and cost effective bolt free and slotted angles shelving. Thecompany represents Arcoma, (KSA), Universal Storage Systems (SouthAfrica), Dozhpad (Iran) and Nilkamal (India).

The company also represents Kaindl (Austria), one of the largest

manufacturers of floorings from wood products. They also produce otherproducts like laminated kitchen tops and other MDF/HDF products.

The Off-site Storage and Management of Records and MagneticMedia Division was established by Mr. Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal withMetrofile-UAE in 1997. The company was set up as a joint venturebetween Alserkal Group (UAE) and Data Storage Technologies (SouthAfrica). Data Storage Technologies owns Metrofile International; theglobal leader in “Off-Site Storage, Management Of Records AndMagnetic Media”.

The concept of off-site storage and management is fast gainingground locally and is being driven by a surge of rental, labor and utilitycosts. Businesses both large and small are realizing that Metrofile’sservices provide them with a real opportunity to cut costs and increaseefficiency.

The Engineering Division offers comprehensive EnvironmentalProtection Solutions. One of the main services of the division is providingenvironmentally friendly waste treatment systems. The division is theMaster Franchisee of Environmental Biotech Inc® (EBI) in the countriesof UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. EBI is a company based inFlorida, USA and are experts in the field of development and applicationof live vegetative bacteria harnessed to consume waste and convert itinto harmless carbon dioxide and water.

The Odor Control and Air Quality Systems Division focuses ondesigning and implementing solutions to address Odor Controlconcerns, Air Quality issues and Air Freshening needs. We are the soledistributors for Sager Industries in UAE and Oman. In addition, thedivision represents a host of leading companies from all over the worldthat design and produce Ozone Generators, Ionizers and Air Filters.

The Equipment & Spare Parts Division has many internationalagencies like LISTER PETTER®, UK for Diesel Engines, DPF, India forpumps, Piaggio Vespa®, Italy for Scooters, Electrolux®, Sweden forgas/electric refrigerators, Skiold®, Denmark for grinding mills. Thesection re-exports most of these products to African countries. Toprovide better service the section maintains all the requisite parts for allthe equipment it deals with.

The Alserkal Ceramic Arts Division are the pioneers in services ofartistic and decorative works. It was established in 1995 and hascontributed in the revival of Islamic heritage in our region withhandcrafted painting and decorations on ceramics to enhance thebeauty of mosques, palaces, villas, hotels and institutions.

The Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. staff are treated as individuals and all their contributing attributes are encouraged anddeveloped. The concept of a “family concern” continues to facilitate theprofessional capacity and growth of each person, encouraging constantand useful exchange of ideas. Each and every person is made to feellike an integral part of a Team and plays a vital role to achieve thecompany’s objectives with excellence in customer services as theultimate goal.

The strong and professional administration team aims to continuouslyimprove and develop the company’s organizational structure.Coordination of company policy, improvement and strengthening ofinternal communication amongst the various divisions helps keep theunity and pride of the group.

The Group’s mission is to constantly improve customer service andcustomer relationships by keeping up to date with new trends in allindustries, opening new areas of business and continuing to grow in themost efficient, profitable and responsible way. The company alsoensures its international position by favoring business relations withforeign companies for joint ventures.

Pioneering work has landed the company in a comfortable positiontoday to emerge successfully into a modern and healthy tomorrow. Tocontinue to have a constant thrust for new products in order to satisfycustomer needs with products and services of superior quality is thecompany’s vision for the future.

Tel.: +9714 339 4111www.alserkal.com

CHAPTER 13Banking & Finance

"If the cart is politics and the horse is the economy then we have

to put the horse before the cart and not the other way around".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai

‘The Gate’ at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

CHAPTER 13Banking & Finance

"If the cart is politics and the horse is the economy then we have

to put the horse before the cart and not the other way around".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


‘The Gate’ at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Investment Innovation

As one of the region's most exciting new investment houses and expertsin risk management, Al Mal Capital don't sign off on new projects withoutup-front due diligence and enthusiastic certainty about the project'spotential success. Clearly, the 82 founder shareholders had confidencein the abilities of Naser Nabulsi and his top-notch team - drivers behindthe region's increasingly dynamic and diverse financial sector.

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ce The high levels of liquidity witnessed in theGulf, following 9/11 and in the wake of theAsian crisis and dot.com implosion,transformed economic prospects for theregion and the UAE in particular but alsohighlighted the dearth of seriousinvestment opportunities and the lack ofrelevant expertise in the local financialsector. The rationale behind Al Mal Capitalwas a product of this conundrum.

In 2005 Executive Chairman Nabulsi,together with a hand-picked team ofconsummate banking professionals -Khalid Madi (COO), Salvatore Alioto(Head of Investment Banking), NarendraGajria (CFO) and Blair Look (Head ofAsset Management) - developed Al MalCapital's underlying concept and secureda license from the UAE Central Bank tooperate as a fully fledged investmentcompany and registered - in record speed- as a Private Joint Stock Company withthe Ministry of Economy the same year.

The seeds of this multi-line investmentcompany, however, that aim to raise thebar on levels of service quality, integrityand corporate governance, were sownmuch earlier. In 1988, Nabulsi - a straight-talking, no nonsense investment banker -set up the Merrill Lynch office in Dubai,staffed by a three-strong team. At thattime, Merrill Lynch was undecided aboutthe future prospect for long-termoperations in the region. Nabulsi, who isdescribed in business echelons as a"natural born deal-maker", quicklydispelled any doubts using his localknowledge to Merrill's best advantage.With strong existing regional relationshipsand a robust local expertise, Nabulsi wasable to quickly establish strong workingrapports, secure new business and builda local franchise. Within months, the localUAE branch was feeding business tovarious Merrill Lynch operations overseas.

Nabulsi says that his experience taughthim much about the underlyingfundamentals of investment in the GCCand the need to understand the veryunique but very rich "regional potential"and how to use various marketinstruments and sound economic andinvestment analysis to capture it.

Moving upwards to even biggerchallenges, Nabulsi was appointed as theCEO of Dubai International FinancialCentre, (DIFC), a master planned 110-acre free zone aspiring to become theworld's newest international financial hubalongside the more solidly entrenchedcentres of New York, London and HongKong. Mainly serving the huge areabetween Western Europe and East Asiasince it opened in 2004, Nabulsiacknowledges the power of the concept."The DIFC is a milestone project that is setto transform Dubai and the region into a

Best of Dubai 233

Naser Nabulsi - Executive Chairman, Blair Look - Head of Asset Management, Khalid Madi - COO, Salvatore Alioto - Head of Investment Banking, Narendra Gajria - CFO

Al Mall Capital-4.qxp 12/26/2006 9:38 AM Page 1

Investment Innovation

As one of the region's most exciting new investment houses and expertsin risk management, Al Mal Capital don't sign off on new projects withoutup-front due diligence and enthusiastic certainty about the project'spotential success. Clearly, the 82 founder shareholders had confidencein the abilities of Naser Nabulsi and his top-notch team - drivers behindthe region's increasingly dynamic and diverse financial sector.

232 Best of Dubai

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ce The high levels of liquidity witnessed in theGulf, following 9/11 and in the wake of theAsian crisis and dot.com implosion,transformed economic prospects for theregion and the UAE in particular but alsohighlighted the dearth of seriousinvestment opportunities and the lack ofrelevant expertise in the local financialsector. The rationale behind Al Mal Capitalwas a product of this conundrum.

In 2005 Executive Chairman Nabulsi,together with a hand-picked team ofconsummate banking professionals -Khalid Madi (COO), Salvatore Alioto(Head of Investment Banking), NarendraGajria (CFO) and Blair Look (Head ofAsset Management) - developed Al MalCapital's underlying concept and secureda license from the UAE Central Bank tooperate as a fully fledged investmentcompany and registered - in record speed- as a Private Joint Stock Company withthe Ministry of Economy the same year.

The seeds of this multi-line investmentcompany, however, that aim to raise thebar on levels of service quality, integrityand corporate governance, were sownmuch earlier. In 1988, Nabulsi - a straight-talking, no nonsense investment banker -set up the Merrill Lynch office in Dubai,staffed by a three-strong team. At thattime, Merrill Lynch was undecided aboutthe future prospect for long-termoperations in the region. Nabulsi, who isdescribed in business echelons as a"natural born deal-maker", quicklydispelled any doubts using his localknowledge to Merrill's best advantage.With strong existing regional relationshipsand a robust local expertise, Nabulsi wasable to quickly establish strong workingrapports, secure new business and builda local franchise. Within months, the localUAE branch was feeding business tovarious Merrill Lynch operations overseas.

Nabulsi says that his experience taughthim much about the underlyingfundamentals of investment in the GCCand the need to understand the veryunique but very rich "regional potential"and how to use various marketinstruments and sound economic andinvestment analysis to capture it.

Moving upwards to even biggerchallenges, Nabulsi was appointed as theCEO of Dubai International FinancialCentre, (DIFC), a master planned 110-acre free zone aspiring to become theworld's newest international financial hubalongside the more solidly entrenchedcentres of New York, London and HongKong. Mainly serving the huge areabetween Western Europe and East Asiasince it opened in 2004, Nabulsiacknowledges the power of the concept."The DIFC is a milestone project that is setto transform Dubai and the region into a

Best of Dubai 233

Naser Nabulsi - Executive Chairman, Blair Look - Head of Asset Management, Khalid Madi - COO, Salvatore Alioto - Head of Investment Banking, Narendra Gajria - CFO

Al Mall Capital-4.qxp 12/26/2006 9:38 AM Page 1

year of operations was extremely busy. Focused on building its brand asa local company with regional aspirations, Al Mal has developed threelines of business: brokerage, asset management and investmentbanking.

The brokerage side has developed rapidly with Al Mal Securitiesoperating on the Dubai Financial Market and plans to become amember of the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) shortly. In addition, notes Nabulsi, Al Mal has "bought into a brokerage business in Jordan and was recently licensed by the Capital MarketsAuthority in Saudi Arabia." It is also in the process of setting up in Turkey and Morocco - "two areas that have been woefully ignoredinvestment-wise".

On the Asset Management front, Al Mal Capital has developed anEquity Fund along with a AED200 million Real Estate Fund with

Landmark Properties, with the Equity Fund being rated the best in theUAE by the leading Arabic daily newspaper 'Al Bayan'. Instead oftreading the beaten track of residential property investment in the mid tohigher echelons, the real estate fund is focusing on warehousing andlow budget housing instead - "This is where at present the bestopportunities lie", Nabulsi claims.

Al Mal Capital's plans for this year also include the launch of the AlMal Falcon index, consisting of 20 companies, which will be the firsttraded index in the region. Also by the end of the year, they hope tohave launched their first private equity fund.

Despite huge growth potential and abounding innovation, Nabulsiand his team want to remain a boutique business. "We go for thecustomised approach, making use of advanced financial strategiescombined with versatile technology in order to provide our clients withpersonalised, inventive solutions and preferred access to investmentand intelligence", he explains. Al Mal Capital aims to become thepartner of choice for any Foreign Direct Investment that is targeting theUAE and will consider their mission incomplete until the company isconsidered the dominant player in this sector. "We must differentiateourselves from the other investment companies in this market", saidNabulsi, "by developing products that will help foreign investors, such ashedge funds, so as to invest securely in the products that we aredeveloping."

Despite the challenges ahead and the sea of opportunities to pickfrom in terms of regional investment, Al Mal Capital remains focused onits core responsibility of building the brand and internationalrelationships that can be transformed into sound, high return, localinvestments. "By building a dream team that combines local marketknowledge with global investment expertise, we are very well positionedto introduce a new class of investing in the Middle East", concludesNabulsi.

Tel: +9714 360 1111www.almalcapital.com

very serious global financial player”, comments Nabulsi. It standstestimony to the vision and commitment of His Highness SheikhMohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Government of Dubai, whohad the conviction and foresight to position UAE as a global financialcentre, even amidst much skepticism. Today the centre plays host tokey international financial institutions and is rapidly becoming thelocation of choice for multinationals looking to access the Middle East and Asia.

The success of the DIFC inspired Nabulsi to "focus on a newchallenge in order to channel our investment expertise in a newdirection." Instead of taking billions from regional investors and theninvesting internationally, Nabulsi astutely grasped the need to createlocal investment opportunities for growing regional appetite and highlyliquid markets.

Despite the growing palatability of redirecting the westward-boundArab funds back towards the region, establishing a customised vehicleto do so was quite a challenge given that the Central Bank had not

issued a licence for a new financial institution for over 18 years.Fortunately, says Nabulsi, they welcomed the idea with open arms. "TheCentral Bank could not have been more helpful", he says, noting that thenext challenge was to find investors.

The challenge, it turned out, was less than insurmountable. Demand for initial establishment funds for Al Mal Capital, far outstrippedinitial needs forcing the company to pare back potential investor'sexpectations. Al Mal initially had plans to list the company publicly but due to changes in the local regulatory framework, Al Mal Capitaldecided to remain private. "In hindsight this was a smart move," saysNabulsi. "During the initial establishment phase we didn't want to beheld hostage to shareholder pressure and wanted to have the freedom to focus on the longer-term and developing value for ourfounder shareholders."

In the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable market that is the UAE,where the two main bourses have experienced considerable volatilitydespite the economy's essentially sound fundamentals, Al Mal's first


Dubai is idealy located at the crossroads of continents and economies

year of operations was extremely busy. Focused on building its brand asa local company with regional aspirations, Al Mal has developed threelines of business: brokerage, asset management and investmentbanking.

The brokerage side has developed rapidly with Al Mal Securitiesoperating on the Dubai Financial Market and plans to become amember of the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) shortly. In addition, notes Nabulsi, Al Mal has "bought into a brokerage business in Jordan and was recently licensed by the Capital MarketsAuthority in Saudi Arabia." It is also in the process of setting up in Turkey and Morocco - "two areas that have been woefully ignoredinvestment-wise".

On the Asset Management front, Al Mal Capital has developed anEquity Fund along with a AED200 million Real Estate Fund with

Landmark Properties, with the Equity Fund being rated the best in theUAE by the leading Arabic daily newspaper 'Al Bayan'. Instead oftreading the beaten track of residential property investment in the mid tohigher echelons, the real estate fund is focusing on warehousing andlow budget housing instead - "This is where at present the bestopportunities lie", Nabulsi claims.

Al Mal Capital's plans for this year also include the launch of the AlMal Falcon index, consisting of 20 companies, which will be the firsttraded index in the region. Also by the end of the year, they hope tohave launched their first private equity fund.

Despite huge growth potential and abounding innovation, Nabulsiand his team want to remain a boutique business. "We go for thecustomised approach, making use of advanced financial strategiescombined with versatile technology in order to provide our clients withpersonalised, inventive solutions and preferred access to investmentand intelligence", he explains. Al Mal Capital aims to become thepartner of choice for any Foreign Direct Investment that is targeting theUAE and will consider their mission incomplete until the company isconsidered the dominant player in this sector. "We must differentiateourselves from the other investment companies in this market", saidNabulsi, "by developing products that will help foreign investors, such ashedge funds, so as to invest securely in the products that we aredeveloping."

Despite the challenges ahead and the sea of opportunities to pickfrom in terms of regional investment, Al Mal Capital remains focused onits core responsibility of building the brand and internationalrelationships that can be transformed into sound, high return, localinvestments. "By building a dream team that combines local marketknowledge with global investment expertise, we are very well positionedto introduce a new class of investing in the Middle East", concludesNabulsi.

Tel: +9714 360 1111www.almalcapital.com

very serious global financial player”, comments Nabulsi. It standstestimony to the vision and commitment of His Highness SheikhMohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Government of Dubai, whohad the conviction and foresight to position UAE as a global financialcentre, even amidst much skepticism. Today the centre plays host tokey international financial institutions and is rapidly becoming thelocation of choice for multinationals looking to access the Middle East and Asia.

The success of the DIFC inspired Nabulsi to "focus on a newchallenge in order to channel our investment expertise in a newdirection." Instead of taking billions from regional investors and theninvesting internationally, Nabulsi astutely grasped the need to createlocal investment opportunities for growing regional appetite and highlyliquid markets.

Despite the growing palatability of redirecting the westward-boundArab funds back towards the region, establishing a customised vehicleto do so was quite a challenge given that the Central Bank had not

issued a licence for a new financial institution for over 18 years.Fortunately, says Nabulsi, they welcomed the idea with open arms. "TheCentral Bank could not have been more helpful", he says, noting that thenext challenge was to find investors.

The challenge, it turned out, was less than insurmountable. Demand for initial establishment funds for Al Mal Capital, far outstrippedinitial needs forcing the company to pare back potential investor'sexpectations. Al Mal initially had plans to list the company publicly but due to changes in the local regulatory framework, Al Mal Capitaldecided to remain private. "In hindsight this was a smart move," saysNabulsi. "During the initial establishment phase we didn't want to beheld hostage to shareholder pressure and wanted to have the freedom to focus on the longer-term and developing value for ourfounder shareholders."

In the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable market that is the UAE,where the two main bourses have experienced considerable volatilitydespite the economy's essentially sound fundamentals, Al Mal's first


Dubai is idealy located at the crossroads of continents and economies

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As much as any other area of the economy, the UAE financial sector is arapidly expanding market and the competition for business is hot. Bankinginstitutions looking for a piece of the action must be able to provide uniquelevels of service and products or risk falling by the wayside. When it comesto innovation and growth that appeals to diverse segments, MashreqbankCEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is a visionary with the eternal Midas touch.

mashreq bank2.qxp 12/11/06 3:25 PM Page 1

Best of Dubai 237

Mashreq Bank in a nutshell

Given its status as the largest private bank in the UAE, with total assetsfor end-of-year 2005 valued at AED45,742 million (US$12,453 million),Mashreq Bank certainly stands out as the market leader. This ishighlighted by the institution’s claim that one in every two households inthe country banks with Mashreq.

Established in the UAE as the Bank of Oman in 1967, the bankquickly developed a reputation for strong brand equity in the dynamicand highly competitive UAE marketplace. As the country grew, the bankgrew along with it, evolving from a local entity based around a smalltrading port into an international institution located in a globalcommercial hub. By 1993, this growth was reflected in a name changeto Mashreq Bank as the institution set out to propagate a greaterinternational awareness in their spirit, philosophy and scope.

Despite the rest of the world catching on to the enormous investmentopportunities and potential available in the UAE, resulting in an influx ininternational financial institutions and the expansion of existing banks,Mashreq Bank has managed to maintain its position at the top of thefinancial tree. “Last year was our most exceptional performance ever”,asserts Mashreq Bank CEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, adding the bank iscurrently following on from previous years and continues to performexceptionally well.

This maintained growth and strong hold on the marketplace is adirect reflection of the Mashreq Bank policy of innovation and being thefirst to meet the client needs. “We have always been a pioneering bank for introducing new products into the market, which means that wenow offer more products and services than any other bank”, adds AlGhurair. “This gives us a very deep market penetration.” An example ofthe bank’s ability to be the UAE financial pioneer was being the first tointroduce credit cards into the country. Since the launch of the digitally enabled WOW! Credit card, independent research, conducted by the European Financial Management and MarketingAssociation, shows Mashreq Bank to have experienced 65 per centgrowth. This compares very favourably with a market average of 15 per cent. Similarly, in the merchant acquiring side of the credit card business, Mashreq Bank has approximately 40 per cent of market share.

The European Financial Management and Marketing Associationwere so impressed with the WOW! Credit card concept they awardedMashreq Bank the Grand Prix Award 2005 for having the card with themost innovative rewards programmes. This was the first time in the

history of the award that a bank from the Middle East had taken theaward home. Mashreq Bank added to their trophy cabinet in July 2006when Euromoney Magazine, a leading journal of the world’s capitalmarkets, named them best bank in the UAE.

It is not only Mashreq Bank that is receiving the awards, however,with customers also given the opportunity to share in the bank’s success with the MashreqMillionaire promotion. In order to encouragesaving in a high-spending economy, Mashreq issues savings certificates in denominations of AED1000 that are readily redeemable at full face value with no cancellation charges. What makes the savings plan especially attractive are the three draws each month thatculminate in a number of cash prizes being handed out, includingAED1,000,000 to one lucky saver. As if that is not enough, every sixmonths sees a massive AED4,000,000 payout, the largest cash prize in the UAE.

Winning prizes and dishing out cash incentives is one thing, butproviding investors with easy access too their money is another. This iswhy Mashreq Bank is forever looking for opportunities to expand itspresence into the market place. “We have increased our ATM network,which now totals 150 ATMs and the number is still growing, and we nowhave 46 branches in the UAE and three branches in Qatar,” explains AlGhurair. “Also, our brokerage arm, Mashreq Securities, has opendedicated lounge cum offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for VIP andinstitutional investors to trade on the UAE’s stock exchangers [and] moreare planned in other emirates,” he adds.

This expansion is also set to continue outside the UAE with a plannedfourth office in Qatar, as well as instituting a presence in Bahrain andEgypt. Other countries in the Middle East will be looked at further downthe line, says Al Ghurair.

As for the future of Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurair sees the currentdirection of the economy as very healthy for ensuring stability. With oilprices around US$60 per barrel”, he argues, the economies of theregion are extremely robust, with a great deal of liquidity.

“This has resulted in huge investments in infrastructure, diversificationof the economy and [the] acquisition of overseas assets, so even if therewere to be a future downturn in oil prices this would have far less of animpact than in the past.”

With the future certain and the past and current status as guarantor,Mashreq Bank ensures customer needs, whether they be personalbanking, commercial banking, retail banking, or the new Islamic bankingarm, Badr Al Islami, are not just met, but superseded regardless of whatthose requirements might be.


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Best of Dubai 237

An interview with banker and business visionary Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEOof Mashreqbank

How is business for Mashreqbank at this time?The bank is performing very well indeed and has been for several years.Last year was our most exceptional performance ever, due to uniquecircumstances, but this year business is very solid. Both the commercialbanking and retail banking sectors are growing and our Islamic bankingarm, Badr Al Islami, is also establishing a good record in the market.

How does your market share compare with other banks in the UAE?We have always been known as a pioneering bank for introducing newproducts into the market, which means that we now offer more products and services than any other bank. This gives us a very deep marketpenetration and soon one in every three of the bankable population of theUAE will have a banking relationship with Mashreqbank. For example, we were the first bank to introduce credit cards in the UAE, andindependent research shows that since the launch of our digitally enabledWOW! credit cards we achieved 65 per cent growth. This compares to themarket average of 15 per cent growth. Similarly, in the merchant acquiringside of the credit card business, Mashreqbank has about 40 per centmarket share.

In fact the people who researched this, the European FinancialManagement & Marketing Association, awarded Mashreqbank the GrandPrix Award 2005 for having the card with the most innovative rewardsprogrammes. This is the first time in the history of the award that a bankfrom the Middle East has won it.

Are you planning to expand your UAE branch network?Yes we are always expanding. We have increased our ATM network whichnow totals 150 ATMs, and the number is still growing, and we now have 46branches in the UAE and three branches in Qatar. Also our brokerage arm,Mashreq Securities, has opened dedicated lounge cum offices in AbuDhabi and Dubai for VIP and institutional investors to trade on the UAE'sstock exchanges. More of these are planned in other emirates.

What about your overseas network?We have recently opened a third branch in Qatar and are looking into afourth branch. We will soon be opening in Bahrain and Egypt, and we areactively looking at expansion opportunities in other Middle Easterncountries.

How do you see the future?Very healthy. With oil prices settling down at around US$60 a barrel, theeconomies of the region are extremely robust, with a great deal of liquidity.This has resulted in huge investments in infrastructure, diversification of theeconomy, and acquisition of overseas assets, so even if there were to be afuture downturn in oil prices this would have far less of an impact than inthe past.

What about the stock markets and property prices?The stock markets took a hammering earlier this year but the market andinvestors were largely able to cope and the repercussions have beenminimal. Now the markets are priced more reasonably and should seeoverall steady growth. As for property, with so many new properties comingon to the market there could well be an adjustment towards the end of 2008when supply overtakes demand for a time.

Where does Mashreqbank stand with regards to money laundering andtransparency?We work in the most highly regulated markets in the world - New York,London, Hong Kong - which demand that we have to be very vigorous inregulating ourselves. And what we do in those markets we apply across our whole network. For instance we are already set to apply Basel IIaccounting standards which require far more disclosure than existingreporting practices.

MMaasshhrreeqqbbaannkk wwiinnss EEuurroommoonneeyy ""BBeesstt BBaannkk iinn tthhee UUAAEE"" aawwaarrdd

The leading international finance journal Euromoney has awardedMashreqbank the" Best Bank in the UAE Award for Excellence" at agala awards ceremony held at the London Natural History Museum.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, received the award on behalf of thebank from Padraic Fallon, the magazine Chairman and Editor-in-Chief.

In making its 'Awards for Excellence', Euromoney focuses on thequality of management, strategic focus, profitability and innovation ofthe banks it reviews.

In Mashreqbank's case, Euromoney cited in particular the bank'sinnovation and expertise in wholesale and cross border finance.

"Over the past year Mashreqbank's loan growth was a remarkable 20 per cent. It managed this while maintaining good finance portfolioquality and steadily increasing profits. It has broadened its businessbase to take on cash management and more retail services tocomplement its strengths in corporate and consumer banking, tradefinance and foreign exchange trading", said Sui Chung, SeniorManager of Euromoney

He added that Mashreqbank has implemented leading edge ITsolutions and its internal systems and processes are widelyconsidered the best in the UAE. "Mashreqbank's financial strengthand political independence have helped it to play a leading role in some of the largest syndicated loan deals of the year", addedChung.

In thanking the award organisers Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair praisedthe commitment and teamwork of Mashreqbank management and staff for achieving such high levels of excellence in so many key areas.

"As an organisation we are committed to providing our customerswith the best products and services achievable. To do this requiresus to constantly review everything we do and find innovative ways ofdoing them better, faster and more effectively", Al Ghurair said.

Atif Bajwa, Head of Mashreqbank Retail Banking Unit, pointed outthat in its 36 year history the bank had played a pioneering role inthe UAE banking industry. Not only was it the first ever private bankin the UAE, but was also the first to launch products such as creditcards, ATM machines and consumer loans, as well as its famous'MashreqMillionaire' savings certificates.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO

As much as any other area of the economy, the UAE financial sector is arapidly expanding market and the competition for business is hot. Bankinginstitutions looking for a piece of the action must be able to provide uniquelevels of service and products or risk falling by the wayside. When it comesto innovation and growth that appeals to diverse segments, Mashreq BankCEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is a visionary with the eternal Midas touch.


The Euromoney Excellence AwardsPanel includes a selection of high levelinternational financial experts as well asSenior Editors and the Chairman ofEuromoney.

Mashreq Bank in a nutshell

Given its status as the largest privatebank in the UAE, with total assets for end-of-year 2005 valued at AED45,742 million(US$12,453 million), Mashreq Bankcertainly stands out as the market leader.This is highlighted by the institution’sclaim that one in every two households inthe country banks with Mashreq.

Established in the UAE as the Bank ofOman in 1967, the bank quicklydeveloped a reputation for strong brandequity in the dynamic and highlycompetitive UAE marketplace. As thecountry grew, the bank grew along with it,evolving from a local entity based arounda small trading port into an internationalinstitution located in a global commercialhub. By 1993, this growth was reflected ina name change to Mashreq Bank as theinstitution set out to propagate a greaterinternational awareness in their spirit,philosophy and scope.

Despite the rest of the world catchingon to the enormous investmentopportunities and potential available inthe UAE, resulting in an influx ininternational financial institutions and theexpansion of existing banks, MashreqBank has managed to maintain itsposition at the top of the financial tree.“Last year was our most exceptionalperformance ever”, asserts MashreqBank CEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, addingthe bank is currently following on fromprevious years and continues to performexceptionally well.

This maintained growth and stronghold on the marketplace is a directreflection of the Mashreq Bank policy ofinnovation and being the first to meet theclient needs. “We have always been apioneering bank for introducing newproducts into the market, which meansthat we now offer more products andservices than any other bank”, adds AlGhurair. “This gives us a very deepmarket penetration.”

An example of the bank’s ability to be the UAE financial pioneer wasbeing the first to introduce credit cardsinto the country. Since the launch of thedigitally enabled WOW! Credit card,independent research, conducted by the European Financial Managementand Marketing Association, showsMashreq Bank to have experienced 65per cent growth. This compares veryfavourably with a market average of 15per cent. Similarly, in the merchant

acquiring side of the credit card business,Mashreq Bank has approximately 40 per cent ofmarket share.

The European Financial Management andMarketing Association were so impressed withthe WOW! Credit card concept they awardedMashreq Bank the Grand Prix Award 2005 forhaving the card with the most innovative rewardsprogrammes. This was the first time in the historyof the award that a bank from the Middle Easthad taken the award home. Mashreq Bankadded to their trophy cabinet in July 2006 whenEuromoney Magazine, a leading journal of theworld’s capital markets, named them best bank inthe UAE.

It is not only Mashreq Bank that is receivingthe awards, however, with customers also giventhe opportunity to share in the bank’s successwith the MashreqMillionaire promotion. In order toencourage saving in a high-spending economy,Mashreq issues savings certificates indenominations of AED1000 that are readilyredeemable at full face value with no cancellationcharges. What makes the savings plan especiallyattractive are the three draws each month thatculminate in a number of cash prizes beinghanded out, including AED1,000,000 to one luckysaver. As if that is not enough, every six monthssees a massive AED4,000,000 payout, the largestcash prize in the UAE.

Winning prizes and dishing out cashincentives is one thing, but providing investorswith easy access too their money is another. Thisis why Mashreq Bank is forever looking foropportunities to expand its presence into themarket place. “We have increased our ATM

network, which now totals 150 ATMs and thenumber is still growing, and we now have 46branches in the UAE and three branches inQatar,” explains Al Ghurair. “Also, our brokeragearm, Mashreq Securities, has open dedicatedlounge cum offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai forVIP and institutional investors to trade on theUAE’s stock exchangers [and] more are plannedin other emirates,” he adds.

This expansion is also set to continue outsidethe UAE with a planned fourth office in Qatar, aswell as instituting a presence in Bahrain andEgypt. Other countries in the Middle East will belooked at further down the line, says Al Ghurair.

As for the future of Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurairsees the current direction of the economy as veryhealthy for ensuring stability. With oil pricesaround US$60 per barrel”, he argues, theeconomies of the region are extremely robust,with a great deal of liquidity.

“This has resulted in huge investments ininfrastructure, diversification of the economy and [the] acquisition of overseas assets, so evenif there were to be a future downturn in oil prices this would have far less of an impact thanin the past.”

With the future certain and the past andcurrent status as guarantor, Mashreq Bankensures customer needs, whether they bepersonal banking, commercial banking, retailbanking, or the new Islamic banking arm, Badr Al Islami, are not just met, but supersededregardless of what those requirements might be.

Tel.: +9714 222 3333www.masreqbank.com


Why has Lloyds TSB chosen Dubai as one of its international locations?“We established our presence here thirty years ago, in the early days of the United Arab Emirates. Overrecent years, our presence, product range and services have expanded significantly across Corporate,Business and Retail Banking. We attribute this to the many expatriates and international businessesthat base themselves here, the value of our brand, the phenomenal growth rate of Dubai and the speedat which the local market moves. The bank has both benefited from and contributed to thedevelopment of this amazing emirate and helped to lay the foundations for success in future years.”

Describe your strategy to achieve this growth?“Our vision is to become the most recommended bank in the region. We pride ourselves in bringingtransparency and high quality services to our customers. Some examples of this are mortgages that donot penalise customers for early settlements, a dedicated relationship manager for every customer, oradvertising the true interest rates on products (some banks hide behind attractive but misleading‘marketing rates’).

We have also increased our accessibility by pioneering extended opening hours, building a networkof customer services centres throughout Dubai and offering Internet and telephone banking. In additionto our landmark branch in Jumeirah, we are now also located in Arabian Ranches, Green Community,Uptown Mirdiff and Dubai Healthcare City.”

What sets Lloyds TSB apart from other banks?“Our passion for customers! Everyone who works at Lloyds TSB will go the extra mile to providecustomers with a truly memorable banking experience.”

Tel.: +9714 342 2000www.lloydstsb.ae

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Giles CunninghamChief Executive Officer Lloyds TSB Group Middle East

You First“We are a branch of the UK based Lloyds TSB Group which makesus part of one of the largest and most successful banking groups inthe world.” Giles Cunnigham, CEO Lloyds TSB Group Middle Eastexplains what it means to be part of a bank that has enormousstrength and solidity regionally and worldwide.

Why has Lloyds TSB chosen Dubai as one of its international locations?“We established our presence here thirty years ago, in the early days of the United Arab Emirates. Overrecent years, our presence, product range and services have expanded significantly across Corporate,Business and Retail Banking. We attribute this to the many expatriates and international businessesthat base themselves here, the value of our brand, the phenomenal growth rate of Dubai and the speedat which the local market moves. The bank has both benefited from and contributed to thedevelopment of this amazing emirate and helped to lay the foundations for success in future years.”

Describe your strategy to achieve this growth?“Our vision is to become the most recommended bank in the region. We pride ourselves in bringingtransparency and high quality services to our customers. Some examples of this are mortgages that donot penalise customers for early settlements, a dedicated relationship manager for every customer, oradvertising the true interest rates on products (some banks hide behind attractive but misleading‘marketing rates’).

We have also increased our accessibility by pioneering extended opening hours, building a networkof customer services centres throughout Dubai and offering Internet and telephone banking. In additionto our landmark branch in Jumeirah, we are now also located in Arabian Ranches, Green Community,Uptown Mirdiff and Dubai Healthcare City.”

What sets Lloyds TSB apart from other banks?“Our passion for customers! Everyone who works at Lloyds TSB will go the extra mile to providecustomers with a truly memorable banking experience.”

Tel.: +9714 342 2000www.lloydstsb.ae

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Giles CunninghamChief Executive Officer Lloyds TSB Group Middle East

You First“We are a branch of the UK based Lloyds TSB Group which makesus part of one of the largest and most successful banking groups inthe world.” Giles Cunnigham, CEO Lloyds TSB Group Middle Eastexplains what it means to be part of a bank that has enormousstrength and solidity regionally and worldwide.

Leading this list of institutions is the Dubai IslamicBank, which, since beginning operations in1975,it was the world's first fully fledged Islamicbank, has continued to go from strength-to-strength and led the way as the first Islamic bank to incorporate the principles of Islam into all of its practices.

The practice of Islamic financial activity, suchas acceptance of deposits and the rejection ofinterest, dates back to the days of ProphetMuhammad (PBUH). People entrusted theirmoney to the Prophet himself, or Abu BakrSeddique, the first Caliph of Islam.

But, a modern Islamic banking system as wehave come to know it only began to evolvetowards the end of 1960s when several Muslimcountries started to put the idea into practice.

The early models of the seventies struggled toensure full compliance with Islamic principles.

"The success of DIB challenged the muchperceived notion that Islamic finance wasunsuitable for the modern banking needs," saysDr.Mohammed Khalfan al Kharbash, Chairman,DIB and Minister of State for Finance, UAE.

Islamic banks, led by Dubai Islamic Bank, arebecoming increasingly competitive in all aspectsof modern banking activity. Contrary to thestereotypes that consigned Islamic finance tosome sort of religious obligation for Muslims, theSharia compliant framework is increasingly being recognised as a fairer and a superioralternative to conventional banking. Thisunderstanding has been instrumental in attractingmany non-Muslim customers.

The year 2006 has been no exception and theimpressive performance achieved by DIB duringthis time reflects the success of the bank'sstrategy to diversify its products and services tomeet market dynamics. The results also follow

and reflect the sustainable growth that DIB hasachieved over recent years.

According to the latest Bloomberg "UnderwriterRankings" report, DIB has emerged as the world'snumber one Sukuk underwriter. Building on thesuccess of Sukuk issues concluded by DIB, thebank has further strengthened its position as theworld's number one arranger of Sukuk. Theselandmark deals included the US$3.5 billion Sukukfor Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation's(PCFC) co-lead managed with Barclays Capitaland Dubai Civil Aviation's US$1 billion issue.

In order to achieve higher growth and providehigh returns to its investors, DIB has launched aseries of investment funds since the beginning of2006, including 'Al Islami Shipping Fund', 'AlIslami Capital Protected Note', 'Al Islami SavingScheme' and 'Pan European Real Estate Fund'.

As recognition for its efforts, DIB received thecoveted Best Islamic Bank in the Middle Eastaward and the Best Global Sukuk House award atthe Euromoney 2006 Islamic Finance Awards. DIBalso recently won Euromoney's "Best Debt Housein the UAE" award.

The future also looks bright for DIB, with thebank continuing to roll out new products,strengthen its quality of services, and providespecialised financial solutions to corporatesthrough strategic alliances and partnerships onthe local and international scene.

In 2007 alone, DIB plans to aggressivelyexpand its branch network in the UAE to 53branches, making it the fastest growing bank inthe country. In line with this expansion, DIB willalso install 97 next-generation ATMs that willdouble the self-service banking network.

Tel.: +9714 800 4008www.alislami.ae

New Banking DimensionsIslamic banking is now one of the world's fastest-growingfinancial sectors, with nearly 200 institutions responsible forassets estimated at more than US$200 billion.

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Saad Abdul Razak, CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank

Leading this list of institutions is the Dubai IslamicBank, which, since beginning operations in1975,it was the world's first fully fledged Islamicbank, has continued to go from strength-to-strength and led the way as the first Islamic bank to incorporate the principles of Islam into all of its practices.

The practice of Islamic financial activity, suchas acceptance of deposits and the rejection ofinterest, dates back to the days of ProphetMuhammad (PBUH). People entrusted theirmoney to the Prophet himself, or Abu BakrSeddique, the first Caliph of Islam.

But, a modern Islamic banking system as wehave come to know it only began to evolvetowards the end of 1960s when several Muslimcountries started to put the idea into practice.

The early models of the seventies struggled toensure full compliance with Islamic principles.

"The success of DIB challenged the muchperceived notion that Islamic finance wasunsuitable for the modern banking needs," saysDr.Mohammed Khalfan al Kharbash, Chairman,DIB and Minister of State for Finance, UAE.

Islamic banks, led by Dubai Islamic Bank, arebecoming increasingly competitive in all aspectsof modern banking activity. Contrary to thestereotypes that consigned Islamic finance tosome sort of religious obligation for Muslims, theSharia compliant framework is increasingly being recognised as a fairer and a superioralternative to conventional banking. Thisunderstanding has been instrumental in attractingmany non-Muslim customers.

The year 2006 has been no exception and theimpressive performance achieved by DIB duringthis time reflects the success of the bank'sstrategy to diversify its products and services tomeet market dynamics. The results also follow

and reflect the sustainable growth that DIB hasachieved over recent years.

According to the latest Bloomberg "UnderwriterRankings" report, DIB has emerged as the world'snumber one Sukuk underwriter. Building on thesuccess of Sukuk issues concluded by DIB, thebank has further strengthened its position as theworld's number one arranger of Sukuk. Theselandmark deals included the US$3.5 billion Sukukfor Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation's(PCFC) co-lead managed with Barclays Capitaland Dubai Civil Aviation's US$1 billion issue.

In order to achieve higher growth and providehigh returns to its investors, DIB has launched aseries of investment funds since the beginning of2006, including 'Al Islami Shipping Fund', 'AlIslami Capital Protected Note', 'Al Islami SavingScheme' and 'Pan European Real Estate Fund'.

As recognition for its efforts, DIB received thecoveted Best Islamic Bank in the Middle Eastaward and the Best Global Sukuk House award atthe Euromoney 2006 Islamic Finance Awards. DIBalso recently won Euromoney's "Best Debt Housein the UAE" award.

The future also looks bright for DIB, with thebank continuing to roll out new products,strengthen its quality of services, and providespecialised financial solutions to corporatesthrough strategic alliances and partnerships onthe local and international scene.

In 2007 alone, DIB plans to aggressivelyexpand its branch network in the UAE to 53branches, making it the fastest growing bank inthe country. In line with this expansion, DIB willalso install 97 next-generation ATMs that willdouble the self-service banking network.

Tel.: +9714 800 4008www.alislami.ae

New Banking DimensionsIslamic banking is now one of the world's fastest-growingfinancial sectors, with nearly 200 institutions responsible forassets estimated at more than US$200 billion.

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Saad Abdul Razak, CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank

CHAPTER 14Architecture, Property & Real Estate

"It's tangible, it's solid, it's beautiful.

It's artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate".

Donald Trump, Billionaire Real Estate Developer

CHAPTER 14Architecture, Property & Real Estate

"It's tangible, it's solid, it's beautiful.

It's artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate".

Donald Trump, Billionaire Real Estate Developer


Thanks to a government with the foresight to realise the risk of over-dependency on oil and gas, Dubai has successfully diversified its economyinto different areas, including the increasingly buoyant property market.Set against a backdrop of low mortgage interest rates, rapid populationexpansion, an unrelenting wave of committed buyers and a burgeoningholiday-home market, property prices and rental returns in the emirate areeminently sustainable.

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e The positive growth of the Dubai propertymarket is expected to develop at an even greater rate over the next decade than ithas during the past ten years. Whilegovernment initiatives have been the catalystfor the property sector's rapid growth inDubai, investors, whether from the ArabianGulf or beyond, are realising that the emiratehas so much to offer: an ideal climate, centrallocation, high standard of living, abundantand diverse employment opportunities andextremely low crime rates only add to theattraction of investing and working in Dubai.

IInndduussttrryy LLeeaaddeerrssAs an individual venturing into new territory,finding the right expertise and advice is amust when it comes to understanding orinvesting in any property market. Industryleaders in property consultancy, Dubai-basedLandmark Properties offers a broad range ofservices encompassing residential rentals,commercial leasing, property and land salesand investment opportunities.

Established in 2002, Landmark Propertiesis jointly owned by a unique and dynamicgroup of experienced entrepreneurs withdiverse backgrounds in investment banking,real estate development, marketing andmedia production.

The firm possesses a first hand knowledgeof market value and price, which isunderpinned by an unwavering dedication tofinding solutions for property seekers whorequire specialist attention for buying, leasingor selling within the emirate. LandmarkProperties carefully guides its clients' propertytransactions through the maze of details to asuccessful conclusion.

SSppeecciiaalliisstt KKnnoowwlleeddggeeThe organisation's solid reputation forsuccessfully handling all aspects of realestate, and catering to the needs of individualand corporate clients, has been carved out byits team of highly proficient staff.

"Our in-house team of professionals cantake care of all client requests, whether it is forpersonal use or investment", says RashaNashaat, Managing Partner, LandmarkProperties. "With constant communication inpractice, enabling us to remain up to datewith developments in the market as well asimplementing new client servicing strategies, we are rapidly expanding both ourdatabase of clients as well as our portfolio ofexclusive projects.

"This is further underlined through ourrecently launched 'Project Sales andMarketing Department', which works withdevelopers across the region, and beyond, tointroduce new and exciting projects to theDubai landscape."

PPeerrssoonnaall AAtttteennttiioonnThe region has experienced an averageannual population growth of 9.8 per cent over

the last five years. In simple terms, this means as many as 140,000 people are expected to relocate to Dubai in 2006 to live and work. Landmark Propertieshas managed to match this frenetic pace,continually finding investment solutions that optimise any budget and that best suits its' clients.

Landmark Properties handles high profile commercial and residential real estateprojects across Dubai. The organisation'swebsite offers an independent search engine,and a dedicated client services teamprovides investors and clients with the utmostpersonal attention that is so essential in thisprofession.

"There are many new and exciting projects to choose from, it all depends onwhat the customers are looking for", saysNashaat. "Do you want a flat or a villa? Do you want it near schools or near your work place? Do you prefer something small ina highly sought after location or somethinglarger but further out of town? Our agents are trained to qualify their clients in order toassist them in making the right decision to suit their needs."

It is these types of questions that highlightLandmark Properties' attention to its clients'needs from the outset. Rather than just sellingsome 'space', Landmark Properties' customerservice, expertise and peerlessprofessionalism in the Dubai property market,guarantees its position as the leadingorganisation when investing in the local realestate sector.

PPrrooppeerrttyy AAccccoollaaddeeLandmark Properties has also been therecipient of important regional accoladesincluding the 'Sales Support and Training'award. The award was presented by Dubai'sleading provider of home finance facilities forbuyers of properties in the UAE, Tamweel, inSeptember 2006.

The award represents anacknowledgement of the company's exclusivesales support and continuous valuabletraining on Dubai's property market. RashaNashaat says that the award is "a testament tothe strength of our relationship with Tamweeland to the high levels of service we offer."

Behind the scenes, Landmark Properties is proactively involved in increasingthe specialist knowledge of its staff along sidethe firm's overall productivity. A great deal ofemphasis is placed on how leadership,cohesion and loyalty play important roles inthe overall success of the company. As such, LandmarkProperties has recently installed state-of-the-art technology which will cement itscommitment to human resources and thecompany's continuing development.

Tel: +9714 331 6161Website:www.landmark-dubai.com

A Landmark in the Property Maze

Rasha Nashaat, Managing Partner


Thanks to a government with the foresight to realise the risk of over-dependency on oil and gas, Dubai has successfully diversified its economyinto different areas, including the increasingly buoyant property market.Set against a backdrop of low mortgage interest rates, rapid populationexpansion, an unrelenting wave of committed buyers and a burgeoningholiday-home market, property prices and rental returns in the emirate areeminently sustainable.

Arc

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e, P

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e The positive growth of the Dubai propertymarket is expected to develop at an even greater rate over the next decade than ithas during the past ten years. Whilegovernment initiatives have been the catalystfor the property sector's rapid growth inDubai, investors, whether from the ArabianGulf or beyond, are realising that the emiratehas so much to offer: an ideal climate, centrallocation, high standard of living, abundantand diverse employment opportunities andextremely low crime rates only add to theattraction of investing and working in Dubai.

IInndduussttrryy LLeeaaddeerrssAs an individual venturing into new territory,finding the right expertise and advice is amust when it comes to understanding orinvesting in any property market. Industryleaders in property consultancy, Dubai-basedLandmark Properties offers a broad range ofservices encompassing residential rentals,commercial leasing, property and land salesand investment opportunities.

Established in 2002, Landmark Propertiesis jointly owned by a unique and dynamicgroup of experienced entrepreneurs withdiverse backgrounds in investment banking,real estate development, marketing andmedia production.

The firm possesses a first hand knowledgeof market value and price, which isunderpinned by an unwavering dedication tofinding solutions for property seekers whorequire specialist attention for buying, leasingor selling within the emirate. LandmarkProperties carefully guides its clients' propertytransactions through the maze of details to asuccessful conclusion.

SSppeecciiaalliisstt KKnnoowwlleeddggeeThe organisation's solid reputation forsuccessfully handling all aspects of realestate, and catering to the needs of individualand corporate clients, has been carved out byits team of highly proficient staff.

"Our in-house team of professionals cantake care of all client requests, whether it is forpersonal use or investment", says RashaNashaat, Managing Partner, LandmarkProperties. "With constant communication inpractice, enabling us to remain up to datewith developments in the market as well asimplementing new client servicing strategies, we are rapidly expanding both ourdatabase of clients as well as our portfolio ofexclusive projects.

"This is further underlined through ourrecently launched 'Project Sales andMarketing Department', which works withdevelopers across the region, and beyond, tointroduce new and exciting projects to theDubai landscape."

PPeerrssoonnaall AAtttteennttiioonnThe region has experienced an averageannual population growth of 9.8 per cent over

the last five years. In simple terms, this means as many as 140,000 people are expected to relocate to Dubai in 2006 to live and work. Landmark Propertieshas managed to match this frenetic pace,continually finding investment solutions that optimise any budget and that best suits its' clients.

Landmark Properties handles high profile commercial and residential real estateprojects across Dubai. The organisation'swebsite offers an independent search engine,and a dedicated client services teamprovides investors and clients with the utmostpersonal attention that is so essential in thisprofession.

"There are many new and exciting projects to choose from, it all depends onwhat the customers are looking for", saysNashaat. "Do you want a flat or a villa? Do you want it near schools or near your work place? Do you prefer something small ina highly sought after location or somethinglarger but further out of town? Our agents are trained to qualify their clients in order toassist them in making the right decision to suit their needs."

It is these types of questions that highlightLandmark Properties' attention to its clients'needs from the outset. Rather than just sellingsome 'space', Landmark Properties' customerservice, expertise and peerlessprofessionalism in the Dubai property market,guarantees its position as the leadingorganisation when investing in the local realestate sector.

PPrrooppeerrttyy AAccccoollaaddeeLandmark Properties has also been therecipient of important regional accoladesincluding the 'Sales Support and Training'award. The award was presented by Dubai'sleading provider of home finance facilities forbuyers of properties in the UAE, Tamweel, inSeptember 2006.

The award represents anacknowledgement of the company's exclusivesales support and continuous valuabletraining on Dubai's property market. RashaNashaat says that the award is "a testament tothe strength of our relationship with Tamweeland to the high levels of service we offer."

Behind the scenes, Landmark Properties is proactively involved in increasingthe specialist knowledge of its staff along sidethe firm's overall productivity. A great deal ofemphasis is placed on how leadership,cohesion and loyalty play important roles inthe overall success of the company. As such, LandmarkProperties has recently installed state-of-the-art technology which will cement itscommitment to human resources and thecompany's continuing development.

Tel: +9714 331 6161Website:www.landmark-dubai.com

A Landmark in the Property Maze

Rasha Nashaat, Managing Partner

Since Kling Consult opened its Dubai branch two years ago, its Middle Eastbusiness has boomed and now accounts for a third of the firm's revenues.The German firm, with 35 years' experience in Iraq, Libya and SaudiArabia, is now stepping up its profile even more across the Middle East andAfrica.

Dubai serves as a second central office, complementing its head officein Krumbach, with satellite offices in the surrounding countries. The emiratewas chosen for its central location, political stability, good flight connectionsto Europe and high standard of living for employees.

Its 80-strong Dubai workforce will rise to 100 by the end of 2006. Currentarchitectural projects in the city include One @ Business Bay, StargateEdutainment Park, Mirdif Gate and Jewel of the Creek.

One @ Business Bay, a freehold property, is a well planned commercialtower with state-of-the-art features such as a fully equipped health club withgym, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, plunge pool, nail studio and hair salon.Even the cars get their share of relaxation in the 'car spa'. Ground floorretail areas include a bank, restaurants and coffee shops with terraces,travel agency, day care nursery, convenience store, dry cleaners and abusiness centre. The tower will resemble a huge diamond crystal twinklingin the Dubai sun. 'Al Masa' is the Arabic word for diamond, so it was not bycoincidence that the Al Masa group has approved this design.

Jewel of the Creek, a 125,000 square meter huge urban developmentproject at the unique location on the north shore of Port Saeed, will also bein Kling Consults hands. This individual complex of apartment buildings,restaurants, hotels, recreational areas, public places and a waterfrontpromenade will be a link between the city and the creek. In cooperationwith the German architectural office Kieferle and Partner, the conceptdesign has been established and the completion of the project is expectedin 2010.

In Media City, Kling is realizing the design of the Madison Residence, aunique residential tower with environmentally and technologically sound proportions.

The visionary engineering and architectural firm isturning Dubai's 21st century plans into reality.

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Stargate Edutainment Park, due for completion inMay 2007, is being built around a spaceship themeand covers 260,000 square feet in Zabeel Park. Theinterior design details will give the impression offloating in the universe, under the ring of Saturn andbeyond the stars. Sliding might be more practicable asfloating, because an ice rink will be provided, to theamusement of children and families.

As if all of this creative innovation were not enough,Kling Consult is now developing two neighbouringresidential areas in Mirdif, which cover more than800,000 square meters and will be completed in 2008.For Mirdif Buildings, a residential communityreminiscent of a Spanish village is beingconceptualised. Kling designed 60 buildings around acluster of landscape in cooperation with Spanisharchitects. The adjacent project, Mirdif Villas,comprises a residential area with more than 300 villasand apartment houses, looking over Mushrif Park. Asthe construction process of both projects will besupervised by the expertise of Kling Consult engineers,the creation of a green suburb of Dubai will mainly beperformed by Kling Consult too.

This enterprising firm also signed an agreement withFalcon City of Wonders within Dubailand to carry outthe concept design for 345 uniquely designed villas.Not only are the design of towers and residential areaswithin the scope of Kling Consult, but also one of themost famous and most luxurious German car brands,Porsche, has assigned Kling Architects to assure thehigh corporate design standard for all showrooms andworkshops in the Middle East & Africa.

One of the company's main strengths is incombining German and Middle East know-how,combined with a meticulous and dedicated approach.Its philosophy is to provide design and engineeringservices for large and difficult developments, viewing the project management as important as thetechnical services.

A so-called 'Green KC' team works onenvironmental aspects and project sustainability, suchas energy efficiency, ventilation, shading, interiorlandscapes and uses of material, daylight as well asoptimising recreational facilities too.

With its impeccable track record worldwide and theimpressive opportunities to be had in this part of theworld, the company expects excellent business inDubai for many more years and anticipates highpotential for the region as a whole.

Tel: +971 4 324 4052www.klingconsult.de/dubai/dubai.htm

Best of Dubai 249

Kling to a dream

One @ Business Bay Tower

Gerhard Reichert, Managing Director

Jewel of The Creek

Stargate Edutainment Park

Kling Consultant2.qxp 12/28/2006 4:42 PM Page 1

Since Kling Consult opened its Dubai branch two years ago, its Middle Eastbusiness has boomed and now accounts for a third of the firm's revenues.The German firm, with 35 years' experience in Iraq, Libya and SaudiArabia, is now stepping up its profile even more across the Middle East andAfrica.

Dubai serves as a second central office, complementing its head officein Krumbach, with satellite offices in the surrounding countries. The emiratewas chosen for its central location, political stability, good flight connectionsto Europe and high standard of living for employees.

Its 80-strong Dubai workforce will rise to 100 by the end of 2006. Currentarchitectural projects in the city include One @ Business Bay, StargateEdutainment Park, Mirdif Gate and Jewel of the Creek.

One @ Business Bay, a freehold property, is a well planned commercialtower with state-of-the-art features such as a fully equipped health club withgym, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, plunge pool, nail studio and hair salon.Even the cars get their share of relaxation in the 'car spa'. Ground floorretail areas include a bank, restaurants and coffee shops with terraces,travel agency, day care nursery, convenience store, dry cleaners and abusiness centre. The tower will resemble a huge diamond crystal twinklingin the Dubai sun. 'Al Masa' is the Arabic word for diamond, so it was not bycoincidence that the Al Masa group has approved this design.

Jewel of the Creek, a 125,000 square meter huge urban developmentproject at the unique location on the north shore of Port Saeed, will also bein Kling Consults hands. This individual complex of apartment buildings,restaurants, hotels, recreational areas, public places and a waterfrontpromenade will be a link between the city and the creek. In cooperationwith the German architectural office Kieferle and Partner, the conceptdesign has been established and the completion of the project is expectedin 2010.

In Media City, Kling is realizing the design of the Madison Residence, aunique residential tower with environmentally and technologically sound proportions.

The visionary engineering and architectural firm isturning Dubai's 21st century plans into reality.

248 Best of Dubai

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Stargate Edutainment Park, due for completion inMay 2007, is being built around a spaceship themeand covers 260,000 square feet in Zabeel Park. Theinterior design details will give the impression offloating in the universe, under the ring of Saturn andbeyond the stars. Sliding might be more practicable asfloating, because an ice rink will be provided, to theamusement of children and families.

As if all of this creative innovation were not enough,Kling Consult is now developing two neighbouringresidential areas in Mirdif, which cover more than800,000 square meters and will be completed in 2008.For Mirdif Buildings, a residential communityreminiscent of a Spanish village is beingconceptualised. Kling designed 60 buildings around acluster of landscape in cooperation with Spanisharchitects. The adjacent project, Mirdif Villas,comprises a residential area with more than 300 villasand apartment houses, looking over Mushrif Park. Asthe construction process of both projects will besupervised by the expertise of Kling Consult engineers,the creation of a green suburb of Dubai will mainly beperformed by Kling Consult too.

This enterprising firm also signed an agreement withFalcon City of Wonders within Dubailand to carry outthe concept design for 345 uniquely designed villas.Not only are the design of towers and residential areaswithin the scope of Kling Consult, but also one of themost famous and most luxurious German car brands,Porsche, has assigned Kling Architects to assure thehigh corporate design standard for all showrooms andworkshops in the Middle East & Africa.

One of the company's main strengths is incombining German and Middle East know-how,combined with a meticulous and dedicated approach.Its philosophy is to provide design and engineeringservices for large and difficult developments, viewing the project management as important as thetechnical services.

A so-called 'Green KC' team works onenvironmental aspects and project sustainability, suchas energy efficiency, ventilation, shading, interiorlandscapes and uses of material, daylight as well asoptimising recreational facilities too.

With its impeccable track record worldwide and theimpressive opportunities to be had in this part of theworld, the company expects excellent business inDubai for many more years and anticipates highpotential for the region as a whole.

Tel: +971 4 324 4052www.klingconsult.de/dubai/dubai.htm

Best of Dubai 249

Kling to a dream

One @ Business Bay Tower

Gerhard Reichert, Managing Director

Jewel of The Creek

Stargate Edutainment Park

Kling Consultant2.qxp 12/28/2006 4:42 PM Page 1

If there is one company that takes theconcept of accommodation to stellarheights, it is IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR). As a leader in premier integratedand mixed-use hotel and tourism resortprojects throughout Europe, the MiddleEast, the Indian Ocean region andAfrica, it is only natural that Dubaishould become a focal point forexpansion.

Underscoring Dubai's pre-eminentposition as a rapidly developing centrefor tourism, when it comes to premierresort development, the mood isupbeat. "With the expansion in the GCCand the vision of the Ruler of Dubai toposition Dubai as an economic 'hub', itwas a natural progression to have ahead office for IFA HR in Dubai",explains Werner Burger President andCOO IFA HR.

IFA HR first entered the Dubai marketplace with the acquisition of land on the'Palm Jumeirah' - one of the world'sthree largest man-made islands, in2003. Through this acquisition, IFA HRentered into a strategic alliance withPalm Jumeirah developers 'Nakheel' forwhat will eventually contain a largenumber of residential, leisure andentertainment concepts, as well asadding 120 kilometres to the existingDubai coastline.

"We were fortunate that our chairmanidentified the opportunities on the PalmJumeirah and we secured our landwhen other developers did not eventhink of investing in Dubai", said Burger,outlining a strategy that has served IFAHR well in the emirate. "The key todevelopment," he adds, "is to make landacquisitions early on and secure thebest locations at reasonable prices."

Since the acquisition of the land onthe Palm Jumeirah, IFA HR has sought

out and developed joint-venturepartners for developing this land,culminating in some of the grandest and most luxurious projects ever seenin the region.

Al Nabat and Al Haseer, The PalmResidence, consists of two primeproperties flanking the private beachand clubhouse on the eastern shore ofthe trunk of The Palm. These are built inan appealing Arab eclectic style, fusingelements of rich Arabian heritage withmodern materials and amenities. Bothoffer superlative sea or garden viewsand a level of opulence to match thefinest homes anywhere in the world andwill be managed by Fairmont.

The Fairmont Palm Residence,meanwhile, is the premier residentialdevelopment on the Palm Jumeirah.Located at the fulcrum of the palm'svibrant shopping hub, The FairmontPalm Residence offers 558 deluxeapartments, townhouses andpenthouses, each boasting unusuallyspacious accommodation and all in thevicinity of an extraordinary collection ofvibrant and chic cafes, upscaleboutiques and meandering waterfrontwalkways.

The Fairmont Palm Residence alsohas the distinction of being directlylinked to another IFA HR investment, thefive star Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort.As such, residents benefit from theexceptional range of facilities availableat the hotel, including a private beach,swimming pool, modern health club,children's playground, restaurants andcafés, apartment servicing,housekeeping and maintenance, maidand childcare services and owners'reception area with concierge andsecurity. There is also the opportunity tojoin the exclusive beach club, on a

The Eighth Wonder

Feverish project development, infrastructure expansion and relentlessinternational marketing are helping Dubai reach its tourist targets: Inthe first quarter of 2006, in-bound tourists rose from 1.6 to 1.7 millionover the previous year. With hotel revenues increasing by 20 per centduring the same period, to $770 million, the emirate's target ofachieving 15 million tourists by 2010 looks eminently achievable.

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IFA - Property - 1.qxp 12/28/2006 4:20 PM Page 1

If there is one company that takes theconcept of accommodation to stellarheights, it is IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR). As a leader in premier integratedand mixed-use hotel and tourism resortprojects throughout Europe, the MiddleEast, the Indian Ocean region andAfrica, it is only natural that Dubaishould become a focal point forexpansion.

Underscoring Dubai's pre-eminentposition as a rapidly developing centrefor tourism, when it comes to premierresort development, the mood isupbeat. "With the expansion in the GCCand the vision of the Ruler of Dubai toposition Dubai as an economic 'hub', itwas a natural progression to have ahead office for IFA HR in Dubai",explains Werner Burger President andCOO IFA HR.

IFA HR first entered the Dubai marketplace with the acquisition of land on the'Palm Jumeirah' - one of the world'sthree largest man-made islands, in2003. Through this acquisition, IFA HRentered into a strategic alliance withPalm Jumeirah developers 'Nakheel' forwhat will eventually contain a largenumber of residential, leisure andentertainment concepts, as well asadding 120 kilometres to the existingDubai coastline.

"We were fortunate that our chairmanidentified the opportunities on the PalmJumeirah and we secured our landwhen other developers did not eventhink of investing in Dubai", said Burger,outlining a strategy that has served IFAHR well in the emirate. "The key todevelopment," he adds, "is to make landacquisitions early on and secure thebest locations at reasonable prices."

Since the acquisition of the land onthe Palm Jumeirah, IFA HR has sought

out and developed joint-venturepartners for developing this land,culminating in some of the grandest and most luxurious projects ever seenin the region.

Al Nabat and Al Haseer, The PalmResidence, consists of two primeproperties flanking the private beachand clubhouse on the eastern shore ofthe trunk of The Palm. These are built inan appealing Arab eclectic style, fusingelements of rich Arabian heritage withmodern materials and amenities. Bothoffer superlative sea or garden viewsand a level of opulence to match thefinest homes anywhere in the world andwill be managed by Fairmont.

The Fairmont Palm Residence,meanwhile, is the premier residentialdevelopment on the Palm Jumeirah.Located at the fulcrum of the palm'svibrant shopping hub, The FairmontPalm Residence offers 558 deluxeapartments, townhouses andpenthouses, each boasting unusuallyspacious accommodation and all in thevicinity of an extraordinary collection ofvibrant and chic cafes, upscaleboutiques and meandering waterfrontwalkways.

The Fairmont Palm Residence alsohas the distinction of being directlylinked to another IFA HR investment, thefive star Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort.As such, residents benefit from theexceptional range of facilities availableat the hotel, including a private beach,swimming pool, modern health club,children's playground, restaurants andcafés, apartment servicing,housekeeping and maintenance, maidand childcare services and owners'reception area with concierge andsecurity. There is also the opportunity tojoin the exclusive beach club, on a

The Eighth Wonder

Feverish project development, infrastructure expansion and relentlessinternational marketing are helping Dubai reach its tourist targets: Inthe first quarter of 2006, in-bound tourists rose from 1.6 to 1.7 millionover the previous year. With hotel revenues increasing by 20 per centduring the same period, to $770 million, the emirate's target ofachieving 15 million tourists by 2010 looks eminently achievable.

250 Best of Dubai

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IFA - Property - 1.qxp 12/28/2006 4:20 PM Page 1

TAKtical Exposure

With the current unprecedented growth and economic boom in the Gulf region, 'TAKtical' Realty Group has established its headquarters inDubai, the fast evolving business hub of the Middle East.

A member of the TAKtical group of companies,TRG Works in close collaboration with leadingdevelopers, real estate agents and an array ofgovernment bodies in Dubai. This enables thecompany to offer clients a wide range ofproperties and real estate based investmentopportunities in ideal locations.

At present, TRG is identifying real estatebased investments and strategies predominantlyin the GCC and Europe for its private andinstitutional investors and developers. Through itsteam of dedicated professionals, TAKticalprovides a gamut of real estate investmentservices that include consultancy anddevelopment, asset acquisition as well asdisposal, asset management, in addition tofinancial facilitation to create and manage uniquedevelopment opportunities while maximizingasset value for investors. Through their globalnetwork, in-house team of professionals andaffiliate offices in Los Angeles, Houston, Londonas well as Hong Kong, the company not onlyprovides in-depth research, knowledge of andexperience in the Dubai property market, butalso in several international markets too.

To ensure the best possible service for

investors, TRG has two divisions, institutional andretail, to cater better to the client's needs.

The Institutional Division Assists clients with wholesale bulk purchases offloors in office and residential towers, theopportunity to participate in consortiums topurchase entire projects, assistance in creatingand deploying marketing and sales strategies fornew developments, as well as designing andimplementing real estate portfolio strategies.

The Retail DivisionProvides access to a unique inventory of villas,apartments, single plots of land, commercialspace and rentals, the ability to list UAEinventory within its network of internationalbrokers in Europe, North America, Greater Chinaand South Asia. This ensures that clients sellingreceive maximum exposure on their property,access to pre-launches and unique inventoryand assistance in securing mortgage financingand transaction facilitation.

Tel.: +9714 360 7760www.takticalrealty.com

Best of Dubai 253

The TAKtical Team

membership access basis, taking advantage of the gymnasium, sportsfacilities, restaurants, a kids' club, swimming pool and more besides.

Complementing both The Palm Residence and The Fairmont PalmResidence is the Palm Golden Mile development, a joint-venture withNakheel and Istithmar. The Palm Golden Mile residences will showcase10 waterfront buildings, featuring more than 860 living quarters, rangingfrom one-bedroom apartments to penthouses and town homes, whichwill also be managed by Fairmont. The Palm Golden Mile will alsoinclude 200,000 square feet of office space and 220 of the world's mostupscale stores and restaurants.

Outside of the IFA HR Palm Jumeirah investment is the LagunaTower, a mixed-use 40-storey tower located at the Jumeirah Lakes, next to Dubai Marina. The Laguna Towers boast ultra-modernfacilities with stunning panoramic views along the length of the lake, over golf courses, to Dubai, the Arabian Gulf and beyond,and offers a mix of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartmentsand a Condo Hotel - the Movenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai.

As well as the projects already underway, IFA HR will also become astakeholder in the mixed-use project on The Crescent of the PalmJumeirah and the company is eyeing potential fresh investmentopportunities into some of the largest developments in Dubai inconjunction with its international aspirations. "Our other real estate

developments globally and in the Middle East will naturally be within therealm of the mixed use resorts and the development industry, but we arealso interested in innovative and unique ideas, an example of which isour collaboration with the radical hotel concept YOtel", explains Burger.

Given the quality and diversity of product offerings, the only questionremaining is 'Why invest in the Dubai real estate sector and whatdifferentiates the Palm Jumeirah from other developments currentlybeing undertaken?'

"Dubai has world class infrastructure enhanced by safe living and adynamic and transparent business climate, making it an ideal place toboth live and work", says Kit James, IFA HR Director of Sales. "Inaddition, Dubai's population is set to double in the next decade, makingthe demand for Dubai real estate even more viable", she adds, whilealso emphasising the Palm Jumeirah is supported by a tax freeenvironment.

This, however, still does not explain what makes owning a piece ofthe Palm Jumeirah so special. More than mere bricks and mortar,buying into this enviable luxury lifestyle, "is akin to owning property onthe 'Eighth Wonder of the World'." That's exclusivity elevated to thehighest degree. Now how often does that chance come around?


TAKtical Exposure

With the current unprecedented growth and economic boom in the Gulf region, 'TAKtical' Realty Group has established its headquarters inDubai, the fast evolving business hub of the Middle East.

A member of the TAKtical group of companies,TRG Works in close collaboration with leadingdevelopers, real estate agents and an array ofgovernment bodies in Dubai. This enables thecompany to offer clients a wide range ofproperties and real estate based investmentopportunities in ideal locations.

At present, TRG is identifying real estatebased investments and strategies predominantlyin the GCC and Europe for its private andinstitutional investors and developers. Through itsteam of dedicated professionals, TAKticalprovides a gamut of real estate investmentservices that include consultancy anddevelopment, asset acquisition as well asdisposal, asset management, in addition tofinancial facilitation to create and manage uniquedevelopment opportunities while maximizingasset value for investors. Through their globalnetwork, in-house team of professionals andaffiliate offices in Los Angeles, Houston, Londonas well as Hong Kong, the company not onlyprovides in-depth research, knowledge of andexperience in the Dubai property market, butalso in several international markets too.

To ensure the best possible service for

investors, TRG has two divisions, institutional andretail, to cater better to the client's needs.

The Institutional Division Assists clients with wholesale bulk purchases offloors in office and residential towers, theopportunity to participate in consortiums topurchase entire projects, assistance in creatingand deploying marketing and sales strategies fornew developments, as well as designing andimplementing real estate portfolio strategies.

The Retail DivisionProvides access to a unique inventory of villas,apartments, single plots of land, commercialspace and rentals, the ability to list UAEinventory within its network of internationalbrokers in Europe, North America, Greater Chinaand South Asia. This ensures that clients sellingreceive maximum exposure on their property,access to pre-launches and unique inventoryand assistance in securing mortgage financingand transaction facilitation.

Tel.: +9714 360 7760www.takticalrealty.com

Best of Dubai 253

The TAKtical Team

membership access basis, taking advantage of the gymnasium, sportsfacilities, restaurants, a kids' club, swimming pool and more besides.

Complementing both The Palm Residence and The Fairmont PalmResidence is the Palm Golden Mile development, a joint-venture withNakheel and Istithmar. The Palm Golden Mile residences will showcase10 waterfront buildings, featuring more than 860 living quarters, rangingfrom one-bedroom apartments to penthouses and town homes, whichwill also be managed by Fairmont. The Palm Golden Mile will alsoinclude 200,000 square feet of office space and 220 of the world's mostupscale stores and restaurants.

Outside of the IFA HR Palm Jumeirah investment is the LagunaTower, a mixed-use 40-storey tower located at the Jumeirah Lakes, next to Dubai Marina. The Laguna Towers boast ultra-modernfacilities with stunning panoramic views along the length of the lake, over golf courses, to Dubai, the Arabian Gulf and beyond,and offers a mix of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartmentsand a Condo Hotel - the Movenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai.

As well as the projects already underway, IFA HR will also become astakeholder in the mixed-use project on The Crescent of the PalmJumeirah and the company is eyeing potential fresh investmentopportunities into some of the largest developments in Dubai inconjunction with its international aspirations. "Our other real estate

developments globally and in the Middle East will naturally be within therealm of the mixed use resorts and the development industry, but we arealso interested in innovative and unique ideas, an example of which isour collaboration with the radical hotel concept YOtel", explains Burger.

Given the quality and diversity of product offerings, the only questionremaining is 'Why invest in the Dubai real estate sector and whatdifferentiates the Palm Jumeirah from other developments currentlybeing undertaken?'

"Dubai has world class infrastructure enhanced by safe living and adynamic and transparent business climate, making it an ideal place toboth live and work", says Kit James, IFA HR Director of Sales. "Inaddition, Dubai's population is set to double in the next decade, makingthe demand for Dubai real estate even more viable", she adds, whilealso emphasising the Palm Jumeirah is supported by a tax freeenvironment.

This, however, still does not explain what makes owning a piece ofthe Palm Jumeirah so special. More than mere bricks and mortar,buying into this enviable luxury lifestyle, "is akin to owning property onthe 'Eighth Wonder of the World'." That's exclusivity elevated to thehighest degree. Now how often does that chance come around?


Property Perfect

254 Best of Dubai

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“We sell at affordable rates so that investors areable to make a healthy return on their investments in arelatively short period of time”, he added.

Another one of the group’s projects, FortuneExecutive Tower, located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area of downtown Dubai, offers the firstfreehold duplex office space in the Emirate. Itsdistinctive fountain-pen-shaped structure guaranteedthat it was 90% sold out off-plan within two months.Another project in the same location, Fortune AraamesTower, was also met with huge success and sold outalmost immediately.

Casa Marbella, which seeks to combineMediterranean architecture with the traditionalelements of the Arab world, can be found on theexclusive Palm, Jebel Ali. “Location is key and FortuneGroup prides itself on choosing only the bestaddresses in the Emirate”, said Mr. Ali. “Casa Marbella is targeted toward thosewho seek a unique lifestyle experience in one of themost sought after locations in town”, he added.

A slightly different project, Fortune Serene, locatedin the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ)consists of three residential apartment buildings. “Thisproject supports His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s efforts to consolidate Dubai’s position as a truly international media hub”,said Mr. Ali.

Fortune Bay and Fortune Pavillion are two moreprojects yet to be launched by the group in BusinessBay and Dubai Sports City respectively. “Bycombining the best locations with exceptionalstructure and design, we are able to provide

great value to our buyers”, said Mr. Ali.The group’s most elaborate project to date,

however, is Burj Al Alam in English, “The World Tower.”Rising up 108 storeys, this extraordinary landmark on Business Bay promises to be one of the world’s top 10 buildings for the next 20 years. Thestructure will consist of modern offices, a five-star hotel, an exclusive shopping mall, the world’s tallest resort as well as the world’s very firstrooftop spa.

“Dubai is the fastest growing city in the world andFortune Group is proud to be part of this excitingdevelopment”, said Mr. Ali. “The Dubai brand is nowrecognised globally thanks to the visionary leadershipof His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum.”

The Fortune Group seeks to expand not justregionally but internationally. With already establishedoffices across the UAE and Pakistan, the companyalso has plans to open offices in London andMoscow. Group agents currently exist throughout theGCC, Canada and the United States.

“Dubai offers a unique business atmospheresupported by some of the most advanced commercialand telecommunication infrastructure in the world”,said Mr. Ali.

Dubai is bound to flourish for years to come. Likemany other ambitious companies across the Emirate,Fortune Group aspires to be at the pinnacle of itsremarkable development.

Tel.: +9714 297 9393www.perfecthomerealestate.com

Best of Dubai 255

As a veteran of the freehold property concept, Perfect Home Real Estate deals with some ofthe most sought-after residential and commercial space in the country. Experienced in bothlocal and international real estate markets, the firm seeks to facilitate the acquisition anddisposition of commercial property worldwide.

“In 1989, Perfect Home was still one of the few companies of its kind in the UAE,” said Mr.Syed Muhammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Group. “It wasn’t until the introduction offreehold in 2002 that other players started coming into the market. At that point, our businessreally boomed and the concept of Fortune Group was born”, he added.

In just a few years, like its predecessor, Fortune Group has become one of the leadingproperty development and real estate consulting firms in the country. The group is nowresponsible for developing some of the most innovative residential and commercial spaces in Dubai.

Dubai’s first freehold commercial space, “Fortune Tower,” sold out to investors in less than4 months and fast became one of the group’s most important properties. The tower featured aunique revolving restaurant and a multitude of exciting facilities for the international executive.

Investors in Fortune Tower have already witnessed more than 80% premiums on theirpurchases. “Our vision is your growth”, said Mr. Ali.


When Perfect Home Real Estate first launched in 1989, it fast becameone of the top lease consulting, buying, selling and rental firms forresidential and commercial properties in the UAE. More recently, FortuneGroup, born out of the Perfect Home initiative and led by its visionaryfounder, Mr. Syed Muhammed Ali, exceeds time and again everyarchitectural boundary previously set in the fast-growing city of Dubai.The group’s signature development is none other than Burj Al Alam, theworld’s tallest commercial tower.

Fortune Serene

Fortune Tower Fortune Araames Fortune Executve

Property Perfect

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“We sell at affordable rates so that investors areable to make a healthy return on their investments in arelatively short period of time”, he added.

Another one of the group’s projects, FortuneExecutive Tower, located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area of downtown Dubai, offers the firstfreehold duplex office space in the Emirate. Itsdistinctive fountain-pen-shaped structure guaranteedthat it was 90% sold out off-plan within two months.Another project in the same location, Fortune AraamesTower, was also met with huge success and sold outalmost immediately.

Casa Marbella, which seeks to combineMediterranean architecture with the traditionalelements of the Arab world, can be found on theexclusive Palm, Jebel Ali. “Location is key and FortuneGroup prides itself on choosing only the bestaddresses in the Emirate”, said Mr. Ali. “Casa Marbella is targeted toward thosewho seek a unique lifestyle experience in one of themost sought after locations in town”, he added.

A slightly different project, Fortune Serene, locatedin the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ)consists of three residential apartment buildings. “Thisproject supports His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s efforts to consolidate Dubai’s position as a truly international media hub”,said Mr. Ali.

Fortune Bay and Fortune Pavillion are two moreprojects yet to be launched by the group in BusinessBay and Dubai Sports City respectively. “Bycombining the best locations with exceptionalstructure and design, we are able to provide

great value to our buyers”, said Mr. Ali.The group’s most elaborate project to date,

however, is Burj Al Alam in English, “The World Tower.”Rising up 108 storeys, this extraordinary landmark on Business Bay promises to be one of the world’s top 10 buildings for the next 20 years. Thestructure will consist of modern offices, a five-star hotel, an exclusive shopping mall, the world’s tallest resort as well as the world’s very firstrooftop spa.

“Dubai is the fastest growing city in the world andFortune Group is proud to be part of this excitingdevelopment”, said Mr. Ali. “The Dubai brand is nowrecognised globally thanks to the visionary leadershipof His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum.”

The Fortune Group seeks to expand not justregionally but internationally. With already establishedoffices across the UAE and Pakistan, the companyalso has plans to open offices in London andMoscow. Group agents currently exist throughout theGCC, Canada and the United States.

“Dubai offers a unique business atmospheresupported by some of the most advanced commercialand telecommunication infrastructure in the world”,said Mr. Ali.

Dubai is bound to flourish for years to come. Likemany other ambitious companies across the Emirate,Fortune Group aspires to be at the pinnacle of itsremarkable development.

Tel.: +9714 297 9393www.perfecthomerealestate.com

Best of Dubai 255

As a veteran of the freehold property concept, Perfect Home Real Estate deals with some ofthe most sought-after residential and commercial space in the country. Experienced in bothlocal and international real estate markets, the firm seeks to facilitate the acquisition anddisposition of commercial property worldwide.

“In 1989, Perfect Home was still one of the few companies of its kind in the UAE,” said Mr.Syed Muhammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Group. “It wasn’t until the introduction offreehold in 2002 that other players started coming into the market. At that point, our businessreally boomed and the concept of Fortune Group was born”, he added.

In just a few years, like its predecessor, Fortune Group has become one of the leadingproperty development and real estate consulting firms in the country. The group is nowresponsible for developing some of the most innovative residential and commercial spaces in Dubai.

Dubai’s first freehold commercial space, “Fortune Tower,” sold out to investors in less than4 months and fast became one of the group’s most important properties. The tower featured aunique revolving restaurant and a multitude of exciting facilities for the international executive.

Investors in Fortune Tower have already witnessed more than 80% premiums on theirpurchases. “Our vision is your growth”, said Mr. Ali.


When Perfect Home Real Estate first launched in 1989, it fast becameone of the top lease consulting, buying, selling and rental firms forresidential and commercial properties in the UAE. More recently, FortuneGroup, born out of the Perfect Home initiative and led by its visionaryfounder, Mr. Syed Muhammed Ali, exceeds time and again everyarchitectural boundary previously set in the fast-growing city of Dubai.The group’s signature development is none other than Burj Al Alam, theworld’s tallest commercial tower.

Fortune Serene

Fortune Tower Fortune Araames Fortune Executve


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Dubai Sports City, the world’s largest sports and culturaldestination captures the drama, the exhilaration, the veryessence of sport. Located in Dubailand, covering an area of50 million square feet, Dubai Sports City boasts state-of-the-art stadiums, sports academies, an Ernie Els’ Design golfcourse in addition to a thriving residential and commercialcommunity, making it truly the new home of sport.

Welcome to a new and exciting chapter inDubai’s fast-paced economic diversificationplan. Spurred on by increased revenue fromrising oil prices and the repatriation of Arabfunds that run into hundreds of millions ofdollars, Dubai’s GDP is growing at 15 to 18per cent. With the government’s bold plansto filter large chunks of that wealth intointegrated real estate projects conceptualisedon a grand scale, developers are having tooffer increasingly innovative solutions to stayahead. This has created ample opportunityfor quality infrastructure and real estateexpansion, which is pivotal for the creationof architectural landmarks ensuring theemirate’s history in the making.

The scores of world-class projects, manyof which are devised within the parametersof Dubai’s cluster economy model, representthe leadership’s tangible desire to brandthe emirate with positive superlatives:First, biggest, best.

It is precisely in this spirit that Dubai SportsCity is coming into being. Welcome to a 50million square feet project within the famousDubailand development that is alreadystealing the show from other integrated realestate offerings. Dubai Sports City is theworld’s first purpose-built, fully integratedsports city, incorporating world-class sportingvenues and academies, as well as residentialand commercial properties with relatedamenities such as hotels, schools, entertainmentand medical facilities. The first phase of thismammoth development that will include TheDunes golf course, sports academies andVictory Heights villa residential community willbe completed by end 2007, with the overallcompletion by 2010. The ethos is clear - toreinvent lives and investment portfolios, too.

“The term ‘unique’ is often over-used whenit comes to real estate projects. Yet, we reallyhave conceptualised Dubai Sports City asan exceptional illustration of what can beachieved if quality, innovation and visionare merged. Effectively, this is how historiclandmarks are created”, says Dubai SportsCity President, Khalid Al Zarooni.

“The success of Dubai Sports City tosome extent mirrors Dubai’s own great leapforward. We have also taken a pioneeringrole in developing something that has neverbeen attempted - just like the excitingexperiment that is ‘Project Dubai’ today.”

With an estimated population of 70,000,Dubai Sports City boasts a project cost ofUS$3 billion. This is not surprising consideringthat the facilities are second to noneworld-wide. With a 60,000 seat multi-purposeoutdoor stadium, a 25,000 capacity cricketstadium, a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoorarena and a 5,000 spectator field hockeystadium, no expense and effort has beenspared to ensure the best of the best. DubaiSports City promises to become the world'sleading sporting destination, hosting majorevents and attracting the biggest brands

from across the world by way of participationand sponsorships. The development boastsworld-class sports training academies,providing a first class forum to train aspiringyoung talent and professionals alike. Thereal estate component of the project willprovide a comprehensive communitylifestyle for its residents, centred aroundsport and healthy living.

Dubai Sports City will succeed in puttingsports permanently on the map in this idealenvironment. Where else would you see sucha perfect blend? There is no better fit thanDubai Sports City between the Northernand Southern hemispheres”, claims DubaiSports City’s CEO, U Balasubramaniam.

And considering Dubai’s increasinglyactive social calendar, it seems that it couldn’thave come at a more opportune time.“There’s always a sports event happeningin Dubai, and Dubai Sports City will not justcater to sports, ours are all multi-purposevenues”, says Al Zarooni. “We consider itour duty to add to the current offering forsports tourism with appropriate touringpackages for the whole family.”

Given its ideal geographical location, DubaiSports City also serves as the perfect venuefor acclimatization for international playersenroute to sporting events across hemispheres.

Top of the line sports complexes are onlythe beginning. Now sport aficionados ofevery age and level have options for unleashingthe power within. For instance, golf personalityErnie Els has endorsed Dubai Sports Citywith the first Ernie Els Design golf course inthe Middle East. This 18-hole championshipcourse will be the centerpiece of DubaiSports City’s luxury residential golfcommunity, ‘Victory Heights’.

For sports enthusiasts looking to start orperfect their game, Dubai Sports City hasbrought branded sports academies onboard,from the first ever purpose built ManchesterUnited Soccer Schools facility to the InternationalCricket Council’s own ICC Global CricketAcademy. There will also be a DavidLloyd Tennis Academy and the first ButchHarmon School of Golf outside the US. “We’renot trying to reinvent the wheel, let the prosdo what they do best”, Al Zarooni says.“What builds further credibility to ourassociation with these world renownedbrands is that they are not just lending theirnames to the project but are activelyinvolved in the management and runningof their respective entities.”

In addition, an area of 20 million squarefeet has been set aside for inner streets,community parks, gardens and landscaping. Ithas it all, offering end-users a concept that hassubstance, from residential and entertainmentareas to a commercial district too. The DubaiSports City will add value in every sphere.Its master plan comprises of internationalschools offering American, Arabic, British andSub-continent curriculums, world-class medical,Aerial view of Dubai Sports City in the making


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e Live Sport

Dubai Sports City, the world’s largest sports and culturaldestination captures the drama, the exhilaration, the veryessence of sport. Located in Dubailand, covering an area of50 million square feet, Dubai Sports City boasts state-of-the-art stadiums, sports academies, an Ernie Els’ Design golfcourse in addition to a thriving residential and commercialcommunity, making it truly the new home of sport.

Welcome to a new and exciting chapter inDubai’s fast-paced economic diversificationplan. Spurred on by increased revenue fromrising oil prices and the repatriation of Arabfunds that run into hundreds of millions ofdollars, Dubai’s GDP is growing at 15 to 18per cent. With the government’s bold plansto filter large chunks of that wealth intointegrated real estate projects conceptualisedon a grand scale, developers are having tooffer increasingly innovative solutions to stayahead. This has created ample opportunityfor quality infrastructure and real estateexpansion, which is pivotal for the creationof architectural landmarks ensuring theemirate’s history in the making.

The scores of world-class projects, manyof which are devised within the parametersof Dubai’s cluster economy model, representthe leadership’s tangible desire to brandthe emirate with positive superlatives:First, biggest, best.

It is precisely in this spirit that Dubai SportsCity is coming into being. Welcome to a 50million square feet project within the famousDubailand development that is alreadystealing the show from other integrated realestate offerings. Dubai Sports City is theworld’s first purpose-built, fully integratedsports city, incorporating world-class sportingvenues and academies, as well as residentialand commercial properties with relatedamenities such as hotels, schools, entertainmentand medical facilities. The first phase of thismammoth development that will include TheDunes golf course, sports academies andVictory Heights villa residential community willbe completed by end 2007, with the overallcompletion by 2010. The ethos is clear - toreinvent lives and investment portfolios, too.

“The term ‘unique’ is often over-used whenit comes to real estate projects. Yet, we reallyhave conceptualised Dubai Sports City asan exceptional illustration of what can beachieved if quality, innovation and visionare merged. Effectively, this is how historiclandmarks are created”, says Dubai SportsCity President, Khalid Al Zarooni.

“The success of Dubai Sports City tosome extent mirrors Dubai’s own great leapforward. We have also taken a pioneeringrole in developing something that has neverbeen attempted - just like the excitingexperiment that is ‘Project Dubai’ today.”

With an estimated population of 70,000,Dubai Sports City boasts a project cost ofUS$3 billion. This is not surprising consideringthat the facilities are second to noneworld-wide. With a 60,000 seat multi-purposeoutdoor stadium, a 25,000 capacity cricketstadium, a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoorarena and a 5,000 spectator field hockeystadium, no expense and effort has beenspared to ensure the best of the best. DubaiSports City promises to become the world'sleading sporting destination, hosting majorevents and attracting the biggest brands

from across the world by way of participationand sponsorships. The development boastsworld-class sports training academies,providing a first class forum to train aspiringyoung talent and professionals alike. Thereal estate component of the project willprovide a comprehensive communitylifestyle for its residents, centred aroundsport and healthy living.

Dubai Sports City will succeed in puttingsports permanently on the map in this idealenvironment. Where else would you see sucha perfect blend? There is no better fit thanDubai Sports City between the Northernand Southern hemispheres”, claims DubaiSports City’s CEO, U Balasubramaniam.

And considering Dubai’s increasinglyactive social calendar, it seems that it couldn’thave come at a more opportune time.“There’s always a sports event happeningin Dubai, and Dubai Sports City will not justcater to sports, ours are all multi-purposevenues”, says Al Zarooni. “We consider itour duty to add to the current offering forsports tourism with appropriate touringpackages for the whole family.”

Given its ideal geographical location, DubaiSports City also serves as the perfect venuefor acclimatization for international playersenroute to sporting events across hemispheres.

Top of the line sports complexes are onlythe beginning. Now sport aficionados ofevery age and level have options for unleashingthe power within. For instance, golf personalityErnie Els has endorsed Dubai Sports Citywith the first Ernie Els Design golf course inthe Middle East. This 18-hole championshipcourse will be the centerpiece of DubaiSports City’s luxury residential golfcommunity, ‘Victory Heights’.

For sports enthusiasts looking to start orperfect their game, Dubai Sports City hasbrought branded sports academies onboard,from the first ever purpose built ManchesterUnited Soccer Schools facility to the InternationalCricket Council’s own ICC Global CricketAcademy. There will also be a DavidLloyd Tennis Academy and the first ButchHarmon School of Golf outside the US. “We’renot trying to reinvent the wheel, let the prosdo what they do best”, Al Zarooni says.“What builds further credibility to ourassociation with these world renownedbrands is that they are not just lending theirnames to the project but are activelyinvolved in the management and runningof their respective entities.”

In addition, an area of 20 million squarefeet has been set aside for inner streets,community parks, gardens and landscaping. Ithas it all, offering end-users a concept that hassubstance, from residential and entertainmentareas to a commercial district too. The DubaiSports City will add value in every sphere.Its master plan comprises of internationalschools offering American, Arabic, British andSub-continent curriculums, world-class medical,Aerial view of Dubai Sports City in the making

��

U. BalasubramaniamChief Executive OfficerDubai Sports City

hotel and leisure facilities, a country club,and a sports themed shopping mall with aleasing capacity of 1.3 million square feet.

Ethics run high on Dubai Sports City’slist of priorities, with the board of directorsdedicated to not over promising and underdelivering. “You have to deliver what youpromised. People are more selective andaware. They are experienced homeowners”,confides Balasubramaniam.

“Our real estate components are qualityassured by the global independent certificationbody Bureau Veritas (BVQI)”, Al Zarooniexplains. “Quality is definitely the name ofthe game, and Dubai Sports City plans tonot only quench the thirst for activity but alsoto give residents and investors a commercialand residential haven.”

“To ensure safety measures are followedand safely executed throughout, Dubai SportsCity has initiated countless traffic and securitystudies in collaboration with the world’sleaders to secure the highest possiblestandards”, explains Balasubramaniam.

While skeptics will be hard pressed tofind a similar international counterpart, DubaiSports City still does not prescribe to the‘build it and they will come’ theory and hasundertaken a vigorous marketing initiative toachieve maximum regional and internationalexposure, staking claim to what they believeto be an exclusive and pioneering feat - an all-encompassing sports themed lifestyle concept.

“We have a varied marketing strategy.Victory Heights was our first major launch.We believe in smart marketing as opposedto mass marketing. We are also tying up withreal estate companies to further position andembed ourselves as the foremost alternativefor Dubai’s residential and commercialneeds”, says Balasubramaniam.

In addition, Canal Residence West, acosmopolitan Riviera style development,offers studio, one, two and three bedroomapartments that occupy an unbeatablelocation in the heart of the city.

With a variety of sporting events to lookforward to and an enviable lifestyle in one ofthe world’s most unique developments,Balasubramaniam is upbeat: “Our pricesare competitive and so far, the salesfigures for Dubai Sports City’s residentialproperties are sound. Dubai Sports City hasbeen well received because it appeals to across-section of nationalities”, he confirms.To further compound the project’ssuccess, he highlights the development’s‘less is more’ philosophy, “Our golf coursecommunity offers 935 exclusive villas. Withnine different interior designs to choosefrom, and a wealth of sporting and leisurediversity to be enjoyed, we’re not merely sellingyou a villa, but an entire luxury lifestyle.”

Tel.: +9714 329 3300www.dubaisportscity.ae

Riding High with Al Kaheel

A horse lover's paradise and a place where the uninitiated candiscover, interact and connect with horses, that is the only wayto describe Al Kaheel, a AED1.6 billion project offering 400residences built in the open and unspoilt surroundings of theDubailand Eco Zone.

��

U. BalasubramaniamChief Executive OfficerDubai Sports City

hotel and leisure facilities, a country club,and a sports themed shopping mall with aleasing capacity of 1.3 million square feet.

Ethics run high on Dubai Sports City’slist of priorities, with the board of directorsdedicated to not over promising and underdelivering. “You have to deliver what youpromised. People are more selective andaware. They are experienced homeowners”,confides Balasubramaniam.

“Our real estate components are qualityassured by the global independent certificationbody Bureau Veritas (BVQI)”, Al Zarooniexplains. “Quality is definitely the name ofthe game, and Dubai Sports City plans tonot only quench the thirst for activity but alsoto give residents and investors a commercialand residential haven.”

“To ensure safety measures are followedand safely executed throughout, Dubai SportsCity has initiated countless traffic and securitystudies in collaboration with the world’sleaders to secure the highest possiblestandards”, explains Balasubramaniam.

While skeptics will be hard pressed tofind a similar international counterpart, DubaiSports City still does not prescribe to the‘build it and they will come’ theory and hasundertaken a vigorous marketing initiative toachieve maximum regional and internationalexposure, staking claim to what they believeto be an exclusive and pioneering feat - an all-encompassing sports themed lifestyle concept.

“We have a varied marketing strategy.Victory Heights was our first major launch.We believe in smart marketing as opposedto mass marketing. We are also tying up withreal estate companies to further position andembed ourselves as the foremost alternativefor Dubai’s residential and commercialneeds”, says Balasubramaniam.

In addition, Canal Residence West, acosmopolitan Riviera style development,offers studio, one, two and three bedroomapartments that occupy an unbeatablelocation in the heart of the city.

With a variety of sporting events to lookforward to and an enviable lifestyle in one ofthe world’s most unique developments,Balasubramaniam is upbeat: “Our pricesare competitive and so far, the salesfigures for Dubai Sports City’s residentialproperties are sound. Dubai Sports City hasbeen well received because it appeals to across-section of nationalities”, he confirms.To further compound the project’ssuccess, he highlights the development’s‘less is more’ philosophy, “Our golf coursecommunity offers 935 exclusive villas. Withnine different interior designs to choosefrom, and a wealth of sporting and leisurediversity to be enjoyed, we’re not merely sellingyou a villa, but an entire luxury lifestyle.”

Tel.: +9714 329 3300www.dubaisportscity.ae

Riding High with Al Kaheel

A horse lover's paradise and a place where the uninitiated candiscover, interact and connect with horses, that is the only wayto describe Al Kaheel, a AED1.6 billion project offering 400residences built in the open and unspoilt surroundings of theDubailand Eco Zone.

Al Kaheel Theatre

In its entirety and all its fascinating parts, Al Kaheel showcases theunique relationship between man and horse and delivers the ultimateequine experience to residents and guests, whether they are a novice ora seasoned equestrian.

Nestled in the heart of the Dubai desert, on completion Al Kaheel willinclude a fully serviced luxury resort for horse lovers, with fine dining,shops and all the services of a lavish five star resort. There is also theoption for furnished desert chalets available on timeshare, while luxurydesert homes offer a rare opportunity to own or rent in an open andnatural surrounding in an area with its own community centre and sports facilities.

Added to the lavish living accommodation, there are also horsetraining facilities, livery and breeding barns, a state-of-the-art equinetherapy spa, all purpose arenas, paddocks, riding trails and many other support and programmatic amenities one would expect at one of the world's great equine facilities. The park itself is a complexlike no other; a stunning mélange of equine-centric attractions andexperiences derived from the worlds of leisure, education andentertainment.

Every evening the ‘jewel’ of Al Kaheel, an equine extravaganza will beheld in the fantasia theatre. This custom built theatre of unsurpassedsophistication has been put aside to host this grand-scale spectaclefeaturing a superlative international cast of riders and dancers, acrobatsand aerialists, entertainers and equine athletes. The 'Stable of the Stars',meanwhile, draws back the curtain and invites guests to come behind-the-scenes for a close encounter with the performers and their horses asthey rehearse, recoup, train and fine-tune.

As part of the Al Kaheel education experience, 'Meet the Horse' willbe a first-of-its-kind, user-friendly, hand-and-body-on experience thatintroduces the novice horse enthusiast to a safe and welcomingorientation into the equestrian world, from first touch through to the firstride. The Equus Discovered - the worlds first state-of-the-art interactiveequine ‘edutainment’ centre, explores the breadth and diversity of thespecies and recounts the historic impact of the horse in human culture.A remarkable collection of artefacts, archives and interactive exhibits,the Museum also houses the Park's virtual reality experience.

Recreating the past, the Al Kaheel 'Old Town' gives riders a chanceto experience an era when the horse was man's most trusted

companion. Take a walk back in history where there will be RomanChariot Races, Medieval Jousting, old west town fights and various otherhistorical equine experiences that will delight and entertain the entirefamily. For the serious rider, the 'Natural Horsemanship and Draft HorseBarn' is the perfect place to indulge in hands-on activities anddemonstrations.

Guests looking for an encyclopaedic sampler of the incredible varietyof horse types, as well as their habits and capabilities, will find morethan they ever imagined in the 'Breeds of the World Barn'. This comescomplemented by the park's 'Palace of Champions', which houses anelite group of prize-winning horses. Demonstrations and performancesof these horses are planned to take place throughout the day in theadjacent covered show arena.

Add to this the indoor, climate-controlled arenas for the year rounduse of hosting international events and competitions, trade fairs andhorse shows. The very same location will also be the setting for the'Weekend Fair', a weekly renaissance fair styled horse festival that offersan opportunity for anyone and everyone to enjoy an up-closeexperience with the horses.

The colour, sound and excitement of the show ring, 'Parades ofBreeds and Champions', 'The Natural Horsemanship Academy', mareand foal shows, horse-drawn carriage tours, night rides and deserttrekking all combine to make Al Kaheel the ultimate equine experience.All this and the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a working horsefarm and above all the horses themselves, delighting the eye andinspiring the imagination around every turn.

Special events and group outings for celebrations and parties areavailable and offer a superb opportunity to purchase horse relatedmerchandise in a traditional souk ambience with theme based fine foodsand refreshments.

Al Kaheel is a distinctively different resort that all the family willappreciate and enjoy, thus ensuring that Dubai becomes the destinationof choice for the international horse enthusiast. There is no excuse, then,for not grasping the reins of all that is possible in this kingdom andgoing for a 'Fly Without Wings'.

Tel.:+9714 341 1119www.alkaheel.com


Al Kaheel Theatre

In its entirety and all its fascinating parts, Al Kaheel showcases theunique relationship between man and horse and delivers the ultimateequine experience to residents and guests, whether they are a novice ora seasoned equestrian.

Nestled in the heart of the Dubai desert, on completion Al Kaheel willinclude a fully serviced luxury resort for horse lovers, with fine dining,shops and all the services of a lavish five star resort. There is also theoption for furnished desert chalets available on timeshare, while luxurydesert homes offer a rare opportunity to own or rent in an open andnatural surrounding in an area with its own community centre and sports facilities.

Added to the lavish living accommodation, there are also horsetraining facilities, livery and breeding barns, a state-of-the-art equinetherapy spa, all purpose arenas, paddocks, riding trails and many other support and programmatic amenities one would expect at one of the world's great equine facilities. The park itself is a complexlike no other; a stunning mélange of equine-centric attractions andexperiences derived from the worlds of leisure, education andentertainment.

Every evening the ‘jewel’ of Al Kaheel, an equine extravaganza will beheld in the fantasia theatre. This custom built theatre of unsurpassedsophistication has been put aside to host this grand-scale spectaclefeaturing a superlative international cast of riders and dancers, acrobatsand aerialists, entertainers and equine athletes. The 'Stable of the Stars',meanwhile, draws back the curtain and invites guests to come behind-the-scenes for a close encounter with the performers and their horses asthey rehearse, recoup, train and fine-tune.

As part of the Al Kaheel education experience, 'Meet the Horse' willbe a first-of-its-kind, user-friendly, hand-and-body-on experience thatintroduces the novice horse enthusiast to a safe and welcomingorientation into the equestrian world, from first touch through to the firstride. The Equus Discovered - the worlds first state-of-the-art interactiveequine ‘edutainment’ centre, explores the breadth and diversity of thespecies and recounts the historic impact of the horse in human culture.A remarkable collection of artefacts, archives and interactive exhibits,the Museum also houses the Park's virtual reality experience.

Recreating the past, the Al Kaheel 'Old Town' gives riders a chanceto experience an era when the horse was man's most trusted

companion. Take a walk back in history where there will be RomanChariot Races, Medieval Jousting, old west town fights and various otherhistorical equine experiences that will delight and entertain the entirefamily. For the serious rider, the 'Natural Horsemanship and Draft HorseBarn' is the perfect place to indulge in hands-on activities anddemonstrations.

Guests looking for an encyclopaedic sampler of the incredible varietyof horse types, as well as their habits and capabilities, will find morethan they ever imagined in the 'Breeds of the World Barn'. This comescomplemented by the park's 'Palace of Champions', which houses anelite group of prize-winning horses. Demonstrations and performancesof these horses are planned to take place throughout the day in theadjacent covered show arena.

Add to this the indoor, climate-controlled arenas for the year rounduse of hosting international events and competitions, trade fairs andhorse shows. The very same location will also be the setting for the'Weekend Fair', a weekly renaissance fair styled horse festival that offersan opportunity for anyone and everyone to enjoy an up-closeexperience with the horses.

The colour, sound and excitement of the show ring, 'Parades ofBreeds and Champions', 'The Natural Horsemanship Academy', mareand foal shows, horse-drawn carriage tours, night rides and deserttrekking all combine to make Al Kaheel the ultimate equine experience.All this and the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a working horsefarm and above all the horses themselves, delighting the eye andinspiring the imagination around every turn.

Special events and group outings for celebrations and parties areavailable and offer a superb opportunity to purchase horse relatedmerchandise in a traditional souk ambience with theme based fine foodsand refreshments.

Al Kaheel is a distinctively different resort that all the family willappreciate and enjoy, thus ensuring that Dubai becomes the destinationof choice for the international horse enthusiast. There is no excuse, then,for not grasping the reins of all that is possible in this kingdom andgoing for a 'Fly Without Wings'.

Tel.:+9714 341 1119www.alkaheel.com


Redefining the art of house huntingYou can be assured of dealing with the best. Leads International PropertyInvestments LLC is a Dubai-based company founded in 1993. Licensed topractice Buying, Selling, Renting and Investing, Leads also has a paid-upshare capital of AED 3,000,000 and is bonded to the Government of Dubaiby AED 9,000,000 to allow it to practice Total Property Management.

264 Best of Dubai

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One of the first sectors that successfully propelled the emirate of Dubai onto the world stage was the freeholdreal estate market, initiated in 2001. After years of caution, a declaration was finally passed permittingexpatriates to own property in the UAE. Despite the mushrooming plots, sceptics anxiously await what theybelieve is the inevitable bubble bursting, while others throw caution to the wind and invest heavily in thepromise of a better life, a privileged existence and a perfect place to call home.

Be it caution or passion with which you live your life, one certainty is that today’s Dubai is an exciting placeto be, offering a standard of living that surpasses expectations anywhere regionally and, to some extent,worldwide. While combining safety and stability in a traditionally volatile region, the emirate has managed tocreate a blueprint for growth that has also captured the attention of neighbouring countries. Indeed, nowdevelopers are in the fray in an attempt to offer the best.

This represents an “advantage for investors”, says Denise McGinty, Investment Director of LeadsInternational Property Investments LLC. “Now, the accent is on fulfilling the increasingly exacting requirementsof a savvier investor who enjoys a growing supply of properties to choose from.” It is this boom and theconviction that growth, not collapse, underscores Dubai’s future that has inspired property specialists likeMcGinty to set up real estate agencies in the emirate. She now offers a comprehensive service ranging frombuying, selling and renting to investing and property management. With an expert team of trained agents andan impressive global client base, this no-nonsense realist nevertheless endorses living, working and above all,investing in Dubai.

Modestly chalking up her successes to perfect timing, she says, “We all know that a lot of the expansionmade so far in Dubai has not been made solely because of common business sense. It has been a case ofbeing in the right place at the right time.” “However, things are changing and the more sophisticated investorswho are coming in are demanding contracts and pre-verification of an off-plan investment and how it’s goingto operate thereafter. It’s invigorating because the stakes of the game are always raised.”

Best of Dubai 265

Denise C McGintyInvestment DirectorLeads InternationalProperty Investments LLC

Given its popularity, Dubai is ideal for raising thestakes. Quickly learning and improving upon triedand tested international methods, the ethos is to re-invent and enhance. Long gone are the days whenDubai’s freehold market resembled a free-for-allclearing house. In its place stands a maturing andeconomically viable investment market that isgaining international momentum, credibility andlong-term stability, two leading examples being theDubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) andBusiness Bay.

McGinty goes on to explain demand versussupply: “The original property prices were strong, soundly designed and positioned with the international market. That’s a realisticexpectation”, she says, “[but] when you have anexcess of 1.2 million residents here at the momentand a constant stream of business travellers andyou only have 30,000 freehold units readily availablein Dubai within a designated community offeringschools and all the facilities, then people are willingto pay more in order to be in the right location.”

With soaring prices, the demand shows no signsof slowing. So who buys? A large segment ofinvestors constitutes western passport holders ofArab and Asian descent repatriating their moneyand, in most cases, Sharia’a compliant funds to theMiddle East via Dubai. With a region in constantturmoil, these proud descendants dream ofreturning to their homelands, and with the openingof Dubai’s market, a life here is the next best thing.Many Arabs and Asians have spent their livesoverseas fighting to preserve their traditions. While the benefits of a western education andlifestyle are acknowledged and appreciated, aparent’s wish is for their western-educated children to bring that knowledge back to the Middle East and apply it for the betterment of theirpeople. Clearly, Dubai provides the life they areseeking in a culturally diverse, tax-free, non-violentcosmopolitan society. A perfect blend of East and West with the scales slightly tipped in the East’s favour.

With the advent of the much-anticipated freeholdlaw, a truly open real estate market is more than apipe-dream and will inevitably lead to a huge change in the market and themanner in which business is conducted. On anational level, this law heralds the entrance ofinsurance companies, finance companies andpension funds. Even banks will start buying realestate in Dubai because they can own the land andit is officiated on paper. On a more personal level,the new law states that there will be certaindedicated areas where non-UAE citizens can own and live. They will have the rights to the house and the land and leading agents such asMcGinty celebrate and support the government’sinitiative and honour its desire to safeguard the majority of the country’s land for its indigenousresidents.

In McGinty’s opinion, being positive abouteveryday life and business is generally not what theEuropean press likes to hear, with a tendency tofocus more on the negatives. If countries shiftedtheir focus on the positives, it would automatically liftthe standards of acceptability. With the support of

its citizens, foreign residents, and entrepreneurs like McGinty, the success of launching Dubai as a brand in itself lies in an underlying passion and pride. She sums up the general consensusperfectly: “To be passionate about Dubai, you haveto appreciate the massive input the governmentand royal family really give. When you realize justhow positive it is and why we’re here…it just givesyou goose bumps.”

Do you think there is a solid economy being builthere that will withstand political, cultural,geographical volatility?“This is something we discuss often. Look at therecent London terror threats. Nobody is safe nomatter where he or she is in the world. I do thinkDubai’s one of the safest places I have ever lived in.I’ve been to the States, Europe and Asia and I’mback here now. I feel very comfortable here. Yes, Ihave my own home back home but I think there isan awful lot to offer people here. The cost of living is not cheap. Don’t come out here thinking the streets are paved in gold because they’re not. Itis an expensive place to live but you canalternatively live cheaper. You can buy your food inmore economically minded ways. However, people are into convenience here. With a master-planned community, you’re obviously paying for the master plan. You’re buying into something thatmakes it more agreeable for you to live there. Other areas in Dubai are equally nice onaccommodation without master-plannedcommunities associated with them.”

What makes Leads different and how are you ableto deliver a service that is superior to yourcompetition?“We have an ethical and moral code of conduct,which is to not over promise and under deliverbecause that happens too much here. People areshowing floor plans and show homes that do not atall correspond with the finished product. Certainnationalities expect 70-page contracts that theyanticipate to be very transparent and legallybinding. I’ve always performed at a higher levelknowing that in five year’s time, there’s going to be ademand for such a service, so it’s just acontinuation of what I do.”

What do you believe is most effective in educatingyour clients about the Dubai market?“Don’t overblow an unrealistic dream. Steer yourclients away from the media hype while retainingthe positive aspect of what Dubai is all about so that they are not oversold in their minds. Youhave to be realistic with international pricing. Whatwould that equivalent value buy you somewhereelse, whether it is Europe, New York, Tokyo oranywhere else.”

Ms Denise C McGinty - Investment Director Leads International Property Investments LLC AlMaktoum St., Dubai - PO Box 10281, UAE

Tel.: +9714 221 1993 - Fax: +9714 221 1997Mobile: +97150 644 2752www.propertiesindubai.com

Leads.qxp 12/28/2006 4:47 PM Page 1

Redefining the art of house huntingYou can be assured of dealing with the best. Leads International PropertyInvestments LLC is a Dubai-based company founded in 1993. Licensed topractice Buying, Selling, Renting and Investing, Leads also has a paid-upshare capital of AED 3,000,000 and is bonded to the Government of Dubaiby AED 9,000,000 to allow it to practice Total Property Management.

264 Best of Dubai

Arc

hite

ctur

e, P

rope

rty

& R

eal E

stat

e

One of the first sectors that successfully propelled the emirate of Dubai onto the world stage was the freeholdreal estate market, initiated in 2001. After years of caution, a declaration was finally passed permittingexpatriates to own property in the UAE. Despite the mushrooming plots, sceptics anxiously await what theybelieve is the inevitable bubble bursting, while others throw caution to the wind and invest heavily in thepromise of a better life, a privileged existence and a perfect place to call home.

Be it caution or passion with which you live your life, one certainty is that today’s Dubai is an exciting placeto be, offering a standard of living that surpasses expectations anywhere regionally and, to some extent,worldwide. While combining safety and stability in a traditionally volatile region, the emirate has managed tocreate a blueprint for growth that has also captured the attention of neighbouring countries. Indeed, nowdevelopers are in the fray in an attempt to offer the best.

This represents an “advantage for investors”, says Denise McGinty, Investment Director of LeadsInternational Property Investments LLC. “Now, the accent is on fulfilling the increasingly exacting requirementsof a savvier investor who enjoys a growing supply of properties to choose from.” It is this boom and theconviction that growth, not collapse, underscores Dubai’s future that has inspired property specialists likeMcGinty to set up real estate agencies in the emirate. She now offers a comprehensive service ranging frombuying, selling and renting to investing and property management. With an expert team of trained agents andan impressive global client base, this no-nonsense realist nevertheless endorses living, working and above all,investing in Dubai.

Modestly chalking up her successes to perfect timing, she says, “We all know that a lot of the expansionmade so far in Dubai has not been made solely because of common business sense. It has been a case ofbeing in the right place at the right time.” “However, things are changing and the more sophisticated investorswho are coming in are demanding contracts and pre-verification of an off-plan investment and how it’s goingto operate thereafter. It’s invigorating because the stakes of the game are always raised.”

Best of Dubai 265

Denise C McGintyInvestment DirectorLeads InternationalProperty Investments LLC

Given its popularity, Dubai is ideal for raising thestakes. Quickly learning and improving upon triedand tested international methods, the ethos is to re-invent and enhance. Long gone are the days whenDubai’s freehold market resembled a free-for-allclearing house. In its place stands a maturing andeconomically viable investment market that isgaining international momentum, credibility andlong-term stability, two leading examples being theDubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) andBusiness Bay.

McGinty goes on to explain demand versussupply: “The original property prices were strong, soundly designed and positioned with the international market. That’s a realisticexpectation”, she says, “[but] when you have anexcess of 1.2 million residents here at the momentand a constant stream of business travellers andyou only have 30,000 freehold units readily availablein Dubai within a designated community offeringschools and all the facilities, then people are willingto pay more in order to be in the right location.”

With soaring prices, the demand shows no signsof slowing. So who buys? A large segment ofinvestors constitutes western passport holders ofArab and Asian descent repatriating their moneyand, in most cases, Sharia’a compliant funds to theMiddle East via Dubai. With a region in constantturmoil, these proud descendants dream ofreturning to their homelands, and with the openingof Dubai’s market, a life here is the next best thing.Many Arabs and Asians have spent their livesoverseas fighting to preserve their traditions. While the benefits of a western education andlifestyle are acknowledged and appreciated, aparent’s wish is for their western-educated children to bring that knowledge back to the Middle East and apply it for the betterment of theirpeople. Clearly, Dubai provides the life they areseeking in a culturally diverse, tax-free, non-violentcosmopolitan society. A perfect blend of East and West with the scales slightly tipped in the East’s favour.

With the advent of the much-anticipated freeholdlaw, a truly open real estate market is more than apipe-dream and will inevitably lead to a huge change in the market and themanner in which business is conducted. On anational level, this law heralds the entrance ofinsurance companies, finance companies andpension funds. Even banks will start buying realestate in Dubai because they can own the land andit is officiated on paper. On a more personal level,the new law states that there will be certaindedicated areas where non-UAE citizens can own and live. They will have the rights to the house and the land and leading agents such asMcGinty celebrate and support the government’sinitiative and honour its desire to safeguard the majority of the country’s land for its indigenousresidents.

In McGinty’s opinion, being positive abouteveryday life and business is generally not what theEuropean press likes to hear, with a tendency tofocus more on the negatives. If countries shiftedtheir focus on the positives, it would automatically liftthe standards of acceptability. With the support of

its citizens, foreign residents, and entrepreneurs like McGinty, the success of launching Dubai as a brand in itself lies in an underlying passion and pride. She sums up the general consensusperfectly: “To be passionate about Dubai, you haveto appreciate the massive input the governmentand royal family really give. When you realize justhow positive it is and why we’re here…it just givesyou goose bumps.”

Do you think there is a solid economy being builthere that will withstand political, cultural,geographical volatility?“This is something we discuss often. Look at therecent London terror threats. Nobody is safe nomatter where he or she is in the world. I do thinkDubai’s one of the safest places I have ever lived in.I’ve been to the States, Europe and Asia and I’mback here now. I feel very comfortable here. Yes, Ihave my own home back home but I think there isan awful lot to offer people here. The cost of living is not cheap. Don’t come out here thinking the streets are paved in gold because they’re not. Itis an expensive place to live but you canalternatively live cheaper. You can buy your food inmore economically minded ways. However, people are into convenience here. With a master-planned community, you’re obviously paying for the master plan. You’re buying into something thatmakes it more agreeable for you to live there. Other areas in Dubai are equally nice onaccommodation without master-plannedcommunities associated with them.”

What makes Leads different and how are you ableto deliver a service that is superior to yourcompetition?“We have an ethical and moral code of conduct,which is to not over promise and under deliverbecause that happens too much here. People areshowing floor plans and show homes that do not atall correspond with the finished product. Certainnationalities expect 70-page contracts that theyanticipate to be very transparent and legallybinding. I’ve always performed at a higher levelknowing that in five year’s time, there’s going to be ademand for such a service, so it’s just acontinuation of what I do.”

What do you believe is most effective in educatingyour clients about the Dubai market?“Don’t overblow an unrealistic dream. Steer yourclients away from the media hype while retainingthe positive aspect of what Dubai is all about so that they are not oversold in their minds. Youhave to be realistic with international pricing. Whatwould that equivalent value buy you somewhereelse, whether it is Europe, New York, Tokyo oranywhere else.”

Ms Denise C McGinty - Investment Director Leads International Property Investments LLC AlMaktoum St., Dubai - PO Box 10281, UAE

Tel.: +9714 221 1993 - Fax: +9714 221 1997Mobile: +97150 644 2752www.propertiesindubai.com

Leads.qxp 12/28/2006 4:47 PM Page 1

Together, We Grow

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Real estate in Dubai is the art of dealingwith people and the science of dealingwith properties.

Emirates Gate Real Estate is one of the fastest growing propertycompanies in the UAE. This growth ismade possible because the companydistinguishes itself by providingexceptional customer service, combinedwith an excellent product knowledge thatcomes from its market experience andsolid research.

Whether the client is interested inbuying, selling, renting or simplyenquiring about the market and itsbenefits and pitfalls, as well as propertyrelated legal and financial information,Emirates Gate Real Estate has amultinational team that deals with clientenquiries in over 10 different languages.This diversity means cultural issues arenever a problem.

With a vision that ensures a powerfulpartnership with clients and a dedicationto understanding their needs, thecompany takes great pride in being ableto exceed expectations. Nothing lesswould be expected from a company withbusiness ethics that include integrity,reliability, honesty, a prompt response andcorrectly processing transactions.

The vast real estate offerings in thisregion provide numerous options forinvestors, however selecting the mostbeneficial investment is often a matter ofbeing at the right place at the right timeand knowing what to pick.

Emirates Gate Real Estate empowerstheir team to explore new horizons anddevelop tailor made solutions that providecustomers with new and innovative waysto minimize their efforts and maximizetheir returns on investments.

Company chairman, Samer Al Omari,

is certainly one to lead by example,sharing his wealth of market knowledgewith customers and employees alike. His15 years of managerial experience withpetroleum giant Shell has provided himwith extraordinary customer care andleadership training and this is now beingpassed on throughout the organization.Add to this the experience of having lived in eight of the more than 90countries he has visited, coupled with theability to speak five languages, Al Omari,like his company, can easily transcendcultural barriers and address anyproblems that may arise because ofdiffering nationalities.

Emirates Gate Real Estate productsare carefully handpicked according tobest location, pricing, finance options andmost secure legal status, which makesthe offers extremely attractive for bothinvestors and end users. The companytakes a proactive approach to businessand is continuously searching for newproducts and services and offers a widerange of residential and commercialproperties, as well as plots of land. Theyspecialize, however, in medium price-range residential properties, such as two,three and four bedroom villas andtownhouses, catering for the demand ofthe rapidly growing middle class marketof the UAE.

Going from strength to strength,Emirates Gate Real Estate currently hastwo offices on Sheikh Zayed Rd, in Dubai,and are looking to expand within the Gulfregion. As such, Abu Dhabi, Ras AlKhaimah, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait havebeen touted as potential prospects duringthe course of 2007/08.

Tel.: +9714 3215810www.emiratesgatere.com

Best of Dubai 263

It is no secret that Dubai’s property market is booming withmore and more people relocating to the region to takeadvantage of the tremendous business opportunities in theEmirates. There are many Real Estate companies catering tothe market’s demands, with only a few really fulfilling client’sneeds. Emirates Gate Real Estate takes a personalisedapproach to its business and therefore by far differentiatesitself from the rest!

Samer Al Omari, Chairman

Emirates Gate Real Estate - Approved.qxp 12/28/2006 11:11 AM Page 1

Together, We Grow

262 Best of Dubai

Arc

hite

ctur

e, P

rope

rty

& R

eal E

stat

e

Real estate in Dubai is the art of dealingwith people and the science of dealingwith properties.

Emirates Gate Real Estate is one of the fastest growing propertycompanies in the UAE. This growth ismade possible because the companydistinguishes itself by providingexceptional customer service, combinedwith an excellent product knowledge thatcomes from its market experience andsolid research.

Whether the client is interested inbuying, selling, renting or simplyenquiring about the market and itsbenefits and pitfalls, as well as propertyrelated legal and financial information,Emirates Gate Real Estate has amultinational team that deals with clientenquiries in over 10 different languages.This diversity means cultural issues arenever a problem.

With a vision that ensures a powerfulpartnership with clients and a dedicationto understanding their needs, thecompany takes great pride in being ableto exceed expectations. Nothing lesswould be expected from a company withbusiness ethics that include integrity,reliability, honesty, a prompt response andcorrectly processing transactions.

The vast real estate offerings in thisregion provide numerous options forinvestors, however selecting the mostbeneficial investment is often a matter ofbeing at the right place at the right timeand knowing what to pick.

Emirates Gate Real Estate empowerstheir team to explore new horizons anddevelop tailor made solutions that providecustomers with new and innovative waysto minimize their efforts and maximizetheir returns on investments.

Company chairman, Samer Al Omari,

is certainly one to lead by example,sharing his wealth of market knowledgewith customers and employees alike. His15 years of managerial experience withpetroleum giant Shell has provided himwith extraordinary customer care andleadership training and this is now beingpassed on throughout the organization.Add to this the experience of having lived in eight of the more than 90countries he has visited, coupled with theability to speak five languages, Al Omari,like his company, can easily transcendcultural barriers and address anyproblems that may arise because ofdiffering nationalities.

Emirates Gate Real Estate productsare carefully handpicked according tobest location, pricing, finance options andmost secure legal status, which makesthe offers extremely attractive for bothinvestors and end users. The companytakes a proactive approach to businessand is continuously searching for newproducts and services and offers a widerange of residential and commercialproperties, as well as plots of land. Theyspecialize, however, in medium price-range residential properties, such as two,three and four bedroom villas andtownhouses, catering for the demand ofthe rapidly growing middle class marketof the UAE.

Going from strength to strength,Emirates Gate Real Estate currently hastwo offices on Sheikh Zayed Rd, in Dubai,and are looking to expand within the Gulfregion. As such, Abu Dhabi, Ras AlKhaimah, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait havebeen touted as potential prospects duringthe course of 2007/08.

Tel.: +9714 3215810www.emiratesgatere.com

Best of Dubai 263

It is no secret that Dubai’s property market is booming withmore and more people relocating to the region to takeadvantage of the tremendous business opportunities in theEmirates. There are many Real Estate companies catering tothe market’s demands, with only a few really fulfilling client’sneeds. Emirates Gate Real Estate takes a personalisedapproach to its business and therefore by far differentiatesitself from the rest!

Samer Al Omari, Chairman

Emirates Gate Real Estate - Approved.qxp 12/28/2006 11:11 AM Page 1

Future Growth TodayPart of the diversified Sharaf Group, with interests rangingfrom retail, electronics and cargo, to financial services, traveland tourism, Al Maskan handles a diverse range ofproperties: villas, towers and shopping centres. Their latestachievement was the Freehold Tower Marina Residence atDubai Marina, which is a glamorous 16-floortower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayed road.

266 Best of Dubai

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e Junaid Sharaf, General Manager of Al Maskan RealEstate, shares his views on how real estate companiesneed to focus on excellent customer service as a key tosuccess.

How did Al Maskan start and why and when did youchoose to open an office in Dubai?“Al Maskan has a long history in Dubai. Real estate wasa big part of the Sharaf group ever since it wasestablished in 1975. Over the years, the Sharaf grouphas acquired buildings and has developed homes aswell. With its real estate portfolio growing, a division wascreated within the group to manage the properties andintroduce new investments and developments. Soon thedivision grew into Sharaf Real Estate in 1992 and then AlMaskan Real Estate in 2002.”

What qualities are required to be a successful realtor? “You must be welcoming at first to capture the client, thenyou must have knowledge about real estate in the regionand the world to amaze him. The customer is king;whatever he says, you must honour and follow. Eventhough the customer might not be a buyer, you must stilltreat him like one.”

What sort of properties do you handle and what wouldyou rate the overall response to be?“Al Maskan handles a diverse range of properties: villas,towers and shopping centres (like the Times SquareCentre). Our latest achievement was the Freehold TowerMarina Residence at Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous16-floor tower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayedroad. Close to that we have a new non-freehold 47-floortower under development on the Sheikh Zayed Road.

People and businesses have responded well to ourdevelopments; we usually have the building fully leasedor sold if it is freehold, before it is built. We are lettingthem go so fast that we some times forget to leave spacefor our own companies to occupy.”

Who are the buyers / investors?“We have a diverse range of buyers and investors, butmostly they are people with whom we already havestrongbusiness ties, as they trust us immensely and throughtheir word of mouth, we earn the trust of many others.”

Do you feel market prices on offer are justifiable for sucha young freehold market and developing country?“Yes I strongly see that the market in Dubai, althoughsometimes exaggerated by speculators and peopleworried about increasing rents, is very solid and has agood future ahead of it. The recent commotionsurrounding the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) and P&Otake over created quite a stir in the U.S. and the world ingeneral. New acquisitions by other investment houses inthe UAE are making Dubai more famous and popular. Asan employee of the Sharaf Group, I have witnessed agreat number of businesses interested in starting jointventures in the UAE, especially in industry. Dubai is ahub for all the names and brands and many chooseDubai as the operations centre for the entire MENAregion. For that and for other reasons, Dubai is assured abig spot in the future of the world.

Let’s not forget landmark developments such as theWorld Islands, the Palm Islands and all the wondersbeing developed at Dubailand. This ensures acontinuous flow of people who want to find a place in

Dubai and a continuous volume of companies that wantto be a part of this marvellous growth.”

In your opinion, what will Dubai’s real estate landscapelook like in 10 or 20 years from now?“I think Dubai has a very bright future in the next 10years, as the city is taking precautions to ensure a solidfuture. It is thanks to our ruling family, the Al Maktoumfamily and their continuous commitment to the countrythat Dubai is in safe hands. His Highness SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,personally attends the Dubai Strategy Forum to listen and to tell the world where and what Dubai will be in the future.

In 20 years, Dubai will have developed into ametropolis to rival the largest and most advanced citiesin the world and it is those who invest in real estate nowthat will receive the best return in the future.”

How would you appease those skeptics out there who arestill wary of investing in the Dubai fantasy? Why shouldthey invest here as opposed to somewhere more secureand established?“There is a list that I usually show my guests and clientsto reassure them about investing in Dubai. First of all, Ialways mention the ruling families and how their role inthe UAE has helped cultivate an environment that isattractive and safe for investments. Then I take themdown the list of developments and the record-breakingachievements of Dubai. Many are worried about who willoccupy all these developments, I usually reassure themby showing statistical information about the highoccupancy rates. Even though rents are soaring, it isusually a challenge to find an empty space to occupy asa business or residence.”

Do you think the proverbial bubble will, sooner or later,burst or is there a solid economy being built here that willwithstand political, cultural, geographical volatility?“I am an optimist when it comes to Dubai’s vision, whichis to lead. This is the same vision as His Highness SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In his latest book hestated that “If you enter a race then you should enter itwith the intention to win.”

I am a pessimist when it comes to execution, however.I like to face reality dead on when it comes to creatingand building. I believe that the bubble will not burst aslong as there is growth. If you keep growing and there isstill room to flourish and people want to develop with youthen that bubble is very far from bursting. Many wereskeptical about the early developments such as DubaiMarina, and that was viewed at the time as a bubble thatwould burst, but that didn’t happen. His Highness SheikhMohammed himself said that all that has happened isjust 10 per cent of what is to come. If you look at a mapof Dubai, it hardly occupies 10 per cent of the Emirate.

If Dubai grows, so will the business opportunities. Ifthe opportunities blossom, then people will capture thatopportunity and start a business and in effect that willgenerate a cascade of continuous requirements that willsurely fill newly built properties. Let’s not forget that thefreehold market is still young in Dubai. Most importantly,Dubai is being led by a great leader who is setting aclear vision and continuously supporting it.”

Tel.: +9714 352 2122www.almaskan.com

Best of Dubai 267

Al Maskan.qxp 12/27/2006 1:08 PM Page 1

Future Growth TodayPart of the diversified Sharaf Group, with interests rangingfrom retail, electronics and cargo, to financial services, traveland tourism, Al Maskan handles a diverse range ofproperties: villas, towers and shopping centres. Their latestachievement was the Freehold Tower Marina Residence atDubai Marina, which is a glamorous 16-floortower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayed road.

266 Best of Dubai

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e Junaid Sharaf, General Manager of Al Maskan RealEstate, shares his views on how real estate companiesneed to focus on excellent customer service as a key tosuccess.

How did Al Maskan start and why and when did youchoose to open an office in Dubai?“Al Maskan has a long history in Dubai. Real estate wasa big part of the Sharaf group ever since it wasestablished in 1975. Over the years, the Sharaf grouphas acquired buildings and has developed homes aswell. With its real estate portfolio growing, a division wascreated within the group to manage the properties andintroduce new investments and developments. Soon thedivision grew into Sharaf Real Estate in 1992 and then AlMaskan Real Estate in 2002.”

What qualities are required to be a successful realtor? “You must be welcoming at first to capture the client, thenyou must have knowledge about real estate in the regionand the world to amaze him. The customer is king;whatever he says, you must honour and follow. Eventhough the customer might not be a buyer, you must stilltreat him like one.”

What sort of properties do you handle and what wouldyou rate the overall response to be?“Al Maskan handles a diverse range of properties: villas,towers and shopping centres (like the Times SquareCentre). Our latest achievement was the Freehold TowerMarina Residence at Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous16-floor tower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayedroad. Close to that we have a new non-freehold 47-floortower under development on the Sheikh Zayed Road.

People and businesses have responded well to ourdevelopments; we usually have the building fully leasedor sold if it is freehold, before it is built. We are lettingthem go so fast that we some times forget to leave spacefor our own companies to occupy.”

Who are the buyers / investors?“We have a diverse range of buyers and investors, butmostly they are people with whom we already havestrongbusiness ties, as they trust us immensely and throughtheir word of mouth, we earn the trust of many others.”

Do you feel market prices on offer are justifiable for sucha young freehold market and developing country?“Yes I strongly see that the market in Dubai, althoughsometimes exaggerated by speculators and peopleworried about increasing rents, is very solid and has agood future ahead of it. The recent commotionsurrounding the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) and P&Otake over created quite a stir in the U.S. and the world ingeneral. New acquisitions by other investment houses inthe UAE are making Dubai more famous and popular. Asan employee of the Sharaf Group, I have witnessed agreat number of businesses interested in starting jointventures in the UAE, especially in industry. Dubai is ahub for all the names and brands and many chooseDubai as the operations centre for the entire MENAregion. For that and for other reasons, Dubai is assured abig spot in the future of the world.

Let’s not forget landmark developments such as theWorld Islands, the Palm Islands and all the wondersbeing developed at Dubailand. This ensures acontinuous flow of people who want to find a place in

Dubai and a continuous volume of companies that wantto be a part of this marvellous growth.”

In your opinion, what will Dubai’s real estate landscapelook like in 10 or 20 years from now?“I think Dubai has a very bright future in the next 10years, as the city is taking precautions to ensure a solidfuture. It is thanks to our ruling family, the Al Maktoumfamily and their continuous commitment to the countrythat Dubai is in safe hands. His Highness SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,personally attends the Dubai Strategy Forum to listen and to tell the world where and what Dubai will be in the future.

In 20 years, Dubai will have developed into ametropolis to rival the largest and most advanced citiesin the world and it is those who invest in real estate nowthat will receive the best return in the future.”

How would you appease those skeptics out there who arestill wary of investing in the Dubai fantasy? Why shouldthey invest here as opposed to somewhere more secureand established?“There is a list that I usually show my guests and clientsto reassure them about investing in Dubai. First of all, Ialways mention the ruling families and how their role inthe UAE has helped cultivate an environment that isattractive and safe for investments. Then I take themdown the list of developments and the record-breakingachievements of Dubai. Many are worried about who willoccupy all these developments, I usually reassure themby showing statistical information about the highoccupancy rates. Even though rents are soaring, it isusually a challenge to find an empty space to occupy asa business or residence.”

Do you think the proverbial bubble will, sooner or later,burst or is there a solid economy being built here that willwithstand political, cultural, geographical volatility?“I am an optimist when it comes to Dubai’s vision, whichis to lead. This is the same vision as His Highness SheikhMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In his latest book hestated that “If you enter a race then you should enter itwith the intention to win.”

I am a pessimist when it comes to execution, however.I like to face reality dead on when it comes to creatingand building. I believe that the bubble will not burst aslong as there is growth. If you keep growing and there isstill room to flourish and people want to develop with youthen that bubble is very far from bursting. Many wereskeptical about the early developments such as DubaiMarina, and that was viewed at the time as a bubble thatwould burst, but that didn’t happen. His Highness SheikhMohammed himself said that all that has happened isjust 10 per cent of what is to come. If you look at a mapof Dubai, it hardly occupies 10 per cent of the Emirate.

If Dubai grows, so will the business opportunities. Ifthe opportunities blossom, then people will capture thatopportunity and start a business and in effect that willgenerate a cascade of continuous requirements that willsurely fill newly built properties. Let’s not forget that thefreehold market is still young in Dubai. Most importantly,Dubai is being led by a great leader who is setting aclear vision and continuously supporting it.”

Tel.: +9714 352 2122www.almaskan.com

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Enduring values, progressive thinking

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Kaiser Shaikh's grandfather moved to Bahrain in 1913 andfounded 'Ashrafs', what became one of the largest consumerproducts' distributors in the Gulf, representing such globalbrands as Sony, Nikon, Kodak, Christian Dior and Gillette.Little did he know that this entrepreneurial heritage under the direction of their father, Kaiser, would lead the Shaikhbrothers - Imran, Shamrez and Zeeshan, to expand into adiversified private holding company with subsidiaries in realestate, business consulting, energy consulting andtechnology. With offices in North America and Dubai, thegrowth and success of Shaikh Holdings is a testament to thepower of traditional values that have been handed down fromone generation to the next.

Investment in luxury real estate developments has rapidlyemerged as the group's forte. Shaikh Holdings first venturedinto the real estate arena in 1997, by making strategicinvestments in various residential waterfront properties,commercial land and office developments in Canada and theUnited States. Another area of its investment interest has beenthe hospitality sector, where Shaikh Holdings' has primarilyfocused on boutique and condo hotels.

With a keen eye for identifying successful real estateopportunities, Shaikh Holdings made its first move into theDubai real estate market in 2002, with the completion ofsignificant property investments in iconic projects such as'The Palm Islands', and formed a unique partnership withNakheel in July 2003, the developers of 'The Palm' and 'TheWorld'. "Since 2002 we have been making substantialinvestments in projects of all of Dubai's governmentdevelopers", says Imran. "We strongly believe in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Dubai and are proudto be a part of the realisation of this dream." Today, ShaikhHoldings' real estate activities in Dubai are primarily focusedin three major areas: real estate development, real estateinvestments and marketing partnerships with Dubaigovernment developers.

Shaikh Holdings' companies have developed uniquemarketing agency partnerships with Nakheel, DubaiProperties and Emaar, to not only sell their properties but alsocreate their brand awareness in North America. This haspositioned Shaikh Holdings as the only group worldwide thatrepresents all three of Dubai's government developers. "Ourlongstanding marketing partnerships with Dubai governmentdevelopers have allowed us quicker access to properties andinformation on world-class projects by these developers. Wehave also thrived on maintaining a first mover advantage,capitalising on unique and compelling opportunities whenthey appear. This has translated into more interestingpropositions and value for our clients", Shamrez explains.

Having developed an excellent reputation and significantexperience in the expanding Dubai freehold property market,Shaikh Holdings has become involved in the development ofexclusive communities in Dubai. Shaikh Holdings is currentlydeveloping an exclusive 110 golf course villa development onthe 'Earth' golf course designed by Greg Norman. Thedevelopment is called 'Sanctuary Falls', and will be a water-themed community architecturally resplendent with high-endluxury villas, stunning waterfalls and lakes. It will be ready inFebruary 2009 and is part of the Jumeirah Golf Estates masterdevelopment by Nakheel. "Family and comfort are importantto us and that translates into our business initiatives as well",says Kaiser. "When we undertake a project, great emphasis isplaced on the community aspect and the functionality of theproject, as a live and play environment. We look to introduceeco-friendly and sustainable elements in our communities. Wewill bring this same approach to Sanctuary Falls."

Determined to not just live the 'Dubai Dream', but to beinstrumental in creating it, Shaikh Holding's technology

Zeeshan, Shamrez, Kaiser & Imran Shaikh

Kaiser Shaikh Chairman

In today's cut-throat business world, there is no greateradage than 'only the strongest survive'. For the Shaikhfamily to have endured, diversified and prospered for almosta century by retaining the ability to conquer new horizons, the adage is underscored by an equally significant maxim:'the best way to predict the future is to create it'.

Enduring values, progressive thinking

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Best of Dubai 269

Kaiser Shaikh's grandfather moved to Bahrain in 1913 andfounded 'Ashrafs', what became one of the largest consumerproducts' distributors in the Gulf, representing such globalbrands as Sony, Nikon, Kodak, Christian Dior and Gillette.Little did he know that this entrepreneurial heritage under the direction of their father, Kaiser, would lead the Shaikhbrothers - Imran, Shamrez and Zeeshan, to expand into adiversified private holding company with subsidiaries in realestate, business consulting, energy consulting andtechnology. With offices in North America and Dubai, thegrowth and success of Shaikh Holdings is a testament to thepower of traditional values that have been handed down fromone generation to the next.

Investment in luxury real estate developments has rapidlyemerged as the group's forte. Shaikh Holdings first venturedinto the real estate arena in 1997, by making strategicinvestments in various residential waterfront properties,commercial land and office developments in Canada and theUnited States. Another area of its investment interest has beenthe hospitality sector, where Shaikh Holdings' has primarilyfocused on boutique and condo hotels.

With a keen eye for identifying successful real estateopportunities, Shaikh Holdings made its first move into theDubai real estate market in 2002, with the completion ofsignificant property investments in iconic projects such as'The Palm Islands', and formed a unique partnership withNakheel in July 2003, the developers of 'The Palm' and 'TheWorld'. "Since 2002 we have been making substantialinvestments in projects of all of Dubai's governmentdevelopers", says Imran. "We strongly believe in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Dubai and are proudto be a part of the realisation of this dream." Today, ShaikhHoldings' real estate activities in Dubai are primarily focusedin three major areas: real estate development, real estateinvestments and marketing partnerships with Dubaigovernment developers.

Shaikh Holdings' companies have developed uniquemarketing agency partnerships with Nakheel, DubaiProperties and Emaar, to not only sell their properties but alsocreate their brand awareness in North America. This haspositioned Shaikh Holdings as the only group worldwide thatrepresents all three of Dubai's government developers. "Ourlongstanding marketing partnerships with Dubai governmentdevelopers have allowed us quicker access to properties andinformation on world-class projects by these developers. Wehave also thrived on maintaining a first mover advantage,capitalising on unique and compelling opportunities whenthey appear. This has translated into more interestingpropositions and value for our clients", Shamrez explains.

Having developed an excellent reputation and significantexperience in the expanding Dubai freehold property market,Shaikh Holdings has become involved in the development ofexclusive communities in Dubai. Shaikh Holdings is currentlydeveloping an exclusive 110 golf course villa development onthe 'Earth' golf course designed by Greg Norman. Thedevelopment is called 'Sanctuary Falls', and will be a water-themed community architecturally resplendent with high-endluxury villas, stunning waterfalls and lakes. It will be ready inFebruary 2009 and is part of the Jumeirah Golf Estates masterdevelopment by Nakheel. "Family and comfort are importantto us and that translates into our business initiatives as well",says Kaiser. "When we undertake a project, great emphasis isplaced on the community aspect and the functionality of theproject, as a live and play environment. We look to introduceeco-friendly and sustainable elements in our communities. Wewill bring this same approach to Sanctuary Falls."

Determined to not just live the 'Dubai Dream', but to beinstrumental in creating it, Shaikh Holding's technology

Zeeshan, Shamrez, Kaiser & Imran Shaikh

Kaiser Shaikh Chairman

In today's cut-throat business world, there is no greateradage than 'only the strongest survive'. For the Shaikhfamily to have endured, diversified and prospered for almosta century by retaining the ability to conquer new horizons, the adage is underscored by an equally significant maxim:'the best way to predict the future is to create it'.

division was the brainchild behind the award-winning website:www.dubaipropertyauctions.com. The first of its kind in Dubai,www.dubaipropertyauctions.com, as the name suggests, is an onlinetrading platform that allows buyers and sellers to interact directly with eachother to reach a transaction most satisfyingly profitable for both parties. "Wecreated an online marketplace where buyers and sellers of Dubai propertycould easily meet and, through a few clicks, negotiate deals, no matterwhere they are. Now a buyer from Hong Kong can negotiate with a sellerfrom the UK and have access to any information about the property at hisfingertips", says Zeeshan. "We ensure complete security by providingescrow services through a Dubai law firm, and cutting-edge tools providingquality information on demand." Feedback from users is that the websiteprovides more information and transparency than from the developersthemselves. The unique trading platform has received numerous awardssince its launch, and in 2005 was awarded the prestigious Bentley Awardfor Best Property Portal - Worldwide.

Clearly an industry leader with an understanding of the needs of clientsworldwide, Shaikh Holdings is also well placed to comment on the futurestatus of the Dubai property market. So we asked them where they see thefuture of Dubai real estate going.

Shaikh Holdings are selling the Dubai dream, how does it see the dreamdeveloping? Kaiser says: "We feel the right infrastructure is in place for the Dubai dreamto be realized over a sustained period of 10 or 20 years but there isconsiderable work to be done. The current investment in real estate andinfrastructure projects has been primarily fuelled by high energy prices andample liquidity; however, future sustained growth is highly dependent oncontinued investment in public and private ventures together with a steadyflow of expatriates moving to Dubai.

To date, Dubai has built a strong foundation through local and regionalinvestments but to ensure future growth and to be recognized as aninternational player in the business game, Dubai needs to attract a greatershare of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Currently, the GCC region attractsless than 1 per cent of the $ 400 billion FDI funds committed to emergingmarkets. A greater share of these FDI funds is critical to sustainedeconomic growth in the UAE and Dubai."

How does Shaikh Holdings see rental prices for offices and homes trendingover the next few years?Imran says: Rental prices and purchase prices are dependent on thedemand-supply equation. An important cause for continued strength incurrent rental and purchase prices of both commercial and residentialproperties, has been delays on the part of developers resulting in acontinued crunch on the supply side. Delays in delivering units can beattributed to the following factors: First, while the number of constructionprojects has increased substantially, the number of construction firms to dothe work has remained relatively unchanged leading to a severe shortage.Adding to this are changes in developers' master plans, such as changesto the development's layout, adding more floors to a building or more villasto a project. Finally, delays are being caused because master developersare not providing the needed infrastructure on time.

As for rents of commercial office space, a combination of growingdemand and subdued supply has pushed current vacancy rates to just 1per cent. A study completed by Colliers International currently estimatestotal commercial office space in Dubai to be about 15 million square feet,which is expected to more than double to 31 million square feet by end2008. We believe that up to mid 2007, limited supply shall maintainpressure on commercial office rents. However, if the planned rollout ofprojects in Business Bay, JLT, DIFC and TECOM maintain true to theirdelivery schedule, then by mid 2008 we should see some stabilization ofoffice rents.

As for residential properties, currently demand is outstripping supply.However, the market will soften and we could see a substantial rentcorrection in 2008 and beyond for two reasons. First, we believe theincreased supply of units in the market to come online by 2008 will putdownward pressure on rents. Also, as the home financing market

develops, financial institutions will make it easier for individuals to buy ahome as opposed to renting a home. This will result in a decreaseddemand for rental properties and cause a drop in rental prices."

Are 'quick killings' in the real estate market still possible or is the marketmaturing? Shamrez says: "There are definite signs that the market is settling downand we do feel that the opportunity to make a 'quick killing' is somewhatover. Those days were a period when the market was highly speculative.Although there is still a reasonable amount of speculation in the market, thereturns have started to shrink.

However, there are still significant opportunities in the medium to long-term in certain market segments. Firstly, with villas - both mid-level andhigh end villas. The planned supply of villas is insufficient to meet currentdemand. In terms of apartments, areas to look at are the low to mid-levelsegment. This market segment continues to be underserved as themajority of apartments to be delivered are focused on the high end.Another area for significant gains is in Class B Commercial Office space.The bulk of the commercial projects are Class A office space but thedemand for Class B office space remains underserved."

Shaikh Holdings has developed an award-winning online marketplace forproperties in Dubai, and interactive 3D web-sites that allow bookingproperties directly through the internet. Is this likely to be a trend in thefuture for the property market? Zeeshan says: "There is a definite trend emerging towards movinginformation and transactions online, primarily so that greater accessibilityand convenience are achieved. As people in the region become well-versed and comfortable with using the internet as a transaction tool, it willbecome increasingly important for the property market as well. The bestway to predict the future is to create it. To this effect, our technology armhas been involved in developing innovative online applications to improvetransaction experiences related to Dubai property, and drive progresstoward this goal.

However, real estate is a very specialized type of purchase. The keyhere is not just to move things online, but to develop modern ways ofaccessing information and allowing negotiation, while still maintainingtraditional security that is available through escrow services and humancontact. We are currently working on some very interesting ideas which willmaterialise in the near future."

The legacy of the Shaikh family's entrepreneurial spirit of almost a centuryago, and its spirit of innovation has propelled the company over the lastdecades to not only survive, but endure, diversify and prosper. By offeringcreative real estate solutions with a touch of their inimitable flair, it is expectedthat Shaikh Holdings will remain at the helm of Dubai's development wherereal estate reigns supreme, and genuine quality and innovation are prizedcommodities. The company certainly epitomizes its maxim as quoted byZeeshan, "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

Tel: 800 SHAIKH Web: www.shaikh-holdings.com

SShhaaiikkhh HHoollddiinnggss iiss ddeevveellooppiinngg aa rreessiiddeennttiiaall ggoollffiinngg ccoommmmuunniittyy -- SSaannccttuuaarryy FFaallllss aatt JJuummeeiirraahh GGoollff EEssttaatteess


division was the brainchild behind the award-winning website:www.dubaipropertyauctions.com. The first of its kind in Dubai,www.dubaipropertyauctions.com, as the name suggests, is an onlinetrading platform that allows buyers and sellers to interact directly with eachother to reach a transaction most satisfyingly profitable for both parties. "Wecreated an online marketplace where buyers and sellers of Dubai propertycould easily meet and, through a few clicks, negotiate deals, no matterwhere they are. Now a buyer from Hong Kong can negotiate with a sellerfrom the UK and have access to any information about the property at hisfingertips", says Zeeshan. "We ensure complete security by providingescrow services through a Dubai law firm, and cutting-edge tools providingquality information on demand." Feedback from users is that the websiteprovides more information and transparency than from the developersthemselves. The unique trading platform has received numerous awardssince its launch, and in 2005 was awarded the prestigious Bentley Awardfor Best Property Portal - Worldwide.

Clearly an industry leader with an understanding of the needs of clientsworldwide, Shaikh Holdings is also well placed to comment on the futurestatus of the Dubai property market. So we asked them where they see thefuture of Dubai real estate going.

Shaikh Holdings are selling the Dubai dream, how does it see the dreamdeveloping? Kaiser says: "We feel the right infrastructure is in place for the Dubai dreamto be realized over a sustained period of 10 or 20 years but there isconsiderable work to be done. The current investment in real estate andinfrastructure projects has been primarily fuelled by high energy prices andample liquidity; however, future sustained growth is highly dependent oncontinued investment in public and private ventures together with a steadyflow of expatriates moving to Dubai.

To date, Dubai has built a strong foundation through local and regionalinvestments but to ensure future growth and to be recognized as aninternational player in the business game, Dubai needs to attract a greatershare of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Currently, the GCC region attractsless than 1 per cent of the $ 400 billion FDI funds committed to emergingmarkets. A greater share of these FDI funds is critical to sustainedeconomic growth in the UAE and Dubai."

How does Shaikh Holdings see rental prices for offices and homes trendingover the next few years?Imran says: Rental prices and purchase prices are dependent on thedemand-supply equation. An important cause for continued strength incurrent rental and purchase prices of both commercial and residentialproperties, has been delays on the part of developers resulting in acontinued crunch on the supply side. Delays in delivering units can beattributed to the following factors: First, while the number of constructionprojects has increased substantially, the number of construction firms to dothe work has remained relatively unchanged leading to a severe shortage.Adding to this are changes in developers' master plans, such as changesto the development's layout, adding more floors to a building or more villasto a project. Finally, delays are being caused because master developersare not providing the needed infrastructure on time.

As for rents of commercial office space, a combination of growingdemand and subdued supply has pushed current vacancy rates to just 1per cent. A study completed by Colliers International currently estimatestotal commercial office space in Dubai to be about 15 million square feet,which is expected to more than double to 31 million square feet by end2008. We believe that up to mid 2007, limited supply shall maintainpressure on commercial office rents. However, if the planned rollout ofprojects in Business Bay, JLT, DIFC and TECOM maintain true to theirdelivery schedule, then by mid 2008 we should see some stabilization ofoffice rents.

As for residential properties, currently demand is outstripping supply.However, the market will soften and we could see a substantial rentcorrection in 2008 and beyond for two reasons. First, we believe theincreased supply of units in the market to come online by 2008 will putdownward pressure on rents. Also, as the home financing market

develops, financial institutions will make it easier for individuals to buy ahome as opposed to renting a home. This will result in a decreaseddemand for rental properties and cause a drop in rental prices."

Are 'quick killings' in the real estate market still possible or is the marketmaturing? Shamrez says: "There are definite signs that the market is settling downand we do feel that the opportunity to make a 'quick killing' is somewhatover. Those days were a period when the market was highly speculative.Although there is still a reasonable amount of speculation in the market, thereturns have started to shrink.

However, there are still significant opportunities in the medium to long-term in certain market segments. Firstly, with villas - both mid-level andhigh end villas. The planned supply of villas is insufficient to meet currentdemand. In terms of apartments, areas to look at are the low to mid-levelsegment. This market segment continues to be underserved as themajority of apartments to be delivered are focused on the high end.Another area for significant gains is in Class B Commercial Office space.The bulk of the commercial projects are Class A office space but thedemand for Class B office space remains underserved."

Shaikh Holdings has developed an award-winning online marketplace forproperties in Dubai, and interactive 3D web-sites that allow bookingproperties directly through the internet. Is this likely to be a trend in thefuture for the property market? Zeeshan says: "There is a definite trend emerging towards movinginformation and transactions online, primarily so that greater accessibilityand convenience are achieved. As people in the region become well-versed and comfortable with using the internet as a transaction tool, it willbecome increasingly important for the property market as well. The bestway to predict the future is to create it. To this effect, our technology armhas been involved in developing innovative online applications to improvetransaction experiences related to Dubai property, and drive progresstoward this goal.

However, real estate is a very specialized type of purchase. The keyhere is not just to move things online, but to develop modern ways ofaccessing information and allowing negotiation, while still maintainingtraditional security that is available through escrow services and humancontact. We are currently working on some very interesting ideas which willmaterialise in the near future."

The legacy of the Shaikh family's entrepreneurial spirit of almost a centuryago, and its spirit of innovation has propelled the company over the lastdecades to not only survive, but endure, diversify and prosper. By offeringcreative real estate solutions with a touch of their inimitable flair, it is expectedthat Shaikh Holdings will remain at the helm of Dubai's development wherereal estate reigns supreme, and genuine quality and innovation are prizedcommodities. The company certainly epitomizes its maxim as quoted byZeeshan, "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

Tel: 800 SHAIKH Web: www.shaikh-holdings.com

SShhaaiikkhh HHoollddiinnggss iiss ddeevveellooppiinngg aa rreessiiddeennttiiaall ggoollffiinngg ccoommmmuunniittyy -- SSaannccttuuaarryy FFaallllss aatt JJuummeeiirraahh GGoollff EEssttaatteess


Real Time Real Estate

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In this market one of its anchor activities is 'Real Estate TV.' Ownedby Al Aqariya Investment, that is developing major projects inDubai Studio City, the TV station is now a household nameshowcasing what's hot and what's not in the region's rapidlyevolving real estate scenario.

The Group has also developed other media ventures frompublic relations to creative web-site modelling with companiessuch as RE Media building on its in-house technology expertise tocreate an on-line Real Estate database. This is one of the fastestgrowing on-line databases that registers all properties in themarket offered by real estate brokerage companies.

Other real estate connected activities are HomesXpress, acompany that specialises in real estate sales, marketing, andproperty management in the US and the Middle East, and hotelmanagement through '5 Continents' which focuses onenvironmentally conscientious projects.

In a market can sometimes lack cutting-edge creativeentrepreneurship, the combination of high tech and Real Estate inits multiple forms, makes CP Holdings an unusual and remarkablecompany with innovative strands and synergies intertwined.

Tel.: +9714 361 6374www.cpih.com

A holding group that encompasses several subsidiary companieswith a focus on international real estate, CP Holding focuses on RealEstate Development in its diverse and interesting angles, providingintegrated solutions that are relevant to all aspects of the industry.With offices worldwide, the group companies are affiliated withmany of the big names that have shaped Dubai today.

Real Estate TV_L1.qxp 12/10/06 12:45 AM Page 1

A conglomorate in the real estate industry

Real Estate Development

Investments Management

Resources Management

Assets Management

www.cpih.com

Real Estate TV_L1.qxp 12/10/06 12:45 AM Page 2

CHAPTER 15Construction & Engineering

"I have been impressed with theurgency of doing. Knowing is not

enough; we must apply. Being willingis not enough; we must do".



CHAPTER 15Construction & Engineering

"I have been impressed with theurgency of doing. Knowing is not

enough; we must apply. Being willingis not enough; we must do".



Cementing New Horizons

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PPrroojjeeccttss ccuurrrreennttllyy bbeeiinngg ssuupppplliieedd bbyy UUnniimmiixx

Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai - The Residences

Dubai Mall

Jumeirah Beach Residence

The Executive Towers at Business Bay

City of Arabia

Palm Jumeirah - The Golden Mile

Palm Jumeirah - Vehicular Tunnel

The Jewels Twin Towers

Bavaria Executive Suites

Etisalat Tower

Damas Towers

Marina Crown

Gold Crest Views

Waterfront Tower

CCoommpplleetteedd pprroojjeeccttss ssuupppplliieedd bbyy UUnniimmiixx

Burj Al Arab

Emirates Towers

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Madinat Jumeirah

Royal Mirage

Grand Hyatt

Twin Towers

Shangri-la Hotel

Grosvenor House

The Tower

Marina Terrace

Al Seef Tower

The Gate Building

Dubai International Convention Center

Mercato Mall

Every year, the skyline of Dubai reaches new heights in aesthetic achievement andtechnical quality. Unimix is part of thisunfolding cityscape and proud to be a partnerin building history.

It's thanks to their quality, reliability andunparalleled performance that the Dubaibased Unimix has consolidated its position as the leading producer of ready-mixedconcrete in Dubai.

Unimix takes pride in its association with themost prestigious development in the world,'The Burj Dubai', and considers it a rewardfrom the industry in recognition of its dedicationand commitment to quality.

"We deeply care about our position in themarket and we provide quality concrete atcompetitive market prices, backed withunrivalled technical services.”

“We never take risks with quality and havealways invested in technical resources andpride ourselves on the technical knowledge of the company as we always want to ensurethe best quality for our clients", says Khalid M.S. Al Bakhit, Managing Director ofUnimix. "Our business associates are not onlyour clients or suppliers of raw materials and

equipment, they are our ‘partners in progress",he adds.

"Unimix welcomes the challenges,constantly adapting our operations to meetnew technical advancements in the industry, tomeet changing market requirements and stayahead. Unimix is committed to growth and hasan active investment policy in new plant andequipment to meet the demand in the market",says E.R. Menon, Technical Director of Unimix.

Unimix currently operates a total of 9concrete batch plants in 5 depots. It maintainsa fleet of over 170 truck mixers, 21 mobilepumps, 16 stationary pumps and 52 placingbooms. All equipment is less than four yearsold and in pristine condition.

For over 29 years, Unimix has never lostsight of its founding values, based on trust andlong- term relationships. No other concretecompany in Dubai can claim the experienceand expertise inherent in the Unimixproposition. It is a company that is proud of itsheritage and promises to continuouslychallenge the boundaries of ambition.

Tel.: +97143387816www.unimix-uae.com

Dubai has become synonymous with some of the world's most iconicbuildings. From the majestic Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest and mostmagnificent hotel, to the futuristic Emirates Towers, voted the best hotel inthe Middle East - Universal Concrete Products (Unimix) has contributedgoods and services on a massive scale.


Burj Dubai


Unimix4.qxp 1/4/2007 3:06 PM Page 1

Cementing New Horizons

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PPrroojjeeccttss ccuurrrreennttllyy bbeeiinngg ssuupppplliieedd bbyy UUnniimmiixx

Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai - The Residences

Dubai Mall



City of Arabia

Palm Jumeirah - The Golden Mile

Palm Jumeirah - Vehicular Tunnel

The Jewels Twin Towers

Bavaria Executive Suites

Etisalat Tower

Damas Towers

Marina Crown

Gold Crest Views

Waterfront Tower

CCoommpplleetteedd pprroojjeeccttss ssuupppplliieedd bbyy UUnniimmiixx

Burj Al Arab

Emirates Towers

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Madinat Jumeirah

Royal Mirage

Grand Hyatt

Twin Towers

Shangri-la Hotel

Grosvenor House

The Tower

Marina Terrace

Al Seef Tower

The Gate Building

Dubai International Convention Center

Mercato Mall

Every year, the skyline of Dubai reaches new heights in aesthetic achievement andtechnical quality. Unimix is part of thisunfolding cityscape and proud to be a partnerin building history.

It's thanks to their quality, reliability andunparalleled performance that the Dubaibased Unimix has consolidated its position as the leading producer of ready-mixedconcrete in Dubai.

Unimix takes pride in its association with themost prestigious development in the world,'The Burj Dubai', and considers it a rewardfrom the industry in recognition of its dedicationand commitment to quality.

"We deeply care about our position in themarket and we provide quality concrete atcompetitive market prices, backed withunrivalled technical services.”

“We never take risks with quality and havealways invested in technical resources andpride ourselves on the technical knowledge of the company as we always want to ensurethe best quality for our clients", says Khalid M.S. Al Bakhit, Managing Director ofUnimix. "Our business associates are not onlyour clients or suppliers of raw materials and

equipment, they are our ‘partners in progress",he adds.

"Unimix welcomes the challenges,constantly adapting our operations to meetnew technical advancements in the industry, tomeet changing market requirements and stayahead. Unimix is committed to growth and hasan active investment policy in new plant andequipment to meet the demand in the market",says E.R. Menon, Technical Director of Unimix.

Unimix currently operates a total of 9concrete batch plants in 5 depots. It maintainsa fleet of over 170 truck mixers, 21 mobilepumps, 16 stationary pumps and 52 placingbooms. All equipment is less than four yearsold and in pristine condition.

For over 29 years, Unimix has never lostsight of its founding values, based on trust andlong- term relationships. No other concretecompany in Dubai can claim the experienceand expertise inherent in the Unimixproposition. It is a company that is proud of itsheritage and promises to continuouslychallenge the boundaries of ambition.

Tel.: +97143387816www.unimix-uae.com

Dubai has become synonymous with some of the world's most iconicbuildings. From the majestic Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest and mostmagnificent hotel, to the futuristic Emirates Towers, voted the best hotel inthe Middle East - Universal Concrete Products (Unimix) has contributedgoods and services on a massive scale.


Burj Dubai


Unimix4.qxp 1/4/2007 3:06 PM Page 1

Power to the people

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Cummins has seen huge growth in its Middle East business during recentyears, and anticipated to continue, especially in the Power Generation,Marine and Construction market sectors. Recognizing the global needsand regional expectations of its OEMs and end-user customers throughoutthe Middle East region, Cummins Middle East Regional DistributionOrganization now has a specialist staff dedicated to all market sectors,including power generation, marine, construction equipment, transportationand, essentially, aftermarket support. With a dedicated help desk isavailable 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the Cummins Middle EastRegional Distribution Organisation is now available to advise and to helpcustomers to make direct contact through various in-country outlets.Cummins Regional Distribution Organisation is ready and able to assist itscustomers with its ‘Specialist Personnel and Specialised Inventory’throughout the region, whether they need guidance on the latest genuineparts number applicable to their Cummins engines, the right generator setapplication to meet their power requirements, the marine engine andrelated stern gear to meet their commercial or pleasure boat needs, or theright engine for their on or off highway equipment.

The global commitment by Cummins to its ‘Quickserve’ process ensuresits service support can repair and rebuild with confidence to customers,whether in-shop or out-of-shop, will be both timely and efficient, with allsuch outlets being measured against the same global standards. CumminsRegional Distribution Organisation ensures highest quality of servicesupport through its numerous Middle East outlets, including both in-frameand out-of frame overhauls and complete engine rebuilds. Cumminsengines ensure optimum performance to their users in maximum uptime,minimum fuel consumption and maximum engine life. By contacting theCummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organisation and ‘Quickserve’,customers can repair and rebuild with confidence.

Tel.: +9714 883 8998www.cummins.com

Whether confirming Dubai as a crossroads of cultures and economies,or rebuilding Iraq that has been devastated by war, development andredevelopment is undoubtedly a massive industry in the Middle East.Underscoring this expansion is power and being able to generateenough to fire this growth.

Hünnebeck is among the world leaders in formworkand scaffolding, for decades ranking among the lead players in the Near and Middle East, regularlyinvolved in the safe and cost-efficient performance of complex construction work. We have our own subsidiary in Dubai from where our systems share inthe on-time completion of the Burj Tower, for example.Contact us to find out more.

Hünnebeck Middle East FZE 12th Floor, Oud Metha Tower (Citybank Bldg.) Oud Metha Road P.O. Box: 119915, Dubai, U.A.E.Tel: + 971 4 324 5522 Fax: + 971 4 324 4890 Cel: + 971 50 885 8465 E-mail:[email protected] Website: www.huennebeck.com

Made in Germany...

...at home inthe MiddleEast

Ingenious and innovative formwork,

scaffolding and safety systems

from a single source engineered to

the most exacting expectations.

1-2157.HÜ AZ_Made in 180x250 19.04.2006 16:53 Uhr Seite 1

Cummins.qxp 12/27/2006 1:56 PM Page 1

Power to the people

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Cummins has seen huge growth in its Middle East business during recentyears, and anticipated to continue, especially in the Power Generation,Marine and Construction market sectors. Recognizing the global needsand regional expectations of its OEMs and end-user customers throughoutthe Middle East region, Cummins Middle East Regional DistributionOrganization now has a specialist staff dedicated to all market sectors,including power generation, marine, construction equipment, transportationand, essentially, aftermarket support. With a dedicated help desk isavailable 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the Cummins Middle EastRegional Distribution Organisation is now available to advise and to helpcustomers to make direct contact through various in-country outlets.Cummins Regional Distribution Organisation is ready and able to assist itscustomers with its ‘Specialist Personnel and Specialised Inventory’throughout the region, whether they need guidance on the latest genuineparts number applicable to their Cummins engines, the right generator setapplication to meet their power requirements, the marine engine andrelated stern gear to meet their commercial or pleasure boat needs, or theright engine for their on or off highway equipment.

The global commitment by Cummins to its ‘Quickserve’ process ensuresits service support can repair and rebuild with confidence to customers,whether in-shop or out-of-shop, will be both timely and efficient, with allsuch outlets being measured against the same global standards. CumminsRegional Distribution Organisation ensures highest quality of servicesupport through its numerous Middle East outlets, including both in-frameand out-of frame overhauls and complete engine rebuilds. Cumminsengines ensure optimum performance to their users in maximum uptime,minimum fuel consumption and maximum engine life. By contacting theCummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organisation and ‘Quickserve’,customers can repair and rebuild with confidence.

Tel.: +9714 883 8998www.cummins.com

Whether confirming Dubai as a crossroads of cultures and economies,or rebuilding Iraq that has been devastated by war, development andredevelopment is undoubtedly a massive industry in the Middle East.Underscoring this expansion is power and being able to generateenough to fire this growth.

Hünnebeck is among the world leaders in formworkand scaffolding, for decades ranking among the lead players in the Near and Middle East, regularlyinvolved in the safe and cost-efficient performance of complex construction work. We have our own subsidiary in Dubai from where our systems share inthe on-time completion of the Burj Tower, for example.Contact us to find out more.

Hünnebeck Middle East FZE 12th Floor, Oud Metha Tower (Citybank Bldg.) Oud Metha Road P.O. Box: 119915, Dubai, U.A.E.Tel: + 971 4 324 5522 Fax: + 971 4 324 4890 Cel: + 971 50 885 8465 E-mail:[email protected] Website: www.huennebeck.com

Made in Germany...

...at home inthe MiddleEast

Ingenious and innovative formwork,

scaffolding and safety systems

from a single source engineered to

the most exacting expectations.

1-2157.HÜ AZ_Made in 180x250 19.04.2006 16:53 Uhr Seite 1

Cummins.qxp 12/27/2006 1:56 PM Page 1

CHAPTER 16Technology

"There is no quicker path to comprehensivedevelopment than cooperation in the fields

of IT and communication".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


CHAPTER 16Technology

"There is no quicker path to comprehensivedevelopment than cooperation in the fields

of IT and communication".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


Upwardly Mobile

A stream of innovative products anddistribution deals has propelled Acer to the topof the region’s computing market.

284 Best of Dubai

Tech

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It’s 8.30pm in one of Dubai’s major mallsand my fingers are skating along an AcerTravelMate 4100 in a corner of a well-knowncoffee chain. This is how work should be.Quiet, efficient and uncomplicated.

Acer isn’t alone among the technologygiants in revolutionizing our work patterns –and leisure time for that matter – but fewbrands boast such a diverse range ofproducts for the home and office.

There was no summer slowdown for the30-year-old brand, as it carried out theMiddle East launch of the Aspire 9510notebook – Acer’s first in the region to comewith a built-in High Definition DVD – andFerrari 1000 series, complete with a 12.1-inch screen.

The Aspire 9510 series contains thelatest multimedia features such as TV-on-Notebook, excellent graphics capabilities,audio, DVI-D and HDMI ports and AcerVideo Conference solution with integratedOrbicam 1.3 megapixel Camera on top ofthe LCD panel.

The 17-inch-wide Acer CrystalBritedisplay does not impact in its portability andweighing in at only 3.98kg, it is compactand light enough to be carried around. TheAspire 9510 portability capability issupported by an 8 cells Li-ion battery thatcan provide up to three hours of battery life.

Supporting its pole position in the marketis the inclusion of the InviLink™ Nplify™technology in the Ferrari 1000 series. Anaccelerated mobile wireless technology, thatsupports advanced multiple radios, deliverssuperior performance and reliableconnections while enabling emerging voice,video and data applications, the Ferrari1000 is the first notebook from Acer toincorporate the latest wireless innovation.

The smart model’s streamlined sizedisguises its internal power as it will also

boast SATA drives for high performance –drives that are currently only found on a fewlarger notebooks.

Acer Middle East has also introducedthree new additions to its home and officeLCD monitors – the 22-inch AL2216W, 24-inch AL2423W and 26-inch AL2616W – asthe company anticipates widescreentechnology will become the norm in theregion’s display sector.

Other major developments saw Acerform a partnership with MTC for distributionin Iraq. MTC, a leading IT distributioncompany in the MENA region, has a new50,000 square foot assembly line and facilityin Jebel Ali Free Zone and distributesregionally, including items such asdesktops, notebooks, LCD monitors andCRT monitors.

The premier IT brand also announcedthe completion of a three-year deal tosupply more than 21,000 desktopcomputers to Emirates Airline, satisfying theairline’s worldwide technology requirementsthrough NTS, a leading systems integrator inthe Middle East.

Acer ranks among the world’s top fivebranded PC vendors, designing andmarketing easy, dependable IT solutionsthat empower people to reach their goalsand enhance their lives.

In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturingoperation to focus on globally marketing itsbrand-name products: desktop and mobilePCs, servers and storage, displays,peripherals, and e-business solutions forbusiness, government, education, andhome users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc.employs 5,600 people supporting dealersand distributors in more than 100 countries.

Tel.: +9714 881 3111www.acer.ae

Best of Dubai 285

Acer.qxp 12/26/2006 9:21 AM Page 1

Upwardly Mobile

A stream of innovative products anddistribution deals has propelled Acer to the topof the region’s computing market.

284 Best of Dubai

Tech

nolo

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It’s 8.30pm in one of Dubai’s major mallsand my fingers are skating along an AcerTravelMate 4100 in a corner of a well-knowncoffee chain. This is how work should be.Quiet, efficient and uncomplicated.

Acer isn’t alone among the technologygiants in revolutionizing our work patterns –and leisure time for that matter – but fewbrands boast such a diverse range ofproducts for the home and office.

There was no summer slowdown for the30-year-old brand, as it carried out theMiddle East launch of the Aspire 9510notebook – Acer’s first in the region to comewith a built-in High Definition DVD – andFerrari 1000 series, complete with a 12.1-inch screen.

The Aspire 9510 series contains thelatest multimedia features such as TV-on-Notebook, excellent graphics capabilities,audio, DVI-D and HDMI ports and AcerVideo Conference solution with integratedOrbicam 1.3 megapixel Camera on top ofthe LCD panel.

The 17-inch-wide Acer CrystalBritedisplay does not impact in its portability andweighing in at only 3.98kg, it is compactand light enough to be carried around. TheAspire 9510 portability capability issupported by an 8 cells Li-ion battery thatcan provide up to three hours of battery life.

Supporting its pole position in the marketis the inclusion of the InviLink™ Nplify™technology in the Ferrari 1000 series. Anaccelerated mobile wireless technology, thatsupports advanced multiple radios, deliverssuperior performance and reliableconnections while enabling emerging voice,video and data applications, the Ferrari1000 is the first notebook from Acer toincorporate the latest wireless innovation.

The smart model’s streamlined sizedisguises its internal power as it will also

boast SATA drives for high performance –drives that are currently only found on a fewlarger notebooks.

Acer Middle East has also introducedthree new additions to its home and officeLCD monitors – the 22-inch AL2216W, 24-inch AL2423W and 26-inch AL2616W – asthe company anticipates widescreentechnology will become the norm in theregion’s display sector.

Other major developments saw Acerform a partnership with MTC for distributionin Iraq. MTC, a leading IT distributioncompany in the MENA region, has a new50,000 square foot assembly line and facilityin Jebel Ali Free Zone and distributesregionally, including items such asdesktops, notebooks, LCD monitors andCRT monitors.

The premier IT brand also announcedthe completion of a three-year deal tosupply more than 21,000 desktopcomputers to Emirates Airline, satisfying theairline’s worldwide technology requirementsthrough NTS, a leading systems integrator inthe Middle East.

Acer ranks among the world’s top fivebranded PC vendors, designing andmarketing easy, dependable IT solutionsthat empower people to reach their goalsand enhance their lives.

In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturingoperation to focus on globally marketing itsbrand-name products: desktop and mobilePCs, servers and storage, displays,peripherals, and e-business solutions forbusiness, government, education, andhome users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc.employs 5,600 people supporting dealersand distributors in more than 100 countries.

Tel.: +9714 881 3111www.acer.ae

Best of Dubai 285

Acer.qxp 12/26/2006 9:21 AM Page 1

Touching 1.2 million today, with a population growth of 55 per centin 2005 compared to 1995, in addition to its in-bound tourist influxreaching an estimated seven million tourists each year, if there aretwo areas that Dubai excels in then it has to be hospitality andretail. Everyone flocks to Dubai in search of something to buy andsomewhere lovely to stay.

286 Best of Dubai

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In order to be the best, providing specialist services is a must. One such service that bothhotels and malls are now looking at utilizing is communications technology that will keepconsumers connected and entertained, as well as linking in-house networks and providingsecurity and specialist systems for day-to-day operations.

This is where Bond Communications fits in. Welcome to this Dubai-based technologyintegration specialist providing just such a service. A mutli-disciplinary organization, BondCommunications offers state-of the-art, innovative and integrated solutions in LAN/WANwireless systems, security, biometric and traditional access control, surveillance andmonitoring systems, hospitality and building automation systems, telecommunications,networking, car park management systems, professional audio visual systems, propertymanagement systems, HITV and VOD.

For the hospitality industry, this means being able to provide guests and hotels withentertainment and solutions in finance and banking, multimedia and marketing, IPtelephony and wireless connections, security and data management and archive systems. While guest entertainment, including audiovisual and lighting facilities, in-roomentertainment and interactive services, means a greater likelihood of securing a strong client base, business solutions means decreased costs. Hotels employing Bond Communications' services, therefore, can expect a win-win outcome. It's no wonder names as big as 'Burj Al Arab', 'The Grand Hyatt' and 'Emirates Palace Hotel' in Abu Dhabi, to name but a few, have been quick to employ Bond Communications' services.

While shopping malls, including the Burjuman Centre, have also seen the benefits ofutilizing Bond Communications' services, it goes without saying that one of the company'sbiggest coups to date was being awarded the Dubai Mall Audio Visual Systems Package.Upon completion, the Dubai Mall, a part of the Burj Dubai development, will lay claim to being the world's largest shopping experience with a total area of 1.5 millionsquare feet.

For this package, Bond Communications will have overall responsibility for the designand implementation of the sound system, stage lighting, broadcast facilities and motorisedstage platform. The platform, especially, will be a feature of the project. Composed of fiveadjacent stages, it will be the most advanced platform of its kind in the world, able todemonstrate video and graphics and provide exceptional effects on the specialized glassbacked floor and sides with custom shaped LED's covering more than 4000 square feet.

However, it is not just hotels and malls that can benefit from Bond Communications'services; mobility solutions, automation systems, car park management,telecommunications, point-of-sale, paging systems, multimedia video on demand,fingerprint/time attendance systems, intelligent light control systems, CCTV, securitysystems, queuing management systems, structured cabling, asset tagging and tracking,remote maintenance and tracking services, broadcasting solutions and technical eventmanagement can be developed to meet specific needs over all industries.

Specialists in providing state-of-the-art, innovative and integrated IT solutions in theMiddle East, Arabian Gulf and the Levant, Bond Communications is dedicated todelivering total integrated solutions, utilizing the latest technology and providing excellentvalue capable of working for the ultimate benefit of their clients.

Tel.: +9714 343 4499www.bondcommunications.com

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Integration Horizons

Nicholas W. Mobayed with HH General Sheikh Mohmmad bin Rashid Al Maktum

Bond.qxp 12/27/2006 1:37 PM Page 1

Touching 1.2 million today, with a population growth of 55 per centin 2005 compared to 1995, in addition to its in-bound tourist influxreaching an estimated seven million tourists each year, if there aretwo areas that Dubai excels in then it has to be hospitality andretail. Everyone flocks to Dubai in search of something to buy andsomewhere lovely to stay.

286 Best of Dubai

Tech

nolo

gy

In order to be the best, providing specialist services is a must. One such service that bothhotels and malls are now looking at utilizing is communications technology that will keepconsumers connected and entertained, as well as linking in-house networks and providingsecurity and specialist systems for day-to-day operations.

This is where Bond Communications fits in. Welcome to this Dubai-based technologyintegration specialist providing just such a service. A mutli-disciplinary organization, BondCommunications offers state-of the-art, innovative and integrated solutions in LAN/WANwireless systems, security, biometric and traditional access control, surveillance andmonitoring systems, hospitality and building automation systems, telecommunications,networking, car park management systems, professional audio visual systems, propertymanagement systems, HITV and VOD.

For the hospitality industry, this means being able to provide guests and hotels withentertainment and solutions in finance and banking, multimedia and marketing, IPtelephony and wireless connections, security and data management and archive systems. While guest entertainment, including audiovisual and lighting facilities, in-roomentertainment and interactive services, means a greater likelihood of securing a strong client base, business solutions means decreased costs. Hotels employing Bond Communications' services, therefore, can expect a win-win outcome. It's no wonder names as big as 'Burj Al Arab', 'The Grand Hyatt' and 'Emirates Palace Hotel' in Abu Dhabi, to name but a few, have been quick to employ Bond Communications' services.

While shopping malls, including the Burjuman Centre, have also seen the benefits ofutilizing Bond Communications' services, it goes without saying that one of the company'sbiggest coups to date was being awarded the Dubai Mall Audio Visual Systems Package.Upon completion, the Dubai Mall, a part of the Burj Dubai development, will lay claim to being the world's largest shopping experience with a total area of 1.5 millionsquare feet.

For this package, Bond Communications will have overall responsibility for the designand implementation of the sound system, stage lighting, broadcast facilities and motorisedstage platform. The platform, especially, will be a feature of the project. Composed of fiveadjacent stages, it will be the most advanced platform of its kind in the world, able todemonstrate video and graphics and provide exceptional effects on the specialized glassbacked floor and sides with custom shaped LED's covering more than 4000 square feet.

However, it is not just hotels and malls that can benefit from Bond Communications'services; mobility solutions, automation systems, car park management,telecommunications, point-of-sale, paging systems, multimedia video on demand,fingerprint/time attendance systems, intelligent light control systems, CCTV, securitysystems, queuing management systems, structured cabling, asset tagging and tracking,remote maintenance and tracking services, broadcasting solutions and technical eventmanagement can be developed to meet specific needs over all industries.

Specialists in providing state-of-the-art, innovative and integrated IT solutions in theMiddle East, Arabian Gulf and the Levant, Bond Communications is dedicated todelivering total integrated solutions, utilizing the latest technology and providing excellentvalue capable of working for the ultimate benefit of their clients.

Tel.: +9714 343 4499www.bondcommunications.com

Best of Dubai 287

Integration Horizons

Nicholas W. Mobayed with HH General Sheikh Mohmmad bin Rashid Al Maktum

Bond.qxp 12/27/2006 1:37 PM Page 1

Tech

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In a similar scenario, Ms. Berit Paton-Reid hadher laptop soaked in saltwater when the 2004Tsunami hit Royal Islands in Maldives duringher holiday. She returned to Dubai andapproached several IT companies for help andthey all guided her to the right place, MOREComputers - the Middle East's first, mostexperienced and technologically advanceddata recovery service provider, based in Dubai.

The MORE success story began in 2001,when three young tech-savvy gentlemen fromIndia started a company in Bur Dubai. Soon theexpertise of MORE Computers in the area ofdata recovery began to spread like wild fireamong the emirate's IT fraternity. This has ledmajor corporate heavyweights like Al Futtaim,Emirates Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank,Halliburton, Jumbo Electronics, Pepsi, Motorolaand General Motors to resort to their criticallyvital services when they lost key data.

In five years of its operation, MOREComputers was able to establish its position asthe best data recovery company in the MiddleEast. Now the company enjoys the trust ofclients from neighbouring states like Oman,Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Clear about their mission, vision andstrategy, the management at MORE Computersare well aware of the new technical advancestaking place in the field of data recovery."Because data recovery is a mission-criticalbusiness, requiring 24/7 service, we guarantee

that our customers receive the highest qualityresults in the fastest turn around time possible. To do so, we always keep ourselvesupdated and close to the technologicaladvancements in the industry through in-house R&D and extensive training" saysMathew Varghese, Chief Technology Officer,MORE Computers.

Today MORE computers recover data frommost of the storage media like PC andNotebook drives, Server RAID arrays, backuptapes etc. Moreover their expertise is notlimited to the Windows environment but is alsoapplicable to other Operating systems likeApple MAC OS, Linux, and Netware etc. Eventhe small SD Cards, MMC cards which areused in Digital Cameras and Mobile phones.

"In the last five years we have successfullyhandled more than 7000 cases of Datarecovery. We'll be more accessible to our GCCcustomers when our branches in two otherGCC countries will open next year", explainsMohammed Safiullah, Business DevelopmentManager, MORE Computers.

Coming back to Ms. Berit Paton-Reid's story,all her data was recovered within two workingdays, from the "wet and corroding drive." In herown words, "More Computers saved ourcompany."

Tel.: +9714 393 4505www.datarecovery.ae

The Life Savers in Dubai

In an era of advanced data storage and backup technologies, despitethe best data protection efforts, data losses still happen. At times likethese, it is vital to know that hope is at hand with MORE data recoveryservices - the ultimate lifesaver for you and your data too.

Getting a birds-eye view of geographic areas spanningthe Middle East, Eastern Africa, the Gulf and Central Asiais easy with SIME's satellite and aerial imagery.

59 Best of Dubai

As the region's leading total Geo-Spatial and GIS solutions provider, Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) iscommitted to offering the most up-to-date images and related solutions together with unparalleledcustomer service. Working in partnership with its clients, SIME customizes solutions to meet specificneeds with cutting edge technology.

Established in 1997, the company is based in the UAE from where it services the Middle East, GCC,Eastern Africa and Central Asia too.

Having built up a solid reputation for technological expertise, timely delivery, accuracy and reliability, afull range of products and services are available to provide you with an additional edge:

- Worldwide coverage- Direct access- Cutting edge technology- Wide range of Geo-Spatial products and applications- Comprehensive archive of images

Tel: +9714 266 1799www.spaceimagingme.com

Solutions from above


More Computers1.qxp 12/28/2006 4:56 PM Page 1

Tech

nolo

gy

In a similar scenario, Ms. Berit Paton-Reid hadher laptop soaked in saltwater when the 2004Tsunami hit Royal Islands in Maldives duringher holiday. She returned to Dubai andapproached several IT companies for help andthey all guided her to the right place, MOREComputers - the Middle East's first, mostexperienced and technologically advanceddata recovery service provider, based in Dubai.

The MORE success story began in 2001,when three young tech-savvy gentlemen fromIndia started a company in Bur Dubai. Soon theexpertise of MORE Computers in the area ofdata recovery began to spread like wild fireamong the emirate's IT fraternity. This has ledmajor corporate heavyweights like Al Futtaim,Emirates Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank,Halliburton, Jumbo Electronics, Pepsi, Motorolaand General Motors to resort to their criticallyvital services when they lost key data.

In five years of its operation, MOREComputers was able to establish its position asthe best data recovery company in the MiddleEast. Now the company enjoys the trust ofclients from neighbouring states like Oman,Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Clear about their mission, vision andstrategy, the management at MORE Computersare well aware of the new technical advancestaking place in the field of data recovery."Because data recovery is a mission-criticalbusiness, requiring 24/7 service, we guarantee

that our customers receive the highest qualityresults in the fastest turn around time possible. To do so, we always keep ourselvesupdated and close to the technologicaladvancements in the industry through in-house R&D and extensive training" saysMathew Varghese, Chief Technology Officer,MORE Computers.

Today MORE computers recover data frommost of the storage media like PC andNotebook drives, Server RAID arrays, backuptapes etc. Moreover their expertise is notlimited to the Windows environment but is alsoapplicable to other Operating systems likeApple MAC OS, Linux, and Netware etc. Eventhe small SD Cards, MMC cards which areused in Digital Cameras and Mobile phones.

"In the last five years we have successfullyhandled more than 7000 cases of Datarecovery. We'll be more accessible to our GCCcustomers when our branches in two otherGCC countries will open next year", explainsMohammed Safiullah, Business DevelopmentManager, MORE Computers.

Coming back to Ms. Berit Paton-Reid's story,all her data was recovered within two workingdays, from the "wet and corroding drive." In herown words, "More Computers saved ourcompany."

Tel.: +9714 393 4505www.datarecovery.ae

The Life Savers in Dubai

In an era of advanced data storage and backup technologies, despitethe best data protection efforts, data losses still happen. At times likethese, it is vital to know that hope is at hand with MORE data recoveryservices - the ultimate lifesaver for you and your data too.

Getting a birds-eye view of geographic areas spanningthe Middle East, Eastern Africa, the Gulf and Central Asiais easy with SIME's satellite and aerial imagery.

59 Best of Dubai

As the region's leading total Geo-Spatial and GIS solutions provider, Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) iscommitted to offering the most up-to-date images and related solutions together with unparalleledcustomer service. Working in partnership with its clients, SIME customizes solutions to meet specificneeds with cutting edge technology.

Established in 1997, the company is based in the UAE from where it services the Middle East, GCC,Eastern Africa and Central Asia too.

Having built up a solid reputation for technological expertise, timely delivery, accuracy and reliability, afull range of products and services are available to provide you with an additional edge:

- Worldwide coverage- Direct access- Cutting edge technology- Wide range of Geo-Spatial products and applications- Comprehensive archive of images

Tel: +9714 266 1799www.spaceimagingme.com

Solutions from above


More Computers1.qxp 12/28/2006 4:56 PM Page 1

CHAPTER 17Food & Beverage

"Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat."

Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher

CHAPTER 17Food & Beverage

"Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat."

Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher

Oodles of Taste

Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinaryconcept, from product through recipes to follow-upmarketing support, a customer experience thecompany calls ‘Chefmanship.’

292 Best of Dubai

Food

& B

ever

age

A regional giant whose parent company, Unilever, has a vast worldwidepresence, Unilever Bestfoods Foodsolutions was formed in 2003, when thegiant international food supplier joined forces with Bestfoods, which had beenoperating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years.

Partnering with leading distributors such as Binzager, Horeca and Raadstores, Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS) has become the major provider ofcomplete foodstuffs in the Middle East, with leading brands such as Knorr,Hellmann’s, Bertolli, Flora, Pfanni and Carte d’Or all on its menu.

Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinary concept, from productthrough recipes to follow-up marketing support, a customer experience thecompany calls ‘Chefmanship.’

Mohamed El Salawy, dynamic young marketing manager of UFS, says, “Our focus lies in understanding our customers and designing solutionsspecifically to meet their needs, using our expertise in taste, chefmanship, foodtechnology and service, as well as the right choice of Unilever Foodsolutionsproducts and brands.”

So who says that packaged goods cannot be healthy as well as tasty? “As a leader in the global food market, we are committed to marketing great tasting foods that will make the healthy choice an easy choice”, ElSalawy explains.

Food fashions are like ladies’ hemlines, they change all the time. “Aroundthe world there are huge cultural differences in people's attitudes towards food.When it comes to developing our brands, we learn from all these shades and nuances, aiming to provide options that reflect people's diverse tastes and lifestyles.”

With such a large percentage of the population now eating meals away fromhome on a regular basis, Unilever Foodsolutions is helping out by supplyingproducts that combine taste, consistent quality and healthier menu-options in acost-effective way. High on the list of healthier products are Hellmann’s LightMayonnaise, Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Flora range, for instance.

“Our consumer research tells us one key thing: people have higherexpectations than ever from the foods they buy. Solutions vary as widely as ourcustomers - products that add the right seasoning, flavour or texture, pre-prepared ingredients that save time in a busy kitchen and new ways of servingfood on a large scale at consistent quality are just some examples.”

He goes on to explain, “We believe in supporting our customers by offeringthem food solutions tailored to their needs. Hotels form a large part of ourbusiness, and we try to be the chef’s best friend. Our ‘chefmanship’ aims tosave time – and ultimately money too – in terms of manpower, electricity, wasteand lost opportunities. Canteens and quick-service restaurants, which areunder extreme pressure to offer menus with healthier alternatives, are alsoprime targets for the Foodsolutions service.”

UFS is constantly improving its supply chain processes, with the objective ofbecoming the most reliable supply chain in the industry. Its brand teams andoperating divisions are supported by the Unilever Health Institute and its globalnutrition and health network.

Ultimately, UFS believes in helping consumers find healthier ways to eataway from home by providing great tasting food that is the freshest it can be.And freshness adds pizzazz to any menu.

Tel.: +9714 881 5552Email: [email protected]

Best of Dubai 293

Mohamed El SalawyMarketing ManagerUnilever Foodsolutions

Unilever.qxp 1/4/2007 3:06 PM Page 1

Oodles of Taste

Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinaryconcept, from product through recipes to follow-upmarketing support, a customer experience thecompany calls ‘Chefmanship.’

292 Best of Dubai

Food

& B

ever

age

A regional giant whose parent company, Unilever, has a vast worldwidepresence, Unilever Bestfoods Foodsolutions was formed in 2003, when thegiant international food supplier joined forces with Bestfoods, which had beenoperating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years.

Partnering with leading distributors such as Binzager, Horeca and Raadstores, Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS) has become the major provider ofcomplete foodstuffs in the Middle East, with leading brands such as Knorr,Hellmann’s, Bertolli, Flora, Pfanni and Carte d’Or all on its menu.

Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinary concept, from productthrough recipes to follow-up marketing support, a customer experience thecompany calls ‘Chefmanship.’

Mohamed El Salawy, dynamic young marketing manager of UFS, says, “Our focus lies in understanding our customers and designing solutionsspecifically to meet their needs, using our expertise in taste, chefmanship, foodtechnology and service, as well as the right choice of Unilever Foodsolutionsproducts and brands.”

So who says that packaged goods cannot be healthy as well as tasty? “As a leader in the global food market, we are committed to marketing great tasting foods that will make the healthy choice an easy choice”, ElSalawy explains.

Food fashions are like ladies’ hemlines, they change all the time. “Aroundthe world there are huge cultural differences in people's attitudes towards food.When it comes to developing our brands, we learn from all these shades and nuances, aiming to provide options that reflect people's diverse tastes and lifestyles.”

With such a large percentage of the population now eating meals away fromhome on a regular basis, Unilever Foodsolutions is helping out by supplyingproducts that combine taste, consistent quality and healthier menu-options in acost-effective way. High on the list of healthier products are Hellmann’s LightMayonnaise, Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Flora range, for instance.

“Our consumer research tells us one key thing: people have higherexpectations than ever from the foods they buy. Solutions vary as widely as ourcustomers - products that add the right seasoning, flavour or texture, pre-prepared ingredients that save time in a busy kitchen and new ways of servingfood on a large scale at consistent quality are just some examples.”

He goes on to explain, “We believe in supporting our customers by offeringthem food solutions tailored to their needs. Hotels form a large part of ourbusiness, and we try to be the chef’s best friend. Our ‘chefmanship’ aims tosave time – and ultimately money too – in terms of manpower, electricity, wasteand lost opportunities. Canteens and quick-service restaurants, which areunder extreme pressure to offer menus with healthier alternatives, are alsoprime targets for the Foodsolutions service.”

UFS is constantly improving its supply chain processes, with the objective ofbecoming the most reliable supply chain in the industry. Its brand teams andoperating divisions are supported by the Unilever Health Institute and its globalnutrition and health network.

Ultimately, UFS believes in helping consumers find healthier ways to eataway from home by providing great tasting food that is the freshest it can be.And freshness adds pizzazz to any menu.

Tel.: +9714 881 5552Email: [email protected]

Best of Dubai 293

Mohamed El SalawyMarketing ManagerUnilever Foodsolutions

Unilever.qxp 1/4/2007 3:06 PM Page 1

Bon AppetitIn a region where approximately 90 per cent of the populationare expatriates, taste-bud diversity is a must, and a little bit offlavour from home is much appreciated. One company hassuccessfully made satisfying this market demand its niche forover 75 years.

294 Best of Dubai

Food

& B

ever

age

Best of Dubai 295

From humble beginnings as one of the 15original outlets of the Dubai Souk, openedeons ago in 1931, Baqer MohebiEstablishment (BME) has grown to becomeone of the region's most respected marketersof premium brands and now boasts a portfoliowith stalwart house-hold brand names such asTwining's, Evian and Volvic, Kimberley Clarkand Habanos Cuban Cigars.

The companies' strength is undoubtedly areflection of its founding principles - valuesbased on integrity, courage and commitment,directed by a vision dedicated to forecastingfuture needs and building successfulrelationships.

Having carried these values and their visionthrough three generations, BME hasintroduced products and brands to the region,resulting in the advent of various nichemarkets. Some of the partnerships BME hasformed go back as far as five decades and speak volumes of the foresight,perseverance and management planning thathas gone into building the company in all its facets.

Forming part of the Zainal Mohebi Group,BME is responsible for the marketing anddistribution of premier Fast Moving ConsumerGoods (FMCGs), filling this role by continuallydeveloping and expanding its core business.This expansion has resulted in the companyopening outlets in Oman and Iran - with Qatarnext on the list - and sees it now serve inexcess of 4000 clients with 3000 SKUs fromover 30 multinational premium brands.

"We have always focused on predictingmarket trends, needs and requirements - and making sure our clients have what theywant - when they want it," explains SH Siadat,BME general manager. "The incredible growthand development of the region makes it theperfect time for us to expand our operationsand services to other markets".

Such growth can only come about throughthe successful development of lastingrelationships and is why 60 per cent of thecompany's workforce is dedicated to salesand marketing. "We don't look at it asmarketing products, more like developingrelationships," adds Siadat. "This is throughtaking the time and devoting the resources to

really understand our clients and customers,as well as our partners. Each has its ownneeds and requirements and we make everyeffort to meet these, day in-day out."

In maintaining this philosophy, BME hasearned numerous accolades and reachedlandmarks that include recently celebrating 40years of partnership with Habanos of Cubaand leading GCC sales for Puratos, PalInternational and Kimberly Clark.

As well as FMCGs, in which BMEdistribution reaches all hypermarkets,supermarkets, wholesalers and a largenumber of groceries, the company has otherareas of operations too.

BME is a major supplier of institutionalproducts to catered hotels, cafes, restaurants,bakeries, catering houses, ship chandlers,seaports and airports throughout the region.The company is also expanding the highquality, exclusive products of its tobaccoportfolio. The exclusive 'La Casa Del Habano'retail franchise has become a major venture in its own right, with BMEoperating seven boutiques in three countries,making the company the largest operator ofthe franchise worldwide. Aimed at thediscerning consumer, 'La Casa Del Habano'also complements BME's other retailoperations such as 'Le Tabac' (neighbourhoodtobacconists) and 'Baqer MohebiSupermarket.'

Furthermore, and in line with the region'sgrowth and development, BME is continuallystrengthening and improving its corecapabilities. This includes developing newlogistics and distribution networks,strengthening operations, increasinginternational marketing and partner solution,implementing high level management trainingand recruitment and continued investment intechnology and communications coupled withintelligent financial management.

From humble beginnings, BME hasflourished into one the leadingdistribution/retail outlets in the region,highlighting just how much an Arab familycompany can achieve with the right vision andthe proper skills.

Tel.: +9714 396 9777www.mohebi.com

Dr. Zainal Mohebi, Chairman

Baqer Mohebi 1- C.qxp 12/27/2006 1:16 PM Page 1

Bon AppetitIn a region where approximately 90 per cent of the populationare expatriates, taste-bud diversity is a must, and a little bit offlavour from home is much appreciated. One company hassuccessfully made satisfying this market demand its niche forover 75 years.

294 Best of Dubai

Food

& B

ever

age

Best of Dubai 295

From humble beginnings as one of the 15original outlets of the Dubai Souk, openedeons ago in 1931, Baqer MohebiEstablishment (BME) has grown to becomeone of the region's most respected marketersof premium brands and now boasts a portfoliowith stalwart house-hold brand names such asTwining's, Evian and Volvic, Kimberley Clarkand Habanos Cuban Cigars.

The companies' strength is undoubtedly areflection of its founding principles - valuesbased on integrity, courage and commitment,directed by a vision dedicated to forecastingfuture needs and building successfulrelationships.

Having carried these values and their visionthrough three generations, BME hasintroduced products and brands to the region,resulting in the advent of various nichemarkets. Some of the partnerships BME hasformed go back as far as five decades and speak volumes of the foresight,perseverance and management planning thathas gone into building the company in all its facets.

Forming part of the Zainal Mohebi Group,BME is responsible for the marketing anddistribution of premier Fast Moving ConsumerGoods (FMCGs), filling this role by continuallydeveloping and expanding its core business.This expansion has resulted in the companyopening outlets in Oman and Iran - with Qatarnext on the list - and sees it now serve inexcess of 4000 clients with 3000 SKUs fromover 30 multinational premium brands.

"We have always focused on predictingmarket trends, needs and requirements - and making sure our clients have what theywant - when they want it," explains SH Siadat,BME general manager. "The incredible growthand development of the region makes it theperfect time for us to expand our operationsand services to other markets".

Such growth can only come about throughthe successful development of lastingrelationships and is why 60 per cent of thecompany's workforce is dedicated to salesand marketing. "We don't look at it asmarketing products, more like developingrelationships," adds Siadat. "This is throughtaking the time and devoting the resources to

really understand our clients and customers,as well as our partners. Each has its ownneeds and requirements and we make everyeffort to meet these, day in-day out."

In maintaining this philosophy, BME hasearned numerous accolades and reachedlandmarks that include recently celebrating 40years of partnership with Habanos of Cubaand leading GCC sales for Puratos, PalInternational and Kimberly Clark.

As well as FMCGs, in which BMEdistribution reaches all hypermarkets,supermarkets, wholesalers and a largenumber of groceries, the company has otherareas of operations too.

BME is a major supplier of institutionalproducts to catered hotels, cafes, restaurants,bakeries, catering houses, ship chandlers,seaports and airports throughout the region.The company is also expanding the highquality, exclusive products of its tobaccoportfolio. The exclusive 'La Casa Del Habano'retail franchise has become a major venture in its own right, with BMEoperating seven boutiques in three countries,making the company the largest operator ofthe franchise worldwide. Aimed at thediscerning consumer, 'La Casa Del Habano'also complements BME's other retailoperations such as 'Le Tabac' (neighbourhoodtobacconists) and 'Baqer MohebiSupermarket.'

Furthermore, and in line with the region'sgrowth and development, BME is continuallystrengthening and improving its corecapabilities. This includes developing newlogistics and distribution networks,strengthening operations, increasinginternational marketing and partner solution,implementing high level management trainingand recruitment and continued investment intechnology and communications coupled withintelligent financial management.

From humble beginnings, BME hasflourished into one the leadingdistribution/retail outlets in the region,highlighting just how much an Arab familycompany can achieve with the right vision andthe proper skills.

Tel.: +9714 396 9777www.mohebi.com

Dr. Zainal Mohebi, Chairman

Baqer Mohebi 1- C.qxp 12/27/2006 1:16 PM Page 1

Good Food Good life

Nestlé ‘FoodServices’ vision is to be the respected and preferred, bestin class ‘FoodService’ Company to the relevant Out of Home (OOH)channels in the Middle East, leading through people, branded solutionsand innovations. Their core values focus on high quality brands,products, systems and technology, service as well as solutions - inaddition to expertise in customer and channel requirements.

296 Best of Dubai

Food

& B

ever

age

Nestlé Middle East FZENestlé is the number one Food and Beverage Company both in the world and inthe Middle East offering local consumers more than 50 popular brands incategories such as Infant Nutrition, Healthcare Nutrition, Milks, Confectionery,Coffee & Beverages, Culinary, Water, Cereals and Petcare.

Nestlé has been present in the Middle East for more than 70 years. NestléMiddle East FZE was formed in 1997, consolidating the company's presence inthe GCC, the Levant countries, Iran and Iraq.

Nestlé ‘FoodServices’The Nestle ‘FoodServices’ Division in Nestlé Middle East is the ‘business tobusiness’ specialist, offering professional food and beverage solutions to operators in the fast growing out-of-home industry. The portfolio contains uniqueand strong consumer brands (e.g. Maggi, Nestlé, KitKat, Nido, Nestea, Nesquik,CoffeeMate) as well as specific added value ‘foodservice’ solutions (e.g. Nescaféoffice coffee solutions, Davigel frozen meal components, Chef culinary solutions)suited to the various OOH channels, such as contract caterers, hotels, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, cafes and bakeries, business(offices) as well as industry, education, transportation (airlines), health care,leisure and sports, etc.

Tel.:+9714 408 8102Email: [email protected]

Best of Dubai 297

Chef Dian

Rabie H. Issa,‘FoodServices’

Business ManagerUAE & Oman

Good Food Good life

Nestlé ‘FoodServices’ vision is to be the respected and preferred, bestin class ‘FoodService’ Company to the relevant Out of Home (OOH)channels in the Middle East, leading through people, branded solutionsand innovations. Their core values focus on high quality brands,products, systems and technology, service as well as solutions - inaddition to expertise in customer and channel requirements.

296 Best of Dubai

Food

& B

ever

age

Nestlé Middle East FZENestlé is the number one Food and Beverage Company both in the world and inthe Middle East offering local consumers more than 50 popular brands incategories such as Infant Nutrition, Healthcare Nutrition, Milks, Confectionery,Coffee & Beverages, Culinary, Water, Cereals and Petcare.

Nestlé has been present in the Middle East for more than 70 years. NestléMiddle East FZE was formed in 1997, consolidating the company's presence inthe GCC, the Levant countries, Iran and Iraq.

Nestlé ‘FoodServices’The Nestle ‘FoodServices’ Division in Nestlé Middle East is the ‘business tobusiness’ specialist, offering professional food and beverage solutions to operators in the fast growing out-of-home industry. The portfolio contains uniqueand strong consumer brands (e.g. Maggi, Nestlé, KitKat, Nido, Nestea, Nesquik,CoffeeMate) as well as specific added value ‘foodservice’ solutions (e.g. Nescaféoffice coffee solutions, Davigel frozen meal components, Chef culinary solutions)suited to the various OOH channels, such as contract caterers, hotels, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, cafes and bakeries, business(offices) as well as industry, education, transportation (airlines), health care,leisure and sports, etc.

Tel.:+9714 408 8102Email: [email protected]

Best of Dubai 297

Chef Dian

Rabie H. Issa,‘FoodServices’

Business ManagerUAE & Oman

Naughty but nice, chocolate can trace itsorigins back two thousand years to thetropical rainforests of the Americas. Asought-after delicacy, chocolate’s popularityflourished in Europe centuries later, andremains unabated today. Full of healthyantioxidants and oodles of taste, chocolatetempts palates worldwide. Fine chocolaterepresents both the ideal gift and anirresistible self-indulgence. Its culturalimportance in Dubai and the Middle Eastunderscores the Middle Eastern concepts ofgenerosity and hospitality, often centred onedible gift giving. It qualifies as the perfectgift for every occasion, with increasingnumbers of chocolatiers offering artisticcreations infused with delectable flavour,Dubai’s chocolate business is booming andleaving consumers begging for more.ChoCo’a is a Dubai-based chocolatier andpatisserie that is capitalising on thispopularity.

Defined as a “treat for your senses”, it’sDubai’s answer to understanding gourmetchocolate and the finesse required increating the perfect blend. ChoCo’a founderAssem Hamzeh prides himself on

specialising in chocolate and everythingrelated to it, saying “These days, you mayfind chocolates in clothes stores or in giftshops. For them, chocolate is like anaccessory to their main product line; for us, it is our product line.” With over 12years experience, Lebanon-born Hamzehbelieves his success is fuelled by a cosyfamily atmosphere combined with a highlyqualified team behind the scenes, including two awardwinning French Chefs.Hamzeh believes in the importance ofbranding, stating “We know that in order to succeed, along with the quality andservice, image plays a major role. That iswhy we are focusing on branding the name ChoCo’a with our blue cocoa leaf logo.”

With expansion and franchise plansunderway, ChoCo’a has recruited a newsales team to “Enlighten people aboutchocolate, the art of chocolate, how toappreciate chocolate and why chocolate is anecessity.”

Tel.: +9714 340 9013www.chocoachocolate.com

Food

& B

ever

age

Chocolate qualifies as the perfect gift for every occasion,with increasing numbers of chocolatiers offering artisticcreations infused with delectable flavour

Choco’a Full of Taste

This is where M & M General Trading can help. As a formerFood and Beverage Director with several five star hotels acrossthe UAE, M & M Trading’s General Manager, Marco Carstanjen,has the know-how to satisfy every hospitality industry whimwhen it comes to making these little differences. With hisexperience added to his proverbial Teutonic efficiency,Carstanjen quickly ascertained where and how, in subtle ways,five star hotels could improve on services and decided to dosomething about it. This meant bringing in products to makethe guest feel pampered, and what better place to start thanwith coffee?

With the launch of M & M General Trading in 2006, thecompany began providing the upmarket hospitality industrywith a private label, top-end Italian coffee, as well as supplyingthe custom made machinery designed for making the 'perfect' cup. Not content to stop there, M & Mfollowed their gourmet coffee venture by introducing high quality wine cabinets from France, luxuriouslinen, crockery and glassware from Germany, glamorous beauty products from the UK and designerwater coolers from Canada.

"Our objective is to source the best for the best", he says, "Nothing else will do". As well as themagic aroma of the perfect cup and the lasting impression it makes on the palate, M & M understandthe importance of providing the guest with comfort and serenity through the senses such as sight and touch. "If the senses are pleased, then so too is the guest", Carstanjen adds.

Given the rabid competition at the top end of the Dubai hospitality industry, it is the smallest ofsubtleties that can make a huge subliminal difference to the consumer and mean guest loyalty andpositive word-of-mouth. This effectively translates in greater opportunities and market-share for serviceproviders. With M&M General Trading, hospitality sourcing is elevated to an art tempered bypracticality and savoir faire.

Tel.:+9716 5574993www.mnmtrade.com

As any good hotelier knows, the difference betweengood service and great service lies in taking care ofthe finer details.

One for the senses

Marco Carstanjen,General Manager


Naughty but nice, chocolate can trace itsorigins back two thousand years to thetropical rainforests of the Americas. Asought-after delicacy, chocolate’s popularityflourished in Europe centuries later, andremains unabated today. Full of healthyantioxidants and oodles of taste, chocolatetempts palates worldwide. Fine chocolaterepresents both the ideal gift and anirresistible self-indulgence. Its culturalimportance in Dubai and the Middle Eastunderscores the Middle Eastern concepts ofgenerosity and hospitality, often centred onedible gift giving. It qualifies as the perfectgift for every occasion, with increasingnumbers of chocolatiers offering artisticcreations infused with delectable flavour,Dubai’s chocolate business is booming andleaving consumers begging for more.ChoCo’a is a Dubai-based chocolatier andpatisserie that is capitalising on thispopularity.

Defined as a “treat for your senses”, it’sDubai’s answer to understanding gourmetchocolate and the finesse required increating the perfect blend. ChoCo’a founderAssem Hamzeh prides himself on

specialising in chocolate and everythingrelated to it, saying “These days, you mayfind chocolates in clothes stores or in giftshops. For them, chocolate is like anaccessory to their main product line; for us, it is our product line.” With over 12years experience, Lebanon-born Hamzehbelieves his success is fuelled by a cosyfamily atmosphere combined with a highlyqualified team behind the scenes, including two awardwinning French Chefs.Hamzeh believes in the importance ofbranding, stating “We know that in order to succeed, along with the quality andservice, image plays a major role. That iswhy we are focusing on branding the name ChoCo’a with our blue cocoa leaf logo.”

With expansion and franchise plansunderway, ChoCo’a has recruited a newsales team to “Enlighten people aboutchocolate, the art of chocolate, how toappreciate chocolate and why chocolate is anecessity.”

Tel.: +9714 340 9013www.chocoachocolate.com

Food

& B

ever

age

Chocolate qualifies as the perfect gift for every occasion,with increasing numbers of chocolatiers offering artisticcreations infused with delectable flavour

Choco’a Full of Taste

This is where M & M General Trading can help. As a formerFood and Beverage Director with several five star hotels acrossthe UAE, M & M Trading’s General Manager, Marco Carstanjen,has the know-how to satisfy every hospitality industry whimwhen it comes to making these little differences. With hisexperience added to his proverbial Teutonic efficiency,Carstanjen quickly ascertained where and how, in subtle ways,five star hotels could improve on services and decided to dosomething about it. This meant bringing in products to makethe guest feel pampered, and what better place to start thanwith coffee?

With the launch of M & M General Trading in 2006, thecompany began providing the upmarket hospitality industrywith a private label, top-end Italian coffee, as well as supplyingthe custom made machinery designed for making the 'perfect' cup. Not content to stop there, M & Mfollowed their gourmet coffee venture by introducing high quality wine cabinets from France, luxuriouslinen, crockery and glassware from Germany, glamorous beauty products from the UK and designerwater coolers from Canada.

"Our objective is to source the best for the best", he says, "Nothing else will do". As well as themagic aroma of the perfect cup and the lasting impression it makes on the palate, M & M understandthe importance of providing the guest with comfort and serenity through the senses such as sight and touch. "If the senses are pleased, then so too is the guest", Carstanjen adds.

Given the rabid competition at the top end of the Dubai hospitality industry, it is the smallest ofsubtleties that can make a huge subliminal difference to the consumer and mean guest loyalty andpositive word-of-mouth. This effectively translates in greater opportunities and market-share for serviceproviders. With M&M General Trading, hospitality sourcing is elevated to an art tempered bypracticality and savoir faire.

Tel.:+9716 5574993www.mnmtrade.com

As any good hotelier knows, the difference betweengood service and great service lies in taking care ofthe finer details.

One for the senses

Marco Carstanjen,General Manager


CHAPTER 18The Arts & Media

"Ideas and facts communicated wellbecome information and knowledge. And

knowledge, as we all know, is power".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


Courtesy of Aziz Shah

CHAPTER 18The Arts & Media

"Ideas and facts communicated wellbecome information and knowledge. And

knowledge, as we all know, is power".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


Courtesy of Aziz Shah

Flipping Bigger and Better!

304 Best of Dubai

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

2006 has proved to be an outstanding year forFlip Media and records show the agency to beon track for further success and growth. FlipMedia's creative talents have seen the agencygarnered with an impressive tally of 38international and regional awards this yearalone. So far Flip Media has received 2 SummitInternational Awards, 3 Bahrain Web Awardsand 14 awards at the recent Pan Arab WebAwards. At the UAE Web Awards held inMarch, Flip Media scooped the board taking atotal of 18 out of 36 awards and receiving theceremony's highest honour, the prestigiousSheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Awardfor 'Website of the Year' for the Mercedes-BenzB Class website: www.mb-me.com/bclass

New account wins have been significantwith over 20 new accounts added to theagency's roster of clients. International namessuch as Air Miles, Procter & Gamble,Panasonic Middle East and Nestlé, along withregional power brands like Qatar Airways,Wataniya Telecom and Dubai Festival City haveengaged Flip Media to develop and expandtheir online presence and integrated marketingcommunications activities. Flip Media's clientportfolio is certainly indicative of their marketshare and the agency is immensely proud ofits long-standing relationships with Emaar,Mercedes-Benz, Damas, Motorola, BahrainFormula 1, MMI and Marriott Hotels.

According to Martin Diessner, CEO, FlipMedia, "2006 has proved to be an incredibleyear and it's great to see all of our hard workcoming to fruition. We've significantly enhancedour reputation by consistently winning new highprofile regional and international business andin attracting the best people in the industry tojoin us. We have ambitious plans to launch newproducts and services which will assist our

clients in maximizing online communication toits full potential."

In order to support the agency's growth andstrategy of continual innovation andexcellence, Flip Media has established FlipLabs as an internal research and developmentdivision to facilitate technologicaldevelopments and establish best practices.Existing products have been updated to offerusers more comprehensive features. BrandCentral, the agency's 3rd party verified andonline media tracking service for advertisingand media agencies has recently incorporatedDoubleClickTM - an optional ad delivery and 3rd-party tracking mechanism regarded as thepremiere advertising serving solution.

Content management has been made eveneasier with the second version of Chameleon,Flip Media's dedicated website contentmanagement software. Dinesh Lalvani,Founder and Group Creative Director, FlipMedia explains: "Chameleon is a modularapplication which can be easily and quicklyadapted to accommodate specific clientneeds. We have made the user interface morefriendly and functional, and have developed apowerful eCommerce application whichexpands capabilities to include secure onlineordering and purchasing. We are especiallyproud of the website we created for Nayomi -www.nayomi.com.sa - which reflects howChameleon can be seamlessly integrated withback-end administration systems to facilitateonline shopping in both English and Arabic."

Flip Media take their role as ambassadorsfor technological development seriously: "Withthe advent of Web 2.0, the Internet will becomeeven more user friendly and responsive. Therewill be improved opportunities for socialnetworking and new technologies such as

Podcasts and mass publishing of blogs arejust the start of this. The Internet has alwaysadhered to open platforms and commonstandards for technology and Web 2.0 will seethis ethos of collaboration further enhanced",says Dinesh.

The agency has made a number of highprofile senior appointments to expand theteam's resources. With the addition of multiplecreative directors, Flip Media has increasedstudio capabilities and client servicing hasbeen proactively expanded to support clientrequirements. Sister company Neo Digitalwhich specializes in online media buying andplanning, has expanded their team and nowhandles media planning and purchasing forover 50 brands. The team has grown to 65employees based in the UAE, Bahrain, Indiaand Germany, headquartered from DubaiMedia City.

"Teamwork and understanding are essentialwhen you are working in a fast paced anddynamic environment. We organize a lot ofactivities outside of the office, so that we havethe opportunity to socialize and relax with eachother as friends, not just as colleagues", addsMartin. "Corporate social responsibility alsoplays an important part of our working life andwe have developed a number of websites andonline campaigns free of charge for charitiesand good causes."

With the opening of an office in Bahrain andincreased GCC-wide business, regional expansionis certainly in the pipeline. Over the next year, FlipMedia plans to significantly expand their servicesto meet the needs of the fast growing Abu Dhabi,Qatar and Saudi markets.

Tel.: +9714 391 1612Website: www.flipcorp.com

Best of Dubai 305

wwwwww..fflipcolipcorrpp.com.com

Dinesh Lalvani - Founder and Group Creative Director, Martin Diessner - CEO

In just four short years, the team at Flip Media has built anoutstanding reputation as the largest, independent,interactive media consultancy in the Middle East. Regardedas the region's online and interactive media experts, FlipMedia provides award winning creative work to regional andinternational accounts and develops unique interactivemedia products and technologies.

flip media - with modi.qxp 12/28/2006 11:16 AM Page 1

Flipping Bigger and Better!

304 Best of Dubai

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

2006 has proved to be an outstanding year forFlip Media and records show the agency to beon track for further success and growth. FlipMedia's creative talents have seen the agencygarnered with an impressive tally of 38international and regional awards this yearalone. So far Flip Media has received 2 SummitInternational Awards, 3 Bahrain Web Awardsand 14 awards at the recent Pan Arab WebAwards. At the UAE Web Awards held inMarch, Flip Media scooped the board taking atotal of 18 out of 36 awards and receiving theceremony's highest honour, the prestigiousSheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Awardfor 'Website of the Year' for the Mercedes-BenzB Class website: www.mb-me.com/bclass

New account wins have been significantwith over 20 new accounts added to theagency's roster of clients. International namessuch as Air Miles, Procter & Gamble,Panasonic Middle East and Nestlé, along withregional power brands like Qatar Airways,Wataniya Telecom and Dubai Festival City haveengaged Flip Media to develop and expandtheir online presence and integrated marketingcommunications activities. Flip Media's clientportfolio is certainly indicative of their marketshare and the agency is immensely proud ofits long-standing relationships with Emaar,Mercedes-Benz, Damas, Motorola, BahrainFormula 1, MMI and Marriott Hotels.

According to Martin Diessner, CEO, FlipMedia, "2006 has proved to be an incredibleyear and it's great to see all of our hard workcoming to fruition. We've significantly enhancedour reputation by consistently winning new highprofile regional and international business andin attracting the best people in the industry tojoin us. We have ambitious plans to launch newproducts and services which will assist our

clients in maximizing online communication toits full potential."

In order to support the agency's growth andstrategy of continual innovation andexcellence, Flip Media has established FlipLabs as an internal research and developmentdivision to facilitate technologicaldevelopments and establish best practices.Existing products have been updated to offerusers more comprehensive features. BrandCentral, the agency's 3rd party verified andonline media tracking service for advertisingand media agencies has recently incorporatedDoubleClickTM - an optional ad delivery and 3rd-party tracking mechanism regarded as thepremiere advertising serving solution.

Content management has been made eveneasier with the second version of Chameleon,Flip Media's dedicated website contentmanagement software. Dinesh Lalvani,Founder and Group Creative Director, FlipMedia explains: "Chameleon is a modularapplication which can be easily and quicklyadapted to accommodate specific clientneeds. We have made the user interface morefriendly and functional, and have developed apowerful eCommerce application whichexpands capabilities to include secure onlineordering and purchasing. We are especiallyproud of the website we created for Nayomi -www.nayomi.com.sa - which reflects howChameleon can be seamlessly integrated withback-end administration systems to facilitateonline shopping in both English and Arabic."

Flip Media take their role as ambassadorsfor technological development seriously: "Withthe advent of Web 2.0, the Internet will becomeeven more user friendly and responsive. Therewill be improved opportunities for socialnetworking and new technologies such as

Podcasts and mass publishing of blogs arejust the start of this. The Internet has alwaysadhered to open platforms and commonstandards for technology and Web 2.0 will seethis ethos of collaboration further enhanced",says Dinesh.

The agency has made a number of highprofile senior appointments to expand theteam's resources. With the addition of multiplecreative directors, Flip Media has increasedstudio capabilities and client servicing hasbeen proactively expanded to support clientrequirements. Sister company Neo Digitalwhich specializes in online media buying andplanning, has expanded their team and nowhandles media planning and purchasing forover 50 brands. The team has grown to 65employees based in the UAE, Bahrain, Indiaand Germany, headquartered from DubaiMedia City.

"Teamwork and understanding are essentialwhen you are working in a fast paced anddynamic environment. We organize a lot ofactivities outside of the office, so that we havethe opportunity to socialize and relax with eachother as friends, not just as colleagues", addsMartin. "Corporate social responsibility alsoplays an important part of our working life andwe have developed a number of websites andonline campaigns free of charge for charitiesand good causes."

With the opening of an office in Bahrain andincreased GCC-wide business, regional expansionis certainly in the pipeline. Over the next year, FlipMedia plans to significantly expand their servicesto meet the needs of the fast growing Abu Dhabi,Qatar and Saudi markets.

Tel.: +9714 391 1612Website: www.flipcorp.com

Best of Dubai 305

wwwwww..fflipcolipcorrpp.com.com

Dinesh Lalvani - Founder and Group Creative Director, Martin Diessner - CEO

In just four short years, the team at Flip Media has built anoutstanding reputation as the largest, independent,interactive media consultancy in the Middle East. Regardedas the region's online and interactive media experts, FlipMedia provides award winning creative work to regional andinternational accounts and develops unique interactivemedia products and technologies.

flip media - with modi.qxp 12/28/2006 11:16 AM Page 1

Spin Supreme

With the power of PR reaching levels of acceptability that mere advertisingcannot dream to aspire to, welcome to JiWin, a subsidiary of the DubaiPress Club. In line with the emirate's corporate ethos of jumping into therace with a view to winning, this new PR firm provides end-to-end publicrelations consultancy with a difference. Not only does a mission to uplift theindustry's professional standards guide them; they are also fuelled by arelentless desire to be the first, the biggest and of course, the best.

306 Best of Dubai

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

As the exclusive affiliate of globalpublic relations heavyweight,Burson-Mastellar for the Middle Eastregion, JiWin's strengths include itshigh profile and strong relationshipswith media in broadsheet, consumerand trade publications, as well astelevision, radio and on-line newsportals too. For a company that onlyset up shop in 2005, it already hasconsiderable experience handlingPR for companies in a dizzyingvariety of sectors ranging fromfinance, media, education,healthcare and property, tobiotechnology, microelectronics,energy, entertainment, leisure, andaerospace to boot.

Thanks to its top notch,diversified team, that exudes thetype of multi-tasking prowessneeded for the job, JiWin alsoundertakes the management ofstrategic communications forleading events such as the DubaiInternational Film Festival and theArab Strategy Forum. "We work byunderstanding the brand and thencreatively developing PR ideas andexecuting them through a variety ofvehicles", explains Mamoon Sbeih,Managing Director, JiWin. "We seeka long-term partnership withcompanies based on reliable andquality services", he adds.

Receptive market conditions andhigh-powered contactsnotwithstanding, the luminarybehind the success of this 50-strongPR firm is undoubtedly Mona AlMarri, Chairperson of Dubai PressClub and CEO of JiWin. Sheexplains: "The Dubai Press Clubhas, over the years, successfullyprovided media relations support tovarious government and corporateclients in the Arab market," shesays. "These clients are increasinglylooking for more sophisticated andstrategic corporate communicationscounsel. JiWin is ideally placed to

Best of Dubai 307

understand the dynamics of both regional andinternational media and to set new standards for thePR industry in the region. It was a naturalprogression, therefore, to establish a fully fledgedPR agency that could respond directly to this newdemand."

Reading like a who's who list of the highest order, among the blue-chip retainer ships securedby JiWin are Dubai Holding, Dubai AerospaceEnterprise, du, Colliers International, the DubaiInternational Film Festival and Dubai TV. Not content to rest on its laurels however, JiWin israpidly expanding this high-profile portfolio of clients to develop a regional and global client base.

With professionals from various industrybackgrounds, representing over 10 nationalities, the consultancy's core strength lies in itsunderstanding of the regional business climate - the commercial environment but also the regulatoryand legislative one. "We provide not only the best in PR consultancy but also the region's mosteffective public affairs advice and counsel. It is anarea where we expect to see strong growth, asglobal corporates increasingly acknowledge theneed to understand local regulatory and legislative

structures. Given its long presence in the marketthrough the Dubai Press Club, JiWin is uniquelypositioned to provide strategic advice on marketentry and access, and issues management,"Mamoon Sbeih, says.

Headquartered at Dubai Media City, JiWinprovides clients with the full gamut ofommunications support including communicationsstrategy development, media relations, publicaffairs, crisis management, media training and eventmanagement. With an in-house research capacityhandling local market intelligence on the mediaenvironment and bespoke reports for clientsseeking to better understand their stakeholder baseand raise their brand awareness, they have the ability to raise the bar on expectations anddeliverables too.

As if all of the above were not sufficient, thanks toits global network of affiliates, JiWin securesimpressive outreach that stretches across the Arabworld and Indian Subcontinent all the way to NorthAfrica, Western Europe and the US. Can you beatthat?

Tel.: +9714 361 3333www.jiwin.ae

Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, JiWin, is thefoundation upon which this consultancy isgrowing to fit the needs of its client base, whichis also expanding in line with Dubai’soutstanding development in all sectors

Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club and CEO of JiWin represents the new breed of enlightened Arab woman that is powering the emirate’s vision of a successful Knowledge Economy.

JiWin’s role is pivotal in developing a powerful integrated communication strategy that underscores Dubai’s growing kudos regionally and worldwide

Jiwin.qxp 12/28/2006 4:25 PM Page 1

Spin Supreme

With the power of PR reaching levels of acceptability that mere advertisingcannot dream to aspire to, welcome to JiWin, a subsidiary of the DubaiPress Club. In line with the emirate's corporate ethos of jumping into therace with a view to winning, this new PR firm provides end-to-end publicrelations consultancy with a difference. Not only does a mission to uplift theindustry's professional standards guide them; they are also fuelled by arelentless desire to be the first, the biggest and of course, the best.

306 Best of Dubai

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

As the exclusive affiliate of globalpublic relations heavyweight,Burson-Mastellar for the Middle Eastregion, JiWin's strengths include itshigh profile and strong relationshipswith media in broadsheet, consumerand trade publications, as well astelevision, radio and on-line newsportals too. For a company that onlyset up shop in 2005, it already hasconsiderable experience handlingPR for companies in a dizzyingvariety of sectors ranging fromfinance, media, education,healthcare and property, tobiotechnology, microelectronics,energy, entertainment, leisure, andaerospace to boot.

Thanks to its top notch,diversified team, that exudes thetype of multi-tasking prowessneeded for the job, JiWin alsoundertakes the management ofstrategic communications forleading events such as the DubaiInternational Film Festival and theArab Strategy Forum. "We work byunderstanding the brand and thencreatively developing PR ideas andexecuting them through a variety ofvehicles", explains Mamoon Sbeih,Managing Director, JiWin. "We seeka long-term partnership withcompanies based on reliable andquality services", he adds.

Receptive market conditions andhigh-powered contactsnotwithstanding, the luminarybehind the success of this 50-strongPR firm is undoubtedly Mona AlMarri, Chairperson of Dubai PressClub and CEO of JiWin. Sheexplains: "The Dubai Press Clubhas, over the years, successfullyprovided media relations support tovarious government and corporateclients in the Arab market," shesays. "These clients are increasinglylooking for more sophisticated andstrategic corporate communicationscounsel. JiWin is ideally placed to

Best of Dubai 307

understand the dynamics of both regional andinternational media and to set new standards for thePR industry in the region. It was a naturalprogression, therefore, to establish a fully fledgedPR agency that could respond directly to this newdemand."

Reading like a who's who list of the highest order, among the blue-chip retainer ships securedby JiWin are Dubai Holding, Dubai AerospaceEnterprise, du, Colliers International, the DubaiInternational Film Festival and Dubai TV. Not content to rest on its laurels however, JiWin israpidly expanding this high-profile portfolio of clients to develop a regional and global client base.

With professionals from various industrybackgrounds, representing over 10 nationalities, the consultancy's core strength lies in itsunderstanding of the regional business climate - the commercial environment but also the regulatoryand legislative one. "We provide not only the best in PR consultancy but also the region's mosteffective public affairs advice and counsel. It is anarea where we expect to see strong growth, asglobal corporates increasingly acknowledge theneed to understand local regulatory and legislative

structures. Given its long presence in the marketthrough the Dubai Press Club, JiWin is uniquelypositioned to provide strategic advice on marketentry and access, and issues management,"Mamoon Sbeih, says.

Headquartered at Dubai Media City, JiWinprovides clients with the full gamut ofommunications support including communicationsstrategy development, media relations, publicaffairs, crisis management, media training and eventmanagement. With an in-house research capacityhandling local market intelligence on the mediaenvironment and bespoke reports for clientsseeking to better understand their stakeholder baseand raise their brand awareness, they have the ability to raise the bar on expectations anddeliverables too.

As if all of the above were not sufficient, thanks toits global network of affiliates, JiWin securesimpressive outreach that stretches across the Arabworld and Indian Subcontinent all the way to NorthAfrica, Western Europe and the US. Can you beatthat?

Tel.: +9714 361 3333www.jiwin.ae

Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, JiWin, is thefoundation upon which this consultancy isgrowing to fit the needs of its client base, whichis also expanding in line with Dubai’soutstanding development in all sectors

Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club and CEO of JiWin represents the new breed of enlightened Arab woman that is powering the emirate’s vision of a successful Knowledge Economy.

JiWin’s role is pivotal in developing a powerful integrated communication strategy that underscores Dubai’s growing kudos regionally and worldwide

Jiwin.qxp 12/28/2006 4:25 PM Page 1

Leconte, Vijay Amritraj, Guy Forget and Mansour Bahramibattled it out in front of sell-out crowds of over 5000 inDubai's idyllic Madinat Jumeirah. Despite initialscepticism, Delwood forged ahead and created one ofthe sporting highlights of 2005 for the Middle East.

"Tennis is the passion of all of us at Delwood and ourpersonal long term friendship with many of the playershas enabled us to pull off such a successful first event",enthused Dowlatshahi. "We thought that because Dubai has such great ATP and WTA tour events, TheLegends would be an added value to tennis in the UAE",he added.

"Firstly, everyone can relate to senior’s tennis - if youhave followed the careers of the stars, it's nostalgic to seethem again. They are all still artists in some way."

"Secondly tennis is entertainment and that's what weare interested in. Tennis has to be fun."

In addition, The Legends' ancillary events were equallysuccessful: a kids' day hosted by the Jumeirah BeachHotel gathered almost 300 children and a glamorous galadinner with some 650 guests that raised more than Dh400,000 for the two supported charities, the Dubai Centrefor Special Needs and the Little Dreams Foundation. Theevent was capped off with 300 VVIP's being invited to thePhil Collins concert.

Another coup on Delwood's list of acolades was thereturn of the Harlem Globetrotters to the Middle East fortheir first tour in 19 years. The most successful andfamous sports team in history, the Globetrotters spent foursold-out days in Dubai in April 2006 as part of their 80thanniversary world tour, displaying their athletic prowess tomore than 11,000 enthusiastic fans.

The International Cricket Councilhas moved their headquarters toDubai, there is the newly mintedManchester United Soccer Schoolin the upcoming multi-million dollar'Dubai Sports City' developmentand with major events like theDesert Classic and the Duty Free Tennis tournament, the region is well armed to competewith the rest of the world in thearena of major, top-dollar sporting events.

Delwood Sports Marketing, adivision of Delwood ConsultancyServices, is on the cusp of thistrend and is consistently bringingthe highest-profile sporting eventsto the UAE. Conceived by thecharismatic Farbod Dowlatshahi,the company president and anavid sports and culture enthusiastwho saw a city aching for sportsentertainment, Delwood hasn't

forgotten the local scene either,retaining a strong commitment tocommunity sports initiatives andcharity events as well.

As far as sports marketing isconcerned, Delwood offers a fullrange of expertise, from publicrelations, sponsorship, budgetingand marketing, to venuemanagement for sports, leisureand artistic productions in theMiddle East. The bulk ofDelwood's success, however, hasbeen in putting together majorsporting events.

Unlike other success stories,Delwood Sports Marketing did notstart 'small'. The companies’flagship event to date hasundoubtedly been The Legends‘Rock’ Dubai, the first senior indoortennis exhibition in the GCC.Names such as Björn Borg, IlieNastase, Michael Stich, Henri

308 Best of Dubai

While traditional Emirati pursuits have provided theseed of the sporting scene in Dubai, other sports arenow making their way into the hearts of fans and arebecoming big business along the way.

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

Global Appeal

Duty Free Tennis tournament

Farbod Dowlatshahi, President

Best of Dubai 309

Leconte, Vijay Amritraj, Guy Forget and Mansour Bahramibattled it out in front of sell-out crowds of over 5000 inDubai's idyllic Madinat Jumeirah. Despite initialscepticism, Delwood forged ahead and created one ofthe sporting highlights of 2005 for the Middle East.

"Tennis is the passion of all of us at Delwood and ourpersonal long term friendship with many of the playershas enabled us to pull off such a successful first event",enthused Dowlatshahi. "We thought that because Dubai has such great ATP and WTA tour events, TheLegends would be an added value to tennis in the UAE",he added.

"Firstly, everyone can relate to senior’s tennis - if youhave followed the careers of the stars, it's nostalgic to seethem again. They are all still artists in some way."

"Secondly tennis is entertainment and that's what weare interested in. Tennis has to be fun."

In addition, The Legends' ancillary events were equallysuccessful: a kids' day hosted by the Jumeirah BeachHotel gathered almost 300 children and a glamorous galadinner with some 650 guests that raised more than Dh400,000 for the two supported charities, the Dubai Centrefor Special Needs and the Little Dreams Foundation. Theevent was capped off with 300 VVIP's being invited to thePhil Collins concert.

Another coup on Delwood's list of acolades was thereturn of the Harlem Globetrotters to the Middle East fortheir first tour in 19 years. The most successful andfamous sports team in history, the Globetrotters spent foursold-out days in Dubai in April 2006 as part of their 80thanniversary world tour, displaying their athletic prowess tomore than 11,000 enthusiastic fans.

The International Cricket Councilhas moved their headquarters toDubai, there is the newly mintedManchester United Soccer Schoolin the upcoming multi-million dollar'Dubai Sports City' developmentand with major events like theDesert Classic and the Duty Free Tennis tournament, the region is well armed to competewith the rest of the world in thearena of major, top-dollar sporting events.

Delwood Sports Marketing, adivision of Delwood ConsultancyServices, is on the cusp of thistrend and is consistently bringingthe highest-profile sporting eventsto the UAE. Conceived by thecharismatic Farbod Dowlatshahi,the company president and anavid sports and culture enthusiastwho saw a city aching for sportsentertainment, Delwood hasn't

forgotten the local scene either,retaining a strong commitment tocommunity sports initiatives andcharity events as well.

As far as sports marketing isconcerned, Delwood offers a fullrange of expertise, from publicrelations, sponsorship, budgetingand marketing, to venuemanagement for sports, leisureand artistic productions in theMiddle East. The bulk ofDelwood's success, however, hasbeen in putting together majorsporting events.

Unlike other success stories,Delwood Sports Marketing did notstart 'small'. The companies’flagship event to date hasundoubtedly been The Legends‘Rock’ Dubai, the first senior indoortennis exhibition in the GCC.Names such as Björn Borg, IlieNastase, Michael Stich, Henri

308 Best of Dubai

While traditional Emirati pursuits have provided theseed of the sporting scene in Dubai, other sports arenow making their way into the hearts of fans and arebecoming big business along the way.

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

Global Appeal

Duty Free Tennis tournament

Farbod Dowlatshahi, President

Best of Dubai 309

becomes more mainstream in the GCC, which it hopes will help combat the growingproblem of obesity and keep the populationstronger and fitter. As such, the company plansto bring the Futsal concept into the educationsystem and, through initiatives such as footballclinics, create more opportunities for youthinvolvement in sports.

This includes the ITF Junior TennisChampionship, currently in its fifth year, whichhas become the biggest international juniortournament in the GCC with more than 200participants from 40 countries competing. The category four event supports grass roots tennis in the UAE and gives local talent achance to compete at the international level.

For Dowlatshahi, the major difficulty indeveloping grassroots sporting education ischanging corporate attitudes towardinvestment: "Building programmes like this isanything but commercial, especially for the first few years", he argues. "Making all parties involved understand, this is our main challenge."

Another challenge Dowlatshahi identifies ismaking corporate sponsors aware of the valueof big-ticket charity-driven events to theircommunications strategies. In a market already awash with corporate hospitalityschemes, a Delwood event can provide a freshalternative to the well-worn annual path ofDubai's social events. If event organizers learnto synchronize their calendars and strategizeas to how they can complement, and notcompete, with each other, the sky is the limit, he says.

"Bill Gates has changed the world by takingthe concept, 'you are what you give' to itslogical end - companies sharing their multi-million dollar profits with those who are lessfortunate", said Dowlatshahi.

Accordingly, each Delwood event has aspecific charity beneficiary that works withchildren and underscores the link betweensports and community. Particular beneficiariesare the Dubai Centre for Special Needs, theLittle Dreams Foundation and the King HusseinCentre for Cancer.

As for the success of the company,Dowlatshahi attributes this to a focus on quality, not quantity. "We always try to securethe best: the best venue, the bestentertainment, the best food, and so on." Thissuccess, is expected to continue in the future. Nevertheless, he is reticent about what it is that Delwood has in store. "Delwood will always be interested in trendysports and sports that cater to families, butthey have to fit in with our objectives, just likethe Futsal. We like to be forerunners in certainareas and if you take a look at what the UAE has to offer today and what is missing you might guess the next big project we havein mind."

Baseball? American football? Skiing?Whatever will be the next sport to benefit fromDelwood's largesse, it is sure to take off in theEmirates and to continue to benefit the nextgeneration of fans and players alike.

Tel.: +9714 368 1548 www.delwoodsportsmarketing.com

For Delwood GeneralManager, Eric Gottschalk,inviting the Globetrotters toDubai represented an obviouschoice given the team'simmense popularity. "There ishardly any activity on offer inDubai that caters to families.Concerts, horse races, golf andrugby are for adults, but theHarlem Globetrotters fascinatethe five-year-old as much as hisor her grandparents. It's theperfect show - you don't want to miss it and you want to see itagain as soon as you haveexperienced it once. It is the perfect combination of fun, entertainment andcompetitive sport."

January 2006 marked anotherfirst for Delwood when theyorganised the Dubai SoccerFriendlies under the patronageof His Highness Sheikh Hamdanbin Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum. On behalf of Dubai'sDepartment of Tourism andCommerce Marketing and mainsponsor Alpha Tours, Delwoodwas responsible for bringingtogether FC Bayern Munich andFC Zürich, VfB Stuttgart and FCZürich and World Cup 2006

finalists Ivory Coast and VfBStuttgart for friendlies at theDubai Cultural Sports Club.

Delwood is also responsiblefor introducing Futsal - the FIFA-recognised five-a-side indoorfootball game playedprofessionally in more than 70countries - to the region. To thisend, Delwood has alreadyhosted The Futsal Cup, a 16-team competition, at Hayya!Meadows Village, and apermanent adults Futsal leaguestaring in late 2006. Because it is played indoors, Futsal is a natural choice for the UAEand Delwood's goal is to nurture the game in the country and promote official UAE representation at futureGCC and Asian competitions.

Gottschalk also stresses thatDelwood events are familyoriented, which is importantbecause families in the regionare very tight-knit and becausehealth and sports educationstarts in the family setting, wherelife-long attitudes to fitness aredeveloped.

It is for this reason thatDelwood is committed toensuring physical education

Bringing sports to youngsterswith special needs

Tennis celebrity Bjorn Borg and youngtennis enthusiasts join forces


becomes more mainstream in the GCC, which it hopes will help combat the growingproblem of obesity and keep the populationstronger and fitter. As such, the company plansto bring the Futsal concept into the educationsystem and, through initiatives such as footballclinics, create more opportunities for youthinvolvement in sports.

This includes the ITF Junior TennisChampionship, currently in its fifth year, whichhas become the biggest international juniortournament in the GCC with more than 200participants from 40 countries competing. The category four event supports grass roots tennis in the UAE and gives local talent achance to compete at the international level.

For Dowlatshahi, the major difficulty indeveloping grassroots sporting education ischanging corporate attitudes towardinvestment: "Building programmes like this isanything but commercial, especially for the first few years", he argues. "Making all parties involved understand, this is our main challenge."

Another challenge Dowlatshahi identifies ismaking corporate sponsors aware of the valueof big-ticket charity-driven events to theircommunications strategies. In a market already awash with corporate hospitalityschemes, a Delwood event can provide a freshalternative to the well-worn annual path ofDubai's social events. If event organizers learnto synchronize their calendars and strategizeas to how they can complement, and notcompete, with each other, the sky is the limit, he says.

"Bill Gates has changed the world by takingthe concept, 'you are what you give' to itslogical end - companies sharing their multi-million dollar profits with those who are lessfortunate", said Dowlatshahi.

Accordingly, each Delwood event has aspecific charity beneficiary that works withchildren and underscores the link betweensports and community. Particular beneficiariesare the Dubai Centre for Special Needs, theLittle Dreams Foundation and the King HusseinCentre for Cancer.

As for the success of the company,Dowlatshahi attributes this to a focus on quality, not quantity. "We always try to securethe best: the best venue, the bestentertainment, the best food, and so on." Thissuccess, is expected to continue in the future. Nevertheless, he is reticent about what it is that Delwood has in store. "Delwood will always be interested in trendysports and sports that cater to families, butthey have to fit in with our objectives, just likethe Futsal. We like to be forerunners in certainareas and if you take a look at what the UAE has to offer today and what is missing you might guess the next big project we havein mind."

Baseball? American football? Skiing?Whatever will be the next sport to benefit fromDelwood's largesse, it is sure to take off in theEmirates and to continue to benefit the nextgeneration of fans and players alike.

Tel.: +9714 368 1548 www.delwoodsportsmarketing.com

For Delwood GeneralManager, Eric Gottschalk,inviting the Globetrotters toDubai represented an obviouschoice given the team'simmense popularity. "There ishardly any activity on offer inDubai that caters to families.Concerts, horse races, golf andrugby are for adults, but theHarlem Globetrotters fascinatethe five-year-old as much as hisor her grandparents. It's theperfect show - you don't want to miss it and you want to see itagain as soon as you haveexperienced it once. It is the perfect combination of fun, entertainment andcompetitive sport."

January 2006 marked anotherfirst for Delwood when theyorganised the Dubai SoccerFriendlies under the patronageof His Highness Sheikh Hamdanbin Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum. On behalf of Dubai'sDepartment of Tourism andCommerce Marketing and mainsponsor Alpha Tours, Delwoodwas responsible for bringingtogether FC Bayern Munich andFC Zürich, VfB Stuttgart and FCZürich and World Cup 2006

finalists Ivory Coast and VfBStuttgart for friendlies at theDubai Cultural Sports Club.

Delwood is also responsiblefor introducing Futsal - the FIFA-recognised five-a-side indoorfootball game playedprofessionally in more than 70countries - to the region. To thisend, Delwood has alreadyhosted The Futsal Cup, a 16-team competition, at Hayya!Meadows Village, and apermanent adults Futsal leaguestaring in late 2006. Because it is played indoors, Futsal is a natural choice for the UAEand Delwood's goal is to nurture the game in the country and promote official UAE representation at futureGCC and Asian competitions.

Gottschalk also stresses thatDelwood events are familyoriented, which is importantbecause families in the regionare very tight-knit and becausehealth and sports educationstarts in the family setting, wherelife-long attitudes to fitness aredeveloped.

It is for this reason thatDelwood is committed toensuring physical education

Bringing sports to youngsterswith special needs

Tennis celebrity Bjorn Borg and youngtennis enthusiasts join forces


relations activities, and at the sametime our programs have met a diverserange of community and stakeholderexpectations, from both the public andprivate sectors as well as thecommunity at large”.

Flight Of Falcons exemplifies howthese programs bring together thecommunity through an arts-meets-charity project. Flight Of Falconsenjoys the support of His HighnessSheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and thePatronage of His Highness SheikhHamdan Bin Mohammed and throughthem The Mohammed Bin RashidEstablishment For Young BusinessLeaders (SME) is the headline sponsor.Twenty-five of the most prominent SMEcompanies are sponsoring falcons forDubai schools, and through theschools, thousands of children andparents are involved. Dozens of othercompanies are sponsoring falconswhich will decorate the city for monthsbefore they are sold at a gala auctionwith the funds going to many charitiesand worthy organizations.

Beyond its acknowledgedexcellence for devising,commissioning, and managing publicart projects, ArtWorks is activelyinvolved with a number of excitingcultural developments in the region.These include the Dubai InternationalFilm Festival, the Dubai Opera House,

the design of a number of specialtymuseums and festivals, and incollaboration with regional developers,the creation of integrated culturalcomplexes.

Drawing on the skills andexperience of an international team ofalliance partners, ArtWorks has thecapacity to assemble professionalteams experienced in planning andimplementing medium to complexprojects for the culture and heritagesector. “We are very lucky to have aspartners a team whose experienceranges from the development of artsand culture policy through to theplanning and creation of museums andcultural districts,” says Rachel. “Theirspecialisms extend from marketresearch, capital planning andbusiness modelling in respect of art,culture and heritage development,right through to music and theperformance arts, to arts educationand so on. These skills are invaluableand we really are delighted to havethem on board during such an excitingtime of development in Dubai.”

One such alliance partner, and keyto the Dubai success story, is UK-based ABL Consulting, recognised tobe one of Europe’s leading culturalconsultancies and one of the largestindependent firms in the industry.Offering services to cultural bodies,


The

Art

s &

Med

ia Arts & CultureArtWorks raises the cultural bar in Dubai and has become a majorforce in the region’s arts-and-business community, being at theheart of innovative projects which enrich the arts and culturelandscape in this rapidly developing metropolis.

The arts and culture aesthetic, so the team believes, is an essential component for a world-class city and must keep pace with the hothouse development of bricks and mortar.Working with clients in both the public and private sectors, and with an impressive rangeof projects either completed or in the works, ArtWorks strives to raise aesthetic goals,introduce new ideas and establish top-notch professional standards. In addition to anexciting array of public art programs, ArtWorks is at the heart of a number of significantarts, culture and heritage projects in the region.

Established in Dubai in 2003, ArtWorks is the continuation of the principals’ 20 yearsarts-and-business endeavors in the Middle East. Patricia and Ken Palmer, co-ManagingDirectors, together have a wealth of arts, theater and financial experience. They apply theirexperience to understanding the context within which the cultural landscape is evolving inthis part of the world. Rachel Spencer, General Manager, rounds the picture with abackground in arts administration, sponsorship and project management from the UK.

ArtWorks is probably best known in Dubai for its three public art programs – CamelCaravan, Celebration Of The Arabian Horse and Flight Of Falcons. These wonderfulprojects have delighted Dubai residents and tourists alike, have benefited from educationprograms and direct involvement from the community, served Dubai based businesses asa means to engage with the community and meet CSR objectives, and have raised morethan US$4 million for charity. “Our projects have assisted many companies to implementtheir own community programs”, says Patricia. “We have been able to recognize andaccommodate the needs of individual companies, whether it’s their bottom line or public

Ken Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Patricia Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Rachel Spencer, General Manager

Dubai Dream, a star of the Camel Caravan public artparade. This stunning and intricate mirror mosaic piece,by locally based artists Loretta Bilinskaite-Burke & JenjiraPrasertsin, captured the hearts of many and can still beseen gleaming at the Emirates Towers Hotel where itstands proudly on display.

Arabian Horses wait in line to beauctioned in the Gala Charity Auction.

relations activities, and at the sametime our programs have met a diverserange of community and stakeholderexpectations, from both the public andprivate sectors as well as thecommunity at large”.

Flight Of Falcons exemplifies howthese programs bring together thecommunity through an arts-meets-charity project. Flight Of Falconsenjoys the support of His HighnessSheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and thePatronage of His Highness SheikhHamdan Bin Mohammed and throughthem The Mohammed Bin RashidEstablishment For Young BusinessLeaders (SME) is the headline sponsor.Twenty-five of the most prominent SMEcompanies are sponsoring falcons forDubai schools, and through theschools, thousands of children andparents are involved. Dozens of othercompanies are sponsoring falconswhich will decorate the city for monthsbefore they are sold at a gala auctionwith the funds going to many charitiesand worthy organizations.

Beyond its acknowledgedexcellence for devising,commissioning, and managing publicart projects, ArtWorks is activelyinvolved with a number of excitingcultural developments in the region.These include the Dubai InternationalFilm Festival, the Dubai Opera House,

the design of a number of specialtymuseums and festivals, and incollaboration with regional developers,the creation of integrated culturalcomplexes.

Drawing on the skills andexperience of an international team ofalliance partners, ArtWorks has thecapacity to assemble professionalteams experienced in planning andimplementing medium to complexprojects for the culture and heritagesector. “We are very lucky to have aspartners a team whose experienceranges from the development of artsand culture policy through to theplanning and creation of museums andcultural districts,” says Rachel. “Theirspecialisms extend from marketresearch, capital planning andbusiness modelling in respect of art,culture and heritage development,right through to music and theperformance arts, to arts educationand so on. These skills are invaluableand we really are delighted to havethem on board during such an excitingtime of development in Dubai.”

One such alliance partner, and keyto the Dubai success story, is UK-based ABL Consulting, recognised tobe one of Europe’s leading culturalconsultancies and one of the largestindependent firms in the industry.Offering services to cultural bodies,


The

Art

s &

Med

ia Arts & CultureArtWorks raises the cultural bar in Dubai and has become a majorforce in the region’s arts-and-business community, being at theheart of innovative projects which enrich the arts and culturelandscape in this rapidly developing metropolis.

The arts and culture aesthetic, so the team believes, is an essential component for a world-class city and must keep pace with the hothouse development of bricks and mortar.Working with clients in both the public and private sectors, and with an impressive rangeof projects either completed or in the works, ArtWorks strives to raise aesthetic goals,introduce new ideas and establish top-notch professional standards. In addition to anexciting array of public art programs, ArtWorks is at the heart of a number of significantarts, culture and heritage projects in the region.

Established in Dubai in 2003, ArtWorks is the continuation of the principals’ 20 yearsarts-and-business endeavors in the Middle East. Patricia and Ken Palmer, co-ManagingDirectors, together have a wealth of arts, theater and financial experience. They apply theirexperience to understanding the context within which the cultural landscape is evolving inthis part of the world. Rachel Spencer, General Manager, rounds the picture with abackground in arts administration, sponsorship and project management from the UK.

ArtWorks is probably best known in Dubai for its three public art programs – CamelCaravan, Celebration Of The Arabian Horse and Flight Of Falcons. These wonderfulprojects have delighted Dubai residents and tourists alike, have benefited from educationprograms and direct involvement from the community, served Dubai based businesses asa means to engage with the community and meet CSR objectives, and have raised morethan US$4 million for charity. “Our projects have assisted many companies to implementtheir own community programs”, says Patricia. “We have been able to recognize andaccommodate the needs of individual companies, whether it’s their bottom line or public

Ken Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Patricia Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Rachel Spencer, General Manager

Dubai Dream, a star of the Camel Caravan public artparade. This stunning and intricate mirror mosaic piece,by locally based artists Loretta Bilinskaite-Burke & JenjiraPrasertsin, captured the hearts of many and can still beseen gleaming at the Emirates Towers Hotel where itstands proudly on display.

Arabian Horses wait in line to beauctioned in the Gala Charity Auction.

government, development agencies, and artistic institutions this collaborationwith ArtWorks for the Dubai market concentrates on the research and conceptdevelopment of world class facilities which will contribute enormously to thepace of cultural development, cultural tourism and regional identity.

ArtWorks has a keen sense of their development role in the Middle East.“While rich in their own culture and heritage, many societies in the Middle Eastare yet to share their heritage and artistic traditions with the rest of the world orto nurture international arts and cultural offerings for their local and growingexpatriate populations. Bridging the gap – this is where ArtWorks fits in”,explains Ken. “Cities around the world are now actively competing with eachother in the arts and cultural sector. In this age of globalisation, where labourand ideas know few boundaries, vibrant arts and culture environments canmake the competitive difference in attracting tourists and new residents.”

Tel.: +9714 344 9486www.artworks.ae

Christie’s Auctioneers Hugh Edmeades, Chairman of Christie's South Kensington,and Jussi Pylkkänen, President of Christie's Europe, hosts of the Arabian HorseGala Charity Auction.

TThhee EEmmiirraatteess BBaannkkeerr CCaammeell,, aannootthheerrssttaarr ooff tthhee sshhooww.. TThhiiss mmuucchh ccoovveetteedd

ppiieeccee,, ccrreeaatteedd bbyy tthhee ssttuuddeennttss ooffLLaattiiffaa CCoolllleeggee ffoorr EEmmiirraatteess BBaannkk,,

ccaauusseedd qquuiittee aa ssttiirr wwhheenn ppaarrtt wwaayytthhrroouugghh tthhee ppuubblliicc aarrtt pprrooggrraamm iitt

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ggaallllaannttllyy rroossee ttoo tthhee cchhaalllleennggee aannddsseett aabboouutt ccrreeaattiinngg tthheeiirr lloovveellyy ppiieeccee

aa sseeccoonndd ttiimmee,, ffiinnaallllyy rraaiissiinngg AAEEDD335500,,000000 aatt aauuccttiioonn ffoorr cchhaarriittyy..

OOnnee AArraabb WWoorrlldd –– TThhiiss eelleeggaannttppiieeccee wwaass ccrreeaatteedd ffoorr HH..HH.. SShheeiikkhh

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RRoouunnddaabboouutt.. MMoohhaammmmeedd AAll NNoorrii ooffTTaassmmeeeemm mmaaddee tthhiiss ccaalllliiggrraapphhyywwoorrkk uussiinngg ppaaiinntt aanndd ggoolldd lleeaaff..

TTeeaacchheerrss aanndd ssttuuddeennttss ooff DDuubbaaii EEnngglliisshhSSppeeaakkiinngg SScchhooooll ccrreeaatteedd aa bbeeaauuttiiffuullffaallccoonn ddeessiiggnn iinn tthhee ccoolloorrss ooff tthheeiirrsscchhooooll iinn wwhhiicchh aallll 775500 ssttuuddeennttss ccoouullddppaarrttiicciippaattee aanndd lleeaavvee tthheeiirr mmaarrkk bbyywwrriittiinngg tthheeiirr nnaammee oonn aa ffeeaatthheerr..

OOnnee ooff tthhee ffiirrsstt ffaallccoonnss ccrreeaatteeddffoorr tthhee FFlliigghhtt OOff FFaallccoonnss ppuubblliiccaarrtt ppaarraaddee,, aass aa ggiifftt ttoo DDuubbaaiiMMuunniicciippaalliittyy aanndd ppaaiinntteedd uussiinnggtthhee ddiissttiinncctt MMuunniicciippaalliittyyccoolloouurrss aanndd mmoottiiff..


government, development agencies, and artistic institutions this collaborationwith ArtWorks for the Dubai market concentrates on the research and conceptdevelopment of world class facilities which will contribute enormously to thepace of cultural development, cultural tourism and regional identity.

ArtWorks has a keen sense of their development role in the Middle East.“While rich in their own culture and heritage, many societies in the Middle Eastare yet to share their heritage and artistic traditions with the rest of the world orto nurture international arts and cultural offerings for their local and growingexpatriate populations. Bridging the gap – this is where ArtWorks fits in”,explains Ken. “Cities around the world are now actively competing with eachother in the arts and cultural sector. In this age of globalisation, where labourand ideas know few boundaries, vibrant arts and culture environments canmake the competitive difference in attracting tourists and new residents.”

Tel.: +9714 344 9486www.artworks.ae

Christie’s Auctioneers Hugh Edmeades, Chairman of Christie's South Kensington,and Jussi Pylkkänen, President of Christie's Europe, hosts of the Arabian HorseGala Charity Auction.

TThhee EEmmiirraatteess BBaannkkeerr CCaammeell,, aannootthheerrssttaarr ooff tthhee sshhooww.. TThhiiss mmuucchh ccoovveetteedd

ppiieeccee,, ccrreeaatteedd bbyy tthhee ssttuuddeennttss ooffLLaattiiffaa CCoolllleeggee ffoorr EEmmiirraatteess BBaannkk,,

ccaauusseedd qquuiittee aa ssttiirr wwhheenn ppaarrtt wwaayytthhrroouugghh tthhee ppuubblliicc aarrtt pprrooggrraamm iitt

mmyysstteerriioouussllyy ddiissaappppeeaarreedd ffrroomm tthheessttrreeeettss ooff DDuubbaaii.. TThhee ssttuuddeennttss

ggaallllaannttllyy rroossee ttoo tthhee cchhaalllleennggee aannddsseett aabboouutt ccrreeaattiinngg tthheeiirr lloovveellyy ppiieeccee

aa sseeccoonndd ttiimmee,, ffiinnaallllyy rraaiissiinngg AAEEDD335500,,000000 aatt aauuccttiioonn ffoorr cchhaarriittyy..

OOnnee AArraabb WWoorrlldd –– TThhiiss eelleeggaannttppiieeccee wwaass ccrreeaatteedd ffoorr HH..HH.. SShheeiikkhh

MMoohhaammmmeedd BBiinn RRaasshhiidd AAll MMaakkttoouummaanndd ssttaannddss aatt tthhee ZZaabbeeeell PPaallaaccee

RRoouunnddaabboouutt.. MMoohhaammmmeedd AAll NNoorrii ooffTTaassmmeeeemm mmaaddee tthhiiss ccaalllliiggrraapphhyywwoorrkk uussiinngg ppaaiinntt aanndd ggoolldd lleeaaff..

TTeeaacchheerrss aanndd ssttuuddeennttss ooff DDuubbaaii EEnngglliisshhSSppeeaakkiinngg SScchhooooll ccrreeaatteedd aa bbeeaauuttiiffuullffaallccoonn ddeessiiggnn iinn tthhee ccoolloorrss ooff tthheeiirrsscchhooooll iinn wwhhiicchh aallll 775500 ssttuuddeennttss ccoouullddppaarrttiicciippaattee aanndd lleeaavvee tthheeiirr mmaarrkk bbyywwrriittiinngg tthheeiirr nnaammee oonn aa ffeeaatthheerr..

OOnnee ooff tthhee ffiirrsstt ffaallccoonnss ccrreeaatteeddffoorr tthhee FFlliigghhtt OOff FFaallccoonnss ppuubblliiccaarrtt ppaarraaddee,, aass aa ggiifftt ttoo DDuubbaaiiMMuunniicciippaalliittyy aanndd ppaaiinntteedd uussiinnggtthhee ddiissttiinncctt MMuunniicciippaalliittyyccoolloouurrss aanndd mmoottiiff..


Making the DifferenceAs you enter MovieMedia, a 12-year old film and videoproduction house based in Deira, Dubai, a 35 mm Camaflexmotion picture camera stares at you from the receptionarea and a BolexElectric 16 mm winks at you from theopposite corner.

318 Best of Dubai

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

"They are in perfect working condition andcollector's items by now," says George Jacob,the proud owner of the cameras and theManaging Director and owner of MovieMedia.

While the film-making world has beenswept by a tide of technologicaladvancements and digital cameras are the'in' thing these days, there are those who stillcherish the film cameras. "They are from thedays of films when there were only films. Overthe years, I have seen television; video andthe internet emerge, putting communicationsand media on the fast track. Every day I amlearning and our company has moved withthe times and technology. In this business wecannot stand still."

That's George Jacob, an alumnus ofIndia's prestigious film school and winner ofseveral awards for cinematography.

As you start looking around MovieMediayou discover the tastefully done up premisesis a complete utility place. Everywhere thereare old cameras adorning the décor and theyall work. The old cameras are examples ofthe man's passion and love for his work. Theyare a connoisseur's delight.

MovieMedia has been adept at creativelytailoring its services to a client's needs. Butplease do not use the word ‘one-stop-shop’

says George. "Because we are story tellers-we provide script-to-screen services andanything in between", he adds with hischaracteristic laugh.

As you delve into the past of the man andhis organization it is a voyage into the growthof the Middle East media scenario. "We have always endeavoured to providesolutions for effective communications. Allproductions, be it corporate videos, TVcommercials, training films, induction videos, documentaries, television content generation, they all reflect our strong belief in storytelling", says George.

"Moving images combined with audio are the most digestible medium for a potential buyer. They can entertain, educate,attract and inspire in countless ways andforms", he adds.

An effective production transcends havingthe best of equipment alone, but moreimportantly it is the people behind theequipment. "Our team of qualified andexperienced cinematographers, editors,technicians are all film-school graduates andadept in all aspects of filmmaking. With anexperience of more than 28 years in the Gulfitself, we bring to the productions theunderstanding gained over the years."

Best of Dubai 319

The Internet has transformed the way we communicate offeringinstant global access. All over the world progressive organizations areusing videos on the web to enhance and spruce up the nature andquality of their communication.

MovieMedia has tapped into this new emerging media to give valueadded service to its clients.

“Webcasting is the new service that we are providing to our clientsand for many it is very new in this region. From live webcasting of eventsto special video clips, messages and company news updates we do itall. We can continually update your web cast to build interest, loyaltyand a high top-of-the-mind recall value. From content generationthrough content management and hosting, MovieMedia can provide acomprehensive service," he explains.

Over the years MovieMedia has gained a substantial client baseworldwide for line production, crewing and location services for various

filming activities in this region. It also has very close links with productionhouses in London and US and uses voice-over talents from the localtalent pool as well as from US, UK and Europe.

"At MovieMedia, we are primarily accountable for our productions.We want our clients and audience to know that it is a MovieMediaProduction. Our association is not a standard client-production houserelationship. We are all on the same side as partners. We createproductions and simultaneously educate. That helps us in retaining andcreating long-term associations," George adds.

"We firmly believe that our combination of passion, ingenuity, skill,experience and accountability is the best way to ensure that ourproductions result in making the difference".

Tel.: +9714 268 3873www.moviemedia.tv

Productions

Corporate films/videos

Infomercials

Commercials

Training Programmes

Company Communications

Video News Release (VNR)

Webcasting

Marketing Videos

Product Demos

Recruitment Programmes

Health and Safety Induction films… ad infinitum

Broadcast Productions

Documentaries

Music Videos

News Crew

Network Pieces

Day-in-the-Life

Network News

Network Sports

Celebrity Interviews

Television content generation

MovieMedia Facilities

Comprehensive script-to-screen services for video productions

Post Production facilities - 3 digital editing stations

Betacam / HDV/DV Cameras

Digital and film still photography

Packshot studio for table tops and chroma key shoots

Crewing, line production and location services

Original compositions and Library Music

Stock Video Footage

Script Development and Execution

DVD Authoring

Computer Graphics

Animation

George Jacob, Managing Director

Movie Media.qxp 12/28/2006 4:57 PM Page 1

Making the DifferenceAs you enter MovieMedia, a 12-year old film and videoproduction house based in Deira, Dubai, a 35 mm Camaflexmotion picture camera stares at you from the receptionarea and a BolexElectric 16 mm winks at you from theopposite corner.

318 Best of Dubai

The

Art

s &

Med

ia

"They are in perfect working condition andcollector's items by now," says George Jacob,the proud owner of the cameras and theManaging Director and owner of MovieMedia.

While the film-making world has beenswept by a tide of technologicaladvancements and digital cameras are the'in' thing these days, there are those who stillcherish the film cameras. "They are from thedays of films when there were only films. Overthe years, I have seen television; video andthe internet emerge, putting communicationsand media on the fast track. Every day I amlearning and our company has moved withthe times and technology. In this business wecannot stand still."

That's George Jacob, an alumnus ofIndia's prestigious film school and winner ofseveral awards for cinematography.

As you start looking around MovieMediayou discover the tastefully done up premisesis a complete utility place. Everywhere thereare old cameras adorning the décor and theyall work. The old cameras are examples ofthe man's passion and love for his work. Theyare a connoisseur's delight.

MovieMedia has been adept at creativelytailoring its services to a client's needs. Butplease do not use the word ‘one-stop-shop’

says George. "Because we are story tellers-we provide script-to-screen services andanything in between", he adds with hischaracteristic laugh.

As you delve into the past of the man andhis organization it is a voyage into the growthof the Middle East media scenario. "We have always endeavoured to providesolutions for effective communications. Allproductions, be it corporate videos, TVcommercials, training films, induction videos, documentaries, television content generation, they all reflect our strong belief in storytelling", says George.

"Moving images combined with audio are the most digestible medium for a potential buyer. They can entertain, educate,attract and inspire in countless ways andforms", he adds.

An effective production transcends havingthe best of equipment alone, but moreimportantly it is the people behind theequipment. "Our team of qualified andexperienced cinematographers, editors,technicians are all film-school graduates andadept in all aspects of filmmaking. With anexperience of more than 28 years in the Gulfitself, we bring to the productions theunderstanding gained over the years."

Best of Dubai 319

The Internet has transformed the way we communicate offeringinstant global access. All over the world progressive organizations areusing videos on the web to enhance and spruce up the nature andquality of their communication.

MovieMedia has tapped into this new emerging media to give valueadded service to its clients.

“Webcasting is the new service that we are providing to our clientsand for many it is very new in this region. From live webcasting of eventsto special video clips, messages and company news updates we do itall. We can continually update your web cast to build interest, loyaltyand a high top-of-the-mind recall value. From content generationthrough content management and hosting, MovieMedia can provide acomprehensive service," he explains.

Over the years MovieMedia has gained a substantial client baseworldwide for line production, crewing and location services for various

filming activities in this region. It also has very close links with productionhouses in London and US and uses voice-over talents from the localtalent pool as well as from US, UK and Europe.

"At MovieMedia, we are primarily accountable for our productions.We want our clients and audience to know that it is a MovieMediaProduction. Our association is not a standard client-production houserelationship. We are all on the same side as partners. We createproductions and simultaneously educate. That helps us in retaining andcreating long-term associations," George adds.

"We firmly believe that our combination of passion, ingenuity, skill,experience and accountability is the best way to ensure that ourproductions result in making the difference".

Tel.: +9714 268 3873www.moviemedia.tv

Productions

Corporate films/videos

Infomercials

Commercials

Training Programmes

Company Communications

Video News Release (VNR)

Webcasting

Marketing Videos

Product Demos

Recruitment Programmes

Health and Safety Induction films… ad infinitum

Broadcast Productions

Documentaries

Music Videos

News Crew

Network Pieces

Day-in-the-Life

Network News

Network Sports

Celebrity Interviews

Television content generation

MovieMedia Facilities

Comprehensive script-to-screen services for video productions

Post Production facilities - 3 digital editing stations

Betacam / HDV/DV Cameras

Digital and film still photography

Packshot studio for table tops and chroma key shoots

Crewing, line production and location services

Original compositions and Library Music

Stock Video Footage

Script Development and Execution

DVD Authoring

Computer Graphics

Animation

George Jacob, Managing Director

Movie Media.qxp 12/28/2006 4:57 PM Page 1

Catch the Snap

An ebuillent and talented figure in theregion’s blossoming cultural milieu where artand photography reign supreme, PankajShah is a force to be reckoned with.

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What prompted you to move from social work into photography and what was it that broughtyou to Dubai? “I started social work at the age of 20. I was young, full of passion and very idealistic. No sacrifice was too much if it meant I could serve my country and my people. Ihad taken up photography to record some of our activities for our in-house publications.When I left social work I naturally turned to my passion and made it into my profession.”

How does the publishing/advertising industry in Dubai compare with other regions in whichyou have provided your services ?“My work has been published in over 35 countries and I have been commissioned by clientsin USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Dubai is astrange market, at one end there seems to be limitless resources, at the other endeverything is judged solely by how much it costs. At times a person's background seems tomatter more than their abilities. The advertising industry needs to mature and stabilise.”

What differentiates your work from other artists? “I would prefer to call myself a craftsman rather than an artist. What differentiates my workfrom others is perhaps the fact that I am a perfectionist and that means that I generallydeliver a lot more than most clients expect. In a world where many scrape by delivering whatis "just adequate" I tend to be an anachronism.”

Given the diversity of your work, do you have a preferred genre of photography? A preferredlocation? Why ? “I love portraiture because it is always a challenge to capture the "essence" of anindividual's personality rather than just capturing a person's likeness. I guess it is becauseof this that I keep getting called to do the "Official Corporate Portraits" of CEOs, President'sof companies and public figures. I also revel at converting ordinary men and women to lookglamorous. I love travel photography and can never forget the wonderful times I've had inChina, Japan and USA. China and Japan have an amazing cultural heritage and the UShas some amazing landscapes.”

You have won a number of awards, what achievements are you most proud of and why? “It is a funny thing about awards, one should be very proud and happy to have got them,but while society gives a lot of importance to them, what really satisfies us as individualsand makes us proud are things that may not even have been noticed by others. More thanawards I am proud of my work with young photographers who come to me to learn. On amore mundane level, the fact that I am entirely self taught as a photographer is a cause ofwonder to many. I never attended any photography courses or worked as an intern withany other photographer. In spite of that many of my assistants have gone on to becomesuccessful professionals and I am often invited by higher educational institutions, also herein Dubai, to train their students.”

What is gulfimages.com and how did it come about? How will gulfimages.com benefit themarket place for your services? “Gulfimages.com is really my wife Insy's brainchild. We came to Dubai in 1998 and oftensaw images of blue eyed and blonde families or business men digitally "retouched" tomake them look like locals. The results were quite pathetic but the poor ad agencies hadno other option as there were no ‘local’ models to speak of. Insy saw the need for imagesshot locally and we started by approaching strangers in shopping malls and public placesto become our models and soon had a collection of business and lifestyle images beingoffered as Royalty Free Stock images. Gulfimages.com soon became the premiere brandfor local images and we expanded our collection to include other GCC countries. Fiveyears and nearly a million Dirhams investment later we have become one of the best highend digital imaging studios in the GCC capable of taking on any project that requiresquality and experience to carry out. The market place can benefit from my 29 years'experience around the world, something that I think hardly any other photographer in Dubaican offer.”

What is the future for Pankaj Shah? “We are expanding rapidly and will soon have a new company called Hi-Brow operatingout of Dubai Media City. This company will represent many new and exclusive imagecollections from around the world.”

Tel.: +97150 452 1706 www.pankajshah.com

Best of Dubai 323

Pankaj Shah with his wife Insy

Pankaj - Gulf Image.qxp 12/28/2006 5:05 PM Page 1

Catch the Snap

An ebuillent and talented figure in theregion’s blossoming cultural milieu where artand photography reign supreme, PankajShah is a force to be reckoned with.

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What prompted you to move from social work into photography and what was it that broughtyou to Dubai? “I started social work at the age of 20. I was young, full of passion and very idealistic. No sacrifice was too much if it meant I could serve my country and my people. Ihad taken up photography to record some of our activities for our in-house publications.When I left social work I naturally turned to my passion and made it into my profession.”

How does the publishing/advertising industry in Dubai compare with other regions in whichyou have provided your services ?“My work has been published in over 35 countries and I have been commissioned by clientsin USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Dubai is astrange market, at one end there seems to be limitless resources, at the other endeverything is judged solely by how much it costs. At times a person's background seems tomatter more than their abilities. The advertising industry needs to mature and stabilise.”

What differentiates your work from other artists? “I would prefer to call myself a craftsman rather than an artist. What differentiates my workfrom others is perhaps the fact that I am a perfectionist and that means that I generallydeliver a lot more than most clients expect. In a world where many scrape by delivering whatis "just adequate" I tend to be an anachronism.”

Given the diversity of your work, do you have a preferred genre of photography? A preferredlocation? Why ? “I love portraiture because it is always a challenge to capture the "essence" of anindividual's personality rather than just capturing a person's likeness. I guess it is becauseof this that I keep getting called to do the "Official Corporate Portraits" of CEOs, President'sof companies and public figures. I also revel at converting ordinary men and women to lookglamorous. I love travel photography and can never forget the wonderful times I've had inChina, Japan and USA. China and Japan have an amazing cultural heritage and the UShas some amazing landscapes.”

You have won a number of awards, what achievements are you most proud of and why? “It is a funny thing about awards, one should be very proud and happy to have got them,but while society gives a lot of importance to them, what really satisfies us as individualsand makes us proud are things that may not even have been noticed by others. More thanawards I am proud of my work with young photographers who come to me to learn. On amore mundane level, the fact that I am entirely self taught as a photographer is a cause ofwonder to many. I never attended any photography courses or worked as an intern withany other photographer. In spite of that many of my assistants have gone on to becomesuccessful professionals and I am often invited by higher educational institutions, also herein Dubai, to train their students.”

What is gulfimages.com and how did it come about? How will gulfimages.com benefit themarket place for your services? “Gulfimages.com is really my wife Insy's brainchild. We came to Dubai in 1998 and oftensaw images of blue eyed and blonde families or business men digitally "retouched" tomake them look like locals. The results were quite pathetic but the poor ad agencies hadno other option as there were no ‘local’ models to speak of. Insy saw the need for imagesshot locally and we started by approaching strangers in shopping malls and public placesto become our models and soon had a collection of business and lifestyle images beingoffered as Royalty Free Stock images. Gulfimages.com soon became the premiere brandfor local images and we expanded our collection to include other GCC countries. Fiveyears and nearly a million Dirhams investment later we have become one of the best highend digital imaging studios in the GCC capable of taking on any project that requiresquality and experience to carry out. The market place can benefit from my 29 years'experience around the world, something that I think hardly any other photographer in Dubaican offer.”

What is the future for Pankaj Shah? “We are expanding rapidly and will soon have a new company called Hi-Brow operatingout of Dubai Media City. This company will represent many new and exclusive imagecollections from around the world.”

Tel.: +97150 452 1706 www.pankajshah.com

Best of Dubai 323

Pankaj Shah with his wife Insy

Pankaj - Gulf Image.qxp 12/28/2006 5:05 PM Page 1

Best of Dubai 325

One Of A Kind

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As more and more malls and retail chains line thestreets of Dubai and the region overall, competitionfor securing customer loyalty is hot.

With the growth of the Dubai market expected to see retail space triple by 2010 as thenumber of malls grows by 20 per cent, the emirate will take on the mantle of one of themost densely shopped cities in the world. With this in mind, and given Dubai's reputationas a 'shopper's paradise' - a place where shopping promotions and incentives are thenorm - being able to outmanoeuvre the competition and keep the customers comingback is imperative. This is where One2One can help.

One2One is a specialist loyalty management company that creates long-termconsumer loyalty through interactive, sustained and highly personalised targetedmarketing activities. Through the creation, management and operation of private loyalty programmes, One2One rewards customers providing them with the incentive to shop. Working with some of the best-known shopping malls and brandnames in the UAE, One2One has built a solid reputation for providing a comprehensivearray of loyalty services covering the full spectrum of managing relationships with their key customers. The aim is to convert casual shoppers as well as patrons into loyal customers, brand ambassadors and advocates cost effectively andconveniently for all.

"Our focus is on customer relationship management or CRM as it is known", saysMajid Ali, Chief Executive Officer One2One Group. "One2One's ethos is all about gettingto know your customers better and actively managing relations with them on anindividual basis. This kind of communication, which is specifically targeted and relevantto the end consumer's buying profile and habits, assists us in exposing new brands topotential audiences. It also serves in informing existing customers that their business isvalued and appreciated by highlighting special offers and promotions in a timely andrelevant way."

Having got to know the customers, argues Ali, it is also important how the informationthey provide is used. "A CRM programme is not just simply having a database, we mustwork with retailers to shift their perceptions into operating CRM initiatives beyond that.Loyalty schemes of any description must also be a long-term commitment and anintegral part of the overall marketing communications strategy, which values the intrinsiclifetime worth of each individual customer. After all, we are asking customers to identifythemselves to a company or brand. There is a great deal of trust given by the customerwhen they choose to impart their personal information and it is up to us to incentivisethem to make it worth their while and then to manage this information in an effective andappropriate manner. We employ cutting-edge data mining technologies, which are ratedthe best in the world, and programme accounting to provide accurate reporting anddynamic, multi-dimensional segmentation of the customer database", explains Ali. "Thisenables us to truly personalise offers to the most appropriate and relevant individualsand differentiate marketing communications to the most pertinent target audiences."

As an in depth study of mass consumer behaviour, an analysis of working loyaltyprogrammes provides a startling insight into purchasing habits, lifestyle, values andattitudes - all of which can be used to guide marketers in understanding their customersand developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships. "The communication processis dependent on client requirements and strategy, but the enormous benefit is that in thecase of shopping malls, it allows the tenant and the property owner to operate under afixed marketing budget", adds Ali.

In providing such a specialised service, One2One ensures only the best results withexclusive rights to use the patented GraphiCard™ system throughout the Middle East.This ultra high-tech, flexible and highly interactive marketing tool has been proven todrive increased frequency and sales throughout the world and is recognised as both acustomer reward programme and a sales promotion solution.

The GraphiCard™ system uses heat sensitive technology to print, delete and rewritea new customised message on the card face every time it is swiped in store. A magneticstrip stores specific data about every transaction in real time which can then beextracted using the Connect™ CRM engine.

"Most CRM systems are typically sourced by IT or card manufacturers and as such,are constrained by their pre-set operational parameters," explains Ali. "The maindifference with the GraphiCard™ system is that it has been developed from a completemarketing perspective, so it has taken the need for flexibility, timeliness and the need totailor personalised messages to different target audiences into consideration."

Because of its re-writeable face combined with this type of technology, there is theoption of providing customised offers and sales incentives instantly at the point of sale,as well as enabling customers to view their points balance and rewards. "This allows usto be spontaneous and to capture the 'right mood, right now, in the right environment'mentality of many shoppers", concludes Ali.

Tel.: +9714 367 1039www.o2ogroup.com

Best of Dubai 325

One Of A Kind

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As more and more malls and retail chains line thestreets of Dubai and the region overall, competitionfor securing customer loyalty is hot.

With the growth of the Dubai market expected to see retail space triple by 2010 as thenumber of malls grows by 20 per cent, the emirate will take on the mantle of one of themost densely shopped cities in the world. With this in mind, and given Dubai's reputationas a 'shopper's paradise' - a place where shopping promotions and incentives are thenorm - being able to outmanoeuvre the competition and keep the customers comingback is imperative. This is where One2One can help.

One2One is a specialist loyalty management company that creates long-termconsumer loyalty through interactive, sustained and highly personalised targetedmarketing activities. Through the creation, management and operation of private loyalty programmes, One2One rewards customers providing them with the incentive to shop. Working with some of the best-known shopping malls and brandnames in the UAE, One2One has built a solid reputation for providing a comprehensivearray of loyalty services covering the full spectrum of managing relationships with their key customers. The aim is to convert casual shoppers as well as patrons into loyal customers, brand ambassadors and advocates cost effectively andconveniently for all.

"Our focus is on customer relationship management or CRM as it is known", saysMajid Ali, Chief Executive Officer One2One Group. "One2One's ethos is all about gettingto know your customers better and actively managing relations with them on anindividual basis. This kind of communication, which is specifically targeted and relevantto the end consumer's buying profile and habits, assists us in exposing new brands topotential audiences. It also serves in informing existing customers that their business isvalued and appreciated by highlighting special offers and promotions in a timely andrelevant way."

Having got to know the customers, argues Ali, it is also important how the informationthey provide is used. "A CRM programme is not just simply having a database, we mustwork with retailers to shift their perceptions into operating CRM initiatives beyond that.Loyalty schemes of any description must also be a long-term commitment and anintegral part of the overall marketing communications strategy, which values the intrinsiclifetime worth of each individual customer. After all, we are asking customers to identifythemselves to a company or brand. There is a great deal of trust given by the customerwhen they choose to impart their personal information and it is up to us to incentivisethem to make it worth their while and then to manage this information in an effective andappropriate manner. We employ cutting-edge data mining technologies, which are ratedthe best in the world, and programme accounting to provide accurate reporting anddynamic, multi-dimensional segmentation of the customer database", explains Ali. "Thisenables us to truly personalise offers to the most appropriate and relevant individualsand differentiate marketing communications to the most pertinent target audiences."

As an in depth study of mass consumer behaviour, an analysis of working loyaltyprogrammes provides a startling insight into purchasing habits, lifestyle, values andattitudes - all of which can be used to guide marketers in understanding their customersand developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships. "The communication processis dependent on client requirements and strategy, but the enormous benefit is that in thecase of shopping malls, it allows the tenant and the property owner to operate under afixed marketing budget", adds Ali.

In providing such a specialised service, One2One ensures only the best results withexclusive rights to use the patented GraphiCard™ system throughout the Middle East.This ultra high-tech, flexible and highly interactive marketing tool has been proven todrive increased frequency and sales throughout the world and is recognised as both acustomer reward programme and a sales promotion solution.

The GraphiCard™ system uses heat sensitive technology to print, delete and rewritea new customised message on the card face every time it is swiped in store. A magneticstrip stores specific data about every transaction in real time which can then beextracted using the Connect™ CRM engine.

"Most CRM systems are typically sourced by IT or card manufacturers and as such,are constrained by their pre-set operational parameters," explains Ali. "The maindifference with the GraphiCard™ system is that it has been developed from a completemarketing perspective, so it has taken the need for flexibility, timeliness and the need totailor personalised messages to different target audiences into consideration."

Because of its re-writeable face combined with this type of technology, there is theoption of providing customised offers and sales incentives instantly at the point of sale,as well as enabling customers to view their points balance and rewards. "This allows usto be spontaneous and to capture the 'right mood, right now, in the right environment'mentality of many shoppers", concludes Ali.

Tel.: +9714 367 1039www.o2ogroup.com

CHAPTER 19Training & Education

"Stagnation means regression, thereforeyou should strive to develop.

If you cannot, you should give up yourplace to others".


CHAPTER 19Training & Education

"Stagnation means regression, thereforeyou should strive to develop.

If you cannot, you should give up yourplace to others".


With more and more expatriate families expected tostay longer in Dubai to take advantage of the newfreehold ownership laws and with 25 per cent of thelocal Emirati population under 25 years of age, thereis an increasing demand for Dubai-based,internationally accredited post-secondaryeducation. Previously, youngsters from the UAEwould have fanned out through the world, headingfor schools in Europe or North America.

Enduring long hours of travel just to go to anaccredited university is no longer necessary,however, with the presence of the University ofWollongong in Dubai (UOWD). Established in 1993as the Australian Institute of Studies offeringundergraduate and postgraduate diplomas inbusiness and information technology, UOWD rapidlybroadened its focus. UOWD is not only one ofUAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed intoone of the most prestigious. UOWD degrees arewell respected and recognised within the UAE andinternationally and graduates receive a qualitydegree accredited by the Australian government inthe areas of business or information technology.

The institution's name, University of Wollongongin Dubai, reflects its historical association with theUniversity of Wollongong in Australia, a dynamicinstitution with an international outlook and agrowing reputation for providing quality educationand research. The University's strength incollaborative research was acknowledged in 1999

when UOW won the'University of Year' Award forits "Outstanding Researchand DevelopmentPartnerships". It isconsistently rated amongthe top universities ofAustralia, and hosts severalinternationally activeresearch centres,particularly intelecommunications, socialpolicy, health services,advanced materialsengineering and theenvironment. In 2005, theuniversity was rankedAustralia’s top university forteaching performance.

UOWD is situated inKnowledge Village, Dubai’seducation precinct, locatednext to the Media andInternet Cities, which housethe world’s top corporationsin the very fields that UOWDstudents will be poised toenter. Its faculty ofinternationally-recruitedacademics, many of whom


are business and industry professionals,provides students with a stimulatingeducational environment that is sure toposition them as the leaders of tomorrow,equipped with superior critical facultiesthat will stand them in good stead intoday’s rapidly changing, politicallyvolatile, internationally focused andinformation-based world.

Students enjoy a pulsating social lifeon campus with facilities including a foodcourt, an active Student RepresentativeCouncil, personal and academiccounselling, a medical centre and a well-stocked library. Full accommodationoptions are also available within closeproximity to the University. Moreover, withDubai’s location as a safe and easilyaccessed hub between the Middle East,the Subcontinent and Eastern Africa, themélange of ethnicities and languagesamong UOWD students is trulyastounding. A global village microcosm,with over 2200 students fromapproximately 80 different countries, theUOWD’s strikingly diverse student bodycan only add an extra dimension tostudent’s educational experience: afacility with cross-cultural communication,an opportunity to hear first-hand theexperiences of people from all over the

world, and enjoy interesting post-lecturediscussion too.

The university maintains its excellencewith a combination of commitment tocontinuous growth and adherence tostrong principles. UOWD’s CEO,Professor Nicholas van der Walt, states,“As an organisation, our aim is to excel in providing services of superiorquality to our students and stakeholdersand to excel over our competitors. Weapply moral and professional principles,ensuring employees always carry out their roles and responsibilities with honesty, diligence and anunderstanding of the ‘right’ approach tobest practice.”

Graduates of UOWD attain attributesthat will serve them for life: commitmentto independent learning, intellectualdevelopment, critical analysis, ethicalstandards and self-confidence.Combined with an appreciation ofcultural and intellectual diversity and acapacity for teamwork, students areempowered to initiate and participate inorganisational, social and culturalchange in the Information Age.

Tel.: +9714 367 2400www.uowdubai.ac.ae

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tion Destination Education

UOWD is not only one of UAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed into one of the most prestigious.

With more and more expatriate families expected tostay longer in Dubai to take advantage of the newfreehold ownership laws and with 25 per cent of thelocal Emirati population under 25 years of age, thereis an increasing demand for Dubai-based,internationally accredited post-secondaryeducation. Previously, youngsters from the UAEwould have fanned out through the world, headingfor schools in Europe or North America.

Enduring long hours of travel just to go to anaccredited university is no longer necessary,however, with the presence of the University ofWollongong in Dubai (UOWD). Established in 1993as the Australian Institute of Studies offeringundergraduate and postgraduate diplomas inbusiness and information technology, UOWD rapidlybroadened its focus. UOWD is not only one ofUAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed intoone of the most prestigious. UOWD degrees arewell respected and recognised within the UAE andinternationally and graduates receive a qualitydegree accredited by the Australian government inthe areas of business or information technology.

The institution's name, University of Wollongongin Dubai, reflects its historical association with theUniversity of Wollongong in Australia, a dynamicinstitution with an international outlook and agrowing reputation for providing quality educationand research. The University's strength incollaborative research was acknowledged in 1999

when UOW won the'University of Year' Award forits "Outstanding Researchand DevelopmentPartnerships". It isconsistently rated amongthe top universities ofAustralia, and hosts severalinternationally activeresearch centres,particularly intelecommunications, socialpolicy, health services,advanced materialsengineering and theenvironment. In 2005, theuniversity was rankedAustralia’s top university forteaching performance.

UOWD is situated inKnowledge Village, Dubai’seducation precinct, locatednext to the Media andInternet Cities, which housethe world’s top corporationsin the very fields that UOWDstudents will be poised toenter. Its faculty ofinternationally-recruitedacademics, many of whom


are business and industry professionals,provides students with a stimulatingeducational environment that is sure toposition them as the leaders of tomorrow,equipped with superior critical facultiesthat will stand them in good stead intoday’s rapidly changing, politicallyvolatile, internationally focused andinformation-based world.

Students enjoy a pulsating social lifeon campus with facilities including a foodcourt, an active Student RepresentativeCouncil, personal and academiccounselling, a medical centre and a well-stocked library. Full accommodationoptions are also available within closeproximity to the University. Moreover, withDubai’s location as a safe and easilyaccessed hub between the Middle East,the Subcontinent and Eastern Africa, themélange of ethnicities and languagesamong UOWD students is trulyastounding. A global village microcosm,with over 2200 students fromapproximately 80 different countries, theUOWD’s strikingly diverse student bodycan only add an extra dimension tostudent’s educational experience: afacility with cross-cultural communication,an opportunity to hear first-hand theexperiences of people from all over the

world, and enjoy interesting post-lecturediscussion too.

The university maintains its excellencewith a combination of commitment tocontinuous growth and adherence tostrong principles. UOWD’s CEO,Professor Nicholas van der Walt, states,“As an organisation, our aim is to excel in providing services of superiorquality to our students and stakeholdersand to excel over our competitors. Weapply moral and professional principles,ensuring employees always carry out their roles and responsibilities with honesty, diligence and anunderstanding of the ‘right’ approach tobest practice.”

Graduates of UOWD attain attributesthat will serve them for life: commitmentto independent learning, intellectualdevelopment, critical analysis, ethicalstandards and self-confidence.Combined with an appreciation ofcultural and intellectual diversity and acapacity for teamwork, students areempowered to initiate and participate inorganisational, social and culturalchange in the Information Age.

Tel.: +9714 367 2400www.uowdubai.ac.ae

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tion Destination Education

UOWD is not only one of UAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed into one of the most prestigious.

A bold testament to the emirate’s confidence in theknowledge economy as a means of creating prosperityand employment opportunities, Knowledge Village standsforth as a successful model of Dubai’s determination toharness the power of education to the advantage of theregion by bringing together the world’s best academicinstitutions and training centres under one roof.

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The cluster, launched in September2003, provides an advancedinfrastructure for a variety ofeducational and researchorganizations to create anddisseminate knowledge. Its mission isto create a vibrant, connected learningcommunity to develop the region’stalent pool and accelerate its moveinto the knowledge economy.

Dubai Knowledge Village wasconceived as part of a strategic, long-term socio-economic plan tofoster an information society in Dubai and the region, as well as tocomplete the basic foundationrequired for a structured growth of the emirate’s emerging knowledgeeconomy.

Designed to create an advancedholistic learning and researchenvironment with participation fromleading tertiary institutions from aroundthe world, Dubai Knowledge Villagecomplements its sister free zoneentities, the Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai StudioCity, International Media ProductionZone, Empower, e-Hosting Datafort,Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubiotech,ITEP and TAMKEEN. It aims to feedtalent and innovation into theseinstitutions as well as benefit from theknowledge of its community ofprofessionals, thus constituting one of the vital clusters in Dubai’sknowledge economy.

Dubai Knowledge Village providesthe infrastructure and environment toservice a variety of knowledge entitiesincluding academic institutes,professional training centres andlearning support organisations. More than 7,000 students are currentlyenrolled in various institutionsoperating out of this beautifullyplanned educational cluster, close toboth Dubai’s other free zones and theshores of the Arabian Sea too.

With the goal of the KnowledgeVillage to position the DubaiTechnology and Media Free Zone as aglobal and regional centre ofexcellence for learning and innovation,prominent international universitiesfrom Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran,Russia, Belgium, United Kingdom,Ireland and Canada have set up baseoffering advanced programmes incomputing, technology, businessmanagement, life sciences, fashion and media, among otherspecialisations.

A unique campus ambience hasbeen fostered by ensuring astimulating and welcomingatmosphere for students,

professionals, teachers, instructors,researchers and scientists to interact.

Business segments at DubaiKnowledge Village include academicinstitutes, management developmentcentres, professional training centres,research and development centres,human resource development centresand e-learning providers.

Academic InstitutesThere are currently 16 prominentinternational universities from differentcountries operating at the KnowledgeVillage. These include the University of Wollongong in Dubai, from Australia, Middlesex University DubaiCampus, from UK and S.P Jain Centreof Management Dubai, from Indiaamong others.

These institutions offer programmesthat range in duration from one year tofour years. Major academicprogrammes on offer includeengineering, computer science,fashion and design, biotechnology,environmental studies, qualitymanagement and businessmanagement programmes.

Training Centres In addition to universities andinstitutions of higher educationKnowledge Village also plays host tomore than 350 training centres whichinclude human resource developmentcentres, professional training institutes,R&D organizations, innovation centresand e-learning companies.

The training centres at KnowledgeVillage include leading global as wellas regional players who are bothexperienced and well positioned tomeet the requirements of individualsand small to very large organisations.

New Campus @ Dubai Academic City Several internationally renownedinstitutions of higher education will be based at the new campus ofDubai Knowledge Village at AcademicCity. The new campus will give students access to an even wider range of degrees andprogrammes, all from one location.

Set amidst an exquisitelylandscaped area, the sprawlingcampus will have an ambience thatmatches the best academicenvironments in the US, Europe andAustralia. It will offer students acampus lifestyle comparable to thatoffered by the world’s leadinguniversities.

Tel.: +9714 390 1111www.kv.ae

Best of Dubai 331

Dr. Ayoub, Executive Director

Knowledge Village Final.qxp 12/10/06 4:39 PM Page 2

Advancing Education for the World

For many students, studying at an American university is a lifelongdream. American Higher Education (AHEd) helps them achieve thisvision by exporting U.S. education throughout the world. AHEd'sfundamental mission is to bring the highest quality American educationto those who would otherwise not have access to it.

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Through collaboration with America's top universities, AHEd is tackling some of theworld's toughest challenges in education. It is increasing access to the bestuniversity education available from the U.S., strengthening teachers as instructionalleaders, training nurses for a global need, and encouraging professionaldevelopment in all fields - from engineering to management development. AHEd'slearning centers offer top-quality computer labs, professional developmentadvisors, library and e-library access, face-to-face lectures with visiting faculty, anda writing centre.

AHEd works closely with Columbia University, and from anywhere in the worldqualified students can attain Master's degrees or certificates from its Fu School ofEngineering. Columbia is opening frontiers in an expanding array of fields, fromfinancial engineering to corrosion control. Its engineering and applied scienceprograms are among the nation's oldest and most influential. They use onlinetechnology and innovative approaches, including computer-assisted design andthe use of "smart" materials, to enhance the virtual learning experience. Studentsdownload class lectures and watch them at their convenience during the week.They communicate by e-mail with professors, use their workplace as a livinglaboratory, and test in the AHEd computer centres.

The AHEd commitment to education continues after a degree has beencompleted, through professional development. It is closely affiliated with BostonUniversity Corporate Education Center (BU), with whom it organises a full range ofonline project management training. BU and AHEd also offer periodic onsiteProject Management training at AHEd's Knowledge Village offices. With one of thelargest international student populations of any American university, BU embodiesthe diversity that characterises the United States.

AHEd also has strong ties to WIDE World developed at Harvard GraduateSchool of Education which offers online teacher training programs. School districtscommitted to raising their district's overall quality of education participate in WIDEWorld, which connects classroom activities to real-world challenges. Teacherslearn the most cutting-edge techniques in education, including how to assessstudent performance and understanding, and how to help their students becomeactive self, and peer-assessors. They also become skilled at using technology,differentiated learning, and content-specific strategies to improve studentperformance and promote deeper understanding of educational content.

The professional development training that AHEd provides also includes theAHEd Communications Institute (ACI), which trains its participants to sharpen theirbusiness communications skills with techniques they can apply on the job the nextday. Using Harvard Business School case studies, participants learn to makedynamic presentations, write e-mails and reports that are clear and succinct, usemodern language, summarise their point of view in meetings, and improve fluencyin business conversations. ACI training is available to the general public, and isalso customised for the needs of private corporations.

American Higher Education is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, and hasbranch offices in Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE, and New Delhi, India. AHEd hasrepresentatives in Seoul, Singapore, and China.

Tel: +9714 369 3870Website: www.americanhighered.com

Best of Dubai 333

American Higher Education.qxp 12/27/2006 1:10 PM Page 1

Advancing Education for the World

For many students, studying at an American university is a lifelongdream. American Higher Education (AHEd) helps them achieve thisvision by exporting U.S. education throughout the world. AHEd'sfundamental mission is to bring the highest quality American educationto those who would otherwise not have access to it.

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Through collaboration with America's top universities, AHEd is tackling some of theworld's toughest challenges in education. It is increasing access to the bestuniversity education available from the U.S., strengthening teachers as instructionalleaders, training nurses for a global need, and encouraging professionaldevelopment in all fields - from engineering to management development. AHEd'slearning centers offer top-quality computer labs, professional developmentadvisors, library and e-library access, face-to-face lectures with visiting faculty, anda writing centre.

AHEd works closely with Columbia University, and from anywhere in the worldqualified students can attain Master's degrees or certificates from its Fu School ofEngineering. Columbia is opening frontiers in an expanding array of fields, fromfinancial engineering to corrosion control. Its engineering and applied scienceprograms are among the nation's oldest and most influential. They use onlinetechnology and innovative approaches, including computer-assisted design andthe use of "smart" materials, to enhance the virtual learning experience. Studentsdownload class lectures and watch them at their convenience during the week.They communicate by e-mail with professors, use their workplace as a livinglaboratory, and test in the AHEd computer centres.

The AHEd commitment to education continues after a degree has beencompleted, through professional development. It is closely affiliated with BostonUniversity Corporate Education Center (BU), with whom it organises a full range ofonline project management training. BU and AHEd also offer periodic onsiteProject Management training at AHEd's Knowledge Village offices. With one of thelargest international student populations of any American university, BU embodiesthe diversity that characterises the United States.

AHEd also has strong ties to WIDE World developed at Harvard GraduateSchool of Education which offers online teacher training programs. School districtscommitted to raising their district's overall quality of education participate in WIDEWorld, which connects classroom activities to real-world challenges. Teacherslearn the most cutting-edge techniques in education, including how to assessstudent performance and understanding, and how to help their students becomeactive self, and peer-assessors. They also become skilled at using technology,differentiated learning, and content-specific strategies to improve studentperformance and promote deeper understanding of educational content.

The professional development training that AHEd provides also includes theAHEd Communications Institute (ACI), which trains its participants to sharpen theirbusiness communications skills with techniques they can apply on the job the nextday. Using Harvard Business School case studies, participants learn to makedynamic presentations, write e-mails and reports that are clear and succinct, usemodern language, summarise their point of view in meetings, and improve fluencyin business conversations. ACI training is available to the general public, and isalso customised for the needs of private corporations.

American Higher Education is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, and hasbranch offices in Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE, and New Delhi, India. AHEd hasrepresentatives in Seoul, Singapore, and China.

Tel: +9714 369 3870Website: www.americanhighered.com

Best of Dubai 333

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RCSI Leads Healthcare Management Training

For over two hundred years, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland(RCSI) has played a pivotal role in surgical and medical education. Asone of Ireland's most progressive institutions, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and teaching methods, the college has now madeits expertise available in Dubai with a campus in Knowledge Village.

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RCSI Dubai was launched in 2005 and, in its initial phase, providespostgraduate training and education in management and leadershipdelivered by RCSI's International School of Healthcare Management.Health professionals and consultancy services in the UAE have accessto a specialised training and development programme, regardless ofwhether they are working in the private or public sector, with doctors,nurses, managers and allied health professionals all benefiting.

"The interest in the programme has been strong", explains RCSIDubai Director of Operations, Tina Joyce, "and students include a goodmix of senior doctors, nurses, managers and policy makers with a strong interest in building up their managerial expertise and knowledge."

RCSI Dubai represents a further strengthening of the close tiesbetween the RCSI in Dublin and the Middle East, with Joyce expressingno doubt as to why having a campus in the emirate was a must.

"We have chosen to locate in Dubai because of its pivotal location in the Middle East and its very strong focus on education and learning.Many of our graduates have gone on to senior positions within their owncountries since they have benefited in their careers from having aninternationally recognised management qualification”, says Joyce.

Globally, the School of Healthcare Management has been at theforefront of management education and training for the health sector forover ten years, providing MBA, MSc and Diploma programmes. TheSchool prides itself on being progressive and has developed strong links with health care providers and institutions both in Irelandand internationally.

"We have a very long relationship with the Middle East and havebeen taking students from there for 40 years," states Professor Ciaran AO'Boyle, Head of School of Healthcare Management. “Our core purposeis to educate and train people working in the healthcare system todevelop themselves and their organisations. The Faculty work withindividual managers, teams and organisations to help them understandthe forces that shape their environments, so that they can develop,respond and deliver the best possible services in the most efficient andeffective way”, he concludes.

RCSI Dubai currently provides two MSc programmes, a

Masters in Healthcare Management and a Masters in Quality inHealthcare. These programmes are identical to the programmes offeredin Ireland and follow the educational philosophy of the School beingadult learning-centred, with the primary focus on helping individuallearners to develop themselves, their organisation and the healthsystem.

As in Ireland, the RCSI Dubai approach to teaching is participativeand interactive, providing an environment for participants to learn fromexperience through reflection, dialogue, advocacy and enquiry. RCSI Dubai faculty also works to ensure the quality of the programmesthrough listening to participants, continuing research and development and through ongoing consultation and interaction with the healthcare systems.

The training programme is held in such high esteem that theGovernment of Dubai is using it to benefit its employees. “Having amedical background as a physician and currently working inadministration in a healthcare institution enthused me to pursue adegree that would help me obtain the knowledge and skills requiredfor management. I firmly believe that administration is a science thattransforms into an art on practical application and choosing the RCSIMasters Program was one of the best decisions I made”, states DrAmer Ahmad Sharif, Senior Administrative Officer at the Office of theAssistant Director general (Medical Affairs) at the Department of Healthand Medical Services. “The College’s long standing reputation inquality education and its convenient location in Dubai were just twoof the many reasons I opted for this. The program has provided mewith the general concepts of management necessary to enhance myskills in areas such as leadership and strategic planning. The cohortof students allowed me to learn from others and share different viewsand ideas. The learning environment was superb and I am sure thewhole team had a great learning experience!”

Tel.: +9714 3616282www.rcsidubai.comwww.rcsi.ie

Best of Dubai 337

Mylin Lourdes Araujo - Administrator, Dr. Steve Benjamin - Lecturer, Mimi Copty - Programme Director, Tina Joyce - Director of Operations,

Prof. Ciarán O’Boyle - Head of School, Samar Hammam - Administrator

Professor Michael Butler, President of the Royal Surgeons In Irelandwith HH the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum

rcsi.qxp 12/28/2006 5:50 PM Page 1

RCSI Leads Healthcare Management Training

For over two hundred years, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland(RCSI) has played a pivotal role in surgical and medical education. Asone of Ireland's most progressive institutions, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and teaching methods, the college has now madeits expertise available in Dubai with a campus in Knowledge Village.

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RCSI Dubai was launched in 2005 and, in its initial phase, providespostgraduate training and education in management and leadershipdelivered by RCSI's International School of Healthcare Management.Health professionals and consultancy services in the UAE have accessto a specialised training and development programme, regardless ofwhether they are working in the private or public sector, with doctors,nurses, managers and allied health professionals all benefiting.

"The interest in the programme has been strong", explains RCSIDubai Director of Operations, Tina Joyce, "and students include a goodmix of senior doctors, nurses, managers and policy makers with a strong interest in building up their managerial expertise and knowledge."

RCSI Dubai represents a further strengthening of the close tiesbetween the RCSI in Dublin and the Middle East, with Joyce expressingno doubt as to why having a campus in the emirate was a must.

"We have chosen to locate in Dubai because of its pivotal location in the Middle East and its very strong focus on education and learning.Many of our graduates have gone on to senior positions within their owncountries since they have benefited in their careers from having aninternationally recognised management qualification”, says Joyce.

Globally, the School of Healthcare Management has been at theforefront of management education and training for the health sector forover ten years, providing MBA, MSc and Diploma programmes. TheSchool prides itself on being progressive and has developed strong links with health care providers and institutions both in Irelandand internationally.

"We have a very long relationship with the Middle East and havebeen taking students from there for 40 years," states Professor Ciaran AO'Boyle, Head of School of Healthcare Management. “Our core purposeis to educate and train people working in the healthcare system todevelop themselves and their organisations. The Faculty work withindividual managers, teams and organisations to help them understandthe forces that shape their environments, so that they can develop,respond and deliver the best possible services in the most efficient andeffective way”, he concludes.

RCSI Dubai currently provides two MSc programmes, a

Masters in Healthcare Management and a Masters in Quality inHealthcare. These programmes are identical to the programmes offeredin Ireland and follow the educational philosophy of the School beingadult learning-centred, with the primary focus on helping individuallearners to develop themselves, their organisation and the healthsystem.

As in Ireland, the RCSI Dubai approach to teaching is participativeand interactive, providing an environment for participants to learn fromexperience through reflection, dialogue, advocacy and enquiry. RCSI Dubai faculty also works to ensure the quality of the programmesthrough listening to participants, continuing research and development and through ongoing consultation and interaction with the healthcare systems.

The training programme is held in such high esteem that theGovernment of Dubai is using it to benefit its employees. “Having amedical background as a physician and currently working inadministration in a healthcare institution enthused me to pursue adegree that would help me obtain the knowledge and skills requiredfor management. I firmly believe that administration is a science thattransforms into an art on practical application and choosing the RCSIMasters Program was one of the best decisions I made”, states DrAmer Ahmad Sharif, Senior Administrative Officer at the Office of theAssistant Director general (Medical Affairs) at the Department of Healthand Medical Services. “The College’s long standing reputation inquality education and its convenient location in Dubai were just twoof the many reasons I opted for this. The program has provided mewith the general concepts of management necessary to enhance myskills in areas such as leadership and strategic planning. The cohortof students allowed me to learn from others and share different viewsand ideas. The learning environment was superb and I am sure thewhole team had a great learning experience!”

Tel.: +9714 3616282www.rcsidubai.comwww.rcsi.ie

Best of Dubai 337

Mylin Lourdes Araujo - Administrator, Dr. Steve Benjamin - Lecturer, Mimi Copty - Programme Director, Tina Joyce - Director of Operations,

Prof. Ciarán O’Boyle - Head of School, Samar Hammam - Administrator

Professor Michael Butler, President of the Royal Surgeons In Irelandwith HH the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum

rcsi.qxp 12/28/2006 5:50 PM Page 1

Recipe for Success

With tourism one of the region’s most buoyant sectors set toattract 68.5 million tourists by 2020, global hotel groups arehoming in on Dubai, the Middle East’s undisputed tourism hub.Celebrating its fifth birthday, The Emirates Academy of HospitalityManagement is pivotal in this growth.

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Its commitment to quality training meansthat since opening its doors to internationalstudents in 2001, The Emirates Academy ofHospitality Management has earned areputation for being one of the leadinghospitality management schools worldwide.With additional campus spaceaccommodating a further intake of 85students that joined in October 2006, thestudent population now exceeds 250.Gerald Lawless, CEO of Jumeirah Group said: “The rapid growth of TheEmirates Academy is testimony to thequality of the faculty and the various degreeprogrammes on offer as well as its mature, professional and truly internationalstudent body.”

With 383 hotels and hotel apartments,Dubai’s rapidly expanding portfolio ofhotels relies on excellent human resourcesin order to remain sustainable. TheAcademy, part of the Jumeirah Group isthe first to focus on tourism and hospitalityat university level in the Middle East.

Underscoring quality education andinnovation - this is where the stylish state-of-the-art Academy, close to theGroup’s awe-inspiring Burj Al Arab andJumeirah Beach Hotel, fits in as Dubai’stourism industry matures and a more skilledworkforce is required. Manic hoteldevelopment notwithstanding, it’s alsothanks to the government’s relentlesspromotion of the Emirate as a multi-facettedlifestyle and tourism destination to suitdiverse segments that ensures the ground-breaking occupancy rates that hotelscurrently enjoy.

With a current 400 nationals working inthe hospitality sector in Dubai overall, thisnumber will increase to 600 by end 2006,as Emiratisation steps up. In this regard,The Emirates Academy of HospitalityManagement takes its role of participatingin this national initiative – a core objectivefor today and tomorrow – very seriously.

Growing from within notwithstanding, inorder to stay on the gastronomic cuttingedge, top-class global chefs such as Ken

Hom, Gary Rhodes and Michel Roux joinforces to regularly impart their culinaryexpertise to students whilst bolstering theinstitute’s profile too. Ultimately, as a uniqueacademy of excellence, this 16-strongfaculty plays its part in developing the talentneeded for the 4,590,000 jobs to be filled inthe Middle East in this sector by 2007.

With valuable student exchangeprogrammes the order of the day,bachelor’s degree hospitality students havethe opportunity to spend a year at theprestigious Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne inSwitzerland, providing a truly internationaland world class educational experience.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed BinRashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai isthe Academy’s patron, and the Ministry ofHigher Education and Scientific Researchfor the UAE licenses and accredits theAcademy and its degree courses. Asidefrom accredited undergraduate degrees ininternational hospitality and tourismmanagement, the institute offers a series ofProfessional Development Programmes forsenior industry managers and executives.Here, global hospitality and food industrymarket leaders conduct seniormanagement development courses tokeep abreast of latest developments inresearch and management.

Clearly, its mission to become one of theworld’s leading tourism and hospitalitymanagement schools, providing universitylevel education and professionaldevelopment for the travel, tourism andhospitality industries is not impossible. Onthe contrary, with a renowned internationalfaculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure,comprehensive facilities and strongsupport from a leading hospitality group,the Academy is making the grade as aspecialist management school capable ofkeeping pace with the region’s growth inthis exciting sector that moves in fast-forward mode.

Tel.: + 9714 315 5555www.emiratesacademy.edu

Best of Dubai 339

Ron Hilvert, Managing Director,Emirates Academy of Hospitality

ECA_L1.QXP 12/12/06 5:48 PM Page 2

Family Affair

Through hard graft, a little luck and lots of inspiration,Ram and Gautam Ganglani have transformed Right Selectioninto a premier training and motivational enterprise.

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How do you source the speakersand what criteria do you apply inselection? How many speakers andevents do you hope to host in thefuture?“We keep a close eye on thebestselling business managementbooks. If any of those topics arerelevant to this market, we check ifthe authors are professionalspeakers and trainers, and keen totravel here.

We choose the best expert orguru on a particular topic. Leadingup to February 2007, we have avariety of seminars lined-up. Weusually host at least one seminarevery month.”

There are many EventManagement companies that haveset up in the last five years. How isRight Selection, as a close family-run business, different from theothers?“Right Selection’s success is basedupon connecting with people. Weoperate as a small ‘father and son’family business and always aim togive our clients a ‘boutique’experience. This refers not to oursize, but to our attention to detailand friendliness.”

What about customer loyalty? Do you feel that is an issue?“Customer loyalty is vitallyimportant to us. It is the intangibleemotional benefits, thetransparency and humility that willserve as the basis for long-termcustomer loyalty.”

How do you cope with customerpreferences? Customers’ needs and choices keep

shifting all the time?“That is true. New marketsegments are constantly evolving.We need to give our customers aunique emotional perspective andkeep in close touch with them tounderstand their needs from timeto time. It is a never endingexercise.”

Does pricing pose a problem asthis market is used to discounts andother concessions?“We accept pricing is an issue andtackle it by doing our best to offerreal value to our customers. Ourvalues set us apart.”

How do your clients view yourapproach and your services?“Our goal is that Right Selectionshould always be their premierchoice. We like to be looked at asreliable and flexible and treat ourclients as if they are our businesspartners.”

What is the mission and vision ofRight Selection today?

VisionTo partner with our clients inhelping them build a stronglearning culture in theirorganizations by providing themwith cost-effective tools andtraining solutions.

MissionTo provide our clients with a uniqueresults-oriented learningexperience with top-class trainers,speakers and educational tools.

Tel.: +9714 352 7803www.rightselection.com

Father and son duo air their views…

How long has Right Selection been in operation and how has the businesschanged over the years?“When Right Selection was launched in 1993, the distribution of businessmanagement books, video training programmes and motivational audios wasour core business.

Over the years, we provided clients with cost-effective solutions to theirtraining needs. Client demand led us to link up with top-class internationalspeakers, trainers and consultants like Ron Kaufman, Steve Lundin, BobUrichuck, Omar Khan and Keith Usher specialising in soft management skills.Our team of experts is sourced worldwide and we have a few trainersstationed in the UAE. Although we began as a father and son operation, we are now expanding with alliances and partnerships as well as adding newmembers to our team.”

Best of Dubai 341

Our goal is simple... to help you reach yours

Ram and Gautam Gangalani

Scenes from various training seminars

Right Selection.qxp 12/28/2006 5:52 PM Page 1

Family Affair

Through hard graft, a little luck and lots of inspiration,Ram and Gautam Ganglani have transformed Right Selectioninto a premier training and motivational enterprise.

340 Best of Dubai

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How do you source the speakersand what criteria do you apply inselection? How many speakers andevents do you hope to host in thefuture?“We keep a close eye on thebestselling business managementbooks. If any of those topics arerelevant to this market, we check ifthe authors are professionalspeakers and trainers, and keen totravel here.

We choose the best expert orguru on a particular topic. Leadingup to February 2007, we have avariety of seminars lined-up. Weusually host at least one seminarevery month.”

There are many EventManagement companies that haveset up in the last five years. How isRight Selection, as a close family-run business, different from theothers?“Right Selection’s success is basedupon connecting with people. Weoperate as a small ‘father and son’family business and always aim togive our clients a ‘boutique’experience. This refers not to oursize, but to our attention to detailand friendliness.”

What about customer loyalty? Do you feel that is an issue?“Customer loyalty is vitallyimportant to us. It is the intangibleemotional benefits, thetransparency and humility that willserve as the basis for long-termcustomer loyalty.”

How do you cope with customerpreferences? Customers’ needs and choices keep

shifting all the time?“That is true. New marketsegments are constantly evolving.We need to give our customers aunique emotional perspective andkeep in close touch with them tounderstand their needs from timeto time. It is a never endingexercise.”

Does pricing pose a problem asthis market is used to discounts andother concessions?“We accept pricing is an issue andtackle it by doing our best to offerreal value to our customers. Ourvalues set us apart.”

How do your clients view yourapproach and your services?“Our goal is that Right Selectionshould always be their premierchoice. We like to be looked at asreliable and flexible and treat ourclients as if they are our businesspartners.”

What is the mission and vision ofRight Selection today?

VisionTo partner with our clients inhelping them build a stronglearning culture in theirorganizations by providing themwith cost-effective tools andtraining solutions.

MissionTo provide our clients with a uniqueresults-oriented learningexperience with top-class trainers,speakers and educational tools.

Tel.: +9714 352 7803www.rightselection.com

Father and son duo air their views…

How long has Right Selection been in operation and how has the businesschanged over the years?“When Right Selection was launched in 1993, the distribution of businessmanagement books, video training programmes and motivational audios wasour core business.

Over the years, we provided clients with cost-effective solutions to theirtraining needs. Client demand led us to link up with top-class internationalspeakers, trainers and consultants like Ron Kaufman, Steve Lundin, BobUrichuck, Omar Khan and Keith Usher specialising in soft management skills.Our team of experts is sourced worldwide and we have a few trainersstationed in the UAE. Although we began as a father and son operation, we are now expanding with alliances and partnerships as well as adding newmembers to our team.”

Best of Dubai 341

Our goal is simple... to help you reach yours

Ram and Gautam Gangalani

Scenes from various training seminars

Right Selection.qxp 12/28/2006 5:52 PM Page 1

The Bullet Proof Manager

Given Dubai’s status as an international hub for business,competition between industries for leading managers is at apremium. With the competition so hot, getting the best leaders isparamount. Continuous training is essential for keeping abreastwith the rapidly changing conditions in Dubai.

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Best of Dubai 343

With management proficiency at thecore of business growth, developinga leadership team that surpasses allothers is now simpler thanks to theentry of Crestcom International intothe local market. A global trainingcompany actively involved in over 50countries and 175 cities worldwide,Crestcom® brings leadershipinnovations and solutions that aresecond-to-none.

The Authorized Licensee in theUAE for Crestcom International Ltd isVincent Bass F.Z.E., a companyowned and operated by CEO VincentBass himself. Since beginningoperations last year, his growingclient base taking advantage ofCrestcom’s experience and expertisein management training has grown ata remarkable rate. “The responsefrom small, medium and largecompanies to the unique model oftraining has been overwhelming.Companies find that the blendedlearning approach combining livelocal facilitation with video and writtenmaterial by world-class trainers has apositive impact in their companies on all levels”, he explains. “To top itoff, the training sessions are“dynamic, interactive, fun, and, mostimportantly, relevant”.

By undertaking the Crestcom®

programme, participants are rapidlyupgraded from mere manager to a‘Bullet Proof® Manager’ through aunique combination of live and videoinstruction. The Bullet Proof®

Manager course emphasizesinvolvement, participation andteamwork, representing a departurefrom traditional training methodology.“Perhaps the most impressive notion about the training is that itworks with all sizes of companies,departments and groups, from majormulti-national giants to small, localfirms”, Bass says.

Participants in this trademarkedtraining programme attend monthlysessions for concentrated instructionin pivotal management areas asleadership, motivating people,serving customers and leadingchange. Each session begins with a30-minute video featuring a leadingauthority on a specific managementskill. The video is followed byapproximately 90 minutes ofsituational studies and group andindividual exercises designed toensure the participants' grasp of thematerial. “Participants also have theopportunity to exchange ideas withmanagers from other companies andgroups - managers who come fromdifferent backgrounds and who have

different experiences are essential tothe overall success”, he explains.

The Bullet Proof® Manager is alsostructured to allow clients todramatically increase the value andimpact of their training investmentlong after the training is over. Afterattending a monthly Bullet Proof®

Manager session and learning thematerial personally, participants can then return to their departmentand use the video and writtenresources to conduct the sametraining for others. “This benefit allows clients to drive key techniquesand messages throughout their firm, to help participating managersapply the skills they learn and tomaximize training investment value”,Bass adds.

In addition, Bullet Proof® Managertraining includes a comprehensiveinternet support site, featuringstreaming video, assessments,scripts, slides, articles and follow-upexercises designed to helpparticipants reinforce and continuetheir learning in the different BulletProof® Manager skill areas.

A market leader that producesmarket leaders too, Crestcom® hasensured - through their uniquetraining course - that Dubai maintainsits position of dominance as abusiness hub that that continues toattract and develop managementstaff of the highest calibre.

Tel.: +9714 311 6587www.crestcomtraining.com

Vincent Bass, CEO

Crestcom_L1.qxp 12/15/06 4:57 AM Page 2

Better teams. Better Business

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VERWEYEN CONSULTING and True Integrated Marketing have formedan alliance to improve the performance of businesses across manysectors including Automotive, FMCG, Consumer Electronics, Banking,Insurance, Medical, Hotels, Industrials and Publishing.

Headquartered in Europe, Alexander Verweyen and Arndt Schmidtmayer saw the potential for their business in the Middle East. Arndt who worked from 2001 until 2004in Sales & Marketing for DaimlerChrysler Middle East set to work on developing the market for VERWEYENCONSULTING services. Although he has now returned to Munich, continuity is at hand by way of apartnership with True Integrated Marketing assisted bycontinuous visits by Alexander Verweyen and ArndtSchmidtmayer to help drive the business forward in theMiddle East.

True Integrated Marketing is located in Media City. The operation is run by Michael Walters who has extensive international experience of developing marketingstrategies, marketing execution and Customer Relationship Management.

Sample clients for VERWEYEN CONSULTING and TrueIntegrated Marketing include: Mercedes-Benz Middle East,Deutsche Bank, American Express, Siemens Mobile,Canon Middle East, Porsche, UBS, Bang & Olufsen,Panasonic Middle East and SAP.

'There is enormous attraction and interest in the MiddleEast', says Alexander Verweyen. Dubai is marketing itselfsuccessfully on the international stage and everyone is

aware of the ambitious construction projects aimed atattracting ever more visitors. 'Increased investment willtherefore be required to improve sales and servicecapabilities, to enable businesses and brands to trulydeliver a first class customer experience', explainsMichael, 'we have to help clients raise their ownperformance to the best international standards'.

The training solutions provided by VERWEYEN/True arebased on critical business needs such as: Systematicsales dialogue, value based selling, premium andemotional selling, price negotiation/ price stability andmany others that transform business performance. In order to ensure success, the programmes contain an ongoing coaching element to ensure that the new skillsand tools learned eventually become embedded in theusers' everyday habits.

A project is only successful if know-how is transferredinto do-how and if we have measurably improved the salesand service performance of our participants and clients',states Arndt Schmidtmayer.

Tel.: +9714 367 1733www.vc-me.comwww.trueim.com

Alexander Verweyen

Arndt SchmidtmayerMichel Walters

TIM_L1.QXP 12/12/06 5:54 PM Page 1

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Green to goThe Traffic-Light-Tool.com (TLT™) has been developed inresponse to client needs. TLT can be used either internally to assessteam or managerial performance or externally to tap into whatcustomers really think about sales, service or outlet performance -including mystery shopping - all areas of growing importance.

™

“Major improvements in the production area have been achieved throughthe use of Key Performance Indicators (KPI), but in the area of sales,marketing and customer service there is still a huge need to measureprofessionally and improve according to the results”, states ArndtSchmidtmayer, founder and Managing Director of Traffic-Light-Tool.com.

Traffic-Light-Tool.com is the most intuitive, easy-to-use performancemeasurement tool available. It facilitates rapid deployment and the outputprovides a clear, concise and prioritized assessment of the critical areasthat require immediate attention.

Using the universally recognizable codes of red (meaning stop, dosomething urgently), yellow (things are OK but need to be improved inthe medium term), and green (running smoothly, no improvementneeded for the time being). TLT avoids the dangers of complex researchevaluations that might result in a 6.5 or 7.3 points based outcome.

“TLT enables companies to speedily implement relevantimprovements, which can be easily re-measured ensuring excellent andrapid ROI”, says Michael Walters, Sales Director for the Middle East.

“TLT has helped us to repeatedly benchmark our yearly mysteryshopping and makes the results comparable”, agrees the responsibleproject manager of a leading FMCG retailer.

TLT can be utilized globally, regionally and locally by companies largeand small in areas of sales, marketing, website, dealership assessment,mystery shopping, CRM, HR and many more performance areas.

So far the tool has been adopted by Banks for measuring key accountmanagement, by automotive clients to establish employees trainingneeds, by FMCG companies for mystery shopping, by a Gas companyto measure the leadership competencies of their managers and in one

instance to measure the success of a merger and acquisition.“Over time we will continue to technically improve this online and

offline tool and with extended clients and usage, TLT will be able toprovide real benchmarks of performance for various business sectors”,promises Anthony Rischard, Technology Director of the TLT team.

In a nutshell, TLT helps businesses to set their traffic lights to green for growth!

Tel.: +9714 367 1733www.traffic-light-tool.com

Anthony Rischard, Christel Whelan, Michel Walters & Arndt Schmidtmayer

TIM_L1.QXP 12/10/06 9:58 PM Page 2

CHAPTER 20Setting Up in Dubai

"I want everyone in this country to benefit and to be of

benefit at the same time".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


Courtesy of Madinat Jumeirah

CHAPTER 20Setting Up in Dubai

"I want everyone in this country to benefit and to be of

benefit at the same time".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,


Courtesy of Madinat Jumeirah

Get up and GoAs one of the principal Gulf markets and commercial hub supreme, the

emirate is an appealing and profitable place to do business.

348 Best of Dubai

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ubai

DDuubbaaii iiss oonnee ooff tthhee sseevveenn eemmiirraatteess ooff tthhee UUAAEE,, wwhhiicchh lliieess oonn tthhee EEaasstteerrnn ccooaasstt oofftthhee AArraabbiiaann PPeenniinnssuullaa iinn tthhee ssoouutthh--wweesstteerrnn ccoorrnneerr ooff tthhee AArraabbiiaann GGuullff.. IItt iiss bboouunnddeeddttoo tthhee EEaasstt aanndd ssoouutthh--eeaasstt bbyy tthhee SSuullttaannaattee ooff OOmmaann,, ttoo tthhee nnoorrtthh--wweesstt bbyy tthheeAArraabbiiaann GGuullff aanndd ttoo tthhee wweesstt aanndd ssoouutthh--wweesstt bbyy tthhee eemmiirraattee ooff AAbbuu DDhhaabbii..

WWeellll kknnoowwnn aanndd wweellll rreeggaarrddeedd aass tthhee ssttrraatteeggiicc,, ffiinnaanncciiaall,, ccoommmmeerrcciiaall aanndd ttrraannss--sshhiippmmeenntt hhuubb ooff tthhee MMiiddddllee EEaasstt,, iitt iiss aa mmaajjoorr,, bbuussiinneessss ffoorruumm,, ttrreenndd sseetttteerr aannddwwiinnddooww oonn tthhee wwoorrlldd ffoorr tthhee UUAAEE aass wweellll aass tthhee rreeggiioonn oovveerraallll..

EECCOONNOOMMYYIn Dubai, where oil reserves are projected to last only another 10 years, this statehas the most diversified economy of all the other emirates. The oil sector accountsfor less than 7 percent of the Dubai's gross income, and therefore, Dubai has madesignificant progress in diversifying from hydrocarbons. In contrast, in Abu Dhabi,which holds most of the country's oil reserves, diversification has focused ondownstream petrochemical activities.

One of Dubai's most successful policies has been the creation of Free Zones,which aim to attract private investment by providing cheap, rents, modern facilitiesand exemptions from taxes and regulations.

In addition to attracting foreign investment and expertise, these schemes haveappealed to Gulf (GCC) nationals who face complicated immigration proceduresin Europe and the US. Foreign companies operating outside the Free Zones face amore restrictive business environment. This is set to change with the enactment ofthe requirements of bilateral trade agreements, such as the UAE's membership tothe WTO in 1996, which requires certain legislation to be implemented, such as afree trade agreement. Currently, company law states that outside of the Free Zones,foreign firms can own a maximum 49 percent of a local company. The governmenthas indicated that it is planning to raise this limit to 70 percent.

A further probable change is the sheer scale of the infrastructure challenge maynecessitate some borrowing. Though Dubai does not have a direct borrowingprogramme, key agencies such as the Dubai Metro and the Dubai Water anElectricity Authority are expected to tap into the international markets as from next year.

Another lasting reform came with Dubai's unveiling in mid-March of the long-awaited Property Law, intended to strengthen confidence among investors in theemirate's real estate sector. The new law will allow non-GCC investors to invest inthe market, while stipulating that both UAE and GCC investors and companieswholly owned by them or by public joint stock companies, have the right to freeholdproperty and leasehold of up to 99 years in designated areas. The by-laws on thedetails of property ownership are yet to bemade public.

This novel property law has prompted astring of investments by foreigners and Gulfinvestors in Dubai property, however, investorssuffering losses on the stock markets may haveless cash to invest in property.

The main aim of the property law will be toprecipitate GCC investment in property, giventhat they will now have the necessary certaintyover their ownership rights. The property lawwill further take some of the sting out of theoverheated rental market in Dubai. Rental risesof up to 40 per cent last year were a majorcontributor to inflationary pressures and theopportunity to obtain freehold ownership rightswill ensure a more benign demand/supplymatch. Moreover, it will encourage otheremirates to develop their own property law.

RREEAALL EESSTTAATTEEIt has only been four years since the propertymarket first opened up to foreigners seeking tobuy property in Dubai. In 2002, only certainnew developments were permitted for sale.This unleashed an insatiable demand that hadbeen building as a result of a huge increase inexpatriates immigrating to Dubai (populationgrew by 300 percent between 1990 and 2005).

The introduction of specialised mortgagefinancing companies and mortgages issuedaccording to Islamic banking principles hasalso spurred the property market. Under

Islamic mortgages, the bank buys the property and leases it back to the tenant,providing considerable security to both at a time when ownership rules areuncertain. Where conventional banks are not allowed to own property, propertydevelopers have pioneered mortgage financing, starting with the creation of Amlak,a financing company owned by leading developer Emaar Properties, in 2000.

With interest rates low and the small stock market having a limited capacity, tosay there has been a huge investment in property is an understatement. While official data does not exist, it is independently estimated that average houseprices followed several years of strong growth with an increase of around 25percent in 2004.

The million-dollar question: is Dubai's real estate market just a bubble? Dubai ,a relatively young real estate market, gives room for speculation on the future of itsreal estate market. Professionals can only look at some key economic indicators ofDubai's track record and combine it with some of its future projects to come to aneducated opinion. The three economic indicators of GDP, tourism and population(see link) growth provide a clear message that Dubai's past 10 year performancehas been outstanding relative to its neighbouring countries on a global level, whichprovides a relatively good foundation for the real estate sector.

However, there are concerns about whether the local property market isovervalued. Nevertheless, over the next five years, considerable new housing stockis due to come onto the market which, combined with rising interest rates, mayprompt a rectification in prices. In the case of such an event, not much of an impactwould be made on the banking sector, as the central bank imposes limits onlending to individual sectors, such as real estate. Those leading propertydevelopers owned partly or entirely by the Dubai government would not incur toomuch damage either, as they are supplied with land and capital at a very low costand pay relatively little for their expatriate workforce.

This chart shows that other major cities such as New York and Singapore aretrading at price multiples of three times Dubai, while cities like London and HongKong are trading at price multiples of six times Dubai.

TTOOUURRIISSMMThe Dubai Tourism Sector is thriving. It is projected to grow from 5.4 million visitorsin 2005 to 15 million by 2010.

Europe continues to provide the largest source of arrivals, however, the originsof guests has changed slightly in the last few years with visitors from Arab countrieson the increase due to the imposition of complex immigration procedures to the USand the EU since 9/11. The tourism sector from Asia has also grown rapidly, largely

due to the expansion of routes served byEmirates Airlines, which works closely withthe tourism authorities.

Rapid expansion in the development ofresidential, commercial and hotel propertyhas allowed the tourist sector to prosper.

IINNVVEESSTTMMEENNTT AANNDD BBUUSSIINNEESSSSOOPPPPOORRTTUUNNIITTIIEESSFor international companies seeking toestablish business in Dubai, there are agreat number of options and indeed agreat number of benefits in having aphysical presence within the region. Theeconomy enjoys a competitivecombination of cost, market andenvironmental advantages that create anideal and attractive investment climate.Indeed Dubai has been ranked as theArabian Gulf's leading multi-purposebusiness centre and regional hub andeven more remarkably, it has been placedat the forefront of the globe's dynamic andemerging market economies.

WWhhyy DDuubbaaii iiss aann iiddeeaall ppllaaccee ffoorr sseettttiinngg uuppaa bbuussiinneessss??Dubai, is situated at the crossroads of theworld's busiest trading routes, it is a citythat ranks as the commercial, tourist andreal estate heart of the Gulf region. It is nowa modern, booming metropolis with a strong infrastructure, sophisticatedtelecommunications and highly developed

Best of Dubai 349

transport facilities. Dubai's strategic geographicallocation gives businesses access to a market of overone billion people, including other Arab countries, Iran,the Asian sub-continent and parts of Africa, the EasternMediterranean and the Commonwealth of IndependentStates (CIS). The emirate has established liberalcommercial regulations with strong government supportfor business. Dubai is a key centre in the globaltransport and distribution system, particularly when youconsider that the Dubai Ports Authority, combining PortRashid (35 berths) and Jebel Ali Port (67 berths), ranksamong the world's top ten in terms of berths and toptwenty in terms of container throughput.

Businesses moving to Dubai are also tempted with anumber of incentives that enhance commercialopportunities, these include:- No personal withholding of taxes on income or

capital, corporate tax limited to foreign banks andforeign oil companies.

- No foreign exchange controls and a stable, freelyconvertible currency.

- A world-class services sector - major internationalhotels, banks, accountancy and legal firms,advertising agencies, consultants etc.

- High quality office and residential accommodation.- Major regional conference and exhibition venues.- Time zone bridge between the Far East and Europe,

with efficient local and global telecommunications.- Cosmopolitan lifestyle and tolerant environment.

TTaaxxaattiioonnThere is no personal taxation within the UAE. In relationto direct taxation, there are decrees covering corporatetax, but enforcement has been limited to foreign banks and foreign oil companies only. There is apossibility that VAT may be imposed in future at theinsistence of the IMF.

DDiirreecctt TTrraaddeeInternational companies wishing to trade directly withthe UAE by supplying goods and services from abroadshould appoint a commercial agent who is alreadyestablished in the market. The agent must be a UAEnational, or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals.The foreign principal and the agent in the UAE arerequired to enter into a commercial agency agreementspecifying the products and the territories to be coveredby the contract. They should also comply with therelevant provisions of the Federal Commercial AgencyLaw and the procedures and conditions prescribedtherein. It should be noted that a commercial agentcannot carry out activities in the UAE unless its name isentered in the Commercial Agency Register maintainedat the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

CCuussttoommss DDuuttiieessGCC countries have recently agreed to implement theUnified Customs Law and Single Customs Tariff. Thecustoms union is based on the principle of a single entrypoint, upon which customs duty on imported goodswould be collected. This will make operations verysmooth and no double duties will have to be paid whenmoving goods from one GCC country to another GCCcountry, nor will they have to customs clear their goodsat every point of entry into another GCC country.

From January 1, 2003, in accordance with singlecustoms tariff agreed by GCC countries, the customsduty, at the rate of 5 per cent of the FIF value of thegoods, is charged on all the goods and commoditiesoriginating from sources outside GCC countries on thebasis of its delivery at the UAE port of destination.

However, additional tariff rates are applicable onimport of tobacco products which are subject to duty atthe rate of 100 per cent and alcoholic beverages whichare subject to duty at the rate of 50 per cent. Goodslisted for duty exemption, as per the unified customstariff agreed by the GCC countries, are exempted fromcustoms duty. Exemption of customs duty by virtue ofthe Unified Customs Law also applies to imports ofmilitary and internal security forces; personal effects

Get Up & Go.qxp 1/2/2007 10:02 AM Page 1

Get up and GoAs one of the principal Gulf markets and commercial hub supreme, the

emirate is an appealing and profitable place to do business.

348 Best of Dubai

Set

ting

Up

in D

ubai

DDuubbaaii iiss oonnee ooff tthhee sseevveenn eemmiirraatteess ooff tthhee UUAAEE,, wwhhiicchh lliieess oonn tthhee EEaasstteerrnn ccooaasstt oofftthhee AArraabbiiaann PPeenniinnssuullaa iinn tthhee ssoouutthh--wweesstteerrnn ccoorrnneerr ooff tthhee AArraabbiiaann GGuullff.. IItt iiss bboouunnddeeddttoo tthhee EEaasstt aanndd ssoouutthh--eeaasstt bbyy tthhee SSuullttaannaattee ooff OOmmaann,, ttoo tthhee nnoorrtthh--wweesstt bbyy tthheeAArraabbiiaann GGuullff aanndd ttoo tthhee wweesstt aanndd ssoouutthh--wweesstt bbyy tthhee eemmiirraattee ooff AAbbuu DDhhaabbii..

WWeellll kknnoowwnn aanndd wweellll rreeggaarrddeedd aass tthhee ssttrraatteeggiicc,, ffiinnaanncciiaall,, ccoommmmeerrcciiaall aanndd ttrraannss--sshhiippmmeenntt hhuubb ooff tthhee MMiiddddllee EEaasstt,, iitt iiss aa mmaajjoorr,, bbuussiinneessss ffoorruumm,, ttrreenndd sseetttteerr aannddwwiinnddooww oonn tthhee wwoorrlldd ffoorr tthhee UUAAEE aass wweellll aass tthhee rreeggiioonn oovveerraallll..

EECCOONNOOMMYYIn Dubai, where oil reserves are projected to last only another 10 years, this statehas the most diversified economy of all the other emirates. The oil sector accountsfor less than 7 percent of the Dubai's gross income, and therefore, Dubai has madesignificant progress in diversifying from hydrocarbons. In contrast, in Abu Dhabi,which holds most of the country's oil reserves, diversification has focused ondownstream petrochemical activities.

One of Dubai's most successful policies has been the creation of Free Zones,which aim to attract private investment by providing cheap, rents, modern facilitiesand exemptions from taxes and regulations.

In addition to attracting foreign investment and expertise, these schemes haveappealed to Gulf (GCC) nationals who face complicated immigration proceduresin Europe and the US. Foreign companies operating outside the Free Zones face amore restrictive business environment. This is set to change with the enactment ofthe requirements of bilateral trade agreements, such as the UAE's membership tothe WTO in 1996, which requires certain legislation to be implemented, such as afree trade agreement. Currently, company law states that outside of the Free Zones,foreign firms can own a maximum 49 percent of a local company. The governmenthas indicated that it is planning to raise this limit to 70 percent.

A further probable change is the sheer scale of the infrastructure challenge maynecessitate some borrowing. Though Dubai does not have a direct borrowingprogramme, key agencies such as the Dubai Metro and the Dubai Water anElectricity Authority are expected to tap into the international markets as from next year.

Another lasting reform came with Dubai's unveiling in mid-March of the long-awaited Property Law, intended to strengthen confidence among investors in theemirate's real estate sector. The new law will allow non-GCC investors to invest inthe market, while stipulating that both UAE and GCC investors and companieswholly owned by them or by public joint stock companies, have the right to freeholdproperty and leasehold of up to 99 years in designated areas. The by-laws on thedetails of property ownership are yet to bemade public.

This novel property law has prompted astring of investments by foreigners and Gulfinvestors in Dubai property, however, investorssuffering losses on the stock markets may haveless cash to invest in property.

The main aim of the property law will be toprecipitate GCC investment in property, giventhat they will now have the necessary certaintyover their ownership rights. The property lawwill further take some of the sting out of theoverheated rental market in Dubai. Rental risesof up to 40 per cent last year were a majorcontributor to inflationary pressures and theopportunity to obtain freehold ownership rightswill ensure a more benign demand/supplymatch. Moreover, it will encourage otheremirates to develop their own property law.

RREEAALL EESSTTAATTEEIt has only been four years since the propertymarket first opened up to foreigners seeking tobuy property in Dubai. In 2002, only certainnew developments were permitted for sale.This unleashed an insatiable demand that hadbeen building as a result of a huge increase inexpatriates immigrating to Dubai (populationgrew by 300 percent between 1990 and 2005).

The introduction of specialised mortgagefinancing companies and mortgages issuedaccording to Islamic banking principles hasalso spurred the property market. Under

Islamic mortgages, the bank buys the property and leases it back to the tenant,providing considerable security to both at a time when ownership rules areuncertain. Where conventional banks are not allowed to own property, propertydevelopers have pioneered mortgage financing, starting with the creation of Amlak,a financing company owned by leading developer Emaar Properties, in 2000.

With interest rates low and the small stock market having a limited capacity, tosay there has been a huge investment in property is an understatement. While official data does not exist, it is independently estimated that average houseprices followed several years of strong growth with an increase of around 25percent in 2004.

The million-dollar question: is Dubai's real estate market just a bubble? Dubai ,a relatively young real estate market, gives room for speculation on the future of itsreal estate market. Professionals can only look at some key economic indicators ofDubai's track record and combine it with some of its future projects to come to aneducated opinion. The three economic indicators of GDP, tourism and population(see link) growth provide a clear message that Dubai's past 10 year performancehas been outstanding relative to its neighbouring countries on a global level, whichprovides a relatively good foundation for the real estate sector.

However, there are concerns about whether the local property market isovervalued. Nevertheless, over the next five years, considerable new housing stockis due to come onto the market which, combined with rising interest rates, mayprompt a rectification in prices. In the case of such an event, not much of an impactwould be made on the banking sector, as the central bank imposes limits onlending to individual sectors, such as real estate. Those leading propertydevelopers owned partly or entirely by the Dubai government would not incur toomuch damage either, as they are supplied with land and capital at a very low costand pay relatively little for their expatriate workforce.

This chart shows that other major cities such as New York and Singapore aretrading at price multiples of three times Dubai, while cities like London and HongKong are trading at price multiples of six times Dubai.

TTOOUURRIISSMMThe Dubai Tourism Sector is thriving. It is projected to grow from 5.4 million visitorsin 2005 to 15 million by 2010.

Europe continues to provide the largest source of arrivals, however, the originsof guests has changed slightly in the last few years with visitors from Arab countrieson the increase due to the imposition of complex immigration procedures to the USand the EU since 9/11. The tourism sector from Asia has also grown rapidly, largely

due to the expansion of routes served byEmirates Airlines, which works closely withthe tourism authorities.

Rapid expansion in the development ofresidential, commercial and hotel propertyhas allowed the tourist sector to prosper.

IINNVVEESSTTMMEENNTT AANNDD BBUUSSIINNEESSSSOOPPPPOORRTTUUNNIITTIIEESSFor international companies seeking toestablish business in Dubai, there are agreat number of options and indeed agreat number of benefits in having aphysical presence within the region. Theeconomy enjoys a competitivecombination of cost, market andenvironmental advantages that create anideal and attractive investment climate.Indeed Dubai has been ranked as theArabian Gulf's leading multi-purposebusiness centre and regional hub andeven more remarkably, it has been placedat the forefront of the globe's dynamic andemerging market economies.

WWhhyy DDuubbaaii iiss aann iiddeeaall ppllaaccee ffoorr sseettttiinngg uuppaa bbuussiinneessss??Dubai, is situated at the crossroads of theworld's busiest trading routes, it is a citythat ranks as the commercial, tourist andreal estate heart of the Gulf region. It is nowa modern, booming metropolis with a strong infrastructure, sophisticatedtelecommunications and highly developed

Best of Dubai 349

transport facilities. Dubai's strategic geographicallocation gives businesses access to a market of overone billion people, including other Arab countries, Iran,the Asian sub-continent and parts of Africa, the EasternMediterranean and the Commonwealth of IndependentStates (CIS). The emirate has established liberalcommercial regulations with strong government supportfor business. Dubai is a key centre in the globaltransport and distribution system, particularly when youconsider that the Dubai Ports Authority, combining PortRashid (35 berths) and Jebel Ali Port (67 berths), ranksamong the world's top ten in terms of berths and toptwenty in terms of container throughput.

Businesses moving to Dubai are also tempted with anumber of incentives that enhance commercialopportunities, these include:- No personal withholding of taxes on income or

capital, corporate tax limited to foreign banks andforeign oil companies.

- No foreign exchange controls and a stable, freelyconvertible currency.

- A world-class services sector - major internationalhotels, banks, accountancy and legal firms,advertising agencies, consultants etc.

- High quality office and residential accommodation.- Major regional conference and exhibition venues.- Time zone bridge between the Far East and Europe,

with efficient local and global telecommunications.- Cosmopolitan lifestyle and tolerant environment.

TTaaxxaattiioonnThere is no personal taxation within the UAE. In relationto direct taxation, there are decrees covering corporatetax, but enforcement has been limited to foreign banks and foreign oil companies only. There is apossibility that VAT may be imposed in future at theinsistence of the IMF.

DDiirreecctt TTrraaddeeInternational companies wishing to trade directly withthe UAE by supplying goods and services from abroadshould appoint a commercial agent who is alreadyestablished in the market. The agent must be a UAEnational, or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals.The foreign principal and the agent in the UAE arerequired to enter into a commercial agency agreementspecifying the products and the territories to be coveredby the contract. They should also comply with therelevant provisions of the Federal Commercial AgencyLaw and the procedures and conditions prescribedtherein. It should be noted that a commercial agentcannot carry out activities in the UAE unless its name isentered in the Commercial Agency Register maintainedat the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

CCuussttoommss DDuuttiieessGCC countries have recently agreed to implement theUnified Customs Law and Single Customs Tariff. Thecustoms union is based on the principle of a single entrypoint, upon which customs duty on imported goodswould be collected. This will make operations verysmooth and no double duties will have to be paid whenmoving goods from one GCC country to another GCCcountry, nor will they have to customs clear their goodsat every point of entry into another GCC country.

From January 1, 2003, in accordance with singlecustoms tariff agreed by GCC countries, the customsduty, at the rate of 5 per cent of the FIF value of thegoods, is charged on all the goods and commoditiesoriginating from sources outside GCC countries on thebasis of its delivery at the UAE port of destination.

However, additional tariff rates are applicable onimport of tobacco products which are subject to duty atthe rate of 100 per cent and alcoholic beverages whichare subject to duty at the rate of 50 per cent. Goodslisted for duty exemption, as per the unified customstariff agreed by the GCC countries, are exempted fromcustoms duty. Exemption of customs duty by virtue ofthe Unified Customs Law also applies to imports ofmilitary and internal security forces; personal effects

Get Up & Go.qxp 1/2/2007 10:02 AM Page 1

CABINET LIST

PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-MaktoumDDeeppuuttyy PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al-NahyanDDeeppuuttyy PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed-al NahyanMMiinniisstteerr ooff FFiinnaannccee aanndd IInndduussttrryy Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-MaktoumMMiinniisstteerr ooff SSttaattee ffoorr FFiinnaanncciiaall aanndd Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin KharbashIInndduussttrriiaall AAffffaaiirrssMMiinniisstteerr ooff DDeeffeennccee HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-MaktoumMMiinniisstteerr ooff FFoorreeiiggnn AAffffaaiirrss Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-MaktoumMMiinniisstteerr ooff CCuullttuurree Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-OwaisMMiinniisstteerr ooff EEdduuccaattiioonn Dr Hanif Hassan AliMMiinniisstteerr ooff EEccoonnoommyy aanndd PPllaannnniinngg Sheikha Lubna al-Qassimi

DUBAI'S UP AND COMING EXHIBITIONS*EXHIBITION DATE VENUE ORGANISER

INTERSEC MIDDLE EAST 6 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Messe Frankfurt Dubai.8 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102

www.epocmessefrankfurt.com

GITEX INDIA 9 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)11 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

www.gitexindia2006.com

ARAB INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC 13 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services& RUBBER INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW 16 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre(ARABPLAST) Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR 13 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & ServicesINDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & MACHINE 16 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727TOOLS (TEKNO) UAE www.alfajer.net

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 29 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services EXPO & CONFERENCE 1 Feb 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

ARAB HEALTH 2007 29 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions1 Feb 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.arabhealthonline.com

MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY 2007 11 Feb 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitionsand Exhibition Centre 14 Feb 2007

Tel: +971-4-3365161 website: www.middleeastelectricity.com

LIGHTING MIDDLE EAST 11 Feb 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions14 Febr 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel. +971 4 336 5161

website: www.iirme.com

GULFOOD 19 Feb 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)22 Feb 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

www.gulfood.com

ASIAN LIFESTYLE DUBAI 2007 28 Feb 2007 Airport Expo Dubai I I R Exhibitions2 March 2007 Tel: +971-4-3365161

website: www.asianlifestyledubai.com

VISION -X 6 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)8 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website:www.vision-x.aewww.dwtc.com

CABSAT 6 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)8 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website:www.cabsat.aewww.dwtc.com

and used household items; accompanied passenger baggage and gifts;charitable societies' requirements and returned goods. Industrial inputs requireddirectly for manufacturing process, imported by industrial firms and approved bythe concerned authority, are exempt from customs duty as agreed by the GCCFinancial and Economic Co-operation Committee.

EESSTTAABBLLIISSHHMMEENNTT OOFF BBUUSSIINNEESSSSEESS IINN DDUUBBAAIIIn the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates, as well as theFederal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create anenvironment that is well-ordered without being unduly restrictive. Therefore, Dubaioffers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal andattractive in the region.

For many companies, having a presence in Dubai can provide considerablebusiness advantages. For instance, businessmen in the region prefer to deal withsomeone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more importantin doing business in the Arab world than they are in Western Europe or America. Inaddition, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to beunpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information.

One of the most important aspects of doing business in the UAE is the legalstructure. Dubai and the other emirates have always followed the same generalsystem, whereby foreign companies operated in one of three ways: with a localsponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through aprivate limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler'sdecree. Since 1984, further measures have been introduced to bind companies bylaw applicable throughout the whole of the Emirates. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, asamended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the 'Commercial Companies Law'- andits by-laws have been issued. In broad terms, the provisions of the Law are asfollows:

With regard to ownership requirements, a minimum of 51 per cent participationby UAE National(s) is mandatory for all UAE established companies except:- Companies set-up in the various Free Zones- Foreign companies registering branches or representative offices in the UAE- Professional/Civil Companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted

subject to their complying with the relevant local laws and regulations.

The Federal Law also sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders,directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays

down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies.The seven categories of business organisation defined by the law are:1. General partnership company2. Partnership-en-commendite3. Joint venture company4. Public shareholding company5. Private shareholding company6. Limited liability company7. Share partnership company

DDuubbaaii FFrreeee TTrraaddee ZZoonneessThe Dubai Free Trade Zones have completely transformed and helped bring abouttremendous change to the industrial arena of this developing nation.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone, the first to start off this trend, started in Dubai on 9thFebruary, 1985. Ever since this novel concept was introduced to the Middle East,the industrial and commercial centre has not looked back. Twenty years later, theFree Zone notion is flourishing in the UAE. Its rapid growth has also provided apowerful economic inspiration to the other Emirates, which have set up their ownFree Zones to attract investment.

The number of Free Zones has increased and thus their impact on the UAEeconomy has deepened. Now, the Free Zones are home to more that 4500companies and this number increases day by day.

Established Dubai Free Zones

1. Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai2. Dubai Airport Free Zone3. Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone4. Dubai Technology, Electronic

Commerce and Media Free Zone5. Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai6. Dubai International Financial

Centre (DIFC)

MMiinniisstteerr ooff SSttaattee ffoorr SSuupprreemmee CCoouunncciill AAffffaaiirrss Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan al-QassimiMMiinniisstteerr ooff IInntteerriioorr Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-NahyanMMiinniisstteerr ooff HHeeaalltthh Humaid Mohammed Obeid al-QattamiMMiinniisstteerr ooff SSttaattee ffoorr CCaabbiinneett AAffffaaiirrss Mohammed Abdullah al-GergawiMMiinniisstteerr ooff AAggrriiccuullttuurree aanndd FFiisshheerriieess Saeed Mohammed al-RagabaniMMiinniisstteerr ooff CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnss Sultan bin Said-al MansouriMMiinniisstteerr ooff PPuubblliicc WWoorrkkss aanndd HHoouussiinngg Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak al-NahyanMMiinniisstteerr ooff EEnneerrggyy Mohamed bin Dhaen al-HamliMMiinniisstteerr ooff JJuussttiiccee,, IIssllaammiicc AAffffaaiirrss aanndd AAwwqqaaff Mohammed Nukhaira al-ZahiriMMiinniisstteerr ooff LLaabboouurr aanndd SSoocciiaall AAffffaaiirrss Ali bin Abdullah al-Kaabi

CAREERS UAE 12 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)14 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website: www.careersuae.aewww.dwtc.com

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 13 March 2007 Dubai International Marine Club Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)17 March 2007 (Mina Seyahi) Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website:www.boatshowdubai.comwww.dwtc.com

MOTEXHA 2007 19 March 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions 21 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

Website: www.motexhaonline.com

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR 25 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) 28 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

www.dihf.aewww.dwtc.com

THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI 2007 10 April 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions13 April 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.thebrideshow.com

AMBIENTE GIFT & HOMEWARE 2007 10 April 2007 Dubai International Convention and I I R Exhibitions 13 April 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.ambientearabia.com

WORLD TOBACCO MIDDLE EAST 23 April 2007 Dubai International Convention dmg world media Dubai Ltd24 April 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 331 9688

www.dmgdubai.com

MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS 12 May 2007 Dubai International Convention and Messe Frankfurt Dubai14 May 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102


PALME PRO-AUDIO & LIGHT 20 May 2007 Dubai International Convention and I I R Exhibitions MIDDLE EAST 2007 22 May 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.palmeonline.com

AIRPORT SHOW 4 June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications6 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029

www. streamlineb2b.net

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 5June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications7 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


HOTEL SHOW 5June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications7 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


INRETAIL 5 June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications7 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


PAPER ARABIA 2007 9 Sept 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services12 Sept 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

TRANSEXPO 23 Oct 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services25 Oct 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL 14 Nov 2007 Dubai International Convention and Dubai World Trade Centre ExhibitionsMOTOR SHOW 18 Nov 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: 971 4 332 1000

www.dwtc.com

GULF TRAFFIC 2007 9 Dec 2007 Dubai International Convention and I I R Exhibitions11 Dec 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.gulftraffic.com

GOVERNMENT

The UAE is a Federal Sovereign State which consists of seven emirates. Thehighest federal authority in the UAE is the Supreme Council of the UAEconsisting of the Rulers of the seven emirates. This branch is responsible forgeneral policy matters for communications, education, defence, foreign affairsand for ratifying federal laws. Both the President and Vice President are electedby the Supreme council from its members, the President currently being HisHighness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi andthe Vice President is H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who isalso the Ruler of Dubai.

The Federal Government also includes a Council of Ministers (Cabinet).Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is also Prime Minister. The Cabinethas executive authority to initiate and implement laws and is responsible to the

Supreme Council. In addition, a Federal National Council is included in the Federal Government

which consists of 40 representatives, appointed on two year terms by theindividual emirates. This is a legislative council, possessing executive authorityto discuss and draft all Federal laws and then refer them to the Supreme Councilfor enactment. The council members are able to monitor and debate policy buthave no power of veto.

The Federal Government also includes an independent judiciary presidedover by the Federal Supreme Court.

In addition to the Federal Government structure, each emirate has its ownlocal government arrangement which differ in size and scope.

New Free Zones in Dubai include

- Dubai Carpet Free Zone- Dubai Auto Parts City Free Zone- Heavy Equipment and Trucks Free Zone- Dubai Flower Centre Free Zone- Dubai HealthCare City Free Zone- Dubai Textile Village Free Zone- International Media Production Free Zone- International Arbitration Centre- Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone- Dubai Maritime City Free Zone- Dubai Aid City Free Zone


CABINET LIST

PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-MaktoumDDeeppuuttyy PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al-NahyanDDeeppuuttyy PPrriimmee MMiinniisstteerr Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed-al NahyanMMiinniisstteerr ooff FFiinnaannccee aanndd IInndduussttrryy Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-MaktoumMMiinniisstteerr ooff SSttaattee ffoorr FFiinnaanncciiaall aanndd Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin KharbashIInndduussttrriiaall AAffffaaiirrssMMiinniisstteerr ooff DDeeffeennccee HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-MaktoumMMiinniisstteerr ooff FFoorreeiiggnn AAffffaaiirrss Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-MaktoumMMiinniisstteerr ooff CCuullttuurree Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-OwaisMMiinniisstteerr ooff EEdduuccaattiioonn Dr Hanif Hassan AliMMiinniisstteerr ooff EEccoonnoommyy aanndd PPllaannnniinngg Sheikha Lubna al-Qassimi

DUBAI'S UP AND COMING EXHIBITIONS*EXHIBITION DATE VENUE ORGANISER

INTERSEC MIDDLE EAST 6 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Messe Frankfurt Dubai.8 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102


GITEX INDIA 9 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)11 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

www.gitexindia2006.com

ARAB INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC 13 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services& RUBBER INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW 16 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre(ARABPLAST) Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR 13 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & ServicesINDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & MACHINE 16 Jan 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727TOOLS (TEKNO) UAE www.alfajer.net

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 29 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services EXPO & CONFERENCE 1 Feb 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

ARAB HEALTH 2007 29 Jan 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions1 Feb 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.arabhealthonline.com

MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY 2007 11 Feb 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitionsand Exhibition Centre 14 Feb 2007

Tel: +971-4-3365161 website: www.middleeastelectricity.com

LIGHTING MIDDLE EAST 11 Feb 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions14 Febr 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel. +971 4 336 5161

website: www.iirme.com

GULFOOD 19 Feb 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)22 Feb 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

www.gulfood.com

ASIAN LIFESTYLE DUBAI 2007 28 Feb 2007 Airport Expo Dubai I I R Exhibitions2 March 2007 Tel: +971-4-3365161

website: www.asianlifestyledubai.com

VISION -X 6 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)8 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website:www.vision-x.aewww.dwtc.com

CABSAT 6 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)8 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website:www.cabsat.aewww.dwtc.com

and used household items; accompanied passenger baggage and gifts;charitable societies' requirements and returned goods. Industrial inputs requireddirectly for manufacturing process, imported by industrial firms and approved bythe concerned authority, are exempt from customs duty as agreed by the GCCFinancial and Economic Co-operation Committee.

EESSTTAABBLLIISSHHMMEENNTT OOFF BBUUSSIINNEESSSSEESS IINN DDUUBBAAIIIn the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates, as well as theFederal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create anenvironment that is well-ordered without being unduly restrictive. Therefore, Dubaioffers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal andattractive in the region.

For many companies, having a presence in Dubai can provide considerablebusiness advantages. For instance, businessmen in the region prefer to deal withsomeone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more importantin doing business in the Arab world than they are in Western Europe or America. Inaddition, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to beunpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information.

One of the most important aspects of doing business in the UAE is the legalstructure. Dubai and the other emirates have always followed the same generalsystem, whereby foreign companies operated in one of three ways: with a localsponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through aprivate limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler'sdecree. Since 1984, further measures have been introduced to bind companies bylaw applicable throughout the whole of the Emirates. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, asamended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the 'Commercial Companies Law'- andits by-laws have been issued. In broad terms, the provisions of the Law are asfollows:

With regard to ownership requirements, a minimum of 51 per cent participationby UAE National(s) is mandatory for all UAE established companies except:- Companies set-up in the various Free Zones- Foreign companies registering branches or representative offices in the UAE- Professional/Civil Companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted

subject to their complying with the relevant local laws and regulations.

The Federal Law also sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders,directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays

down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies.The seven categories of business organisation defined by the law are:1. General partnership company2. Partnership-en-commendite3. Joint venture company4. Public shareholding company5. Private shareholding company6. Limited liability company7. Share partnership company

DDuubbaaii FFrreeee TTrraaddee ZZoonneessThe Dubai Free Trade Zones have completely transformed and helped bring abouttremendous change to the industrial arena of this developing nation.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone, the first to start off this trend, started in Dubai on 9thFebruary, 1985. Ever since this novel concept was introduced to the Middle East,the industrial and commercial centre has not looked back. Twenty years later, theFree Zone notion is flourishing in the UAE. Its rapid growth has also provided apowerful economic inspiration to the other Emirates, which have set up their ownFree Zones to attract investment.

The number of Free Zones has increased and thus their impact on the UAEeconomy has deepened. Now, the Free Zones are home to more that 4500companies and this number increases day by day.

Established Dubai Free Zones

1. Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai2. Dubai Airport Free Zone3. Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone4. Dubai Technology, Electronic

Commerce and Media Free Zone5. Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai6. Dubai International Financial

Centre (DIFC)

MMiinniisstteerr ooff SSttaattee ffoorr SSuupprreemmee CCoouunncciill AAffffaaiirrss Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan al-QassimiMMiinniisstteerr ooff IInntteerriioorr Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-NahyanMMiinniisstteerr ooff HHeeaalltthh Humaid Mohammed Obeid al-QattamiMMiinniisstteerr ooff SSttaattee ffoorr CCaabbiinneett AAffffaaiirrss Mohammed Abdullah al-GergawiMMiinniisstteerr ooff AAggrriiccuullttuurree aanndd FFiisshheerriieess Saeed Mohammed al-RagabaniMMiinniisstteerr ooff CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnss Sultan bin Said-al MansouriMMiinniisstteerr ooff PPuubblliicc WWoorrkkss aanndd HHoouussiinngg Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak al-NahyanMMiinniisstteerr ooff EEnneerrggyy Mohamed bin Dhaen al-HamliMMiinniisstteerr ooff JJuussttiiccee,, IIssllaammiicc AAffffaaiirrss aanndd AAwwqqaaff Mohammed Nukhaira al-ZahiriMMiinniisstteerr ooff LLaabboouurr aanndd SSoocciiaall AAffffaaiirrss Ali bin Abdullah al-Kaabi

CAREERS UAE 12 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)14 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website: www.careersuae.aewww.dwtc.com

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 13 March 2007 Dubai International Marine Club Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC)17 March 2007 (Mina Seyahi) Tel: +971 4 308 6043

website:www.boatshowdubai.comwww.dwtc.com

MOTEXHA 2007 19 March 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions 21 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

Website: www.motexhaonline.com

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR 25 March 2007 Dubai International Convention Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) 28 March 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 308 6043

www.dihf.aewww.dwtc.com

THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI 2007 10 April 2007 Dubai International Convention I I R Exhibitions13 April 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.thebrideshow.com

AMBIENTE GIFT & HOMEWARE 2007 10 April 2007 Dubai International Convention and I I R Exhibitions 13 April 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.ambientearabia.com

WORLD TOBACCO MIDDLE EAST 23 April 2007 Dubai International Convention dmg world media Dubai Ltd24 April 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 331 9688

www.dmgdubai.com

MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS 12 May 2007 Dubai International Convention and Messe Frankfurt Dubai14 May 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102


PALME PRO-AUDIO & LIGHT 20 May 2007 Dubai International Convention and I I R Exhibitions MIDDLE EAST 2007 22 May 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.palmeonline.com

AIRPORT SHOW 4 June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications6 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 5June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications7 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


HOTEL SHOW 5June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications7 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


INRETAIL 5 June 2007 Dubai International Convention and Streamline Marketing Communications7 June 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 332 9029


PAPER ARABIA 2007 9 Sept 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services12 Sept 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

TRANSEXPO 23 Oct 2007 Dubai International Convention Al Fajer Information & Services25 Oct 2007 and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727

www.alfajer.net

MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL 14 Nov 2007 Dubai International Convention and Dubai World Trade Centre ExhibitionsMOTOR SHOW 18 Nov 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: 971 4 332 1000

www.dwtc.com

GULF TRAFFIC 2007 9 Dec 2007 Dubai International Convention and I I R Exhibitions11 Dec 2007 Exhibition Centre Tel: +971-4-3365161

www.gulftraffic.com

GOVERNMENT

The UAE is a Federal Sovereign State which consists of seven emirates. Thehighest federal authority in the UAE is the Supreme Council of the UAEconsisting of the Rulers of the seven emirates. This branch is responsible forgeneral policy matters for communications, education, defence, foreign affairsand for ratifying federal laws. Both the President and Vice President are electedby the Supreme council from its members, the President currently being HisHighness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi andthe Vice President is H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who isalso the Ruler of Dubai.

The Federal Government also includes a Council of Ministers (Cabinet).Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is also Prime Minister. The Cabinethas executive authority to initiate and implement laws and is responsible to the

Supreme Council. In addition, a Federal National Council is included in the Federal Government

which consists of 40 representatives, appointed on two year terms by theindividual emirates. This is a legislative council, possessing executive authorityto discuss and draft all Federal laws and then refer them to the Supreme Councilfor enactment. The council members are able to monitor and debate policy buthave no power of veto.

The Federal Government also includes an independent judiciary presidedover by the Federal Supreme Court.

In addition to the Federal Government structure, each emirate has its ownlocal government arrangement which differ in size and scope.

New Free Zones in Dubai include

- Dubai Carpet Free Zone- Dubai Auto Parts City Free Zone- Heavy Equipment and Trucks Free Zone- Dubai Flower Centre Free Zone- Dubai HealthCare City Free Zone- Dubai Textile Village Free Zone- International Media Production Free Zone- International Arbitration Centre- Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone- Dubai Maritime City Free Zone- Dubai Aid City Free Zone


One Stop Business Service is a Dubai based company offering a wide range of professional services to new andestablished businesses both locally and internationally. We have fourteen years of experience advising andassisting corporations and individuals in setting up businesses anywhere in the UAE.

Our main activities• General guidelines and advice in relation to setting up in the U.A.E.• Trade Licenses - For all types of set-ups and companies in all the Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman,

Umm AI-Qaiwain, Ras AI Khaimah, Fujairah)• Formation and Registration of all types of companies and set-ups, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)• Visa Services - Residence visas. cancellations: transfers, renewals, etc.• PRO Services• Business Centre - Provision of temporary work premises and facilities for new set-ups in the UAE• Local Sponsorship Agreements• Personal Services and Assistance - Passport renewals, PO Box set-up and renewal, obtaining and renewal of

various other permits and licenses and others

One Stop Business Centre's managing director Nizar Zeidan explains the wide variety of services offered toentrepreneurs and businesses working to take root in Dubai.

When did One Stop Dubai first open its doors and why did you decide to enter into such a business? “One Stop first opened its door in August 2004. I decided to enter into this business as I saw an area of thebusiness market which was lacking. I had the necessary skills and contacts to make business solutions easy and accessible.”

One Stop Business CentreOne Stop means that we offer a ‘one-stop’ service tomeet all your set-up and ongoing business requirements.

352 Best of Dubai

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Nizar ZeidanManaging Director,One Stop Business Centre

What are the different services you offer and who are yourclientele? “We have a wide range of clients from entrepreneurs to bluechip companies. No job is too big or too small.”

Are you a substitute for an in-house PRO or can you workalongside them?“One Stop offers far more than an in-house PRO, however, weare able to provide the same service as in-house PRO with theadded extras. We have a number of clients who use ourservices instead of having in-house PROs and of course we are able to work alongside in-house PROs where moreexperience is needed.”

What is the most common obstacle you face in yourbusiness? “The most common obstacle is meeting tight deadlines andworking with European clients who find the different week-endsa hurdle when they work to European timings. This is alwaysresolved, once the client sees the quick turn around of work,and are always happy with the result.”

What is your internal set-up like? Where are your stafffrom?“We have members of staff who come from variety of differentnationalities and backgrounds.”

How have, if at all, existing and new laws affected yourbusiness? “New laws can sometimes be difficult to work around, but as Ihave been in the region for almost 20 years, I can ensure thatthe business faces minimal interruption if a new law isimplemented. I see new laws as positive thing for the region andI always ensure the laws are adhered to strictly.”

What are your plans for expansion and growth?“One Stop is always expanding and will be offering moreservices over the next 12-18 months. We plan to recruit moremembers of staff to accommodate the growth.”

Where do you think Dubai is headed in terms of simplifyingthe red-tape process?“With quality business solution companies like One Stop red-tapecan always be overcome and simplified. It is only complicated tothose that do not know the correct procedures and who do nothave the right governing bodies to assist.”

Best of Dubai 353

What would you like to see done differently or to change? “Better awareness of the procedures and an understanding of the rules andregulations that govern the UAE will assist with making things simpler.”

What are the core principles you believe in and adhere to when running abusiness in Dubai?“One Stop’s principles are; honesty, efficiency reliability, speed, approachability,commercial awareness and cost effectiveness.”

What is different or unique about conducting business in Dubai whencompared to your home country or internationally?“Naturally. different rules and regulations govern other countries and cities. Dubai is ever expanding and becoming more in line with other international cities. If you have an expert in any other country, as One Stop is here, then allhurdles can be overcome. I believed the same problems that are faced in Dubai are also faced elsewhere, its just a matter of knowing the procedures and people.”

Do you believe our current systems facilitate the growth of business andinvestment or somewhat hinder them?“I believe the current system is improving vastly and in time people will bepraising Dubai for its efficiency. The current expansion in Dubai can only be apositive thing and bears testament to the fact the system must working. Ofcourse things can be improved, but Dubai is definitely headed in the right direction.”

Who handled your paperwork when you set up One Stop Dubai?“Due to my contacts and knowledge of the requirements for business set-ups, Iwas able to do all my own paperwork when establishing One Stop.”

Tel. +9714 343 1433 www.onestopdubai.com

One Stop Business Service is a Dubai based company offering a wide range of professional services to new andestablished businesses both locally and internationally. We have fourteen years of experience advising andassisting corporations and individuals in setting up businesses anywhere in the UAE.

Our main activities• General guidelines and advice in relation to setting up in the U.A.E.• Trade Licenses - For all types of set-ups and companies in all the Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman,

Umm AI-Qaiwain, Ras AI Khaimah, Fujairah)• Formation and Registration of all types of companies and set-ups, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)• Visa Services - Residence visas. cancellations: transfers, renewals, etc.• PRO Services• Business Centre - Provision of temporary work premises and facilities for new set-ups in the UAE• Local Sponsorship Agreements• Personal Services and Assistance - Passport renewals, PO Box set-up and renewal, obtaining and renewal of

various other permits and licenses and others

One Stop Business Centre's managing director Nizar Zeidan explains the wide variety of services offered toentrepreneurs and businesses working to take root in Dubai.

When did One Stop Dubai first open its doors and why did you decide to enter into such a business? “One Stop first opened its door in August 2004. I decided to enter into this business as I saw an area of thebusiness market which was lacking. I had the necessary skills and contacts to make business solutions easy and accessible.”

One Stop Business CentreOne Stop means that we offer a ‘one-stop’ service tomeet all your set-up and ongoing business requirements.

352 Best of Dubai

Set

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ubai

Nizar ZeidanManaging Director,One Stop Business Centre

What are the different services you offer and who are yourclientele? “We have a wide range of clients from entrepreneurs to bluechip companies. No job is too big or too small.”

Are you a substitute for an in-house PRO or can you workalongside them?“One Stop offers far more than an in-house PRO, however, weare able to provide the same service as in-house PRO with theadded extras. We have a number of clients who use ourservices instead of having in-house PROs and of course we are able to work alongside in-house PROs where moreexperience is needed.”

What is the most common obstacle you face in yourbusiness? “The most common obstacle is meeting tight deadlines andworking with European clients who find the different week-endsa hurdle when they work to European timings. This is alwaysresolved, once the client sees the quick turn around of work,and are always happy with the result.”

What is your internal set-up like? Where are your stafffrom?“We have members of staff who come from variety of differentnationalities and backgrounds.”

How have, if at all, existing and new laws affected yourbusiness? “New laws can sometimes be difficult to work around, but as Ihave been in the region for almost 20 years, I can ensure thatthe business faces minimal interruption if a new law isimplemented. I see new laws as positive thing for the region andI always ensure the laws are adhered to strictly.”

What are your plans for expansion and growth?“One Stop is always expanding and will be offering moreservices over the next 12-18 months. We plan to recruit moremembers of staff to accommodate the growth.”

Where do you think Dubai is headed in terms of simplifyingthe red-tape process?“With quality business solution companies like One Stop red-tapecan always be overcome and simplified. It is only complicated tothose that do not know the correct procedures and who do nothave the right governing bodies to assist.”

Best of Dubai 353

What would you like to see done differently or to change? “Better awareness of the procedures and an understanding of the rules andregulations that govern the UAE will assist with making things simpler.”

What are the core principles you believe in and adhere to when running abusiness in Dubai?“One Stop’s principles are; honesty, efficiency reliability, speed, approachability,commercial awareness and cost effectiveness.”

What is different or unique about conducting business in Dubai whencompared to your home country or internationally?“Naturally. different rules and regulations govern other countries and cities. Dubai is ever expanding and becoming more in line with other international cities. If you have an expert in any other country, as One Stop is here, then allhurdles can be overcome. I believed the same problems that are faced in Dubai are also faced elsewhere, its just a matter of knowing the procedures and people.”

Do you believe our current systems facilitate the growth of business andinvestment or somewhat hinder them?“I believe the current system is improving vastly and in time people will bepraising Dubai for its efficiency. The current expansion in Dubai can only be apositive thing and bears testament to the fact the system must working. Ofcourse things can be improved, but Dubai is definitely headed in the right direction.”

Who handled your paperwork when you set up One Stop Dubai?“Due to my contacts and knowledge of the requirements for business set-ups, Iwas able to do all my own paperwork when establishing One Stop.”

Tel. +9714 343 1433 www.onestopdubai.com

Anyone who has tried to set up in the frantic worldof Business in Dubai knows the headache ofrunning around from one department to another toget papers approved and documents attested.Even with the headways in efficiency that theDubai government has made, knowing exactlywhat is needed and where to go is always madeeasier by someone in the know. Al Essa wasestablished three years ago as a 'one-stop shop'for businesses setting up in Dubai, coordinatingsponsorships, local partners, visas, business plansand other elements entrepreneurs need to thrive inDubai's heady business environment.

The recruitment side of the company took off in2004 and surpassed expectations when theylaunched The Al Essa Network in February 2006.Michelle identified a need for a system that wouldadd value and create ease of work within the HRindustry. Al Essa Marketing is the first company inthe Middle East to take online recruiting to the nextlevel, by turning the traditional resume-basedonline recruiting system into a fully interactiveinstant job matching system that combines thesourcing and the processing of candidates into aunified management system, also incorporatingpersonality profiling on the same platform.

The Al Essa Network Recruitment solutionreduces recruitment time and cost by over 60%,and delivers dramatically higher efficiency to therecruiting process. This improvement is achievedby intelligent matching between candidate profilesand preferences, and job requirements, and byenabling candidates and recruiters tocommunicate more efficiently. It enables recruitersto add more value to the process by spendingmost of their time evaluating fewer, but more qualified candidates, rather thanreviewing hundreds of resumes of unqualifiedcandidates. The Network, or 'the solution,' asMichelle calls it, is extremely flexible and can be customized to an extraordinary degree. It is not simply a website, but an adaptableplatform with many uses for HR Managers,recruiters and companies.

Smaller companies can opt simply to use fewerof the portal's features for a lesser fee. Potentially,each stage of the recruitment process can beautomated so that Al Essa would in effect becomea company's Human Resources arm. The benefitsof such personalized attention are obvious and gobeyond simply finding resumes. Al Essa is veryexcited about being the first Dubai firm to adoptthe newest innovation in personality profiling onThe Al Essa Network. Although similartechnologies have been used extensively in thefield of human resources and recruitment for manyyears, the Wealth Dynamics technology is the firstto match personality profiles with clients' jobrequirements.

"I'm passionate about our business," laughs MichelleKruger, Business Development Director for Al EssaMarketing. "I love to see people and businesses grow."

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The Wealth Dynamics entrepreneur profilingsystem was created by Roger Hamilton, Chairmanand Founder of XL Results Foundation in Singaporein 2000. Its creation required years of studying the IChing, Jungian personality theories, and theactivities and strategies of top entrepreneurs fromaround the globe. This investigation suggested thatby identifying a person's personality type, it ispossible to predict the investment and businessstrategies that they are most likely to experiencesuccess with. The general premise of the approachis that when people do what comes most naturally tothem, they are most likely to find their "flow", havefun, and achieve sustainable success. Six years on,the system has been discovered by almost 50,000people throughout Asia.

Michelle explains that instead of simply matchingcandidates and employers in an innovativealgorithmic process; the qualified candidate willpossess the right qualities and wealth profiling toachieve ultimate success in their position. Al Essa'swin-win approach to dealing with their clients andcandidates, ensures that both sides are happy,enabling a relationship that continues past the initialfirst few months.

The Al Essa Network's database houses CVs fromacross the globe. Michelle has established firm tieswith many professional groups worldwide, enablingher to find candidates who are willing to move to theGulf region and establish themselves in a newenvironment. The Network operates to support theirclient, by providing career sites on the Al EssaNetwork which jobseekers can visit to learn moreabout the company and the opportunities it offers.

"Our approach is to collaborate and not compete",Michelle says with a smile. "Collaborations between

different agencies and across different forms ofmedia, we believe, allow for greateraccomplishments and a higher rate of successacross the board." She is confident that value issomething that is increasingly sought after asstandards continue to rise in Dubai, and that thework her company is doing to change the waycompanies look at staffing will pay off.

This is part of the 'Givers Gain' philosophy thatMichelle feels underpins Al Essa's success. To carrythat ethos further, the company joined the XL ResultsFoundation; an Asia-based entrepreneurialnetworking foundation that promotes world widewealth empowering social enterprise and globalchange by increasing their collective ability to createand contribute wealth. XL"stands for "ExtraordinaryLives" - a life in which they maximize their power tocreate and contribute. Social Entrepreneurscontribute at least 10 per cent of their earnings tocharitable causes.

"Our success in the last year has given us theflexibility to go beyond our usual responsibilities",says Michelle. "We're looking forward toincorporating Wealth Dynamics into all organizationsin the Middle East, and change the wayorganizations recruit, so that they too can becomeExtraordinary!. "We firmly stand and support thequote that "Wealth isn't how much money you have,but wealth is what you are left with when you looseeverything" - Roger Hamilton Al Essa is alreadydoing just that, changing the culture of HumanResources. They take the "U" and "I" in recruitmentand form a relationship that works.

Tel.: +9714 334 9432Fax.: +97108 448 0583

Best of Dubai 355

Extraordinary Instant Matchers

Michelle Kruger, Business Development Director

“With Emiratisation being the order ofthe day in this part of the world, ourfocused recruiting process solutions inthis area are gaining ground everyday.”

- Hamad Al Essa

Al Essa.qxp 12/26/2006 9:24 AM Page 1

Anyone who has tried to set up in the frantic worldof Business in Dubai knows the headache ofrunning around from one department to another toget papers approved and documents attested.Even with the headways in efficiency that theDubai government has made, knowing exactlywhat is needed and where to go is always madeeasier by someone in the know. Al Essa wasestablished three years ago as a 'one-stop shop'for businesses setting up in Dubai, coordinatingsponsorships, local partners, visas, business plansand other elements entrepreneurs need to thrive inDubai's heady business environment.

The recruitment side of the company took off in2004 and surpassed expectations when theylaunched The Al Essa Network in February 2006.Michelle identified a need for a system that wouldadd value and create ease of work within the HRindustry. Al Essa Marketing is the first company inthe Middle East to take online recruiting to the nextlevel, by turning the traditional resume-basedonline recruiting system into a fully interactiveinstant job matching system that combines thesourcing and the processing of candidates into aunified management system, also incorporatingpersonality profiling on the same platform.

The Al Essa Network Recruitment solutionreduces recruitment time and cost by over 60%,and delivers dramatically higher efficiency to therecruiting process. This improvement is achievedby intelligent matching between candidate profilesand preferences, and job requirements, and byenabling candidates and recruiters tocommunicate more efficiently. It enables recruitersto add more value to the process by spendingmost of their time evaluating fewer, but more qualified candidates, rather thanreviewing hundreds of resumes of unqualifiedcandidates. The Network, or 'the solution,' asMichelle calls it, is extremely flexible and can be customized to an extraordinary degree. It is not simply a website, but an adaptableplatform with many uses for HR Managers,recruiters and companies.

Smaller companies can opt simply to use fewerof the portal's features for a lesser fee. Potentially,each stage of the recruitment process can beautomated so that Al Essa would in effect becomea company's Human Resources arm. The benefitsof such personalized attention are obvious and gobeyond simply finding resumes. Al Essa is veryexcited about being the first Dubai firm to adoptthe newest innovation in personality profiling onThe Al Essa Network. Although similartechnologies have been used extensively in thefield of human resources and recruitment for manyyears, the Wealth Dynamics technology is the firstto match personality profiles with clients' jobrequirements.

"I'm passionate about our business," laughs MichelleKruger, Business Development Director for Al EssaMarketing. "I love to see people and businesses grow."

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The Wealth Dynamics entrepreneur profilingsystem was created by Roger Hamilton, Chairmanand Founder of XL Results Foundation in Singaporein 2000. Its creation required years of studying the IChing, Jungian personality theories, and theactivities and strategies of top entrepreneurs fromaround the globe. This investigation suggested thatby identifying a person's personality type, it ispossible to predict the investment and businessstrategies that they are most likely to experiencesuccess with. The general premise of the approachis that when people do what comes most naturally tothem, they are most likely to find their "flow", havefun, and achieve sustainable success. Six years on,the system has been discovered by almost 50,000people throughout Asia.

Michelle explains that instead of simply matchingcandidates and employers in an innovativealgorithmic process; the qualified candidate willpossess the right qualities and wealth profiling toachieve ultimate success in their position. Al Essa'swin-win approach to dealing with their clients andcandidates, ensures that both sides are happy,enabling a relationship that continues past the initialfirst few months.

The Al Essa Network's database houses CVs fromacross the globe. Michelle has established firm tieswith many professional groups worldwide, enablingher to find candidates who are willing to move to theGulf region and establish themselves in a newenvironment. The Network operates to support theirclient, by providing career sites on the Al EssaNetwork which jobseekers can visit to learn moreabout the company and the opportunities it offers.

"Our approach is to collaborate and not compete",Michelle says with a smile. "Collaborations between

different agencies and across different forms ofmedia, we believe, allow for greateraccomplishments and a higher rate of successacross the board." She is confident that value issomething that is increasingly sought after asstandards continue to rise in Dubai, and that thework her company is doing to change the waycompanies look at staffing will pay off.

This is part of the 'Givers Gain' philosophy thatMichelle feels underpins Al Essa's success. To carrythat ethos further, the company joined the XL ResultsFoundation; an Asia-based entrepreneurialnetworking foundation that promotes world widewealth empowering social enterprise and globalchange by increasing their collective ability to createand contribute wealth. XL"stands for "ExtraordinaryLives" - a life in which they maximize their power tocreate and contribute. Social Entrepreneurscontribute at least 10 per cent of their earnings tocharitable causes.

"Our success in the last year has given us theflexibility to go beyond our usual responsibilities",says Michelle. "We're looking forward toincorporating Wealth Dynamics into all organizationsin the Middle East, and change the wayorganizations recruit, so that they too can becomeExtraordinary!. "We firmly stand and support thequote that "Wealth isn't how much money you have,but wealth is what you are left with when you looseeverything" - Roger Hamilton Al Essa is alreadydoing just that, changing the culture of HumanResources. They take the "U" and "I" in recruitmentand form a relationship that works.

Tel.: +9714 334 9432Fax.: +97108 448 0583

Best of Dubai 355

Extraordinary Instant Matchers

Michelle Kruger, Business Development Director

“With Emiratisation being the order ofthe day in this part of the world, ourfocused recruiting process solutions inthis area are gaining ground everyday.”

- Hamad Al Essa

Al Essa.qxp 12/26/2006 9:24 AM Page 1

Powering Global HR Solutions

Removing the need for costly legal fee’s and the expensiveretention of in-house staff, qualified HR specialists are availableto provide recruitment and human resource solutions through arange of consultancy services available worldwide.

356 Best of Dubai

Set

ting

Up

in D

ubai

There are very few countries which can boast an upper quartile rankingdebut into a survey of the most attractive locations worldwide, however itwon't surprise its residents to know Dubai has achieved this in 2006.Global investors consider Dubai amongst the top of their most attractiveforeign direct investment locations.

As the Emirate evolves into the region's premier financial hubemployers and employees face numerous challenges in attracting and retaining talent as well as keeping up with the ever increasing costs which go hand in hand with such large scale commercial andcorporate development.

Times have changed since Alexandra Maddison first moved to Dubaisix years ago, she observes, "Dubai has now become a destination andlifestyle of choice. Long gone are the days when expatriates 'served theirtime' here in favour of large monetary compensation. With increasedexposure in the European press young professionals like myself areeager to be part of the growing phenomenon which is Dubai".

Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner of Global Village Consultantsgraduated in 1999 with a first class honours degree in Law (LLB) fromthe UK. During her training Alex specialised in commercial andemployment law. Following her graduation Alex was recruited by arapidly expanding global consultancy based in Mayfair, London. Forthree years Alex headed the international department of this UK basedcompany offering tailor-made human resource and recruitmentconsultancy services to a range of international clients. "The role wasexciting" Alex explains "It was my first opportunity to put my hard earnedlegal training to use. Due to the nature of the services we provided, manyof my clients were celebrities and VIP's with complex specific needs in aglobal capacity".

In this high profile role Alex gained valuable exposure to a variety ofmarkets, "My work regularly brought me to the Middle East and I wasfascinated to see the growth and development of the country at anunprecedented rate. I was also attracted by the culture and the climate,the more often I visited the less I wanted to return to the UK!"

It is this interest in Dubai which led to Alex making the decision tofurther her career with Emirates Airline. "Working with Emirates gave meexposure to over 120 nationalities and enabled me to consolidate myinternational knowledge and gain experience of working in over 50countries worldwide." By the end of her career with Emirates she hadrisen to the position of HR manager and worked in nearly all of the 80destinations throughout Emirates diverse network.

"As I was based in the remuneration department I was part of theteam responsible for constructing the contractual terms for staff basedoutside of Dubai. With staff in over 80 locations all employee salary andbenefits packages are designed in local currencies, commensurate withthe relevant market norms and in compliance with the local legislation.

Best of Dubai 357

Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner - Global Village Consulting

This role provided exposure to a variety of markets which, with thebenefit of extensive global travel, I was able to experience first hand"

When the time came to leave Emirates Alex's career went fromstrength to strength as she set up Global Village Consultants under theumbrella of Global Village Partnerships. "Global Village Partnerships is acompany whose progress I have followed from inception. I stronglyadmire the vision, creativity and integrity of Sven Boermeester and histeam, it is as a result of these values that Global Village Partnershipsare steadily conquering all four corners of the world".

Global Village Consultants are now providing a valuable addition tothis already formidable concept. Offering high level recruitment andhuman resource consultancy services worldwide, Alex and her teamare able to offer their clients dynamic and innovative problem solvingsolutions for a range a human resource scenarios.

Alex describes "through our experienced and qualified consultantswe are in the unique position of being able to offer our clients tailor-made recruitment and human resources services in any country world-wide. We offer a range of services from targeted recruitment to cross-cultural training and pride ourselves in our alacrity and diligence whichhas guaranteed our presence in this global market".

For further information or a free consultation please contact theGlobal Village Consultancy team on the following;

Tel.: +9714 390 3952www.globalvillage-consulting.com

ConsultingGLOBAL VILLAGE

Powering Global HR Solutions

Removing the need for costly legal fee’s and the expensiveretention of in-house staff, qualified HR specialists are availableto provide recruitment and human resource solutions through arange of consultancy services available worldwide.

356 Best of Dubai

Set

ting

Up

in D

ubai

There are very few countries which can boast an upper quartile rankingdebut into a survey of the most attractive locations worldwide, however itwon't surprise its residents to know Dubai has achieved this in 2006.Global investors consider Dubai amongst the top of their most attractiveforeign direct investment locations.

As the Emirate evolves into the region's premier financial hubemployers and employees face numerous challenges in attracting and retaining talent as well as keeping up with the ever increasing costs which go hand in hand with such large scale commercial andcorporate development.

Times have changed since Alexandra Maddison first moved to Dubaisix years ago, she observes, "Dubai has now become a destination andlifestyle of choice. Long gone are the days when expatriates 'served theirtime' here in favour of large monetary compensation. With increasedexposure in the European press young professionals like myself areeager to be part of the growing phenomenon which is Dubai".

Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner of Global Village Consultantsgraduated in 1999 with a first class honours degree in Law (LLB) fromthe UK. During her training Alex specialised in commercial andemployment law. Following her graduation Alex was recruited by arapidly expanding global consultancy based in Mayfair, London. Forthree years Alex headed the international department of this UK basedcompany offering tailor-made human resource and recruitmentconsultancy services to a range of international clients. "The role wasexciting" Alex explains "It was my first opportunity to put my hard earnedlegal training to use. Due to the nature of the services we provided, manyof my clients were celebrities and VIP's with complex specific needs in aglobal capacity".

In this high profile role Alex gained valuable exposure to a variety ofmarkets, "My work regularly brought me to the Middle East and I wasfascinated to see the growth and development of the country at anunprecedented rate. I was also attracted by the culture and the climate,the more often I visited the less I wanted to return to the UK!"

It is this interest in Dubai which led to Alex making the decision tofurther her career with Emirates Airline. "Working with Emirates gave meexposure to over 120 nationalities and enabled me to consolidate myinternational knowledge and gain experience of working in over 50countries worldwide." By the end of her career with Emirates she hadrisen to the position of HR manager and worked in nearly all of the 80destinations throughout Emirates diverse network.

"As I was based in the remuneration department I was part of theteam responsible for constructing the contractual terms for staff basedoutside of Dubai. With staff in over 80 locations all employee salary andbenefits packages are designed in local currencies, commensurate withthe relevant market norms and in compliance with the local legislation.

Best of Dubai 357

Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner - Global Village Consulting

This role provided exposure to a variety of markets which, with thebenefit of extensive global travel, I was able to experience first hand"

When the time came to leave Emirates Alex's career went fromstrength to strength as she set up Global Village Consultants under theumbrella of Global Village Partnerships. "Global Village Partnerships is acompany whose progress I have followed from inception. I stronglyadmire the vision, creativity and integrity of Sven Boermeester and histeam, it is as a result of these values that Global Village Partnershipsare steadily conquering all four corners of the world".

Global Village Consultants are now providing a valuable addition tothis already formidable concept. Offering high level recruitment andhuman resource consultancy services worldwide, Alex and her teamare able to offer their clients dynamic and innovative problem solvingsolutions for a range a human resource scenarios.

Alex describes "through our experienced and qualified consultantswe are in the unique position of being able to offer our clients tailor-made recruitment and human resources services in any country world-wide. We offer a range of services from targeted recruitment to cross-cultural training and pride ourselves in our alacrity and diligence whichhas guaranteed our presence in this global market".

For further information or a free consultation please contact theGlobal Village Consultancy team on the following;

Tel.: +9714 390 3952www.globalvillage-consulting.com


Recruitment

Expatriate Tax Effective ContractsWhen recruiting a senior level employee from overseas, advice can be provided on the most tax effectivestructure of a package. Many clients would benefit from an analysis of the applicable fringe benefits tax thatmay be required on a company car / apartment / airline tickets and other benefits offered to incentivise overseaskey personnel to join the client's team.

Relocation PackagesCommensurate with industry and client competitive norms, a guideline package can be prepared addressingall aspects of remuneration. Employees and clients can receive a detailed breakdown of a proposed packagewhich can be tailored from the client's current standard remuneration policies and contrasted against thecomparative remuneration package in the employee's home country.

Assessment Centre DesignIn this employee competitive environment recruiting one applicant out of the final shortlist is a difficult task withmistakes sometimes proving costly and demoralising. At key personnel level an assessment centre can bedesigned to explore job specific competencies and the applicant's ability in all areas of the role for which theyare being interviewed. Following a detailed consultation with the client, a tailor-made set of tasks are designedto use in evaluating a number of applicants either in a team environment of at an individual level. Depending onthe needs of the client, if required, Global Village can then execute the assessment centre or hand over the tasksto the client for their future use.

InterviewingInterviewing senior personnel can be a time consuming and costly exercise. Clients can choose from a numberof options depending on the level and number of applicants and jobs available. Global Village Consultingoptions include bulk CV screening, pre-interview assessment and interviewing alone, with your in-house HRteam or relevant line manger.

Independent Pre / During Employment Contract NegotiationsIf the client has key personnel they are wishing to retain or junior level staff expressing salary dissatisfaction,they many benefit from external independent one to one contract negotiation or junior level salary review. Thisis a tried and tested method which may succeed in preventing unionisation or senior level migration.

Bulk RecruitmentFor bulk recruitment including hospitality, airline crew or factory floor staff, recruitment can be time consumingand possibly lack quality and accuracy. Global Village Consultants can handle the recruitment from theadvertising to the selection stage, with as much or as little input from the client as required.

global village consulting3_L1.qxp 12/11/06 3:57 AM Page 3

Salary Benchmarking & Remuneration StudiesIndustry or grade specific salary benchmarking is offered inpreparation for a salary review or mid-year review to assist withpersonnel budgeting costs. As this is conducted by anindependent consultant the services offered are anti - trustlegislation compliant. Global Village Consultants specialise intailor-made research which provides the client with detailedindustry norms and practical, reliable proposals forimplementation. Additionally Global Village Consultants areaware of the need to balance the interests of the employee withthe needs of the client in this commercially sensitive time.

Anti-trust / Competition Law Compliance in an HREnvironmentWith the advance of anti-trust / competition law manybenchmarking and industry specific salary surveys regardingcompetitively sensitive information have been curtailed. Incompliance with this legislation Global Village Consultants canact as a third party to collect and evaluate data and providelegally compliant results as required.

Union NegotiationWith experience in worldwide union negotiations all over theglobe, Global Village Consultants are able to handle thissensitive process quickly and efficiently whilst protecting theinterests of the company and ensuring harmonious relationswith their employees. Following a detailed client consultationthe process can be handled independently by Global VillageConsultants or back up can be provided in the form of asupport role which involves researching the current industrynorms and prevailing market pressures which will inevitablyplay a role in the conclusion of a negotiation process.

Start Up Packages / Remuneration Package DesignStart up remuneration packages can be drafted for Central,South and North America, Asia, the Middle East, Australasiaand Europe. These can be tailor-made to individual countries in accordance with their local labour law and in their local currencies.

Absorbing / Removing an In-House ServiceTake over or removal of an in-house service is subject to a varietyof laws and sensitivities worldwide. Advice and an employeepackage can be provided in a variety of different circumstancesto smooth the transition for new and existing staff.

Job Description ProfilingAcross a range of grades and industries, competency andobjective based job descriptions can be drafted for clientreview and implementation.

Training Global Village Consultants are experienced in all areas ofemployee training. Many pre-prepared courses are availableranging from cultural awareness to job role competencies,such as negotiation, communication and organisation skills.Additionally courses can be prepared and delivered foremployers looking to target specific needs of an employeegroup or skill based teams.

Organisational RestructureAdvice can be given regarding a client's organisation structure and if necessary a new proposal can be configured inline with the client’s aims. Global Village Consultants have experience of restructuring globally and across a range of industries.

Cross Cultural TrainingGlobal Village Consultants have experience of working in over84 cities worldwide. Culturally sensitive training can beprovided on a one-to-one basis for key personnel or to groupsof employees who interact with staff from other cultures.Presentations can be prepared and delivered or materialprovided for future use.

Policy DraftingPolicy, induction, training and compliance manuals can bedrafted and as required induction training can provided torelevant line managers. Soft copy manuals can be supplied oran annual review and an updating service is available as partof the service.

Climate SurveysWhether our clients are facing increased attrition, staffdiscontent or undertaking a period of considerable change,many international companies have benefited at some pointfrom an externally conducted personnel study. Sensitive andprofessionally conducted staff surveys are undertaken toestablish the prevailing concerns or challenges for staff andappropriate remedies identified if required.

Pension, Superannuation and Retirement Benefit SchemeConsultingMany companies now view retirement benefit schemesholistically as part of broader remuneration strategies rather than as specific standalone benefits. We can advise on the optimum strategy for your business to ensure maximum value to staff and stockholders whilstsimultaneously minimizing strategic and operating risks.Advice is available from feasibility stage through toimplementation and communication.

HR Consultancy


Contact Details - Office: +971 (0) 4 390 3952 Mobile: +971 (0) 50 6841119 USA: +1 917 607 7236

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G V P e d i a . c o m

Documents

Best of Dubai vol 2