First Impression A word from the Editor-In-Chief

Editorial Editor in Chief

Khalid Ahmed Juman

Deputy Editor in Chief Ahmed Khunji

Art Director Ronald Fuentes

Features Editor

Tariq Khonji

Editors Amy Vaya

Mohammed Hassan

Charlie Holding

Marketing and Sales International Media Sales Director Hussain Al Zaimoor

Production

Production Support

Venkatesan J. S

IT support Digital Manager Hussain Al Anjawi

DURRAH LUXURY MAGAZINE

PO Box 13990, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T. +973 77077777 F. +973 17226555

It is with great pleasure and profound gratitude that I welcome you to the 15-year anniversary edition of Durrah magazine. This milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the epitome of luxury lifestyle content to our discerning readership.

For a decade and a half, we have tirelessly strived to curate an unparalleled blend of fashion, art, travel, architecture, gastronomy, and all the elements that compose the tapestry of a luxurious lifestyle. This pursuit of excellence has allowed us to forge enduring relationships with the most influential figures, brands, and visionaries across various industries in the region. As we commemorate this significant milestone, we would be remiss not to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed readers, loyal advertisers, and our dedicated team who have all played an integral role in our journey. It is through your unwavering support and shared passion for the finest things in life that Durrah has blossomed into the quintessential guide for luxury living.

Our 15-year anniversary edition delivers more of the quality that you have come to expect from Durrah. Banking takes center stage as Chief Customer Experience Officer at American Express Saudi Arabia, Nizar Abou Hassan reveals the impact of the Platinum Card® on Saudi Arabia’s flourishing premium segment. We discuss the surge in demand for cashless transactions with Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) General Manager, Dr. Adel Salem, and we delve into the unique features of the new KFHBahrain Wealth App with Executive Manager of Wealth Management and Private Banking at Kuwait

Finance House-Bahrain, Rashid Alkhan.

We also bring you more insights from the leaders of luxury lifestyle brands such as Tag Heuer Heritage Director, Nicolas Biebuyck; Van Cleef & Arpels International Marketing and Communication Director, Jean Bienayme; General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Slim Zaiane and many more.

We take a tour of Istanbul, courtesy of ShangriLa Bosphorus Istanbul Hotel, were we visit some of the iconic locations captured by the lens of famed Armenian and Turkish photojournalist, Ara Güler. And we celebrate more of the culture that the Turkish capital has to offer with Istanbul Modern Art, a prominent contemporary art museum that recently undergone a significant renovation and expansion, and a top destination for art enthusiasts worldwide.

Plus, we bring you the best that the world has to offer in exclusive destinations, coveted fashion collections, visionary architecture, the culinary delights that have tantalized the palates of the world’s connoisseurs, and much more.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. Here’s to 15 years of Durrah, and to many more years of exquisite inspiration, luxury, and the art of living beautifully.

Enjoy your read!

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A prestigious legacy www.durrah.bh e.mail: info@durrah.bh

DURRAH is a premium quarterly English-language luxury lifestyle magazine, covering topics including VIP interviews, fashion, yachting, architecture, art and culture, jewellery and travel, Durrah’s quality is unsurpassed. Durrah, in Arabic, translates to ‘Pearl’, and focuses on luxury that is based on substance and lifestyle with intellect, rather than excess. On contemporary living that evolves from deepset roots, rather than globalization, ensuring an inherently authentic flavour for a globally travelled audience. With a core focus on the colourful fusion of both traditional and modern elements that make up the Arabian identity, Durrah aims to promote and preserve all of the elements that make the Arabian Gulf so unique. Durrah adopts international standards, however also remains closely connected to Middle Eastern heritage, culture and achievements, all of which are prominently featured.