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treasures of the deep

helping conserve the uae environment for generations to come

\\plus... discover the desert in action-packed style

the exclusive online magazine for adcb customers

1.Winner spies opportunitiesan australian entrepreneur has seen her firm go from strength to strength since winning an aDcB-sponsored accolade.

colette griplas was voted 2012 ambition award winner at the emirates Woman of the Year awards, held in november, for launching her online spectacle store specs addict.

she says: “We are seeking formal investors and having the award gives us validity – it’s an amazing feeling. the endorsement also provides comfort to our customers.”

visit specsaddict.com to learn more.

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Welcome to the brand-new digital version of

magazine, packed with news, views and topical features.

Published quarterly, this interactive online edition is divided into four handy sections – Finance, Travel, Shopping and Livesmart – each designed to cover the topics that matter most.

On page 8, we round up the top five ways to discover the desert, from dune bashing to sandboarding and everything in between.

For a more sedate drive, the new Infiniti JX is a better option. We shine a spotlight on the car on page 16 and find out how it offers both safety and style.

On the topic of motors, why not take your wheels out for a spin? Turn to page 12 to plan your perfect weekend getaway with our guide to the UAE’s best resorts.

Wow your colleagues on your return to work with a sharply cut suit. On page 14 we feature the latest trends in tailoring from one of our newest TouchPoints partners, Raymond Made-to-Measure. Happy reading!

Martin Scott, Chief Marketing Officer ADCB

03 news The latest updates from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

06 under the spotlightBringing environmental issues centre stage

08 against the grainDiscover the dunes with an action-packed desert adventure

12 relax and unwindEnjoy a spot of luxury with an indulgent weekend break

14 cutting a dashRaymond Made-to-Measure talks top trends

15 small touchesStriking accessories to set off your business suit

16 the right directionHow the Infiniti JX combines safety and style

18 party tricksDynamic decorations for any social occasion

Welcome contents

Welcome to , the exclusive online magazine for ADCB customers

Email us at focus@adcb.com

Editorial Editorial Director Philip Fenton Group Editor Kathryn Roberts Deputy Group Editor Lauren Steadman Features Writer Helen Morrogh Design Creative Director Carl Bergman Senior Designer Mohammad Marei

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3. ADCB touChpoints pAirs With CArrefour

4. instAnt reDemption

ADCB customers can now redeem TouchPoints at Carrefour shops across the UAE.

The loyalty programme is the first bank-wide rewards scheme of its kind in the country.

It rewards customers every time they use ADCB’s products and services – and the benefits are growing.

Ravi Nair, the bank’s Head of Customer Experience Management, says: “At ADCB we believe in value creation for all our customers.

“We are extremely pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with Carrefour which offers our customers a unique opportunity to redeem TouchPoints.”

aDcB customers can now redeem touchpoints straight away at more than 100 stores.

purchases of as little as one dirham can be made at touchpoint terminals in participating outlets.

cardholders who opt to pay by credit card can redeem a predetermined sum of points against any item or service of their choice.

the terminals, which are available at various well known shops, will display the number of points available and any remaining cash balance.

to find out more, visit adcbtouchpoints.com.

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finance neWsfinance neWs

2. CAlling All BlACkBerry fAnsthe latest high-end handset is both sleek and sophisticated.

Durable yet lightweight, the BlackBerry Q10 is also stylish while offering the high specifications needed by today’s busy professional. the built-in QWertY keyboard offers effortless typing, while its 8cm touchscreen renders pictures sharp

and vibrant. enjoy video chats via BlackBerry messenger and capture the perfect still shot every time using the 8 megapixel camera.

Boasting seamless integration of features and apps, this phone is both a pleasure to use and an invaluable asset for business.

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one of the more unusual desert activities, moonlight drumming is ideal for families. Jump in a 4x4 and drive to the designated camp far away from the city lights. Bag a spot next to a bongo drum and follow the lead drummers who involve each and every guest in a fun and interactive way. With a traditional arabic buffet and sessions interspersed with dancing, the evening offers a great way to meet new people.

snowboard enthusiasts will love sandboarding, the desert-based equivalent. fasten the board to your boots, place your weight on your back leg, stretch out your arms and glide effortlessly down the sand dune before grinding to a natural halt at the bottom. it might take a few attempts to perfect, but with the wind in your hair and sun on your face, this is a fun activity for sporty types of all ages.

moonlight Drumming

sAnD-BoArDing

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there are so manY WaYs to experience the uae’s spraWling Desert. focus online rounDs up the top five action-packeD activities

Dune BAshing1.

Desert DisCovery

Jump in a 4x4, strap on your seatbelt and hold on tight – dune bashing is a thrilling adventure not to be missed. as the expert driver weaves up and down the steepest of dunes you’ll be flung about and turned on your side at breakneck speed. With shrieks of laughter at every corner, it’s fast, furious and not for the fainthearted.

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travel aDventure

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if you prefer to go it alone and avoid organised tours, jump in your car and take the Dubai to hatta road. the further you go, the bigger and redder the dunes become as their rich iron oxide content increases. after approximately 40 minutes you will reach Big red, also known as al hamar, a 300ft sand dune as steep as a black ski run. the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile, but avoid the area on friday afternoons and public holidays, when the dunes become crowded and the roads sometimes jammed.

on the roAD5.

in the knowmany tour operators offer excellent excursions into the desert. oasis palm tourism, lama Desert tourism and asia pacific travels & tourism are all established and reputable firms through which you can redeem your touchpoints.

travel aDventure

for something more relaxing, an arabic barbecue under the stars is a culturally rewarding experience. offered by many tour operators, the evenings often include a belly dancing performance as well as the opportunity to smoke shisha while sitting majlis-style on cushions on the floor. the real star of the show, though, is the food, which includes tasty salads, grilled meat and delicious desserts.

ArABiC flAvours4.

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best for: couplestucked away at the end of the palm Jumeirah, one&only the palm Dubai is hopelessly romantic, with immaculate gardens, intricate fountains and sparkling pools. ideal for couples looking to escape the fast pace of city life, the award-winning property offers a choice of rooms, mansions and villas as well as superb local and international cuisine at one of three restaurants. the tranquil spa is also worth exploring and boasts a multitude of luxurious, world-class treatments.oneandonlyresorts.com

best for: colleaguesperched on the edge of sir Bani Yas island, Desert islands resort & spa by anantara offers a selection of exciting activities, from hiking and horse riding to kayaking and mountain biking. the highlight, however, is the two-hour nature and wildlife drive through the royal nature reserve. taking in cheetahs, giraffes and the once endangered arabian oryx, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your team. take a 25-minute flight from al Bateen executive airport and you’ll be there in no time.desertislandsanantara.com

best for: friendsWith unrivalled views of sheikh Zayed grand mosque and beautiful arabian-themed interiors, shangri-la hotel Qaryat al Beri is one of the most sought after hotels in abu Dhabi. What makes this property especially appealing for groups of friends is the adjoining souk, which is brimming with lively bars and restaurants. Built over two floors, the souk is also home to quaint boutiques selling handcrafted souvenirs.shangri-la.com

travel mini-Breaks

best for: familiesnestled between the uae’s hajar mountains and the indian ocean, the fujairah rotana resort & spa – al aqah Beach (above) is home to a huge temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool complete with water slides, bridges and inflatable toys. a child’s paradise, the sprawling property also offers a wealth of thrilling water-based activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing and banana-boat rides. for those who prefer dry land, there’s table tennis, table football, beach volleyball and tennis.rotana.com

ABAnDon City life AnD unWinD At one of these luxurious WeekenD retreAts

Great escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapesGreat escapes

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Add a touch of class to your smartest suit with one of these stylish accessories

Formal Finishesshopping accessories

1 Finish your sleeves with a pair of silver-plated heavy knots from thomas pink 2 Every gentleman should tuck a handkerchief into his breast pocket. Why not add a splash of colour with this silk square from pierre cardin? 3 Step out in confidence with Baldessarini’s Secret Mission men’s fragrance 4 Complement a navy suit with this sky-blue silk tie from thomas pink

5 This ultra-thin Grande Reverso Lady watch from Jaeger le-coultre makes a bold statement 6 emilio pucci’s square silk scarf makes a colourful addition 7 Add a hint of pink to your outfit with these evita peroni earrings, bracelet and hairpin 8 With a quirky bottle and vibrant packaging, marc Jacobs’ Dot perfume is a fun and fragrant addition to any business outfit

For her

For him

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Use your ADCB credit or debit card to make fast and convenient purchases, collecting hundreds of instantly redeemable TouchPoints as you go

shopping intervieW

fashion-forward ADCB customers can now redeem their touchpoints at raymond made-to-measure. We speak to mrinmoy mukherjee, spokesperson at the top tailor, about the latest trends in luxury suits

What is the best fabric for high-end suits? Wool-rich fabrics or wool blends are ideal as they are versatile, comfortable and wrinkle-resistant.

What cuts are popular at the moment?Slimmer cuts and silhouettes are on-trend as well as slim lapels and slim trousers. But they do not suit all body types, so one must be careful.

how can you spot a badly designed suit?The key to a tailored suit is to ensure it suits your body type. Sometimes people want a suit that is not right for their contours and end up with something ill-fitting. When one raises both arms, the fabric should rest comfortably against the body without being pulled. Loose-fitting suits have too much fabric around the body.

have men’s tastes changed since you started designing suits?Men’s tastes in suits are constantly evolving and are driven by changes in the workplace and in the nature of professions.

What colour do customers request most often?Blacks, blues and beiges have always been popular. Based on recent trends, black has made way for less severe grey.

Describe your typical customer.Our clients are discerning and seek perfection. They are often involved in the creation of their garments, working with us on detailing such as cuffs, collars, lapels, pockets and even embroidered initials.See adcbtouchpoints.com to learn how to save money at Raymond Made-to-Measure (04 325 3091)

pedal to metalfor aDcB car loans at rates as low as 2.49% and repayment periods of up to five years, see adcb.com. t&cs apply.

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matching its luxury exterior, the interior is comfortable and classy. key design features include the signature driver-oriented cockpit and an elegant colour palette. choose from wheat, graphite or java leather.

the instrument panel is highlighted by a new infiniti intelligent-view display, along with large, easy-to-read fine vision electroluminescent gauges and a standard seven-inch colour vehicle information display.

start the 265-horsepower engine remotely with the keyless entry system, ideal for cooling or warming the interior prior to driving.

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An impressive family car combines unbeatable style with safety and comfort. Could the new infiniti Jx be for you?

livesmart car revieW

the world’s first Backup collision intervention system helps detect crossing vehicles at the rear and, if necessary, can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

With a long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as a low roofline that doesn’t compromise interior headroom, the Jx provides the benefits of a large family passenger car without the usual exterior styling restrictions.

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infinitiAnD BeyonD

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2 Print off photographs of your friends, cut

into circles and scatter across the table for a dotty decoration sure to impress.

5 Avoid wilting floral centrepieces by opting for a bowl

overflowing with jewel-toned grapes. Teamed with colour-coordinated table accessories, it will be a juicy talking point.

4 For something dramatically different, release

hundreds of helium-filled balloons, in keeping with your colour theme, letting them rise to the ceiling in a sea of bubbles and streamers.

3 If you’re celebrating a birthday, spell

out the person’s name in tealights either in the garden or on a balcony table. We love this bright idea.

1 Tie linen napkins with brilliantly coloured ribbon.

This personal touch will bring a stylish twist to any proceedings.

6 For birthdays, anniversaries or even graduation

parties, unearth old photographs, postcards, keepsakes and mementos that have accrued over the years, spreading them around your home.

livesmart home stYle

aDD a feW simple flourishes to Your home for a Dinner partY to rememBer

Décor with a difference

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the latest entertainmentreleases

films

Now You See Me Director: Louis Leterrier

An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off heists during their shows and reward audiences with the money. Starring Morgan Freeman and Mark Ruffalo, and featuring a turn from screen legend Michael Caine, this quirky comedy-thriller has all the ingredients of a magical movie.

After EarthDirector: M. Night Shyamalan

One thousand years after humans fled the Earth, a father and son find themselves stranded on the now forsaken planet. With dad Cypher injured, it’s down to teenager Kitai to save the day. Will and Jayden Smith star in this dark sci-fi adventure.

livesmart entertainment

dvd

Wreck-It RalphDirector: Rich Moore

A video game villain longs to be liked in this charming children’s animation. Wreck-It Ralph will go to any lengths to be recast as a hero. Can he achieve his aims before it’s ‘game over’? This Disney production is voiced by top comic actors, including Glee star Jane Lynch.

booK

And the Mountains Echoed Author: Khaled Hosseini

The bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns has produced another moving family saga. This hotly anticipated release unravels the complex relationships between siblings, exploring how the choices we make can resonate through generations. Available in Kindle and hardback formats.

album

Trouble Will Find MeArtist: The National

Sleepless nights with his baby daughter sent The National guitarist Aaron Dessner off at a new musical tangent. Too exhausted to be hypercritical, he helped the New York band create some of their most visceral music in years.Buy film tickets

with your aDcB credit card for 50% ‘cashback’. see adcb.com

films booKs musicfilms booKs music