Global Citizen 60

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLE

PNC MENON: DUBAI LUXURY REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS

DISCOVER SWITZERLAND

CHRIS VOSS: THE MASTER NEGOTIATOR

AUTOMOTIVE BUGATTI CHIRON

HOROLOGY

BLANCPAIN: HAUTE HOROLOGY MEETS HAUTE CUISINE

MERCEDES VISION EQXX FIFTH GENERATION RANGE ROVER

HUBLOT: BIG BANG INTEGRAL AND MP-09 CHOPARD: L.U.C FLYING T TWIN LADIES

TAYLOR SWIFT POP CULTURE PHENOM

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CONTENTS 20 BUSINESS

Sobha Group’s Founder and Chairman, and leading luxury real estate insider, PNC Menon, shares his insights on Dubai’s luxury real estate sector

22 COVER STORY

How Taylor Swift became one of the most important artists of all time

26 BUSINESS

An exclusive interview with legendary former FBI hostage negotiator, entrepreneur and author, Chris Voss

30 BUSINESS

Silvia Ivanova fills a gap with Tribe71— the Middle East’s first-ever multi-brand e-commerce platform for high quality, fashion-forward activewear

32 BUSINESS

34 BUSINESS

Latalia’s Talia Pruwer and award-winning architect Nohma Kaaki discuss their transformative new jewellery collection

38 BUSINESS

Swissquote Bank Dubai’s Chaddy Kirbaj discusses investment opportunities for decarbonisation

40 BUSINESS

Allurion’s Cynthia Bou Khalil shares alternative weight loss methods that can help to combat diabetes

42 AUTOMOTIVE

The Chiron is the fastest, most powerful, and exclusive production super sports car in Bugatti's history

46 AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes-Benz introduces a new technology blueprint for its electric range with the VISION EQXX

48 AUTOMOTIVE

Porsche expands its product range in the field of e-mobility with the Taycan

50 AUTOMOTIVE

Electric driving pleasure comes to the heart of the BMW brand with the i4

52 AUTOMOTIVE

The 2023 Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine

56 AUTOMOTIVE

Heidi Shara, Founder of Wear That, is revolutionising the way women shop

44 AUTOMOTIVE

20

22

30

42

48

52

14 JAN / FEB 2022

The new Range Rover provides more scope for personalisation than ever before

Abarth Middle East launches the new limited edition Abarth 695 70°Anniversario

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58 HOROLOGY

Blancpain announces its collaboration with the two-Michelin-starred Sühring twins

60 HOROLOGY

Glashütte Original extends SeaQ line with expressive bi-colour model .

61 HOROLOGY

Hublot creates a fully ceramic timepiece with the Big Bang Unico Integral

62 HOROLOGY

Hublot introduces four new versions of the MP-09 “Manufacture Piece” collection

63 HOROLOGY

Chopard Manufacture places its flying tourbillon at the heart of a feminine timepiece

64 HOROLOGY

Bugatti and Jacob & Co. create a timepiece that takes watchmaking to bold new heights

66 HOROLOGY

67 HOROLOGY

Longines celebrates the equestrian elite and top horses at Racing at Meydan

68 LIFESTYLE

Visionnaire presents the Il Pavone Throne at EXPO 2020

70 FASHION

Update your wardrobe with our top picks of the season’s must-have fashion finds

74 FASHION

Les Benjamins’ inaugural Dubai flagship store doubles up as a youth creative hub

76 GADGETS

Our top picks of the latest tech must-haves

79 GADGETS

The Insta360 GO 2 64GB Edition is a tinier, mightier action cam

80 GADGETS

Syng is the world’s first triphonic speaker and a revolution in home audio

81 LIFESTYLE

Bilgin’s Tatiana is the largest yacht ever to be built in Turkey, packed with luxury features

82 DESTINATION

Discover Switzerland’s gourmet restaurants, splendid five-star establishments, unique events, and exclusive boutiques

86 LIFESTYLE

Breitling and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons celebrate the UAE Year of the Fiftieth with a limited-edition Aerospace Evo

78 GADGETS

The Ninebot KickScooter marks a new generation for Segway

TUMI and McLaren team up to create a collection of performance-driven travel accessories

58

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82

86

16 JAN / FEB 2022

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EDITOR’S LETTER HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A

s we turn the page to a new chapter for 2022, Global Citizen’s 60th edition is a showcase of fascinating personalities.

Our cover story features Taylor Swift (p.22), who started her music career at the tender age of 13 and has grown to become one of the world’s most recognisable pop culture icons.

Dubai’s real estate sector is always a hot topic, and with luxury property demand on the rise, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse. Be sure to check out page 20 for insights from Sohba Group’s Founder and Chairman, PNC Menon.

In automotive news, luxury marques continue to push the boundaries when it comes to electric driving. Mercedes-Benz introduces a new technology blueprint for its electric range with the VISION EQXX (p.46), BMW elevates electric driving with the i4 (p.50), and Porsche expands its product range in the field of e-mobility with the Taycan (p.48).

In horology, Breitling and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons celebrate the UAE Year of the Fiftieth with a limited-edition Aerospace Evo (p.66), and Bugatti and Jacob & Co. create a timepiece that takes watchmaking to bold new heights (p.64).

For your 2022 travel bucket list, explore the nature and urban flair of Switzerland, which, thanks to its sheer diversity, offers world-class gourmet restaurants, splendid five-star establishments, unique events, and exclusive boutique experiences that make this destination a must-visit to excite your wanderlust.

As always, I hope you find plenty to inspire and delight you as you peruse the pages.

Enjoy the read!

Andrea Antal

18 JAN / FEB 2022

GLOBAL CITIZEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Antal COPY EDITOR Sameer Denzi ART DIRECTOR Omarr Khattab CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Esmezyan www.global-citizen.com www.issuu.com/global-citizen www.facebook.com/GlobalCitizenMag www.instagram.com/GlobalCitizenMagazine MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Fierce International Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 tarek@fierce-international.com

FIERCE INTERNATIONAL FZ LLC PUBLISHER Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 Copyright 2020 Fierce International. All rights reserved.

Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Fierce International. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Global Citizen. All information in Global Citizen is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.

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2022 JAN / FEB

19

COVER STORY

20 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

DEMAND FOR DUBAI’S LUXURY R EAL ESTATE ON THE RISE

On the back of the UAE’s economic recovery, Sobha Realty, one of the UAE’s premium real estate developers, has achieved an impressive $1 billion target for 2021. Sobha Group’s Founder and Chairman, and leading luxury real estate insider, PNC Menon, shares his insights on Dubai’s real estate sector How has the demand been for luxury real estate in the last year, and what are the reasons for this?

Despite the pandemic, Dubai’s real estate sector has seen strong market performance in 2021, which has also been associated with the increase in the prices of luxury real estate by 40% for 12 months. The surge is attributed to the buyers and investors who are attracted by visa reforms, new 100% business ownership rules, and the successful vaccination drive, among other initiatives driven by the government. Not forgetting the world Expo 2020, which has recorded more than 8.9 million visitors since its launch in October 2021.

Dubai is a great place to do business and of its most attractive offering remains the diversity of prime properties available for purchase. From lavish villas and fully serviced apartments to premium penthouses, Dubai’s luxury properties’ portfolio is unrivalled. I have always maintained that there is no place in the world better to visit, live, work, and invest than Dubai, and now we see that the world's wealthy have their eyes firmly set on the emirate.

from all over the world amid precautionary measures, while other countries were returning to waves of closure, and the imposition of restrictions on business to face the effects of a pandemic. These factors have helped to fast-track the recovery of the sector, and as a result, we’ve seen a significant demand for luxury villas and units through 2021.

What is the outlook of the real estate sector during 2022?

The Dubai Land Department annual report shows a milestone in 2021 with the registration of 84,772 real estate transactions with a value of nearly 300 billion dirhams -- a growth of up to 65% in terms of the number of transactions, and 71% in terms of value, compared to 2020.

As the economy improves, with the successful vaccination program and a gradual opening of international borders, we are positive about the real estate market sentiment and are forecasting it to pick up further.

Is the available stock of ready-made luxury properties running out?

The luxury real estate market in Dubai has its own assessment.

The demand for luxury villas and units witnessed significant growth and high sales rates during 2021. As one of the leading real estate developers in the country, Sobha Realty is committed to launching iconic projects that meet the high demand and embody the vision of Dubai as a global destination and a strategic centre for luxury housing.

What effect does the increase in construction prices have on the real estate sector?

Although the UAE real estate sector has been challenged by supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, local developers are adapting to the changing scenario.

At Sobha Realty, we adopt a unique backward integration model, which is USP, enabling it to have complete control over its supply chain and deliver international quality products in time with transparency. We employ in-house resources to develop projects from ideation and conception to construction and handover.

What is the reason for the growth of real estate transactions in Dubai during 2021?

The unprecedented performance of the UAE in the face of the pandemic and its mobilisation of all capabilities, to overcome the difficulties brought about by the pandemic, culminated with the completion of one of the fastest sterilisation and vaccination campaigns in the world (exceeding 12 million doses of vaccine), makes the country a destination that millions wish to live and work in. Dubai has strengthened itself as the best place to spend holidays, reopening its doors to tourists

How is Sobha expanding its footprint with new projects in 2022?

We are eager to expand our footprint and continue our expansion plans. For this, Sobha Realty has acquired 11 million square feet of land for new developments. We are also making our mark on Sheikh Zayed Road with the S Tower launch later this year. With these iconic developments and future-ready communities in the most sought-after locations in Dubai, we continue our impressive journey of creating world-class residential projects that ensure unmatched living experiences.

2022 JAN / FEB

21

COVER STORY

22 JAN / FEB 2022

COVER STORY

THE EVOLUTION OF TAYLOR SWIFT

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift made a splash in the country music world in 2006 and has gone on to become one of the world’s most recognisable pop icons

F

rom small-town teen to a Grammy Award-winning singer with little more than a guitar, some cowboy boots, and an incredible talent for writing relatable songs inspired by love and friendship, Taylor Swift is one of the biggest names in the industry for a reason. Her meteoric rise to fame has amassed 11 Grammys, an endless list of recordbreaking songs and albums, stadium-selling tours, and a net worth of $400 million.

Taylor Alison Swift was born on a winter’s day on December 13, 1989, in the small country town of West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA. Her grandmother had been a professional opera singer, and Swift soon followed in her musical footsteps, quickly progressing from roles in children’s theatre to performing at local events, including fairs and contests. She was age 11 when she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game, and the following year she picked up the guitar and began to write songs. Taking her inspiration from country music artists such as Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks, Swift crafted original material that reflected her experiences of tween alienation.

When she was 13, Swift’s parents sold their farm and moved to Tennessee, so that she could devote more of her time to courting country labels in nearby Nashville.

A development deal with RCA Records allowed Swift to make the acquaintance of recording-industry veterans, and in 2004, at age 14, she signed with Sony/ATV as a songwriter. A stellar performance at The Bluebird Café in Nashville helped Swift get a contract with Scott Borchetta's Big Machine Records. She released her first single, "Tim McGraw," (inspired by and prominently referencing a song by Swift’s favourite country artist), in 2006, and the song became a Top 10 hit on the country charts. It also appeared on her self-titled debut album in October of that same year, which went on to sell more than five million copies. More popular singles soon followed, including "Our Song," which became a number one country music hit.

The song was an immediate success, spending eight months on the Billboard country singles chart. Now age 16, Swift followed with a self-titled debut album, and she went on tour, opening for Rascal Flatts. Taylor Swift was certified platinum in 2007, having sold more than one million copies in the United States, and Swift continued a rigorous touring schedule, opening for artists such as George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill. That November Swift received the Horizon Award for best new artist from the Country Music Association (CMA), capping the year in which she emerged as country music’s most-visible young star.

Swift’s second album, Fearless (2008), reached sales of more than half a million copies in its first week, opening at number

one on the Billboard 200 chart. It ultimately spent more time atop that chart than any other album released that decade.

Singles such as “You Belong with Me” and “Love Story” were popular in the digital market as well, the latter accounting for more than four million paid downloads.

In 2009, Swift embarked on her first tour as a headliner, playing to sold-out venues across North America. That year also saw Swift dominate the industry award circuit. Fearless was recognised as album of the year by the Academy of Country Music in April, and she topped the best female video category for “You Belong with Me” at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in September. During her VMA acceptance speech, Swift was interrupted by rapper Kanye West, who protested that the award should have gone to Beyoncé for what he called “one of the best videos of all time.” Later in the program, when Beyoncé was accepting the award for video of the year, she invited Swift onstage to conclude her speech, a move that drew a standing ovation for both performers. At the CMA Awards that November, Swift won all four categories in which she was nominated. Her recognition as CMA entertainer of the year made her the youngest-ever winner of that award, as well as the first female solo artist to win since 1999. She began 2010 with an impressive showing at the Grammy Awards, where she collected four honours, including best country song, best country album, and the top prize of album of the year.

Later that year Swift made her feature-film debut in the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day and was named the new spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics. Although Swift avoided discussing her personal life in interviews, she was surprisingly frank in her music. Her third album, Speak Now (2010), was littered with allusions to romantic relationships with John Mayer, Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, and Twilight series actor Taylor Lautner. Swift reclaimed the CMA entertainer of the year award in 2011, and the following year she won Grammys for best country solo performance and best country song for “Mean,” a single from Speak Now. Swift continued her acting career with a voice role in the animated Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012) before releasing her next collection of songs, Red (2012). While she remained focused on the vagaries of young love, her song writing reflected a deepened perspective on the subject, and much of the album embraced a bold pop-rock sound. In its first week on sale in the United States, Red sold 1.2 million copies—the highest oneweek total in ten years. In addition, its lead single, the gleeful “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” gave Swift her first number-one hit on the Billboard pop singles chart.

Swift was ranked Forbes magazine's highest-paid celebrity under 30 in 2012, beating out Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Lady Gaga with earnings of $57 million. The following 2022 JAN / FEB

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COVER STORY

24 JAN / FEB 2022

COVER STORY

year, the musician shared some of her fortune to help others, funding the $4 million Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. The facility opened with three classrooms, a learning lab and a space dedicated to exhibits for children. In an interview with CMT Hot 20 Countdown, she explained that "music education is really such an important part of my life. My life changed so completely when I discovered writing my own songs and playing guitar, and that can't necessarily all be taught to you in school because there aren't enough hours in the day."

In 2013, Swift was also honored with the CMA Pinnacle Award for her achievements as a country music performer and for her "positive impact" on country music, according to the CMA website. She picked up two other wins for her collaboration with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban at the CMA Awards ceremony held that November. Swift's winning streak continued at the American Music Awards, as she picked up the AMA Award for Artist of the Year for the third consecutive time, among other wins.

In 2014 Swift released 1989, an album titled after the year of her birth and reportedly inspired by the music of that era.

Although Swift had already been steadily moving away from the traditional country signifiers that marked her early work— “I Knew You Were Trouble,” the second single from Red, even flirted with electronic dance music—she called 1989 her first “official pop album.” On the strength of the upbeat “Shake It Off,” the album proved to be another blockbuster for Swift, with its first-week sales surpassing those of Red. It went on to sell more than five million copies in the United States and earned Swift her second Grammy for album of the year. In 2014, Swift also appeared in a supporting role in The Giver, a film adaptation of Lois Lowry’s dystopian novel for young readers.

Swift’s sixth studio album, Reputation, was released in 2017, selling 1.05 million copies in the United States over its first four days. Along with giving the artist her fourth consecutive album to surpass one million in sales for its opening week, that total made Reputation the top-selling album of the year. Its success continued into 2018, surpassing two million in sales while generating the release of seven singles. By the end of the year, Reputation had been honoured with Favourite Pop/Rock Album at the American Music Awards and Top Selling Album at the Billboard Music Awards.

That same year, Swift left Big Machine and signed with Republic Records and Universal Music Group. The following year her former label, which owned the master recordings of her six albums, was sold to Scooter Braun, a talent manager whose clients had included Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato. Swift publicly spoke out against the deal, claiming that Borchetta had rejected her attempts to acquire the master tapes and that Braun had bullied her over the years. She subsequently tried to negotiate a deal with Braun, but he sold her back catalog to a private investment firm in 2020. Against this backdrop, Swift began rerecording her early material to gain control of it—the hope being that her remade songs and not the originals would be sought out for licensing deals—and in 2021 Fearless (Taylor’s Version) appeared. It was a remake of her 2008 album with several previously unreleased tracks.

Her 2020 Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,”

provided a behind-the-scenes look at Swift's own story of her music career and personal life, including her vast portfolio of real estate, valued at approximately $81 million worth across the US — seven properties in four different states, to be exact — according to estimates from Trulia, an American online real estate marketplace.

Along with her fame and success through music, the artist, whose net worth has reached a staggering $400 million, also takes part in several activities to help people around the world.

Taylor Swift performed at the Sydney Sound Relief Concert, which raised $3.3 million to rebuild homes and relieve the people after the 2009 Australia bushfires. Taylor Swift’s philanthropy does not end there. She also raised $750,000 through her Speak Now Help Now concert for the 2011 tornado victims in the Southern U.S. In 2015, after the release of her music video, “Wildest Dreams,” which featured lions, giraffes, and other animals from the African savannah, Swift donated all proceeds from her video to the African Parks Foundation of America, which works to conserve African national parklands.

Taylor Swift is an active participant in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children in nearly 50 countries worldwide. She has and continues to visit “sick children at the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre, the Ronald McDonald House and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre” as a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2016, she donated another $100,000 to the V Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research.

The artist had previously made a $100,000 donation to the V Foundation from sales after the release of her hit single, “Ronan,” which tells a true story of a three-year-old child who died from cancer in 2011.

Taylor Swift also advocates for increased education around the world. In 2012, she donated $4 million to the Nashville Country Hall of Fame to open up the Taylor Swift Education Center where kids can explore music through different activities and interactive classrooms. They also learn what it is like to make their own songs. The star announced that “There will be demonstrations and instruments that kids can try without having to spend money and buy one for themselves.”

She also donated $50,000 to New York City Public Schools.

In 2011, Taylor Swift joined UNICEF’s Tap Project Initiative, where celebrities bottle up tap water from their homes into a “Celebrity Tap Pack.” UNICEF raises money by creating a lottery for people to win a variety of bottled water from celebrities. It then donates those funds to help the 900 million people around the world that have been denied access to clean, safe drinking water. The program has raised more than $2.5 million since 2007.

Taylor Swift has been recognised for her work a few times, including by the Do Something Awards and The Giving Back Fund. Additionally, Michelle Obama honored her with the “Big Help Award” for her dedication to helping those in need. She was also the youngest person ever to receive the Ripple of Hope Award in 2012 from the Robert F. Kennedy Center. Taylor Swift’s philanthropy benefits millions of people around the world. She continues to give to charity each year.

She is one of the many musical artists who use their fame to help others.

2022 JAN / FEB

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COVER STORY

THE MASTER NEGOTIATOR

An exclusive interview with legendary former FBI hostage negotiator, entrepreneur and author, Chris Voss 26 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

C

hris Voss is the CEO and founder of the Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It. Voss began his career with the New York City SWAT team before finding his true calling, negotiation. He rose through the ranks quickly and soon became the lead crisis negotiator for the New York City Division of the FBI, and ultimately went on to become lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI. He proceeded to teach business negotiation at USC, Georgetown, and Harvard business schools, gaining international recognition for his expertise in negotiating with real terrorists, giving him plenty of context to help in the corporate world, where companies seem to get legally taken hostage all the time.

How did you find the link between dealing with negotiating with terrorists to the corporate world?

I started to use the skills in my personal life when I was with the FBI. I used them with family, friends, and colleagues.

This was as much as to keep them effective and accurate as anything else. Practice makes perfect, as they say. I learned a lot by doing this. I made mistakes and learned from them.

When I got the opportunity to attend Harvard Law School’s Negotiation Course – the only on-duty FBI Agent to ever attend as a student while not actually being enrolled – I used the skills with tremendous success with the law school students— some extremely high-IQ people. That’s when I really began to learn that EQ usually gets the upper hand over IQ. The teachers at Harvard Law School told me, “You’re doing the same things as us, it’s only the stakes that are different.” Two years after I left the FBI, I was asked to be part of the teaching staff there.

The real proving step came when my Black Swan team and I taught negotiation in the MBA programs at Georgetown University and The University of Southern California. We had students in both universities from all over the world who were actively engaged in business negotiations in their home countries. They used The Black Swan Method to make fantastic deals.

The Black Swan Group has been applying these skills to create life-changing deals and build great relationships globally ever since.

ability to close.

3. That “yes” is actually agreement.

First: The typical businessperson sees negotiations as an opportunity to use the information they have as leverage to assert for what they want. They may also be waiting to see how the other side is going to assert their leverage. The typical negotiator thinks that negotiation is a “zero-sum” game – that whatever one side gains the other side loses. And, they tend to be afraid of surprises.

Black Swan-trained negotiators see the negotiation as an opportunity to develop a better relationship and at the same time find out the things the other side is holding back. These are the things that the other side is afraid to tell you. And there are always things they are afraid to tell you. Always. If the other side is holding something back – it’s important. If it’s important, and you can gently uncover it, it will change the deal.

Second: To collaborate well, you must let the other side know what you need. And you must be able to say “no” gently. Black Swan-trained negotiators see the immense value of a long-term relationship and know that negotiation is really a “positive-sum” game. With this approach, you will use what you learn in the negotiation to create a better deal for both sides. Subsequent negotiations tend to go much faster as a result.

Third: Since hope is not a strategy, then it’s just as true that “yes” is not agreement. You need to that know that 90% of all “yeses” are counterfeit. Even if they aren’t counterfeit, “Yes” still never take implementation into account.

Therefore, the other 10% of ”yeses” are aspirational at best.

Hopeful. And hope is not a strategy.

A deal that can’t be implemented isn’t worth doing in the first place. “Yes” is nothing without “how”.

What are some of the most common negotiation traps companies find themselves in when closing a deal?

Three Things:

What is the difference between cooperation and collaboration?

Cooperation is passive and collaboration is active, even proactive. If you’re a cooperator you tend to hold back and not be actively engaged in the process. You are less likely to gently ensure that what you need to make a great deal is included.

If you collaborate you are more engaged. You gently contribute more to the process both on your behalf and on the other side’s behalf. The more you contribute in a way that looks out for all sides – the more you can guide the process in a trusted way. This also increases the deal velocity of future deals.

1. Thinking there isn’t information to be gained at the table that will change and improve the deal – A fear of surprises.

2. That asserting yourself or saying “no” will deter your

How does one master the skill of negotiation?

Small stakes practice for high stakes results. Great negotiation comes with simple everyday practice in normal interactions. A fun adjustment is to change your normal 2022 JAN / FEB

27

INTERVIEW

greeting of “How are you?” to “It seems like you are (well, busy, stressed, thoughtful, preoccupied)” – use whatever your perception is of how they are at that moment.

They will be appreciative that you truly put some thought into how they actually are at that time – even if it is something like “stressed.” This everyday practice will give you a tremendous boost in your ability to read the other person in a high-stakes negotiation. When you do a verbal observation like this in a high-stakes deal – the other side is much more likely to work with you to not only give you what you want – but even more importantly – follow-through and honor the agreement.

What are the traits that make a good negotiator?

There are four main traits: 1. Genuinely listening. Not just waiting for your turn to assert your position. Hearing where the elements of a great deal are in what the other person is saying.

2. Likeability. Communicating with the other person in a pleasant way. You can’t control if they like you – you can control if you communicate in a likeable way. These are two separate things.

3. Empathic assertion. Advocating gently for what is in your interests. Listening well and communicating pleasantly increases the chances the other side will be willing to give you what you need to make a great deal. Don’t make them guess. How are they supposed to give you what you want if you don’t tell them?

4. Continuous learning. Be willing to be smarter today than you were yesterday.

Every person alive naturally has one of these first three traits.

They key is learning (the 4th trait) which ones you need to add to your existing traits in a way that complement what you already know how to do. That’s one of the things The Black Swan Group does – help you discover your natural abilities and then help you add the traits you need to go to the next level.

Most people think they need to simply get better at what they are already good at. It’s often a trait you thought was a strength that is causing a negotiation impasse. What got you into the deadlock won’t get you out of it Who are the most difficult people to negotiate with?

Those that are only focused on maximising their own shortterm gain. They see the negotiation as simply getting to “yes”. These people generally are loud. They will fail to take implementing the deal into account. They will be poor with follow-up and dealing with the problems that the irregular nature of life will inescapably produce. And you will not want to deal with them again.

What was the most stressful negotiation you’ve ever been involved in?

About two years after I left the FBI, we got a huge (it was huge to us at the time) opportunity for a lucrative year-long deal.

This was about 12 years ago. Unknown to us, the company we were supplying services to ran into financial difficulties.

They stopped paying us, started making new demands in 28 JAN / FEB 2022

scope and began lying to us about nearly everything. Up to the point of their financial problems, we had a great relationship with them, and they had paid everything on time.

Many people working for us failed to get paid for several months. They had trusted me in the entirely of the deal. I felt I was letting them down. It was my first significant deal after I had left the FBI and there were times I definitely felt like I had failed.

Ultimately, we finished the contract and got paid everything, but it took over 12 more months to get all our money. The stress of losing that business relationship, and the anxiety from the people that felt I had let them down was very hard on me at the time.

It taught me some great lessons that I am grateful for.

What has been the most valuable negotiation technique you’ve learned through your years of experience?

The Black Swan Group has invented a technique called The Accusations Audit. It’s a very counterintuitive technique of calling out all the negative feelings the other side might have in advance, even guessing and speculating what they might think or feel. Of the many skills we teach that border on Jedi Mind Tricks – this one may be the most effective.

Most people are too terrified to try it because it is so counterintuitive. They fear this is introducing negative thoughts or feelings because of their experience with denials of negative thoughts. For example, a denial would be “I don’t want you to think we are being too pushy, self-centered, or greedy.”

It’s incredibly hard to believe that by simply changing from denying a negative (“I don’t want you to think we are …”) to calling it out gently (“It probably seems we are…”) – would have such a disarming effect and be such a deal accelerator.

And I’m proud to say that this is one of several reasons that Black Swan trained negotiators really have a competitive edge globally.

What is the number one business progress killer?

Leaving the other side wondering what is going on. Most businesspeople only communicate when they have results – good or bad. Therefore, momentum dies. When the results are bad, they really stop communicating. Because of this, people are left in a higher state of stress – the stress of uncertainty, which is completely unnecessary. It leaves them unable to plan or to help solve problems.

The best practice is to communicate on regularly scheduled intervals to let your colleagues/partners know about progress.

Even if there is no progress, regularly communicating this on a scheduled basis removes a tremendous amount of stress and builds trust.

What are some of the tools you use to help in your decision-making process?

Assessment of implementation and Core Value assessment.

We consider opportunities if we can implement them. Is the idea, opportunity, or strategy in a direction that we are already going, or plan to be going in? The greatest idea in the world is useless without implementation. And a new idea in a new direction is useless because… Who is going

COVER STORY

to implement it? No matter how good it is, if it requires a complete pivot, it’s probably not worth it.

We assess things as a team. If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far… go as a team. The first assessment is Core Value Alignment. We live by our Core Values.

Our Core Values are Team First, Be Blue Collar (Meaning: whatever the challenge is have the initiative to help each other, think of solutions yourself, have a sense of humor, be candid and always have integrity), finally – Have an Abundance Mindset.

Since we are aligned on Core Values, we think well as a team. If a business project or partner doesn’t align with our Core Values, we don’t engage.

What is “mirroring” and how does it help in the negotiation process?

It is ridiculously simple and effective! When you use The Black Swan mirror, you just repeat the last 1 – 3 (or so) words someone has just said. This “mirror” has nothing to do with body language – it’s only the words.

It can be as few words as 1, but no more than 5. When you get very practiced at it, you can pick 1 – 3 words from within what they have said. It doesn’t always have to be the last words.

It’s often best to inflect upwards (sound as if there is a question mark at the end). This way you sound curious and inquiring.

You are non-threatening.

It’s amazing how people will connect their own thoughts when mirrored. They will reword and expand on what they have just said. It’s a superior replacement for: “What did you mean by that?”, “Can you please say more?” or “Tell me more.” They often blurt out things they otherwise wouldn’t have shared.

Surprisingly, the use of this skill is invisible as they will typically talk so much after your mirror they won’t notice what you have done.

It’s also a great response to any demand, request, or assertion by your counterpart. One of our smartest clients

told us he always mirrors the other side’s demands. Their response immediately shows how firm they are in what they want or whether they are just trying to position themselves.

We find that people with both high IQ (intellectual intelligence) and high EQ (emotional intelligence) really love this skill. Mirroring feels awkward when you first use it and then after you see how effective it is, you will love its elegance and simplicity.

Are you working on any special projects for the coming year?

We just finished a brand-new series of lessons on Masterclass that just came out! Several more members of The Black Swan Group – Brandon Voss, Derek Gaunt and Sandy Hein are featured. It’s phenomenal and fun to watch the other members of the team use the skills. The course is set up to create an interactive environment with other people studying the material across the world. There are exercises and it’s a fantastic structure to learn from other people who believe in the power of The Black Swan Method.

Masterclass was founded by David Rogier, and they are an amazing organisation to work with.

Next, there’s a documentary film being produced about The Black Swan Group by Emmy Award winning film maker Nick Nanton and DNA Films.

We are also working on two follow-up books with Scribe Media that should be ready for publication by the end of the year. One will be about using tactical empathy in real estate transactions and the other will be more of an operations manual for our bestselling negotiation book, “Never Spilt The Difference.”

We are building several new courses for negotiation training for all levels of ability on our website: www. blackswanltd.com. The material is especially for those who are curious, ambitious and want to use their success to make the world a better place.

It’s going to be an amazing year and I am proud to be a Global Citizen!

2022 JAN / FEB

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FASHION

TRIBE71 BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SILVIA IVANOVA

Silvia is the Founder of Tribe71 - the Middle East’s first-ever multi-brand e-commerce platform for high quality, fashion-forward activewear. Launched in September 2021, the entrepreneur is on a mission to give every woman access to fashionable activewear from bespoke brands from all over the world

30 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

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n this interview, we caught up with the ‘go-getter’ entrepreneur to chat all things fitness, active fashion and everything in between.

What career path led you to launch your e-commerce platform?

I spent ten years in the world of Investment Banking before reaching the top of my career only to realise it wasn’t fulfilling for me. I lost the passion for the corporate world and felt a strong pull towards a greater path. After a year-long sabbatical journey travelling around the world and focusing on my inner spiritual and physical wellbeing, I noticed there was a huge lack of activewear designers in my region (or an e-commerce platform), offering a wide range of high fashion, high performance, comfortable, and accessible pieces. I decided to use my entrepreneurial drive and business expertise to solve the issue myself. It was then the idea for Tribe71 was born — a platform that would finally fill the gap between aesthetics and athletics, empowering women to look and feel their best, every day.

Tell us a bit more about tribe71 Tribe71 is extremely unique as it is the first-ever multi-brand e-commerce platform in the region for high quality, fashionforward activewear. Our range of top-notch brands have been hand-selected to offer women immediate access to worldwide designers from performance wear to yoga clothing, beach attire to leisure apparel, and accessories. Our aim is to inspire women to experiment with their style and discover the latest, hard-to-get trends for the season.

Did you set out with a vision for the business?

Absolutely. Our vision is to create a tribe where like-minded, independent women can share their passion for life, fashion and fitness, as well as inspire each other to lead a healthy lifestyle both physically, mentally and emotionally. Tribe71 is rooted in women’s empowerment, which is why we’ve created a community where they can engage, interact, and support one another at our live events and workouts.

What kind of activewear does the platform offer?

Our multi-brand activewear collections and accessories are curated with the confident, sophisticated woman in mind. That’s why Tribe71 offers everything from asymmetric crop tops, embellished bikini sets, second-skin leggings to luxurious loungewear – the possibilities are endless. We have also given our customers the ability to shop by category, or by brand to discover their favourite, luxury pieces or visit our ‘Lookbook’ section to learn about the latest trends and be inspired to experiment with different looks, colours, cuts and styles.

What is unique about the brand?

From luxurious Italian designers, California-chic brands, authentic Australian companies to edgy labels from the U.S, we offer the complete A-Z when it comes to activewear. Our ‘LookBook’ feature on our website is also really unique. This is a space where we’ve hand-picked the best pieces from

our designers’ latest collections. Our stylists then come up with new and exciting ways to style a look from head to toe so shoppers can seamlessly transition an outfit from the gym or casual meeting to a night out with friends. The LookBook section also offers articles and blog posts that encourage women to be their own fashion icon and experiment with different looks, colours, cuts, styles and prints.

Who is the tribe71 woman?

She is confident, fashionable, and sophisticated, just like our brand. The kind of woman who is always pushing her own boundaries and exuding strength and style – whether she is sweating it out in the gym, finding her zen on the yoga mat, or out running everyday errands. She is a woman who loves to live life to the fullest, yet is conscious about leading a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle and surrounding herself with a positive, like-minded tribe. For her, activewear should most certainly be comfortable but never stand in the way of her looking stylishly chic.

What do you look for when choosing brands for your platform?

We look for the highest quality products with long-lasting fabrics, innovative technology and bold, edgy, trendsetting designs. We look for something that has not been seen before, creativity and uniqueness are exceptionally important. We represent some fantastic designers that are not known outside the U.S., but that offer much higher quality than some of the more wellknown, commercial brands. They are mostly small to mid-sized boutique houses offering everything from handmade tie-dye prints from Santa Monica, pieces designed by Rihanna’s former stylist, sustainable loungewear from Venice beach, comfortable Pilates-wear from Australia, and ready-to-wear pieces from eclectic New York designers.

What advice would you give others looking to start their own company?

Follow your instincts and just do it! There is nothing more rewarding than going after your dreams and the things you love to do. I’m a strong believer that sooner or later in life, there comes a time where a deeper meaning is revealed, and we realise what matters to us most. Even if it seems frightening, choosing this path is the most rewarding decision you can make.

Where do you see the tribe71 platform in five years?

In five years, Tribe71 will be the leading e-commerce platform for activewear and an incredible community for women who share their passion for fitness and fashion. Our goal is to make it the ‘go-to place’ to find incredible, unique pieces while connecting with a like-minded tribe of inspirational women.

What is your proudest tribe71 moment to date?

Our very first shopper on the platform got so excited after receiving the products that she came back to Tribe71. She loved the items so much that the next day she purchased another set!

This made me very proud and confident that we are on the right path and direction with our company.

2022 JAN / FEB

31

FASHION FORWARD

An interview with Heidi Shara, Founder of Wear That, a digital platform that creates personalised looks for women to try before they buy in the comfort of their own home, with a real-life personal stylist just a Whatsapp away

32 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

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ounded in 2018, Wear That is revolutionising the way women shop by taking the stress out of going to the mall and hours of online shopping and searching, by using technology and data combined with a real-life personal stylist to create a new experience for women.

How did the concept of Wear That come about?

I started Wear That because I was working in the luxury industry, and I noticed a huge gap for everyday women to receive the same luxury service that consumers of high-end brands were getting. I wanted to bring a luxury service to these women — the experience of having a personal stylist for women who perhaps didn’t think that there was a service like this out there catered to them —the entrepreneur, the everyday mom.

How does it work?

You log onto the platform and take a style quiz. Then we really get to know you, your body shape, your size, your preference.

From there, you get paired with a personal stylist who gets to know you more personally through Whatsapp. You can send pictures of what your style preferences, pictures of your current wardrobe, and then she will will build your box based on your personalised preferences. There’s a one-time styling fee of AED105 styling fee, and then you can have as many boxes as you wish.

How do you pair your stylists with customers?

We pair our stylists and customers through a proprietary algorithm, and then analyse unique data sets to match them accordingly. So, based on a customer’s preferences, where she’s going, how she likes to communicate, we match her to the best stylist for her needs, but we also have a head of styling who plays a critical role in pairing our customers with the most suitable stylist.

What comes in a box once it arrives at your door?

Once you receive a box, you’ll get 15 pieces in the box and within those 15 pieces, it can usually be around six or seven outfits that are all organised for you. You’ll also receive a style guide that you can access online to see how your stylist has put it together, but the most important thing is once you get the box and are trying things on, there will be things that you like and things that you don’t. That’s all part of the process. We like to see what you don’t like in order to further match better preferences to you for future boxes. The best thing is that you can Whatsapp your stylist when you’re trying the outfits and she can give you any tips and tricks on how to wear it, and why she’s put these things together, which is really cool. So, it’s more than just a box service as you have direct access to your stylist.

Is the expectation that the customer will love and keep all the items? What happens if a customer isn’t thrilled with the styles selected for them?

When it comes to the things in the box, there isn’t an expectation that you’ll love everything, of course. The whole point of the box is exploring tried-and-true as well as unexpected styles and colours. The best bit is when customers discover and fall in love with items they might never have

chosen for themselves. That’s the whole point in having a personal stylist is that they have a different point of view on what works for you based on your body shape, your size, and preferences, and it’s a really fun way to explore new things. Of course, there will be items in there that you may not like, but the point is that the more data and the more feedback we get on the things that you don’t like, we can better match you to more accurate pieces for future boxes.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned since starting Wear That?

When it comes to lessons from starting Wear That, I have obviously learned a significant amount. This is my first startup, my first business — everything from risk-taking to building a team. I think one of the biggest lessons for me is going from being a sole founder to having a full team of 30 people and then navigating that and managing that. It’s super exciting but it’s been a unique experience in changing how I do things and what my role is, as well in the company. I think one of my proudest moments on that note is the fact that this year we did scale, and we grew our team significantly, and again, as a single founder, it’s incredible to think that only two years ago I was starting this in my bedroom, and now I have all these people who are working for the same cause.

What are some seasonal trends to watch for in 2022?

When it comes to trends for 2022, you’ll see a lot of primary colours, especially going into spring/summer again. We’ll still see asymmetrical cut outs, which are going to be popular. A lot of oversized shirts, a lot of palazzo pants, and then wearing oversized shirts with palazzo pants, so still bringing that layering from fall/winter into spring and summer, which is super cool. But spring and summer are great seasons because you can have so much fun with colour.

Do you have any evergreen style secrets that stand the test of fleeting trends and seasonality?

When it comes to evergreen style secrets, I think we are pretty vocal about our love for a capsule wardrobe, and within that capsule wardrobe, having really good quality basics that can last a lifetime. Speaking personally, I have all my basics from beautiful brands that I know I can pull out of my wardrobe today and I can pull out of my wardrobe in 10 years, and they’ll still be as good as they were when I first bought them. I think that the initial investment might be a little more, but your cost per wear over the years will decrease because you are getting more wear out of it over a long period of time, so we always say invest in really good quality basics that can last a lifetime.

What’s next for the company in terms of growth? Would you ever consider styling men?

When it comes to our plans for 2022, we have a lot of exciting plans! We are looking at new markets, we are looking at expanding our offer. Would we ever consider styling men?

Never say never! Our focus right now is women and giving women fantastic experiences, fantastic styling advice, and the right product for them, which we are really excited about doing in new ways in the coming year.

2022 JAN / FEB

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BUSINESS

34 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

LATALIA

BY NOHMA DESIGN

Following the launch of their collaborative jewellery line, Global Citizen chats with Latalia’s Founder and CEO, Talia Pruwer, and award-winning architect and designer, Nohma Kaaki, about their transformative new venture How did this collaboration come about?

NK: In October 2020, one of my friends introduced me to her Belgian client, third-generation diamond traders, based in Antwerp. When they saw my designs, their daughter, Talia, a jewellery connoisseur with a sharp eye for high-quality diamonds, was intrigued by the Celestial Module and other designs from my brand and offered to collaborate on a new avante garde collection, infused with the Nohma Design spirit alongside her classical collection.

What is the main message or idea that inspires the LATALIA by Nohma Design collection?

TP: The main message is to inspire women of all walks of life, age, or style to be themselves: confident, free, and glowing.

What can people expect to find in terms of the design that drives the collection?

NK: The Monogram collection, infused by Nohma Designs’ versatility and timeless elegance, offers multiple ways of wearing the jewellery, such as stacking them to accentuate the look depending on the occasion.

How is LATALIA by Nohma Design unique to the Classic LATALIA collection?

TP: The Latalia Classic collection offers simple, elegant, and versatile designs for the chic, modern and conscious woman.

NK: The Nohma Design Monogram Collection offers a look that could suit any style, versatile and elegant at the same time, but the uniqueness comes with a more contemporary design approach, which offers bold statement jewellery through geometric compositions.

As an award-winner architect and designer, how do you translate your creativity to the world of jewellery?

NK: My designs offer the person wearing it the freedom to effortlessly put their own identity into their pieces of jewellery.

It is for everyone— any age, any time, any occasion.

If you could describe the Monogram collection in one word, what would it be?

TP: Unparalleled LATALIA is a part of the Espeka family diamond heritage, which your grandfather started in 1958. What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned working alongside your father?

TP: Espeka was established by my grandfather in 1958 in 2022 JAN / FEB

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36 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

Antwerp, Belgium, and my father developed the firm into an international diamond company with a worldwide distribution network. My father taught me that honesty and integrity are of utmost importance, but that you need to combine that with humour and human touch. That is what makes Espeka so special; our customers don’t see us as suppliers, but as real friends, and we consider them as part of the Espeka family.

Tell us more about Espeka’s beginnings, how it all started?

TP: My grandfather started the business basically from scratch, working in a small office in the heart of Antwerp close to the central train station. I think that whenever my father steps into the office in the morning, he thinks about him with a lot of nostalgia. That is why Latalia— even as a contemporary jewellery brand—pays homage to its origins.

Which diamond-consuming country is currently the biggest market for you? And globally, which markets, according to you, are worth looking at prospectively for diamonds and diamond jewellery?

TP: Our main markets are the U.S.A, Europe, China, and more recently, the UAE. We hope to develop the following markets in 2022: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. The diamonds we use in our designs are Russian fine cut diamonds, and we optimise the cut of our diamonds to reflect the best natural colour and brilliance. They are much appreciated all over the globe.

What do you think of sustainability in rough diamonds?

TP: The consumers of the new generation are very conscious of the environment, and Latalia is an ethical brand concerned for the welfare of people and the planet. We make sure we source our diamonds only from suppliers who follow the same standards we do. We are also part of the RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council), which is the leading standard authority in the global watch and jewellery industry. We are committed to securing a future that can be treasured for generations to come.

Where do you both find inspiration for new designs?

TP: I am forever inspired by my love of diamonds, and I always

aim to reflect women’s strength, which allows them to brave their multi-faceted lifestyles. Deserving, worthy, and confident about who they are and what they have, is a sentiment that has culminated in women no longer seeking an accumulation of flamboyant accessories, but rather substantial high-value jewels that are bound by classical, minimal and versatile designs.

NK: I find inspiration in anything beautiful I see around me that gives me a feeling of elation, let it be nature, historical buildings, modern architecture, or art. In the Middle East, there is a rich heritage of geometrical shapes and forms used in arts and architecture that paved the way for modern architects and designers. My designs are a modern interpretation of the roots from where I come from. It reflects a geometric poetry of universal transverse between the opposites. Just like a woman of strength poised with femininity, the Monogram offers a bold statement with soft and timeless aesthetics that gives it another dimension of unique beauty and resonating confidence.

Are there any exciting new projects for LATALIA and Nohma Design — both collectively and independently — on the horizon for 2022?

TP: The positive reactions we got from our clients is motivating us to expand both collections —the Classic and the

by Nohma Design — even quicker than planned. Naturally, we are focusing on using only the highest-quality diamonds and offering our designs for the chic, modern and conscious woman.

NK: As an architect and designer, I am always working on offering something new that redefines the world of jewellery for the new generation yet respecting the element of timelessness.

That has been one of the main criteria in the world of jewellery where the intention lies on passing it along from one generation to the next.

TP: As for Latalia, I must say I have been so happy working with a like-minded partner who has a similar understanding about the aesthetics of jewellery and the willingness to take bold steps together to achieve our goals.

2022 JAN / FEB

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BUSINESS

38 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

SAVING THE WORLD WITH YOUR WALLET

Chaddy Kirbaj, Vice Director at Swissquote Bank Dubai, talks about driving investment opportunities for decarbonisation

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n September of 2021, the Orca carbon capture plant came online in Iceland, launched by a company called Climeworks. Although not the first carbon capture plant in the world, it is by far the largest, capable of extracting about 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year using geothermal energy, roughly the equivalent of 800 internal combustion vehicles.

While this pioneering technology does provide a hopeful glimpse into the future of decarbonising the world, it is far from the answer to all our problems. For starters, it only brings the world’s carbon capture capacity up to around 13,000 tonnes, barely a scratch on the surface of global emissions.

Secondly, at a cost of US$600 to $800 per tonne to extract CO2 from the atmosphere, it is an expensive approach to solving our climate crisis, considering that globally we emit around 43 billion tonnes of CO2 per year!

So, not a viable solution, one might think? On the contrary, multinationals and tech giants from across the world, from Microsoft to Stripe, Shopify, Swiss Re and more, are queueing up to fund it, jumping at the chance to offset their global carbon emissions in a tangible and measurable way.

And one must always consider the increasing economies of scale when a new technology is invested in and developed over time. There are further, much larger carbon capture plants already in the planning stages, largely driven by private investment rather than government funding, and each one will prove more cost-effective than the last.

For example, twenty years ago solar power was seen as a prohibitively expensive source of energy. Today, it is cheaper than natural gas, and you can find solar panels offsetting power consumption on private homes across the world, which indicates the future potential of the carbon capture industry to the savvy investor.

While it may seem distasteful to seek profit in the process of saving the planet, the simple truth is that governments can only do so much, and it is private investment that will ultimately decarbonise the global economy. Vote with your wallets, as the old saying goes!

Of course, carbon capture plants aren’t the only way to invest in decarbonisation. Decarbonisation refers to any process or technology that helps to create a low carbon, low emissions economy, including but not limited to generating low carbon electricity, improving the energy-efficiency of buildings, electrifying transportation and developing sustainable public transport systems.

As global leaders show an increasing commitment to sustainable development and put in place concrete plans for reducing emissions across all sectors, opportunities are

emerging in many fields. For example, the UAE launched its Energy Strategy 2050, which includes an increase in clean energy in the total energy production from 25% to 50% by 2050, reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70% and saving AED700 billion (US$190 billion). It is a very ambitious plan that has both economic and environmental goals: 44% clean energy, 38% gas, 12% clean coal and 6% nuclear energy. The UAE government aims to invest AED600 billion (US$163 billion) by 2050 to ensure the sustainable growth of both energy production and decarbonisation.

On a global scale, the Paris Agreement, an international treaty developed in 2015 and updated to the COP26 agreement signed in Glasgow in 2021, aims to address the negative impacts of climate change through the decarbonisation of the world’s economy, with an aim to keep the global temperature below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels.

Supporting the Paris Agreement, Europe's Green Deal will inject more than 1 trillion Euros into decarbonisation, as new diesel-powered car sales will be banned by 2035 and the rate of buildings undergoing energy renovation will double by 2030.

On the other side of the world, China has pledged to be net-zero by 2060, which will involve a doubling of its annual investments in solar and green hydrogen, and America’s Green New Deal will structure the transition of the economy away from fossil fuels.

While the EU, China and America will all have a huge impact on the global new-energy transition, we prefer to invest in EU entities that demonstrate more reliable corporate governance and less government interference than Chinese companies, whilst avoiding the political instability of the US. The EU seems more committed than most to the energy transition, which is evidenced by the European Commission’s announcement of a proposed carbon tax that would levy fees on imports based on the levels of carbon they produce, to protect Europe’s clean industries from global competitors which can produce at lower costs due to weaker regulations.

The current energy crisis and Covid-19 have both been a catalyst to invest in more sustainable energy consumption, and drive the decarbonisation of the traditional energy sources such as oil and gas. There is also a political will as well as an economic one. The EU wants to be more independent, relying less on Russian energy.

As a result of this political will, we expect further investment funds, ETFs, and more sophisticated tools to emerge in the coming years. ESG is a very big topic which is unlikely to lose momentum any time soon given the world’s current environmental challenges.

2022 JAN / FEB

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BUSINESS

40 JAN / FEB 2022

INTERVIEW

THE SILENT PANDEMIC

Cynthia Bou Khalil, Nutritional Consultant at Allurion, shares alternative weight loss methods to fight diabetes

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iabetes, ‘the silent pandemic', impacts one in five in the UAE, which is three times deadlier than COVID-19. The UAE is currently ranked the 10th-highest in the world for diabetes prevalence, according to Dubai Health Authority, and yet Type 2 diabetes, which affects most adults with the disease (only 10% are estimated to have Type 1 diabetes) is described as preventable in nearly half of all cases. Not only does diabetes have significant costs on the country’s health sector, but the personal health and wellbeing burdens of the disease are immense. These include sight loss, premature death, increased likelihood of hospital admission, complications of amputations, and increased rates of depression, to name a few.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 both of which have similar symptoms and over time, can lead to many of the same complications. However, they are very different diseases. Whilst Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s body cannot produce insulin, the hormone needed for the regulation of sugar levels in the body’s bloodstream and cells, on its own, Type 2 diabetes is where the body produces insulin, but the body cannot respond to it in the normal way. It should be noted that around 90% of people living with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and for people with this type, the condition can develop over many years. In fact, a person with Type 2 diabetes may not realize they have it until symptoms of a complication arise.

Many factors contribute to the risk of Type 2 diabetes, some you can control and others you can’t. There are proven lifestyle choices and changes that can help prevent, or even delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes such as a change in diet and exercise: a healthy, well-varied one, rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy lean proteins, whole grain carbs, and healthy fats, as well as increased activity. Sometimes diet and exercise are not enough. Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes have been strongly linked to your body weight, so scalable and effective treatment options are essential and, in the UAE, urgently needed. Allurion, a pioneering leader in the development of innovative, scalable, and trusted weight loss experiences is a transformative solution, which offers

the world’s first and only weight loss device that requires no surgery, endoscopy, or anesthesia. Furthermore, the Allurion Program is an emerging novel treatment for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The program, which is available across clinics in the United Arab Emirates, has been clinically proven to treat patients living with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, bringing them into disease remission. The data showed that for people with diabetes, after four months, the mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased from 7.0% to 5.5% with a mean weight loss of 19.3kg in patients with diabetes.

Remission of diabetes is typically defined as lowering HbA1c to below 6.5%, indicating that the average patient in the diabetes group achieved remission.

To explain further, the Allurion Program is a 360-degree weight loss experience and provides patients with an alternative to weight loss surgery. At its center is the Allurion Balloon, the world’s first and only swallowable, procedure-less gastric balloon for weight loss, which passes naturally after approximately 16 weeks. Furthermore, patients benefit from remote monitoring through the Allurion Virtual Care Suite, which includes the Allurion Connected Scale, Health Tracker, and App, and Allurion Insights, a portal that enables message, telehealth, and end-to-end patient management.

Obesity is at the crux of the Type 2 Diabetes pandemic.

And, although Allurion is not a replacement for bariatric surgery, the temporary balloon can be used as an early intervention for diabetes or for those who do not want or cannot have weight loss surgery. Allurion offers a holistic results-driven program allowing patients to lose an average of 10 to 15% of their body weight, delivering sustained weight loss, with up to 95% of the weight loss maintained by patients a year down the line. More importantly, it presents a new option for all living with diabetes and prediabetes, with the program demonstrating how a weight loss of around 15kg can lead to remission of Type 2 diabetes in most people living with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Weight loss also delivers wider health benefits such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, improved sleep, and improved mobility, to name a few, thus leading to improvements in quality of life.

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BUGATTI CHIRON: BEAST MEETS BEAUTY The Chiron is the fastest, most powerful, and exclusive production super sports car in Bugatti's history

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n this aggressive and bold evolution of the Chiron concept everything has been geared towards agility in every sense of the word, leading to a confident and muscular appearance.

The new front bumper presents bigger air intakes, a larger lower diffuser and a wider version of the iconic horseshoe grill. Reshaped front fenders with integrated air vents enhance the downforce and aerodynamic performance. The flat front end and dynamic design underline the Pur Sport’s distinctive and striking character.

An impressively large diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler spanning 1.90 meters generates serious amounts of downforce at the

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back end, while also helping to boost agility. At the same time, the elimination of the hydraulic component of the active wing reduces the weight by 10 kg. The rear wing mounts and bumper diffuser form an aggressive and sporty X-shaped design, a feature that is inspired by elements of motorsport and science fiction.

The Pur Sport’s vigorous back is rounded off by the extremely lightweight and highly temperature-resistant exhaust tailpipe made of 3D-printed titanium.

Deliberately sporty and raw, the Pur Sport interior is minimalist and sophisticated: large surfaces upholstered with the new two-

tones Alcantara with lasered patterns developed especially for the Pur Sport, accentuating the bold character of this extraordinary driving machine. All trim and controls are made in black, anodized aluminum or titanium. Contrasting cross-stitching on the steering wheel’s 12 o’clock spoke and the blue center spine create a minimal and timeless atmosphere, where you can enjoy the utmost luxury while focusing on the pure pleasure of driving on the most challenging roads.

A new optional split paintwork design was developed for the Pur Sport, inspired by the horizontal colour scheme first used for

the Veyron Super Sport. The entire bottom third of the vehicle features exposed carbon fiber to make the whole machine look lower and even closer to the ground. From the sides, these dark surfaces merge with the colour of the road surface, creating a striking blending effect. The option to highlight the middle fin in this second colour gives the aggressive look of the Pur Sport an additional boost.

An extensive palette of available colours allows you to choose exclusive chromatic combinations and more dynamic looks for a truly personalised touch.

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INTRODUCING THE NEW RANGE ROVER

True to its roots and ready for the future, the elegant new Range Rover defines modern luxury, providing more refinement, customer choice, and scope for personalisation than ever before

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ange Rover is the original luxury SUV and has led by example for 50 years, combining serene comfort and composure with all-conquering capability. The New Range Rover seamlessly blends modernity and aesthetic grace with technological sophistication and connectivity.

With a suite of efficient mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains – and a pure-electric Range Rover set to join the line-up in 2024 – plus a choice of four, five or seven-seat interiors available across Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs.

The new luxury SUV is available in SE, HSE and Autobiography models. A First Edition will be available throughout the first year of production, based on the Autobiography, is exclusively available in a Sunset Gold Satin finish, among a choice of five exterior colours. Both Standard (SWB) or Long Wheelbase (LWB) body designs are available with five seats, while the New Range Rover LWB model is available with a third row for extended comfort for up to seven adults.

The fifth-generation luxury SUV takes Land Rover’s modernist design philosophy to the next level, with a contemporary interpretation of its trademark profile to create an incredible

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design statement.

“The New Range Rover is a vehicle with a peerless character, from the impeccable restraint of its exterior to the flawless tranquil sanctuary of its cabin. Informed by creative intellect and a desire for perfection, it doesn’t follow fashion or trend, but by a modernist design philosophy, combined with over 50 years of evolution, it is quite simply the most desirable Range Rover ever created,” said Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar Land Rover.

The New Range Rover is defined by three lines that can trace their origins back through the generations; the falling roofline, strong waistline and rising sill line. These trademark features combine with a characteristically short front overhang and a distinctive new boat tail rear – complete with practical split tailgate – to create an elegant profile that conveys Range Rover’s peerless presence.

The exterior colour palette elevates New Range Rover’s elegant proportions and clean surfaces while the interior options are more sustainable, responsible and progressive than ever. Customers have a wider choice of materials and finishes, including innovative textiles and tactile Ultrafabrics

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with a continuation of Land Rover’s pioneering relationship with Kvadrat – Europe’s leading manufacturer of premium textiles.

It is combined with Ultrafabrics to create a defining materiality option that is lighter and generates only a quarter of the CO2 of traditional leather.

The New Range Rover is the first Land Rover to feature Power Assisted Doors with integrated hazard detection and anti-pinch safety features, which enhance its Soft Door Close capability and ensure every trip begins and ends with effortless refinement.

All four passenger doors are power assisted – also controlled via the Pivi Pro screen, including at angles of up to 10 degrees while off-road. Advanced hazard detection means the doors can automatically pause until the sweep of the door is cleared. The practical two-piece split tailgate that has been a Range Rover hallmark since 1970 is updated for 2021, with a series of new technologies providing greater versatility and convenience.

Inside, the new Versatile Loadspace Floor protects luggage and enhances convenience. Its clever floor panel can be raised forward, across the width of the load area around its mid-point, forming a partition to contain smaller items and keep them within easy reach when unloading. It can also pivot backwards along its leading edge to serve as a backrest when using the lower tailgate as outdoor seating. The new Tailgate Event Suite6 takes the Versatile Loadspace Floor backrest concept to new heights, combining additional lighting, audio features and tailored cushions to create the perfect vantage point for outdoor relaxation.

The New Range Rover revolutionises the in-car experience with seamlessly integrated Amazon Alexa, in addition to Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. Using intuitive natural voice commands goes one step beyond touchscreen or button interfaces in helping reduce cognitive load, providing a sense of effortless modern luxury. In this way, Alexa capabilities allow customers to manage everything from favourite infotainment features and music track selection to navigation or phone contacts – all while keeping their hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road.

Rear passengers can enjoy a new Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system, which provides adjustable 11.4-inch HD touchscreens mounted on the rear of the front seatbacks. They can be operated independently and support the connection of most devices with

an HDMI port, while using Wi-Fi hotspot capability means rearseat passengers can enjoy smart TV entertainment on the move.

The eight-inch Rear Seat Touchscreen Controller10 mounted in the centre armrest of Executive Class Rear Seats provides quick and intuitive control for the perfect seating position, elevating the luxurious rear-seat experience.

Efficient and powerful all-LED lighting is provided on every New Range Rover, with the new high-definition Digital LED Headlights providing a beam range of up to 500m. They create an exceptional design detail and feature Signature daytime running lights, animated indicators, Adaptive Front Lighting and Image Projection technology on start-up, making them the most advanced headlights ever fitted to a Land Rover. Adaptive Front Lighting is capable of shadowing up to 16 objects in New Range Rover’s path, ensuring other road users are not dazzled while maintaining optimum lighting for the driver. Predictive Dynamic Bending Light technology uses navigation information to actively adjust the light beam for approaching corners in the road.

Drivers can even control the new Range Rover from outside the vehicle using Remote Park Assist, which is operated using a smartphone app. It allows the luxury SUV to manoeuvre into and out of parking spaces while the driver monitors progress nearby – perfect for entering or leaving narrow city spaces or negotiating rural gates.

The New Range Rover will be produced exclusively at the Solihull Manufacturing Facility in the UK, using a state-of-theart production line housed in the building used to produce early Series Land Rovers. The historic building is the spiritual home of Land Rover and its reimagining as a new, ultra-modern centre for Range Rover production showcases the way the company protects its heritage.

“The New Range Rover takes the lessons learned over 50 years of evolution and combines them with 21st century technologies to deliver supreme refinement, comfort and wellbeing on every journey. It does this through pre-emptive suspension that primes the vehicle for upcoming corners, next-generation noise cancelling with headrest speakers and clean air technology that can neutralise COVID family pathogens,” said Nick Miller, Range Rover Product Chief, Jaguar Land Rover.

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AUTOMOTIVE

VISION EQXX

Mercedes-Benz reimagines the road trip with a new technology blueprint for its electric range

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ange and efficiency are set to define the electric era with Mercedes-Benz determined to lead the way. Leading the charts of real-world range with the EQS of 245 kW, it is evidenced by the recent Edmunds test where an EQS 450+ travelled 422 miles on one charge, 77 miles further than any other car previously tested.

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Driven by the idea of zero impact on our planet and a highly responsible use of green energy, the automaker’s engineers are inspired to go above and beyond. The VISION EQXX is the result of a mission to break through technological barriers across the board and to lift energy efficiency to new heights.

It demonstrates the gains that are possible through rethinking

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the fundamentals from the ground up. This includes advances across all elements of its cutting-edge electric drivetrain as well as the use of lightweight engineering and sustainable materials. Complete with a barrage of innovative and intelligent efficiency measures, including advanced software, VISION EQXX explores new frontiers of efficiency.

“The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. 2022 JAN / FEB

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PORSCHE TAYCAN: DIGITAL, SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE The Taycan marks the beginning of a new era for Porsche as the company systematically expands its product range in the field of e-mobility

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he original 911's cleanly styled dashboard from 1963 was the inspiration. The stated goal was to bring it into the present day. The cockpit signals the start of a new era with its clear structure and a completely new construction.

It is clearly driver focused. The instrument panel has a clean, minimalist, and ultra-modern design, and operating the controls is quick and free from distractions. The free-standing, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard.

It is clearly focused on the driver and ensures that everything that is needed for driving is in view.

The innovative instrument cluster consists of a curved 16.8inch screen with the rounded look that is typical of Porsche. A cowl has been committed, which ensures a slim and modern appearance in the style of high-quality smartphones and tablets. Drivers can choose between four display modes for the instrument cluster.

There are also small, touch-control fields at the edges of the screen for operating the light and chassis functions. The instrument cluster is therefore wider than the steering wheel and reminiscent of the original 911.

The steering wheel has a light appearance and is available in two models: in addition to the basic version, which can be customised with coloured inserts as part of the accent package, Porsche also offers a GT sports steering wheel option. It has a distinctive design with visible screw heads and features a typical Porsche round mode switch which can be used to select the various driving modes.

The wing-shaped upper and lower sections of the dashboard 48 JAN / FEB 2022

stretch across the entire width of the car. A central 10.9-inch infotainment display, and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look, thereby blending in visually with the interior.

The number of classic hardware controls, such as switches and buttons has been greatly reduced. Instead, control is intelligent and intuitive – using touch operation or the voice control function, which responds to the command “Hey Porsche”.

All vehicle configurations for the Taycan, such as Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), can easily be set up on the central screen via direct access. The driver can quickly access all apps via a clearly structured and customisable home screen. Apps include navigation, telephone, media, comfort and Porsche Connect. With optimised voice control, drivers can access the required function even faster. For the first time, front passengers in the Taycan have the option of their own touch display, allowing them to easily alter settings without distracting the driver.

The elevated centre console intensifies the feeling of a low seating position, as you would expect from a Porsche. It features a large 8.4- inch touch panel with haptic feedback. This allows the air-conditioning settings to be altered directly. Integrated handwriting recognition also allows quick address inputs.

Every detail has been reduced to the essentials. Like the Porsche 918 Spyder, the Taycan has a compact direction selector switch in the instrument panel instead of the classic selector lever. This gives the centre console a tidy look and creates storage space.

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AUTOMOTIVE

BEHIND THE WHEEL: BMW I4 Electric driving pleasure comes to the heart of the BMW brand

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MW’s first all-electric car packages agility and dynamic authority, underpinning the brand's fabled sense of driving pleasure, plus sedan comfort and modern functionality in a fresh new format with zero tailpipe emissions. The i4 blends a sporty yet sustainable profile with the graceful design, spaciousness and practicality of a four-door gran coupe.

BMW‘s newcomer sets class-leading standards not only for driving dynamics, for long-distance comfort and with its elegant and striking looks, but also through its uncompromising standards when it comes to the selection of premium-quality materials and in terms of workmanship. The latest generation of the iDrive system, cutting-edge innovations in the areas of automated driving and parking assistance, plus a wealth of options for customising the car's design and equipment produce an emotionally rich driving experience.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology — comprising the power electronics, charging technology and high-voltage battery as well as the highly integrated electric motors — endows the BMW i4 with the sporting prowess for which the brand is renowned, combined with compelling everyday usability and long-distance capabilities. This marks the first time that fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology will be deployed in an electric all-wheel-drive configuration.

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The BMW i4 will be available in two different model variants from launch, including the first ever BMW M car with all-electric drive.

In line with the BMW Group's current second phase of transformation towards electric mobility, development of the BMW i4 is based on a flexible vehicle architecture that has been devised for an all-electric drive system from the outset and is also equipped to produce the sportiness expected of a BMW. The high operating range of the BMW i4 can be attributed to the gravimetric energy density of its high-voltage battery, which has been upped by 20 per cent, in comparison to the BMW i3.

At the same time, maximum charging capacity for the latestgeneration batteries has been increased to 205 kW. The latest advances made in the field of battery technology are the result of many years of relentless research and development work.

The advances achieved since the market launch of the BMW i3 — combined with a helping hand from fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology — enable improvements in operating range through intelligently enhanced efficiency.

The all-encompassing sustainability concept at the essence of the BMW i4 on both a product and a manufacturing level also includes closely monitored raw materials production and a remarkably high proportion of recycled materials. Making

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responsible use of resources throughout the entire value chain and minimising the carbon footprint at all stages of the product life cycle underpin the trailblazing conception of premium mobility that has been evolving at the BMW Group for many years now and plays such a prominent role in shaping the BMW i brand character.

The sustainability targets defined for the BMW i4 also include the upstream production chains. Appropriate environmental sustainability measures were established in consultation with suppliers. The BMW Group has secured commitments from all makers of battery cells for fifth­generation BMW eDrive technology to only use electricity from renewable sources. The aluminium casings for the electric drive system in the BMW i4 are likewise manufactured using purely green power. Only hydroelectric power generated locally is used in the vehicle's production at BMW Group Plant Munich.

The sophisticated production system allows every BMW i4 to be manufactured in accordance with the customer's exact wishes. There is virtually limitless scope for customising models, from exterior and interior design to performance, comfort, and safety features to the infotainment systems.

The formative elements of the signature driving experience on board a BMW also include the drive unit's specific performance characteristics, supreme traction and directional stability,

neutral steering behaviour, precisely controllable handling even under maximum lateral acceleration, superb stopping power and a winning balance between sportiness and ride comfort in everyday driving and on long trips alike. The vehicle's weight and aerodynamics have both been optimised with a view to enhancing its dynamic prowess and sustainability.

Climb inside the BMW i4 and its progressive character is headlined by an innovative, fully digital display grouping for the latest generation of BMW iDrive. The BMW Curved Display merges the instrument cluster and central control display screens into a single-piece, curved glass surface that is angled towards the driver.

The new control/operation system enables a significant reduction in the number of switches and buttons in the cockpit. The latest generation Head-Up Display draws even greater attention to the sporty driving experience on offer. The driver's workplace feeds into a premium ambience brimming with elegance and modernity.

The production of the BMW i4, which is produced alongside petrol, diesel, and plug-in-hybrid models on the same line, marks the dawn of a new era for BMW Group Plant Munich. The BMW Group invested around 200 million euros in the company's home plant to cover the necessary disassembly and conversion work for the production machinery.

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AUTOMOTIVE

2023 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06

The 2023 Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine that marks a return to natural aspiration for the track-capable performance model

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he next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette journey begins with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a new American supercar that puts the world on notice. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray debuted and captivated a worldwide audience and visited the Middle East during the 2019 Dubai International Motorshow, the Z06 is designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track.

The Z06’s striking appearance, sound and tactile feel are the result of intense focus. With new, wider sculpted front and rear fascia designs that define a confident stance and exotic proportions and a luxuriously-appointed interior, the Z06 is the ultimate supercar experience.

“Corvette has always brought a discerning customer to the Chevy family,” said Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet.

“This new Z06 was designed and engineered to set a higher bar with increased levels of craftsmanship, personalization, and performance so customers can truly have their own bespoke performance car.”

“The Middle East’s motoring scene has a legacy of outstanding performance and the Corvette headlines Chevrolet’s longstanding contribution. We were the first

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market outside of North America to showcase the first-ever mid-engine Corvette, knowing that the speed-lovers of the region would best appreciate the engineering that went into this supercar. With the launch of the Z06, which has been confirmed for the region, we will take Chevy’s performance offering to the next level,” said Sharon Nishi, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Africa & Middle East.

While the Z06 was created to dominate on the track when it debuted in 1963, the Z06 nameplate has also come to symbolise the perfect combination of track beast and supercar.

“The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “It builds on the distinctive design and groundbreaking dynamics introduced with the mid-engine Corvette and elevates them to deliver refined but uncompromising track capability with world-class performance.”

The Z06 is set apart by its beating heart – the all-new 5.5L LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V-8 to hit the market in any production car, ever.

The sound and appearance of the Z06 take direction from Corvette Racing. The direct knowledge transfer from the track to the street has never been more evident. The Z06

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chassis has underpinned Corvette Racing’s C8.R since it began competing in 2020. Thanks to a shared chassis, similar engine architecture and exterior proportions, the C8.R has been referred to internally as the Z06 hiding in plain sight.

“Racing was the reason the Z06 was developed in 1963, and it continues to support development of the road models that make them better on the street and the track,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “It also means we’ve tested the Z06 on the best tracks around the world, from Circuit of the Americas here in the United States, to the

Nürburgring in Germany.”

The performance envelope of Z06 builds on the foundation laid by Stingray, as does Z06’s design language and attention to detail. Expanded material offerings, new interior packages and features unique to Z06 enable owners to create their own bespoke American supercar.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine that marks a return to natural aspiration for the trackcapable performance model.

Engine responsiveness and trackability, two characteristics

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of naturally aspirated motors, were the top priorities for providing an engaging driving experience for purists. As a result, it was determined that a clean sheet naturally aspirated powerplant was needed, with the goal of exceeding the power of any naturally aspirated production V-8 engine ever made.

A lightweight, flat-plane crank design enables the engine to rev to the high rpms needed to create significant power.

Almost every exterior detail unique to the Z06 serves a purpose for aerodynamics, handling or cooling, with styling cues that accentuate the car’s sense of motion.

The wider fenders, for example, accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip. Larger vents — including a new front fascia that, like the C8.R race car, draws clean air into a center heat exchanger — provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes and transaxle for increased track capability.

Additionally, a more aggressive aerodynamic package is designed to enhance cornering grip and high-speed stability.

Designers pulled out the fenders in the front and rear to cover the wider tire tread, which are 30 mm front and 40 mm rear wider than the Corvette Stingray. These extensions give the Corvette Z06 a wider, lower appearance further emphasised by a unique rear fascia that also features centered floating exhaust bezels. This floating design was key to the precise tuning in the exhaust note. The wider rear fender also allows for the larger air intakes required for the car’s cooling.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 leverages the technologies introduced on the mid-engine Corvette Stingray, including the strategic use of lightweight materials and advanced driver technologies, with unique features and calibrations tailored for its capabilities.

The new Z06 retains the SLA-type front and rear suspension design of the Corvette Stingray, but uniquely calibrated for its higher performance capabilities. Magnetic Selective

Ride Control 4.0 is standard and can be adjusted for touring comfort or maximum track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector.

Even larger, carbon ceramic rotors are available and also included with the Z07 package, which takes the Corvette Z06’s performance to its zenith.

Z07 Performance Package additional features include carbon fiber aero package, FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations, Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires developed specifically for the Z06, available carbon fiber wheels that deliver a 18.6 kg (41-pound) reduction in unsprung mass, and Brembo carbon ceramic brake system featuring larger front and rear rotors.

When equipped with the Z07 performance package in the track prepared configuration on a 300-foot diameter circle, the car is capable of 1.22 g of road-hugging grip.

The Z06 is based on the same robust architecture as the Stingray — a rigid structure that enabled engineers to fine-tune the car’s chassis and suspension components with exceptional precision. The Z06 is so stiff that the trackcapable Z06 is offered in a hardtop convertible model, and there is no variance in the suspension calibrations between it and the coupe.

In the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials continue to elevate the luxurious look and feel introduced with the Stingray. They’re complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car’s lightweight, track-focused mantra.

“To match its performance, the Z06 is an elevated execution of the eighth-generation design,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Chevrolet. “From its wide planted stance with sculpted surfaces to its premium and carbon fiber materials, the Z06 instills an aura of raw power and performance with bespoke craftsmanship.”

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AUTOMOTIVE

THE NEW ABARTH 695 70° ANNIVERSARIO

Abarth Middle East launches the new limited edition Abarth 695 70° Anniversario, an iconic model inspired by Carlo Abarth’s legacy to celebrate the brand’s 70th anniversary

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he new Abarth 695 70° Anniversario special edition celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Abarth & C. brand and pays homage to the ingenuity of its late founder, Carlo Abarth, who was the first to understand the potential of tuning and technical upgrading on standard production cars.

Produced in just 1949 units, which was the year the company was founded, the new limited edition is the most important of the sequence of tributes presented during the year's celebrations. It is now the turn of the exclusive 695 70° Anniversario to fire up the dreams of thousands of fans of the Italian brand. The new limited edition is dedicated to the fans of the Scorpion and was presented at the 2019 Abarth Days, the largest European gathering of Abarth enthusiasts.

The new Abarth 695 70° Anniversario is equipped with the new “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile”, which is the result of the work of Abarth engineers in the FCA wind tunnel in Orbassano (Turin), designed to improve the aerodynamics of the car.

It increases grip and performance on fast mixed courses and stability at high speeds. The new “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile" is a tribute to the founder's performance concept, which went far beyond the quest for pure power, top speed and acceleration. Carlo Abarth strived for comprehensive performance and focused on the search and development of innovative technical solutions. It is precisely this continuous research that made him famous as one of the pioneers and visionaries in the field of tuning.

Intended for collectors as well as fans of uncompromising performance and sportiness, the Abarth 695 70° Anniversario features a new rear spoiler with direct reference to the world of motorsports and the legendary racing history of the brand with the Scorpion badge. The spoiler is manually adjustable, just like in races where it is not uncommon to see the mechanics in the pits adjust the angle of the spoiler to allow the driver to set the behaviour of the car according to the track. On the Abarth 695 70° Anniversario, the “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile” can be adjusted to 12 positions with an inclination from 0° to 60°. In the maximum inclination position (60°), the spoiler increases the aerodynamic load by up to 42 kilograms at a speed of 200 km/h. This ensures excellent vehicle dynamics and more stable behaviour at high speeds, especially on fast mixed grip courses.

A practical example is the legendary Curvone of the Vallelunga circuit, where the “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile” allows the driver to reduce steering corrections by almost 40%.

To achieve a technical level like this, the new Abarth 695 70° Anniversario was tested in the full-scale wind tunnel located in Orbassano, south of Turin, where FCA tests its vehicles.

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Built in the seventies and continually updated to implement the latest technologies, the centre is one of the few in Europe, and the only one in Italy, capable of allowing full-scale testing and high air speeds (up to 210 km/h). The objective was to optimise the aerodynamics of each model that is produced by simulating the movement of the car with respect to the wind, like when running in the real world. It was in this centre of excellence that the “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile” of the Abarth 695 70° Anniversario was developed and tested in all possible configurations and in the various trim, speed and yaw angle conditions.

The aesthetics of the new Abarth 695 70° Anniversario are further characterised by picking up some iconic style cues of the past and present, such as the Record Monza exhaust for an unmistakable sound, the new Monza 1958 green livery (a tribute to the colour of the first 500 Abarth that set six international records at Monza that year), the many Campovolo grey details, including the “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile”, the Body Kit, the front and rear DAMs and the mirror caps. The same colour is used for the Scorpion stickers on the bonnet and the chequered sticker on the roof to reassert its sporty look. The 17" SuperSport alloy wheels and the famous bright red Brembo calipers are also standard. In further detail, the powerful braking fits Brembo brakes with four-piston aluminium calipers and 305-mm discs at the front and 240mm discs at the rear, both self-ventilated.

The same sportiness can be found inside the cockpit on the new, exclusive "Sabelt Tricolore" seats developed specifically for this special edition. The glorious racing past of the brand is also referenced by the badges on the body in old-fashioned font and the vintage Scorpion emblem, which is an unmistakable tribute to the heritage of one of the most famous Italian brands in the world.

Inside the cockpit is a numbered plate for each of the 1949 units that will be made, making each 695 70° Anniversario an authentic collectable.

The new 695 70° Anniversario is equipped with the most powerful engine in the range. The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivers 180 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm with a top speed of 225 km/h (with spoiler set to 0° position) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. In short, the 695 70° Anniversario is the perfect combination of engine and aerodynamic performance.

With sports customers in mind, there is no shortage of connectivity. The Uconnect 7" system is standard with the navigation system. Completing the standard equipment are automatic climate control, DRL, LED fog lights, Xenon headlights, Beats audio system and specific mats.

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HOROLOGY

PAIRING HAUTE HOROLOGY WITH HAUTE CUISINE

Blancpain announces its collaboration with the two-Michelin-starred Sühring twins

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n addition to its roles as partner of the Michelin Guide, official timekeeper of renowned culinary contests, and reviewer of the world's finest restaurants in its corporate magazine, "Lettres du Brassus," Blancpain has adorned the wrists of famous chefs for more than three decades. Now, in its latest collaboration, the Manufacture has teamed up with the Sühring brothers, whose two Michelin stars join the ranks of the brand's award-winning circle of culinary friends.

Haute horology and haute cuisine share a similarly rigorous discipline: the quality of a Blancpain timepiece and of a gourmet dish both rely on precise adjustments along with a subtle blend of tradition and creativity. The Manufacture's watchmakers, as well as chefs Thomas and Mathias Sühring, demonstrate a fascinating ability to assemble a wealth of components and ingredients to create masterpieces. Time, moreover, plays a crucial role in the preparation of a refined delicacy. As a faithful curator of time since 1735, Blancpain will set the tempo in the Sühring brothers' kitchen, whose dishes are now crafted on the pace of the chronographs flyback Fifty Fathoms and Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe.

Born in 1977 in Berlin, Thomas and Mathias Sühring started their culinary careers in a hotel in the German capital. Together, they decided to join the team of Restaurant Aqua in Wolfsburg, directed by the three-Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld.

The Sühring brothers then followed their own separate paths, leading Thomas to the three-star La Pergola Restaurant in Rome, and Mathias to the Netherlands to work alongside three-starred chef Jonnie Boer in the Restaurant De Librije.

The pair reunited in in Bangkok in 2008 to jointly manage the gourmet restaurant Mezzaluna, located in the dome of the State Tower, part of the Lebua hotel.

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In 2016, Thomas and Mathias opened their own restaurant, the Sühring, in the heart of Bangkok. Renowned as one of the finest gastronomic spots in Thailand's capital city, the duo presents modern German fare, combining traditional dishes inspired by childhood memories and contemporary Central European influences.

In 2017—only one year after its launch—the Sühring gastronomic restaurant was appointed 13th on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, representing the second best entry in the ranking. The same year, the Michelin Guide unveiled its inaugural edition dedicated to Bangkok and awarded the duo its first star. In 2018 and 2019, the Sühring restaurant received two Michelin stars in a row, and in 2020, it ranked sixth on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants rating list. It is also one of the world's 50 best restaurants; a ranking that identifies the most exquisite gourmet destinations around the globe.

Since 2019 and 2020 respectively, the Sühring restaurant is also member of both the Relais & Châteaux and Les Grandes Tables du Monde associations.

Blancpain’s commitment to cultivating ties with the greatest award-winning chefs began in 1986, when the brand offered Frédy Girardet a specially engraved watch upon winning the “World’s Best Chef” award. Three years later, Blancpain reiterated its commitment when the latter, along with Paul Bocuse and Joël Robuchon, were named “Chefs of the Century.”

The Manufacture honoured them with an engraved watch commemorating the occasion. Since then, Blancpain’s circle of friends has continued to grow, now encompassing more than 100 Michelin stars, including the Spanish chef Martín Berasategui, Edgard Bovier of Switzerland, and Julien Royer from the Auvergne region of France.

HOROLOGY

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HOROLOGY

A PERFECT TIMEPIECE COMPANION

Glashütte Original extends its SeaQ line with an expressive bi-colour model

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he new SeaQ in bi-colour goes back to the watchmaker’s very first diver’s watch, the Spezimatic Typ RP TS 200 from 1969. The sporty watch in stainless steel and yellow gold takes up the original look of the Spezimatic and adapts it for today’s active men and discerning women. A long tradition of exceptional quality and a striking, modern design render this model particularly attractive.

Whether in the water or on land, the SeaQ in bi-colour is always a reliable companion, ready to meet any challenge that life can offer. It passed the rigorous certification tests required for a professional diver’s watch, meeting both German and international standards of quality.

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Its water resistance of 20 bar ensures that the SeaQ is well equipped to handle variations in pressure. Inside the watch, the 39-11 automatic manufactory movement delivers precision, reliability and resistance. The rotating bezel with a deep blue ceramic inlay offers exceptional scratch resistance, while SuperLumiNova on the hands, numerals and indexes enables optimal legibility under all lighting conditions.

Cool stainless steel in combination with a rotating bezel in solid yellow gold makes a striking impression. Shimmering golden numerals and hands provide warm accents and form a contrast with the deep blue dial. Different strap versions make it easy to adapt the watch to one’s personal style.

HOROLOGY

THE FULLY CERAMIC LOOK Meet Hublot’s Big Bang Unico integral ceramic

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ollowing on from its black ceramic, Hublot has launched its Big Bang Integral in three new ceramic colours: white, navy blue and grey, all with built-in scratch-resistance, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. Its monobloc architecture – an integrated bracelet on which the first link is fused with the case – affirms Hublot's integral singlecolour, single-material style.

A signature material at Hublot, ceramic represents the perfect fusion of hardness and lightness (two to three times harder than steel and 30% lighter).

A high-tech material that is difficult to machine, used here to create a case, bezel, case-back and bracelet. An unparalleled material in perfect harmony with the skin – soft to the touch and a delight to wear thanks to its low thermal conductivity. A watch made entirely from ceramic except for the bezel lugs, which are in black, dark blue or grey composite, and the rubber elements on the crown and the pushers, for added user comfort.

The Big Bang Integral can be distinguished from the other Big Bang models by its fully integrated bracelet, which is fused with the 42-mm case. Launched in 2020, this represents a

historic first for the 15-year-old Big Bang.

Its aesthetic signature is powerful enough for it to be instantly associated with that of the Big Bang. Three links: one central and two lateral, the polished and satin-finished surfaces, and the bevelling and chamfering of the links create the same effect of depth and contrast as between the case and the bezel lug.

Other stylistic retouches include the pushers, which mirror those found on the 2005 original, and whose bevels and chamfers lead into the bracelet with alternating polished and satin finishes. The model is powered by the Unico proprietary manufacture movement in its V2 incarnation, the HUB1280, a modified version of its predecessor, the Unico HUB1242. Changes include the loss of the escapement platform, a thinner automatic winding system with a slimmer 1.3-mm movement, four new patented technical innovations (oscillating seconds clutch, chronograph friction system with ball-bearing adjustment, ratchet retaining system with unidirectional gears and index-assembly fine adjustment system). This updated version of the Unico features a redesigned architecture for easier assembly and more legible functions.

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HOROLOGY

SPIRIT OF THE HOUSE

Hublot introduces four new versions to the MP-09 “Manufacture Piece” collection

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ublot’s latest “MP” (Manufacture Piece) takes an original to the extreme, fusing technology and aesthetics to form a unique and inseparable whole.

MP-09 embodies Hublot’s integration. Firstly, that of the case and its queen of complications— the Tourbillon Bi-Axis. The whole challenge of the piece was to create a case with a totally unique shape, all made from curves and corners on two different planes, to present the Tourbillon in a singular way.

Then, the integration of all of Hublot’s expertise. As a 100% integrated manufacture, which masters the conception, design, production, and assembly of every one of its creations, Hublot can demonstrate all of its creative independence, embodied in the MP-09.

After the three initial versions in titanium, King Gold and black 3D carbon, Hublot is continuing the adventure of the MP-09 with not one, but four new versions. What they all have in common is a new 3D carbon case in colour. Every word in this description counts: “new”, because of the conception, but above all the method, because machining a case made from a multi-layer composite, such as carbon, is nothing like machining a case made from titanium or gold, which are homogeneous metals.

Not to mention, new plans, new tools and new finishings: the MP-09 has a truly ultra-high-tech chassis.

“3D Carbon” is a material that nobody masters like Hublot, which is capable of sculpting it to form curves, angles and inclined planes of a rare complexity, whilst always guaranteeing its water resistance and durability. Carbon also offers the new MP-09 a significant weight saving, accentuating the sensation

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of a piece with an extreme look and a unique complication... which is as light as a feather on your wrist.

Finally, colour sets this new MP-09 family apart. It comes in a choice of four: yellow, blue, green and red. Four radically different approaches, with solution-dyed 3D carbon cases that have matching structured rubber straps, hands and hour markers. Sporty, stealthy, or flashy, there is one for every taste, but not for everybody: only eight numbered pieces will be made of each version.

The new Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis beats to the rhythm of the HUB9009.H1.RA manual-winding, mechanical calibre with a 5-day power reserve. It is equipped with a bi-axial tourbillon with a full rotation every minute for the first axis and a second rotation every 30 seconds for the second axis. It is this hypnotic and unique double rotation that guided the conception of this inclined case, which shows the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, as part of a new colour, 3D carbon architecture, with the middle and back cover in titanium, as well as a double anti-reflective sapphire glass.

“Hublot is, by its nature, a manufacture. We are always acquiring new know-how and mastering new materials and new technologies. Our engineers come up with the concepts, our designers run with them, and our watchmakers build and produce them. It’s collective work by a team that sets itself no limitations. That is what brought these new MP-09 into being.

These four editions in blue, red, yellow and green, which are each limited to eight pieces, represent one of the highest technological peaks we have reached. Once again, we have pushed back the limits for carbon and tourbillon technology,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO, Hublot.

HOROLOGY

L.U.C FLYING T TWIN LADIES

Chopard Manufacture places its flying tourbillon at the heart of a feminine timepiece

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ince 1996, Chopard Manufacture has been cultivating watchmaking expertise and reflecting the inspired vision of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, committed to a quest for innovation and to defending the heritage passed on through generations of watchmakers since the time of Louis-Ulysse Chopard, founder of the Maison in 1860.

In 2019, Chopard Manufacture enriched its range of complications with its first automatic movement to feature a flying tourbillon, L.U.C 96.24-L. This calibre featuring Chopard Twin technology with two stacked barrels and highly precise adjustments – notably a stop-seconds function – now powers the two new L.U.C Flying T Twin Ladies models in ethical 18-carat rose gold or diamond-set platinum. Ultra-thin thanks to the slender movement size, these two timepieces feature a 35-millimetre diameter perfectly suited to women’s wrists.

Extremely refined both mechanically and aesthetically, these two 25-piece limited series reflect the stunning dexterity displayed by the artisans of emotion at Chopard Manufacture, as confirmed by the "Chronometer" and Poinçon de Genève certifications.

While the L.U.C Flying T Twin Ladies timepieces may house an exceptional movement, they are primarily distinguished by their slenderness and the refinement of their dials. Featuring an ultra-thin case measuring just 7.47 millimetres, crafted in ethical 18-carat rose gold or platinum and fully set on the flanks, lugs, interhorn spaces, crown and bezel, the new L.U.C Flying T Twin Ladies watches measure 35 millimetres in diameter. Guided by a quest for balance and adapted to women's wrists, such proportions place these two creations among the smallest flying tourbillon watches on the market.

The flying tourbillon with which they are equipped plays a

centre-stage role through a wide 6 o’clock opening providing a view through the movement. The lightness of the flying tourbillon is thus used to create an effect of transparency and depth, while the tourbillon carriage is topped by a small seconds hand.

In the gold version, the tourbillon opening is cut out from a textured mother-of-pearl dial, adorned with hour-markers set with brilliant-cut diamonds – except at 12 o’clock, which is indicated by golden Arabic numerals. The dial of the platinum variation is richly set with a paving of 282 diamonds centred on the tourbillon carriage.

The case houses the innovative L.U.C calibre 96.24-L, Chopard Manufacture's first automatic movement with a flying tourbillon. A flying tourbillon is characterised by the absence of an upper bridge. Held from below, it is naturally thinner and appears to be flying – hence its name. The L.U.C 96.24-L calibre is only 3.30 mm thick, identical to that of the L.U.C 96.01-L, Chopard Manufacture's first calibre created 25 years ago, of which it is an evolved version. Now representing a significant watch industry landmark, it retains its fundamental characteristics: the diameter, the 65-hour power reserve – driven by two stacked barrels using Chopard Twin technology – and its automatic winding via a 22-carat gold micro-rotor. On the platinum version, the artisans go even so far as to add an ultimate touch of refinement by setting this micro-rotor with diamonds.

The L.U.C 96.24-L movement is chronometer-certified and features a stop-seconds function, which is extremely rare on a tourbillon, enabling the time to be set with perfect precision.

The L.U.C Flying T Twin Ladies models are also certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, testifying to the fine craftsmanship involved in their making.

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HOROLOGY

THE BUGATTI CHIRON GREEN SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL Bugatti and Jacob & Co. create a timepiece that takes watchmaking to bold new heights

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he Bugatti Chiron Green Sapphire Crystal is the result of several months of preparation that began with developing ways to adapt the unique design of the Bugatti Chiron watchcase to sapphire crystal. After the design and manufacturing techniques were formulated, it took months of materials processing, high level machining and hand polishing to produce a case that exposes every one of the 578 handdecorated and hand-assembled components of the manual wound caliber. This includes the exclusive fully automated engine suspended inside the case. Creating the manufacturing procedures alone required years of development and continues to undergo constant improvements.

A watch case made completely out of sapphire crystal is one of the top achievements in contemporary high watchmaking.

There are few watchmakers capable of producing a totally transparent case made entirely of sapphire crystal and even fewer willing to go through the time-consuming and costly effort of producing such a case. Jacob & Co. is one of the few.

“I view this watch as a masterpiece of design and engineering,” said the brand’s founder, Jacob Arabo. “It required a lot of work to make this timepiece a reality, but it has worked

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out even better than I originally envisioned.

The Bugatti Chiron collection started with an idea conceived

by Jacob & Co. and Bugatti to reproduce the visceral sensation of the iconic Bugatti W16 engine in a timepiece. Everything in the watch is designed to honour the Bugatti Chiron hyper sports car.

The unique, streamline case is inspired by the flowing line of Chiron. The "engine block" is intended to duplicate the Bugatti W16 engine. It operates on demand with a beautiful display of an engine in action. It is the first time a fully functioning car engine animation appears in a luxury watch. The movement is suspended by screws designed to replicate shock absorbers.

Even the power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock is specifically designed to replicate a universal gas pump symbol. The back of the watch is designed to look like a car dashboard with two crowns and a pusher that winds the watch, sets the time, and activates the engine animation.

The Bugatti and Jacob & Co. partnership was inaugurated in 2019 to create unique, never-before-seen timepieces that are true to the spirit of both companies, while taking watchmaking to bold new heights.

HOROLOGY

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HOROLOGY

BREITLING TAKES TO THE SKIES TO MARK THE UAE YEAR OF THE FIFTIETH Breitling and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons create a limited version of the Aerospace Evo to celebrate the UAE Year of the Fiftieth

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irst launched in 1985, the Aerospace Evo has asserted itself as one of the true stars of the Breitling Professional range. Equipped with a chronometer-certified SuperQuartz movement, the brand claims it is ten times more accurate than a standard quartz. The timepiece is distinguished by a user-friendly control system with crown-activated functions, including 1/100th of a second chronograph, countdown timer, second time zone, alarm, audible time signal (minute repeater), and calendar.

Now, to honour the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Breitling teamed up with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the region’s leading retailer of luxury watches & jewellery, to create a limited-edition version, which features a sand-coloured dial and ‘Year of the Fiftieth’ engraving on the case back.

“The unique piece encompasses elements that pay homage to the UAE with a bold dial and exciting design that is bound to excite all avid collectors in the region,” said Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.

Wearing a bespoke wingsuit in UAE flag colours and the Breitling Aerospace Evo UAE, Emirati skydiver Rashid Abdullah marked the momentous occasion by putting the watch through its paces with an adrenaline-filled video campaign as he jumped over Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. The campaign also highlights Breitling’s passion for and storied history with aviation.

“The Breitling Aerospace Evo UAE is a unique version of our popular Aerospace model, featuring patriotic elements, inspired by the UAE desert. It’s amazing to see this watch in its natural habitat, soaring through the air on the wrist of Rashid Abdullah,’’ said Aed Adwan, Managing Director, Breitling Middle East.

Limited to only fifty pieces, the watch is available exclusively at the Breitling Boutique, Dubai Mall.

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HOROLOGY

RACING AT MEYDAN

Longines celebrates the equestrian elite and top horses at Racing at Meydan

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he world’s leading horse-and-rider combinations gathered in Dubai and continued to push boundaries to reach new heights in horseracing at the Racing at Meydan competition, with the stellar victories of Tadgh O’Shea on “Tuz” and on “Azure Coast” in the captivating races of The Longines Master Collection and the Longines Dolce Vita, respectively.

The Longines Record, the Longines Elegant and the Longines Conquest tested horse-and-rider combinations to the very limit and saw the remarkable triumphs of David Egan on “Kanood”, Tadgh O’Shea on “Kafoo,” and Antonio Fresu on “Fire Group,” who delivered unmissable drama to the fervent spectators. With absolute focus and determination, Fernado Jara on “Kerless Del Roc” and Mickael Barzalona on “Rich And Famous” displayed precision in their riding, remaining undefeated and won the Longines Saint-Imier and the Longines Evidenza, respectively.

To mark the special occasion, Longines presented the Official Watch, a new moonphase model for women from The Longines Master Collection. A consummate display of elegance, character and purity, the new masterpiece of The Longines Master Collection is both feminine and technical, showcasing the brand’s success of incorporating the aesthetic codes and watchmaking complications into one meticulously designed creation. With its elegant appeal and technical sophistication, this timepiece is the vivacious blend of classic elegance and watchmaking tradition.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sport dates back to 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his mount. In 1912, the company partnered for the first time with an international show jumping competition. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrian sports includes show-jumping, flat racing, endurance and eventing competitions.

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BUSINESS

A CELEBR ATION OF ART & DESIGN AT EXPO 2020

Visionnaire presents the Il Pavone Throne

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leading showcase at the Super Salone 2020 in Milan and winner of the Archiproducts Design Awards 2020, the Pavone now arrives in Dubai. The ceremonial chair, designed by Marc Ange, celebrates the convergence between art and design. The throne and the family of armchairs are currently on display in the prestigious Premium Lounge at 2020 Club, in the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, until January 14, 2022.

The inspiration for the capsule collection was conceived during the artist’s travels to India and the charm aroused by the vision of the peacock; as a consequence, the artist was energized to conduct some deeper research on the animal’s behavior and its fascinating presence. The capsule is an ode to the romantic and seductive beauty of the peacock, only animal that does not possess natural weapons to protect itself and to fight for its survival. However, the peacock chooses to show its tail – noteworthy for its stunning plumage – when facing a danger, as a emblem of its extreme beauty. In consistency with the Designer’s tendency for the extraordinary, his interpretation of Visionnaire’s world comes to life through an allegorical display of the romantic animal, which to him embodies Visionnaire’s unique eye for beauty and meta-luxury.

“A prestigious milestone,” says Leopoldo Cavalli, CEO of the Brand, “to be at Expo 2020 Dubai, in a meeting of cultures with a purpose as important as that of redesigning a better future. This seemed to us to be the best context to present a project that speaks of beauty, a concept that always makes our gaze look high and continues to inspire our collections. This capsule is a contemporary allegory, a persuasive message of

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hope, that deep and pure beauty will save the world”.

Visionnaire opened its first flagship store in Dubai in November on Jumeirah Beach Road. From December 2021, IPE-Visionnaire became a Benefit Company, defining its business approach as one of promotion of positive values for the community. Benefit companies are for-profit organisations, but also have the objective of bringing shared benefits to the ecosystem in which they are a part and in which they operate, guiding and driving innovation through their activities.

Visionnaire, founded by the company IPE, based in Bologna since 1959, is a meta-luxury brand of reference in the sector of interior design Made in Italy, renowned for its one-of-a-kind design prowess tailored to respond to the desires of its clients.

The brand operates in over 55 countries, thanks to over 30 exclusive monobrand stores and a network of department store and multi-brand showrooms all over the world. Since 2004, Visionnaire has formulated a distinctive style, based on lively experimentation on materials, volumes of unexpected poise and inimitable motifs that reveal the totally Italian background of the company. Thanks to collaboration with a team of eclectic, visionary Italian and foreign designers, the company is an ideal partner for bespoke proposals in residential and contract applications, luxury hoteliers, as well as the yachting and aviation sectors. The brand bases its activity on the value of knowledge and continuing research on the concept of contemporary beauty, confirming its exceptional ability to create design projects and products of outstanding sartorial workmanship, fostering, and restoring value to the skills of local artisans located across the Italian territory.

BUSINESS

THE POWER OF

EDUCATION

children and young people are currently in urgent need of educational support in 35 crises-affected countries

To make a donation, visit:

www.DubaiCares.ae

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FASHION

DIOR MEN RESORT WINTER 2022

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FASHION

WINTER FASHION PICKS

Eminent fashion houses around the world continue to blur the lines between tailored ensembles and impeccable leisure wear. Blended in ways that defy the standard rulebook, get your wardrobe ready for the cooler months with the season’s most coveted looks

BALMAIN

ENTERPRISE JAPAN

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

RICK OWENS

GIVENCHY

HELIOT EMIL

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FASHION

MARCELO BURLON COUNTY OF MILAN VERSACE

MARCELO BURLON COUNTY OF MILAN

MSGM

OFF-WHITE

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PREMIATA

FASHION

DIOR MEN RESORT WINTER 2022

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HOROLOGY

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LIFESTYLE

EYE ON DESIGN: LES BENJAMINS Les Benjamins’ inaugural Dubai flagship store doubles up as a youth creative hub

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pread across 213-square-feet, Les Benjamins’ inaugural Dubai flagship store at Mall of the Emirates is a minimalist design-led space — a testament to the brand’s long-time relationship with the artistic community in the UAE. “Les Benjamins Dubai is about contrasts: old and new, open and intimate, gleaming and earthen” says renowned architect Dong-Ping Wong, founder of Food New York, the firm behind Yeezy’s Calabasas studio, and Les Benjamins Istanbul flagship store.

Restricted due to Covid travel regulations, both Wong and the brand’s creative director, Bunyamin Aydin, conceived the space through a combination of Google Maps and Zoom. “I wanted to give a nod to our heritage, but in a contemporary setting, so we used concrete to connect with steel, giving it a balance between old and new. It’s about the juxtaposition of both ideas” adds Aydin.

“We used a traditional plaster technique most directly seen around the souks and structures of Old Dubai to balance out the classic luxury, glossy materials of both the mall and new Dubai

as a whole” says Dong “It's a material with history, depth and texture, interspersed with reflective, graphic and neon details.

To create intimate spaces within a totally open floor plan, we looked to the Basilica Cistern in Old Istanbul, the city where Les Benjamins is from.”

Carrying a mixture of menswear and womenswear, as well as accessories, multi-brand sneakers, home goods, slippers, slides, and swimwear, Les Benjamins Dubai launched with a limited edition drop of 10 signature tracksuits in fresh colourways, as well as a 100-piece limited run of collectible numbered Dubai launch tees.

With a turntable located in the center of the store, and a sound set up designed by Devon Ojas, accompanied by a selection from Aydin’s personal vinyl collection, the store also houses a Max Lamb-designed co-working space for young creatives.

“We’ve always had a warm welcome from the region,” affirms Aydin, “especially as we’re unified in our vision of spreading a progressive Eastern movement. I’m always interested in amplifying the voices of the youth in the Middle East”.

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LIFESTYLE MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 8 2-IN-1 LAPTOP The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 2-in-1 laptop has powerful 11thGen Intel Core processors and 16 hours of battery life. Super lightweight, it starts at just 1.96 pounds and has Surface Slim Pen 2 storage.

AMAZON ASTRO HOUSEHOLD ROBOT

With the Amazon Astro household robot, you can check on pretty much anything at home. The periscope camera extends 42 inches from the floor, showing a live activity view.

DJI MAVIC 3 AND MAVIC 3 CINE DRONES

For worry-free drone flying in 2022, go for the DJI Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine drones. They both have a pro-level Hasselblad camera system and sense objects in all directions. The Mavic 3 Cine works with Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding for premium-quality footage.

Bellroy’s wallets balance clever storage with slim design, while keeping all your valuables safely stored.

FAIRPHONE 4 5G SUSTAINABLE SMARTPHONE An eco-friendly solution for mobile connectivity and it’s repairable. The modular design makes changing a battery or the display simple. As a result, you won’t have to get a new phone every other year.

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TECHNOLOGY

XGIMI AURA 4K LASER PROJECTOR

This ultra-short throw projector produces clear images just 17.3" away from any wall for better viewing. This stylish gadget saves you space, shines 2,400 ANSI lumens, and displays 4K UHD resolution for an impressively detailed viewing experience.

PELOTON GUIDE AI-ENABLED WORKOUT CAMERA

Ensure you have proper form during workouts in 2022 with the Peloton Guide AI-enabled workout camera. It lets you track your movements on the screen and gives you access to customised workout recommendations.

HTC VIVE FLOW VR GLASSES

Unlike most VR glasses, these aren’t really for playing games or business purposes. Instead, you can watch meditation apps, brain training apps, or movies and TV. They have a comfortable, lightweight design for easy portability.

CAPSTONE SMART MIRROR

Multitask while getting ready in the morning when you have the Capstone Smart Mirror. Its proprietary touchscreen tech makes searching for information easy. You can even mirror content to it from your smartphone. Use it to check the weather, view traffic reports, watch a YouTube video, and more.

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TECHNOLOGY

A NEW GENERATION OF SEGWAY

Updated design features and durability upgrades make the Ninebot KickScooter perfect for commuting long distance and comfortable riding

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t its start, Segway came from the word segue, which is defined as "to transition smoothly from one state to another". Segway transforms a person into an empowered pedestrian, allowing him/her to go farther, move more quickly and carry more.

Inventor Dean Kamen saw a young man in a wheelchair struggling to get over a sidewalk. He realized that the problem wasn't an ineffective wheelchair, it was that the world was built for people who could balance. Subsequently, he and his team created the Independence IBOT Mobility System, a selfbalancing mobility device that enables users to climb stairs and negotiate uneven surfaces. After that, the thought arose that a balance machine had far-reaching possibilities for people with full mobility as well.

Now, with the Ninebot KickScooter MAX G30, Segway and Ninebot are devoted to seamlessly connect robotic solutions to smart phones and integrate existing technologies and future concepts, such as voice interaction and facial recognition with its robotic products – products that will be highly interactive and encourage smarter living.

With a range of up to approx. 65 km (40 miles) in a single charge, the KickScooter offers the greatest range and distance travelled on the market and allows you to expand your exploration radius at a top speed of up to 25 km/h.

Eco, Drive and Sport modes can be directly accessed by the intuitive LED dashboard, as well as Pedestrian mode to walk

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along the KickScooter.

The moment you press down the electrical throttle, the robust 350 W motor momentum will leave you wanting more.

Suitable for all terrain types, the Ninebot KickScooter can climb slopes around 20%, allowing it to go uphill easily, while the rear-wheel drive offers a better solution to acceleration stability and power efficiency.

The upgraded 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tyres provide more comfortable rides, as well as less maintenance: the single tube has an additional jelly layer within the tire for low puncture risk.

The full-coloured LED dashboard display lets you see your driving speed, select which driving mode is suitable, check the battery level and Bluetooth connectivity, and if maintenance is needed.

An innovative regenerative brake system transforms Ninebot KickScooter into an electric vehicle powered by electricity and recycled energy, collected from regenerative braking and distributed when you need a boost.

The built-in charger lets you easily recharge when on the go without having to carry along a bulky charging adapter, providing a full charge in only six hours.

As a leader in electric mobility, more and more people are using Segway-Ninebot products as an eco-friendly alternative for many of the short journeys that are typically made by car.

Besides that, zero-emissions are given off during operation, making it an ideal ride for indoors as well.

TECHNOLOGY

INSTA360 GO 2 64GB EDITION

The tiny action cam gets mightier with double the storage and double the clips

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nsta360’s GO 2 is a tiny-but-mighty action cam. This thumbsized camera provides 64GB of storage — doubling its predecessor.

“With the Insta360 GO 2 64GB Edition, we hope users can spend more time enjoying the moment, rather than offloading clips onto their phone,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Marketing.

With more storage, creators can record double the amount of clips as before. GO 2 is designed for capturing life’s highlights in short clips that can easily be shared to social media. But for high-frequency users and professional creators, more storage space can be helpful for long days out shooting.

Aside from the increased storage capacity, the 64GB

Edition shares the same design and functionality as the 32GB Edition. No bigger than your thumb, the camera’s magnetic body snaps onto wearable accessories for effortless, handsfree POV capture.

Insta360 GO 2 was recently awarded a Good Design Award by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion for its small and lightweight design. Despite its small size, GO 2 doesn’t skimp on power either. A high-performance image sensor, FlowState stabilization and waterproofing ensure the camera is ready for any kind of action.

The GO 2 makes the perfect gift for action sports enthusiasts, travelers, creators, parents or just about anyone else who wants to capture their perspective on-the-go.

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TECHNOLOGY

A REVOLUTION IN HOME AUDIO The world's first triphonic speaker

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yng is an audio company building sound for the future.

The company has created an entirely new object-based sonic architecture that can play any format of recorded sound and make it tangible.

The next generation of audio technology, Triphonic enables the world’s first true spatial sound experience designed for the home. Cell Alpha uses Triphonic audio to adapt to the characteristics of your space and precisely project sound to the exact dimensions of your room, creating an immersive and unified soundfield. When sound is all around you, it’s intimate, totally enveloping and unlike anything you’ve ever

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heard – they call it Super Spatial Sound.

Cell Alpha’s soundfield is designed to adapt to your needs.

Each Cell you add offers new perspectives and uncovers details you’ve never heard before in your favorite sounds.

Expand the system as you see fit, with up to four Cells in any layout.

With no or back, no left or right, one Cell creates roomfilling sound and a remarkable spatial audio experience. With Triphonic audio, it’s capable of preserving the space and separation of stereo and surround sound. Its sound is bigger and more articulate than any other single speaker out there.

TECHNOLOGY

ON BOARD BILGIN YACHTS' 80M FLAGSHIP SUPERYACHT Tatiana is the largest yacht ever to be built in Turkey, packed with all the luxury features expected of a vessel this size, from a Jacuzzi to an inviting swimming pool

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or over a decade, Turkish manufacturer Bilgin Yachts have done nothing less than deliver incredibly envyinducing vessels, and now they have done so again with “Tatiana,” a superyacht that is essentially the equivalent of a five-star spa resort meeting a private ship.

Crafted out of mahogany, marble, and epoxy — all accompanied by the scent of eucalyptus — Tatiana does not only set extravagant standards from a cosmetic perspective but from a national one. Bilgin’s newest vessel is the largest superyacht that has ever been constructed in all of Turkey, measuring in at an impressive 80 meters (263 feet). Equipped with eight separate cabins, an owner’s deck, and a private owner’s suite, the yacht offers enough space to harbor 16 guests. Tatiana also boasts a 30-foot long freshwater swimming pool, along with world-class views from every angle.

"With her design and comfort elements, the Bilgin 263 is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Tatiana’s naval architect and exterior designer, Emrecan Özgün, CEO and Founder of Unique Yacht Design. “We created a very attractive yacht with a sleek and sexy profile while avoiding high dosage design cliches. The increase in living areas normally result in bulky designs. The

Bilgin 263 has a design attitude that will dominate the yachting sector around the world. This will clearly make her a trendsetter among steel-aluminium superyachts of today."

Jonny Horsfield of H2 Design Ltd. personally took care of the interior details, describing Tatiana as “a contemporary layout with generous living rooms as well as a huge spa and beach club in the aft, which are considered highlights of her design.

We tried to bring a crisp and contemporary feel by using a rich palette of colours. Also, the exterior decks have a rich warm theme that completes this design approach. Overall, we are very proud to see a stunning interior that complements the modern lifestyle perfectly.”

Built in accordance with IMO Tier III standards, Tatiana is the most environmentally friendly private yacht of Turkey, boasting a special exhaust system that provides 100% clean air emissions while achieving a top speed of 19 knots. According to Bilgin Yachts’ CEO Ismail Sengün, Tatiana reflects the company’s current and future philosophy in eco-friendly solutions for all its new builds.

Having debuted at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, Tatiana is the second hull of the 263 series, with two sister ships in the works, planned to launch in 2022 and 2023.

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DESTINATIONS

SWITZERLAND IS YOUR OYSTER

Exquisite gourmet restaurants, splendid five-star establishments, unique events, and exclusive boutiques – discerning travellers will find a wide range of possibilities in Switzerland

HAUTE COUTURE AND WATCHES Fashion workshop with designer Raphael Blechschmidt.

During the studio tour of the Basel designer Raphael Blechschmidt, you will gain insights into the art of haute couture and the creation of a collection. The designer himself will grant you an exclusive look behind the scenes. Experience the love of handicraft and see with your own eyes how much work goes into the creation of a tailor-made garment.

Region: Basel, Basel Region Learn more: www.raphaelblechschmidt.ch

Reassemble your own Swiss watch Initium reveals the secrets of watchmaking, an ancestral skill which over the centuries has become synonymous with an entire region, an entire country. Lessons in theory and practice from a master watchmaker help you pierce the mysteries of a mechanical movement. Screwdriver and tweezers in hand, experience the unique thrill of seeing the beating heart of the watch you assembled come to life.

Region: Geneva, Lake Geneva Learn more: www.initium.ch

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DESTINATIONS

TRADITION AND CULINARY DELIGHTS A five-generation family tradition Immerse yourself in the over 170-year-old history of the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern and be the personal guest of General Manager Clemens Hunziker. Have a look behind the scenes of this traditional property and get to know exciting stories about former guests and the city of Lucerne.

Region: Lucerne, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Learn more: www.schweizerhof-luzern.ch

Swiss chocolate flavours Experience Geneva’s award-winning chocolate creations on a delightful walking tour where you will taste local creations and discover the secrets of chocolate: from the origins to the manufacturing as well as the history of Swiss chocolate. And you will follow in the tracks of celebrities like Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, JF Kennedy, and Charles de Gaulle, who used to purchase their delicacies here.

Region: Geneva, Lake Geneva Region Learn more: www.localflavourstours.com

SWISS WINE

History meets the precision of authentic wine production Overlooking Lake Geneva, the Domaine du Daley is situated in the heart of the vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage site Lavaux. Visit one of Switzerland’s oldest commercial winemaking entities and its cellars where you learn about their philosophy and production process since 1392. Discover unique wines in a unique setting.

Region: Domaine du Daley, Lake Geneva Region Learn more: www.daley.ch

Wine adventure at Park Hotel Vitznau Dazzling and breathtaking are just some of the thoughts that are likely to cross your mind when you enter the awe-inspiring wine cellars. An almost museum-like paradise for wine lovers. Six wine cellars brimming with international treasures, with four centuries of wine history. Enjoy an overnight stay at the shores of Lake Lucerne, including a tour of all six cellars by the Sommelier team.

Region: Vitznau, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Learn more: www.parkhotel-vitznau.ch 2022 JAN / FEB

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DESTINATIONS

SPA AND VITALITY Weight management Enjoy relaxing, detoxifying and energizing cures. The holistic and integrative approach enhances well-aging treatments with alternative therapies such as ozone, hyperthermia, hydrocolon, magnetic, chinese medicine, bioresonance or neurofeedback. Nutritionists, personal fitness coaches and diet team chef provide you the optimal elements to succeed in a weight management program.

Region: Mont-Pèlerin, Lake Geneva Region Learn more: www.mirador.ch

Nescens Better Ageing Seven days of individualised coaching designed to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The programmes begin with an exclusive diagnostic phase serving to identify the anti-ageing bioindividuality of each guest. This global check-up encompasses different assessments – all of which are interpreted by the medical team – as well as an anti-ageing consultation conducted by a specialist physician.

Region: Interlaken, Canton of Bern Learn more: www.victoria-jungfrau.ch

Ayurveda Pro-Ageing We need spaces to restore our power, mindfulness and tranquillity. Only in this way can we maintain our personal health over the long term. The Ayurveda Pro-Ageing cure, also known as rasayana, is geared towards regenerating the body and staying fit into old age. This rejuvenating cure cleanses from within and leads to beauty on the outside.

Region: Zurich, Zurich Region Learn more: www.atlantisbygiardino.ch

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DESTINATIONS

CITY BREAKS Urban art tour of a new kind Meet your private guide at Basel’s first urban art gallery “Artstübli,” where you will be taken on a one-hour tour through the city centre where official street art pieces have been commissioned by the city of Basel. Discover works of well-known international urban artists such as Invader, London Police, (ASVP) or Tika. Following your tour, enjoy a private transfer with the Les Trois Rois Young at Heart Bentley – a graffiti art project with Basel schoolchildren.

Region: Basel, Basel Region Learn more: www.lestroisrois.com

Reliving great Olympic moments To live a story is to share it – The World of the Games will open up to you with 3,000 square metres of exhibition space to create the ultimate experience and give you some great stories to tell. Discover the history of the Games from past to present. The professional guides at Les Trois Rois will let you relive great moments in the history of the Olympic Games and feel the pulse of the champions.

Region: Lausanne, Switzerland Learn more: www.lestroisrois.com

UPGRADE YOUR WINTER Lunch by helicopter For this unique mountain experience you will need neither skis nor hiking boots: climb into the helicopter and fly to the Matterhorn – one of the highest mountains in the Alps, and a Swiss landmark thanks to its striking shape. Enjoy a champagne aperitif on the flight and lunch at almost 3,000 metres above sea level.

Region: Gstaad, Canton of Bern Learn more: www.palace.ch

Three-destination skiing From Arosa via Lenzerheide to St.Moritz. Experience three days of skiing and three unique hotels: the new Valsana Hotel & Apartments and the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, as well as the Carlton Hotel St.Moritz. Inclusive daily buffet breakfast and dinner, private transfer between the destinations, ski rental and passes, as well as arrival and departure within Switzerland by train.

Region: St. Moritz / Arosa, Graubünden Learn more: www.carlton-stmoritz.ch

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LIFESTYLE

PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN TRAVEL ACCESSORIES TUMI and McLaren team up to create a premium luggage and travel accessory collection for the ultimate jetsetter

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hen travelling, inferior luggage should be the last thing you have to worry about. TUMI has made a name for itself by way of sturdy, durable materials and optimal designs, meaning you won’t have to worry about this luxe luggage falling apart or failing to accommodate at the worst possible moment.

Add to that a capsule collection co-created with supercar maker and Formula 1 team, McLaren, and you’re ready for the challenge of intensive international travel. But also includes key lighter travel and accessory pieces that perfectly embody the McLaren design principles.

Remaining true to both brands’ emphasis on quality, innovation and design excellence, TUMI and McLaren have crafted key travel companion, with each piece defined by technical innovation.

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Designed to meet the needs of those who prefer lighter, more compact designs, the pieces are accented throughout with familiar touches from the collaboration’s initial launch including carbon fibre, a key lightweight material for both companies, and McLaren’s signature papaya orange colourway.

The collaboration was co-created by McLaren Automotive Design Director Rob Melville and TUMI Creative Director Victor Sanz – offering an elegant, contemporary collection of business, travel and everyday essentials. Each piece is designed to elevate performance in all aspects of life on the move, serving as a reminder that it’s about enjoying the journey — not simply the destination.

“This is the ultimate collaboration of two like-minded brands who share the same values –unparalleled quality, technical innovation and design excellence," said Sanz.

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BIG BANG UNICO

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18K King Gold and ceramic case.

In-house UNICO chronograph movement.