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Celluloid dreams
The insiders’ guide to the UAE film industry
Suits you
Why Tom Ford's bespoke suit service is a cut above
Go festive
At Jumeirah restaurants this season
CATE
BLANCHETT The Oscar winner is back for the Dubai International Film Festival
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Image: Getty Images
DECEMBER 2017
Jumeirah International LLC its affiliates, parent companies and subsidiaries (“Jumeirah Group”) and the publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication for whatever reason, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of Jumeirah Group or of the publishers. Readers are advised to solicit advice before acting on the information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Jumeirah Group and the publishers take no responsibilty for the goods and services advertised. All materials are protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (Including photocopying or storage in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the copyright owner, except as may be permitted by applicable laws.
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner & Group Editor
lan Fairservice Editorial Director
Gina Johnson Deputy Editor
Nina Catt Senior Editorial Assistant
Cecilia D’Souza Senior Art Director
Olga Petroff Art Directors
Clarkwin Cruz, T Prasadan Senior Designer
Ralph Mancao Contributors
Polly Phillip, Gareth Rees, Danae Mercer General Manager – Production
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S Sunil Kumar Production Manager
R Murali Krishnan Production Supervisor
CONTENTS This Month
Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer
Anthony Milne Publishing Director
16 City watch Discover the most exciting events, news and previews happening this month
Carlos Pedroza Group Sales Manager
Ziad Saleh ziad@motivate.ae For Jumeirah
Charlie Taylor, Claire Hill
Featured 26 Flying high Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is back for Dubai International Film Festival
Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai UAE, Tel: +971 4 427 3000, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae
32 Dream Diva Accessorise your inner diva with Bulgari’s new jewellery collection
Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai
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38 The art of luxury storytelling With its new concept, Montblanc tells us why its writing instruments fetch millions
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CONTENTS
Lifestyle 44 The rise of indie cinema The UAE film scene goes beyond mainstrream screens
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50 A Phantom rose The new Rolls-Royce is a spellbinding mix of power, play and art 56 The case for suits Tailored suits by Tom Ford are worth the extra time and expense for a perfect fit
Travel 62 A very London Christmas What to do and where to go in the British capital this festive season 66 Celebrate with Jumeirah around the world Treats and eats galore make this winter one to remember for globetrotters 72 Eco-friendly travel Limit your footprint not your adventures with sustainable tourism 76 The insiders’ guide to... the UAE film industry Meet the directors, filmmakers and animators of the movie world 80 Featured spaces Rockfish, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai
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82 The high life Olio, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Kuwait
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CITY WATCH
Key dates for your diary
DUBAI
DUBAI ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET Jumeirah hosts the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) this month,
Rasoulof’s A Man of Integrity, Alexander Payne’s Downsizing and more.
welcoming the international film community to Madinat Jumeirah, the
A healthy sprinkling of stars are set to attend the festival. Cate
home of DIFF for eight days that are sure to wow both film industry
Blanchett is due to return to present the sixth IWC filmmaker award
veterans and movie buffs alike.
and the $100,000 cash prize that goes with it to one of the shortlisted candidates: Emirati filmmaker Nayla al Khaja, Bahraini filmmaker
More than 120 films will be shown during the 14th edition of the Gulf
Mohamed Rashed Buali, Haifaa al Mansour, Saudi Arabia’s first
region’s foremost film festival, with a schedule comprising both Arab
female filmmaker or Omani filmmaker Muzna Almusafer. American
and international films that will be screened in venues across Dubai,
documentary maker Morgan Spurlock will present his new documentary
including Madinat Jumeirah Arena, Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat
Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! Hollywood legend Christopher Walken
Jumeirah and Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates.
and Egyptian screenwriter Waheed Hamed, both set to be honoured at the festival, will also grace the red carpet.
The Muhr competition will showcase more than 60 short and feature
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films from the UAE and the wider Arab world, while the cinema of the
Dubai International Film Festival takes place from December 6 to 13 at
world category includes screenings of Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour, Aaron
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
Sorkin’s directorial debut Molly’s Game, Iranian director Mohammad
See dubaifilmfest.com for more details
A MONTH AT THE OPERA
Classic Golf December 6 to 9
Dubai Opera’s schedule is even more impressive than usual this month, with highlights including a sir, a star, a wizard and a dame. The month begins with a performance by Sir Bryn Terfel. The Welsh singer, who is famed for his leading roles in the operas of the likes of Mozart and Wagner, will show off the full range of his acclaimed bass-baritone voice with a solo recital on December 3. American-Canadian singer, songwriter, composer and pianist Rufus Wainwright follows on December 6 with a solo set that will see the Grammy award-nominated pop star play both guitar and piano.
Emirates Golf Club’s majlis course hosts the 12th Dubai Ladies Classic. Four-time champion and winner of the Dubai Ladies Classic 2016, China’s Shanshan Feng is not back to defend her title but there is a star line-up vying for the impressive $500,000 prize fund. Dubai Ladies Classic, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. omegadubailadiesclassic.com
Up next is Harry Potter in Concert. From December 7 to 9, fans of the hit film franchise, based on JK Rowling’s series of bestselling novels about the adventures of a boy wizard, will be able to watch the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in high definition on a 40ft screen while listening to a symphony orchestra perform John Williams’ familiar score. An Evening With Dame Joan Collins tops off a bumper month on December 12. Bryn Terfel performs on December 3 at Dubai Opera, Dubai. Rufus Wainwright performs on December 6. Harry Potter in Concert takes place on December 7, 8 and 9. An Evening With Dame Joan Collins takes place on December 12. See dubaiopera.com for more details
Glaswegian Pop December 7 Multi-million album selling Scottish band Texas perform in the Irish Village. The Glasgow pop-rockers, formed in 1986 by lead vocalist Sharleen Spiteri and bassist Johnny McElhone and best known for their 1997 hit album White on Blonde have sold more than 40 million records worldwide. Texas, The Irish Village, Dubai. theirishvillage.com
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DUBAI/ABU DHABI
Music Fest December 8 Annual electronic music festival Creamfields Abu Dhabi returns to Yas Island’s Du arena. This year’s stellar line-up includes Canadian DJ Deadmau5 and Swedish DJ duo Axwell and Ingrosso, who are joined by several local artists. Creamfields Abu Dhabi, Du Arena, Abu Dhabi. thinkflash.ae
Culinary Capital
Crocodile Rock December 8
December 7
Sir Elton John’s Wonderful Crazy Night Tour finally rolls into town. The multiple award-
Abu Dhabi Food Festival will take place in
winning pop legend, the fifth biggest-selling artist of all time, is set to perform for one
various locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain
night only at the Autism Rocks Arena, having previously cancelled shows planned for
and Al Dhafra this month.
December 2016 and January this year. Elton John, Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. 117live.com
This year’s edition of the 17-day annual festival promises 15 new events, including a truckers’ carnival, a street food market,
Smack Down
picnic, beach feast, top secret long table, an invitation-only dinner for 1,000 guests, street eats in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and pop-ups in
December 7
different locations in Abu Dhabi as well as a
WWE Live Abu Dhabi returns to the Zayed
night market.
Sports City Tennis Stadium. The event, which is sure to be a hit with the UAE’s passionate
The event will include more than 40 food
wrestling fans, will feature WWE stars Roman
trucks and street food chefs from around the
Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Braun
world, who will be performing demos and
Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Cesaro and
masterclasses.
Sheamus, among others. WWE Live Abu Dhabi, Zayed Sports City Tennis Stadium, Abu Dhabi. wwe.com
Zomato Abu Dhabi Restaurant Week will feature themed dinners and promotions in restaurants across the emirate. Abu Dhabi Food Festival takes place from December 7 to 23 in various locations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. See abudhabievents.ae for more details
Street Style December 7 to 9 Dubai Design District (d3) hosts the eighth edition of Sole DXB. Since launching in 2010, the annual festival has evolved from a niche event for footwear fanatics into a multi-faceted celebration of street culture and style. Held over three days, this year’s Sole DXB focuses on contemporary Japanese design and comprises displays of footwear from brands such as Nike and Reebok, product launches and talks with designers, as well as performances by UK grime star Kano, American rapper Pusha T, German rapper Serious Klein and Japanese musician and designer Hiroshi Fujiwara. There is also be an exhibition of American pop artist Andy Warhol’s private correspondence called Letters to Warhol. Sole DXB, d3, Dubai. soledxb.com
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LONDON
Bear Essentials December 9 to April 8, 2018 London’s V&A presents Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic, an exhibition celebrating children’s author AA Milne’s iconic bear. The exhibition features sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion. Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic, V&A museum, London. vam.ac.uk
Musical Spectacular December 6 to June 30, 2018 Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical Hamilton: An American Musical graces the stage of London’s Victoria Palace Theatre. Based on American historian Ronald Chernow’s award-winning biography of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, the musical is an exploration of Hamilton’s life and times, featuring hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul and show tunes. Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre, London. victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk
Christmas Musical December 13 to 17
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Wintry Festive Fun Until January 4 Southbank Centre celebrates the season in style with its wintertime festival, which boasts a packed
London’s Eventim Apollo presents Nativity!
schedule of seasonal events.
The Musical, a musical adaptation of the
Highlights include the wintertime
2009 British Christmas comedy Nativity! by
market (until December 30), a Finnish
Debbie Isitt. The family show features songs
rooftop sauna (also until December
from the film, including Sparkle and Shine,
30) and wintertime choirs (December
Nazareth, One Night One Moment and She’s
4 to 22).
the Brightest Star.
Wintertime, Royal Festival Hall
Nativity! The Musical, Eventim Apollo,
London, Queen Elizabeth Hall.
London. eventimapollo.com
southbankcentre.co.uk
FRANKFURT/SHANGHAI
Art’s Future Until January 3, 2018 K11 Art Museum’s latest exhibition, .com/.cn, explores the ongoing impact of technology on art. The exhibition features work by both Chinese and Western artists, including Darren Bader, Trisha Baga, Cao Fei, Heather DeweyHagborg, Aleksandra Domanović, Gregory Edwards, Li Ming, Liang Wei, Lin Ke, Mak Ying Tung, Miao Ying, Jon Rafman, Martine Syms and Wang Xin. .com/.cn, K11 Art Museum, Shanghai. k11artfoundation.org
Fashion Show Until May 6, 2018 Frankfurt’s Museum Angewandte Kunst presents Jil Sander: Present Tense, fashion designer Jil Sander’s first solo show. The exhibition, curated by the museum’s Director Matthias Wagner K, explores the German minimalist’s approach to design through a series of installations. Jil Sander: Present Tense, Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt. museumangewandtekunst.de
Making Waves Until February 28, 2018 Shanghai Museum of Glass presents Wave,
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Christmas Market
an exhibition of work by Chinese artist Bi
Until December 22
Rongrong. The exhibition, a continuation
Frankfurt Christmas Market, billed as “one of the largest Christmas markets in all of
of the artist’s previous show Absolute,
Germany”, is spread across the city’s Römerberg, St Paul›s Square, Mainkai (Main Quay),
features work in which Rongrong has
Hauptwache and Friedrich-Stoltze-Square, and promises yuletide attractions including
utilised wave patterns.
market stalls and a giant Christmas tree.
Wave, Shanghai Museum of Glass, Shanghai.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Römerberg, St Paul›s Square, Mainkai (Main Quay),
shmog.org
Hauptwache and Friedrich-Stoltze-Square, Frankfurt. frankfurt-tourismus.de
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FEATURED 26 Flying high
Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is back for Dubai International Film Festival
32 Every woman's dream
Image: Getty
You'll be coveting every piece of jewellery in this collection for your inner diva
38 The art of luxury storytelling
Montblanc tells Jumeirah why writing instruments can fetch millions
FLYING HIGH Never one to mince her words, Cate Blanchett has become an icon for more than just her savvy style
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t was on a red carpet in Hollywood that she once happily told an interviewer her pink dress was by Givenchy but baulked when the camera panned down her body to show it. Bending over to get in the frame, which was about at her mid-section, she said: “Do you do that to the guys? What’s down there that’s so fascinating?”
The sometimes salty, chameleon-esque actress is returning to the Dubai International Film Festival this year, which runs from December 6 to 13. This year she will be heading the IWC filmmakers’ jury on December 7 for the watch firm’s sixth filmmaker awards. Blanchett has a long history with DIFF and the IWC event, first chairing the jury at the inaugural event in 2012. Each year, the luxury watchmaker awards a $100,000 cash prize to a featurelength film project at the festival. Previous years have seen winning scripts from Emirati directors Abdullah Hassan Ahmed and Layla Kaylif, Kuwaiti director Abdullah Boushahri and British-Iraqi director Maysoon Pachachi.
Words:Polly Phillip / Images: Getty
In the first year, the award went to UAE filmmaker Waleed al Shehhi for his family drama Dolphins, which was written by local author and poet Ahmed Salmee.
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Cate Blanchett attends the Life of Pi opening gala during the ninth annual Dubai International Film Festival, held at Madinat Jumeirah
FEATURED: CATE BLANCHETT
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Blanchett at the Dubai International Film Festival held in Madinat Jumeirah
Great ideas take time. When you are an artist, whether you are working with canvas or on celluloid, you can’t always rush. There’s no formula about making work
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FEATURED: CATE BLANCHETT
“We had such a robust collection of submissions,” the actress told the Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet. “The shortlist was very sophisticated, unique and diverse. It was a terribly hard decision.” Blanchett has praised IWC for giving young filmmakers the gift of time through their bursaries and awards, she says. “That is the thing that is missing actually,” she says, adding: “Great ideas take time. When you are an artist, whether you are working with canvas or on celluloid, you can’t always rush. There’s no formula about making work. If you want to deepen your connection to your work, you do need to take time.” Blanchett, a two-time Oscar and three-time Bafta winner, who rarely turns in anything short of a stellar performance, has appeared in a wide range of successful films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Carol, Blue Jasmine and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Blanchett is the only actress to win an Oscar for playing an actress who won an Oscar (for her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator). She is also the only actress to be nominated more than once for an Oscar for playing the same role (Elizabeth I in the 1998 film and again in 2007 for Elizabeth: The Golden Age). She once told the Guardian newspaper she was shocked by the level of recognition she received for her performance as the legendary monarch. “I called my agent after making Elizabeth and said: ‘I think I’ve ended my career before it’s even begun’,” she recalls. “I was completely shocked by how that film was received.” In sharp contrast to playing a royal figure, Blanchett can most recently be seen in theatre sporting curious antler-style headgear for her role as the goddess of death Hela in Thor: Ragnarok. The 48-year-old mother of four also has a long history with performing on the stage, scoring her first major role opposite Geoffrey Rush in the 1992 David Mamet play Oleanna for the Sydney Theatre Company. She and her husband, Andrew Upton, have co-directed the Sydney Theatre Company since 2008. Blanchett will next year appear in three hotly anticipated films. They include the all-female spin-off of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, Ocean’s Eight, opposite Sandra Bullock, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter, and the big-screen adaptation of Maria Semple’s 2012 novel Where’d You Go, Bernadette? She will also voice the sinister python Kaa in next year’s adventure fantasy film Jungle Book, directed by Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, and co-starring Freida Pinto and Benedict Cumberbatch.
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FEATURED: CATE BLANCHETT
Blanchett accepting the style icon award
Blanchett also remains a vocal feminist. When she picked up a style icon award at the recent InStyle awards in Los Angeles, she told the audience that true icons of style are “women who know how they look is not all of who they are, but just an extension of that”. The IWC brand ambassador told the luxury watch company’s website last year that when she started out, her career dreams were very practical. “[It] was just to work and it didn’t matter if it was in films, television or theatre,” she says. Years later, Blanchett said that before starting any film, including Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, she simply tells herself “don’t screw it up”.
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“You’ve been given a really great opportunity. It’s my job to make it jump off the page…but I say that to myself every time. I’m not particularly needy and I’m not particularly anxious. I don’t look for a director to tell me I’m doing a good job or that I’m great. I don’t need to be stroked. It’s more my own yardstick.” For Allen, it seems it would have been impossible for Blanchett to “screw it up”. “Cate has that depth and complexity. Meryl Streep has it. And I’ve worked with some actresses that have had it - Geraldine Page had it, Gena Rowlands, Dianne Wiest, a number of them. And Cate is the one of her age group now who has that amazing gift.”
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Words: Gina Johnson
LIFESTYLE: STYLE
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LIFESTYLE: STYLE
Above: Bulgari's Diva's Dream necklace in white gold with chrysoprase, lapis and pave diamonds Right: Bulgari's Diva's Dream necklace in white gold with rubellite and pave diamonds
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LIFESTYLE: STYLE
Above: Bulgari's Diva's Dream necklace in pink gold with mother-of-pearl, carnelian and pave diamonds Bulgari's Diva's Dream ring in pink gold with mother-of-pearl, carnelian and pave diamonds Left: Bulgari's Diva's Dream necklace in pink gold with amethyst, rubellite, pink tourmaline and pave diamonds Bulgari's Diva's Dream earrings in pink gold with amethyst, rubellite, pink tourmaline and pave diamonds
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THE ART OF LUXURY STORYTELLING Nicolas Baretzki, the chief executive of Montblanc, shared his expertise during the opening of his renovated and Bauhaus-inspired new boutique concept store in Dubai Mall
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t has been a good year for Montblanc.
As one of the best performing brands within the super luxury goods holding company Richemont, Montblanc has a global presence, enormous brand value and has successfully diversified – implementing a strategy that has become a masterclass in how to avoid risks, tackle a crisis, and thrive. Its commitment to offering quality and craftsmanship at a good price has remained at the core of its DNA and now, with its new boutique concept in Dubai, Montblanc hopes to redefine its relationship with its clients by focusing on being more approachable, fresh, young and dynamic. Jumeirah had an audience with Nicolas Baretzki, to discuss the brand’s future plans that involve digital expansion, e-commerce, product development, millennials, storytelling and a EUR 1.5 million writing instrument that is available in Dubai. YOU’VE TAKEN A BRAND FROM WITHIN A POWERHOUSE COMPANY SUCH AS RICHEMONT AND CREATED A VERY STABLE AND DIVERSIFIED BUSI-
What has been done in the last four years was designed to put Montblanc at the very forefront with a clear strategy when it comes to product with creativity and innovation. You can see it in the new boutique concept and going into new territories and new ventures. It’s in good shape and it’s also a very complex maison as it has a lot of activities and a lot of products. We need to be very focused and have consistency in what we’re doing. To be aware of the product you’re launching and understand the complexity of the maison. You can have different segments but in the end the expression is one brand.
NESS. WHAT WAS THE PLAN WHEN YOU SET OUT?
MONTBLANC WAS ONE OF THE FIRST LUXURY BRANDS TO DEVELOP A DIGITAL STRATEGY AND DISTRIBUTION IS CHANGING. CONNECTED
Nicolas Baretzki
We have to be in the connected segment but certainly we need to be consistent and control the distribution network. With a maison like Montblanc we have to talk with thousands of customers and I want to be able to interact more and more with the customer. That’s why we invest a lot into our boutiques and our e-commerce operation.
WATCHES ARE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM MECHANICAL WATCHES AND THEY REQUIRE NEW DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. NOW EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT AMAZON AND ALTERNATIVE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. WHAT
We have to be careful because sometimes we try to be disruptive and the alternative is not necessarily the right answer. I’m a big believer in the fact that Montblanc is a legitimate player in the digital world and that we can bridge easily between analogue and digital.
ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON E-COMMERCE?
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There’s so much to do with our own network and with our key partners that I don’t see the purpose to try to reach further and to lose a bit of control. When I consider the connected watches we produced this year, maybe we didn’t produce enough even when we thought it was a lot. We will be in shortage before Christmas and that, I believe, is a good news. A little bit of frustration but good news. The day that we launch something new, I want to focus on product and the right inventory but we will do it in our own network.
FEATURED: MONTBLANC
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The Villeret Tourbillon Cylindrique Pocket Watch
IS YOUR E-COMMERCE OPERATION IN EVERY CONTINENT OR IN SPECIFIC COUNTRIES? We were one of the first luxury houses doing it and we are almost global, with the exception of the Middle East, by the way. China, Japan, the whole of Europe, America, and now we’ve starting in Mexico and Brazil. In the Middle East we are more keen to develop partnerships with local players and we are working on the development. We have a global player: Net-A-Porter and the coverage overall is quite large and we have other key partners like Harrods and Selfridges. I don’t see our focus in expanding but rather on developing better connections with clients and to be more mobile-friendly and more experiential with better customer service on our website.
already part of our customer base but I want to have more, of course. It’s not a coincidence that our new brand ambassador in China is 26 years old. He is the youngest and our French ambassador is the second youngest. And they are Montblanc. They have the substance and culture that is part of our DNA. We are not fashion, we need substance and at the same time, millennials have substance, they have taste, they believe in singularity. So yes, it is a very important target group for us. ON THE HIGH-END COLLECTION, INCLUDING VILLERET, WHICH HAS A
We want to achieve a truly satisfying purchase experience. When you are complex, you need simplicity. WHAT’S YOUR STRATEGY FOR ACQUIRING OR DEVELOPING YOUR CLIENT BASE? We have a very large customer database as you can imagine. We have our long-time clients and they are very loyal but I do believe Montblanc is a legitimate maison for millennials and we are starting to target them. When I see our price point and the functionality that we can deliver in our products, I believe its attractive for millennials. They are
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SMALL PRODUCTION, HIGH PRICES AND HIGH COLLECTIBLE VALUE, WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE MIDDLE EAST? This is exactly what Montblanc is about. In one aspect it´s about quality products with smart pricing and high volume sales – that’s a big part of our business. But of course it is also about exceptional pieces because of our heritage, our craftsmanship and our expertise. When you talk about Villeret, we will be celebrating soon our 160th anniversary and we have an immense heritage there. There is so much richness in the history of that maison and I think that what we have done in a very smart way in the last few years was to really bring together
FEATURED: MONTBLANC
The 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100
Montblanc's new concept store in Dubai Mall
the two manufacturers. Instead of having Villeret on the side as a special collection we integrated Villeret into a vertical product line, with Villeret as the flagship. And always keeping a very good price for these exceptional pieces. I think it is a strong segment with strong business opportunities for Montblanc. And I want to develop further what I call high artistry pieces, which is not only watches but also writing instruments. This is something that people do not know much about. They know we have limited editions, but we have never really advertised or communicated what we are doing in our own atelier in Hamburg where we develop exceptional high-end pieces. We present two exceptional writing instrument collections every year and Dubai will be the first territory where we have shown this project officially to the world. It was a secret for collectors before. And I´m very proud of this. There’s a unique piece that is priced at EUR 1.5 million. This is really showing the creativity, expertise and the whole culture and storytelling that exists behind every collection at Montblanc. We will have a permanent collection of this exceptional piece at the Dubai Mall boutique and in Mazaryk boutique in Mexico City. Montblanc values are permanent: black, white, analogue, digital, high artistry, good price…
THE 1858 HERITAGE COLLECTION HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL, WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR IT? What we need to do in watches is to simplify a little bit, concentrate on core collections and really develop them further. 1858 is definitely one of the collections I believe should play an important role in the future, just like Timewalker and Star, but there are perhaps only six collections that can really showcase the identity of Montblanc in watches.
I can share this because, what is also linked to the dynamism concept is the leather category. We have completely redeveloped the leather line in the last three years, shifting from the gifting company to the “I buy for myself” approach, and we have further developed new functionality, new materials, more colours, more coolness. The new boutique concept takes leather to a new level. It is a very fast growing segment.
WHAT IS YOUR FASTEST GROWING PRODUCT CATEGORY?
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR SIHH (SALON INTERNATIONAL DE
For Montblanc, SIHH is always a very warm and positive experience, and I’m keeping the same expectations for 2018. We are confident we will have a very exciting SIHH as we have done so in the last few years. You can expect a lot from us next year.
LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE) THIS YEAR?
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LIFESTYLE 44 Beyond the blockbusters Step outisde of mainstream screens to watch indie cinema in style
50 A Phantom rose
Rolls-Royce has paired up with artists for the ultimate covetable luxury on wheels
56 The case for suits
Bespoke suits by Tom Ford are worth the extra time and expense for a perfect fit
BEYOND THE BLOCKBUSTERS Where to watch independent cinema in Dubai
Roxy cinema, Boxpark, Dubai
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FEATURED: CINEMA
The Scene Club
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t seems as though there are more places than ever to watch alternative cinema in Dubai today. You can go to one of Cinema Akil’s pop-ups and in the artsy Alserkal Avenue complex, Locomotion shows documentaries in the Jamjar art space. The decade-old Scene Club holds a couple of screenings a month in Roxy Cinemas’ plush auditoriums; it has recently moved from its previous bases in Knowledge Village and Vox cinema in Mall of the Emirates, which is now home to Dubai International Film Festival’s spin-off, DIFF365. With Hollywood following a safe path of franchises, sequels, prequels, remakes and adaptations, many cinemagoers are happy to find an alternative to more of the same in the mainstream cinema chains. “Keep in mind that when it comes to cinema in the UAE it is very much a distributor game,” says Jean Marc Bled, general manager of leisure and entertainment at Meraas holding, which in January launched its own Roxy brand of theatres in its Dubai developments, including The Beach in JBR, City Walk and Boxpark. “What they offer us is up to us to show or not, but the fact is, for the moment, the choice is quite limited when it comes to independent movies.”
Alserkal Avenue
Words: Austyn Allison
Cinemas do show non-mainstream films, though, and always have done. Bled cites this year’s Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez on Me as a recent success and cinemas have taken to showcasing Oscar nominees. But Hollywood movies tend to receive more hype and arthouse offerings can fly under the radar. The Middle East is a healthy market for cinema compared with other parts of the world, says Bled. “The amount spent in cinemas here is really unprecedented,” he says. “There are still a lot of cinemas and they are going strong while people go out frequently to the movies. That is really good, positive stuff, so we need to show them more content and more things to see.”
Roxy Cinemas, Boxpark
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FEATURED: CINEMA
Roxy cinema, Citywalk
Shivani Pandya, the managing director of Dubai International Film Festival, agrees. She says: “Box office admissions in this part of the world are rising quite fast and the UAE has the highest box office admissions in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s getting a lot of visibility, a lot of studios are looking at the region and have been working with us and speaking with us.” Since January, the festival’s DIFF365 has begun programming 26 films a year, or about one a fortnight, in the Mall of the Emirates’ Vox multiplex. “It was something that we came up with because at the festival now, we show a great number of films and there is a huge variety from different parts of the world and different kinds of films,” says Pandya. “We are invariably running at very high occupancy and full houses and a lot of people in their feedback asked, where were these films for the rest of the year?”
Scene from The Song of Scorpions movie
Filmmaker Nayla al Khaja launched the Scene Club about 10 years ago, under the patronage of DIFF. She says: “I am proud to say we were the first film club in the country that showcased independent films from all around the world.” Back then it started showing films once a month to a 500-seat auditorium, which was packed. Then it doubled its screenings to accommodate 1,000 people a month. The seats were still full. The Scene Club built up a loyal following showing films for free, first in the Ductac community theatre, then in the Knowledge Village auditorium, before moving to a dedicated cinema screen in Vox. Now the club hosts its screenings in Roxy, where they are free again. They are also extremely plush. “People feel super spoiled and comfy when they are there,” says Al Khaja. Those deep seats and high-end Dolby sound system could cost upwards of $27 on other nights.
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I’ve become obsessed with the idea of cinema everywhere so every time I see a space I think, how can I turn this into a cinema experience?
FEATURED: CINEMA
The Yard, Cinema Akil
Just as well known and popular as the Scene Club is Cinema Akil, founded in July 2014 by local entrepreneur Butheina Kazim. But while the Scene Club and DIFF365 tend to show contemporary films from the festival circuit, Cinema Akil’s schedule has ranged from the 1922 horror Nosferatu to Paris Can Wait, released this year. While Kazim works on establishing a permanent space for her cinema, she has operated it as a pop-up, often using a commission-based funding model through partnerships with events such as Sole DXB and the Dubai Shopping Festival. Last year she said: “I’ve become obsessed with the idea of cinema everywhere, so every time I see a space I think, how can I turn this into a cinema experience?” Cinema Akil has popped up in basketball courts, shipping containers and the warehouses of the industrial-cum-hipster Al Quoz area.
offer a social experience, a chance to mingle and talk film with other audience members, as well as contextual introductions and staged discussions after the films, often involving directors or others involved with the production. The Scene Club has been running a Made in the UAE programme, where it invites four people involved in making a film shot locally. They each talk for 15 minutes “not about the experience, but about the practicalities of what they do,” says Al Khaja. Then the club shows an extract from the film. The programme has understandably proven popular among the local filmmaking community.
DIFF365 charges for tickets but also has a big-name sponsor, the telecoms company Du, and Pandya says it could not do without that backing.
And because alternative cinema screenings tend to attract a more dedicated following, mainstream cinemas that support them can preview, test and showcase upcoming films as well as combine databases to reach a more discerning audience. As distributors control marketing budgets, these collaborations also give better word-of-mouth and social reach.
“Films are expensive so Du has enabled us to create this initiative,” she says. “If they weren’t there, it would have been fairly difficult. We hope that eventually it will be something that will be funding itself and there will be more people participating and watching but right now it’s not and that’s the reality of it.” That day is “not very far away”, though, she says.
So if you are growing bored of the same old blockbusters, don’t despair. There are alternatives out there. There always have been, but they are becoming more prominent. And the more that audiences support indie cinema, be it at multiplexes or in warehouses, the more great movies will make it to Dubai’s screens.
All the films at DIFF365 are subtitled in Arabic (those that aren’t made in Arabic, that is), which adds another cost. Since Roxy is free and Cinema Akil works on a set donation at the door, they are able to sidestep this expense. The Scene Club has two guiding principles when choosing films. They have to be current and good, and they cannot be cut. Luckily, says Al Khaja: “We always ask the National Media Council to be lenient with us. They have been really cooperative.” Her audience is mature — sometimes in age, generally in sentiment. “They just like a bit of fine dining when it comes to filmmaking — cinema that is good for the soul.” Alternative cinema experiences offer something more for cinephiles. They might not always offer the largest screens, the most high-tech sound systems or even the comfiest chairs. But they offer something more in other ways. They
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A scene from the movie Centaur directed by Aktan Arym Kubat
A PHANTOM ROSE In a spellbinding convergence of power and play, Rolls-Royce’s new marque is a work of art
Immortal Beauty for The Gallery by Nymphenburg
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FEATURED: ROLLS ROYCE
Anton Hörl, master porcelain maker from Nymphenburg
Words: Gina Johnson / Images: Lol Keegan, Jake Curtis
D
eep in the English countryside on a warm spring afternoon, award-winning rose breeder Philip Harkness, owner of Harkness Roses, is working on a secret project.
His brief is to create a single, unique breed of rose; developed to imply strength and resilience in its largesse but also understated beauty in its intricate bloom. The rose is a clotted shade of heavy talc and its flower is intricate, opening from a plump, rounded bud into a large, cupped bloom. The rose is also robust, with an admirable resistance to disease. Of its power and importance, Harkness says: ‘‘A rose has the ability to captivate you on many levels. It is a thing of beauty, it can stimulate the senses with wonderful perfume, the soft touch of the petals or the rasping pain from a thorn. ‘‘It touches our emotions, signifies love and appears in some of our finest poetry. There can be few more enjoyable experiences, thanks to the unending generosity and diversity of nature captured in one single rose.’’
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A Moment in Time creation for The Gallery
To laymen and horticulturists alike, Harkness has succeeded in creating a masterpiece. But though his work is done, the journey of the rose has just begun. It will be flown to the Nymphenburg Palace in Bavaria, southern Germany, where waiting master artisans from world-renowned porcelain manufacturer Nymphenburg will take up the task. They will observe the rose in all its stages of growth, from bud to lush flower in full bloom, and set about crafting — freely and painstakingly by hand — hundreds of individual elements of the rose’s lifespan, with some of the most elaborate blossoms comprising up to 80 individual elements. ‘‘Nature is simply perfect and imitating it is a challenge,’’ says Nymphenburg’s master porcelain maker Anton Hörl. ‘‘We as artists have to ensure that our emulation does nature justice. I wanted to feel the tension of each individual blossom.’’ It took three months to create a porcelain to resemble the fine texture of the petal of the rose itself. And it took three years for the rose to complete its journey. That journey is part of the epic artistic story behind one of the world’s most luxurious brands, Rolls-Royce, and its elaborate launch of the Phantom VIII - the first of its kind in nearly 15 years.
Work in progress to create Immortal Beauty
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FEATURED: ROLLS ROYCE
Raw materials for Based Upon’s A Moment in Time
The Rolls-Royce Phantom
Helen Amy Murray's Spirt of Ecstasy inspired Whispered Muse for The Gallery
Art collective Based Upon working on their A Moment in Time creation
Harkness Rose porcelain craft
Dough used to create Immortal Beauty
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Thorsten Frank's Digital Soul for The Gallery
Astrum by Richard Fox for The Gallery
Liang Yuanwei’s material set while working on Autumn Palette
Nature Squared’s work space to create Iridescent Opulence
Digital Soul work in progress
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FEATURED: ROLLS ROYCE
Autumn Pelette by Liang Yuanwei
Thorsten Franck working on Digital Soul
One of the unique features of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom is The Gallery, an application of glass that runs across the fascia that has been designed to encase artwork. This feature evolved in line with the brand’s understanding of its culturally sophisticated, high net worth customers, for whom a fine and contemporary art collection is often a personal passion. And in the spirit of everything that defines Rolls-Royce, the concept is highly customisable, allowing patrons to express their own tastes and lifestyle requirements through the symbiotic relationship between art and performance. Simply put, owners of the new Phantom can commission and curate their own miniature art gallery to admire. The story of the rose is just one part of the artistic journey behind the launch of the marque, which is due to be released worldwide this month at a starting price of more than $500,000. A diverse selection of several contemporary artists have been commissioned, free from the constraints of automotive design, to create unique gallery pieces, designed to inspire a new generation of Phantom owners. They include British textile artist Helen Amy Murray, who has drawn inspiration from a collection of line drawings from the original creator of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Charles Sykes; an astral constellation made up of precious gemstones from British designer and goldsmith Richard Fox; the signature textured painting techniques of Chinese artist Liang Yuanwei; and the astounding Digital Soul, a computer-generated artistic interpretation of the marque’s DNA by Germany’s digital artist Thorsten Franck. Beyond the realm of art, the centurion status of the new Phantom — which has been in almost continuous production for 92 years — is evident throughout its entire design. From the integrated grille to the tapered flanks and the fastback roof line, the modern incarnation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom is designed (for the first time) with self-driving in mind. Even the headlights, which comprise clusters of laser beams, offer the brightest of any vehicle in production — and are capable of illuminating a 600-metre stretch of road. In a vehicle that stakes its reputation on refined elegance wrapped up in a symphony of silence, the convergence of style and substance is near perfection.
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Personalized details are sewn into every custom made TOM FORD suit
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FEATURED: STYLE
THE CASE FOR SUITS Invest in a made-to-measure suit and be a stylish step above the rest
W
hen a man dons a suit, he wants to feel two things: invincible and the absolute best version of himself. For many men, a suit is their daily uniform but unlike those school days of oversized blazers and forced knee-high socks, the suit can now be made to order just as you like. With the made-to-measure suit service on the rise, the days of ill-fitting jackets and too-short-on-the-sleeve cuts are gone. Yes, the cost may be greater but it’s a small price to pay for ticking those two boxes, not forgetting the price per wear working itself out in no time. Whether two or three-piece, single or double-breasted, tuxedo, white tie or morning suit, the king of modern day suiting Tom Ford has a made-to-measure service in his boutiques, which can transform the way you wear your suit for good. Antoine Nasr, head of menswear buying for Tom Ford in the UAE, has measured countless men over his past nine years as the manager of the Dubai Mall boutique. “When I do the buying (in Milan) with every collection, I buy solid colours, pin stripes, checks and salt-and-pepper fabrics so we can please
the taste of any customer. Men in business usually go for solid colours or pinstripes, younger clients tend to like the Prince of Wales three-piece. It always depends on the occasion and what the client needs the suit for — business or pleasure. I also order special sizes for our UAE-based clients,” says Nasr. So, you have decided that the world of custom-made suiting needs to be ventured in to. What now? Nasr says: “The thing to know from the beginning is if you want a made-to-measure suit, be prepared to wait. All orders from Tom Ford made-to-measure are made in Milan. Whether your order is a suit, shirt or trousers, it will take five weeks.” The brand offers three styles of suits, which can be customised according to your needs. “The original is a classic-style suit called the Windsor. After the release of the James Bond film Skyfall, [Ford] introduced a new shape of the suit called the O’Connor. It’s slimmer on the waist and the trouser is also a slimmer cut. The third has just been introduced and is called the Shelton. It has less structured shoulders and comes with a softer canvas inside. Some of these small details you don’t see but as a wearer, you definitely feel them.”
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FEATURED: STYLE
Invest in made to measure shirts to match your suit
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The next step is to take measurements, which are done meticulously. “We have master garments, so we fit the client in them and continue to take additional measurements, including the length of the jacket sleeve and shoulders to guarantee the suit will come [to fit].” After precise measurements are taken, next comes customising the colour and fabric. All of the fabrics are made in Europe, mostly in Italy and England and are made specially for the brand. For suits, the fabric is usually a mix of mainly wool, mohair or silk. A client can also order two different sizes according to his body type. “We are able to order different sizes because a lot of men wear a 48 jacket and 50 trouser - not everybody has the same jacket and trouser measurement,” says Nasr.
slim-fit with skinny lapels and are unstructured. And the worst thing of all is the short jacket that cuts your backside in half from the back. I don’t like an unconstructed suit. I prefer to be gently held in. I like a strong shoulder and a generous lapel. A skinny lapel always makes me think that the jacket looks poor — like someone could not afford enough fabric to make a proper lapel. I think a suit should make you feel younger, trimmer. It should make your shoulders look broad and your waist and hips look smaller. There is nothing sexier or more attractive than confidence and a good suit should give you that. Always keep your suit jacket buttoned. It will take 10lb off you in real life and especially in photos.”
Once the fabric of the suit is decided upon, next is choosing the finer details, including the lining and buttons. The made-to-measure experience is one that is tailored to each client and the suit comes with your name and the date of purchase inside the breast pocket.
Block a couple of hours in your calendar for your initial fitting as the process isn’t an off-the-rack purchase. “Some clients stay two to three hours and this is what I love best. I have never sent hom a customer who is not happy — no matter what,” says Nasr.
The broad shoulder, wide lapel and cinched waist give the perfect masculine silhouette, which is the secret to the success of this suit. Ford recently divulged some of his style secrets to Mr Porter, explaining: “Quite a few suits today are
Tom Ford boutiques are located in Dubai Mall +971 (4) 330 8300; Mall of the Emirates +971 (4) 340 0347; Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi +971 (2) 674 5900; The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi +971 (2) 677 1500
FEATURED: STYLE
Stitched by hand for a perfect fit
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TRAVEL 62 A very London Christmas
Everything you need to know about where to go in the British capital to mark the festive season
66 Jumeirah around the world
From festive pampering to mouthwatering delights, treats for the discerning globetrotter
A VERY LONDON CHRISTMAS Nowhere does Christmas cheer quite like the British capital. See our pick of festive favourites
Bespoke toy boxes Stay in any of Jumeirah’s London properties (see our factbox) over the holiday season and your children will be treated to a selection of sweet surprises, a complimentary Jumeirah bear and a bespoke box of toys to play with for the duration of their stay, courtesy of London-based Toy Box Club (toyboxclub.co.uk). The company was started by two busy mothers, best friends who grew tired of their houses filling up with cheap plastic toys that their children never played with. Together they set about finding a way to improve their children’s learning and development without cluttering up their minimalist homes. The Toy Box Club was founded with the aim of providing age-appropriate, gender-neutral toys that children could play with and learn from on a loanonly basis, so members can constantly avail of fresh and interesting toys to keep their little ones entertained. All this means you can travel light to London safe in the knowledge that there will be a box of carefully selected delights to keep your little ones entertained on arrival.
Words: Aoife Stuart-Madge
Embark on a Christmas trail
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Get your family in the Christmas spirit this year by taking a stroll through Syon Park’s enchanted woodland, just a hop across the river from Kew Gardens. For the ninth year, Syon Park’s gardens and Great Conservatory will be lit up with a multitude of colourful lights, creating a mile-long route weaving through the trees, perfect for exploring (enchantedwoodland.com). Alternatively see the famous Kew Gardens light up with a sparkling trail of more than one million twinkling lights, illuminating heritage trees and buildings through the gardens. Fairytale meets fantasy in a world of singing trees, larger-than-life flora, ribbons of light, giant baubles and a flickering Fire Garden. The Palm House leaps into life with a dazzling show of laser beams, jets of light and kaleidoscopic projections. Little ones can catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves at the North Pole village and enjoy a vintage fairground ride. Not so little ones can warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate and toast marshmallows around the fire. kew.org
Bespoke box of toys to play with at Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living
TRAVEL: LONDON
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TRAVEL: LONDON
A winter wonderland No winter trip to the British capital would be complete without a visit to Hyde Park’s famous winter wonderland. The festival has become a landmark event for Londoners and tourists alike with ice skating, shows, rollercoaster rides, street food stalls, festive bars and live music. This year the winter wonderland is offering a dazzling array of activities and entertainment, including skating around the UK’s largest open air ice rink, a deep sea adventure in a magical ice kingdom, thrilling circus shows, world-class ice dancing in Cinderella on Ice and stunning views across London from the giant observation wheel. It’s also a favourite festive hangout for celebrities including Prince Harry, Simon Cowell and the Beckhams.
Take in a panto As anyone who has ever seen the movie Love Actually will attest, pantomimes are as much a part of a traditional British Christmas as turkey and stuffing. This year there are plenty of star-filled plays happening across the city that will delight your little ones from Dick Whittington at the London Palladium (dickwhittingtonpalladium.com) to The Snowman at The Peacock (sadlerswells. com). Meanwhile, the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical are collaborating on a new production of Pinocchio at the National Theatre (nationaltheatre.org.uk) while Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans takes on the role of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic (oldvictheatre.com). If you’re looking for something a little different, Slava’s Snow Show – which delighted audiences in 80 countries - is showing at the Southbank Centre (slavasnowshow.co.uk).
Meet Santa in Hamleys As one of the most famous toy shops in the world, it’s hardly surprising that Father Christmas will be in residence at Hamleys this December. As well as spending time with Santa himself, kids can take part in seasonal games and activities and take home an extra special gift bag. hamleys.com
See Hogwarts in the snow Harry Potter fans should fly straight to Warner Bros studios for a festive tour with a twist this Christmas. During the Hogwarts in the Snow tour, discover how filmmakers created fire, ice and snow that never melts as the set undergoes a magical snowy makeover. From November 18 to January 28, 2018, you will have the opportunity to see the Harry Potter film series’ most iconic sets decorated for the festive season. The Great Hall will be transformed, the Gryffindor common room will be dressed for Christmas and a blanket of filmmaking snow will be meticulously applied to the majestic Hogwarts castle model. wbstudiotour.co.uk
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Slava’s Snow Show
The Hyde Park winter wonderland is walking distance from Jumeirah hotels
JUMEIRAH’S LONDON PROPERTIES
JUMEIRAH LOWNDES HOTEL AND JUMEIRAH CARLTON TOWER Treat the kids with a bespoke box of toys to use during their stay at any of Jumeirah’s London properties. Each personalised toy box will be filled with a hand-picked, age-appropriate selection of the latest toys, crafts, books and games courtesy of London-based Toy Box Club. Both within walking distance of Hyde Park and its winter wonderland, children will also receive a complimentary festive fun pack when they stay at either hotel between November 17 and December 31. The Family Fun package includes one night's accommodation with full English breakfast, a toy box for children to use throughout their stay, Jumeirah bear and VIP children’s turn-down amenity, plus complimentary access to the Peak Health Club and Spa, including use of the 20-metre swimming pool in Jumeirah Carlton Tower. To book, contact the events team on: Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel: +44 (0)20 7858 7171; JLHevents@jumeirah.com Jumeirah Carlton Tower: +44 (0)20 7235 1234; JCTreservations@jumeirah.com
GROSVENOR HOUSE SUITES BY JUMEIRAH LIVING Celebrate the Christmas season at Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living with the Festive Family Fun package and enjoy additional benefits to keep the children filled with holiday cheer. With a central location in Park Lane in the heart of Mayfair, this property is ideally positioned for Christmas shopping or visiting the winter wonderland, which is visible from every room. Children stay for free with the bonus of a personalised toy box, complimentary breakfast from the children’s menu, complimentary selection of classical family Christmas movies, Christmas cookies and a host of special treats to enjoy throughout their visit. For more information or reservations, call +44 (0)20 7518 4444 or email More than one million twinkling lights illuminate heritage trees and building in Kew Gardens
GHSreservations@jumeirah.com
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Words: Aoife Stuart-Madge
CELEBRATE WITH JUMEIRAH AROUND THE WORLD
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From festive markets to shopping escapes and mouthwatering menus, Jumeirah’s international venues are offering up something different this December
TRAVEL: FESTIVE
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai For an unforgettable taste of luxury this Christmas, look no further than the festive programme at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. With a host of foodie destinations to choose from, you’ll find something to suit the whole family. Top picks include the lavish Christmas Day barbecue in Villa Beach ($187 per head including selected beverages, 12.30pm to 4pm), where you can embrace the season with succulent seafood and meat cooked at live stations while enjoying sea views al fresco and a live DJ. For a unique take on a traditional Christmas, the German delicacies on offer in Der Keller include traditional goose and bread dumplings - a true German Christmas favourite. With antique decor providing a little corner of Deutschland in Dubai, discover the perfect place to celebrate the season the German way with a la carte Christmas specials. Meanwhile in Latitude, the whole family can enjoy their favourite Christmas treats with all the trimmings at the festive buffet. Set within lush, landscaped surroundings with incredible views of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, there is a children’s activity programme featuring a giant gingerbread house and a sushi winter wonderland. The pre-Christmas brunch starts from $135 per person while the Christmas Day brunch from 1pm to 4pm starts from $187 per person. For restaurant reservations in Jumeirah Beach Hotel, call +971 4 432 3232 or email Restaurants@jumeirah.com
Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul As the buzz about the newly released remake of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express continues, there has never been a better time to visit the Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah in Istanbul. The iconic hotel first opened in 1892 and is famed for hosting Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Alfred Hitchcock, among others. The hotel’s romantic legacy is celebrated in the Orient Bar and its Agatha restaurant while room 411 is reputedly where the crime writer penned her masterpiece. The hotel is also situated right in the heart of the city’s vibrant Beyoglu district, with the Bosphorus, Galata Tower and the famous shopping street of Istiklal Avenue all within walking distance. Splurge on designer stocking fillers from Harvey Nichols, Tom Ford, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp, Michael Kors, DKNY, Ted Baker, Karen Millen and other designer boutiques. The overnight Christmas package includes an open buffet breakfast in Agatha restaurant for two and Christmas dinner for two, inclusive of limitless local drinks and beverages. Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul
For more information or to make a reservation, call +90 212 377 4000 or email jppreservations@jumeirah.com
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Jumeirah Frankfurt
Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives
There is nothing as festive as the world-renowned Christmas markets in Germany so you are guaranteed some seasonal cheer with a stay at the Jumeirah Frankfurt this month. The hotel is located just a few minutes from the market — one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe — so you can easily lose yourself in the stream of stands dotted around the city’s famous squares, Romerberg and St Paul’s. A mulled drink underneath a sparkling tree is a must-do but for more insider tips, the hotel’s concierge team is always happy to offer some great tips on the market’s hidden gems.
If Christmas on a paradise island floats your boat, then look no further than the festive offerings from Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives. Swap the season’s traditional white snow for soft white sand and enjoy a culinary odyssey around the world with the hotel’s Carnivals Around the World event. Elements of various carnival celebrations, from the elegant Venetian Carnevale to the vibrant and colourful traditions of Rio, interspersed with hints of the European Fasnacht, Mardi Gras and other eclectic fetes will be celebrated every day. There is a festive tree lighting ceremony and an extended traditional Christmas Day brunch. Santa Claus will be on hand to surprise the children when he makes his grand entrance as well as Ded Moroz and his helper Snegurochka, who will pay a special visit to guests from Russia and Eastern Europe.
This year promises to be even more special with a themed kitchen party at the luxury hotel. Set to take place on December 2, you can enjoy some of the region’s finest food and beverages while soaking up the festive vibes. Looking for a last-minute stocking filler? How about a pot of Skyline honey, produced by the 40,000 bees on the hotel’s rooftop? Prices start from $306 per person. The kitchen party is priced separately at $176 per person or there is a package price of $470.
Christmas Eve will be celebrated with a festive gala, including entertainment by the resident band and live DJ as well as international acts while New Year’s Eve will go off with a colourful bang with fireworks, followed by a DJ beach party.
For more information or to make a reservation, call +49 (0) 69 297 2370 or email jfreservations@jumeirah.com
For more information or reservations, call +960 664 2020 or email JVMreservations@jumeirah.com
Max on One, Jumeirah Frankfurt
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TRAVEL: FESTIVE
Festive hamper from Perry and Blackwelder
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Make Christmas extra special this year by spending it at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. The halls of the famously lavish property will be decked out in fabulously festive fashion while the cuisine has been carefully crafted by celebrity chef Nathan Outlaw. On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, you can feast on sumptuous seafood during a six-course degustation menu ($270 per person) in Al Mahara, enjoy French-inspired seasonal offerings in Al Muntaha, 200 metres above sea level, or devour Califusion cuisine in the open air in Scape.
With its own private beach and 20 venues, the Madinat Jumeirah is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. The Arabian resort will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market from December 16 to 27. With 10 packed days of festive activities, including a snow fight zone, a festive train and bungee jumping, there is something for kids both big and small. Santa will visit every day at 5pm and 7pm while you can also visit the gingerbread house decoration, take an abra tour with Santa or get involved in some cookie decoration.
The grand finale is, of course, the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks, accompanied by a bubbly reception, gala dinner in one of five signature restaurants and fantastic live performances. Where better to get an up-close look at the world famous fireworks display than from the uber-glam vantage point of the Burj Al Arab Terrace?
You can also take the hassle out of Christmas this year by ordering your festive turkey with all the trimmings for 10 people to enjoy at home for $270. The turkey roast is presented as a complete meal with soup, succulent traditional roasted turkey with all the trimmings, including chipolata, roast potatoes and roasted vegetables and mince pies to finish off.
Prices start from $2,178 per adult and $545 per child for a New Year’s Eve buffet in Bab Al Yam and Al Iwan, which includes a pre-dinner reception and after-dinner celebrations, or $2,382 for Nathan Outlaw’s Journey Through the Sea in Al Mahara (think showstopping seasonal seafood). With so much delicious food on offer, the only question is, which restaurant will you choose?
Alternatively, hit the Christmas buffet at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and enjoy a fun and relaxed Christmas that the whole family will love, with heartwarming food, upbeat live music and a pinata. Mina A’Salam Christmas brunch featuring Tortuga and Hanaaya restaurants starts at $205 per person, including free-flowing beverages.
For restaurant reservations in Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, call +971 4 301 7600 or email BAArestaurants@jumeirah.comjumeirah.com/festivedining
For restaurant reservations in Madinat Jumeirah, call +971 4 432 3232 or email Restaurants@jumeirah.comjumeirah.com/festivedining
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SERENITY SERENITY
WHEN WHEN TIME TIME JUST JUST DRIFTS DRIFTS AWAY AWAY
jumeirah.com jumeirah.com | T: +971 | T:4 +971 364 7555 4 364 7555
A LASTING HOLIDAY Jump on board the latest trend and travel sustainably
is getting smaller. As further-flung countries open their doors — and their borders — to tourism and competitively priced flight routes increase, the world really has become our proverbial oyster. And the result is we’re travelling more than we have before.
Words: Polly Phillips
OUR PLANET
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But with more people on the move — figures show there were 1.2 billion international travellers in 2015 (the equivalent of one in every seven people in the world), compared to just 675 million in 2000 — there comes a greater need for sustainability and social responsibility. From globetrotters to governments, sustainable tourism is a movement that is garnering attentions from all levels. On the world stage, this year was declared the international year of sustainable tourism for development by the 70th United Nations General Assembly. The UN laid out three pillars of sustainability: employing environmentally
TRAVEL: SUSTAINABILITY
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
friendly practices (reducing output, reusing and recycling wherever possible), protecting a place’s cultural and natural heritage (restoring historical buildings, protecting indigenous flora and fauna and saving endangered species) and providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities (employing local workers and supporting fair wages). In theory, the directive, which was aimed at encouraging the travel sector to employ responsible practices while still enabling people to travel freely, could have put off both the travel industry and the tourists that fuel it.
WyseTravel Federation revealed young travellers are shunning traditional sun, sea and sand holidays in favour of meaningful experiences that allow them to feel they are making a contribution to the city or country they are visiting.
Instead, the official backing has turned something niche into a movement. Millennial travellers (defined as those who reached adulthood around the turn of the century) have thrown their weight behind the eco-friendly travel trend. Credit Suisse’s 2017 Global Report argued it is this age bracket behind a push for sustainability across a range of industries while a survey by the
Yet while almost two thirds of all global travellers (65 per cent) surveyed by online travel platform Booking.com admitted they would like to choose a hotel based on its social or environmental impact, many admitted to confusion about what travelling sustainably actually meant and how it would impact the standard of their holiday or hotel stay.
The desire to travel sustainably isn’t just confined to young travellers though. With the widespread success of films like Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth and an A-list backing from socially aware celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, ecotourism is having a moment.
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View from the Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living
Dubai is a gateway city that allows brands to explore the opportunities presented by the continuing development in the Middle East
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai
The good news is this newfound focus on the journey rather than the destination does not mean travellers have to sacrifice the luxury element of their hard-won holidays. Instead, it can be as simple as making a few small itinerary changes to ease their impact on the planet. Here are some suggestions:
Good training Becoming part of the slow travel movement and travelling to fewer countries or regions at any one time is one way travellers can reduce their carbon footprint and experience deeper immersion in a region. Avoiding flying in favour of train travel is another. In some remoter parts of the world, travelling by train is the best way to see most of the country. China, for example, has one of the world’s most extensive rail networks. Its 103,000 kilometres of track allow travellers a sustainable way to penetrate the provinces from its major cities. High-speed links out of Shanghai can take travellers all the way to Tibet in a way that air travel just cannot compete with.
Give in the right way Locally made crafts and souvenirs can be more expensive but buying them straight from local artisans makes a direct contribution to the economy. While it can be tempting to give money away when visiting regions or places with obvious poverty, this kind of charity can create a culture of dependency or fall into the wrong hands. It is much better to give either money or goods to reputable local organisations or charities that work on social welfare programmes or to international groups that partner with them.
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TRAVEL: SUSTAINABILITY
Kayaking in the Philippines
A clean sweep
Animal magnetism
While seeking out operators that adhere to the pillars of sustainability, travellers should be aware that they don’t have to sacrifice their right to luxury. Many five-star hotels are leading the way on corporate responsibility by making tweaks that are large enough to make a difference but small enough not to impact on guests. Last year, for example, all lighting in the Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living in London was replaced by energy efficient LED lighting, while leftover bathroom amenities were donated to local charities. Hotel guests can play their part by requesting less frequent linen and towel changes and ensuring air-conditioning is only on when they’re in the room.
With the destruction of their natural habitats, it is often animals that pay the price for global travel but more social responsibility across the industry means hotels are now working with animal welfare, not against it. At the five-star Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel in Dubai, guests can visit the resort’s turtle rehabilitation centre and meet its much-loved residents, all of whom have been rescued from the shores of the UAE by members of the public. Surrounded by bustling restaurants offering a plethora of choices, guests can watch the recuperating turtles floating around the lagoon, safe in the knowledge that rather than taking something away from their holiday, they are giving something back instead.
Turtle release near the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
TURTLE TOURISM IN JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM’S TURTLE REHABILITATION CENTRE All the rescued Jumeirah turtles started their rehabilitation at the facilities within the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah before being moved to the turtle lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem. Since the project began in 2004, 1,175 turtles have been returned to the wild. The goal of the project is not just to rehabilitate the injured turtles but to educate local citizens and international tourists about sea turtle biology and the plight of the endangered hawksbill turtle worldwide.
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THE INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO…
Interviews by Gareth Rees
THE UAE FILM INDUSTRY
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TRAVEL: FILM FESTIVAL
NAYLA AL KHAJA
Filmmaker, chief executive of Nayla al Khaja Films, founder of the Scene Club
My father was a film collector so I had access to a huge number of films that other seven-year-olds wouldn’t have had. I watched films from all around the world and that helped me develop an appetite. It was the start of a love story between film and me. That film collection inspired me to become a film director. The film that really inspired me was a black-and-white film called Boot Polish. I watched that film over and over as a child. It was the story of a brother and sister, orphans who survived by begging. The girl is adopted by a wealthy family but they don’t want the brother so they are separated. I remember how painful that was to watch. It really touched me and sparked an interest in human stories. That’s when I became obsessed with film. I wasn’t exposed to UAE film until I was 25 years old. There’s no such thing as a film industry here. It’s a film movement. The pioneers were guys — Ali Mostafa, Nawaf al Janahi — there were only three or four of them. I was the first female film producer. I really needed a mentor but there was nobody. All of us had to create something out of nothing. It was a very challenging period. It’s still a struggle because it’s a business — and a very expensive one. How do you persuade people to invest in a film industry that doesn’t exist and filmmakers that don’t have a track record and can’t guarantee some sort of return because Emirati films don’t have a huge distribution worldwide? The biggest challenge for people making independent films in the UAE is funding. The solution is for the government to create a fund and provide grants for UAE filmmakers. In all of my films, I think the common denominator is that I’m a minimalist. I don’t like a lot of special effects or a complex storyline — I like something simple, to focus on the characters. I want people to get really emotionally involved in the film. If you have a strong storyline, you don’t have to complicate things. I would love to direct a film on Ted Bundy one day. I find serial killers fascinating. I want to focus on very atmospheric, commercially-driven films that revolve around male killers. But even if I do go on to do genre films, the UAE will always be the backdrop.
Dubai International Film Festival, Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah
It’s important that we are able to tell the story of our people worldwide. It will differentiate us from any other film industry. Only UAE nationals can tell UAE stories. Nobody else is doing it. There are a lot of misconceptions about Arabs. A substantial collection of films from our region will at least help achieve a balance. My first feature film script, Animal, is nominated for the IWC Filmmaker Award at Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) this month. It’s about a narcissistic father with an iron fist who strikes fear into his children.
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moved to Dubai, I had very little knowledge about Dubai’s film scene. I loved the vision and what they were thinking of doing. What was very exciting for me is it was all in the nascent stage. It was the potential that attracted me. The aim was to establish a film industry here and we realised that the way to put Dubai on the international film map was to have a film festival. We knew the Arab film industry had been in existence for a really long time but at the time was struggling with a lot of issues. There wasn’t a lot of financing and there were lots of restrictions. We wanted to be a base, the only film festival that focused on Arab cinema. Our core focus, our heart, is still Arab cinema. When we started there were a few feature films created here but now we see anything between six and eight feature films per year being produced in the UAE by Emirati filmmakers. When we started there were not many international festivals that curated Arab cinema.
SHIVANI PANDYA
Managing director of Dubai International Film Festival
I’ve been with DIFF right from the beginning. I was with Media City prior to that, where I was looking after the broadcast department and was also part of the business development team. Prior to that I worked for UTV, one of the largest studios in India, which has since been acquired by Disney. When I
MOHAMMED SAEED HARIB
Animator, creator of Freej
I have always been a dreamer. When I was a kid, I loved writing Dungeons and Dragons style stories. I grew up watching Disney movies and Arabicdubbed Japanese cartoons. Growing up, I was really touched by Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and a Japanese version of Sinbad dubbed into Arabic. I grew up wanting to be involved in cartoons for our region but I thought it was impossible. Then when I was kicked off my architecture course at Northeastern University in Boston, I decided to give it a go. It was risky because art was not regarded as very masculine back then. Thank goodness things changed. I set up an online magazine called Digital Genes. That didn’t last long. Preparing for the first issue, I went to interview the chief executive of Dubai Media City (DMC) and it turned out he was interviewing me. Two days later ,I got an offer to join DMC’s marketing department. I went on to create the DIFF logo. I had started to develop Freej when I was in university. We were asked to create superhero characters based on our culture. I chose my grandmother because back in the days when our grandfathers used to go pearl diving, grandmothers would raise the children. I’m talking seven to eight kids in a very hot climate with no electricity. The archetypal grandmother is funny, she has her own unique look, she loves poetry. There are so many fascinating aspects about that kind of personality and we came from a very male-dominated society back then but I wanted to reflect the journey of those grandmothers. When I was working for DMC, I was encouraged to work on Freej and pointed in the direction of Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders. In 2006, the first episode of Freej was aired. When I left the UAE for university, we only had one government TV station, one government radio station and one government newspaper.
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Today when you look at the big international festivals, whether it’s Cannes or Toronto, a lot of them have a selection of Arab cinema. In some cases we’ve been involved directly, in other cases we’ve been involved indirectly, but we’ve had a fairly significant role to play. If you want to explore UAE cinema, you should start with Ali Mostafa’s City of Life, Nawaf al Janahi’s Sea Shadow, Ahmad Zain’s Grandmother’s Farm parts 1 and 2, Majid al Ansari’s Zinzana and Abdulla al Kaabi’s Only Men Go to the Grave. As far as up-and-coming filmmakers are concerned, keep an eye out for Yaser al Neyadi, Aisha Alzaabi, Ahmed Hasan Ahmed and Shatha Masoud.
When I came back to DMC, a nest of media companies was just opening. I went from no hope to some hope, to a lot of hope, to doing the show. I was one of nine directors who worked on an animated feature called The Prophet with Salma Hayek, Liam Neeson and Roger Allers, the director of The Lion King, which premiered at Toronto Film Festival. I am currently working on Rashid and Rajab, my first live action feature film. This film has been sitting with me for four years and it is now in the post-production stage. If you want to check out some other Emirati animators, look out for Mohammed Ahmed Fikree and Fatima al Muhairi.
TRAVEL: FILM FESTIVAL
and won best Emirates film in the Emirates Film Competition, an amateur film competition held in Abu Dhabi. I discovered it was the first UAE film in history to be shot on celluloid. That was only 2003. When I made my first feature film City of Life, there was no infrastructure. It was a matter of taking this little snowball — or should I say sand ball — and pushing it to reach where we are today. We are still at a very early stage. When you can go to the cinema and have several Emirati films to choose from, that’s when it becomes an industry. That’s when it starts to become sustainable. We’re definitely going in the right direction. We’re very close. I predict in the next three years or four years, we will be able to start calling ourselves an industry. When I was writing the script for City of Life, there was a lot of Dubaibashing going on in the western media, especially in the UK. This was the place I grew up and it was hard to hear. I needed to show the Dubai that I knew — a real city that has its flaws. You don’t have to be speaking about negative issues to tell a story, you just have to be real. ALI MOSTAFA
Filmmaker
My mother is British and my father is Emirati. I was born in London but I grew up in the UAE. I have been into films since I was a child. My father had an incredible collection of films on Betamax — films like Jaws and Star Wars. I wanted to be the guy who created those. As a child I made films with my brothers and my cousins. I’ve been doing this since I was about nine years old. The UAE doesn’t really have a film industry yet. In 2003 I had to make a graduation film and decided to shoot it in Dubai. I shot it on super 16mm
I’m excited about the Emirati films that are coming out. Cinema is escapism. It’s escaping the world you know and seeing other worlds with human stories that can transcend international borders. Everything takes time. I look at City of Life today and I cringe. You improve with experience. If I had the opportunity to make a James Bond film or a Star Wars film, it would be a dream come true. What’s exciting is that I don’t think it’s completely impossible. A lot of these big franchises are looking for young blood.
NUJOOM ALGHANEM
Director
When we were children, it was a family habit to go to the cinema. Then I married the poet Khalid Albudoor, who has a deep love of cinema. The first film to inspire me was probably Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s Cries and Whispers. My favourite film is Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s Ran. Kurosawa is my favourite director. Each of my films has its own style but my approach could be described as poetic rather than direct. I am also a poet; my filming and poetry influence each other. It’s not hard to break into the UAE film industry but it is hard to succeed in the wider Arab world and beyond. How hard is it to make a film in the UAE? It’s like carrying a baby and giving birth — it’s that hard. I’m quite happy with how my films have been received. They are appreciated and respected, especially by a mature audience. International audiences love my films. Without the support of DIFF, my films wouldn’t get that international recognition. In the past I faced both technical and financial challenges. Nowadays it is mostly financial and social challenges, especially when it comes to making documentaries. The UAE film industry is stable and progressing but we need serious fundraising systems and initiatives and more training and educational opportunities.. Since I first started making films, the UAE film industry has changed in terms of quality and quantity. It has also started to provide services and support to filmmakers from other regions. This has created higher standards and a more competitive industry. I have a script to develop and a documentary film to start working on very soon. In 10 years I would like to see more recognition.
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Words: Meryl D’souza
TRAVEL: JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM
FEATURED SPACES ROCKFISH, JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM If you were to dial back the hands of time, you would learn that much of the world — from the shores of Latin America to sunny Spain — owes much of its culinary traditions to the Arabs. In fact, some culinary historians have stated that this abundant table includes some 40,000 dishes, only exceeded by the Chinese, who are said to have a repertoire of some 80,000 dishes. And when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, a large portion comes from seafood. Fishing has been part of the region’s culture and lifestyle since 5,000BC. Designed by Bill Bensley, the seafood restaurant Rockfish in Jumeirah Al Naseem marries that Mediterranean tradition and those Arab values better than any other restaurant in the region. The restaurant is a Dubai classic in the making and its beachfront location with unobstructed views of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is what will draw your attention — but it’s the design that will make you stay. From the French windows that enclose the main dining area to the sandy terraced deck and the charming interiors that feature walls in chic black and white, set with inlaid black shells and giant pineapples to complete that exotic atmosphere. As you’d expect, the restaurant’s seafood offerings are immaculate. The compact menu kicks off with crudo (raw seafood), moves on to salads and soups and reaches a crescendo with pescatarian treats laced with Arabic influences. We recommend the yellowfin tuna crudo and, of course, the seafood mix grill. Enjoy the new lazy lunch at Rockfish from 1pm to 4pm every Friday from just AED 350 per person. Rockfish also serves lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturdays and dinner daily from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Call +971 4 432 3232 or email restaurants@jumeirah.com to book a table
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THE HIGH LIFE:
Olio, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Kuwait
THE LOWDOWN: A Venice-inspired, beachfront Italian restaurant that
remember to leave enough room for dessert as it is too easy to fill up on
overlooks the pools in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa. One of six dining
the wide range of pizzas and pasta.
venues on site, Olio serves up the best pasta and pizzas you’ll find in Kuwait.
Words: Meryl D’souza
INSIDER’S TIP: Almost everything is a treat to your palate but we
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THE ATMOSPHERE: Considering Olio is a beachfront property it
recommend you try any of these: Caprese modern, ensalada de rocca
encourages you to keep the attire stylishly casual. The sand-coloured
con fungi, melanzane parmigiana, the mushroom risotto and pizza, gundi
floor and sea breeze make you feel like you are at the beach without the
de ricotta, spicy penne arabiatta and for dessert, the taranto de ciccalito.
sand-related hassle of actually being on one. Plus, the serenading music
The stunning Instagram-worthy views of the hotel and the Arabian Gulf
throws in an extra romantic vibe.
are social media gold.
THE FOOD: Olio’s Italian chef uses the finest ingredients in a bid to bring
BOOKING DETAILS: Olio is open between 3pm and 12pm from Sunday to
an authentic taste of Italy to its customers. The menu includes everything
Thursday and between 1pm and 12pm on Friday and Saturday. Call +965
you’d expect an extravagant restaurant to have — and then some. Just
2226 9600 or email jumeirahrestaurant@jumeirah.com
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