Global Citizen Special Edition

SPECIAL EDITION DEC 2021

BUSINESS

A NEW ERA OF SPACE EXPLORATION 50 DAYS TO TRANSFORM 5 MILLION LIVES EXPO 2020 UNITES MILLIONS

LIFESTYLE

RAS AL KHAIMAH - THE FASTEST GROWING DESTINATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

HOROLOGY

HUBLOT X BERLUTI BIG BANG

THE WONDERS OF JAPAN

PANERAI CELEBRATES THE UAE'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

AUTOMOTIVE THE ELECTRIFYING GMC HUMMER EV LUCID AIR DREAM EDITION

EVA LONGORIA

MAKING AN UNBELIEVABLE DIFFERENCE

E X P E R I E N C E

2 DEC 2021

T H E

E X T R A O R D I N A R Y

Welcome to Trump International Golf Club, Dubai Located in the heart of DAMAC Hills, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai brings links-style golf inspired by the game’s homeland of Scotland. Magnificent golf blended with culinary excellence and well-equipped leisure facilities creates an elegant lifestyle oasis in the United Arab Emirates for members and guests, alike.

Our stunning property boasts an exquisite 18-hole championship links-style golf course and a PAR 3 floodlit 9-hole course designed by world-renowned and 2016 Olympic golf course architect, Gil Hanse. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, Trump International Dubai is home to the Trump Dubai Golf Performance Academy with air-conditioned indoor swing studios that offer virtual golf and SAM Puttlab technologies, a one-of-a-kind double sided LED floodlit TrackMan driving range, and immaculate short game area with practice facilities.

Complementing the extraordinary golf course and world-class golf facilities, the crescent-shaped 30,000 square foot clubhouse with its arching curves and soaring light-filled spaces provides the finest amenities, such as a chic Italian restaurant, luxurious sports bar and cigar lounge, a beautiful infinity swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center and an expansive golf pro shop offering exclusive apparel brands in golfing and lifestyle accessories.

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2021 DEC

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Escape to an unforgettable destination with plenty of sunshine, pristine beaches and adventure. With seven vibrant restaurants and bars, an award-winning spa, new kids splash park with pool and slides, kids club with daily fun activities, private beach and two pools, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, located just 50 minutes from Dubai, offers you the perfect family beach holiday.

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THE FUTURE IN MOTION A New Momentum for Human Mobility 12-13 DECEMBER 2021 | RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE

Discover a dynamic and empowering experience amongst a unique global community — from heads of state, thought leaders, global talents, and bold change-makers. Join the global conversation on reimagining the future of global citizenship and turn promising connections into thriving opportunities.

YUSRA MARDINI Professional Swimmer UNHCR Ambassador

10 DEC 2021

WYCLEF JEAN

Grammy Award-winning Musician, Record Producer

HALIMA ADEN

Supermodel & Activist

RICHARD QUEST

Presenter, News Anchor & Journalist

STEVE AOKI

DJ & Record Producer

NOURIEL ROUBINI Chairman & CEO Roubini Macro Associates

PRESENTED BY:

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE CENTER

AFROJACK

DJ & Record Producer

CHRISTOPHER VOSS

Author, Masterclass on Negotiation Former FBI Hostage Negotiator

NICOLE SCHERZINGER Singer, Special Olympics Ambassador

EVA LONGORIA

Actress, Producer, Director, Philanthropist Entrepreneur & Activist

GLOBALCITIZENFORUM.ORG 2021 DEC

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UNLOCKING THE POWER OF GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP MOBILITY

GOVERNANCE

TECHNOLOGY

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

CULTURE

SUSTAINABILITY

The Global Citizen Forum is a social action platform built on a community of leaders committed to improving the state of global citizenship for generations to come.

Driven by dialogue and action, our member-based community explores both the challenges and solutions of global citizenship through the prism of five pillars - governance, technology, culture, mobility and sustainability.

Global Citizen Forum offers membership options which grant GCF members year-long access to bespoke events and experiences around the world, including the Annual Summit.

12 DEC 2021

ANNUAL SUMMIT BY NUMBERS

$ 69

$500,000+

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

RAISED FOR THE GLOBAL CITIZEN FOUNDATION

1

400 BILLION TOTAL NET WORTH (WEALTHX)

400M

11

HEADS OF STATE

COMMON GOAL

2018 SUMMIT GLOBAL PR & MEDIA REACH

600M INVESTMENTS

IN SOCIAL IMPACT PROJECTS

TO EMPOWER GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

39

80%

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES

RETURN SPONSORS

500

ATTENDEES

48

JOURNALISTS

GLOBAL CITIZEN 2021FORUM.ORG DEC 13

BOARD OF ADVISORS The Global Citizen Forum allows members and partners to reach beyond borders, while turning promising contacts into thriving opportunities.

ARMAND ARTON Founder

Armand Arton is a visionary entrepreneur, dedicated philanthropist, and a Global Citizen. As a trusted adviser to governments around the world, Arton continues to empower his mission with the Global Citizen Forum.

TALIMKA YORDANOVA Chief Executive Officer

As one of the pioneer voices advocating for global citizenship, Talimka Yordanova is responsible for the daily operations of GCF and strives to constantly align the organization’s efforts to its core mission.

GLOBAL CITIZEN FORUM.ORG

NOURIEL ROUBINI

Roubini Macro Associates, LLC

Chairman and CEO of a global macroeconomic consultancy firm, with extensive policy experience. From 1998 to 2000, Dr. Roubini served as Senior Economist for international affairs on the White House Council of Economic Advisors. He was also senior advisor to the undersecretary for international affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department, helping to resolve the Asian and global financial crises.

CHERIE BLAIR

Cherie Blair Women’s Foundation

Founder of the Cherie Blair Women’s Foundation, Ms. Cherie Blair is a leading barrister specializing in arbitration, mediation, public law, human rights, and European Community law. She has appeared in a number of leading cases and is a noted speaker on human rights as well as a staunch supporter of women’s rights.

WYCLEF JEAN

Grammy Award-Winning Artist

A three-time Grammy Award winner, producer, actor, and philanthropist, Wyclef Jean has sold more than 30 million albums throughout his career with The Fugees and later as a solo artist. Wyclef Jean moved with his family from Haiti to Brooklyn when he was nine but has since been an active supporter of his native country.

SHEIKH MOE AL THANI

Member of the Royal family of Qatar

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani is one of the youngest leaders in Qatar, a highly respected Youth Motivational Public Speaker, and a successful businessman and philanthropist with positive footprints in many fields notably travel and tourism. He is the first Qatari man to summit Mount Everest.

A COMMUNITY OF THE WORLD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL FIGURES

HEADS OF STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILIES AMBASSADORS AND DIPLOMATS BUSINESS LEADERS BANKERS

With such a broad range of leaders and influential figures in attendance, the Annual Summit has the unique quality that it not only attracts the very best thought leaders in global citizenship but also those who are in a position to implement change.

Armand Arton, Founder of GCF

GLOBAL CITIZEN FORUM.ORG

““

     

   

ARTISTS DESIGNERS ATHLETES CELEBRITIES

KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA Managing Director International Monetary Fund

JOSÉ MANUEL BARROSO

Prime Minister of Portugal (2002-2004); 11th President of the European

Commission (2009-2014)

KOFI ANNAN

7th Secretary-General of the United Nations; Founder & Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation

IRINA BOKOVA Director-General UNESCO

AKON

ROBERT DE NIRO

American Actor, Producer, Director, Philanthropist & Global Citizen

American-Senegalese Award-winning Singer, Songwriter, Producer & Akon Lighting Africa Co-Founder

CONTENTS 40 BUSINESS

18 COVER STORY

Uncovering the inspiring story of awardwinning actress, executive producer and director, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist, and Global Citizen Forum 2021 Awardee — Eva Longoria

22 BUSINESS

A glittering line-up of stars helped welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai

24 BUSINESS

Daniel Craig brings style and grit to life on screen and off

32 BUSINESS

The long-awaited Ocean Photography Awards and Female Fifty Fathoms winners revealed

36 BUSINESS

Powered by LG Electronics, the Dubai Cares Pavilion embraces the latest information display technologies and robotics

38 BUSINESS

Dr. Gizelle Baker, VP of Global Scientific Engagement at Philip Morris International, shares insights on the science behind smokefree products

42 BUSINESS

Innovative businesses will retain both virtual and in-person features to reach a broader audience and connect with remote participants

44 BUSINESS

Luxury beach experience at Nantipa in the heart of Santa Teresa

Inspiration4 completes the world’s first allcivilian orbital mission to space

The Reach Campaign’s 50-day campaign aims to protect 5 million people from river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in vulnerable communities

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28

32

40

44

28 BUSINESS

12 DEC 2021

46 BUSINESS

Combating climate change by fighting deforestation

CALIBER RM 72-01

RICHARD MILLE BOUTIQUES DUBAI GRAND ATRIUM, THE DUBAI MALL +971 4 339 8666

ABU DHABI THE GALLERIA - AL MARYAH ISLAND +971 2 672 4440

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48 AUTOMOTIVE

Introducing the Performance and Range versions of Lucid Air Dream Edition

59 HOROLOGY

Panerai’s Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union celebrates the UAE Golden Jubilee with a limited-edition timepiece

76 GADGETS

Enhanced off-road proportions meet new features, including trail mapping and Power Station generator

60 LIFESTYLE

78 GADGETS

54 HOROLOGY

64 LIFESTYLE

50 AUTOMOTIVE

Richard Mille welcomes fencing champion Miles Chamley-Watson to the family

56 HOROLOGY

Update your wardrobe with Global Citizen’s top picks from the latest collections Louvre Abu Dhabi announces an array of events coinciding with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee

Discover the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked .

68 LIFESTYLE

Breguet’s tribute timepiece celebrates the timeless aesthetic and visionary genius of the master watchmaker

70 LIFESTYLE

57 HOROLOGY

58 HOROLOGY

RAK: The fastest growing tourism destination in the Middle East Japan is home to an unmatched diversity of breathtaking natural beauty, an intriguing culture, and world-renowned cuisine

Our top picks of the latest tech must-haves iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, push the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone

79 GADGETS

Samsung has opened the next chapter in foldable innovation with the new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

80 GADGETS

Ray-Ban Stories smart eyeglasses and smart sunglasses, with camera and audio, combine legendary Facebook technology and iconic Ray-Ban style

82 GADGETS

Hublot and Berluti share five years of collaboration and an exploration of the shades of grey

74 LIFESTYLE

The gem of the caribbeans throughout the pandemic

Inspired by supercars, Italian-based CentrostileDesign has dreamed up what might be the future of boating with the Future-E

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58

64

70

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14 DEC 2021

ALPINE EAGLE XL CHRONO The pure yet bold Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is a column-wheel chronograph equipped with a flyback function. Its 44 mm case houses the Chopard 03.05-C chronometer-certified automatic movement, for which three patents have been registered. This exceptional timepiece is made of Lucent Steel A223, an exclusive ultra-resistant metal based on four years of research and development. Proudly handcrafted by our artisans, it represents the expertise and innovation cultivated in our Manufacture.

EDITOR’S LETTER A

s we round out the year with Global Citizen’s special December edition, culture and ingenuity are common threads that are woven throughout the pages. Our cover story unveils the inspiring story of award-winning actress, executive producer and director, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist, and Global Citizen Forum 2021 Award Recipient — Eva Longoria (p. 18).

Following his final portrayal as the iconic 007, we reflect on Daniel Craig’s iteration of James Bond, his long-running partnership with Omega and its tie to the Bond franchise, and his commitment to philanthropy (p. 24).

In horology, Breguet celebrates its signature anniversary with a tribute timepiece that illustrates the timeless aesthetic and visionary genius of the master watchmaker (p. 57).

This year also marks the UAE’s 50th National Day. Panerai’s Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union salutes the Golden Jubilee with a limited-edition timepiece (p.

59), and be sure to explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s array of events that coincide with the golden milestone (p. 64).

With Expo 2020 officially under way, we look back at the star-studded affair that launched the international exhibition, which brings together 192 countries and showcases the best of art, architecture, science, culture, and more (p. 22).

Our travels take us to Ras Al Khaimah, which is quickly making its mark as the fastest growing tourism destination in the Middle East (p. 68). We then embark on a breath-taking journey through Japan, rich with diversity, natural beauty, and stunning cuisine that make it a worthy addition to your bucket list (p. 70).

Enjoy the read!

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.

Andrea Antal

EVA LONGORIA 16 DEC 2021

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COVER STORY

18 DEC 2021

COVER STORY

MAKING AN UNBELIEVABLE DIFFER ENCE

Uncovering the inspiring story of award-winning actress, executive producer and director, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist, and Global Citizen Forum 2021 Awardee — Eva Longoria, and her fierce commitment to empowering a better world, both on and off screen

by Teresa Esmezyan

K

nown for her polished roles on TV’s biggest hit shows, from Beverly Hills 90210, The Young and the Restless, and Desperate Housewives — Eva Longoria’s true influence on the global scene translates to something much bigger than Hollywood. Catapulting to enormous fame through a series of opportunities on the big screen, as well as behind the scenes as an executive director and producer, Longoria has broken many barriers of success for women around the world.

Amongst the very few who have unlocked the power of producing their own content as the best way to effect change, Eva started her own production company, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, where she aims to give more opportunities to women and people of colour behind the camera.

“We’re building a pipeline of talent outside the well that so many productions companies are contented to tap,” she says in a Forbes interview. “The only way that innovation happens is through diversity. The only way you can break through a crowded space, with so many options, is by tapping into

resources and a talent pool that hasn’t been tapped.”

As the 2021 GCF Award recipient, Eva Longoria joins the Global Citizen Forum for their Annual Summit in Ras Al Khaimah — her mere presence an emblem of the powerful role global citizenship plays as a catalyst for change. Nominated

by GCF Board of Advisors, the Global Citizen Forum Award is presented to individuals or organisations with outstanding and consistent contribution to the movement of global citizenship and are selected based on demonstrated results and sustainability of their work.

While most celebrities avoid a divisive topic like immigration, Longoria takes on a more admirable approach. In addition to being a vocal advocate of migrant workers, serving as a co-chair of President Obama’s re-election campaign, and speaking at the 2012 Democratic convention, Eva is also the executive producer of The Harvest — a documentary focused on the 500,000 child migrant farm workers in the U.S. and promoted awareness and support to enact the Children's Act for Responsible Employment.

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20 DEC 2021

“I’m a firm believer in the potential of global citizenship as a catalyst for change. In order to create a better world for future generations, we need to start seeing the world through a global lens and tap into the power of human talent, education and innovation, all of which are indiscriminate to race, culture, religion, or nationality,” Longoria shares with Global Citizen.

For 2022, Longoria is wrapping up an inspiring film about the man who created Flamin’ Hot Cheetos; the son of immigrants with a fourth-grade education, who started as a janitor at FritoLay and eventually became an executive at PepsiCo, FritoLay’s parent company.

Longoria herself is no American newcomer — she grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, as one of four girls in a ninthgeneration Mexican American family. According to research done by Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. for the PBS series “Faces of America,” the Longoria family’s roots in this country “run back to a time before Texas even existed.”

Her philanthropic sense of duty was formed early on through the volunteer services received by Longoria’s older, special-needs sister. “Organisations like the Girls and Boys Club put volunteerism at the core of my early life,” she says in a Los Angeles Times interview. “I was doing charity work in school. It’s part of my family’s DNA,” she shares.

Eva is the founder of the Padres Contra el Cancer, which operates as a non-profit organisation that aids Latino children

with cancer and offers support for their families, as well as Eva's Heroes, an oeganisation that offers developmentally challenged youth enhanced support opportunities.

“I come from humble beginnings in south Texas and from a very young age my parents taught me that giving back to the community was just a part of life. Today I am honored to have a platform with more resources and supporters to highlight and make a significant impact on the issues that are close to my heart,” Longoria shares in a personal letter through the Eva Longoria Foundation, which brings people together to empower women, specifically Latinas – to reach their full potential.

With a focus on the transformational power of education and entrepreneurship, Longoria hopes to not only to have a positive impact on the community but also to shape the national conversation about how to support the growing Latina population and to raise the visibility of women of color who are bucking trends and changing the narrative.

“Ultimately, we want the Latina story to be one of academic and career success, equal representation, appropriate recognition and economic mobility,” Longoria writes in the letter.

In addition to her work as an actress, a director, a producer, and a philanthropist, Longoria is a spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris and a co-founder of Casa del Sol tequila.

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COVER STORY

EXPO 2020 UNITES MILLIONS

A glittering line-up of stars helped welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai, decorating an opening ceremony that will be remembered forever

3

,000 spectators gathered inside Al Wasl Plaza, while millions across the globe tuned in to virtually watch the much-anticipated event. With the golden ring of connectivity – the inspiration for the Expo 2020 Dubai logo— raised to the trellis of the magnificent Al Wasl Plaza, the beating heart of the Expo site and the spectacular setting for the captivating ceremony, the most inclusive World Expo ever was officially underway.

In addition to music from some of the most influential artists on the planet and a beautiful live orchestra, a sensory overload of powerful visuals was beamed across Al Wasl Plaza’s dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen. More than 3,000 lighting fixtures, 1,000 speakers, 1,300 costumes and buckets of passion and emotion from every one of the 1,000plus participating performers and volunteers also contributed to a one-of-a-kind spectacle of masterful artistic collaboration.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai – and to the UAE – in his speech, saying: “Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a significant platform for all people to connect, discuss and work together. Together, we will convey, from the UAE to the world, on our 50th anniversary,

22 DEC 2021

a message of tolerance, coexistence and peace; a message of progress, prosperity and growth; a message of brotherhood, happiness and an unwavering will to create a brighter future for everyone.”

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), said: “All the world is coming together, for the first time since the pandemic began, to connect, to exchange and to learn on this extraordinary global stage. The time has now come to open Expo 2020 Dubai, an Expo that marks the era, that plays a defining role in the global recovery, and that contributes to a better future.”

The flags of Expo’s 192 participating nations, revealed via a domino effect as flags were opened one by one, was a proud and visually stunning moment that also signified a reawakening of the world.

It was celebrated tenor Andrea Bocelli who brought the house down, rounding off the night’s electrifying proceedings with one of his all-time classics, The Prayer, its lyrics of human connection crescendoing into the grand finale.

With more than 75 millions records sold, classical music's biggest-selling living artist said that performing at Expo 2020 was a “great honour” and that his presence at Al Wasl “reflects all of the affection my audience has been giving me for many

COVER STORY

years and I hope to give it back”.

Andrea Bocelli said: “We have all gone through a year that no one could ever have imagined. For a year, we have lost the essentials, our freedom in and, in a sense, and even our dignity.

Now we finally see the light and I hope that this event will also help to instil in everyone a sense of optimism, a desire to achieve and to put what has been behind us.”

Before that, chart-topping British vocalist Ellie Goulding belted out a resounding, uplifting version of Anything Can Happen; Andra Day enraptured the audience with Rise Up; Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang wowed with his wizardry; and four-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo, together with renowned Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu, sang John Legend’s powerful If You’re Out There?, with its moving lyrics imploring the world to join together.

Other highlights included the official Expo song, This Is Our Time, sung by Arab artists Hussain Al Jassmi, Almas and Mayssa Karaa, while Emirati singing sensation Ahlam Alshamsi completed the formidable regional line-up. The artistic prowess of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman’s

all-women ensemble, the Firdaus Orchestra, comprising 50 musicians from across the Arab world, also proved a pivotal part of the ceremony’s inspiring journey.

Scott Givens, Executive Producer, Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony, who co-curated and co-produced the show with Franco Dragone, Artistic Director, said: “We picked artists that had songs that belonged in the ceremony and that tied in with Expo’s themes.

“Of course, we wanted to represent the world, we wanted to be plural and we wanted to reflect the diversity of our planet.

I'm very proud of the combination of talent that we've brought together to do this and the way they've executed the story.”

With up to 60 live events each day and more than 200 pavilions, the Expo site is coming alive during its 182-day feast for the senses. Its dynamic, diverse and ever-changing entertainment programme features an array of internationally celebrated names and the sounds, rhythms and sights of a global cast of performers.

Expo 2020 Dubai is open daily until March 31, 2022.

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COVER STORY

24 DEC 2021

BUSINESS

SHAK EN AND STIRR ED

Daniel Craig brings style and grit to life on screen and off

D

aniel Craig's iconic role as James Bond has made him one of the world's most prominent actors—and a truly global superstar. As well as sharing 007’s essence of style, poise, and adventure, he has also famously worn Omega watches through all of his five spy films. In fact, 2020 marked 25 years since James Bond first wore an OMEGA watch and, truth be told, there are few collaborations that come close to being as successful and authentic.

An avid collector of timepieces and one of the brand’s most notable ambassadors, Craig worked closely with Omega and the James Bond filmmakers to develop the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition, which is crafted with Grade 2 Titanium for the 42 mm case. The watch can be worn with a titanium mesh bracelet, with its innovative adjustable buckle, or on a striped NATO strap in tropical brown, grey and beige, with 007 engraved on the loop. The watch is particularly robust yet light—perfect for an undercover agent. “We decided that a lightweight watch would be key for a military man like 007,” said Craig.

Craig made Bond history with 2006's Casino Royale, reinvigorating the long-running film franchise with his modern take on the super spy, described by one critic as "a noble thug." Casino Royale became the highest-grossing Bond film to date, earning almost $600 million worldwide. Craig returned as 007 in the next installment, 2008's Quantum of Solace, a hit that was more modest in terms of its critical reception and box-office performance. But 2012 saw the return of Bond in a major way with Skyfall, making more than $1.1 billion internationally and setting earning records in various territories. The next Bond adventure, Spectre, was released in autumn 2015.. In the UK, Spectre set the record in the UK for being the country's highest grossing film within seven days of release (the previous record holder was Skyfall). Reflecting on the role, Craig commented, “The idea of regretting not doing this seemed insane to me. Sitting in the corner at a bar at age 60, saying: 'I could've been Bond. Buy me a drink.' That's the saddest place I could be. At least now at 60 I can say: 'I was Bond. Now buy me a drink.'”

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COVER STORY

While Craig has officially drawn the curtain on his final Bond role in No Time To Die, which was released worldwide last month, the actor has no plans to slow down anytime soon. A sequel to his 2019 film, Knives Out is already in post-production, with a third installment recently announced.

He also has two other film projects in the works, as well as a starring role in the Broadway production of Macbeth, which will begin previews in March 2022. He is also committed to several philanthropic endeavours.

Craig has promoted a number of human rights causes throughout his career, such as HIV/AIDS discrimination, bullying, violence against women, and disadvantaged youth.

He has also promoted campaigns to support disaster relief efforts, to fight against poverty and homelessness, and he has spoken out on conservation and the environment.

In 2015, he was designated as the United Nations Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards, with a mandate to bring attention to the thousands of people 26 DEC 2021

living in areas threatened by landmines and explosive remnants of war including improvised explosive devices. Craig has made dozens of videos supporting the vision of the United Nations for a mine-free world, including visiting minefields cleared by the UN, raising resources for mine action work, and speaking on behalf of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) at international meetings. He is also a champion of the Secretary-General’s five-year Safe Ground campaign that aims to turn minefields into playing fields and raise awareness and resources for survivors of explosive artillery accidents.

Most recently, he contributed £10,000 to a fundraising challenge by three fathers who lost their daughters to suicide.

The Cheshire, UK-born actor, now 54, born to an art teacher mother and steelworker father, started his acting career in theatre at a young age. Looking back now with more than 70 film credits under his belt, he says, “I'm definitely not satisfied about my career. I don't know how you can be, it's the very nature of things.”

COVER STORY

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BUSINESS

A NEW ER A OF SPACE EXPLOR ATION

Inspiration4 completes the world’s first all-civilian orbital mission to space

T

he crew of Inspiration4 ushered in a new era of space exploration as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on September 15.

After an approximate three-day journey orbiting Earth, the Inspiration4 team re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere with a soft water splash landing off the coast of Florida, marking the completion of the world’s first all-civilian human spaceflight to orbit.

Since the mission’s announcement in March 2021, the Inspiration4 crew spent the months following completing a wide range of training activities, including centrifuge

28 DEC 2021

training, Dragon simulations, observations of other launch operations, Zero-G plane training, altitude training and additional classroom, simulation, and medical testing. This intensive, focused preparation was essential to helping four diverse strangers grow into their new roles as the first allcivilian astronaut crew to orbit Earth.

The Inspiration4 mission marks several historic milestones for human space exploration, including the first all-civilian human spaceflight to orbit, the first black female spacecraft pilot, the youngest American in space, the first person to fly to space with a prosthetic, the farthest flight for a human spaceflight since the Hubble missions, the first time

BUSINESS

SpaceX has operated three Dragons in space, tthe first freeflight of a Dragon spacecraft on a human spaceflight mission, the largest contiguous window ever flown in space, the first splashdown of a Dragon crew in the Atlantic Ocean, and the first triple-flown Falcon 9 booster to launch a human spaceflight mission.

The crew’s collective goal has not only been to fly to space but also make a significant contribution in the fight to cure childhood cancer back on Earth. Started by an initial $100 million gift from Inspiration4 commander and CEO of Shift4 Payments Jared Isaacman to St. Jude, Inspiration4 has a fundraising goal to raise $200 million through February

2022 to help accelerate research advancements and save more children worldwide. To date, the mission has a commitment of more than $130 million with new auction items and ways to support being shared during and after the mission.

To date, true to the mission’s name and purpose, Inspiration4 has raised nearly $154M dollars and counting for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“The all-civilian Inspiration4 astronauts are paving the way for a future where space is more accessible to all who wish to go, and we are so proud that they entrusted us to fly them,” said SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell.

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BUSINESS

MEET THE CREW

(L-R: Chris Sembroski, Dr. Sian Proctor, Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux)

30 DEC 2021

BUSINESS

JARED ISAACMAN Leading the mission as the commander and benefactor, Jared Isaacman is the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, the leader in integrated payment processing solutions. He started the company in 1999 from the basement of his family’s house when he was only 16 years old and has built it into an industry-leading payments technology company with over 1,200 employees. Isaacman is considered one of the industry’s most influential business leaders and has been featured by various media outlets and publications.

An accomplished jet pilot, Isaacman is rated to fly commercial and military aircraft and holds several world records including two Speed-Around-The-World flights in 2008 and 2009 that raised money and awareness for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He has flown in over 100 airshows as part of the Black Diamond Jet Team, dedicating every performance to charitable causes. In 2011, Isaacman co-founded what would become the world’s largest private air force, Draken International, to train pilots for the United States Armed Forces.

HAYLEY ARCENEAUX When Hayley was 10 years old, one of her knees began to ache.

Her doctor thought it was just a sprain, but a few months later, tests revealed Hayley suffered from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Her family turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for her treatment and care, which included chemotherapy and a limb-saving surgery. She is now finished with treatment and thriving. She obtained an undergraduate degree in Spanish in 2014, and obtained her Physician Assistant (PA) degree in 2016.

She now works at St. Jude – the very place that saved her life – as a PA with leukemia and lymphoma patients.

CHRIS SEMBROSKI As a U.S. Space Camp counselor, Chris Sembroski conducted simulated space shuttle missions and supported STEM-based education designed to inspire young minds to explore these areas and find their passions. As a college student, Sembroski volunteered with ProSpace, a grassroots lobbying effort that promoted legislation in Washington, D.C., to help open space travel and allow companies like SpaceX to exist. He then served in the U.S. Air Force, maintaining a fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and deploying for service in Iraq before leaving active duty in 2007. Following his education from the Air Force, Sembroski earned a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

DR. SIAN PROCTOR Dr. Sian Proctor is a geoscientist, explorer, and science communication specialist with a lifelong passion for space exploration. She was born in Guam while her father was working at the NASA tracking station during the Apollo missions and has carried on his dedication and interest in space. She’s an analog astronaut (a person who conducts activities in simulated space conditions) and has completed four analog missions, including the all-female Sensoria Mars 2020 mission at the Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) Habitat as well as the NASA-funded four-month Mars mission at HI-SEAS to investigate food strategies for long-duration spaceflights.

She has a B.S. in Environmental Science, an M.S. in Geology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education.

2021 DEC

31

HOROLOGY

Andrea Caputo, Vice President, Blancpain, and Renee Capozzola, Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award

OCEAN COMMITMENT

The long-awaited Ocean Photography Awards and Female Fifty Fathoms winners revealed

I

n June 2021, Blancpain announced its partnership with Oceanographic Magazine and its Ocean Photography Awards (OPA). To mark the occasion, the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie created the special Female Fifty Fathoms (FFF) Award to encourage more women to share their vision of the oceans.

The partnership between Blancpain and the OPA competition is part of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, which brings together all the Brand's actions in favour of the oceans. Blancpain conducts numerous initiatives in favour of ocean exploration and preservation through this programme, which have already led to concrete results, notably by contributing to extending the surface of marine protected areas throughout the world by more than four million additional square kilometres. Blancpain is convinced that such results could not be achieved without collective engagement. It is thus indispensable to raise awareness of the ocean’s beauty and vulnerability. Underwater photography is one of the best ways to achieve this goal. The Ocean Photography Awards, whose mission is to reveal the beauty of the oceans – as well as the many dangers they face –, is an ideal partner in this respect and represents a continuation of the photographic and artistic projects previously initiated by Blancpain. One of the most telling examples is the annual Edition Fifty Fathoms publication (2008-2020), which aimed to explore the multiple facets of the underwater world through a camera lens while offering underwater photographers a platform for expression and communication.

The 2021 edition of the OPA met with strong interest from the ocean community, resulting in over 3,000 entries to the competition. The deliberation process for the competition's six traditional categories, as well as the overall Ocean Photographer of the Year™ 2021 award, was conducted by a Jury composed of, among others, members of the SeaLegacy collective – the ocean conservation association in support of which the OPA are organised –, as well as specialist photographers and videographers.

The competition’s overall prize was awarded to talented Australia-based photographer, Aimee Jan, who took a shot that is as beautiful as it is touching of a green turtle in a school of glass fish. “I was out snorkelling when one of my colleagues told me there was a turtle under a ledge in a school of glass fish, about 32 DEC 2021

10 metres down,” said the photographer. “When I dived down to look, the fish separated around the turtle perfectly. I said to her: ‘I think I just took the best photo I have ever taken’.”

In addition to the usual awards, this year's edition of the OPA chose a photographer in a new category, entitled the "Female Fifty Fathoms Award" (FFF), in which competing photographers were all pre-nominated by someone for whom they are an inspiration, and were carefully evaluated by the Jury, as well as by Blancpain – whose President & CEO, Marc A. Hayek, has himself become an underwater photographer through his longstanding passion for the oceans.

Out of more than 100 nominations, 12 finalists were shortlisted and invited to submit a portfolio of ten ocean shots to showcase their work as a whole. The portfolio was the main judging element for the artists, but close attention was also paid to their achievements along with their commitment and ability to inspire others to act on behalf of the oceans.

The FFF award was won by Renee Capozzola, an American photographer and biology teacher who takes a special interest in marine conservation. She believes that underwater photography is a powerful way to bring to light the magical world that lies beneath the water, and her work often focuses on turtles and sharks. "Sharky Sunset", one of the photos in her portfolio that particularly appealed to the Jury and Blancpain, depicts both sky and ocean dominated by a blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) – representing a species whose abundance is a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.

As a reward, Renee Capozzola was presented with the first example of a new model from Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms collection.

The blue watch bears the serial number 1 and its case is engraved with the words "FFF Award 2021".

Introduced by Blancpain in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms is the world's first modern diver's watch. It was created by Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then co-CEO of the company and an avid diver. With a particular admiration for women divers because of their ability to outperform men in terms of immersion time, Fiechter was aware of the need for a reliable timekeeping instrument for exploring the underwater world.

HOROLOGY

OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

WINNER Aimee Jan A green turtle, surrounded by glass fish. “I was out snorkelling when one of my colleagues told me there was a turtle under a ledge in a school of glass fish, about 10 metres down,” says photographer Aimee Jan. “When I dived down to look, the fish separated around the turtle perfectly. I said to her: ‘I think I just took the best photo I have ever taken’.”

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

SECOND Henley Spiers

THIRD Matty Smith

“Diving in amidst the barrage of gannets, I witness the violent synchronicity of these impressive seabirds as they embark on fishing dives,” says photographer Henley Spiers. “They hit the water at 60mph, an impact they can only withstand thanks to specially evolved air sacs in the head and chest. The bird’s agility transfers from air to sea, where it also swims with incredible speed.”

Isle of Noss, Shetland, UK

“A hawksbill turtle hatchling just 3.5cm long and a few minutes old takes its first swim,” says photographer Matty Smith. “It had emerged from an egg just minutes earlier with approximately 100 of its siblings. They quickly made their way into the ocean to disperse as rapidly as they could and avoid predation from birds and fish. I had to work quickly for this shot.”

Lissenung Island, Papua New Guinea

2021 DEC

33

FEMALE FIFTY FATHOMS AWARD WINNERS WINNER Renee Capozzola A lone blacktip reef shark lines up its dorsal fin with the setting sun in Moorea, French Polynesia. “This over-under image was achieved by using a wideangle lens, a large dome port and strobe flash to illuminate the underwater portion of the picture,” says photographer Renee Capozzola. “Sharks are plentiful in French Polynesia due to their strong legal protections and are a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.”

Mo´orea, French Polynesia

THIRD Emily Ledwidge SECOND Aimee Jan A manta ray feeds in calm waters. “We were out on a humpback whale tour when manta rays were spotted line feeding, swimming back and forth on the surface scooping up huge mouthfuls of plankton,” says photographer Aimee Jan. “On this day there was no wind – we call this a glass off because the surface of the water looks like glass. We got in for a swim and it was just beautiful. I took a few photos.

2021 This one was34myDEC favourite.”

Exmouth gulf, Western Australia

A leopard shark slowly swims away on the Ningaloo Reef. “In this chaotic world we should be taking the time to consider what is important,” says photographer Emilie Ledwidge. “What is important to us? What is important to Mother Earth? Sharks continue to be fished, finned, culled and hated by much of the world’s people. Their populations continue to fade and yet this is one species that we as humans cannot live without.”

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

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2021 DEC

35

BUSINESS

AN IMMERSIVE EXPO 2020 PAVILION EXPERIENCE

Powered by LG Electronics, the Dubai Cares Pavilion embraces the latest information display technologies and robotics for seamless connectivity, immersion, and peace of mind

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ubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has partnered with LG Electronics to ensure that visitors to its dedicated pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai enjoy a highly immersive journey that invites them to become part of a new chapter in the history of education.

Held under the theme, The Future is Human, the Dubai Cares Pavilion offers visitors the opportunity to discover Dubai’s story of coming together and creating a movement that was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to leverage education as the most effective tool to break the cycle of poverty.

The experience is brought to life by global tech innovator, LG Electronics, which will power the pavilion and support the organisation’s mission to enable equitable access to quality education for children and youth around the world.

Cutting-edge information display technologies include a

36 DEC 2021

136-inch All-in-One Essential LED screen, interactive display board, and video wall to make the experience both smart and immersive. In addition, the pavilion will also leverage LG’s PuriCare double tower air purifier and LG CLOi robot, each working to create a safer and more comfortable environment.

The LG CLOi UV-C Bot is a smart, autonomous disinfection solution, which provides contactless cleaning for high traffic and high touch areas, such as offices, hotels and schools.

“The Dubai Cares Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai promises to take visitors on an exceptional journey that looks to both the UAE’s rich legacy of philanthropy in improving children’s access to quality education while also highlighting the leading role it is playing in shaping the future of education globally,” said Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Commissioner General for the Dubai Cares Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares.

The Dubai Cares Pavilion is located in the Opportunity District within Expo 2020 Dubai.

BUSINESS

2021 DEC

37

BUSINESS

50 DAYS TO TR ANSFORM 5 MILLION LIVES

The Reach Campaign’s 50-day campaign aims to protect 5 million people from river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in vulnerable communities

38 DEC 2021

BUSINESS

C

arrying on the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, The Reach Campaign is dedicated to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a major fundraising effort.

The ‘50 Days to Transform 5 Million Lives’ campaign launched on October 14 as the countdown begins to the UAE’s 50th anniversary on the 2nd of December.

The effort is led by The Reach Campaign, an awareness and fundraising initiative which aims to end two NTDs – river blindness and lymphatic filariasis – in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and some of the UAE’s biggest organisations and companies.

All proceeds will benefit the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF), which offers a proof of concept for the elimination of the two diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hosted by the END Fund – the leading philanthropic vehicle dedicated to ending NTDs – RLMF is a 10-year, $100 USD million initiative launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, with support from several organisations, including The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The ELMA Philanthropies.

RLMF delivers preventative treatment for NTDs and focuses on ways to accelerate progress towards elimination – from investing in disease mapping efforts, to supporting advanced lab facilities and cross-border collaborations. The 50-day campaign aims to raise funds to support these activities and ultimately help protect at least five million people from

river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.

Organisations that will work with Reach to achieve its fundraising goal include strategic partner, Emirates Red Crescent; founding partners, ADNOC, Etihad Airways, Lulu Group International and National Health Insurance Company – Daman; and marketing partners, ADCB and Rivoli Group, as well as 18 other major organisations.

A series of fundraising initiatives will be announced as the campaign unfolds throughout its 50-day run, including personal fundraising challenges, employee giving campaigns, culinary and retail promotions, text-to-give campaigns, a global sweepstakes, and an auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

River blindness and lymphatic filariasis disproportionately affect the world’s poorest people. Over 200 million people globally require treatment for river blindness, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, while over 850 million people are at risk of lymphatic filariasis.

“The impact of these two diseases goes well beyond the individual. When adults suffer from river blindness or lymphatic filariasis, children are often taken out of school to support their care, with girls disproportionately bearing the caretaking burden. Countries that eliminate river blindness and lymphatic filariasis can secure a brighter future for their people, while also realising significant economic benefits that catalyse growth,” said Nassar Al Mubarak, Managing Director of The Reach Campaign.

2021 DEC

39

BUSINESS

40 DEC 2021

BUSINESS

MEET THE SCIENTIST ADVOCATING FOR A SMOK E-FR EE FUTUR E

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hen you think of anyone working in the tobacco industry, the last thing you may expect to hear them say is, “The best thing you can do is to never start smoking, or if you smoke – quit,” or that “we are working towards a future in which cigarettes are obsolete is in reach.” But that’s exactly what Philip Morris International and Dr. Gizelle Baker, VP of Global Scientific Engagement at PMI, are saying.

Dr. Baker is not a renegade employee, however, and as Vice President Global Scientific Engagement at Philip Morris International, she leads a team of talented scientists who are engaging and sharing the science on tobacco harm reduction and PMI's smoke-free products to increase the awareness about the topic, but to also to help build the understanding of the science.

Dr. Baker clearly knows what she is talking about: with a Ph.D. in Biometry and Epidemiology from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a BSc in Biology from Oregon State University, she started her career at PMI leading the Epidemiology and Biostatistics team, within the clinical department, which was responsible for the design and conduct of the clinical studies and the post-market assessment programs for PMI’s smoke-free products.

“Of course, the best thing is to never start smoking and for smokers, to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether,” Dr. Baker says. However, she adds that when you consider there are over one billion people who smoke – worldwide – and the vast majority do not quit, then we need better alternatives to help shift adult smokers away from cigarettes which has the potential to changes in the way individual and public health evolves for the better.

“Advancements in science and technology have enabled us to develop and assess smoke-free products that—while not risk-free—are a far better choice than smoking cigarettes. The innovativeness and perseverance of our scientists and the whole PMI team—together with the company’s investment of over

USD 8.1 billion (to date) in science, product development and manufacturing have enabled us to do just that. Millions of men and women worldwide have already switched to our smoke-free products and given up cigarettes completely, and this is just the beginning. A future without cigarettes is within our grasp” says Dr. Baker.

“There is a growing number of countries that have implemented regulatory frameworks that aim to find the right balance between enabling adult smokers to switch to better alternatives and stop smoking, while at the same time minimising the number of youth and non-smokers exposed to nicotine-containing products."

As a scientist who has dedicated her career to the pursuit of improving the lives of others, Dr. Baker is keen to stress that the road to improved public health is to ensure adult smokers get accurate, factual information so that they can made informedbased decisions. A key example, Dr. Baker says, is that while nicotine is addictive and not risk-free, it is less widely known that many public health authorities have stated nicotine is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. Rather, it is the toxicants in the smoke, that are emitted when the tobacco is burning that is the primary cause of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema.

According to Dr. Baker, even though many smokers continue to smoke even though they are aware of the evident health risks, there is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to making cigarettes obsolete and therefore realising a smoke-free future. PMI’s goal being that by 2025, over 40 million smokers will have switched to smoke-free products.

“With the right regulatory encouragement and support from civil society, we could be looking at cigarette sales ending within 10 to 15 years in many countries. Effective policies and regulation should allow smokers access to scientifically substantiated, smoke-free products. They should also enable smokers to make informed choices based on accurate information.”

2021 DEC

41

BUSINESS

THE RISE OF HYBRID EVENTS

Disruption led to the adoption of virtual events by many organisations during COVID-19, but in the return to the 'new normal', nnovative businesses will retain both virtual and in-person features to reach a broader audience and connect with remote participants

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hile many of us look forward to cutting down Zoom time and returning to face-to-face events, those responsible for company communications are finding ways to integrate virtual elements into long term business strategies to engage employees, partners and other stakeholders in new ways.

For an organisation like Global Citizen Forum, whose mission is based on international interconnectedness and collaboration, hybrid events offer new ways to harness knowledge sharing, insights and experiences amongst participants in distant locations.

Embracing the new with the old and combining physical in-person events with live-streaming and remote participation allows businesses to meet the needs of more people in a variety of engaging ways. From fostering conversation between virtual and in-person audiences and linking-in distant experts and resources, virtual attendance can greatly enhance the overall outcome of events.

42 DEC 2021

For brand events, hybrid formats give organisers access to a greater pool of speakers that they would otherwise not be able to afford while expanding total audience reach and thereby improving the return on their marketing investment.

To achieve all that hybrid events can offer, businesses need the help of an event production company that understands how to integrate the virtual with the physical in new ways.

Bjorn Thirup, Head of Projects at UAE Event Production Company, Evolution Live Event Management explains; “A hybrid event shouldn’t start and end with adding a livestream of the stage. Instead, virtual elements can enhance the experience for all attendees – physical and virtual audiences alike. Recently, we’ve developed events that stream content to in-person and virtual audiences from multiple locations.

It’s a far more dynamic and interesting event experience for audiences and allows us to show environments that provide relevancy and context to the speaker’s message, making their participation that much more powerful,"

BUSINESS

Thirup speaks from a depth of experience; Evolution Live Event Management (Evolution) is one of the most established and diverse event management companies in the UAE. From large conferences to intimate seminars, global diplomatic meetings to live productions and art festivals, Evolution has been involved in almost every major event in the UAE since 2005. The company has also produced events in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other countries across the Middle East.

Because Evolution offers such a broad spectrum of services within project & production management, it is ideally poised to manage the integration of emerging technologies into hybrid formats. “From building stages and scaffolding to capturing events on film, producing video content for an event’s content programme and managing sound and lighting, Evolution takes responsibility for every part of an event and considers the holistic experience of every member of the audience," saysThirup. “That perspective and approach is really important in putting together a hybrid event."

There is no doubt that COVID forced Evolution to evolve faster than they would have otherwise. The company has embraced the opportunity to deepen its expertise in virtual

programming. In 2021, Evolution produced several events that incorporated live-streaming and other virtual event formats to create an overall hybrid offering.

“COVID forced us to adapt and we are continuing to do so,” says Evolution’s General Manager, Dave Clark. “Not only have we implemented training and development programmes for our staff to understand the mechanics of virtual events, including live-streaming, web integration, and other technical deliverables, we have also pushed the team to be more creative overall and to use the expanded toolbox that hybrid events give them. As we’ve adapted, so have audiences; with the accelerated adoption of virtual events, audiences can now attend and participate in some of the biggest events in the world. Consequently, we are in many ways in a global market.

We are as innovative as any other event production in the world while providing solutions for our clients that meet the local conditions, culture and protocols.

Hybrid events will continue to rise in 2022 and beyond.

Businesses that leverage these in ways that enrich the overall event experience will improve the power of their brand and their marketing investment.

2021 DEC

43

BUSINESS

NANTIPA – A TICO BEACH EXPERIENCE

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step forward and you are in the sea, a step behind finds peace in nature. Among the green of the trees and the sounds of the wild, there is something in the water but also in the air. Located in the heart of Santa Teresa, an authentic Costa Rican beach town with its own unique culture and style is a hidden treasure, Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience.

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Nantipa, meaning ‘Blue’ in the native Chorotegan language, is a luxury beachfront boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. Recognized by UNESCO as one of only five Blue Zones in the world, Nicoya is revered for its secrets of longevity, health and happiness presented by its population.

BUSINESS

Nantipa provides a sense of escapism in this emerging hot spot that is the ultimate place to be and not be seen. The hotel opened in 2019 to redefine the concept of luxury with ease and sustainable practices at its heart. The result is a destination that offers a vibrant community, gastronomic hub and growing reputation for surfing, wellness, and the ultimate Pura Vida experience.

The 19 luxury bungalows and suites sprinkled across 5.7 acres provide tranquillity at every turn. The luxurious Ninta garden and beachfront bungalows deliver sophisticated modern design and comfort throughout, complete with plunge pools, spacious terraces and hammocks, indoor and outdoor showers, and first-class amenities for romantic secluded retreats. Alternatively, the Nanku suites are perfectly suited for families and groups of friends. Nanku, which means ‘home’ in Chorotega, offer ample sleeping space, a large living room, and spacious terraces or balconies making it the perfect home setting to relax after a long day of adventures.

The newly opened Numú Wellness Center invites guests on a holistic healing journey in an open-air space.

Relaxing treatments surrounded by nature offer a peaceful and therapeutic setting full of the rainforest’s sounds, scents and colours A full range of wellness programs are available including spa treatments, exercise and yoga classes, and a transcendental wellness experience. Inspired by the local environment, the spa integrates eco-friendly practices and locally made ingredients by women-owned businesses for its reflexology massages, signature aromatherapy treatments, body

wraps and customised treatments, all designed to enhance guests’ health and harmony.

Hotel Nantipa is committed to preserving and celebrating the natural Costa Rican environment throughout the property.

The hotel is designed with reclaimed wood, a state-of-the-art waste-water treatment plant, energy sensors and solar water heaters. At the beachfront restaurant, Manzú, guests can get a taste of local flavours in gourmet dishes and tropical cocktails, all while enjoying sweeping views of the ocean and stunning sunsets. Dining menus feature Costa Rican-inspired cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients, while the mixologists on site create delicious cocktails featuring Costa Rica’s tropical fruits and local liqueurs. Guests can also participate in the hotel’s sustainability initiatives like Pack for a Purpose and 10-minute beach clean ups, raising awareness of the effects of single-use plastic pollution on our oceans.

As the home for ultimate barefoot luxury, Santa Teresa is a gateway to adventure with world-class surfing, great yoga, superb cuisine, and unparalleled nature and parks - all in a relaxed atmosphere that embodies Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle. Beyond the property, guests can immerse themselves in the rich Costa Rican culture and wildlife. The town of Santa Teresa features shopping and dining, and an array of recreational activities are available nearby from world-class surfing, yoga, paddleboarding and scuba diving to whale watching, fishing excursions, horseback riding and hiking at Montezuma Waterfall, Cabo Blanco National Park and Curú Reserve.

2021 DEC

45

OFFSE T WITH IMPACT We are on a mission to bring the value of carbon offset to you!

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ombating climate change, creating jobs across Africa and fighting to keep global warming below 1.5C is why Nina Nau (CEO) founded ABOUT CLIMATE. She believes the time for action is now and relying on governments to combat climate change won’t work. COP26 proved this. That‘s why Nina has created a company that allows individuals and organisations to take action themselves.

She said “It is the right time to enable companies to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint by 2030.

We need to cut carbon emissions urgently if we have any hope of meeting the Paris Agreement goals”.

ABOUT CLIMATE offers companies a clear and transparent way to achieve their ESG goals whilst combating climate change. Companies will receive a carbon audit and have a personalised plan for offsetting their carbon footprint. The platform will then monitor the carbon offsetting project and generate reports and publicity in the form of a media package for companies using its service. This media package will automatically shine a light on the companies working towards ESG goals.

The How: Fighting Climate Change by Fighting Deforestation Since 1990, forests covering an area the size of South Africa have been cut down. This has had a macro effect on our climate, driving CO2 emissions and global temperatures up, and a micro impact, devastating communities that relied on those forests to survive. When describing why she set up ABOUT CLIMATE, its founder, Nina Nau said “as an environ-

www.aboutclimate.com 46 DEC 2021

mentalist I wanted to create an opportunity for individuals and companies to establish social, economic and environmental impact by offsetting their carbon emissions”.

It‘s fairly obvious that fighting deforestation is a key battle in the fight to save our planet. The reverse desertification project primarily plants Moringa trees. 1 million hectares of moringa trees absorb 5 gigatons of CO2 making it 20 times more effective at sequestering CO2 than general vegetation and the trees have short growth cycles. To keep the new forests biodiverse, we will plant a different tree for every 4 Moringa trees. These trees will increase the moisture regime of the soil, reduce run-off and therefore the depletion of groundwater.

ABOUT CLIMATE follows the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in their efforts focuses on climate change to achieve the net-0, sustainable developments against desertification.

Companies can choose a variety of packages, beginning with measuring their carbon emissions ranging up to verified carbon credit trading. The various packages offered allow each company to personalise their carbon offsetting journey. Packages for carbon offsetting differ in the level of certification.

There are companies who simply want to offset their carbon footprint and plant trees. However, some companies may want to take their environmental impact further and invest in certificates that verify their carbon credit which they can then trade with other companies and/or individuals to achieve a net-zero carbon emissions target across multiple organisations.

Climate Change and Social Change ABOUT CLIMATE fights deforestation & climate change by planting trees across West Africa, but for Nina, it’s not just about the environmental impact. It’s about helping the communities that rely on those forests to survive and thrive. Planting these trees and maintaining them for a minimum of 12 years is having a ripple effect across the local communities.

We invests in employing local people, especially women, and paying them a fair wage. The average income of the farmers is 50% more than the local income standard for farmers and at least 25% of female workers are employed. The company is also building a school, a medical centre and providing water cleaning solutions to the community. In one project alone, this is positively impacting up to 2,000 people.

Nina said “my dream is that individuals and companies see themselves as part of a great mission, because climate change is the biggest challenge our society has to fight. With ABOUT CLIMATE I want to bridge the gap between sustainable businesses and observable impact. We have created a platform with transparent monitoring for carbon offset programs with social impact”.

“

My dream is to bridge the gap between sustainable businesses and observable impact.

„

ABOUT CLIMATE was created with transparent monitoring for carbon offset programs with social impact.

Nina Nau,

CEO & Founder of ABOUT CLIMATE

Photos: Farmers working on our organic certified Moringa farm project in Nigeria.

2021 DEC

47

AUTOMOTIVE

48 DEC 2021

AUTOMOTIVE

LUCID AIR DREAM EDITION

Lucid announces Performance and Range versions of the Lucid Air Dream Edition

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n a mission is to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, Lucid Group announced the limited-run launch model of the Lucid Air, called the Dream Edition, which comes into two configurations, with the Range prioritising driving distance and the Performance focusing on extra power and acceleration.

Dream Edition Performance will feature a powertrain optimised for speed and acceleration, with 1,111 horsepower. Dream Edition Range will deliver 933 horsepower while embodying Lucid’s exacting focus on maximising range. While the official EPA ranges are not yet available, Lucid recently completed a real-world evaluation drive with Motor Trend. During the drive, a pair of Dream Edition Range cars drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco at highway speeds via central California, and then back

across the San Francisco Bay to Lucid’s global headquarters, travelling 445 miles (716 km) on a single charge. Upon arrival, the cars displayed, respectively, 30 miles (48 km) and 72 miles (115 km) of charge remaining.

“As a technology company, we seek to exceed expectations and this is clearly evident with our Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance and Range variants,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO, Lucid Group. “I’m delighted to provide our Dream Edition customers with this additional choice and breadth of capabilities.”

The company’s first car, Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design underpinned by raceproven technology. Featuring luxurious interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint, select models of Air are expected to be capable of a projected EPA-estimated range of over 500 miles (805 km).

2021 DEC

49

AUTOMOTIVE

2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV Enhanced off-road proportions meet new features, including trail mapping and Power Station generator

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MC is expanding its electric supertruck lineup with the addition of the 2024 HUMMER EV SUV — and it is loaded with smart, purposeful technology.

“GMC’s HUMMER EV SUV offers an exceptional balance of on-road performance and off-road capability, enhanced by a unique structure that allows for our signature open-air experience,” said Al Oppenheiser, HUMMER EV chief engineer. “New features debuting on the SUV reinforce its role as a tactical tool in almost any situation.”

New technologies include a new available Power Station generator that enables customers to utilise up to 3 kW of power from the vehicle, turning the HUMMER EV SUV into a power source on the trail or a backup generator.

Kelly MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors

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Africa and Middle East said: “The excitement we have seen in our region upon the HUMMER EV reveal exceeded our expectations.

Today, with the reveal of the HUMMER EV SUV, we further assert our commitment to bringing world-class trucks and SUVs while also pushing forward our future mobility agenda, and this milestone embodies this promise in the best way possible. We are very excited and cannot wait to see it on the roads in the Middle East – a market that has a strong emotional connection to both GMC and HUMMER.” HUMMER EV’s interdependent body/battery structure enables the Infinity Roof on the EV pickup as well as the SUV and expected best-in-class off-road proportions help make the new SUV even more maneuverable — while making the most of the HUMMER EV’s signature features such as CrabWalk, Extract Mode, and more.

AUTOMOTIVE

MASTER OF MANEUVERABILITY With a nearly 9-inch shorter wheelbase than the HUMMER EV Pickup, the all-new HUMMER EV SUV offers even greater maneuverability, with expected best-in-class off-road proportions and a turning circle of only 35.4 feet (10.8 meters) with 4-Wheel Steer — nearly the same as a Chevrolet Bolt EV. Without the constraints of a conventional propulsion system

and traditional drive axles, tremendous power and control is available to each of wheel. In fact, the Ultium drive system can channel power to a single wheel, keeping the vehicle moving in some of the toughest driving conditions and terrain — including 13 inches of suspension travel, climbing 60-percent grades (forward and reverse), scaling 18-inch verticals and fording water more than two feet deep.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE The 2024 HUMMER EV SUV offers a multisensory, immersive experience that puts drivers in the middle of every moment.

The HUMMER EV’s user experience team worked with Perception, a creative agency best-known for their Sci-Fi Thinking and technology design work within the Marvel Universe, to create a cinematic in-cabin experience that engages the senses.

Special features such as Watts To Freedom bring their own unique multisensory, interactive experiences, with distinctive sound via the premium Bose audio system, feel through the haptic driver’s seat and sight, with custom screen displays showing the special performance mode is “armed and ready.”

The user experience is customisable through My Mode, allowing the driver to tailor their favourite features, including steering, suspension, sound, and acceleration for a truly personal interface that celebrates every drive.

The HUMMER EV’s remarkable driving capabilities blend with these engaging technologies and a carefully crafted user experience, creating a sense of intensity and drama for drivers and passengers, while features such as the standard Infinity Roof and modular Sky Panels create an open experience, allowing customers to enjoy HUMMER EV’s nearly silent movement during outdoor adventures.

The HUMMER EV SUV was also designed as a two-row SUV with a shorter wheelbase to help optimise its off-road maneuverability while providing secure rear storage, with instantly recognisable proportions that convey HUMMER EV’s characteristically aggressive stance.

“Designing the Pickup and SUV simultaneously helped us give each their own unique features to maximise utility,” said Phil Zak, HUMMER EV design executive director. “The SUV’s tight proportions create a distinct profile and spacious cargo area, while maintaining a roomy and architecturally-inspired cabin.”

The rear design is unique to the SUV and incorporates a standard full-size spare tire mounted to a power swing-out tailgate. Using one of three button options, the swing gate automatically opens like a vault — even wider than the vehicle itself. The extra width allows for an unimpeded 48-inch opening designed to make loading gear and supplies easier. The spare tire mount also creatively houses a rear-facing camera to assist with reverse maneuvers and trailer alignment.

Inside, a similar five-passenger layout from the truck remains, allowing for a large and useful rear cargo area. In fact, with the rear seats folded flat, the HUMMER EV SUV offers up to 81.8 cubic feet of cargo space. On top of that, there is an additional storage space hidden under the load floor and another compartment integrated into the side trim.

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AUTOMOTIVE

SUPER-STRONG AND SUPER-FAST As with the HUMMER EV Pickup, the new SUV is built on a unique, interdependent body/battery structure that serves two crucial functions: It reinforces the overall structure for exceptional rigidity, while also protecting the double-stacked Ultium battery pack.

“The HUMMER EV’s body protects the battery, while the battery supports the structure,” said Oppenheiser. “That means the battery pack itself is a structural element, which enables 52 DEC 2021

a truly open-air experience and a rare combination of extreme off-road capability and smooth on-road performance in a bodyframe integral platform.”

A large, flat load floor incorporates a protective sheer panel sandwiched between the high-strength martensitic top and bottom layers, which help protect the battery. The strength and rigidity of the floor helps reduces twisting and deformation, while also providing the stiffness required to enable the HUMMER EV’s removable Sky Panels and I-Bar.

AUTOMOTIVE

TACTICAL TECHNOLOGY WITH NEW TRAIL MAPPING The HUMMER EV SUV is loaded with smart, purposeful technology designed to enhance on-and off-road excursions.

“It’s technology that adds to the HUMMER EV’s immersive driving experience,” said Mike Colville, EV complex feature integration. Standard HUMMER EV SUV technologies include a large infotainment screen, in-vehicle Energy app, smartphone-

synced digital key, HD Surround Vision, and several customisable off-road widgets.

The new Power Station generator offers significant external powering capabilities to power off-road adventures, and more.

With enhanced vehicle hardware, the HUMMER EV SUV can jump charge another electric vehicle at 240v/25A/6kW and power a variety of equipment at 120v/25A/3kW. 2021 DEC

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HOROLOGY

SPEARHEADING CHANGE

Richard Mille welcomes fencing champion Miles Chamley-Watson to the family

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f you decided to spearhead a saber through the clichés about fencing, one of the world’s most elite sports, you’d probably invent the latest member of the Richard Mille family: Miles Chamley-Watson! Miles describes himself as a half-white, halfblack kid from London with Jamaican, Irish, British and Malawian roots, who moved to New York City at the age of ten, and now competes for USA. “All of which is, admittedly, a bit weird,” he jokes in his deep London accent.

Miles first discovered fencing at Manhattan's Dwight School.

Teachers thought it would be a way to handle his hyperactivity.

A double-edged sword because, ever since, Miles has been channelling “that inner kid in me” to become not only an Olympic medallist but also the first U.S. male fencer to win an individual Senior World Championship title. His style is so unique, he even has his own eponymous move – The Chamley-Watson – a deft behind-the-back flick to his opponent’s side.

“Time, it is in my sport. You can train your whole life, but the merest millisecond means the difference between Gold and nothing.

I train myself mentally in slow motion. I need to get in touch with my neural system, unblock my mind and establish a flow state.”

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Miles does intensive brain training and yoga with his coach, often using virtual games to focus his brain patterns. “Obviously, I go to the gym everyday, but my mind is my weapon. It alone is in charge of guiding my foil.”

Obsessed with time, this mindset means Miles describes himself as “a massive watch person.” Five years ago, he wrote down his dream partners. Richard Mille was at the top. “We’re both unconventional. It’s a brand that’s all about taking risks. I have ‘Risk’ tattooed on my hand and I look at it for inspiration each time I compete.” Miles aims above all to transform ‘stuffy’ fencing from niche to mainstream. He sees this as a way of helping children like himself, bullied or misunderstood at school.

“I want to show kids what they can do. I’m even working on new outfits and a scoring system with flashing lights to get fencing on Prime Time TV!” Miles wears the RM 67-01 Automatic White Gold Diamond Set. “I love seeing the movement, the dials. It’s so much what fencing is all about – precision, timing and style. Above all, Richard Mille a brand that refuses to do things like everyone else. They dare to be different, like me.”

HOROLOGY

La joaillerie, une histoire de famille Jewelry, a family affair jeweltech.ch 2021 DEC

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HOROLOGY

CODE 11.59

The two-tone gold case of the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked offers a refined frame to the hand-finished openworked movement in different grey hues

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wiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet presents a new iteration of its 41 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked. The handfinished openworked movement adorning different shades of grey is housed in a two-tone case interweaving 18-carat white and pink gold. This gold combination highlights the case’s multifaceted geometry, while providing an elegant contrast.

The two-tone case emphasises the complex architecture of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet. Its extra-thin bezel, stylised lugs and round caseback, all crafted in 18-carat white gold, are subtly contrasted with an 18-carat pink gold octagonal middle case. Each component has been hand finished down to the smallest detail with an alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers. The technical complexity notably resides in reaching perfect alignment across the case’s multiplicity of angular and rounded surfaces – an aesthetic only achievable by hand.

Two-tone gold cases are rare at Audemars Piguet yet an integral part of the Manufacture’s history. Out of the 550 complicated wristwatches produced and sold between 1882 and 1969, only eight examples combined two types of gold. The blend of white and pink gold was exceptional, with only one wristwatch recorded in the Manufacturer’s archives before 1978.

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Although, this combination has become more prevalent in recent decades, it remains a distinct symbol of refinement.

This watch houses a multi-tiered hand-wound tourbillon openworked movement, Calibre 2948. Its slate grey openworked plate and bridges are illuminated by a pink gold-toned balance wheel and a light grey openworked barrel and gear train. The main plate and bridges, visible on both sides of the watch, are finished with vertical satin-brushing for more visual appeal. In addition, the barrel and different wheels are adorned with circular satin.

With 70 hand-polished angles, the hand finishing on this 3.65 mm movement pushes the openworking art to new heights, while the three-tone decoration amplifies the watch’s 3-D effect.

The slate grey lacquered inner bezel complements the openworked movement and accentuates the extra-thinness of the watch’s bezel, barely visible around the dial. The long 18-carat pink gold hands add a subtle touch of colour in an echo to the balance wheel and middle case.

The unique double-curved sapphire crystal, which seamlessly integrates the curved extra-thin bezel, completes the watch’s contemporary design. Playing with depth and light, this complex glass brings forward the detailed work adorning the openworked movement.

HOROLOGY

SIGNATURE ANNIVERSARY Breguet’s tribute timepiece celebrates the timeless aesthetic and visionary genius of the master watchmaker

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n June 26, 1801, or on “7 Messidor An IX”, to use the French Republican calendar in force at the time, Abraham-Louis Breguet secured a patent in Paris for his “watch compensating for all of the inequalities that may be found in the balance wheel and mainspring”. Breguet named his invention the “tourbillon” (or “whirlwind”) in line with the common practice at the time to use terms connected to astronomy.

Exactly 220 years later, the House of Breguet is paying homage to its founder’s invention, which opened a new world of precision, stability, and elegance in fine horology. Breguet’s tribute comes in the form of the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversaire 5365.

This timepiece – with its limited run of 35 pieces, the same number of tourbillon watches made during Abraham-Louis Breguet’s lifetime – is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless aesthetic and visionary genius of the master watchmaker. In its attempts at authenticity, Breguet’s design for this timepiece is elegant and understated, reaffirming the brand’s standards put in place by its founder.

The same can also be said of the various engineturned motifs adorning the gold dial. As well as becoming one of Breguet’s aesthetic hallmarks, engine-turning, also known as guillochage, possesses very specific watchmaking features.

By offering surfaces with finely worked irregularities, the technique allows light to be captured in a variety of ways, ranging from the utmost clarity to a more matte finish. Light captured in this way enables the different reading zones on the dial to be clearly marked. Engine-turned surfaces are also better protected from the ravages of time than a polished finish, which are overly shiny and prone to corrosion and scratches. Finally, engine-turned surfaces offer the relief needed to collect the microdust that could have degraded the chronometric

performance of the first pocket watches more than two centuries ago.

Throughout its history, Breguet has refined both the range of its engine-turning work and its predilection for specific motifs.

Such is the case with the Clous de Paris, which takes up the entire central part of the timepiece. Handmade with a diamond chisel, it is created by interlacing engraved and crossed lines with a pitch of only 0.25 millimeters. From 50 centimeters (the usual distance for reading a wristwatch), it gives the illusion of a matte finish. This makes it easier to read the hours and minutes, indicated by the two central blued steel off-centre open-tipped hands, now known as “Breguet hands.” On the periphery, the piece is decorated with a grain d’orge (or “barley grain”) motif that is cherished by the brand. On the rear of the piece, the platinum rotor is engine-turned with a wave motif.

For this anniversary piece, Breguet has fitted its reference 5365 with a 60-second tourbillon, visible between 4 and 6 o’clock, with one of these axes showing the seconds. More eagle-eyed horologists will notice two special features. Firstly, the piece’s upper bridge is made of blued steel, which is something of an unusual finish for a tourbillon in the Classique collection. Secondly, the cartouche affixed above the tourbillon, bears the text “Brevet No 157”, a reference to the patent number awarded to Abraham-Louis Breguet for his invention a mere 220 years ago.

This tribute is repeated on the rear of the piece, via the engraving “Anniversaire 1801– 2021” on the barrel, and “Brevet No 157 Du 7 Messidor An IX” upon the lower bridge of the tourbillon, alongside the individual number of each piece. All these references, along with the Breguet signature on the rotor, are engraved by hand. To the right of the movement, there is a faithful reproduction of the original watercolor plate used by AbrahamLouis Breguet when filing his 1801 patent application for a tourbillon regulator.

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HOROLOGY

THE BIG BANG

Hublot and Berluti share five years of collaboration and an exploration of the shades of grey in their latest limited-edition run of 100 pieces

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nnounced in 2016, the partnership between the famous men’s fashion house and the most disruptive of the watchmaking brands has unveiled a new interpretation of the Big Bang Unico. Together, they have fused fashion and watchmaking, leather and titanium, form, and substance.

The new Big Bang Unico Berluti Aluminio leverages this shared know-how and provides an understated, elegant, monochrome, and timeless piece. It is a Big Bang for true collectors and connoisseurs. This edition will be limited to 100 pieces, as with every collaboration between Hublot and Berluti.

The emblematic patinated Venezia leather is at the heart of the polished titanium bezel as well as on the dial, where the indices and words “Swiss Made” are gauffered directly on the surface.

The leather is held between two pieces of sapphire glass, whose cut reveals the gears of the Unico movement, a feat of technical prowess. Working with Berluti, a technique was developed to encapsulate natural leather hues and crystallise them in time; in this way, their beauty is rendered in an authentic and unchanging manner. As for the strap, it symbolises the perfect fusion of the two worlds and it is available in two versions: one in burnished Aluminio Venezia leather; another in patinated Aluminio Venezia leather with the Scritto motif, exclusively for Japan. Aluminio is one of Berluti’s signature patinas. It perfectly transcribes the light onto the different tones of the Venezia leather.

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For this model, Hublot took responsibility for the new, twopart bezel design. With the help of a sticky, rigid resin, the first piece of the bezel—in leather, about 1 mm thick—is inserted onto the second piece, in grey titanium, and then screwed onto the case of the watch. This will allow the bezel to be patinated over time, just like the strap.

To bring the patinated Aluminio Venezia leather into harmony with its mechanical ensemble, the Hublot Manufacture chose from the vast palette of materials at its disposal: titanium for the 44-mm case and its deployant clasp, resin for the central horn, tungsten for the oscillating weight, and satin-finished rhodium for the hands. Building on more than 40 years of ground-breaking designs, Hublot masters the full spectrum of watchmaking materials and was thus able to create a Big Bang that was perfectly tuned to the nuances of the patinated Berluti leather.

The Big Bang Unico Berluti Aluminio also reveals part of its beating heart. The gears of the Unico movement, an authentic manufacture self-winding Flyback chronograph with three full days of power reserve, can be admired thanks to the cut of the two pieces of sapphire glass that hold the leather on the dial-side. A rare and contemporary piece, the Big Bang Unico Berluti Aluminio is delivered in a special case with a travel pouch, and a shoehorn key ring with the Berluti logo.

HOROLOGY

SPIRIT OF THE UNION Panerai’s Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union celebrates the UAE Golden Jubilee with a limited-edition timepiece

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anerai is the product of distinct traditions rooted in two different countries: the sophistication of Swiss watchmaking artistry and an illustrious history of design inheritance from Italy. They are the foundation of a respected brand that mixes advanced horological and aesthetic achievement.

A destination with its own unique qualities inspired a brand new Panerai watch: the Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union, available exclusively at the Panerai boutiques in the United Arab Emirates.

Available in a limited edition of only 200 pieces, Panerai created the Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates, a significant milestone in the young nation’s history.

The watch’s P.9010/GMT caliber alludes to the history of the UAE: a green GMT hand and rubberised crown recall the colors of the national flag, as does the shimmering black sun-brushed dial, while an engraving on the caseback reads “Year of the Fiftieth” in English and Arabic. Even the reference number—PAM01971, refers to the date of the UAE’s founding half a century ago.

The watch is accompanied by four rubber straps, red, green, white, and black, as a recall to the nation’s flag and a black alligator strap as an elegant finishing touch for the watch.

To emphasise its commitment to the United Arab Emirates, Panerai, in collaboration with Christie’s, will auction the n000/200 Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union, with all proceeds going to the Noor Dubai Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in the UAE, which is active in the prevention of blindness and visual impairment globally. The Foundation envisions a world where all individuals living in low-income regions, suffering from visual impairment, are given equal and fair

opportunities of treatment that will improve their quality of life.

“We are honored to offer as part of our ‘Watches Online: The Dubai Edit’ auction this exclusive Panerai Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union n000/200 that celebrates the UAE’s Golden Jubilee in aid of Noor Dubai Foundation. We hope collectors seize this opportunity to acquire this rare timepiece and support a local charity,” said Remy Julia, Watch Specialist - Director at Christies Dubai DIFC Head of Middle East-India-Africa.

“Creating a piece to celebrate the UAE’s Golden Jubilee was important to us, but being able to create awareness and support Noor Dubai Foundation with the support of Christie’s is something that makes the Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union even more special,” explains Gaby Bitarian, Brand Director, PANERAI MEI. Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO & Board Member Noor Dubai Foundation further added, “it is an honor to collaborate with international watch brand Panerai and international auctioneer Christie’s to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UAE with this limited-edition timepiece and to also support Noor Dubai’s mission of improving the well-being of individuals through prevention of blindness worldwide. We hope to see more cross sector collaborations with international brands through their CSR programs to help those in need.”

In addition to the auction, Panerai is also celebrating the visual beauty of the UAE with a campaign to reveal the watch. Dubbed Around the Seven Emirates, this campaign, shot in collaboration with Panerai’s brand ambassador, Jeremy Jauncey, will feature shots from each emirate. The campaign will showcase the country’s beauty along with the PAM01971 in action in different adventurous settings.

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FASHION

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI FALL/WINTER 2021

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FASHION

FALL/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

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VISVIM

FRAME

ANDERSON & SHEPPARD CARTIER EYEWEAR

ON

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MARTINE ALI

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

LORO PIANA FILSON

CELINE HOMME

BREITLING 62 DEC 2021

TOM FORD

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FALL/WINTER 2021

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HOROLOGY

ART & CULTURE

Louvre Abu Dhabi announces four exhibitions and an array of events and programming coinciding with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee

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n celebration of the UAE’s 50th National Day and the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s own fourth anniversary on 11 November, Louvre Abu Dhabi will offer a range of programming and events celebrating global exchange and connectivity with Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. The museum’s new cultural season will be anchored by three international exhibitions, the launch of a new annual exhibition and art prize, and a popular ongoing exhibition at the Children’s Museum, accompanied by a rich public programme. This new season explores the many geographic paths and singular voices that have created significant artistic and cultural connections across the globe.

“As the UAE welcomes the world over the coming months, Louvre Abu Dhabi will truly offer something for everyone in this upcoming season of exhibitions, events and programming. New international exhibitions, new acquisitions and masterpieces on loan will join a display of works from each of the seven emirates.

In this extraordinary Jubilee year, we remain resilient and deeply rooted in our community, committed to our mission of telling stories of cultural connections throughout this season, beginning with Dragon & Phoenix,” said Manuel Rabaté, Director, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

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EXHIBITIONS An exceptional new exhibition, held in partnership with the Musée national des arts asiatiques – Guimet and curated by Sophie Makariou, will look at artistic and cultural exchanges between China and the Islamic world. Running from 6 October 2021 – 12 February 2022, Dragon and Phoenix – Centuries of Exchange between Chinese and Islamic Worlds explores this history of mutual exchange and fascination, unfolding over five chapters and featuring immersive scenography chronicling the 8th – 18th centuries. The Islamic world consistently turned its gaze towards China, the model for technical advances and objects of beauty.

In contrast, the Islamic world was a supplier of luxury objects – particularly those made of glass – and an important source of inspiration for China, whose interest was sparked following a long history of cultural and material exchange. The primacy of Chinese artistic production would only be rivalled when an alternative model with a radically different aesthetic captured the attentions of the Islamic world: that of Europe.

Complementing the exhibition will be a selection of handpicked weekend family film screenings and kayak cinema shows in November and December. In addition, Dragon Boats will join

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the popular, ongoing yoga and kayaking activities at the museum.

Through a joint collaboration with leading Swiss watchmakers Richard Mille, Louvre Abu Dhabi has established an annual exhibition and art prize for contemporary artists. The inaugural exhibition Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021 will feature all shortlisted, UAE-based artists’ proposals from 18 November 2021 to 27 March 2022 in the Forum, a space of interaction and exchange dedicated to contemporary art. From these shortlisted artists, one will be selected as the winner of the Richard Mille Art Prize and awarded $50,000. This collaboration creates a significant platform for artists in the region, as well as an expansion of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s display of and engagement with contemporary art.

The first international exhibition of 2022, Versailles and the World (26 January – 4 June 2022), will be held in partnership with musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon and tells the story of Versailles as a central diplomatic instrument that solidified the prowess of the French royal court and served as the stage for its fascination with various civilisations in a rapidly globalising world.

This exhibition is curated by Hélène Delalex, Curator, Furniture and Decorative Arts, and Bertrand Rondot, Chief Curator, Furniture and Decorative Arts, at the musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon. Global cultures and aesthetics found themselves represented at Versailles as it transformed into a diplomatic hub receiving foreign dignitaries from all around the world. These visits ushered in an unparalleled era of artistic and commercial exchanges, which will be brought to life in this exhibition through an array of objects, from Chinese and Japanese lacquerware to wallpapers and porcelain.

Delving into one medium that is crucial to artistic production, documentation, and communication, Stories of Paper (April – July 2022) will trace the origins of paper in all its forms, from ancient China and the Islamic world, to contemporary global societies. At a

time when the use and purpose of paper is being questioned in an increasingly digital world, this exhibition seeks to define paper as part of a global, collective human heritage. Organised with Musée du Louvre, this exhibition is curated by Xavier Salmon, director of the Drawings and Prints department at Musée du Louvre and Victor Hundsbuckler, curator at the same department.

The Emotions! The New Art Adventure exhibition also continues in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Children’s Museum. Children and families navigate three floors of interactive activities, artworks, and games to explore four key emotions: joy, sadness, fear, and anger. Children can learn to let unpleasant feelings go, explore ways cultivate happiness, and come away understanding all emotions. Access to the museum and the exhibition is free to all children under 18.

NEW LOANS & ACQUISITIONS Coinciding with the museum’s anniversary, 59 new loans and 56 new acquisitions will go on view in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s galleries.

Works on loan come from lending institutions within the France Muséums network, along with regional and local partners. These artworks will be installed among those in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection, creating new narratives and stories of cultural connections between artworks in formal and thematic dialogues.

In celebration of the UAE’s 50th National Day, Louvre Abu Dhabi will display artworks from each of the seven emirates – including loans from national museums and institutions such as the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Dubai Municipality.

Returning visitors to the museum will be greeted by an entirely new pairing of works upon entry – the bronze sculpture The Words I Love Most by Egyptian artist Ghada Amer (2012) on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in dialogue with the new acquisition Series of eight allegories attributed to Jacob de Backer (Antwerp, 2021 DEC

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active between 1571 and 1585). Both works explore the infinite possibilities of word and image in expressing complex human and societal values, such as love, charity and hope. These are universal, moral guideposts which, although represented differently, continue to connect civilisations across time and geographies.

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS As part of its Research Programme, Louvre Abu Dhabi is presenting a talk series in collaboration with Cartier at the Women’s Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai, using artworks from the museum’s collection to initiate discussions on landmark moments in women’s history.

To celebrate the nation’s Jubilee, December will see the museum’s iconic dome transformed into an audio-visual installation reflecting 50 years of the UAE, including a roller-skating rink for an event in collaboration with Madrollers, open to children in the afternoon and to young people in the evening. The event will consist of dynamic, digital wall-mapping showcasing images and videos of the UAE over the past five decades, alongside a DJ playing nostalgic Emirati music.

Enjoy Drawing at the Museum each week, exploring an artwork, developing sketching skills and learning about different aspects of drawing. Learn about form and perspective from ancient ceramics and reliefs, marvel at the intricacy of the human form, analyse light and shade, and observe the dome and architecture.

Participants end each two-hour visit by participating in a group discussion to critically reflect, share insights and discuss ideas.

The museum’s #MakeandPlay initiative will continue in the form of videos online and drop-in sessions at the museum. Visit the museum and feel free to re-imagine artworks your way. Make

and Play drop-in activities are linked to the museum artworks, allowing participants to create an original flipbook, a helmet, a mask, a costume, or a paper horse, in four activity stations. All the materials are provided, and museum educators are on-hand to support for a fee of AED 50 per person. These events will run alongside the ongoing programming directed at senior Emirati citizens and People of Determination.

In addition to the museum’s renowned fine dining restaurant Fouquet’s and the newly renovated Aptitude Café, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Art Lounge reopened on 12 October. The perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy a post-gallery visit refreshment, the rooftop Art Lounge offers a wide selection of beverages and light bites amid stunning, unobstructed views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. With something happening every night of the week, check the museum’s website for more details on the various offers.

LATES are starting again from 3 November, with the Wednesday Dome edition allowing visitors to enjoy complimentary access under the dome from 6:30 pm – 9 pm. Take in the extraordinary architecture of the ‘museum city’ as the sun sets over the sea.

The evenings will be themed, offering programming such as poetry and film screenings, and special dining options will be on offer at the museum’s food outlets - sushi nights at Art Lounge or pizza nights at Aptitude Cafe.

For any visitors undertaking a self-guided tour at the museum, or wishing to explore from afar, WE ARE NOT ALONE is a futuristic audio-visual experience available via Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website and app, offering users a sci-fi-inspired tour developed by SOUNDWALK COLLECTIVE and narrated by Hussain Al Jassmi, Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Zhou Dongyu, Nina Kraviz, Wim Wenders and Jean Nouvel.

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Ras Al Khaimah: The Fastest Growing Tourism Destination in the Middle East Ras Al Khaimah offers an experience of a lifetime where travellers can feel the Emirate’s beating heart across a range of landscapes from the sea and beach, desert and mountain range.

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta dunes, as well as fertile, green oases and the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajar mountains. These include the UAE’s highest mountain peak – Jebel Jais – where temperatures are around 10 degrees lower than sea level, allowing for year-round exploration.

From cultural escapes to eco-tourism and adrenaline-fueled adventures to beach retreats, Ras Al Khaimah caters to a full suite of travellers. The unique natural beauty of the Emirate, combined with its world-class tourism infrastructure and portfolio of global hospitality brands make Ras Al Khaimah the perfect destination for those seeking to experience rich heritage and culture with all the comforts of a modern and vibrant destination.

EASE OF ACCESS Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity stems from the increasing ease with which it can be reached. Ideally located between the east and the west, the UAE is home to the largest number of international airports within close proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa with over two billion people just a four-hour flight away. The Emirate is also a mere 45-minutes away from Dubai International Airport by road and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is only 20-minutes away from the city centre, operating commercial and charter flights.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES With a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age 7000 years ago, Ras Al Khaimah is dotted with historical sites including ruins and forts, of which four locations – Julfar, Shimal, Jazirah Al Hamra and Dhayah – were recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on its tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. An immersive trip to Suwaidi Pearls Farm, the only pearl farm in the UAE, provides you with a glimpse into the Emirate’s pearling industry through experiences such as pearl diving and oyster opening.

You can also take a trip back in time at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah or delve into the region’s desert camps, which offer an authentic Arabian experience under the stars.

WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY Considered as the fastest growing destination in the Middle East, Ras Al Khaimah set a global benchmark by being the first city in the world to be certified safe by the ‘SafeGuard Label’ from Bureau Veritas and the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ from the World Travel and Tourism Council. The Emirate was also named the ‘Gulf Tourism Capital’ for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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As a case study in successful COVID-19 management, visitors can benefit from a range of health and safety protocols, including free PCR testing when staying two nights or longer until 31 December 2021.

Ras Al Khaimah also offers its visitors the best in hospitality, with a wide choice of options offering three-, four- and five-star accommodation from some of the greatest brands in hospitality, including two RitzCarlton hotels - Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra Beach, Waldorf Astoria, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island and The Cove Rotana Resort, which provide high-end modern amenities such as private pools, spa days and beachfront fun for the whole family. The world’s largest Hampton

by Hilton opened in July 2021 with over 500 rooms and the first to offer an all-inclusive resort concept. Popular for the festive season, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show in Marjan Island has earned its iconic status by setting five Guinness World Records in the past three years.

A series of new properties operated by global brands will be launched across the Emirate over the next three years including Mövenpick, Intercontinental, Radisson and Sofitel.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Jebel Jais is fast becoming known as the adventure hub of the Middle East, with world-class attractions and projects in the pipeline to further cater to visitors’ demand for fun, wholesome experiences. Over the past years, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has unveiled a series of exciting sustainable adventure projects on the mountain. The Jais Adventure Park is a gateway to attractions such as Jais Viewing Deck Park, Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline and Jais Zipline Sky Tour.

The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp made its regional debut on Jebel Jais, offering the world’s first Bear Grylls branded accommodation. The camp provides courses of varying lengths, putting participants faceto-face with some of the toughest terrains in the wilderness.

They receive hands-on practical training and extreme survival techniques, and can also enjoy mountain biking, hiking and climbing.

Topping off the experience are 16 recycled branded cabins where guests can spend the night.

Thrill seekers can enjoy a rush of adrenaline while backpacking, abseiling, and canyoning, all with the support of adventure tour companies that provide certified and knowledgeable outdoor guides.

Those looking to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s unique terracotta desert can explore it with unrivalled horse and camel riding experiences across the rolling dunes.

AN ECO-CONSCIOUS VISIT Ras Al Khaimah recently announced its comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy that will see the Emirate become a leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025. This strategy focuses on nature, leisure, adventure, accessibility and authenticity with the aim to capture the imagination of a growing segment of travellers who desire something different- that is defined by sustainability, wellness, adventure and unchartered moments – and seek safe and expansive experiences in the new normal of travel.

The destination works with the globally renowned sustainable tourism experts, EarthCheck to co-create genuine sustainable practices.

This will help the Emirate achieve reduced food wastages, increased recycling, and decreased energy and water consumption across all hotels. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has also launched a programme of sustainable tourism related education.

visitrasalkhaimah.com

The Emirate has also invested USD 136 million to facilitate the development of over 20 sustainable tourism projects, all of which are purpose built with sustainability standards and processes. Some of the 20 eco-friendly attractions opening across the destination include eco-friendly and glamping experiences, Jais Wings- the first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC, and Jais Sledder - the region’s longest toboggan ride.

MEETINGS, INCENTIVES, CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS As a leading MICE destination in the region, Ras Al Khaimah offers event organizers impeccable facilities across the Emirate with sprawling grounds and public spaces as well as a plethora of experiences at affordable rates. The picturesque landscapes lend themselves perfectly to incentives with team-building and corporate activities.

The destination was also one of the first to hold an in-person event post-lockdown with the Arab Aviation Summit at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Several other international conventions take place annually, including the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit (GIOHIS) and Global Citizen Forum, gathering world leaders and visionaries together.

EXHILIRATING SPORTING EVENTS The Emirate also plays host to a number of prestigious global sporting events all year round including the world’s fastest half marathon that has been running for 15 editions - The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Tough Mudder, Spartan Ras Al Khaimah Race, Desert Warrior Challenge, UAE Cycling Championship and the UAE Tour – all of which play a significant role in boosting sporting tourism in the Emirate. In 2021, Ras Al Khaimah also hosted the first ever ‘HIGHLANDER’ hiking experience in the GCC, and The PGA European Tour will visit Ras Al Khaimah in February 2022.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Ras Al Khaimah is an attractive and affordable luxury destination for investors having launched the SelectRAK initiative, in partnership with Arton Capital – a Government Advisory Company.

Providing a gateway to affordable luxury in a fast-growing destination, the seamless and stress-free process provides investors with access to all relevant Government entities and an attractive product portfolio.

It facilitates the customer journey to help you understand what programmes best suits your profile. The initiative supports investors not only in registering and operating international businesses from Ras Al Khaimah but also in finding a home in the Emirate, organising financial packages and medical insurance. Additionally, it provides long-term residence visas for those who meet the Government mandated criteria.

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THE WONDERS OF JAPAN

Promising the trip of a lifetime, Japan is home to an unmatched diversity of breathtaking natural beauty, an intriguing culture, and world-renowned cuisine

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enowned for its understated but highly attentive hospitality, Japan has much to offer the luxury traveller, from the snowfields of Hokkaido in the north to the lush subtropical jungle and the pristine coral reefs of Okinawa in the south, to the high mountains and forests that cover 80 percent of the country, and on to the bustling streets of Tokyo and magnificent temples and shrines of Kyoto. Take the journey and unveil the most exclusive experiences covering the realms of art and architecture, culture and cuisine, and nature, across the entire Japanese archipelago.

An experience like no other, Japan is an intriguing country in which futuristic bullet trains and skyscrapers and centuriesold shrines and temples coexist in a harmony unique to this enchanting island nation.

GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES Since food is a very serious business in Japan, it’s no surprise that Japanese food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world.

Time-tested preparation techniques, combined with great attention paid to the provenance of ingredients, is what lies at the heart of Japanese cooking, and even the utensils used are just as highly valued as the chefs preparing the mouthwatering food.

This attention to detail means that you will dine like royalty

throughout your stay, whether you’re eating in a fine dining restaurant or sampling a hot broth at a neighbourhood noodle bar.

Eating out in Japan can feel like a private performance that invigorates all your senses. From the displays of fresh seafood in tanks to the dramatic open kitchens with flaming grills and the ceremony of ancient food preparation techniques, the drama of Japanese dining will leave you with a satisfied palate and unforgettable memories.

Flavour balance, skill and a desire for perfection set Japanese cuisine apart. It’s no wonder it has been distinguished with a UNESCO cultural heritage award. When eating in Japan, expect to be served the best seafood in the world, beef that melts in the mouth like butter, and the most well-presented and best-tasting sashimi on the planet.

With Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto featuring prominently in international coverage of fine dining, there’s no shortage of outstanding eating options. And it’s not just Japanese cuisine on offer, since the commitment to excellence extends into a very wide offering of cuisines from around the world.

To elevate your Japanese taste experience why not enlist the expertise of a private chef who can take you on a personal food tour of Japan, intimately discuss the creations with you and reveal all the nuances in the tastes of Japanese cuisine?

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NATURAL WONDERS Beyond the buzz of its cosmopolitan cities, the Japanese archipelago has a diverse wealth of natural wonders for intrepid travellers to explore. Stretching 3,000 kilometres from Russia down to Taiwan, Japan offers every climate you could wish for, from the snowfields of Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa. The country is mostly magnificent mountains, covered in forests, and surrounded by beaches. So, if you are looking for an adrenaline-filled experience in Japan’s great outdoors, you can enjoy the natural wonders of this diverse island country by taking a scenic tour along a seaside trail, white water rafting down a wild river, or hiking through virgin forests. These are but a few of the great Japanese adventures available to the intrepid traveller.

A great respect for nature’s power and splendour is one of

CULTURAL AND UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS Proudly celebrating the arts, scholarship, architecture, tradition and innovation, Japan is an ancient country with a unique and captivating culture and home to Living National Treasures, craftspeople who have dedicated their lives to mastering an art, in the process preserving practices and philosophies for future generations. Travellers can meet with these artisans, learning the importance and significance of the traditions they preserve, while appreciating the nuances of their art.

When travelling in Japan there is much to learn – for this is a 72 DEC 2021

the central principles of Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous animist religion, and this island country’s spectacular natural beauty is one of its greatest and largely undiscovered attractions. Large parts of the country are protected, so visitors can explore a multitude of natural environments, from forests filled with wildlife and sacred spirits to beaches with glowing sands, and ancient paths to hike that will leave you enlightened and uplifted.

Exploring new terrain by sea or by rail can be a magical—and luxurious—experience, with a constantly changing vista seen from the window of a luxury cruise ship or train carriage. From the comfort of your seat, you can take in the diverse scenery of Japan and appreciate the very Japanese concept of transient beauty.

culture developed over long centuries at times in isolation from the rest of the world. Here you come to appreciate just how much work goes into shaping the simplest item and, in turn, admire it all the more. Entertainment really is like nowhere else, with performances where dance and highly controlled movements replace language, and a visit to a Japanese museum could turn into a whole package experience ranging from art to history. If it is a memorable cultural experience catered to personal interests that you seek, then Japan has much to offer.

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ACCOMMODATION Whether you wish to wake up in the cocooned comfort of a plush bed in an international hotel or on a futon on tatami mats in a traditional ryokan, Japan’s versatile luxury accommodation will make you feel instantly at home.

For the discerning traveller who enjoys accommodation with a global appeal, Japan is home to some of the world’s finest boutique and flagship hotels with cutting-edge facilities in prime locations.

Here you can enjoy a cocktail in the opulent surroundings of a rooftop bar with views over a glittering metropolitan nightscape.

If you prefer a more authentic Japanese experience, a ryokan resort with its refined interiors, tatami mat flooring, futon bed, and yukata robes will give you a taste of traditional Japan with

a luxury twist. Here you can relax, unwind and experience the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality and age-old customs said to date back to the 8th century.

Located in secluded pockets of the breathtaking Japanese countryside, these luxury hideaways will awaken your senses with spacious accommodation and private alfresco hot spring baths surrounded by nature. The ryokan is the perfect break from busy city life.

Be it a design hotel with attentive service, a taste of the traditional or an escape-it-all rural retreat, world-renowned Japanese hospitality will make you feel pampered and relaxed so that you can fully enjoy your time away.

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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: THE GEM OF THE CARIBBEANS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC From an azure blue desktop screen to the real deal: paradise is calling

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lthough the global pandemic paralyzed many industries, it has fueled the global investment migration industry, as potential investors started to place considerable value on mobility when selecting a second citizenship and residence.

Notably in one of the Caribbean’s buzziest destinations, who reported another record-breaking month of tourism performance.

Antigua and Barbuda welcomed just under 18,800 visitors to the destination in August, an all-time record for the month – eclipsing its previous record set back in 2018. With the twin islands seeing an increase in vaccination rates for COVID-19, on-island restrictions have been eased allowing visitors a chance to enjoy some newly re-opened tourism experiences.

Antigua and Barbuda has been widely praised for its timely and thorough response to the pandemic, resulting in a safe and healthy environment for their citizens and residents with a well-equipped Infectious Diseases Clinic run by trained health professionals and experienced medical personnel.

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organizations such as the Antigua and Barbuda CIU to become more nimble and responsive in an effort to maintain and increase market share. “Fortunately, our CIP has enjoyed a sustained interest and applications have increased to near pre-Covid 19 levels,” shares Mrs. Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, Chief Executive Officer of the CIU. Ever since its inception in 2013, Antigua and Barbuda have processed 2,687 applications, of which have helped attract nearly US $1 billion to its economy.

“The CIP has been significantly beneficial to the country of Antigua and Barbuda. Not only has this program generated considerable non-tax revenue to the government, but it has been critical to the energizing of real estate and construction sectors, providing hundreds of jobs and sustained increase in payroll taxes and aggregate demand,” states Mrs. Quinland-Donovan.

The National Development Fund (NDF) represents about 81% of all applications, while real estate investments at around 10%, and the remainder directed to business investments and the University of West Indies Fund, one of the industry’s most

LIFESTYLE

competitive investment options for larger families.

“The impact of the program has also played a role on the quality of life for so many in our beloved country,” added Mrs. Quinland-Donovan. Revenues from the program have been essential in supporting government provisions of critical services to vulnerable groups, funding the repair of government buildings, some of which house families affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, supporting disaster mitigation and recovery efforts, funding for sustainable initiatives, education and schooling institutions, and most critically responding to the Covid-19

pandemic.

Earlier in 2021, Antigua and Barbuda also announced a new ‘Digital Nomad’ Residency Program that welcomes qualified individuals and their families to work remotely from the islands.

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – and with strong Wi-Fi and internet coverage across the islands, Digital Nomad residents of Antigua and Barbuda indulged in the opportunity to enjoy the ease of life in paradise while running their businesses, communicating with loved ones, and even attending classes and seminars entirely online.

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LIFESTYLE THE STUBBLE BUDDY

Meet the game-changing, bathroom-cleaning vacuum designed to quickly clean up hair left behind on your bathroom counter, sink, and floor after you trim. The Stubble Buddy quietly vacuums beard hair and hair clippings in seconds so there's no more mess, clogged drains, hairy floors, or dirty sinks.

PIQO PROJECTOR

Embark on an immersive cinematic media viewing experience with the PIQO HD 1080p Projector. Equipped with a 200-lumen bulb, this pocket-sized projector provides an incredible HD viewing experience with a massive 240-inch image in stunning clarity and superior picture brightness whether it’s day or night. The addition of built-in Hi-Fi speaker eliminates any need for portable audio devices so you can enjoy your favourite movies, shows, and music on the go.

BELLROY RFID-BLOCKING WALLET

These RFID-protected wallets and passport holders keep your cards safe from electronic skimmers, adding a layer of security for more peace of mind. Crafted from premium, durable materials, Bellroy’s wallets balance clever storage with slim design, while keeping all your valuables safely stored.

KAHUNA ZERO-GRAVITY MASSAGE CHAIR

Kahuna Massage Chairs utilise state-of-the-art design and innovative technology, including proprietary 3D and 4D rollers, and a human-like touch for the ultimate zero gravity relaxation experience. The brand has also received acclaim for American inpatient rehabilitation treatments.

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TECHNOLOGY

SMART SNORE EYE MASK

Achieve more restful sleep for yourself—and anyone who may be sleeping next to you— with the Smart Snore Eye Mask.

It uses advanced sound recognition and bone conduction technologies to accurately recognise snoring. Once detected, it utilises 36 levels of progressive micro-vibrations to gently stir you without waking you. These light vibrations encourage your body to adjust the muscles in your throat that can constrict breathing—effectively eliminating the cause of snoring so you can sleep more soundly.

BOSE FRAMES TEMPO

Experience high-quality sound—without headphones. Bose Frames Tempo are high-performance sport sunglasses with a revolutionary Bose Open Ear Audio design that allows you to hear your music and your surroundings at the same time for a workout unlike any other. With its sweat and weatherresistant design, light weight, aerodynamic nylon frame, and soft, silicone nose pads, Tempo is designed for comfort and performance, ideal for use both indoors and out.

SONY PLAYSTATION 5

Gaming has come a long way since Mario. The PlayStation 5 is the largest console in history, and it uses its power to immerse you in new ways. You’ll stare at 8K graphics and listen to redesigned sound, all while battling through Fortnite with a redesigned controller that uses haptic feedback and pressuresensitive trigger.

VECNOS IQUI

This pocket-sized gadget strives to simplify 360-degree photography. While it’s not much bigger than a Sharpie, this 360-degree camera punches above its weight. With four lenses, one of which points straight up, you can focus on being in the moment and not worrying about catching the right angle.

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TECHNOLOGY

MORE PRO THAN EVER BEFORE iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, push the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone

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edesigned inside and out, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max introduce an all-new Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, featuring an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, making the touch experience faster and more responsive. The pro camera system gets its biggest advancement ever with new Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras that capture stunning photos and video, powered by the unmatched powerful performance of A15 Bionic. These technologies enable impressive new photo capabilities never possible on iPhone, like macro photography on the new Ultra Wide camera and up to 2.2x improved low-light performance on the new Wide camera.

New photography features like Photographic Styles personalise the look of images in the Camera app, and both models now include Night mode on all cameras.

Video takes a huge leap forward with Cinematic mode for beautiful depth-of-field transitions, macro video, Timelapse and Slo-mo, and even better low-light performance.

Both models also offer end-to-end pro workflows in Dolby Vision, and for the first time, ProRes, only available on iPhone. iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max also include 5G with more bands for better coverage, big improvements to battery life for the best battery life ever on iPhone with iPhone 13 Pro Max, new storage capacity of 1TB, and the Ceramic Shield front cover, tougher than any smartphone glass. iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be available in four stunning finishes, including graphite, gold, silver, and the all-new sierra blue. “iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max make up our most pro iPhone lineup ever with the biggest advancement for our camera system, the best battery life ever in an iPhone, and the fastest performance of any smartphone, setting a new standard for iPhone and enabling incredible experiences never before possible,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The new pro camera system offers even more pro photography capabilities like improved telephoto zoom, macro photography, Photographic Styles, Cinematic mode, as well as ProRes and Dolby Vision video. The Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion is our best display ever; it intelligently responds to the content on your screen, offers fantastic graphics performance, and is perfect for any viewing experience.”

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TECHNOLOGY

UNFOLD YOUR WORLD Samsung has opened the next chapter in foldable innovation with the new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

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amsung’s latest innovation is a premium foldable smartphone built with the craftsmanship and flagship innovations Samsung users have come to love and expect. The third generation of these category-defining devices incorporates key improvements, making it more durable with more optimised foldable experiences than ever before. From iconic design to immersive entertainment, Z Fold3 offers unique new ways to work, watch, and play.

For those who need the ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment, Z Fold3 is a true multitasking powerhouse with next-level performance, an undisrupted 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display, and the first-ever S Pen support on a foldable device.

“With Galaxy Z Fold3, Samsung is once again redefining the possibilities with foldable smartphones that empower users with the flexibility and versatility needed for today’s fast-paced world,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “As a pioneer and industry leader in the foldable category, we’re proud to build on our legacy of innovation with the Z Fold3. These devices equip consumers with technologies that unlock new ways to maximise and enjoy every moment with an ecosystem built on openness and innovation.”

The revolutionary Hideaway Hinge enables the devices to stay in place at any angle for innovative user experiences with Flex mode. The Hideaway Hinge is also thinner and sleeker than ever before. Z Fold3 was also put through a strenuous folding test, verified by Bureau Veritas, to withstand folding 200,000 times.

Plus, it’s equipped with the latest 5G band compatibility for the best experience inside and out.

Unfold Z Fold3 to immerse yourself in theater-like viewing experiences and stay fully engaged in your favourite content on the uninterrupted 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display—thanks to the new under display camera technology.

For the first time ever on the Galaxy Z series, Samsung is bringing its beloved Note series technology to Z Fold3—the S Pen functionality. Take advantage of fully optimised S Pen features on their foldable screen, which is a perfect fit for on-the-go multitaskers. On Z Fold3’s massive Main Screen, it’s easier than ever to jot down notes during a video call or check off a to-do list while reading emails, and power your creativity and productivity with the S Pen, which features a specially engineered retractable Pro tip with force limit technology to protect the phone’s main screen for peace of mind while using the S Pen. Productivity seekers will also enjoy Z Fold3’s enhanced Flex mode features, which let you do more at once, such as joining a video call on the device’s top screen while checking meeting notes on the bottom. With Z Fold3’s updated Multi-Active Window, it’s even easier to make dinner plans over text while checking your calendar,.

Z Fold3 is built with a sleeker, thinner, and lighter design for even better portability than Galaxy Z Fold2. It comes with a choice of three timeless colors: Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver.

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LIFESTYLE

RAY-BAN AND FACEBOOK INTRODUCE FIRST-GENERATION SMART GLASSES

Ray-Ban Stories smart eyeglasses and smart sunglasses, with camera and audio, combine legendary Facebook technology and iconic Ray-Ban style

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ay-Ban Stories smart glasses give you a new way to capture photos and video, share your adventures and listen to music or take phone calls — so you can stay present with friends, family and the world around you.

Ray-Ban Stories’ dual integrated 5MP cameras let you capture life’s moments as they happen from a unique first-person perspective. You can easily record the world as you see it, taking photos and up to 30-second videos using the capture button or hands-free with Facebook Assistant voice commands. A hardwired capture LED lights up to let people nearby know when you’re taking a photo or video. Streamlined, open-ear speakers are built in, and Ray-Ban Stories’ three-microphone audio array delivers richer voice and sound transmission for calls and videos.

Beamforming technology and a background noise suppression algorithm provide for an enhanced calling experience like you’d expect from dedicated headphones.

Ray-Ban Stories pairs with the new Facebook View app,

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so you can share your stories and memories seamlessly with friends and social media followers. The Facebook View app on iOS and Android makes it easy to import, edit and share content captured on the smart glasses to apps on your phone: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, and more. You can also save content to your phone’s camera roll and edit and share from there. And new, exclusive post-capture enhancements built into Facebook View let you create unique content to put a special spin on your posts.

Designed with privacy in mind, Ray-Ban Stories has numerous built-in features to provide control and peace of mind to both device owners and bystanders.

Ray-Ban Stories are available in 20 variations, in classic Ray-Ban styles — Wayfarer, Wayfarer Large, Round and Meteor — and five colours with a range of lenses, including clear, sun, transition and prescription, so you can choose the style that’s right for you.

TECHNOLOGY

MONTENEGRO Citizenship by Investment Program

Sail to a world of possibilities. Anchor in Montenegro.

Invest from € 250,000 in an approved real estate project in addition to a donation of € 100,000 to qualify for residency and citizenship in Montenegro, one of Europe's youngest and most promissing countries.

Qualify for citizenship in 6 months.

Become a Global Citizen®

EMPOWERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP®

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T + 971 4 456 9220 | INFO@ARTONCAPITAL.COM

Arton Capital is a leading global financial advisory firm providing custom tailored services for immigrant investor programs to government agencies, certified partners and high net-worth individuals and families from around the world. Become a Global Citizen® and Empowering Global Citizenship® are registered trademarks of Arton Capital.

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LIFESTYLE

FLY ON THE WAVES

Inspired by supercars, Italian-based Centrostiledesign has dreamed up what might be the future of boating

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he Future-E concept boat is an opulent water vessel that draws its design inspiration from supercars to provide drivers with a stylish way to get around on water.

The boat features a futuristic interior that is spacious enough to accommodate a driver along with up to three passengers, while the dashboard is equipped with a series of wraparound displays. It is supported by four foils that lift the boat out of the water as it builds up speed — topping out at an impressive 30

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knots. A kinematic system most closely associated with an F1 racer suspension makes your ride across the water stable and comfortable. The shape of the foils also serves as a cradle to store the vessel on the deck of a superyacht or on any land surface.

The concept foiling yacht is the closest thing to a "flying boat" and is being billed as a zero-impact boat with no carbon emissions, noise, or even waves, thanks to its 100% recycled carbon fiber and all-electric engine.

The largest Real Estate developer of Rehabilitation Projects for Portugal Golden Visa

15 Projects 2 Hotels in Operation

CASA DA COMPANHIA HOTEL, PORTO

CASA DAS LÉRIAS HOTEL, PORTO

Opening doors to the future.

2021 DEC

info@mercanproperties.pt l www.mercanproperties.pt

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