AL MAMZAR PARK AND BEACH: DISCOVER HIDDEN JEWELS OF DUBAI WAYS TO INTEGRATE YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS - LAVESH JAGASIA
What’s next after EXPO 2020?
Expat stories. What’s yours?
MABUHAY PHILIPPINES! EXPERIENCE FINE MODERN FILIPINO DINING AT KUSINA NATIN TO’ AL SATWA, DUBAI
IMAGE CREDIT : CHRISTOPHE VISEUX / EXPO 2020
VOL 1 • ISSUE 12 • FEBRUARY 2022
For Dubai Vibes Magazine advertising, partnerships and other promotions, kindly send email at this address: bella@dubaivibesmagazine.ae or call 0544585440
From the publisher “Success is when you feel happiness in doing whatever you want to do at that point of time. Fulfillment is happiness. Small goals are a success. And failures are a stepping stone for success.” - Dr. Sangeeta Sharma
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STAFF BOX Publisher Gabriel John Rimando
Editor-in-Chief Angelo Dumag
Contributing Writers Amanda Hensley Zainab Shahid Archie Reyes
Sales and Marketing Manager- Dubai & Northern Emirates Elaine Anne ‘Bella’ Marbella
Young, ambitious, and beautiful, Halla Elroudany is currently the Meetings and Event Manager of Movenpick Bur Dubai. Her abilities led her to great opportunities, and she is now thriving and happy in her chosen field.
Sales and Marketing Manager - Abu Dhabi Joel Lara Genove
Graphic Designer Allan Caragao
Lavesh Jagasia : Ways to integrate your passion into a business (Pages 18-19)
Multimedia Manager Than Dumas Find us at https://www.dubaivibesmagazine.ae/
Muhamad Madi is a Lebanese national who continuously advocates educating and supporting thousands of individuals who aspire to reach the persona they want to be. Currently, he is the President of Madi International.
Dubai is known to be one of the best cities globally, which offers many activities, opportunities, and innovations. Moreover, it is nice to say that the United Arab Emirates has a fantastic geographical area, where sands and water are both present in the country.
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MABUHAY PHILIPPINES! EXPERIENCE FINE MODERN FILIPINO DINING AT KUSINA NATIN TO’ AL SATWA, DUBAI (Pages 24-25)
This is more good reads in the latest edition of Dubai Vibes Magazine. Enjoy.
ON THE COVER
Al Mamzar Park and Beach: Discover hidden jewels of Dubai (Page 41)
EXPO 2020 Dubai aims to have one great goal: to unify everyone amid diversity. Aside from presenting the cultures and traditions of different countries worldwide, its tagline ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ is a breakthrough and innovative way of forecasting and calculating the time ahead.
Solitude by Don Reyes
Abra Crossings by Ferdz Bedaña
Father and sons by Chris Calumberan
Birds sight by Allan Caragao
Wheeling in the sky by Alex Arevalo
All in a day’s work by Tawpee Comeso
Long Exposure by Allan Caragao
The long way home by Don Reyes On Focus by Allan Caragao
Timekeeper by Aliston Heron
Time travel by Alex Arevalo
A day at the Creek by Marcky Mark
Silver Morning by Joshua Trias
TALK OF THE TOWN
Embracing the New Normal with Artiana
When the world started shutting down last March 2020, museums, galleries, and auction houses were among the first places to shutter. The industry suffered from dropping sales and restrictions, causing businesses to close their doors, as people were furloughed and worst let go. Talk of the virus permeated our consciousness as the news cycle churned depressing stories one after another, and our overall morale sunk at an all-time low. For a moment, the world halted; and woke up in unprecedented times. The sudden confinement and the resulting isolation compelled us to reconsider the space we inhabit and the profound effects it has on our well-being and general happiness. This urge to enhance our living spaces in a time when people are
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inclined to do everything from home drew us towards art, driving sales and reinvigorating an otherwise struggling industry. As art collectors moved online, auction houses and galleries rushed to solidify their presence and infrastructure online; to cater to the influx of demand from the market. The very demand immediately felt by Artiana from the start of the pandemic, when our private sales ironically picked up, and enquiries for upcoming auctions grew. Across the board, online auctions and selling exhibitions started rolling out more frequently, capitalizing on lower operational costs and heightened demand from an audience keyed up at home rather than the sale rooms. Sale records were made against all expectations as interest in the nontraditional art forms grew,
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giving traction to the emerging market of NFTs and digital art. Something Artiana also embraced by introducing NFT exhibitions on our platform, starting with our current offering, The Mythical Metaverse, by seasoned artist Sakti Burman. A significant artist, especially for the Indian diaspora in Dubai, Sakti Burman’s art represents the meeting of both cultures he has lived in, India and France. He drew inspiration from varied religious traditions, Bengal folklores, European mythologies and personal narratives evoking a dreamlike scenario on his canvases, where families and friends accompany gods, nymphs, heroes, and celestial emissaries, all in the vibrant colours of his palette. His best works, now available as Non-Fungible Tokens, were minted as a unique digital edition, giving
collectors another chance to own an otherwise elusive piece of art from this artist in a new format. Exhibited using the latest technologies, The Mythical Metaverse offers a memorable experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike to experience the magic of the master’s canvases in a different light.
everyday situations, relationships, love, music and camaraderie encapsulated in humorous and vibrant tableau. Through this series of works, with its riotous colours and universal appeal, Kofi brings to his audience the beauty of everyday life and the cornucopia of feelings that we experience along with it, the universality of those emotions and the colourful connections that make life familiar, exciting, and compelling at the same time. These works offer much-needed blithe and lightness after the bleakness of the pandemic in our collective past - sentiments we can all embody more as we slowly
Similarly, the demand for traditional art nudged us to enhance the capacity of our Private Sales vertical to include more selling exhibitions, starting from the Senaka Senanayake exhibition back in 2020; to the current one featuring beloved Ghanian artist Kofi Agorsor. The exhibition titled, The Colours of Life features recent works centred on the artist’s interpretations of the daily lives of people in modernizing Ghana with themes of simple
emerge from this pandemic. This very same notion is at the forefront of Artiana’s decision to exhibit both Sakti Burman and Kofi Agorsor; as we open our doors to welcome clients back to our gallery. Two artists who are known to lean on the positive side of life: one who helps us dream, recall childhood stories, and help us delve into our imaginations, and another that grounds us by depicting our everyday existence and shared human values reminding us of the beauty and joys of living.
Clients can look forward to more selling exhibitions featuring new artists through the rest of the year: in addition to scheduled auctions of South Asia Art, Art Beyond Borders, Fine Watches, Handbags and Accessories, and Fine Jewels. New auction categories will also be introduced from the middle of the year, starting with the Fine Wines auction slated for June 2022 and ending with the highly anticipated inaugural African Art auction scheduled at the end of this year. Sakti Burman: The Mythical Metaverse & Kofi Agorsor: The Colours of Life Twin Exhibition, ARTIANA, DAMAC Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai, until March 31st, by appointment, 11 am to 6 pm, artiana. com
With restrictions slowly lifted and art season in full swing in Dubai, Artiana gears up for an exciting year.
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DINING
A Birthday Bash at Belgian Café Yas Island
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as Plaza Hotels appoints a new Restaurant Manager and Head Chef at Belgian Café and celebrates the gastropub’s anniversary with a Birthday Bash, holding exciting dining offers, prize raffles and a Back to School theme party with 80’s bops from February 8th – 15th to get everyone in a Belgian birthday spirit. Leading the kitchen operations is Belgian Café’s new Head Chef Dennis Christian Fetzner, who hails from Germany and brings a twist of the flavours of the world from his globaltrotted background into the menu. Fetzner started his culinary journey during his teens in a family-owned hotel in his home country, Germany. He worked hard and cooked his way through the roles of commis chef, demi chef and chef de partie. His craft eventually took him to various exciting culinary destinations like Zurich where he worked at a one Michelin star fine dining restaurant at The Dolder Hotel, London serving as junior sous chef at The Savoy Hotel, Abu Dhabi as sous chef at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island, and then Dubai as chef de cuisine at the St. Regis
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Polo Resort followed by the Meydan Hotel, where he had experience catering to the annual Dubai World Cup. He then moved to Qatar, where he had the opportunity to work as the Head Chef of Belgian Café, by far the biggest one the franchise has, at the Intercontinental Hotel West Bay before deciding to fly back to become the Head Chef of Belgian Café at Radisson Blu Yas Island. Through his work and new appointment, he believes that he can bring something truly special to patrons’ palates through his authentic flair in European Cuisine. The exciting birthday operations and upkeep of excellence in Belgian Café will be overseen by the restaurant’s new manager, Rampi Dharma, who has exceptional experience and a long-standing history of working with Yas Plaza Hotels. From his humble beginnings as a bartender in 2011 and progressing to supervising roles before becoming a manager at Amerigos since 2017, and achieving
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awards such as ‘Young Leader of The Year 2016’ by Radisson Hotel Group, ‘Most Active Action Taker 2019’ and ‘Best Manager 2020’ by Radisson Blu Hotel as well as several awards for outlets he has managed from Time Out and What’s On Abu Dhabi, Rampi truly leads by example. Those looking to catch up with their nearest and dearest over delicious beverages and bites can look no further than the Belgian Cafe that will be scrubbing up with a ‘Back to School’ theme every evening from 5pm to 1am, teeming with awesome beverage deals at AED80 for eight selected drinks, lip-smacking snack platters for AED80, 80’s funk-laced beats that everyone simply loves and a raffle draw that announces a winner of a gift voucher of AED100 every 80 minutes. To book Belgian Cafés exciting Birthday Bash with your besties, call 02 656 2406 or email info@ yasplazahotels.com
DINING
To’ has taken on the challenging task of representing locally produced Filipino-style cuisine on a budget to the mid-range dining establishment.
MABUHAY PHILIPPINES! EXPERIENCE FINE MODERN FILIPINO DINING AT KUSINA NATIN TO’
You’ll arrive in an ample eating space, where intimate group dining experiences may be hosted properly, after negotiating and being surprised by the historical nature and its dark, luxurious décor with a touch of Filipino origin. Kusina Natin To’s menu is divided into several distinct types of Filipino cuisine, including both traditional and modern culinary styles. You can then experiment with large portions of various group meals or even an a la carte menu. All of the Kusina Natin To’s sound incredible, and we could have quickly just stared at them.
Steak Bulalo (2-3 pax per serving) We’re all familiar with the spicy and aromatic Bulalo soup, but the Sizzling Bulalo Steak in this restaurant is a must-try. Yes, you read that correctly. Bulalo Steak is a type of beef that comes from the Philippines. Bulalo on a sizzling dish with flavorful gravy is a must-try. Its salty and sweet flavor, along with a kick of heat, can excite all of your senses.
The following are the must-try dishes at Kusina Natin To’:
AL SATWA, DUBAI
We last dived into the world of legitimate and original Filipino cuisine when we visited the Philippines, a gorgeous place. With those misses in mind, we’ve been eager to introduce you to a new breed of Filipino dishes available exclusively at Kusina Natin To’. This restaurant is located in Al Satwa, Dubai, directly across from the Iranian Hospital. Kusina Natin
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Seafood from the Cajun region (Group meals for 2-3 or more) A great concept is the Cajun Seafood Festival dinner. Crabs, shrimp, shellfish, and squid are all cooked and seasoned to perfection. The distinctive Cajun sauce (a combination of several seasonings such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a secret ingredient) was a huge winner.
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Balbacua (2-3 pax per serving) The presentation is complemented by a silky mouthfeel of delicate meat when served hot. Balbacua is a meal from the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Its soup is light and refreshing, as well as delicious.
Papaitan (2-3 pax per serving) Sisig (chicken or beef) (2-3 pax per serving) When you go to Kusina Natin To, don’t forget to get this sisig Delux (chicken or beef) to have a taste of Pulutan and Pinoy Style sisig. This menu’s crispness and chili punch bite are a must-try. This is one of their most impressive menus.
When is the last time you taste your standard papaitan? If you had it in the Philippines, worry no more; it is now in Dubai. There’s a real depth of flavor to the broth and comes across as a Filipino standard “pait.” The chef knows it! Perfect for parties.
Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (2-3 pax per serving) We take a look at their famous sweet and sour fish fillet from here. Their version of this dish is very Filipino, where Sweet is much more drowned than the sourness of the plate, but it tastes fantastic. I tell you!
Beef Kare-Kare (2-3 pax per serving) Chicken Kawali (2-3 pax per serving) Like the traditional Litsong Kawali, Chicken Kawali is a whole chicken marinated into different spices with lemongrass inside. It is deep-fried for several minutes. Amazingly, it’s crispy like litson kawali. You can even experience the crispness of it up to the bones. The meat was tender and juicy.
Are you looking for the perfect karekare? The taste is gorgeous. It is like those fresh peanuts are ground and cooked. In this serving of 2-3, this will not be enough for you. I assure you that you will order another serving for it. The beef is so tender and juicy. The combination of sauce and bagoong alamang is just perfect!
Dating a Bangus (2-3 pax per serving) Of course, it is boneless! Fried Daing na Bangus is perfectly marinated in Filipino vinegar with a touch of oriental spices. Another mouthwatering meal for you.
At this point, we’re highly impressed but also have some big decisions to make. But, telling you this, this is a highly recommended restaurant. The service has been excellent, but it was also clear that they have super friendly staff to attend to each customer now and then.
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PEOPLE
Dr. Sangeeta Sharma How does a multitalented doctor get to be a philanthropist?
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“S
uccess is when you feel happiness in doing whatever you want to do at that point of time. Fulfillment is happiness. Small goals are a success. And failures are a stepping stone for success.” A medical doctor that never ceases to serve anyone in all possible means. This is how people described Dr. Sangeeta, the Medical Director of the 35-year-old Al Ahalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi, one of the oldest hospitals in the emirate. Aside from being a doctor, she was part of the Indian air force and served as a medical officer of the military army. She also joined BeingShe Universe, a pageant for women that aims for women empowerment. This woman has been in the United Arab Emirates for six years. She first joined the hospital as a laboratory director and was eventually promoted to the Medical Director. Serving in a leadership position inspires her to become a good trailblazer among his companions. Aside from being a pathologist, she is also a philanthropist. She makes sure that her passion in the medical field will be related to engagement in different community programs. Dr. Sangeeta realized that her hospital should have a multi-
cultural approach in which the doctors should come from various nationalities.
with the help of the blessings, all my hard work is paid off, and I am sitting here. I am delighted that I reached here,” she uttered.
The root of all spur Dr. Sangeeta came from a family of doctors. Her parents, aunties, uncles, and cousins are almost all in the same profession. She said that she never had a turning point in her life that she needed to decide on another job.
She also said, “I worked in different government hospitals in India, and it is a challenge for doctors to utilize the resources. Since India is so populated, there is always a scarcity of materials and doctors. They need to do their best despite the misery.” UAE life
“From childhood, I was obsessed when I used to see them and taught a strong motivation and inspiration. I could not think of anything else,” she said. When Dubai Vibes Magazine asked her about her children’s decision, she said that she would leave the decision with them. Suppose they feel that they are inspired and passionate to serve. Being a doctor is a long journey; it is not easy. Otherwise, whatever interest they have, she has full support. In India, there is a sturdy rivalry in terms of work. According to her, achieving all of the things she has right now is all because of her hard work. “I work very hard, and there is strong competition in India. I work the hardest to achieve my dreams. And
When Dr. Sangeeta decided to move to UAE, she honestly shared her challenges of starting everything from scratch. According to her, she needed to get a license and look for a job at that time. Fortunately, she got an excellent job on her first attempt. “I am privileged because I got a leadership position to see and manage the hospital. I got an MBA in hospital administration. I am doing it all hands-on,” she shared. She added: “When I worked here in the UAE, what I learned is that it focuses on its quality. They give a lot of emphasis on quality and the patient’s safety. And if this quality is taught at every level of the healthcare field, the results are wonderful and more efficient. When I go back to India, I will bring all my learnings to my country.”
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PEOPLE
Halla Elroudany Two things you should understand when going abroad
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oung, ambitious, and beautiful, Halla Elroudany is currently the Meetings and Event Manager of Movenpick Bur Dubai. Her abilities led her to great opportunities, and she is now thriving and happy in her chosen field.
opportunities. If I were to stay and work in Saudi Arabia, I would not have a great opportunity like this. I decided to pick UAE; it is quite in the middle, and I can access both cultures.”
According to her, her name Halla came from an Arabic word meaning moonlight or the light of the crescent moon. This half Filipina and Half Egyptian was born and raised in Saudi Arabia; she lives her whole life in the Gulf Region.
Her first job in the UAE is a secretary to the general manager in a four-star hotel in Sharjah. She stayed there for seven months and sooner or later moved to Abu Dhabi, where she became a sales coordinator for the Marriot hotel.
She finished her bachelor’s degree at Enderun College in the Philippines for four years. Alongside her studies, she also learned how to speak Filipino before coming to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“I’ve been there (Abu Dhabi) and learned a lot of things in a year for an entry-level job, then become a sales executive in different hotels,” she said.
Dubai Vibes Magazine asked why she chose Dubai among many other countries. She said: “Basically, being half is being a multi-cultural person where you want to be a bit conservative considering the Arab culture yet open for woman’s
Start of journey
guest, meeting different clients every day, and you must look presentable every day. Because in the end, what impression you can give your clients is; can I trust this person, can I depend on them, or can they help me out? It is imperative to be presentable and have confidence in helping the guest reach their satisfaction,” she said. For Halla’s entire life experiences, she attested that being resilient and ambitious are the two most important things to learn in the UAE. “It takes so much courage to take the steps of going abroad. But trust me, it is worth it. I understand that in the Philippines, there are not so many opportunities, but if you plan to become an ex-pat, it is better to go for it,” she added.
Throughout her career life, she has been in hospitality, serving and entertaining people. Being hospitable is the main ingredient for a good relationship among guests. “A hotelier is very spontaneous. It is all about being hospitable to the
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PEOPLE
Lavesh Jagasia Ways to integrate your passion into a business
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rt enthusiast Lavesh Jagasia is an art collector and connoisseur based in Dubai with more than 30 years of experience in South Asian art. He is the founder of an artpublishing firm named The Serigraph Studio. His artistic view of life leads him to success as he integrates art and investment. Indeed, his mind functions artistically. He worked as an art advisor and owner of The Fine Art Advisory, artistically active from August 2012 to July 2015. Lavesh is also the owner of The Serigraph Studio, founder, and Managing Director of ARTIANA up to this moment. During his college days, he would visit various galleries, and arts shows out of curiosity. He had no direct influence in collecting art, and no one in his family or friends was into it. “I become an art collector by chance. One day, I am buying artwork to decorate my rental apartments. And the next thing I know, I have enough paintings to build a museum,” he said.
the field of art. He always makes sure that the painting that he will buy is something that he understands the meaning of. “I get to gain more knowledge about a certain piece or artist, whereas I get to enhance my social life with ownership. Most often, I would meet collectors like myself,” he added. He considered himself a passioninvesting art collector, “I am very much grateful for having the privilege to personally interact with Indian art masters like S.H. Raza, Ram Kumar, and Jehangir Sabavala,” he uttered. He added that he finds motivation when he hears stories of the joys and struggles of the artists. That makes him appreciate the art more. “Collecting art for me is paying homage to the people I admire much,” Lavesh said.
Art of entrepreneurship Lavesh was deeply motivated by the vision to create an affordable and accessible medium for Fine Art. Through this goal, he established his art studio and called it The Serigraph Studio, where art lovers can avail themselves of a Serigraph. A typical day for Lavesh would be pretty hectic, and he never complains about it. According to him, now there are more buyers than available artworks in the market. In that sense, he currently founded the Artiana auction house, where people can see and avail themselves of world-class and extravagant paintings. “Luck and hard work are the attributes of my success. Everything is an opportunity that comes by as happenstance. I do my best with every opportunity,” he said. Honestly, this man of art has this great passion for collecting and appreciating the work of the hand. Thus, he serves as the epitome of knowledge and desire for wisdom.
The passion of an Art Collector Lavesh describes himself as an art enthusiast. He remembered that he would spend time reading books, watching documentaries, and meeting artists to learn more about
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PEOPLE
Ismail Ibrahim The Restless Heart of a General Manager
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“A
person should work hard and have a goal to reach with, or else, nothing will happen.”
Ismail is a father of two kids, a husband of a loving wife, and a general manager of a multi-awarded Ramada Hotel in Abu Dhabi. This man considered the United Arab Emirates (UAE) his first home and a great place to live life. After 15 great years of living in Abu Dhabi, he realized that his life was exciting. He started being part of the front office serving in reception, and afterwards, hard work paid off when he was promoted to different managerial positions. Ismail believes he is a driven person in terms of results because he lives in humility. He wants to be hands-on with the operations, and he loves to be part of the team.
“It is not just a one-person show. I am always with my team, and I cannot achieve something without them. I can only say that I am the one who coordinates, facilitates their job, and makes sure that all things are sound and in a good place,” he said. He added that the result of cooperation and teamwork brought them to many awards, and one of these was the Traveler’s Choice award of Trip Advisor and Hotel.com. Working hard pays off . Ismail believed that: “In my life, I always put a target for myself, because the environment will follow the work you have done. In UAE, people are encouraged to be motivated in work. That’s what had happened to me, I worked hard, and the management recognized me.”
and he was promoted as General Manager of Ramada for four years now. When Dubai Vibes Magazine asked him about his secret of good leadership, he said that the core of hospitality is good service and how you interact correctly with the guests. Building relationships is essential. He is a man of dynamism; he makes sure that he works objectively but does not sacrifice creativity. To make changes from time to time, he kills the routine and creates new variety in his management in the hospitality industry. Lastly, he advises everyone never to give up having a dream and a target towards life. Not having a goal will result in nothing. Everyone should work hard and create a way for fulfillment.
Ismail’s performance in work brought him to sales and marketing,
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IMAGE CREDIT : SUNEESH SUDHAKARAN. / EXPO 2020
CENTERFOLD
What’s next after EXPO 2020? Welcome to District 2020 IMAGE CREDIT : SUNEESH SUDHAKARAN / EXPO 2020
IMAGE CREDIT : JOE / EXPO 2020
IMAGE CREDIT : SUNEESH SUDHAKARAN / EXPO 2020
IMAGE CREDIT : DANY EID / EXPO 2020
IMAGE CREDIT : SUNEESH SUDHAKARAN / EXPO 2020
IMAGE CREDIT : DANY EID / EXPO 2020
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IMAGE CREDIT : DAVID KONAKO / EXPO 2020
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XPO 2020 Dubai aims to have one great goal: to unify everyone amid diversity. Aside from presenting the cultures and traditions of different countries worldwide, its tagline ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ is a breakthrough and innovative way of forecasting and calculating the time ahead. It all started on October 1, 2021, during the rise of COVID-19 in the world. Although still pandemic time, Dubai’s host city believes that nothing is impossible. And, honestly, Dubai sets to be the number one city to gradually win the virus through its innovative and technologically advanced medical approach. The exhibition only lasts for six boundless months, yet the memories will endure forever to the 25 million visitors the event had. Dubai is genuinely a futuristic city of peoplecentred leaders, possibilities, and inspiration. There were over 190 countries that participated in the event, and it is the first time in World Expo history that every participating country has its pavilion. The pavilions are not just ordinary hubs because they showcase the future through astonishing architectural design that mirrors innovation and the future. Behind the streets of the three districts If we had a chance to visit the EXPO, we observed four districts:
Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity. These districts are simply the three power concepts of the world’s future. The Sustainability district focuses on how the human race can achieve and relish the harmonious relationship with nature in a modern future. At the same time, the Mobility district aims to develop more imaginative possibilities in connecting ideas, creativity, knowledge, and diversity. Lastly, the Opportunity district unlocks the potential of every individual to create a chance for a better future and inspire other creatures as well. The country’s pavilions are logically arranged in line with its vision and hope to convene with the mission of their district name. Moreover, all revelations spark purposeful progress that builds and foundations the world’s prosperity, unity, and beyond. What’s next after EXPO? Everybody is curious about what will happen to the pavilions and the massive area of the exhibition? The truth is, before everything started, there was only a plan for it. The gates of the exhibition will never be closed. The mission and vision will stay intact and will forever be there. The site itself will be transformed to its new name: The District 2020; this is set as a worldclass community hub for innovation,
culture, entertainment, education, and services facilities. This area will become a smart city that creates feasible solutions to world problems and a sustainable home of a safer and healthier future. It will establish a meaningful legacy for the new generations. During the transition from an exhibition to a 15-minute district, pavilions and other facilities will be turned into entertainment centers, hospitals, offices, educational institutions, and the like. Therefore, it will be a global community where culture and understanding among nations share the same goal and aspirations. ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future Building a better tomorrow will only be possible if everybody takes a single step towards change. As EXPO 2020 exits the market, Dubai will continue to unite every nationality and strive for breakthroughs and potentials. It addresses the challenges and creates reasonable solutions. It is worth giving thanks to the leaders of Dubai that unceasingly motivate, inspire, and creates a better emirate.
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PEOPLE
Muhamad Madi Graciousness comes from great purpose and purity
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uhamad Madi is a Lebanese national who continuously advocates educating and supporting thousands of individuals who aspire to reach the persona they want to be. Currently, he is the President of Madi International. Muhamad started his journey in business at a very young age. According to him, he is a trader by nature. His passion led him to become a business-minded individual and a philanthropist of beauty and exquisiteness. “I am self-educated and continue to be passionate about education. I am constantly reading books and listening to business audio. I have attended many seminars. Business is deeply engraved in me,” he said. Life as an expat Muhamad Madi has been in Dubai for 30 years. He witnessed how the emirate evolves from a deserted area into a hub of businesses, historical sites, and home of the brightest and largest assets. “I have both watched and experienced Dubai’s growth. Twenty-five years ago, Dubai was much smaller than what it is today, but even back then, this magnificent city had a grand vision,” he said. As an expat and a businessman in Dubai, he described the emirate as a clean, organized, safe city. He always
believes that the city has more to offer and will continue to develop. For him, Dubai is his home away from home. According to him, what he loves most about Dubai is that the leaders have visions for their city. They are constantly investing for greater heights and the welfare of their residents and citizens. Business integrated with vision . Muhamad, ever since, personally loves giving people a helping hand. He likes sharing his knowledge and experience, aside from making financial contributions. He is a firm believer that someone should be generous.
When Muhamad was asked about his passion for the chosen field, he answered, “I did not choose this field. I would like to believe this field chose me. It happened organically, and I have a lot of passion for this incredible industry, which has a lot of potentials to grow even further. I envision it reaching tremendous heights.” Since the passion comes naturally for him, there are times that he faces struggles in the industry’s dynamism and competitiveness. Maintaining the company’s structure and building a solid team is a challenge. Moreover, their energy, vision, and determination keep him firm and motivated. Life in Dubai
His advocacy and generous act of kindness are widely integrated into his business as they promote beauty with confidence to their customers in Madi International.
Muhamad considered settling himself in Dubai because “The economic and political situations in Lebanon made it very difficult to survive, nonetheless thrive there. Along with many others, I was forced to leave my home for a better, more secure future. My family has always been with me through thick and thin, and they have always been my strength.” “I am very excited that the second generation, my son and daughter, have joined the company. I have a lot of faith that they will play massive roles in helping the company grow and prosper. Together we are strong, passionate, and devoted,” he added.
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PEOPLE
Justine Claire S. Alfonso The secret of being a Goaldigger
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y ultimate dream is to live my life to the fullest. Make my family happy, proud, and enjoy life as well.” Multi-talented Justine Claire was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She has lived in Dubai for two years and has a Skydiving license. Her adventurous personality led her to different opportunities and eventually fulfilling her dream in line with her passion. “I’ve been training for a competition in Abu Dhabi for the past few months. Me and my fiancé were under the 2way skydiving formation category and were up against six other teams on which we placed First,” she said. Their team scored 52 formations in the sky over six jumps. They were given a starting exit altitude of 10,500 feet and a time limit of 35 seconds to complete the formation in each hop. Beautifully Talented Justine was just seven years old when she started to play piano and was introduced to ballet with her sister. Afterward, Justine and her sister explored other sports and sooner fell in love with Figure skating.
“I started during my elementary days and was able to compete in Skate Asia (Bangkok) by 2013,” she said. Life has never been easy for Justine because she needs to make an extra effort to fly high with freedom in achieving her goal. Although she had a lot of opportunities after she won different competitions, Justine insisted on focusing on her study when she was in her college years. When Dubai Vibes Magazine asked her about her life after work, she answered that apart from skydiving, she also skates from time to time and does some activities to keep her body in shape.
“I love activities, and Dubai makes them easy to do them within the emirate. It’s so fortunate to have all of these things within a 15-20min drive,” she added. Dream goals “My ultimate dream is to live my life to the fullest. Make my family happy, proud, and enjoy life as well. We are not defined by the things we own. I want them to be happy and have fun, but not by giving luxurious material things; yes, it’s nice to have highquality things once in a while. But what I would invest in more is for them to experience what life has to offer.” Dubai is treating Justine amazing. According to her, the sense of safety and security is the primary factor when choosing a place. She found this in the emirate. Although Dubai’s life for Justine becomes so friendly to her, there are still struggles she faces and one of these being far away from her family, that even up to this moment, she still does get homesick very often. Granting these challenges, Justine still has the strong guts to face this homesickness, like when she meets thousands of feet of jumping for dreams and goals.
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PEOPLE
Roberta Colla Micheli The Extraordinary Vision of a CEO
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live the present treasuring the past and dreaming of a wonderful future. Never be afraid to dare.”
Roberta is an Italian Chief Executive Officer, visual designer, communication, and public relations specialist of Simone Micheli Architectural Hero. This woman has found her balance in spontaneous and unconventional creativity. She has a strong passion for rationality, professionalism, and uplifting inventions that leads her to capture beauty easily and express it through her art. Aside from being an art enthusiast, she is also a mom of two wonderful sons, Simone’s loving wife, and an understanding leader of her staff and collaborators in different parts of the world. She loves meeting people and creating relationships. She has dedicated herself to arts since she was a child, appreciating the details of beauty, and positively has the vision to affirm differences in the world of fine art. In this philosophy, she realized that giving a visual identity towards objects, companies, or people who wish to see their essence translated into an image is an essential part of utilizing skill and talent. “I started working as a graphic and visual designer even before graduating. I have done many different things but always related jobs. As soon as I met Simone Micheli, we decided to work together,
combining our skills to create a new mix that would go beyond traditional design and architecture,” she said. Starting from the starch Life has the notion that every successful individual always starts from scratch. And for Roberta, she proudly shared that her success started from a humble beginning.
“Like all people who started from scratch, on their own, I have faced numerous challenges, personal and professional, during my career. I’ve had to put myself out there and have learned to turn defeats into learning experiences, limits into resources for creativity,” Roberta added. Work and life balance
Roberta said: “We started from scratch, and thanks to our commitment, inventiveness, and ability to communicate with the world, we managed to make it happen.”
This woman of creativity has been in Dubai for several years, although not settling down in the emirate, still visiting the place for business, friends, and collaborators several times a year.
For her, it is a dream that becomes a reality day after day. Her experiences have contributed to pursuing the fire that she has from within. According to Roberta, she never stops creating and learning from her practices and mistakes.
“I grew relentlessly, learning from mistakes, putting myself on the line. Fear paralyzes. But it would be best if you didn’t stop or be afraid to jump in. Life always gives us wonderful surprises,” she uttered. Her passion for creating new things, exploring the contemporary world, and increasing her knowledge everyday impact seeing everything on a brighter side. She believes that when an individual wants to fulfill a dream, someone should look for stimuli and transform them into engines for progress. She said: “I dream of continuing to live to the full of my energies as time goes by. I wish my children a wonderful future where they can do what they want to do, to their full potential. I hope that fear will never paralyze them, that they will never lose the courage to dare.”
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Chef Sanklap Kondre Nurtured cook garnishing his family’s future
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etermined Chef Sankalp is currently working as a Sous Chef of Il Pomodoro and Esperia Restaurant in Days Hotel by Wyndham Deira, Dubai. This man creates his destiny through undeniable efforts and eagerness to learn.
culinary courses when he was in college.
decided to move to the Middle East instead.
“I used to cook at home, and I want to cook all my life. Since my college days, I am also excelling in cooking, which led me to become a chef,” Chef Sankalp said.
“My first work was in Abu Dhabi, and in due course, I moved to Dubai and started as a supervisor and now a Sous Chef,” he uttered.
Chef Sankalp is an Indian by race and nurtured as a chef. Carried out by his motivation, after he graduated in Mumbai, India, where he got his degree in Hotel Management. After which, he continued his studies in culinary in London.
This great chef got a chance to work in London for two years. Still, after some time, he moved to the United Arab Emirates and worked with different hotels, where he managed to gain experience and learn Italian and Belgian cuisines.
The dream of becoming a chef comes into reality when he gives his total effort to make sure every ambition turns to genuineness. Openness and self-trust are indispensable for growth.
Chef Sanklap attested that London gave him an excellent opportunity to learn about culinary and hotel management. But after his studies, he needed to go home to India, so he
Dubai life
Currently, he lives in Dubai with his family, enjoying each moment and cherishing the emirate’s opportunity to its residents.
Dubai is described as a place of prodigious chances. Chef Sanklap attested to it when he said that Dubai is an exciting place of opportunities, especially in the hospitality realm. “I also observed that many chefs from Europe are coming to Dubai,” he added. When Dubai Vibes Magazine asked him about his Dubai experience as a chef, he said: “Being a good chef always depends on interest and passion. Since I did not have an opportunity to work in India, I had a chance in London to study western cuisines. And nowhere in Dubai, I am cooking more on western food.”
Forming a purpose “I got a degree in hotel management back in India and eventually proceeded in London for my culinary course.” Chef Sanklap believes that his eagerness and love for cooking started from home. He also realized it when he excelled in different
“In Il Pomodoro, they mostly focus on Italian dishes, while in Esperia more on Mediterranean cuisine. My signature dish is homemade lasagna, and our customers love it,” he further explained. His advice to aspiring chefs is that doing your best is the greatest weapon for success. Opportunities will follow if someone is hardworking.
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PEOPLE
Muhammad Iftikhar A servant and a saver destined to serve the world
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oung and diligent Pakistani Muhammad Iftikhar has been in Dubai for two years and continuously chasing his aspirations and dreams. This 22-year-old young man believes that life is like tossing a coin. There are happy times and sad moments, but there is always hope, and this one keeps us alive.
first job was in the housekeeping department, then eventually got a chance to be part of the security system since he was a trained army in Pakistan.
But he always converts it to positivity and makes it an inspiration to create networks and affiliates.
“I chose this job because I love working in the force as a trained Army to protect life and property,” he said.
Iftikhar is a graduate of Civil Engineering and has a diploma in Information Technology. He worked in different sectors in Pakistan to earn a living. He also served the army in his country and worked as an assistant manager before coming to Dubai.
When Dubai Vibes Magazine asked Iftikhar about his everyday struggles in his current job, he said that dealing with different people from various backgrounds and cultures sometimes gave him work pressure.
One of his most outstanding achievements that compliment his passion is when he was awarded as a hero in Dubai to save two lives in an emergency in one of the famous sites in the emirate.
Iftikhar’s life revolves around serving and protecting people. A few months ago, this man of service was awarded in Dubai because of his heroism after saving two lives of contractors unconscious inside a tank of one tourist spot in Dubai. Love for service His life experiences have positively influenced Iftikhar’s mindset. He never treats a challenge as unfavorable, instead of room for growth and development.
Heroism
Iftikhar is one of the Transguard Group of security guards honored by the company. Together with him, Muhammed Zubair and Richard Esteban. According to Iftikhar, “There was a human being in the tank, and I felt they could die in minutes if I didn’t go inside. I wore two masks and went in the tank, and with Richard’s help, got them out.” Although he knew that it would be dangerous on his part, he continued to enter the tank and save the two contractors’ lives. Truly, Iftikhar’s love for service mirrors his being a hero to his family back in Pakistan and all people he served and protected.
When he first arrived in Dubai, his
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IMAGE CREDIT MOTF
The artistic Arabic calligraphy of the “Museum of the Future” evokes Dubai’s spirit of innovation
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“Emirati talents has contributed significantly to the Museum of the Future… meanwhile their future role in activating and operating this global knowledge hub is essential.”
ubai-UAE: 15 February 2022: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.”
Written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Arabic calligraphy lines covering the building of the Museum, send a message of inspiration, hope and motivation from the city of the future, to the world. Through this innovative building, Dubai will provide the world with a cultural and architectural icon, which stands 77-metres tall, embodying an elegant and sprawling calligraphy that expresses Dubai’s approach of innovation. As a global center to foresight the future and inspire coming generations, the Museum will invite people to participate in imagining and designing an inclusive future for humanity, through its exhibitions and first of its kind concept. The iconic building, with its unique design, embodies the museum’s vision of pushing boundaries to reach new architectural and engineering horizons. It is a symbol for adopting innovative methods and tools that deploy futuristic technologies to reimagine the possible. The combination of the building’s architecture and the calligraphy emblazoned on it, have seen the museum become recognized as the futuristic beacon and architectural miracle, being classified as one of
the most creative and aestheticallypleasing buildings in the world. The artist behind the Arabic calligraphy fonts representing the wise words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, known as an innovative thinker and talented artist in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. The wisdom of Sheikh Mohammed’s words, combined with the distinct artistic approach of bin Lahej, act as a call to the youth to be ambitious in their pursuit of future endeavours, dreams and aspirations. Commenting on the Emirati contributions to designing, building and managing the first of its kind Museum in the world, His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Chairman of the Museum of the Future said:
IMAGE CREDIT MOTF
One of three inspirational quotes that you can read when your eyes fall on the façade of the latest masterpiece of Dubai and the world’s architectural Icon, The Museum of the Future.
Mattar bin Lahej said: “The Museum of the Future is an architectural masterpiece and exceptional icon that enriches the urban art in Dubai. The Arabic calligraphy is an art that links our history with our future. The inspiring words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the facade of the most beautiful building on earth, inspire people and encourage them to imagine the future and contribute in designing it. It is a message of hope, optimism and positivity for a better future for humanity.” Bin Lahej added: “It is a great honor to be a part of this architectural miracle, which will constitute a beacon to explore new horizons for humanity in the coming years and decades.” Mattar bin Lahej’s journey to date has come to a point that looks to the future. Though his signature calligraphic style is the one you see inscribed across the stunning Museum of the Future, his work which is also present in the UK, the USA and other locations, adopts various different forms. For nearly two decades, since 1991, bin Lahej has been on an experimental artistic odyssey of self-discovery, understanding both self- and national identity. Today, as we anticipate the official opening of the Museum of the Future, bin Lahej’s journey stands out as a testament and a calling card to future generations from the nation, and the region, to pursue their passion and aspire to greatness that echoes through the ages.
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La Perle:
A spectacular show and a must do while in Dubai
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f there is one word that best describes the La Perle show at the Al Habtoor City in Dubai, I think that would be ‘perfect’. It was perfect from music, dancers, the storyline, the stunts, the transitions, and most especially, the stage. Whatever the proximity of your seat is, it will be worth it as it offers everyone a good view. As we sat in the VIP section, our row looked like a good spot in this 270-degree staging. The show is brought to life by the critically-acclaimed director Franco Dragone, a person renowned for his masterpieces like Celine Dion-A new Day, La Reve (Las Vegas), and The House of Dancing Water (Macau). Throughout the performance, there are more than 50 characters who demonstrate unique skills and talents, including dance, motorbikes, aerial and aquatic acts. The mesmerizing show revolves around a young girl who falls into a
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dream-like state and travels through the UAE in search of a lost pearl. Throughout her entire journey, she comes across people–including the love of her life–and completely different worlds and cultures. We are awestruck by the 90-minute show. As I watch the athletes on stage perform feats, we sometimes draw breathes and clap with pride. The story was hard to follow, but we just realized that the story was subjective, and we need to interpret it according to our perspective. With the acrobats and death-defying stunts rendered by the crew, it certainly leaves me, including my colleagues, gasping for breath while keeping us on the edge of our seats. If you wish to have a snack while you see the show, La Perle has a snack corner just before the theater. Buy your snack at least five minutes before the show begins.
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Nevertheless, there are restaurants right next to the theater if you want to eat heavy meals before or after the show. The show will undoubtedly impress anyone searching for a fun night out. Youngsters will like the event as well but be advised that there are loud noises, so it may not be appropriate for younger children or those who are easily scared. The La Perle is exactly located in the Al Habtoor City, near Downtown Dubai on the popular Sheikh Zayed Road. One can take the public metro service through the Business Bay Metro Station on the Red Line which is close to La Perle. One can also take the bus routes 15, 21, 29, 44, 8, C1, C18.
Al Mamzar Park and Beach: Discover hidden jewels of Dubai
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ubai is known to be one of the best cities globally, which offers many activities, opportunities, and innovations. Moreover, it is nice to say that the United Arab Emirates has a fantastic geographical area, where sands and water are both present in the country. Aside from the excellent land feature and artificial intelligence home, Dubai should also be known as a land of sustainability and great wonders. The emirate can spoil us with different parks and beaches that we can enjoy during the summer season and all year long. One of the hidden gems of Dubai is the Al Mamzar Beach Park; this sophisticated place covers more than 100 hectares, where you can enjoy different activities with your friends and family.
why you do not need to worry? Al Mamzar is not just an ordinary beach park because it also offers Smart Park facilities. Feel secure and connected with your affiliates while enjoying your stay. The RTA Nol card that you have can be used to assess Smart Gates entrances. Aside from that, the trees in this park are not just ordinary trees; they are Smart Palm Trees that can allow you to charge your gadgets and connect to their Wifi. Smart Rescue, Smart Drones that can analyse the growth and health of plants, Smart Paint that absorbs carbon dioxide and reduces air pollution, and Smart Trashcans that can move around the park are also available. The activities you can do in the area are picnicking, playing sports and swimming. It is child-friendly, is that
The opening hours of the beach park are Sunday to Wednesday from 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 in the evening. While on Thursday to Saturday and public holidays it is open until 11 PM. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, it will be open from 8:00 AM TO 10:00 PM. Entrance fees: Single entry: AED 5 Children under the age of two: Free People of Determination: Free Entry ticket for car: AED 30 Swimming pool facility: Adults: AED 10/hour Children AED 5/hour Jet Ski experience: Adults- AED 150 FOR 30 minutes and AED 250 for one hour.
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IMAGE CREDIT : DAVID KONAKO / EXPO 2020
