luxurious dubai _oct2016

4
CRUISE Control D ubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular charter yacht destinations and is already a major super-yacht centre in the Middle East. New super-yacht marinas and harbours are being developed in Dubai and the Arabian Gulf to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market in the region. The International Dubai Boat Show takes place every March and has grown in popularity since its debut in 2008, showcasing a wide range of luxury yachts for sale and charter in the Gulf region. One of the expat community’s favourite weekend activities is cruising the Gulf waters aboard a yacht. And for good reason! Chartering a private yacht in Dubai allows you to experience the glitz and glamour of its cosmopolitan social scene as well as the rich cultural history of the region. From enjoying the festivities of Ramadan in the Heritage Village to watching the dhow traffic and the abras weave along the waterway, it offers the ultimate charter vacation experience. One can choose from a huge collection of speed boats and luxury yachts to cruise along the coast of Dubai and circle around the ‘World’ Islands, or to see the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Burj Dubai up close. Don’t miss out on the ‘Sunset Cruise’. The spectacular sight of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea is something that will stay in your memory for a long time. Then, settle in as the shimmering Dubai cityscape lights up the shoreline. Even as you discover the deepest secrets of the ocean, you can expect some of the finest and best services from the yacht charter companies. Deep sea fishing, cruising and a relaxing time on board are some of the activities you definitely don’t want to miss while being in one of the most famous and glamorous cities of the world. Offers start from sharing tours for a minimum two people to charter cruises with capacities of up to 40 passengers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful escape or exhilarating activity at sea, yacht charter companies are only too happy to organise a customised package with duration starting from two hours, to an entire night, or even for several days Opulent lifestyles being par for the course, it is not surprising that Dubai is now a preferred luxury yacht destination and boating market... While everyone knows that Dubai is awash in opulence, the opulence is sometimes has so much glitter that it borders on the incredible... ` D ubai and profligacy go hand in hand. The emirate comfortably holds the world record for the biggest man-made islands (Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah and ‘The World’); the largest shopping centre in terms of total area (Dubai Mall at 502,000 sq m), the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa, standing at 829.8m); a police force that has an armada of extravagance vehicles, including a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and a $2.5m Bugatti Veyron; ATM machines that throw out gold bars; and Burj Al Arab, the number one seven star hotel in the world! Interestingly, there are many theories about the origin of the word Dubai. One clearly mentions that the name came from a word meaning ‘money’, as people from the emirate were commonly believed to be rich due to the thriving trade in the region. An Arabic proverb says ‘Daba Dubai’, which when translated in Arabic means, ‘They came with a lot of money’. But let’s leave the genesis of the name to itself. What we do know for sure is that Dubai, which sits on the crossroads of the world is well and truly one of the most significant global cities of the 21st century. Modern-day Dubai’s encouraging tax regimes, state-of-the-art telecommunications and pro-business environment have created a country that is building energetically on the advantages which location, centuries- old trading savvy and oil wealth have given it. Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety – they are five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world’s most appealing destinations for leisure or business. From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the various souks, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions. This Arabian haven has fun and excitement for the whole family. With myriad shopping malls, flamboyant hotels, breathtaking beaches, serene spas, amazing adventures, and a multitude of tantalising cuisines, the city offers a colourful collage of its people and numerous traditions to every type of visitor. Real estate services consultants rank Dubai as the second-most important destination for international retailers, after London. Nearly half have outlets in Dubai, and nearly half of all luxury spending in the Middle East happens here. Little wonder then, a number of celebrities have invested in luxury properties and made the emirate their second home. These include Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Kate Hudson and Hillary Swank. Also on the list are American Presidential nominee and New York property magnate Donald Trump, tennis legend Boris Becker, Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, golf greats Tiger Woods, Gorman and Ernie Els, pop star Justin Bieber, fashion gurus Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace, and celeb couple Victoria & David Beckham. Dubai also has a strong Bollywood connection, with Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty and Ranbir Kapoor owning luxury villas here. But even as one ponders over the superlatives, Dubai is already in the process of building a massive temperature-controlled ‘city’ that will house an 8m-sq-foot shopping complex called the ‘Mall of The World’. The entire project will be spread over 50m sq ft, with an indoor amusement park (featuring a Marvel Comics-themed zone and a first-of-its-kind 3D ride featuring 18 IMAX projectors) that would be capable of welcoming up to 80m visitors a year; a Universal Studios entertainment centre; a number of art galleries; medical tourism facilities; and approximately 100 hotels. Also in the pipeline are plans to build the world’s biggest Ferris wheel as part of a new major tourist complex. The proposed 201m Dubai Eye will surpass the 165m Singapore Flyer, currently the world’s tallest, and offer panoramic views of the Dubai coast and attractions including the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. Recently, Dubai unveiled plans for a $812m reproduction of the Taj Mahal that will not only be four times bigger than the 17th century original but contain a shopping centre, a 300-room five-star hotel, serviced apartments and bridal wear stores. And now, Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is undergoing a massive $32bn expansion that will make it the world's largest airport, at a whopping 54 sq miles. The mini city is expected to be able to handle more than 120m passengers a year once completed in six to eight years. Clearly, the quest to push the realms of belief never seems to cease. In the same mould as diamonds, caviar and champagne, Dubai is synonymous with the word ‘luxury’. Everything here is ostentatious and the suffix ‘est’ has never been used so liberally. A LAND OF SUPERLATIVES ADVERTORIAL OCTOBER 31, 2016

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Page 1: Luxurious Dubai _OCT2016

CRUISE Control

Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular charter yacht destinations and is already a major super-yacht centre in the Middle East. New super-yacht marinas and harbours are being developed in Dubai and

the Arabian Gulf to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market in the region. The International Dubai Boat Show takes place every March and has grown in popularity since its debut in 2008, showcasing a wide range of luxury yachts for sale and charter in the Gulf region.

One of the expat community’s favourite weekend activities is cruising the Gulf waters aboard a yacht. And for good reason! Chartering a private yacht in Dubai allows you to experience the glitz and glamour of its cosmopolitan social scene as well as the rich cultural history of the region. From enjoying the festivities of Ramadan in the Heritage Village to watching the dhow traffic and the abras weave along the waterway, it offers the ultimate charter vacation experience.

One can choose from a huge collection of speed boats and luxury yachts to cruise along the coast of Dubai and circle around the ‘World’ Islands, or to see the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Burj Dubai up close. Don’t miss out on the ‘Sunset Cruise’. The spectacular sight of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea is something that will stay in your memory for a long time. Then, settle in as the shimmering Dubai cityscape lights up the shoreline.

Even as you discover the deepest secrets of the ocean, you can expect some of the finest and best services from the yacht charter companies. Deep sea fishing, cruising and a relaxing time on board are some of the activities you definitely don’t want to miss while being in one of the most famous and glamorous cities of the world.

Offers start from sharing tours for a minimum two people to charter cruises with capacities of up to 40 passengers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful escape or exhilarating activity at sea, yacht charter companies are only too happy to organise a customised package with duration starting from two hours, to an entire night, or even for several days

Opulent lifestyles being par for the course, it is not surprising that Dubai is now a preferred luxury yacht destination and

boating market...

While everyone knows that Dubai is awash in opulence, the opulence is sometimes has so much glitter that it borders on the incredible... `

Dubai and profligacy go hand in hand. The emirate comfortably holds the world record for the biggest man-made islands (Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah and

‘The World’); the largest shopping centre in terms of total area (Dubai Mall at 502,000 sq m), the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa, standing at 829.8m); a police force that has an armada of extravagance vehicles, including a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and a $2.5m Bugatti Veyron; ATM machines that throw out gold bars; and Burj Al Arab, the number one seven star hotel in the world!

Interestingly, there are many theories about the origin of the word Dubai. One clearly mentions that the name came from a word meaning ‘money’, as people from the emirate were commonly believed to be rich due to the thriving trade in the region. An Arabic proverb says ‘Daba Dubai’, which when translated in Arabic means, ‘They came with a lot of money’. But let’s leave the genesis of the name to itself. What we do know for sure is that Dubai, which sits on the crossroads of the world is well and truly one of the most significant global cities of the 21st century.

Modern-day Dubai’s encouraging tax regimes, state-of-the-art telecommunications and pro-business environment have created a country that is building energetically on the advantages which location, centuries-old trading savvy and oil wealth have given it. Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety – they are five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation

as one of the world’s most appealing destinations for leisure or business.

From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the various souks, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions. This Arabian haven has fun and excitement for the whole family. With myriad shopping malls, flamboyant hotels, breathtaking beaches, serene spas, amazing adventures, and a multitude of tantalising cuisines, the city offers a colourful collage of its people and numerous traditions to every type of visitor.

Real estate services consultants rank Dubai as the second-most important destination for international retailers, after London. Nearly half have outlets in Dubai, and nearly half of all luxury spending in the Middle East happens here. Little wonder then, a number of celebrities have invested in luxury properties and made the emirate their second home. These include Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Kate Hudson and Hillary Swank. Also on the list are American Presidential nominee and New York property magnate Donald Trump, tennis legend Boris

Becker, Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, golf greats Tiger Woods, Gorman and Ernie Els, pop star Justin Bieber, fashion gurus Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace, and celeb couple Victoria & David Beckham. Dubai also has a strong Bollywood connection, with Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty and Ranbir Kapoor owning luxury villas here.

But even as one ponders over the superlatives, Dubai is already in the process of building a massive temperature-controlled ‘city’ that will house an 8m-sq-foot shopping complex called the ‘Mall of The World’. The entire project will be spread over 50m sq ft, with an indoor amusement park (featuring a Marvel Comics-themed

zone and a first-of-its-kind 3D ride featuring 18 IMAX projectors) that would be capable of welcoming up to 80m visitors a year; a Universal Studios entertainment centre; a number of art galleries; medical tourism facilities; and approximately 100 hotels.

Also in the pipeline are plans to build the world’s biggest Ferris wheel as part of a new major tourist complex. The proposed 201m Dubai Eye will surpass the 165m Singapore Flyer, currently the world’s tallest, and offer panoramic views of the Dubai coast and attractions including the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. Recently, Dubai unveiled plans for a $812m reproduction of the Taj Mahal that will not only be four times bigger than the 17th century original but contain a shopping centre, a 300-room five-star hotel, serviced apartments and bridal wear stores.

And now, Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is undergoing a massive $32bn expansion that will make it the world's largest airport, at a whopping 54 sq miles. The mini city is expected to be able to handle more than 120m passengers a year once completed in six to eight years.

Clearly, the quest to push the realms of belief never seems to cease. In the same mould as diamonds, caviar and champagne, Dubai is synonymous with the word ‘luxury’. Everything here is ostentatious and the suffix ‘est’ has never been used so liberally.

A LAnd Of SUPERLATIVES

advertorialoctober 31, 2016

Page 2: Luxurious Dubai _OCT2016

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Located in the heart of Dubai and overlooking the Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai is conveniently situated for access to Dubai’s International Airport and minutes away from some of Dubai’s most important landmarks and shopping centres. Bringing together a fusion of contemporary design and distinct architectural features, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is an intimate, luxurious five-star hotel near the Dubai International Airport, offering an authentic cultural experience through the hotel’s Middle Eastern Contemporary Art Collection. As suited to discerning business visitors as those simply seeking an indulgent leisure vacation, the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, with 292 spacious rooms and suites, offers all you could wish for, from state-of-the-art conference rooms to outdoor swimming pools and access to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s stunning private

beach once per stay.WHAT’S ON OFFER: 292 rooms and suites / Two signature restaurants, two bars, one lounge and one healthy café / Two outdoor pools (including a children’s pool) / Floodlit four tennis courts and two squash courts/ Complimentary unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark / Akaru Spa with 14 treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms / The Aviation Club fitness facilities with fully equipped gym

LAVISHBeyond Limit!

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Dubai, you’d do well to check out some of the ultra-chic hotels located in the coastal residential area of Jumeirah. We’ve picked four where the finest service quality and attention to little details will make your trip

that much more memorable...

When it comes to restaurants and hospitality, Dubai features among the top culinary destinations of the world. Here are four restaurants with the WOW factor...

Dubai’s malls are so exquisite, so surreal, that it feels like you have

stumbled upon a slice of intriguing, all-encompassing fantasy...

Burj Al Arab The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai. Yet for all the wonder this stunning structure evokes as a sight, it is the service within that really makes the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah so extraordinary. Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination offers you the finest service and experiences throughout — right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, helicopter trips from an iconic helipad, luxury leisure on a breathtaking terrace with pools and cabanas as well as some of the world’s best dining venues, including the highly acclaimed Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite-only accommodation offers discreet check-in to your suite, a private reception on every floor and a host of personal butlers, each a warm messenger of our unparalleled hospitality.WHAT’S ON OFFER: 202 rooms / 5 swimming pools (three outdoor, two indoor) and a private beach / 9 world-class restaurants and bars / Complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for the duration of your stay / Talise Spa, Talise Fitness at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah / Sinbad’s Kids Club

Emirates Towers With 400 rooms and suites, Jumeirah Emirates Towers is Dubai’s finest lifestyle destinations. It is home to 16 dining and nightlife venues, including award-winning, world-class restaurants such as The Rib Room, The Ivy, Hakkasan and Al Nafoorah. Jumeirah Emirates Towers is the only city hotel in Dubai to offer unlimited complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and a private beach throughout the stay. Its soaring atrium lobby is one of Dubai’s favourite places to do business. With views overlooking Dubai’s financial district, the hotel offers comprehensive facilities, including eight meeting suites, a large ballroom, the Biz Hub, as well as outdoor venues for meetings and conferences.WHAT’S ON OFFER: 400 luxurious rooms and suites / 16 extraordinary dining and nightlife venues / Unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and Zero Gravity’s Private Beach, including complimentary shuttle service / Retail therapy, dining and styling at The Boulevard / 4 treatment rooms and Floatation Pool at Talise Spa / Talise Fitness facilities with fully equipped gym

Jumeirah Beach HotelJumeirah Beach Hotel is a luxury family beach resort that seeks to redefine the holiday experience, offering a host of family activities, leisure facilities and dining options to delight and inspire its guests. With a striking wave-like design, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most stunning and instantly recognisable structures with blue plated glass that artfully reflects the waves of the ocean.

All of its 618 rooms, suites and villas are luxuriously furnished and provide spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. One can choose from the widest array of leisure facilities including diving and watersports experiences, entertainment for children at Sinbad’s Kids Club, complimentary and unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, tennis and squash, six swimming pools, a climbing wall and private beach access. With 21 restaurants and bars, a mix of casual and fine dining options, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and much more at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.WHAT’S ON OFFER:: 599 ocean-view rooms and suites / 19 traditional Arabian styled beachside villas / 21 restaurants, cafes and bars / Six swimming pools and private beach / Floodlit tennis courts, one multi-purpose court, three squash courts and the only 5-star PADI Qualified Dive Centre in the UAE / Complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for the duration of your stay / Talise Spa with saunas, massage rooms, hot tubs / Jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool / Talise Fitness set up with the latest Technogym / Sinbad’s Kids Club

SHOPUNTil YOU

DROP Mercato Shopping Mall A mall with a uniquely Italian flavour, Mercato Mall is located in the prestigious Jumeirah residential area. It marks a clear departure from Arabian architecture. Piazzas, cobbled streets, and top international brands all make for a fantastic shopping experience. Children can play at the Fun City

while adults can take in a movie or relax by the street cafes. Mercato is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Not surprising! It boasts of over 140 shops and service outlets that cover jewellery, homeware, electronics and luxury items. And we’ll say it again... the Tuscan and the Venetian flavours are unmistakable in every part of this beautiful mall.

Wafi City MallWafi, the largest themed mall in the world, has been designed to celebrate the travels of the Arabic explorer, Ibn Battuta, who over a period of thirty years visited many parts of Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China. Built on an ancient Egyptian theme, the Wafi City Mall offers an unrivalled collection of art, food, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle. Located in the heart of Dubai, Wafi has over 350 stores offering some of the most revered brands in the world– many of which are exclusive to

Wafi. The mall is also an entertainment destination with the Encounter Zone, which features virtual rides and games, and late-night venues offering live musical performances. The mall also has Cleopatra’s Spa, the highest indoor climbing wall in the UAE and Media Spa under one roof. Wafi’s lifestyle experience is complemented by the five-star hotel, Raffles Dubai. For connoisseurs of gourmet cuisine and vintage beverage, it’s THE destination. The fusion of food and art, of romance and ambience, in over 30 restaurants will bowl you over.

Deira City CentreAs the first large-scale, mixed-use shopping destination, complete with retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment facilities and a hotel, Deira City Centre has created an international dimension for one-stop shopping and entertainment for the Middle East, bringing it to an entirely new level. Located near the Deira waterfront, Deira City Centre is an elegant shopping mall. On weekends, it has a buzzing shopping vibe that makes it a really fun place to shop. The mall is spread over three floors and home to more than 350 shops, presenting a sumptuous shopping treat for all visitors. Also housed in this complex are numerous restaurants, kids’ entertainment zone, and specialised shopping zones like Jewellery Court, Textile Court and Arabian Treasures. You’ll find all the big brands in fashion and electronics here. For entertainment seekers, there’s Magic Planet and the 11-screen cinema ‘Cinestar’. Plus, there’s a huge supermarket, and 40 different restaurants and cafes. What’s more, the whole of the mall has Wi-Fi, so you can work and play at the same time.

Al Ghurair CentreAl Ghurair Centre fashionistas will love the Al Ghurair Centre. With the best of the high street brands such as Esprit, French Connection and Baby Phat, you will be spoilt for choice with the huge range of items on offer. If clothes are your thing you can’t go past Al Ghurair. There are also some shops here which specialise in local fashion’ don’t miss a chance

to garnish your wardrobe with unique items crafted from lush silks and quality textiles. There is also a large accessory gallery and a cosmetic section to the mall to help you complete your look. A large cinema adjoining the mall shows Hollywood as well as Bollywood films. There is also a kids club and playground, which is staffed by employees, ensuring the entire family will be entertained.

Ossiano

Cuisine Type: Spanish Located in Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, Ossiano is a wonderful Spanish restaurant where you can stare into the deep blue depths of gigantic fish tanks with brightly coloured tropical fish, rays and sharks. Managed by Spanish chef Santi Santamaria, this restaurant will offer you Spanish as well as a range of European cuisine, all beautifully-presented and portioned perfectly. The popular menu of this hotel consists of 14 dishes that include shellfish and scallops. This is a great venue for a special occasion or to make an impression; the food and decor will undoubtedly win over every guest.

MargauxCuisine Type: French Margaux Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect venue to relax and socialise over delicious tapas and mouthwatering cocktails, overlooking the spectacular views of the Dubai Fountain. Not only is the cuisine inspired by French Mediterranean produce, but so too is the décor. Expect to find a menu revealing a new style of cooking by Margaux’s Alain Ducasse trained Executive Chef, Julian Mercier, who skilfully combines the flavours of the French and Italian Riviera. The food is just impeccable; when done with food step into the lounge to enjoy the ambience and relax while sipping on signature cocktails.

Eauzone

Cuisine Type: Modern Asian With a wonderfully romantic outdoor area by night and a family-friendly indoor set-up, Eauzone’s ability to suit different occasions is cause for celebration. Located in the One & Only Royal Mirage, and surrounded by palm trees, the restaurant features floating wooden decks overlooking the Arabian Gulf and translucent pool. The ambience is casual by day and stylish after sunset. Night evokes intimacy at this slick, refined restaurant, complemented by modern food with an Asian twist. Trading mainly in European-tinted Asian fare, the glazed teriyaki chicken is its signature dish.

QbaraCuisine Type: Middle Eastern This stylish restaurant presents modern Arabic food with flair. It is a contemporary lifestyle restaurant that embraces Middle Eastern cuisines and culture with a ground-breaking modern twist. Its spectacular interiors have been conceived by award winning Tokyo based Studio Glitts Noriyoshi Muramatsu – who skilfully created a magical vernacular of traditional Middle Eastern cultural elements set in juxtaposition with an ultra-contemporary design philosophy, giving the expansive eatery a welcoming feel. The food is simply outstanding!

A Haven For Foodies

Page 3: Luxurious Dubai _OCT2016

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning frequent flyer programme of Emirates airline has partnered with Dubai Duty Free (DDF), one of the leading airport retailers in the world, for instant Miles

redemption at participating stores. Emirates Skywards members can spend their Miles at DDF stores at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International at Dubai South.

Emirates customers travelling from its hub at Dubai International Airport or passing through on transit to over 150 destinations in its global network, can look forward to 34,000 square metres of shopping at DDF. Emirates Skywards members will enjoy a new payment method using Miles for over

35,000 products from international and luxury brands including fashion accessories, perfumes, electronics and more. Customers simply need

to present their Emirates Skywards membership card or provide their membership number, along with their passport and boarding pass at the check-out counters.

Redemptions start from 4,500 Miles, which is equivalent to AED 100. Each additional dirham is equivalent to 45 Skywards Miles, and there is no limit to the number of Miles one can spend. Members can pay for products using a combination of Skywards Miles and cash or credit card.

Emirates Skywards is in its 16th year and has over 16 million members. In addition to special offers with partner airlines, hotels and retail brands, members also enjoy special access to global sporting, arts and cultural events.

advertorial

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free with the Gulf Business Industry Awards for ‘Retail Company of the Year’ and ‘Business Leader of the Year – Retail’.

DDF Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin was named ‘Retail CEO of the Year’ at the CEO Middle East Awards that took place at the Four Seasons

Resort Hotel, Jumeirah Beach.

Launched in 2006, the tenth CEO Middle East Awards recognise and reward the most successful and innovative CEOs in the Middle East based on their accomplishments in 14 categories.

The award recognised the achievements and exceptional performance that McLoughlin has demonstrated during the past year at DDF.

On receiving the award McLoughlin commented: “I am extremely honoured

to receive this industry distinction from the CEO Middle East Awards. This award reaffirms our commitment to shaping the duty free and travel retail sector particularly in the Middle East. I would like to thank our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of DDF and our 6,000 employees at DDF, who do a great job in delivering an excellent retail experience.

“After 33 years at DDF, I still believe I have one of the most exciting jobs in the industry, with the best team,” added McLoughlin.

An independent judging panel consisting of the editorial team and directors of ITP Executive Publishing, working across the CEO Middle East and Arabian Business brands, both in print and online, came together to select the CEO winners.

The award was presented to Colm McLoughlin by Ali Akwai, Managing Director, ITP Publishing. McLoughlin was accompanied by his wife Breeda.

Celebrating with industry peers were DDF officials: Salah Tahlak, Executive VP–Corporate Services; Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer; Nic Bruwer, Executive VP–Commercial; Sean Staunton, VP–Operations; and Michael Schmidt, VP–Retail Sales & Merchandising.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free receiving the 2016 CEO Middle East Awards for ‘Retail CEO of the Year’ from Ali Akwai, Managing Director, ITP Publishing.

Double Honour for DDF at the 5th Gulf Business Industry Awards

DDF had reasons to celebrate after receiving two prestigious awards at the recent Gulf Business Industry

Awards, staged at the Taj Hotel Dubai on 6th September.

The operation beat major competition to be named ‘Retail Company of the Year’, while its Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin, was named ‘Business Leader of the Year – Retail’.

Organised by Motivate Publishing, the annual Gulf Business Industry Awards recognise the most successful companies and industry leaders across nine categories

including IT, banking, real estate, aviation, retail, media, tourism, healthcare and energy. The awards were adjudged by the Gulf Business team and a special independent panel of judges, as well as through public voting.

Commenting on the awards, Colm McLoughlin said: “I am delighted to accept the Retail Business Leader of the Year award and dedicate this to our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is himself an excellent leader. The Retail Company of the Year award is also fantastic recognition for the continuous hard work and dedication of

our team and also the significant investment that we continue to make across our whole business”.

The two awards were presented to Colm McLoughlin by Donal O’Leary, Director of Faithful+Gould in front of high-profile audience of 300 guests. McLoughlin was accompanied by Salah Tahlak, Executive Vice President – Corporate Services and Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Dubai Duty Free.

A total of 25 awards were presented, which also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Gulf Business magazine.

At a traditional ceremony held at Blair Castle in Perthshire, Scotland, Dubai

Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin, was inducted as ‘Master of the Quaich’ for his outstanding contribution to the Scotch Whisky industry. McLoughlin was among a select group of five members inducted as Master of the Quaich.

Colm McLoughlin was made a member of the ‘Keepers of the Quaich’ in 2006 in recognition of the work undertaken by Dubai Duty Free in the promotion of Scotch Whisky since 1983, when the operation

opened for business at Dubai International Airport. Over its 33 years of business, the operation has grown to become the largest single airport retailer in the world with sales of $1.888 billion in 2015, with Scotch whisky accounting for $116 million in sales last year.

Commenting on his induction as Master of the Quaich, Colm, who was accompanied by his wife Breeda, said: “I am delighted to be part of such an historic society and it is a great privilege to be selected as a Master of the Quaich. This is an exclusive international community committed to promoting Scotch

Whisky, and I am honoured to represent Dubai Duty Free on this very special occasion.”

During the course of the evening, the Society also inducted 47 new Keepers of the Quaich. The Keepers of the Quaich was founded in 1988 by the leading Scotch whisky distillers and takes its name from the two-handled drinking bowl which is described in the Gaelic language as a “˜cuach’ or “˜quaich’ – a vessel long associated with the drinking of Scotch whisky.

To date, there have been 2,549 Keepers of the Quaich, 50 Honorary Keepers and only 200 Masters have ever been awarded the title. The members come from over 100 countries.

Colm McLoughlin named‘RetAIL CeO OF tHe YeAR’

Colm McLoughlin with Dubai Duty Free senior executives at the CEO Middle East Awards

DDF WIns BRAnD OF tHe YeAR AWARD In LOnDOn

For the second year running, Dubai Duty Free was named ‘Brand of the Year’ in the Retail - Duty Free category at the prestigious World Branding

Awards held at the State Apartments of Kensington Palace, in London.

Organised by the World Branding Forum (WBF), the glittering ceremony saw DDF clinch the National award along with other brands from 30 countries. Each brand was named ‘Brand of the Year’ in their respective categories and presented with a newly-designed 24 carat gold plated trophy.

Commenting on the award, DDF’s Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin said: “We are delighted to receive the World Branding Award for ‘Brand of the Year–Retail’ once again and I thank the council members and associates for voting for DDF. This award reflects our efforts over the past 33 years to establish and build our brand and the fact that it is globally recognised is very rewarding.”

Other National winners from the UAE included ADNOC Distribution, BinSina Pharmacy, Dubai Mall, Emirates NBD, Etihad, and Etisalat, while RAK Ceramics clinched the

Regional award. The event was also attended by the UAE’s Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Sulaiman Almazroui, while Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President–Marketing, DDF accepted the award on the night.

WBF is a global non-profit organisation which produces, manages and supports a wide range of programmes covering research, development, education, recognition,

networking and outreach. The awards recognised some of

the best global and national brands for their work and achievements. Uniquely, winners were judged through three streams: brand evaluation, consumer market research and online voting which includes voting by the WBF Advisory Council made up of luminaries from the world of branding.

Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President-Marketing receiving the World Branding Awards for “Brand of the Year” in London

Emirates Skywards partners with

Dubai Duty FrEE

Dubai Duty Free shopping complex at Concourse A.

Inducted As Master Of the Quaich

COLM MCLOuGHLIn

Page 4: Luxurious Dubai _OCT2016