GMT GCC N6 Q2 2024

Sweet Escapes

Short-haul extravagance in the Maldives, Türkiye and the GCC

Travel’s Top Minds

Jetex’s Adel Mardini knows no limit

Jumeirah: Legend in its lifetime

Aventi Enygma

The new Opal PMT goes galactic

Our Time

The reinvention of Speake Marin Vacheron Constantin’s wonder

Destination: Luxe

How to shop, eat and spa both at home and away

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

AHMED SEDDIQI & SONS

DUBAI

Dubai Mall

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DUBAI

Mall of the Emirates

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ABU DHABI

The Galleria

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QATAR

BLUE SALON

Doha

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KUWAIT

BEHBEHANI PRESTIGE

The Avenues Mall – Prestige Al Rai

+965 22060555 behbehaniprestige

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BRIDGING THE GULF

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Re ned livingin Marasi Bay

Amidst the shimmering waters and gentle breeze of Marasi Bay, grand serenity meets the vibrant pulse of the city. OMNIYAT’s twin masterpieces, VELA and VELA Viento, rise

high, heralding a new era of ultra-luxury living where land and water blend in celestial harmony. Welcome to a destination that transcends the imagination.

Time Travelto

The temperature is rising, the mid-year fatigue is setting in, so where do our thoughts turn to? Travel, of course – whether grand adventures or quick escapes, the call of a change of scenery has to be answered. If you’re at a loss for where to head to this summer season, don’t fret: as the Middle East gears up for a fun-filled summer, GMT GCC explores the hottest destinations and travel trends that are a must for any distinguished globetrotter. Perhaps Hong Kong, a destination making a play for the Middle Eastern traveller, is worth a spin (page 50) or maybe you’ll stay closer to home – we caught up with Jumeirah’s regional vice president Giovanni Beretta at the Burj Al Arab to hear all about the iconic hospitality group’s inner workings and how tough things can get at the top (page 56).

Further afield, the region’s most influential travel industry figures gave us the lowdown on escapes for those wanting to beat the heat and discover epic journeys sure to get any intrepid explorer’s heart racing. From the bustling delights of Türkiye’s lesser-known gems as recommended by CNN’s travel specialist Richard Quest (page 64) and the masterplan behind AlUla’s growth (page 38) to the tranquillity of Maldivian sands – experienced for the first time by GMT GCC’s Publisher Deremi Ajidahun on page 170 – you can take your pick from the top hotels and destinations both near and far.

o how to get there? GMT GCC sat with Adel Mardini, the visionary founder and CEO of private jet sensation Jetex, to understand how the most exclusive method of travel works and how he sees the future of his industry. Turn to page 44 to hear more about his incredible personal journey. Planning to stick around? The brains behind Butterfly Social (page 128) and The Luxury Network (page 112) explain how to get the most from your socialising.

nd not forgetting your timepiece – the GMT GCC team made our way to Watches and Wonders in April (page 162) to be able to run down the most desirable launches from the spring season and help you find the perfect travel partner, whether diving, road-tripping or simply looking chic on the sand. Enjoy a journey into the heart of Vacheron Constantin (page 116) and words of wisdom from Cartier’s outgoing CEO and new chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy Cyrille Vigneron (page 94). And for some serious ‘wow’ factor get cosy with Aventi’s stratospheric Enygma Opal PMT – this issue’s spectacular cover star. Near or far, luxe high-end or rustic and authentic, we’ve got your travel plans covered. Set your GMT to a new time zone – we’re about to get international.

RACHEL SILVESTRI I Editor @rachel.bds rachel@gmtgcc.com

Contributors

Drawing talent from an international pool of professionals, the following specialist watch industry writers and editors have made expert contributions to this edition of GMT GCC.

BRICE LECHEVALIER

An entrepreneur at heart, the founder of GMT magazine and Editor-in-Chief of the Swiss and international editions is always brimming with new ideas. He nurtures an unbridled passion for watchmaking that he is able to convey to readers through his insightful articles.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

A writer and editor whose career has taken her to every continent on the planet — as well as inside some of Swiss watchmaking’s most sacred spaces — GMT GCC’s Editor Rachel has a passion for travel. Read her insights into the region’s travel trends (page 50), as well as her interviews with the new generation of private members’ clubs: Butterfly Social (page 128) and The Luxury Network (page 112).

MARIE DE PIMODAN

When she’s not out in the field meeting industry players, visiting a manufacture or discovering a new product, you’ll find this expert watch journalist at GMT Publishing, writing an article for the magazine or adding her two cents to WorldTempus

STEVEN ROGERS

Steven is Senior Editor at WorldTempus. He has worked in watchmaking for over a decade, first as a communications consultant, then as a brand communications manager, before becoming a watch journalist. His skill lies in breaking down the world of complicated watchmaking and making it accessible to all.

DEREMI AJIDAHUN

This issue, GMT GCC’s roving publisher visited Watches and Wonders, met Jetex and Jumeirah’s head honchos and took a firsttime trip to the Maldives – get the lowdown on the resorts he visited on page 74 and page 83, and read his personal experiences on page 170. Life’s a beach!

EMILY BAXTER-PRIEST

Luxury travel and lifestyle editor Emily has lived in the Middle East for the past 16 years and has visited 36 countries – and counting. Who better, then, to guide us around some of the region’s most decadent hotels. Turn to page 77 to read her recommendations, from Muscat to Istanbul.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN page 116

watchmaking community and on social media, Andrea is a 1998-born Milanese watch collector trying to rejuvenate the industry with his content and passion.

OLIVIER MÜLLER

Olivier Müller is a professional watchmaking journalist. He divides his time between Geneva and Paris, covering the watch industry for a dozen or so magazines and specialist websites. He is also the author of several reference works.

LOUIS-OLIVIER MAURY

Louis-Olivier likes to discuss time and watchmaking with Michelin-starred chefs. In his 24 hours in the life of… column, he invites us to take a backstage look at great restaurants, by giving a voice to those who pamper the taste buds of the world’s finest gourmets. This issue? We head to the Jumeirah Capri Palace to meet Chef Andrea Migliaccio.

SUZANNE WONG

WorldTempus journalist Suzanne shares her passion for watches through her articles. She enthusiastically conveys her expertise and watchmaking knowledge to her passionately interested readers.

RICHARD QUEST

Richard is an anchor, correspondent, CNN Business editor-at-large, and the host of Quest’s World of Wonder. In this issue of GMT GCC he takes us on an exclusive journey to some of Türkiye’s most captivating destinations on page 64.

KUNLE AGBOOLA

GMT GCC’s design whizzkid Kunle is responsible for the distinctive look and feel of every issue, and no task is ever too much for him. No matter how far we push his patience on deadline, he never fails to get the job done. Check out our beautiful Travel features to see his work in action!

SOPHIE FURLEY

The Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Director at WorldTempus loves telling the stories of passionate people and the incredible timepieces they create.

CAMILLE GUILLE

With an account name like @perpetual.girl, how could one not be interested in the Instagram accounts she recommends? As passionate about social media as she is about the watches she discovers, Camille tells us which personalities to follow and why.

MATHIEU ROTZER

As sales and marketing manager for The Millennium Watch Book, Mathieu is driven by the desire to promote watchmaking culture through this 10-year project. A perfect example of how the younger generation loves mechanical watches.

TRAVEL

94 CARTIER’S CYRILLE VIGNERON

98 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED: What’s in it for you?

100 SPRING AUCTION INSIDER VIEW

102 TIME TRAVEL MACHINES: Vintage, the trend that won’t quit

106 SPEAKE MARIN’S CHRISTELLE ROSNOBLET

RACHEL SILVESTRI

Intergalactic Cover Story

Breaking through to new horizons in watchmaking, Aventi’s Enygma Opal PMT takes this pioneering brand’s star ever higher.

It’s been a rollercoaster three years for Aventi, a brand still in its infancy by horological standards, but already with a DNA as strong as any two-hundredyear-old Maison. A highly distinctive case shape, an embracing of unique materials and a distribution policy more akin to a matchmaking service than a commercial enterprise are the hallmarks of this watchmaker, making its flights of high-end horological fantasy even more elusive and fascinating. With so many of watchmaking’s standards turned topsy-turvy in Aventi’s world, it’s little wonder that their newest release follows its predecessors’ trend towards something we’ve never seen before – and completely hits the ball out of the park. 

‘‘

The Enygma is the culmination of years of research and dedication, representing a major leap in our pursuit of pushing the boundaries of material innovation.

’’

It looks different. It feels different. And, oh boy, is this watch truly something different. Like a pulsating celestial body that’s fallen to Earth, the Aventi Enygma Opal PMT has to be beheld to be believed, turned from side to side to truly appreciate the everchanging and completely captivating opalescence of its case.

Using a proprietary never-seen-before-in-horology material that’s as rare as it is stunning, a composite using an 80 per cent silica base painstakingly combined with 20 per cent premium polymer forms the Opal PMT – polymer matrix technology – that the case is carved from. Mimicking the tens of millions of years-long process that creates natural opal, Opal PMT can be formed to make the 250-carat stone the case is hollowed out from in just one year. A perfect recreation of opal’s exquisite and fascinating many-levelled beauty, this case material nevertheless overcomes the mined stone’s various limitations – strength and durability are a given, depth and variety of colours is astounding and the luminous, iridescent opalesque case gives the impression of staring into a never-ending universe.

“With the Enygma, we’ve not only continued to break the traditions of haute horology but also blended it with a piece of the cosmos,” an Aventi spokesperson told GMT GCC. “The Enygma is the culmination of years of research and dedication, representing a major leap in our pursuit of pushing the boundaries of material innovation.”

But the clarity, radiance and sheer eye-catching vibrancy of the Enygma’s case is just the beginning of this timepiece’s fascinating story. Its skeletonised ‘stardust’ dial has the highest concentration of Swiss lume ever seen in horology, lighting the translucent Opal PMT from the inside and bathing the timepiece in its otherworldly glow. It takes two years to craft each Enygma, and due to the painstakingly precise process needed to perfect every part of its creation only 10 pieces can be made per year. Powered by Aventi’s proprietary hand-wound tourbillon calibre GT-01S, with a power reserve of 105 hours and all the bevelled and polished edges that a lover of horology could ever desire, a very serious and complex heart beats at the centre of this wildly avant garde timepiece. 

AVENTI ENYGMA OPAL PMT

CASE: Aventi’s unique design, crafted from Opal PMT, featuring 124 edges and 92 facets, with sapphire crystal glass and 14 layers of anti-reflective coating.

SIZE: 44mm x 49mm

MOVEMENT: GT-01S Swiss tourbillon movement, +/- 4 secs/day, 105-hour power reserve, manual winding. 2000 gauss magnetic resistant, 5000G shock resistant.

FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, seconds

DIAL: Stardust Dial with Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova applied using Atomosis, silk-printed red minute markers

HANDS: Sapphire crystal, 0.3mm thick, bordered with Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova

CROWN: Grade 5 titanium with Tyamine coating and Swiss BGW9 lume

STRAP: Polar white FCR rubber with Grade 5 titanium DLC-coated butterfly clasp, featuring BGW9 lume

PRICE: CHF 88,000 (Dhs 359,850 approx.)

Aventi Enygma Opal PMT

And then there are the hands. In a blink-andyou’ll-miss-them stroke of genius, they are crafted entirely from sapphire crystal, a near-impossible task that can only be performed by the most specialised of craftsmen. And so they don’t get lost against the complexity of the dial? A precise border of lume is applied, using a microscope to ensure even this minutest of details is perfectly spick and span. It’s all set on the latest iteration of Aventi’s soft-touch rubber strap, now with added vents to increase wearability and comfort, as well as a cavity to fit the brand’s distinctive 12 o’ clock crown. Twice as dense as natural rubber and prized for its durability, nevertheless Aventi wanted to give its wearers a sense of softness and suppleness with this strap – which delivers on all fronts.

When Aventi says that it wants to be the watch brand ‘for those who want more’, they aren’t kidding. From more exotic and innovative materials and more daring, appealing design, to more impressive movements and even more desirable rubber on the strap, the Maison is finding ways to keep pushing what’s possible and what’s ‘done’ in horology to the max. This brand may be young, but its integrity and recognition of the power of its distinctive designs and continued experimentation demonstrates a maturity well beyond its short years. So where’s the limit? If this intergalactic new timepiece is anything to go by, Aventi is a Maison without limits – and only time will tell how far it will go. We can’t wait to see the next trick they have up their sleeves.

Regional News

RACHEL SILVESTRI

Saudi International Luxury Week brought the sparkle

Jeddah and Riyadh were lit up in a captivating display of cultural, horological and bling-tastic exchange at the end of April and the beginning of May, as more than 100 international brands brought their high-end wares to the Kingdom. Fine collections of jewellery and watches wowed the crowds who gathered in the plush surrounds of the Jeddah Hilton and the Mandarin Orien-

tal Riyadh, making this the largest edition of the rapidly expanding event yet. International names such as GirardPerregaux, Franck Muller and Fabergé rubbed shoulders with renowned regional favourites Alfardan and Amwaj Jewellery, making it an enriching experience for lovers of both jewels and watchmaking alike. saudiluxuryweek.com

Fashion Trust Arabia

event spotlights the region’s design stars

With its hotly-anticipated ceremony cancelled last December due to the conflict in Gaza, Fashion Trust Arabia took the opportunity to celebrate its 2023 winners a little late with a lush dinner held at London’s Claridge’s hotel in June. A prize that honours creative communities across the Arab world, each year designers across seven categories are recognised in a star-studded event – with British-

Lebanese designer Katarina Tarazi taking this year’s jewellery category. The 2024 ceremony is due to take place in Marrakech in October, but last year’s winners didn’t miss out as Salma Hayek-Pinault made a Boucheron-bedecked appearance at their belated celebration, alongside the evening’s panellist Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Princess Eugenie of York. fashiontrustarabia.com

SAUDI ARABIA

Regional jewellery authority Azza Fahmy imparts her wisdom

A pioneer of jewellery in the MENA region and with 50 years in the industry under her belt. Azza Fahmy knows a thing or two about Middle Eastern mores. Having published the incredible story of her journey to becoming a conduit for the region’s tastes, art and heritage to the world via jewellery in Arabic in 2021, her fascinating memoir is now – finally – available in English language too. From her early years in Egypt, to becoming the country’s first female jewellery artisan by training in Cairo’s intimidating Khan AlKhalili bazaar, to conquering the world of international high jewels, My Life In Jewelry is a rip-roaring read and a must for afficionados of both craftsmanship and Middle Eastern culture. “Writing my autobiography gave me the opportunity to discover a lot about myself,” says the inspirational jewellery artist. “It was the first time I thought about all the things I’ve gone through over the years. It was a challenging journey, but more beautiful than I could have imagined.” azzafahmy.com

GMT GCC fans share their stash…

This issue, avid readers Prasad, Ayako and Ibrahim sent us pictures of their full collection of GMT GCC magazines, a prized resource in their DIFC office. The trio of fans, all colleagues working in finance, say that the issues are great conversation starters. “I leave the magazine on my desk at all times, so people pick it up,” says Ayako. “All three of us always read GMT GCC as soon as it comes out and we look forward to each issue.” A big thank you to the tremendous threesome from all the team at GMT GCC for your support!

If you’d like to feature in the next issue of GMT GCC, send an email to editorial@gmtgcc.com with a picture of you reading your copy...

High times for high jewellery and watchmaking

A series of exceptional launches during June made our heads spin – here’s GMT GCC’s pick of the new sparklers.

Paying tribute to the eternal city of Rome and celebrating 140 years of Bulgari creations, the Bulgari Aeterna collection was truly something else. The standout pieces were undeniably creative director of watchmaking Fabrizio Buonamassa’s breathtaking timepieces, that found a place among Lucia Silvestri’s diamond-dripping necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The Fuochi d’Artificio bangle watch certainly had us seeing fireworks, while the Fenice’s feathered intricacy really is a sight to behold.

Bulgari: Aeterna Pomellato: The Dualism of Milan

This two-faced assemblage featuring crisp, simple gold, pearl and diamonds alongside a kaleidoscopic riot of colour made for a triumphant range of jewels – and only Pomellato’s fifth ever high jewellery collection. Named Milan’s Monochromatic Treasures and Milanese Colour Prism, the dual sets did exactly what they said on the tin – to beautiful effect. “In combining these two apparently opposite faces of Milan —one concrete, the other intangible, each with its own character — this high jewellery collection gives us a true, in-depth, multi-dimensional view of the city,” Vincenzo Castaldo, creative director of Pomellato, said at its launch – and we couldn’t agree more.

Tiffany & Co.: Blue Book 2024 Tiffany Celeste Boucheron: Or Bleu

Following up the spring collection in vivid style, this summery grouping of precious gems was a demonstration of Tiffany & Co.’s talent for figurative pieces. Centred around the mysteries of the universe, representations of the sun, moon and distant galaxies and constellations were all present. Peacock, Shooting Star and Flame were the new chapters to be added to the extensive Blue Book, with Tiffany’s chief artistic officer, jewellery and high jewellery Nathalie Verdeille commenting at the launch: “Tiffany Céleste is boundlessly imaginative and offers beautiful pieces for those seeking a cosmic presence in their personal world. It juxtaposes eye-catching shapes and visions then transforms them into wondrous creation.”

The release of Boucheron’s annual Carte Blanche collection is always a big event, and this year’s offerings were just as wild and surprising as always. Dedicated to water, the new collection gave us cascades and transparency with creative director Claire Choisne’s usual taste for the unusual. Rock crystal came to the fore in the shape of the Icy Sky bracelet, while the Black Beach mini-collection of rings ooze cocktail hour chic. An infinitely wearable, beautiful and fascinating work of jewellery art.

Gerald Charles inaugurates its Geneva ‘Atelier’ International News

Lionel Meylan celebrates spring

The 21st issue of L’Éloge, Lionel Meylan’s biannual magazine designed by GMT Publishing, has just rolled off the presses. For this spring edition, the cover is decked out in neon pink and features Chanel’s new J12 mode that can be admired at Lionel Meylan’s three boutiques: two in Vevey as well as one on Lausanne’s Place de la Palud that was inaugurated at the end of April after undergoing a complete makeover.

Geneva Watch Days, a foretaste in Zurich

This year’s Geneva Watch Days will take place from 29 August to 2 September, with over 50 watch brands present. A preview of the event took place on 4 June in Zurich, where the final list of participants was revealed and enthusiasts were able to meet brand representatives and CEOs. For this year’s event, the organisers are planning a special programme for the general public, to the delight of enthusiasts and collectors alike.

On 8 April, the famous watch brand unveiled ‘L’Atelier’, its new Geneva address paying tribute to exceptional watchmaking craftsmanship. Symbolising the friendship between the Ziviani family and Mr Gérald Charles Genta, the site welcomes highly experienced watchmakers and provides a showcase for the brand’s masterpieces.

Richard Mille Cup, 2nd Edition

Reflecting Richard Mille’s commitment to nautical heritage, this new edition of the Richard Mille Cup brought together a dozen exceptional classic yachts for two weeks of racing between four historic yacht clubs in the south of England and Le Havre.

Alpina in Ultim mode

As sponsor of both the Arkea Ultim Challenge solo round-the-world race and intrepid skipper Éric Péron, who sailed a giant 32-metre trimaran in this competition, Alpina introduces a dedicated Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic Arkea limited series.

Gucci at the 3rd Skippers Cup

In association with Switzerland’s oldest nautical magazine, Gucci sponsored the Skippers Cup 2024, whose 60 or so participants were able to discover the new Gucci Dive automatic diver’s watch in Greece.

First Watch Week in Milan

The capital of fashion and design is to host the first edition of Milano Watch Week, dedicated to independent watchmakers, from 4 to 6 October 2024. The famous Terrazza Martini event centre will welcome around 20 carefully selected watch brands for exclusive talks and passionate exchanges around the industry. An opportunity to discover the art of la dolce vita!

Tatler GMT Watch Week in Asia

This year’s Tatler GMT Watch Week (formerly Timeless) will take place in Macau (25-27 September) in a spectacular format, as well as in Hong Kong (28-30 September) with a more collectororiented approach. The event will host the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève exhibition. In October, the event in Kuala Lumpur will feature art collections and watchmaking artistic crafts.

Hermès Odyssée grecque

In the wake of launching its new Hermès Cut collection presented at Watches and Wonders, Hermès Horloger invited the international press for an original experience designed to foster a better understanding of the philosophy behind this novel watch design. Inspired by the shape of a pebble, the Cut’s radically innovative case features polished and bevelled sides, clever contrasts and a crown placed between 1 and 2 o’clock. This small sports watch sets new standards: “We were looking for a recognisable silhouette that was different from anything yet done,” says Hermès Horloger CEO Laurent Dordet. Guests attended a musical performance in a marble quarry, learned how to carve marble and hiked the rocky hills of the island of Tinos. Moments as unique as the Cut itself!

Aspen Watch Week

This first edition invites collectors to meet up in Colorado from 8 to 11 August 2024.

Bulgari the record-breaker

Anew world record and a new watchmaking feat for Bulgari: the company pushes existing frontiers with its Octo Finissimo Ultra, a 1.70mm-thick mechanical watch that is the thinnest in the world. In addition, it’s also the world’s slimmest ever COSC-certified chronometer to date, thinner than a coin!

Hublot and Nole hit the heights

Asymbol of sporting excellence and Hublot ambassador since 2021, Novak Djokovic received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award on 22 April. On this occasion, he chose to wear a 42mm Spirit of Big Bang All Black Pavé. He belongs to the prestigious club of Hublot ambassadors who have reached the top in their respective sports.

Ralf Tech aims for space

The WRX Space Millennium stems from collaboration between CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) and Ralph Tech, with the aim of creating the future space watch. It is designed to be lightweight, highly legible and resistant in all conditions. Thanks to the use of materials such as titanium Grade 1 (T35 aerospace grade) or Ceramfine® and a composite honeycomb dial, its weight has been reduced from 195 to 95 grams. Its RTE001 electric movement provides a full 12 years’ autonomy, whatever the conditions of use.

TAG Heuer celebrated the 14th edition of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, held from 10 to 12 May this year and attended by thousands of nostalgic fans. Serving as sponsor and official timekeeper, the watchmaker continues the tradition of supporting one of the most prestigious events in the motor racing calendar. One of this edition’s highlights was a unique parade celebrating Ayrton Senna’s legacy and extraordinary career.

Breitling flies for the climate TAG Heuer celebrates the 14th edition of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix

Renowned for its pioneering spirit in the sphere of aviation, Breitling is once again teaming up with the famous Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard as part of a partnership with Climate Impulse. A long-standing ambassador for the brand, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, Bertrand Piccard is embarking on an unprecedented project: the first emission-free non-stop round-theworld flight, thanks to a green hydrogen-powered aeroplane. Take-off is scheduled for 2028!

Nicolas Bos at the helm of Richemont

President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels since 2013, Nicolas Bos has changed role. On 1 June, he was appointed CEO of the Geneva-based luxury goods group Richemont, a position previously held by Jérôme Lambert, now COO.

Michel Nydegger CEO, Greubel Forsey

He is succeeding Antonio Calce, having previously served as Head of Marketing & Communication since 2021. While this transition marks a turning point, the brand confirms its determination to remain independent, with Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and Antonio Calce as shareholders.

Patrik Hoffmann Chairman of Favre Leuba

One of Switzerland’s oldest brands is to be relaunched at Geneva Watch Days, with high ambitions and a completely revised product strategy. At the helm is Patrik Hoffmann, who has enjoyed previous successful tenures at Ulysse Nardin and WatchBox.

Pascal

Béchu MD, Arnold & Son and Angelus

Vice President of Sales since 2021, after a more than 20-year watch industry career in various marketing and sales positions through which he played a key role in brands’ successful transformation, he now takes over from Bertrand Savary as Managing Director.

The Fine Watch Club

BRICE LECHEVALIER

Bethune x GMT

To celebrate 24 years of GMT, De Bethune revives the DB24 line in a limited edition of four.

Devotees of avant-garde haute horlogerie consider De Bethune to be one of the most innovative 21st century brands, whose technical content is every bit as striking as its unconventional, extremely cutting-edge aesthetic approach. De Bethune has won numerous awards around the world and at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, including the Aiguille d’Or best-in-show prize, the ultimate accolade. Renowned for its state-of-the-art fine watchmaking, this artisanal brand produces no more than 300 timepieces a year, making it one of the most sought-after names among collectors.

It so happens that CEO Pierre Jacques was also a co-founder of GMT magazine in 2000, and we have of course remained friends. We therefore decided to celebrate GMT’s 24th anniversary by giving a new lease of life to the DB24 – which has been out of the catalogue for 10 years – through the creation of four titanium models in an original purple livery: one for each season!

Immediately recognisable by its unique design, this DB24 Celebration reflects De Bethune’s exceptionally innovative DNA:

• Self-regulating twin barrel (DB innovation, 2004) ensuring a six-day power reserve

• Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system (DB innovation, 2005)

• De Bethune balance-spring with flat terminal curve (DB patent, 2006)

• Titanium-platinum balance (DB innovation, 2008)

De Bethune has become one of the most exclusive brands on the watchmaking scene and with this extremely limited series, it proves that human relationships count as much as the talent of its watchmakers. Who will win one of the finest pieces of contemporary watchmaking history?

DB24 Celebration

CASE: titanium with purple bezel, integrated lugs, sapphire crystal back (hardness 1,800 Vickers), double anti-reflective coating, water-resistant to 50m SIZE: 48mm

MOVEMENT: mechanical self-winding (Caliber DB2024, 6-day power reserve), 291 components, silicon escape wheel, patents and innovations as listed opposite, hand-finished and decorated FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, power reserve at 12 o’ clock DIAL: titanium with purple titanium hour-markers

STRAP: exclusive to Revival, technical fabric with purple stitching, titanium pin buckle FOUR-PIECE LIMITED EDITION PRICE: on request

Pierre Jacques, CEO of De Bethune and co-founder of GMT

Brice Lechevalier, CEO of GMT Publishing and co-founder of GMT

The Fine Watch Club GMT Watch Safari

Audemars Piguet Museum

BRICE LECHEVALIER

One week of experiences discovering the Swiss watchmaking landscape and lifestyle

Audemars Piguet Museum, Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, GPHG, H. Moser & Cie., Hublot, Jaquet Droz, M.A.D.House (MB&F), Omega, Piaget, Zenith!

To celebrate its 24th anniversary, GMT magazine is organising a week of experiences and visits to watch Manufactures from Geneva to Schaffhausen, from 27 October to 1 November 2024. Exclusive and unprecedented, for 24 watchmaking enthusiasts only.

What do Geneva’s Jet d’Eau and Neuhausen’s Rhine Falls have in common? These two spectacular tourist attractions have seen the establishment of magnificent nearby Manufactures. In travelling from one to the other, participants in the first GMT Watch Safari will discover other sumptuous, typically Swiss landscapes: Vallée de Joux, Jura and the surroundings of lakes Neuchâtel and Bienne in the course of five days dedicated to watch enthusiasts. A completely new programme departing from Geneva, tailor-made by the founder of GMT magazine. Readers from all over the world will be given access to watchmaking’s finest, from world leaders to cutting-edge niche brands. Exceptional craftsmanship, haute horlogerie, marvellous watches and artistic crafts will enliven this week brimming with surprises amid a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two members of the editorial team will accompany participants from Sunday to Friday, including one for photos and videos. An unforgettable experience!

Programme 2024*

Five-day/six-night safari departing from Geneva

Sunday 27 October: Welcome dinner

Monday 28: Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, Musée Audemars Piguet, Piaget exhibition and cocktail

Tuesday 29: M.A.D.House (MB&F), Hublot

Wednesday 30: Zenith, Jaquet Droz

Thursday 31: Omega (Manufacture and Museum), H. Moser & Cie.

Friday 1 November: Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (exhibition and workshop), closing dinner, weekend free for personal activities

All-inclusive programme: Workshops, tastings and visits, meeting with CEOs, meals (morning, noon and evening), overnight accommodation in 4-star hotels and transport by luxury minibus.

24th anniversary bonus: Official GMT Watch Safari polo shirt, The Millennium Watch Book 2024 – Travel Watches.

4-star partner hotels: Fraser Suites Geneva, Beaulac Hotel Neuchâtel.

In partnership with Geneva Tourism.

*subject to modification

Information and booking on en.watch-safari.ch

Best of Instagram

CAMILLE GUILLE

Two Instagram watch accounts to follow, recommended by @perpetual.girl.

Bader Belselah

What’s to love? I’ve bumped into Bader at various watchmaking events and he’s always had an incredible watch on his wrist. In response to my questions, he confided that this passion was born during his childhood. Deeply impressed by seeing his grandfather change watches throughout the day, he wanted to imitate him. His first purchase was a Cartier Tank.

Why follow? A look at the three timepieces selected from his collection gives an idea of the quality of what he posts, as Bader loves to share photos of his collection and his luxurious lifestyle on Instagram.

Ronnie Fieg Collector CEO Kith

What’s to love? Founder of the super trendy Kith streetwear boutiques, Ronnie Fieg arrived on the watchmaking scene this year, participating with TAG Heuer in the launch of a new version of the Formula 1, complete with the ‘Kith Heuer’ logo. Fieg is an avid collector of 1990s memorabilia, including sneakers, cars and watches. The Formula 1 was his first watch as a youngster.

Why follow ? For fans of vintage design, you’ll find a fine selection of exclusive items in his temple of cool, including the Kith Heuer Formula 1. He also collaborates with MAD Paris and Casablanca in relaunching Contax cameras in limited editions, as well as with others such as Bose, Columbia and Adidas for capsule collections.

GMT GCC’s…

Summer of Travel

It’s summertime, a moment when we’re invited to re-evaluate our concept of time. Days seem longer, time zones change and we dedicate our hours to life’s simple pleasures. Join GMT GCC as we explore all that travel from our well-connected region entails, from adventurous road trips and superlative hotels to the very ultimate in luxurious private flying. And – of course – don’t forget your best travel companion timepiece to pull it all together. Happy trails!

DESIGN SPACE ALULA

BLUE-SKY THINKING WITH JETEX

EASTERN PROMISE IN HONG KONG

JUMEIRAH’S LIVING LEGENDS

CNN’S RICHARD QUEST TALKS TÜRKIYE

BAROS, MALDIVES

SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN, OMAN

RAFFLES ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

MILAIDHOO, MALDIVES

THE CHEDI MUSCAT, OMAN

GMT GCC Travel

RACHEL SILVESTRI

Sara Ghani is the AlUla project’s urban planning and design lead, and the force behind Design Space AlUla.

theBuildingfuture, honouring the past

Meet the young urban planner behind the travel buzz around an ancient Saudi Arabian desert city, and how her vision for communityminded gallery Design Space AlUla is forming a creative hub for the entire Kingdom.

When GMT GCC met Sara Ghani, she was as fresh-faced as they come.

At just 27 years old, this Riyadh native’s youth can be deceiving –behind her easy smile and breezy manner, the brain behind the preservation, regeneration and growth of the Kingdom’s most buzzing region never stops ticking, showing a maturity well beyond her years.

As urban planning and design lead for the ambitious project to completely rejuvenate the ancient oasis town of AlUla, it’s Sara’s strong sense of responsibility to the local community that guides her to not only improve the infrastructure from a practical standpoint, but also to develop the area to build a local economy to rival its original purpose as a sixth-century Nabataean incense route trading town. Ultra-luxe hotels, desert resorts and sparkling new facilities all form part of the plan to open this

remote area to the world, celebrating not just its history but also the daring concepts that are bringing it to the very forefront of Saudi Arabia’s development. Case in point? Her vision for Design Space AlUla. Not content to let the surrounding natural and UNESCO-protected archaeological marvels such as AlUla’s Old Town, Elephant Rock, Wadi Ashar and the breathtaking Hegra site’s Qasr al-Farid tomb take the strain of telling the region’s story, Sara’s creation of Design Space as the first gallery dedicated to AlUla’s design initiatives is a way of building a contemporary monument to its new direction. Underlining the intention to push AlUla as a centre for design and creativity, this newly-inaugurated building is a work of art in itself – and what it houses is just as marvellous. We spoke to Sara about AlUla’s precious past, exciting present and her role in its ever-changing future.

As the custodians of this natural landscape, our main vision is safeguarding.

Sara Ghani

GMT GCC: Lovely to meet you, Sara! Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what brought you to your role in the development of AlUla?

Sara Ghani: Sure. I work as an urban planning and design lead, working on the development of AlUla’s master plans. I graduated with a degree in architecture from Prince Sultan University of Riyadh, but most of my career has been around urban planning and urban design. I’ve been working on the development of AlUla ever since I graduated – and I’ve lived here for the past five years too.

What are you aiming for when you talk about developing AlUla’s master plans?

We are regenerating the county for the local community, in addition to, of course, developing it to welcome visitors and tourists. I work mainly on its spatial development, and then I started on the specific project of Design Space AlUla, the main vision of which is to showcase and evidence its design philosophy and language.

How would you define the mission of AlUla? What is it that you want to achieve?

As the custodians of this natural landscape, our main vision is safeguarding. We’re doing that through spatial development, developing the master plans in a way that’s very

sensitive to the context. Anyone who sets foot in AlUla will agree that the natural and cultural landscape is really significant, so of course, another of the reasons we’re developing this county is to welcome tourists. I would say almost 200,000 years of civilizations have passed through AlUla and we have several significant heritage sites such as the Old Town from the Islamic era and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. We call this the ‘living museum’ and when we’re welcoming visitors to the area, they experience a journey through time. So, another of our main visions is showcasing the rich heritage that you'll find not just in AlUla but also throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world. We’re developing new hotels, resorts and activations, in addition to the opportunity for visitors to see the heritage sites. And of course, another very important thing that we focus on is regenerating this county for the local community. We are upgrading and uplifting their quality of life through the regeneration and rehabilitation of the existing urban fabric.

Let’s talk about Design Space AlUla. It’s a striking building that forms the heart of the AlJadidah Arts District, and is touted as ‘a living compendium of AlUla’s design journey’. I’ve found this concept quite interesting because it's almost like a museum in reverse.

You’re getting the displays and exhibits in there before they become historic, and almost even before they’ve been done.

In AlUla, you can see for yourself what our predecessors have done in the Nabataean era and the Islamic era. So I always ask the question of what legacy are we leaving behind for future generations? History doesn’t end, heritage doesn’t end, and whatever we’re doing today is a continuation of this journey through time for future generations. There are a lot of lessons learned from all the civilizations that have passed through AlUla, throughout the past 200,000 years, that are really inspiring designers even today. So I would say that it’s interesting how you put it, but it doesn't really make sense that it’s in reverse. It’s a process we’re still trying to unravel, something we want to leave behind as our legacy and our work today with designers locally, regionally and globally is all contributing to a limitless design story.

Design Space AlUla’s first exhibition, Mawrid, was intended to celebrate designs inspired by AlUla itself. What can you tell me about the exhibitors, their works and how you picked these particular artists and designers to be represented?

Mawrid in Arabic means a source, so AlUla as a source of inspiration. As I curated the exhibition, the intention was to select

design stories at different scales, from the micro such as graphic design, product design and branding, up to the macro scale being architectural design and urban design. We selected 10 design projects that have been completed or are underway for AlUla.

We wanted to show that balance of how we’re working with designers and architects on contemporary projects such as the Maraya building, which is the beautiful mirrored building in the middle of the desert, which are still sensitive to the landscape.

If you speak to the designers from Giò Forma Studio, they say they chose a mirror building because this landscape is so beautiful, they didn’t want to add anything additional that could intrude. Similarly for the Azulik resort, which was designed by Roth Architects, they were inspired by the wind, erosion and the mountains of AlUla. So although it is a very unique design, very contemporary, when you first look at it, it does really fit with the landscape.

Another thing you’ll notice about the exhibition is that it’s all about the process. It’s not about the end result, because we want to inspire people, whether they’re professional designers, design enthusiasts or the local community, to give them a chance to look at the ‘behind the scenes’ of all the projects. 

Now that Mawrid is coming to a close, what have you got planned for the rest of the year and beyond?

The intention for this space is to have rotating exhibitions, because collectively we all know that there’s so much to showcase. But it’s not just an exhibition space – the first floor of the building includes a workshop and archive space. Ultimately, it can be a place where we can host architectural competitions, juries, think tanks, and so on, so it’s a very dynamic space.

What sort of workshops do you envision happening in the future, and who do you think will be will be part of them?

I’ll say that it’s in two parts. The main intent is to have a space that professional designers, enthusiasts and emerging designers can use to create after they’ve been inspired by the landscape. In addition, we do want to have this as a venue where we can welcome the local community and engage them through specific workshops. I always say that the local community at large is very creative in terms of arts, culture

and handicrafts, and it’s also very apparent that they’re curious about design. So we want to give them an opportunity and the space to come and learn about the different design areas of AlUla, while also giving us their ideas.

AlUla has been an all-consuming project for you. Did you ever foresee yourself doing something like this? How does it feel to be part of it?

Honestly speaking, if you’d asked me five years ago, I wouldn't have envisioned myself being where I am today. I first visited AlUla in 2017, before any of the development started. I came for a field trip with my university because we had a project here, and I was in awe when I first landed. I did not know that Saudi Arabia had such a hidden gem. So from that day, I felt like at some point, I need to work and live here – and after I graduated, I did. I was so passionate about this place. It was a learning curve for me, because I’m an architect and not really an urban planner, but I learned along the way and being on the ground made a huge difference. You see the change happening.

It’s a really important point that you’ve been involved in the planning of the place that you’re living in, which must be quite a unique situation. You see the change happening in front of your eyes. Often when you work on long-term projects, you don’t really see the end result. But here we are seeing that change happen and seeing the feedback and the impact it’s having on the local community in the most positive way possible. That’s what really excites me to wake up every morning to do what I’m here to be doing.

Do you ever see a time when you will move beyond the borders of AlUla? Or are you just so focused on this project at this moment that you don’t have time to think about what’s next? Everyone has to think about what’s next, right? But I feel like there’s so much potential in this place and there’s still so much to be seen. The drastic change that’s happened in the last couple of years, the number of tourists that are visiting, the level of the quality of life for the local community… There’s still so much that’s yet to unfold.

Opposite page: Design Space AlUla’s inspiring architecture is built to last.

This page: Mawrid’s exhibits were inspired by the area and its surroundings.

Blue-Sky Thinking

Ushering in JETEX’s 20th anniversary, GMT GCC’s publisher Deremi Ajidahun meets founder and CEO Adel Mardini to talk expansion plans, football, private jets and luxury timepieces

INTERVIEW BY DEREMI AJIDAHUN WORDS BY EMILY BAXTER-PRIEST

Watch the video Interview

As the GMT GCC team strolled into the stunning Jetex terminal in Dubai, time seemed to stand still — or did it roll back? A gleaming, orange and white dream space, this is what all airports wish they could be. A relaxation room, the world’s first air-side Rolls-Royce and even a cigar lounge were at our disposal, a blend of comfort and modernity that left us spellbound. Harking back to an age when travel was still a thing of glamour and luxury, this stunning space oozes style, exclusivity and a special feeling that most of us may think has been lost — the sensation that the journey is more enjoyable than the destination. So who made this happen? Adel Mardini is an aviation visionary — a man with an eye for blending business with pleasure in the fields of private jets and hospitality.

As the founder and CEO of JETEX, the Dubai-based company that began in 2005, he’s now grown it into an ultra-luxury private jet charter, with a global network of almost 40 VIP terminals around the world. It’s quite the ascent for a man whose first job was as a kindergarten bus driver in his homeland of Damascus, Syria. His next job, as a driver in Damascus Airport, changed his trajectory, as he fell in love with the world of aviation.

A move to Dubai in 2005 saw the jigsaw pieces fall into place, founding JETEX primarily as a logistics and support aviation company. In 2009, he opened his first terminal in Paris-Le Bourget Airport, shifting a focus to a more guest-centric experience of

private jets. For Adel, it’s all about service. Offering guests a full concierge that goes beyond the flight, JETEX takes care of your full itinerary, from the moment you book to the moment you return home.

JETEX’s global network now reaches from Japan and Ukraine to the Ivory Coast and Mexico, with further expansion on the horizon. With the company’s 20th anniversary next year, and his entry on the Forbes Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2024, there’s much to celebrate. In particular, the UEFA Euros tournament (he’s a football fanatic), and his next watch investment to sate his monthly watch-buying habit.

At JETEX,

you’re only with the people who are flying private jet.

So, the success is not only the plane, the success is the process of flying in and out for our

guests.

‘‘ ’’

You started JETEX almost 20 years ago — tell us about your journey.

The anniversary is next year and we’re going to write a book about the last 20 years of JETEX. The most important thing is the DNA — we’ve created it to suit our client. What we’ve built is remarkable for the [aviation] industry. When you fly with us, you’re not a passenger, you’re a guest. We’ve changed the concept of the entire business. Our services are unlimited, we do the full concierge — yacht, butler... Anything that the ultra-high-net-worth individuals who are choosing to fly with us are using.

You grew up in Damascus in a regular household. You’ve come a long way since those early days in Syria. I started working at 18 years old. My father had a kindergarten, and I was the bus driver. My salary was US$10 a month, and I did it for four years. Then I worked as a driver in the Damascus airport for a few years, which is how I learned about the business. I came to Dubai in 2005, during the Dubai Airshow, and I started the company, which was purely logistics and support until 2009. I opened my first terminal at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. When I started, it was my dream to open one location. Today, I have over 30.

When did you first launch the terminal in Dubai and what’s the growth been like?

Almost seven years ago, in 2017, we started here in Dubai. That year we did almost 1,700 flights. In 2023, we did around 11,000. It’s an amazing growth. Post-covid, people started using private jets to fly. Now 99.5 per cent of things are back to normal, but those who moved from commercial airlines to fly private jet will stay with private jet. We used to have a lot of connections to the oil and gas industry. Now it’s crypto, fashion, politicians, tech, footballers, celebrities…

What were your passions when you were younger?

I’m a salesperson — I love sales. So I was very happy when I closed a deal. I worked in real estate, buying and selling cars. I even fixed AC units. My mind is always switched on. In fact, I only went on my first holiday six or seven years ago.

You also have a real passion for football. Does that ever merge with work?

Celebrities and football players are two of the top client categories using our services, because most of them fly private jet. I love football — I’ve flown to Madrid, Barcelona, London and Paris. It’s my passion. We have a good relationship with our guests — Neymar, Messi, Benzema, Ronaldo — they all

use us globally. The first time Messi moved from Barcelona to Paris, thousands of people in Paris came to welcome him at our JETEX terminal. They trust our brand because we don’t spend money, we invest it. When you’re building a brand, you have to keep investing, because to me ‘brand’ means one thing: customer trust. We want our guests to be loyal. But we don’t have a loyalty programme — people who fly private jet aren’t looking for discounts, they’re really just looking for one thing: high service. And this is how we’ve built our clients’ loyalty.

Tell us about JETEX’s demographic.

As a global company, it’s really based on destination. In Paris, it’s mainly European. In London, they’re mainly from the US and Europe. And in Marrakech, it’s European, African and South American now. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s totally different markets, but we see more local clientele flying private jet in Abu Dhabi than in Dubai. We didn’t expect the business in Abu Dhabi to grow as fast as it has.

You first opened in France, but you chose your Dubai as your HQ — why was that?

It’s a connection city between the East and West, but Dubai is also a brand in itself, so when you build a brand in a city like Dubai, you make your life much easier. No city in the world can compete with it. Also, the support we’ve received from the leadership and the stakeholder is unlimited. We’ve proved ourselves and have worked very hard to achieve what we have today.

In 2023, you did around 11,000 flights. When do you think you’ll hit 20,000?

Maybe three to five years from now. The facilities and infrastructure in Dubai are why the number is increasing. It’s about first impressions. I tell my team, when you open the door, you’re the first person the guests see when they come down the steps and your smile is how guests will continue their journey in Dubai.

JETEX is true private aviation-meets-five star hospitality, with an unrivalled guest experience.

Yes, what we are doing is unique. Service-wise, we have created a concept that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Landside, the terminal is like a hotel lobby, airside it’s pure aviation. We merge both. Our KPIs for the team are 10 to 15 minutes for guest departure and 15 to 20 minutes for guest arrival. The moment the plane door opens, our team has 15 to 20 minutes to get guests in their car. They’re the same KPIs for any hotel when you arrive for check-in and for bags to be delivered to your room.

Let’s talk touchpoints…

McKinsey made a study about flying commercial versus flying private. When you fly private, you’re exposed to around 20 touchpoints, but when you fly commercial, it’s around 500. In Emirates or Etihad First Class, the seats are amazing — better than a private jet. There’s even a shower on board, which a private jet doesn’t have. But the difference is the terminal. When you go to Dubai Airport, you’re with everyone else who is flying economy, business or

JETEX has redefined the concept of luxury travel. Bottom left: GMT GCC in JETEX’s stylish Dubai terminal.

On My Watch

It’s time to talk watches — something you’re passionate about. What was your first watch and what are you wearing today?

My first watch was a Casio — a second-hand one I bought in Damascus for about US$30. It had a calculator at the bottom. When I moved to Dubai, and was meeting customers and passengers, you start thinking differently. I love Patek. It’s very classy, especially the new shape. I have Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Richard Mille in my collection, and I’ve got a Patek on today.

Tell us about your watch style and how they make you feel?

In terms of accessories, women can choose from rings, bracelets, necklaces and all kinds of jewellery — but for men it’s just the watch. I don’t look to my watch to tell the time. It’s something very important, it’s emotional, because what you choose shows your personality. The watch is who you are — whether you’re a classic person, modern or a mix. I like the new shape from Richard Mille, different colours, slim ones, Italian style, French… And I always like to have limited edition.

When will your next watch purchase be? I’m adding every month! I have a target to have 45 watches this year.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

first class. At JETEX, you’re only with the people who are flying private jet. So, the success is not only the plane, the success is the process of flying in and out for our guests.

Tell us about JETEX’s expansion plans.

We opened JETEX London last year and now our focus is on emerging markets, mainly Eastern Europe and Asia. The European market is very mature. The US market is totally different — they focus on the fuel in the plane, whereas we focus on who’s on the plane, which is the guests. We also just opened our new arrival lounge during COP28. It’s not finished yet — we will make the final face-lift in July. We need to change the ceiling, add some art…

You have a terminal in Côte d’Ivoire — do you have more plans for further expansion into Africa?

For sure. While Africa is missing the infrastructure, we expect to announce one more location in Africa this year. The World Cup 2030 will be in Morocco, Spain and Portugal and we’re already fully in Morocco and Spain, so we expect amazing work out of two of our destinations.

Lastly, the sky’s the limit for JETEX, and you’re always cooking up something. What else can we expect?

For us, the sky’s not the limit, because we’re already in the sky! Our brand is not limited to only private jet terminals, we are mainly going for hospitality. Maybe you’ll see us open a hotel one day. Anything related to hospitality is our passion. We love what we are doing and it’s what we’re successful at.

GMT GCC Travel

RACHEL SILVESTRI

Eastern promise?

Post-Covid Hong Kong is hoping to woo the Gulf traveller back to its sandy shores – but is it ready for the Middle East’s most sophisticated clientele?

GMT GCC explores how the ‘Fragrant Harbour’ plans to recapture the region’s imagination.

This year’s Arabian Travel Market was as bustling as ever, with the world’s destinations jostling for the region’s attention. But there was one corner of Asia with higher than usual hopes to bring Middle Eastern travellers back to its winding lanes, gleaming skyscrapers and sandy beaches – the diminutive in size but larger-than-life in reputation Hong Kong.

While Hong Kong has long been considered a world-class city and an important trade hub, there’s no denying that the past few years have been trying for this special administrative region in the South China Sea. Covid was lengthy and punishing for Hong Kong’s residents and all but wiped out tourism for three years, compounding the damage done in 2019 by the tightening of security laws that followed bursts of social discontent. With flight frequency and the variety of destinations serving the islands yet to fully recover, things could still look bleak for the glitzy

nightlife, ultra-luxe shopping and legendary cuisine Hong Kong is renowned for.

However, tourist numbers are slowly gaining ground – the first four months of 2024 reached 60 per cent of the visitors for the same time of year in 2019, a significant drop from pre-pandemic levels but a quantum leap from the previous three years. And campaigns such as the recentlyannounced ‘Let’s Go The Extra Mile’ programme, designed to encourage front-line staff and even members of the public to prioritise being helpful and friendly to tourists, mean that now could be the perfect time to discover all that Hong Kong has to offer.

GMT GCC sat down at Arabian Travel Market for a full and frank interview with Dane Cheng, Hong Kong Tourism Board’s executive director, to find out why the Middle East could be key for Hong Kong’s recovery – and how the Pearl of the Orient is planning to make the trip more than worthwhile for its Muslim visitors.

GMT GCC: Why is HK looking to the Middle East in particular as a key area to promote itself as a destination?

Dane Cheng: Because of the closedown of the last few years, now’s the time for us to tell this market a bit more about ourselves. We have that connectivity of international services, with many airlines flying to Hong Kong from over 200 cities in the world. We’re building capacity, and there are a lot of things for us to talk about. And we just signed a partnership with Emirates airline and with the DNATA tourism group here at Arabian Travel Market!

What are the main things that you think Hong Kong has to offer to the Gulf traveller? Would you say it’s a good destination for a watch connoisseur to expand his or her collection?

Hong Kong has always been a shopping paradise, particularly for luxury high end products, which, of course,

includes watches and jewellery. Last year we had 35 million cross border visitors, and in 2018 before Covid we had 65 million visitor arrivals, so of course we have a lot to offer to tourists. Hong Kong is such a hub in the region and Southeast Asia and mainland China follow the fashion and lifestyle in Hong Kong very closely, so a lot of high-end brands choose Hong Kong to launch their new products. Because of that high turnover and good sales volume, naturally, there are more choices and selections and sizes and variety of these high-end products.

What’s fascinating is that, for example, one single highend brand could have six or seven outlets just in our small city of 7.5 million people, which is unheard of elsewhere. And some brands are telling me that they’re looking at investing more in Hong Kong to go beyond just fashion and jewellery shops, but something more experiential. And I think it’s a fantastic idea.

A famed skyline and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (right) are two of the attractions hoped to lure Middle Eastern travellers to experience Hong Kong – with deals made at Arabian Travel Market (below) expected to encourage cultural exchange.

On My Watch

Dane Cheng

Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Are you a fan of watches and timekeeping in general?

Yes – a big fan, and despite everyone now using their phone to tell the time, I always wear an analogue watch. A watch is an important accessory and I’m glad to see that there are more and more people going back to buying watches again.

What sort of timepieces do you have in your collection?

I don’t have too many, but I do have a Rolex that was a wedding gift from my wife. I got an IWC when I used to work for the Cathay Pacific airline, a special edition for the 60th anniversary. There was something like 100 of them made, and I got one.

What are you wearing right now?

It’s an Omega Speedmaster, that my wife bought for me using my credit card!

Hong Kong is a sophisticated place with a strong culture of luxury. Do you have any early memories surrounding watches, perhaps even from when you were a child?

The Gulf traveller is very educated in terms of luxury, and Hong Kong has a very strong, historic luxury heritage as well. Is your hope that these two styles can merge? We are the only place with what we can call true ‘East meets West’. You’ll find that Hong Kong is very comfortable in its influence from European culture, with British history and a lot of Western expatriates. And we are, of course, a place in China. So there’s a lot of old and new, modern and heritage that can give visitors a very diverse sort of experience. I think it’s also our duty that we should be better informed and educated in this city. Hong Kong is enshrined by the central government’s policy as the tourism hub, connecting us internationally, and I think that this is an area that we should do more in, and do better. Whenever I go to London or even Singapore or Thailand, I find myself thinking ‘can we really claim to be international enough?’ I’ll be very honest and say we’re working on it. 

Of course, I do. It was 1975, I was in Primary Five – but please don't work it out backwards to find out my age! My mother told me to go to a jewellery shop in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, which is a very popular tourist area, and she got me a Seiko. I remember it so well.

Nowadays we talk a lot about the idea of a grail watch. If money was no object, what would your fantasy watch be?

It’s an interesting question, because a little while back I’d been wondering if I should get a watch to reward myself after working hard for so many years. But then I also thought I should get a watch for my wife. So five years ago I got her the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought for her – a Bulgari watch. I can’t think of anything better than having a watch, because it’s both an accessory and a jewellery piece, and it’s still functional.

Next year will mark the 185th anniversary of Islam in Hong Kong, and the region’s Muslim community is very well established. But would you say that Hong Kong is prepared to receive Muslim visitors at a luxury level? Will Gulf visitors find the comfort, familiarity and practicality needed to make the most of a visit?

Earlier this year we started a programme to improve on Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendliness. We’re partnering with a specialist, and there’s a lot of things that we’re going to do. First of all, we’re researching within the market in Hong Kong to find where the gaps and the areas we can improve on are. We need to do a better job of educating the businesses and merchants in Hong Kong and we need to improve on the higher-end offerings.

To be very honest, at the moment, the Halal certified restaurants and dining outlets are not very satisfactory. We need to improve on that, but I don’t think it will be too difficult. Hong Kong is well known for its food and dining, and we’ve been talk-

ing to a lot of businesses that are very much keen to improve on themselves and to make themselves more Muslim-friendly. I would say that within the next couple of months, certainly before the end of the year, we’re going to see tremendous improvement not just in restaurants but in all sorts of hotels and venues, from merchants to the way that we serve people. Hong Kong people are very adaptable and quick learners.

And it's not just the Middle East market that we’re focussed on, but the whole Muslim travellers’ market is growing in the world. We call it the ‘double M’: the modern Muslim population is important for us.

This is a very good time for us to boost our own investment and boost the ties between the two places. We know the travel market here is very demanding, with good taste and a desire for the very the best quality. I think Hong Kong is ready to deliver that, in the right way and in an appropriate way. We have tremendous confidence in that.

From the tram (bottom left) that reaches Hong Kong’s famed summit – known as The Peak – and its spectacular views, to the city’s unique festivals and celebrations, there’s a lot to discover in the Pearl of the Orient.

Words by RACHEL SILVESTRI

Interview by DEREMI AJIDAHUN

Living Legends

Jumeirah’s classic icons are as vibrant as ever. GMT GCC meets the man in charge of the regional hospitality group’s local properties as well as putting a spotlight on the majesty of Burj Al Arab, the soaring Emirates Towers and how Saadiyat Island has found its gastronomic groove.

The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is larger than life. More than a building, it has a personality, a pizzazz, a voice all its own. Cruising up its driveway, over the water with its architectural mainsail seemingly billowing out over you, there’s always a moment of frisson, the barest of goosebumps appearing as though you’re about to meet a real-life superstar. Such is the power of the Burj’s presence. Its reputation precedes it, and you know you’re in the presence of greatness.

As the GMT GCC team pulled up to its gleaming entrance, the sensation was the same as it’s ever been. A childlike glee fell over us, as though we were kids coming back to a favourite candy shop. Because the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab really is a distillation of all that’s good and sweet about Dubai itself – and it’s fitting that the majority of the world was introduced to our emirate through the medium of this visionary project.

As the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab closes in on 25 years as Dubai’s ambassador to the world, we met the man at its steady helm – and indeed, the helm of Jumeirah’s other regional properties – regional vice president of Jumeirah Group and general manager of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Giovanni Beretta. A man with a career almost as storied as the property he heads up, he’s gone from a small Italian city to one of Switzerland’s top hospitality schools, to working throughout the Americas and in Asia before ending up here in Dubai – and in one of its most important symbols.

GMT GCC’s publisher Deremi Ajidahun toured the Burj’s most exclusive spaces with Giovanni – including the exquisite two-storey Deluxe Marina Suite – to hear all about what life in this icon is really like.

GMT GCC: Giovanni, your reputation precedes you –everyone I’ve told that I’ll be interviewing you has acted like I’m about to meet a celebrity! So I’m very happy to finally make this happen. You’ve been in the industry for a long time – how did it start?

Giovanni Beretta: Plan B! Like everybody in my generation, I wanted to be a professional athlete – the will was there but the qualities unfortunately weren’t… My father wanted me to be a lawyer but I couldn’t see myself living in just one city. Even as a little kid all I wanted to study was geography and maps, so eventually I decided to try hotel school in Lausanne. By a miracle I passed the entrance exam, and from then on it was ‘love at first sight’. I loved hospitality and everything about it. It was my calling and everything I wanted to do.

It’s strange that we haven’t met before – I have a lot of friends who studied in Lausanne, and I myself went to school in Leysin, where there’s another hotel school. Fun times! So where were you born and where did you grow up before moving to Lausanne? My family is from a small northern Italian city called

Brescia, and when I turned six we moved to Rome, where I stayed until I was 19. I suppose I’m more Roman, in a way, because of my upbringing. But I never really fit in – always too Roman for the north Italians, and too northern for the Romans!

So after your studies, where did your career take you?

I did all my apprenticeships in Switzerland, knowing that I’d have the chance to travel later. My first full-time hotel job after graduating was in Medellin, Colombia. This was the early 90s, so it’s not the Medellin you can visit today – it was a little more dangerous! I was young, alone and happy to travel the world so I was ok, but I would not do that with a family!

Which hotel or experience do you think shaped you into the hotelier you are today?

I don’t think there’s just one. It’s the sum of a lot of little parts that makes you who you are. If there was a place that was particularly meaningful, it was Venezuela. I spent very fun times there and the timing was right for the place and for me. I remember it all so vividly. 

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

THE LOOK:

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab needs no introduction – its sail-shaped form imprinted on the global consciousness as a symbol of Dubai. But the property’s grounds are a less-well-known string to its bow, with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Terrace forming 10,000 square metres of outdoor luxury leisure right at the foot of this unforgettable building. A family-friendly freshwater pool, an adult-only saltwater infinity pool and the renowned SAL Restaurant make this the perfect option whether vacationing or staycationing.

THE FEEL:

This is a property that has it all – serene Mediterranean vibes at Bab Al Yam restaurant and Arabian opulence at Al Iwan, a soaring lobby and magnificence in the tiniest of details, this is the Dubai the world first got to know and lust after. With rich gold and sumptuous royal blues in no short supply, it’s a regal blend of bombastic proportions.

THE MUST-SEE:

Have you really been to Dubai until you’ve had afternoon tea at the Burj? Skyview Lounge is the one and only destination if you want to partake in a Dubai institution, nibbling on an elegant selection of pastries and savouries including king crab tartelette, vanilla caramel chouquette and – of course – the classic scones, custard and jam while taking in the unmissable sea and city scenes.

THE MUST-DO:

Talise Spa is a triumph of Jumeirah’s creation, and its Jumeirah Burj Al Arab branch is arguably the most spectacular. A dip in the gloriously colonnaded pool is enough to tick anyone’s ‘wow’ box, but when combined with an opulent Golden Journey spa ritual – a combination of a 75-minute facial and 75-minute body massage using colloidal gold and plant stem cells – it becomes unforgettable.

Jumeirah

Emirates Towers

THE LOOK:

Standing sentinel over the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road skyline since April 2000, Emirates Towers is an unmistakeable part of Dubai’s character. Emulating the energy of a married couple – the taller and smaller towers seemingly facing each other, in a surprisingly tender way for two buildings – Emirates Towers is as romantic as it is impressive.

THE FEEL:

Having undergone numerous refurbishments and refreshments over the years, Emirates Towers has always kept pace with the hyper-speed city that surrounds it. Undeniably chic and with architecture that holds surprises at every turn, its latest look by renowned interior design studio La Bottega was unveiled at the end of last year and is bang up to date. The lobby, the heart and hub of the property, is now resplendent in creams, greys and blues, with a triangle motif that recalls the building’s construction.

THE MUST-SEE:

There’s nowhere with views like Emirates Towers, thanks to its unique placement at the centre of Dubai. From the timelessly elegant guest rooms to the whisper-quiet club lounge and the unmissable two-storey Royal Suite, take the time to revel in Dubai’s past, present and future – you can see it all through the property’s generous floor-to-ceiling windows.

THE MUST-DO:

A visit to the cosy confines The Agency is an absolute necessity for an indulgently Dubai experience. Cigars, crafted drinks and live jazz are all part of this achingly hip venue, a total vibe for those seeking some louche luxe.

Have you had a mentor in the industry, someone you looked up to and admired?

There’s definitely one person – Jack Miller, he lives in Phoenix, Arizona – who was instrumental and a special general manager for me when I was director of Food and Beverage. Going even further back, there was an Italian gentleman who was director of Food and Beverage and I was his assistant – Lorenzo Michini – I had the chance to work with him in Colombia. And there are many more.

My mentor is also from the hospitality industry. Marc Devroye, from Belgium, who’s now retired but was the Food and Beverage manager at the Le Méridien in Lagos, Nigeria. I was just a young boy who’d just come back to Nigeria in 1985 after studying abroad, working designing his menus, and he gave me so many chances. That’s how I started my career, so I’m very fond of the hospitality industry! How does the career impact on family time, hobbies and passions?

It is an adventurous life. But from the outside it can look much more glamorous than the life of a hotelier really is – there are long hours and a lot of hard work. Now I’m in a bit more of a privileged position and can organise my days differently. I try to balance it out and spend a lot of my free time with my family and two young children, which I enjoy very much. But the hotel industry does take a toll, particularly when it comes to time.

How does your family feel about the UAE?

Well, in this I include myself – it’s been one of the biggest surprises! What a fantastic place to live. I never thought the quality of life would be so good and the people so warm – it really caught us all by surprise. The kids have adapted so quickly and so well, they are the happiest and don’t want to live anywhere else. The safety and security is so good and everything here is so well organised. Things here are done in a snap of the fingers, which is an amazing luxury.

You must have a fantastic team, which allows you that time too. Which brings us to the amazing property where we are today. How did you reach Jumeirah Burj Al Arab – you’ve landed on one of the most iconic pieces of property in the world!

You’ve said it all, I can’t correct you on that! When it comes to icons, I think this is the most iconic because looking back – now that we are turning 25 – if there was one building, institution and icon that put Dubai on the map it was the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. It’s funny how for the longest time the first image that would come up if you Googled ‘Dubai’ was this hotel. It’s incredible that I’m one of the lucky few to have the chance to work here.

Jumeirah Saadiyat Island

THE LOOK:

Bringing a Maldivian energy to the UAE’s capital, this property makes the most of its prime position perched on Saadiyat Island’s sandy shores. Marking a protective u-shaped footprint around its central resort-feel outdoor space, it’s all white sand, blue seas and clear skies.

THE FEEL:

Brightness, lightness and airiness define this property, and while it launched almost six years ago it still feels as fresh as the day its doors first opened. Taking its resort vibe very seriously indeed, this is the place for linen shirts and flip-flops, a touch of seaside goodness on the outskirts of the city.

THE MUST-SEE:

Prepare to have your mind blown by stepping from Jumeirah Saadiyat Island’s crystal-clear sunlight into the otherworldly calm of its Moroccan-inspired Hammam. The Saadiyat Signature Hammam Ritual will leave you calm, purified and rejuvenated after 60 minutes of warming exfoliation, intense massage and invigorating stretching, all finished off with Moroccan mint tea and Arabian sweets. The ultimate in pampering.

THE MUST-DO:

Feel the sea breeze in your hair at The Lounge, an unbeatable spot for chic sundowners with the stunning Arabian Gulf as your backdrop. Light bites, curated drinks and an indulgent shisha are all waiting to be enjoyed, while you wave goodbye to yet another perfect day on Saadiyat Island.

What were your thoughts and feelings when you found out you’d be coming to this property, and when you first arrived?

Fortunately I’d seen the Burj before on my travels, but only as a tourist, snapping a picture from the outside! When we arrived here to live, it was at night, and the architecture really took my breath away. The warm welcome really showed me that this hotel still has the best service in Dubai. I wish I could take credit for it, but I can’t – it goes to all of my predecessors who since day one gave everything to make this the number one hotel in Dubai. The best thing we can do is keep the legacy alive and maintain the hotel at the level all my predecessors kept it – the top. It’s my burden and my honour.

As the VP of the region, are you involved with the new Marsa Al Arab property? What’s the style and the expectation?

It’s not my project per se, but it’s on the final stretch and should be opening at the beginning of next year. It’s a very luxurious and a very lively place. We will have 11 restaurants there, and a marina with 82 berths, one of which is 100m long so just imagine! We have a lot of people already docking at the marina, and when it’s open we think it will move a lot of the truly luxurious experiences into this area. We can’t wait for it to open.

You must have seen some big stars come through your doors –who’s the biggest sports star that’s stayed at the Burj?

We do our best to safeguard the privacy of all our guests, but one who everyone knows has stayed here – in fact, I know him personally and he’s one of my idols – Roger Federer.

My idol too! Which suite did he stay in?

He’s stayed in almost every suite in the hotel! He’s been coming here for almost 20 years. When I moved here, for the first month I lived in the hotel and Roger came to visit. We were in the elevator and we somehow pushed the wrong floor. He cancelled the entry, then pressed the right floor. I asked him – how did you do that? He said what, you don’t know how to do this? You have to double click fast! I had no idea, I was the general manager and he knew my own hotel better than me!

The idea of the seven stars of the Burj – perhaps you can help us to clarify! Was it ever official? Or was it all created by media hype?

Officially, no – the categories stop at five. But maybe we made it official! It was fortunate for us that a German journalist, who came to visit at the very beginning, was so blown away that instead of saying ‘it’s better than five star, it’s six star’, to show that it was so above everything else he defined it as seven star. That’s how the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab became ‘the seven star hotel’. A lot of others have tried, and with so many other incredible luxury hotels opening we might be worried because they use us as their benchmark, but it’s also a source of pride that everyone wants to reach us and beat us. They all want to be at the top and it’s a reason for us to fight and compete every day. The most difficult thing isn’t reaching the top, it’s staying at the top!

RICHARD QUEST

A Quest Greatnessfor

In a special collaboration with GMT GCC, CNN’s intrepid explorer Richard Quest takes us on an exclusive insider’s journey to all that vibrant Türkiye has to offer – and shares all he found on his travels.

Türkiye

Türkiye

CappadociaCappadocia

Cappadocia, a region carved by the whims of nature and human ingenuity, is a surreal landscape that defies conventional description. Nestled in central Türkiye, this otherworldly destination is a living testament to the extraordinary power of geology, history and culture intertwining to create a spectacle unlike any other.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cappadocia has a landscape that almost looks alien. Soft tooths of rock spewed from volcanoes millennia ago bestowed upon us the Peri Bacaları or ‘Fairy Chimneys’. The best way to experience the landscape is from the air. As dawn breaks, the sky becomes a canvas painted with the silhouettes of hot air balloons. Hundreds of these vibrant vessels float serenely above the unique topography, providing

an unparalleled vantage point. Nature may have given us this landscape, but it was ancient civilisations that adapted it for their own purposes.

On the ground, the charm of Cappadocia reveals itself through its cave dwellings and underground cities. These historical sanctuaries, carved directly into the soft volcanic rock, are a testament to the early Christian communities who sought refuge here. Venturing into the underground cities like Derinkuyu, one cannot help but marvel at the ingenuity of their builders. These subterranean labyrinths, descending multiple levels into the earth, were designed to shelter thousands of people from invaders. Complete with living quarters, kitchens and even wineries, these cities are a remarkable feat of engineering and resilience. What was once a place of refuge, now a tourist attraction.

Cappadocia’s beauty by night.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is not merely a relic of times gone by, it is a vibrant, living region that continues to enchant visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its residents are keen to show off Cappadocian culture with bustling markets, artisan workshops and warm hospitality. It’s easy to see how the landscape has shaped the people, and over the centuries they have shaped it back. The region’s name is derived from the Persian word katpatuka, meaning ‘the land of beautiful horses’. While the hot air balloons show the spectacle of the terrain, horses are the best guides to lead you through it.

Cappadocia is more than just a destination, it is a journey through history. A place where the earth’s raw power meets human creativity, it invites you to lose yourself in its mystique, to discover the stories etched into its ancient rocks, and to experience the magic that makes it a truly unforgettable part of the world.

Balloons over the ‘Fairy Chimneys’.

Turkish hospitality at its stunning best.

The ingenuity of subterranean homes.

Izmir Izmir and Western Türkiye

Izmir is known as the Pearl of the Aegean. The ancient port is Türkiye’s third largest city and people have been settling by its shore for around 8,000 years. This is a region steeped in history, bursting with vibrant culture, and blessed with some of the most stunning landscapes.

The city is a smörgåsbord of religions and has long been a melting pot of cultures. The Agora, right in the heart of the city, harks back to Roman times, offering a glimpse into the city’s storied past. The iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of Izmir, stands proudly in Konak Square, where the old and the new blend seamlessly. But it’s not just history that defines Izmir, it’s the youthful energy and progressive spirit that make it one of Türkiye’s most dynamic cities.

A short drive away lies the historic city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial

period including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, but little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

When I visited as part of Quest’s World of Wonder, I also ventured to the charming village of Şirince, famous for its grapevines and olive oil. With charming architecture and stunning views, it’s a place where time seems to slow down, inviting you to relax and savour the simple pleasures. And further along the coast lies the hidden gem of Alaçati and its heavenly thermal pools of Pamukkale. The name literally translates to ‘cotton castle’ because the pools can be mistaken for angelic clouds if you’re looking at the right angle.

Western Türkiye is an area of contrasts and harmony, where ancient ruins sit alongside thriving modern cities, and the natural beauty is as compelling as the cultural heritage. Visiting Izmir and the west gave me a fresh perspective on Türkiye, and I found a region brimming with unexpected enchantments.

A Quest for Greatness

RICHARD QUEST

Richard Quest visits Izmir’s quaint squares, the magnificence of Ephesus’s Roman theatre and the oherworldly thermal pools of Pamukkale.

Antalya Antalya and the Turkish Riviera

In many ways, Antalya is the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean. Renowned for its stunning beaches and azure waters, this vibrant city is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera. Bathed in sunlight and baked in history, Antalya was settled by the Greeks, ruled by the Romans, and expanded under the Ottomans. Today’s visitors are cosmopolitan, from all over the world. Kaleiçi, the enchanting old town, invites you to lose yourself in a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with charming Ottoman-era houses and boutique hotels. The old town’s marina, bursting with life, is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, offering picturesque views of the ocean. Venture out into the villages that dot the surrounding peaks, and you’ll find hills and forests awash with locally grown and lovingly handmade goods. Summertime is the perfect time to explore the Turkish Riviera and experience the tastes and traditions that lie beyond the beaches. Culinary delights await at every corner, from traditional Turkish mezzes to fresh Mediterranean seafood.

From the ancient to the all-inclusive, Türkiye’s coastline takes things to new heights. Bodrum is a town where history collides spectacularly with modern allure. Its bustling marina, brimming with superyachts, pulsates with the energy of sophisticated chic. Trendy boutiques and cool cafés line the waterfront, offering a taste of modern luxury amidst ancient ruins.

Just a short drive from Antalya, you’ll find the ancient city of Perge. Walking among the ruins, with its impressive Hellenistic-Roman gate and towering columns, you can almost hear the whispers of antiquity. The site’s grandeur speaks to the civilisation that once thrived here, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The Turkish Riviera is not just about sun and sea, it’s a destination where luxury meets history in a combination that’s astounding in its beauty. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, enjoying a sunset cruise, or simply lounging on a beautiful beach, this region offers an unforgettable blend of relaxation and adventure.

Antalya’s famed Umbrella Street, below, offers a touristy experience, while the smaller villages and coves of the surrounding coastline offer a kalaedescope of Mediterranean beauty ripe for discovery.

Istanbul Istanbul

Istanbul is uniquely poised across the European and Asian continents, an iconic Turkish city that engages all the senses while offering up places of quiet beauty. When you arrive in Istanbul, you’d be wise to leave behind your preconceived notions and ideas. The giant metropolis has been renewed, refreshed and rebuilt.

Istanbul is not merely a city, it’s a living museum. An intricate tapestry woven with threads of history, culture and modernity. Here, the echoes of the Byzantine Empire mingle with the grandeur of the Ottoman sultans, creating a narrative that’s as complex as it is captivating.

As you wander through the bustling streets of Sultanahmet, the air is thick with the scent of freshly baked simit and roasting chestnuts. The juxtaposition of the Hagia Sophia’s colossal domes against the city’s skyline is a reminder of the city’s role as the crossroads of civilisations, where East meets West in a glorious cacophony of sights and sounds.

The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, is a sensory overload. The tangled corridors are lined with shops peddling everything from intricate carpets and sparkling jewellery to fragrant spices and ornate lanterns. Haggling is an art form here, and the cacophony of vendors’ voices creates a symphony of commerce that is as timeless as the city itself. As Turkish actor and screenwriter Gülse Birsel told me on one visit: “This city is a little bit like New York, with a more human touch. We have our very joyful chaos here.”

A Bosphorus cruise offers a serene contrast to the urban hustle, providing panoramic views of opulent palaces, antique fortresses and charming waterside mansions. The aroma of freshly brewed Turkish coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the buzz of conversations in multiple languages, a testament to Istanbul’s status as a global city.

In Istanbul, every corner turned, every street wandered, reveals a new layer of its rich, multifaceted identity. It is a city that demands exploration, entices with its mysteries, and rewards with its unparalleled blend of tradition and innovation. Indeed, Istanbul is not just a city you visit, it is a city you experience in all its chaotic and unforgettable glory.

Istanbul

A Quest for Greatness

RICHARD QUEST

From the chaos of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the serenity of the Bosphorus and the majesty of the city’s historic sites, Türkiye’s cultural crossroads has to be seen to be believed.

DEREMI AJIDAHUN & RACHEL SILVESTRI

Get a taste for the barefoot island life at…

Baros MALDIVES

SETTING THE SCENE:

North Male Atoll is a happy medium when it comes to Maldivian locations. A country with a total surface area half the size of Singapore, spread out over more than 1,000 islands covering an area larger than Portugal, logistics are one of the most important considerations when booking a paradise stay. Reachable by speedboat from the Velana International Airport in Male – no need for the seaplanes or flight transfers necessary for more far-flung islands – just 25 minutes are needed to whisk you to the exotic shores of Baros Maldives

THE HOTEL:

The Must-Do List

WHEN TO VISIT:

With the dry northeast monsoon coming to the Maldives from January to March, these are normally considered the best months to be guaranteed clear skies and calm waters. But with so many activities on offer both on land and underwater at Baros year-round, any time is a good time to visit.

WHERE TO EAT:

Baros’s most spectacular setting has to be the Lighthouse Restaurant. Perched over-water at the end of a jetty, the incredible views extending from any seat in this unique two-storey fine dining spot have to be seen to be believed. Add a menu of the most indulgent dishes ranging from succulent salmon Stroganoff to crispyskinned game duck and you’re in for a treat the likes of which you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else.

When it comes to connections – whether that’s deepening your relationship with your loved ones, your appreciation for the magnificence of nature or even just taking the time to reconnect with yourself – Baros Maldives is the place to do it. The romance inherent in this resort is undeniable, with many couples finding themselves so enchanted with the honeymoon atmosphere that they feel like newlyweds again. In fact, for those so inclined, spectacular renewal of vows ceremonies that take place on pristine, deserted sandbanks or against the backdrop of Baros’s verdant jungle are the ultimate gesture.

The perfect example of a barefoot island paradise, Baros has it all – the incredible house reef, forming a deep blue lagoon, begs to be explored. Its gastronomic offerings, ranging from the airy and leafy Sails Bar to the all-day indulgence of Lime Restaurant, promise to always provide something fresh and new for the jaded Maldivian explorer. Cayenne Grill, for example, is perched at the lagoon’s edge, with the stunning views proving to be as satisfying as the hearty Japanese wagyu tenderloin and pan-fried lobster on offer.

And when it comes to where to sleep, the choices are as luxurious as they are varied. Pool villas and beachside suites offer deluxe island chic, but by far the most spectacular pick is the Baros Residence. Spread over 270 square metres and with its own private pool, for a real island delight this is the only way to do it – just call your 24-butler to see to your Robinson Crusoe whims, while taking in those delightful Maldivian sunsets from your own stretch of beach. That’s what we call bliss.

WHAT TO SEE:

Touted as the best in North Male Atoll, Baros’s house reef teems with life and colour. While you can choose to grab a snorkel and take in the sights for yourself, a guided reef tour with one of the resort’s experienced private scuba instructors is undoubtedly the best way to truly appreciate all the Maldives has to offer. Don’t miss out on a ‘Glow in the Dark’ fluorescent night dive to check out even the most timid of the reef’s creatures.

WHAT TO DO:

For the ultimate switch-off, any time at Baros’s Serenity Spa is time well spent. Whether it’s a session in the manicure and pedicure suite, a journey toward enlightenment with the resort’s resident yogi or a full day of bliss with a bespoke spa programme including an invigorating salt scrub, relaxing bath, steam, series of massages and a comforting wrap to finish it all off, feeling good has never been this relaxing.

From decadent dining to reef exploration, or simply relaxing and taking in the island sights – Baros Maldives has got your barefoot dreams covered.

And On Your Wrist?

Bianchet Sport GMT

While time may seem to stand still at Baros, unfortunately the world keeps turning for everyone else – so keep track of all the important time zones with this robust machine from Bianchet. Sporty and light in titanium and rubber, perfect for resisting the saltwater, sand and heat of the Maldives, its delightfully balanced dial complete with flying tourbillon allows you to keep track of two time zones while concentrating on the most important things – like not missing the time of your spa appointment. It’s all about priorities.

A destination dining experience (above) or a close encounter with the locals (right) are just some of the magical island moments that happen on the daily in Baros, one of the Maldives’s first pioneering resorts.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

EMILY BAXTER

Make time for grown-up sophistication at…

Shangri-La Al Husn

MUSCAT

SETTING THE SCENE:

Omanis are renowned for their hospitality, always making a trip to the Sultanate one to remember. The oldest independent state in the Arab world, it’s quieter and calmer than its Emirati neighbours, but all the more spectacular for it. Known as the ‘jewel of the Middle East’, it has everything from untouched beaches to green Khareef season in Salalah, vibrant bazaars, coves, forts and mountain-top villages. In short, it’s full of character.

One of Oman’s most spectacular features is its varied coastline, ranging from the fjord-like inlets of Mussandam to the dramatic, rocky headlands that can be found heading out of the capital of Muscat – and that’s where we find the Shangri-La Al Husn, a leisurely 40-minute drive from the capital, on a spectacular natural outcrop that features the famed Bandar Al Jissah Arch, carved from the rock by the rising and falling tides.

Shangri-La Al Husn, Muscat

THE HOTEL:

Shangri-La Al Husn is an adult-only clifftop sanctuary, perched above the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Oman. It has its own private beach and cove for a serious dose of exclusivity and escapism, as well as an infinity pool with dramatic views. Its traditional Omani architecture invites you to get lost in your own Arabian Nights adventure. History and nature are all around – the untouched coves of Muscat’s coastline just a boat ride away, and the capital’s myriad culture spots close to the hotel. You can snorkel before breakfast, visit a mosque or museum after lunch, then set sail for a sunset cruise ahead of dinner, before bedding down in one of Shangri-La Al Husn’s stunning suites.

There are 180 rooms and suites, with the Speciality Suites offering a chic Arabian experience, with a bedroom, dining room, living room and fully-equipped kitchenette spread out over 150 square metres. The marble-clad bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and deep-soak hot whirlpool bathtubs, while original local artworks pay tribute to Oman’s heritage. Suite guests are also invited for daily afternoon high tea, and pre-dinner drinks, while your in-suite mini-bar will be refilled each day. The best part is the private balcony. Our advice? Order breakfast or a sunset aperitif to your room, head outside and sink into those captivating sea views.

There are four different restaurants at Shangri-La Al Husn, or pop next door to its sister hotel, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, for a wider variety. Aangan by Rohit Ghai is a stunning restaurant offering a fresh take on Indian cuisine from the award-winning chef. To elevate your evening, do things differently with a dreamy private dinner on the hotel’s clifftop or on the secluded beach, with a special menu crafted by Chef Rohit.

Elsewhere at the hotel, Luban Spa is on hand to ensure your holiday is as relaxed as possible, there’s a 24-hour gym for those looking to burn off energy, or beach yoga to slow things down. You can also paddle board, kayak, or book your very own Robinson Crusoe moment as you’re whisked away to a private island via personal speedboat with a barbecue lunch on the beach.

The Must-Do List

WHEN TO VISIT:

October to March has the best temperature to make the most of Oman’s beautiful outdoors.

WHERE TO EAT:

Located in a converted guesthouse, with stunning views to boot, Bait Al Luban serves traditional and modern interpretations of Omani cuisine. Eschew a table setting and cop a squat on large floor cushions for the full, authentic experience.

WHAT TO SEE:

If you’re an art enthusiast, visit this autumn for Muscat Art, which runs from 29 October to 1 November. The annual exhibition unites local and international artists in an incredible celebration of creativity.

WHAT TO DO:

Learn how to care for baby turtles under the guidance of Shangri-La Al Husn’s Turtle Rangers. You’ll be taught how to protect them and enjoy a guided snorkelling session too, for an intimate encounter with these majestic sea creatures in their natural habitat.

Arabian nights await at Shangri-La Al Husn, where the sophistication of an adults-only vibe meets the understated style that’s Shangri-La’s signature.

And On Your Wrist?

Breitling

Superocean Automatic 44 and 36

The perfect reflection of Oman’s ocean blues and light, easy summer style, this sweet his ‘n’ hers combo of timepieces is ideal for everyday wear whatever the weather. Hardy and durable enough for swimming, sailing and snorkelling, these watches also have enough swag to be fresh dinner companions too. Whether you’re a fan of the bigger turquoise option at 44mm, or prefer a subtle 36mm in rainbow hues, it’s a sporty and stylish set for summer fun – all day long.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

EMILY BAXTER

Explore a cultural crossroad at…

Raffles ISTANBUL

SETTING THE SCENE:

Istanbul is a vibrant city brimming with culture and charm. Straddling Europe and Asia across the meandering Bosphorus Strait, it’s a magical melting pot of modernity and minarets, museums and cosmopolitan living. Ideal for holidaymakers wanting to sate varied interests, you can step back in time at the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, the Roman-era Hippodrome, which was once used for chariot races, or the Blue Mosque; shop up a storm at the Grand Bazaar, haggling your way round the world’s oldest historical bazaar; admire Turkish art at Topkapi Palace and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts; unwind in a traditional Ottoman hammam, and so much more. In fact, part of the charm of Istanbul is simply walking around the city with no destination in mind, exploring cobbled back alleys to find locals sipping coffee over games of backgammon, watching people casting a rod on the Galata Bridge, and discovering the green side of the city at Gülhane Park or Belgrad Forest.

THE HOTEL:

When it’s time to bed down, Raffles Istanbul is a glorious reflection of a city that stitches its many European and Asian cultural influences into one awe-inspiring tapestry. Located on the European side, in the Zorlu Center, a cutting-edge hub for fashion, food and culture that beats to its own rhythm, the very best of the city is at your fingertips. A place to soothe, thrill and excite, it has majestic views of the Bosphorus, the recently restored Maiden Tower, the Princes’ Islands, and the Old Town.

But it’s not all about the outside. Inside the hotel, you’ll find 185 rooms and suites – some of the largest in the city – all with glorious floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, with sleek modern interiors complimented with a large contemporary art collection, most of which is specially commissioned from local artists. If you’re after a touch of that signature Raffles refined grandeur, check into the Raffles Royal Suite, with 416 square metres of elegant, modern Turkish design for only the most distinguished of guests. The suite includes airport transfer via helicopter and the legendary Raffles Butler Service, meaning you won’t have to lift a finger during your stay. When hunger comes calling, the award-winning Isokyo will take you on an Asian adventure, from Tokyo to Istanbul. Each dish is bursting with traditional flavours, from Japan’s umami, to Thailand’s sweet and spicy, and Korea’s pickled and fermented to Turkish spices. The sommelier at the ever-beautiful Champagne Room then awaits to help you toast your holiday in high style.

The Must-Do List

WHEN TO VISIT:

Spring and autumn to beat the heat and crowds.

WHERE TO EAT:

For something special, book dinner at Turk Fatih Tutak. This two-Michelin-star restaurant focuses on age-old culinary traditions adapted for a modern palate while celebrating the freshness of regional produce.

WHAT TO SEE:

The Night Museum Project allows visitors to explore some of Istanbul’s key cultural venues by night, offering a completely new spin on the city.

WHAT TO DO:

Soak up the city from a unique vantage point –cruising down the Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht. Time it well for sunset for the most beautiful views.

Viewing the bustle and joyful chaos of the city from the serene and calm of the Raffles Istanbul is a delicious contrast to be savoured.

And On Your Wrist?

Philipp Plein Crypto King Flying Tourbillon

Istanbul may be a deeply historic city, but it also has a wildly avant-garde energy and a taste for the daring. Show a flash of inspiration with the new Crypto King Flying Tourbillon, unveiled during this year’s Watches and Wonders, which is a virtuoso effort from start to finish. Inside its irreverent red-striped and transparent-strapped exterior beats a coaxial tourbillon in a bespoke calibre, with the wide-open window dial giving a close-up view of all the action. Take in the past with a symbol of the future on your wrist.

Chic dining and special moments - all part of the Raffles Istanbul experience, bursting with culture and decadence.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

DEREMI AJIDAHUN & RACHEL SILVESTRI

Combine pure relaxation with a touch of adrenaline at…

Milaidhoo MALDIVES

SETTING THE SCENE:

Heading north from Male by seaplane, 35 minutes to take in the unbelievable blues and greens of the Maldives islands might not seem like enough. But that’s all it takes to find yourself in the heart of the unspoilt UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, home to the dreamy Milaidhoo Maldives. At just 300m by 180m, this tiny isle of emerald jungle and powder-white sand may be small, but it’s more than perfectly formed – and offers all a traveller seeking the ideal balance of both peace and action could want.

Life in Milaidhoo revolves around the azure blue ocean - whether dining, taking time out in the spa or simply dreaming your cares away.

THE HOTEL:

Welcoming all travellers aged eight and above, this ‘older’ family resort offers privacy and tranquillity to those looking for something more secluded than the usual beach clubs. Nature is Milaidhoo’s specialty, its natural greenery remaining satisfyingly unmanicured while its underwater flora and fauna has to be seen to be believed. But the first inkling I got that things are done differently on this island was when we took our first steps on to Milaidhoo’s welcoming jetty – the level of service at this resort is something that its wonderful staff really do take pride in.

Whether you prefer a shady beachside villa with a private pool, or an Insta-worthy over-water villa with seemingly never-ending freshwater infinity pool, the choice is yours – but either way, you’ll experience soaring wooden-beamed ceilings and luxuriously-appointed amenities and furnishings that really are a rarity even in the Maldives’ most chic resorts. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss the stunning two-bedroom ocean residence. Fully over water and laid out over two spacious storeys, this is 564 square metres of surprises. From the secret gym hidden under the roof to the private sun deck’s swing chair, sun loungers and spectacular

pool, this is climate-controlled and fully-stocked opulence at its most lavish. Take the party to the rest of the island by sampling Milaidhoo’s wide variety of restaurants and bars – the Compass Pool Bar was a particular favourite – but make sure to plan your time around the real star of the show… The ocean. Milaidhoo’s resident marine biologist is the perfect guide to what makes this UNESCO area so unique, with the ‘be a marine biologist’ programme allowing you to discover all the ins and outs of the surrounding wildlife before taking to the deep blue to discover them for yourself. The spectacle of scuba diving is a given, but also make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to take part in some big game fishing in some of the world’s beststocked waters. Wahoo, sailfish, swordfish and giant trevally are all up for grabs for the skilled fisherman, with even the occasional marlin making an appearance – all on a strictly catch-and-release basis. For a more zen activity, try kayaking or paddle boarding in the clear, calm seas surrounding Milaidhoo. Come rain or shine, the warm, forgiving Maldivian ocean is ready and waiting.

Milaidhoo Maldives

From dawn ‘til dusk, Milaidhoo’s delights are ready and waiting. Exquisite cuisine and a luxuriously-appointed spa are just two of this remote paradise’s essential treats.

The Must-Do List

WHEN TO VISIT:

Manta ray season is unmissable at Milaidhoo. From May to October, these majestic creatures visit the plankton-rich waters of Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay – a mere stone’s throw from Milaidhoo’s reef. Scoot over by speedboat in just 15 minutes, sling on your snorkel and prepare to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sights. You might even consider spending a few extra days to do it all over again – such is the effect of these incredible creatures’ presence.

WHERE TO EAT:

Clean and light flavours are Milaidhoo’s style, perfect for adjusting to island pace – and the novelty of never having to wear shoes in any of the resort’s restaurants. Bag a table at the Shoreline Grill’s Chef’s Table, a teppanyaki-style treat for all the senses. As the sun goes down watch the flames from the chef’s grill rise while you savour a taste sensation.

WHAT TO SEE:

The Ba’theli Lounge and Restaurant is a sight to behold –even more so when contemplating the colours of one of those unforgettable island sunsets. Honouring the Maldives’s place on the ancient Maldivian Spice Route, this floating restaurant sits in a boat and serves island delights from those swashbuckling times, with meals taken on deck to soak in the sea views, or below where you can observe the sea life through the boat’s glass bottom. Talk about a feast for the eyes.

WHAT TO DO:

After all the excitement, make sure you take some time to unwind at Milaidhoo’s four over-water spa treatment suites which make the most of their island setting. Local herbs and plants find their way into invigorating remedies, including the rejuvenating Serenity Under the Stars treatment. An outdoor full body massage that takes place under the light of the moon, followed by a lifting face massage and collagen mask, this treatment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a secret kept between you and the skies.

And On Your Wrist?

Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID

An action-packed island escape needs a timepiece that can keep up – and when it comes to adventure Panerai really does know what it’s doing. With a fetching deep blue shade on its ceramised titanium and remarkably luminescent dial, it’s an effortlessly legible and aesthetically pleasing choice whether taking midnight island strolls or descending to scuba depths. Eight years in the making, in a huge achievement this fully mechanical, no-battery movement can light on demand, its 50-bar depth capacity and 30-minute power light function proving to be a perfect combination for extreme sea conditions. And while we don’t expect the Maldives to throw up too many unexpected situations – it’s best to be prepared for anything. With a Panerai on your wrist, you know you’re ready to take whatever the deep can throw at you.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

EMILY BAXTER

Get your city-break spa on at…

The Chedi MUSCAT

SETTING THE SCENE:

Muscat is Oman’s port capital – perched on the Gulf of Oman, it’s where the mountains meet the sea. Its history as a major trading hub between the East and West dates back 100,000 years, only modernising itself in the 1970s. Now, it’s a perfect mix of old-world charm and contemporary cool, the air scented by coffee, spices and frankincense. There’s much to do, from visits to the Royal Opera House, Al Alam Palace and Mutrah Fort, to soaking up culture at Bait Al Zubair Museum and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

A huge draw for holidaymakers is Muscat’s extraordinary coastline, providing water-loving visitors incredible marine adventures. You can snorkel or scuba dive to spot turtles and rays, or glide through its crystalline waters on a jet ski, wakeboard, water ski or by chartering a catamaran to weave you in and out of Muscat’s unexplored coves. If you’re lucky (and guests often are), you’ll be accompanied by a pod of dolphins as they spin and bow-ride through the waves with you –and it’s all accessible from the centre of the city, where we find the Chedi Muscat right on Ghubrah Beach.

THE HOTEL:

Centred around minimalism, The Chedi Muscat is as calm as hotels come. Flanked by beach and 21 acres of garden, this pretty hotel has been drawing the region’s well-heeled crowd for over 20 years. Looking for tranquillity? You’ll find it here in spades, all white-washed walls, traditional Omani-meets-Asian architecture and loads of greenery. Spend your day flitting between pools – the 103metre Long Pool or Chedi Pool for a child-free dip, or the Serai Pool for a swim enveloped by greenery. Take a sun-kissed stroll along the 383-metre stretch of picture-perfect beach. Try yoga, kinesis or aqua aerobics for some light movement, or hit some balls at the hotel’s competition-standard private tennis court. The hotel will also curate the perfect day trip for you, from mountain biking to a mosque visit, a desert safari at Wahiba Sands to a gentle snorkel along the coastline.

Unpack your bags in one of the hotel’s 61 newly renovated Serai rooms, fusing elegant, traditional Asian style with classic Omani architec-

ture. Housed in the three-storey Serai Wing, it’s all about graceful simplicity and serenity, with a contemporary palette of soft greys and neutral tones, traditional wooden elements and layered textures. The rooms bask in natural light, with uninterrupted views out over the Gulf of Oman’s enticingly sparkling waters.

A highlight of the hotel – and most likely your holiday – is The Spa at The Chedi Muscat. At this gorgeous 13-suite Balinese oasis, you’ll find beauty refining facials, rejuvenating massages, cupping, reflexology, manicures and plenty more. There’s also The Health Club, a unique living room-style gym with Technogym equipment, power plates, a kinesis wall, free weights and a Pilates corner, sauna and steam room to meet all your holiday wellbeing needs.

Don’t miss a relaxed evening at The Shisha Courtyard, mezze under the stars at The Arabian Courtyard, Japanese cuisine at The Long Pool Cabana or seafood by the sea at The Beach Restaurant.

The Must-Do List

WHEN TO VISIT:

October to March, when the air is cooler and the sea most welcoming.

WHERE TO EAT:

Head to Ramssa in Qurum to try authentic Omani street food. Its interiors are designed like a traditional Omani house, with mouth-watering dishes of mutton, fish and chicken infused with herbs, onion, garlic and lime.

WHAT TO SEE:

Take a tour around the House of Amouage manufacturer to sniff the timeless aromatic ingredients at the historic factory, where the world’s most expensive perfume is produced.

WHAT TO DO:

If you’re a golf fanatic, there are several beautiful greens where you can practice your swing. Try the 18-hole PGA-certified green at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club or the Greg Norman-designed course at Al Mouj Golf.

A resort in the very heart of the city, the Chedi Muscat has been a visitor favourite for more than 20 years, and it’s easy to see why. With all the tranquillity of a beachside outpost and the convenience of a city centre location, it’s the best of both worlds and enjoys the legendary Omani hospitality to boot.

And On Your Wrist?

Chronoswiss Delphis Dune

Sophisticated, complex and utterly desirable, everything about Chronoswiss’s new Delphis Dune is reflected in the charm of the city of Muscat. The lightness of its titanium case makes this elegant 42mm timepiece a pleasure to wear, while the captivating amber-toned Grand Feu enamel dial recalls the undulations of the Omani desert sands and its surrounding orange-red mountains. The fan-favourite Chronoswiss retrograde minute and jumping hour complication is as appealing as ever, and now when set with a hand-guilloché 18 carat gold dial base for the sleek enamelwork it proves all the more tempting. With just 50 pieces being produced, you’d better hurry to get one of these desert-island dials on your wrist.

The Chedi, Muscat

Classic Omani architecture meets contemporary Asian chic at the Chedi Muscat, with outdoor dining and poolside lounging options galore.

Paradise unveiled at Milaidhoo Maldives

Your dream island awaits, offering unforgettable memories in a haven where wellbeing and luxury are paramount.

Embrace serenity and indulge in pure bliss.

The Art of Elevation

OMNIYAT has proved to be a real estate pioneer in the UAE. Here, the recordbreaking property empire’s founder and executive chairman Mahdi Amjad shares the philosophy behind the company’s growth — and how the UAE itself inspired him.

OMNIYAT’s pioneering architecture at The Opus.

“The United Arab Emirates is a spectacular success story, in which the nation’s visionary leadership set about converting the country’s considerable energy and mineral resources into a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan society with an exceptional standard of living for all who call it home.

However, Dubai itself stands out as a case study in successful leadership, in that this particular emirate didn’t have the vast mineral wealth of its neighbour Abu Dhabi, and so instead it developed its economy as a business-friendly regional hub for trade and commerce.

It created the region’s largest air and sea ports. It established free zones in which foreigners could own their own businesses. And, most importantly for OMNIYAT’s story, it established rules which allowed expatriates to own the homes they lived in. This approach created an economic environment which has generated many a success story for Dubai’s real estate sector.

Dubai’s real estate boom has been well documented, and is a major growth engine for the emirate’s economy. With thousands flocking to the city from across the world, attracted by the high standards of living, these expatriates take advantage of the opportunity to buy and invest in properties of all kinds, ranging from studio apartments to palatial beachfront villas and elevated penthouses.

However, when I founded OMNIYAT, I had the ambition to revolutionise the Dubai real estate market by creating entirely unique living experiences. OMNIYAT has continuously raised the standards in ultra-luxury real estate ever since and created something that had never been seen in the UAE before.

OMNIYAT’s founder and executive chairman Mahdi Amjad

To achieve this, I would partner with some of the world’s leading visionaries in architectural and interior design to curate sculpted masterpieces that bring together purpose, design, innovation and unique storytelling to create extraordinary experiences for those who inhabit them. This is why we work with partners who will elevate our properties into exceptional living experiences, rather than resorting to brand partnerships to elevate our brand.

Today, at OMNIYAT we refer to this philosophy as ‘The Art of Elevation’.

The Opus, in particular, is the perfect example of this approach. Our first collaboration with the immensely talented Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the world’s most renowned and visionary architects, the design was originally presented in 2007, but the building was eventually completed in 2019. It is unique in that it is the only Zaha Hadid building in the UAE, the only hotel in which she designed both its architecture and the interiors, and one of only two

landmarks in the UAE to be designed by her personally, the other being Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi.

It was an incredible privilege to work with her before she sadly passed away, and we are so proud to continue her legacy with our exciting and ongoing partnerships with Zaha Hadid Architects.

We have continued to apply this philosophy to every new property launched, from The One at Palm Jumeirah to Vela, Vela Viento, AVA at Palm Jumeirah, Orla, The Lana and The Lana Residences, to name a few.

In these exceptional properties, architectural brilliance meets the flair of French interior design, owing to collaborations with the prestigious Foster + Partners and the renowned Parisian design duo, Gilles & Boissier.

A hallmark of OMNIYAT’s commitment to ultra-luxury living, the legendary Dorchester Collection elevates the living experience through its standout servicing and management of the residences.

Never afraid to do things differently, OMNIYAT’s projects are unfailingly dynamic and a true feast for the eyes. Above and above right, The Opus. Right, One at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, Dubai

It was extremely important to us that each property brings something truly unique and unprecedented to Dubai, as that is what OMNIYAT stands for.

For example, a truly stand-out feature of Vela Viento will be the ‘hanging’ dining rooms in the two four-bedroom penthouses and the three signature duplex apartments. It is a concept unique to this property, in which the spaces and bridges between the property’s two towers meet to create a space that offers a distinctive ‘in the sky’ residential experience.

The Lana and The Lana Residences, Dorchester Collection Dubai represent OMNIYAT’s establishment of a new footprint in the Burj Khalifa District, and is only the first step of a master plan for the surrounding Marasi Bay area, with several more incredible properties to follow, including Vela and Vela Viento, as part of our strategy to create unique destinations. It has been extremely rewarding to see that our clientele shares

our vision for the area, with the residences at The Lana already sold out, and the final penthouse breaking a record for sale value in the Burj Khalifa District.

The Lana is also our first hospitality project launched in partnership with Dorchester Collection, and is simply a spectacular property, offering the very finest in five-star dining, facilities and breathtakingly scenic venues to be found anywhere in Dubai. It also boasts the very first Dior Spa to be opened outside of Europe, yet another groundbreaking initiative representing our commitment to delivering ultra-luxury experiences unprecedented in the region.

It is these kinds of projects that define OMNIYAT, and set us apart in an increasingly crowded luxury real estate landscape in Dubai. It’s a challenge to raise the bar with every project, but it’s a challenge we relish. That’s what we mean when we say ‘The Art of Elevation’.”

ORLA, Dorchester Collection, Dubai Palm Jumeirah (above) is a haven of beachside sophistication.

Superlative experiences are part of OMNIYAT’s DNA, as partnerships with high-end luxury brands bring an extra level of service. Top, AVA at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, Dubai. Above, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai.

Interview

BRICE LECHEVALIER

Cyrille Vigneron

Chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy

The visionary at the helm of Richemont’s heavyweight since 2016 answered questions from a handful of journalists during Watches and Wonders, before handing over the reins as CEO of Cartier to Louis Ferla in July.

The Cartier website categorises watches into 12 collections; do you think there are any that still have under-exploited potential?

All of them. A collection may be more or less attractive depending on the period. With its Manufacture movements housed in special-shaped cases, the Cartier Privé collection has undergone a spectacular redeployment. Ditto for the Baignoire Bangle, which has experienced an incredible comeback.

We’re seeing more and more small Baignoires worn by men, reflecting a level of fluidity that’s right up with the times. It’s a universal phenomenon. Our icons are not the result of decisions made by us, but choices made by our customers. We have a rich heritage, much of which still deserves to be revisited. Nonetheless, we can choose to keep these icons as they were originally, or else rework them. We always keep Louis Cartier’s vision in mind,

along with his notion of “mother ideas” (that give birth to others), in offering many variations within the genealogy, such as the Tank collection with its Tank Anglaise, Tank Américaine or Tank Française models that have already undergone evolutions. Alongside these, we still have the Tank Asymétrique, Tank Cintrée and Tank à Guichets collections that might be reconsidered with specific elements for Cartier Privé, or maintained as they are. The same goes for the Santos and Santos-Dumont collections and the Panthère.

How does this creative process work?

Our niche is elegance in the broadest sense. It all starts with design, which is then followed by technology. Cartier relies on a creative committee – organised according to product lines – to develop designs and associated techniques. Upstream, we have built these collections by car-

“We have a rich heritage, much of which still deserves to be revisited.”

rying out a great deal of filtering work: which models stand the test of time and how is the Cartier style collectively defined? Is it one model or a family, such as Santos or Santos-Dumont? Do we need other colours or materials, more or less masculine or feminine styles without prejudging who will wear them, so that everyone can see their own interpretation? Today, Cartier is both clearer about its identity as well as bolder. There are creations we wouldn’t have dared to introduce eight years ago, yet customers immediately recognise Cartier’s distinctive touch.

In 2024, our intention is to work on all shapes, reinforcing the Cartier identity. This might mean simple adjustments to dials and bracelets, reissues with Cartier Privé, like the Tank Américaine, or creative exploration with Cartier Libre, where we have the freedom to infringe on our own codes.

How would you define new products within this approach?

Style longevity is an important element. A decade ago, design innovation was often thought to be paramount. However, the brands that have made the most progress over the last decade are not necessarily those that have introduced the most radical designs. They have remained clear or gradually clarified their position. Those who love a brand will sometimes buy their favorite model every year, in a different guise. The creativity of the

model’s style and longevity are thus decisive. Additionally, the style must be appreciated by all generations: this is the case with the Santos-Dumont, which blends harmoniously into families and promotes continuity.

How does price factor into this equation?

Cartier is based in Switzerland, which implies high production costs due to the strong Swiss franc and substantial use of gold. This has led to unavoidable price adjustments, especially in recent years. On the other hand, Cartier is characterised in luxury watchmaking by fairly accessible price positioning, with a range starting at CHF3,000 (Dhs12,300). We note that many brands have defined their price range above CHF20,000 (Dhs82,000), and that in the CHF10,000 to CHF20,000 range there is a wealthy clientele who feel that these other brands have become a little too expensive. While there’s a certain magic to selling steel for the price of gold – it’s a new alchemy in Switzerland! – there is nonetheless demand for realistic perceived value. Finally, we are seeing growing interest in the more precious gold models, for jewelry watches or those with complications, ranging from CHF10,000 (Dhs41,000) t0 CHF50,000 (Dhs205,000).The appetite for very high-end timepieces is growing everywhere.

Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind

The Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph has been redesigned with a slimmer case and a shape closer to that of the 1910s, which meant reinventing the movement to fit the case.

BRICE LECHEVALIER

98 THE INSIDE STORY

Certified Pre-Owned: what’s in it for you?

100 AUCTIONS

More than just hammer prices

102 TRENDS

Time travel machines

Audemars Piguet Ref. 5538, lot 49 Phillips

Patek Philippe Ref. 5070G-014, lot 179 Phillips

Rolex Ref. 6269 Cosmograph, lot 13 Phillips

Fun times for pre-loved

The success of the few brands that reign supreme at auctions nurtures their desirability in store windows, prolonging the virtuous circle.

Under the spell (not just the hammer) of a commercial or stylistic watchmaking rejuvenation, pre-owned watches are experiencing the force of timeless attraction. This booming transgenerational phenomenon is as structured as it is fascinating and also self-regenerating: initially new, the watch becomes second-hand as soon as it is resold, before transforming in a few decades into a vintage product, which itself inspires new models. In some instances, these pre-owned vintage products turn into a goldmine when sold at auction, provided they are rare and in excellent condition, even more so if they once belonged to a celebrity. The success of the few brands that reign supreme at auctions nurtures their desirability in store windows, prolonging the virtuous circle. An increasing number of boutiques also offer certified and guaranteed pre-owned watches, enabling customers to buy the watch of their dreams at a more moderate price (except for a few stellar brands and models that are unobtainable new), theoretically without running the risk of acquiring a counterfeit or stolen model. We are dedicating our special report to this welcome model of circularity in the world of timepieces.

Patek Philippe World Time Cloisonné “World ”, lot 591 Antiquorum

The Inside Story

STEVEN ROGERS

Certified Pre-Owned

What’s in it for you?

Certified Pre-Owned in a nutshell: discover how leading watch brands are embracing this trend, offering meticulously authenticated and restored timepieces with fresh warranties.

Adecade ago, if you told your friends that you were “going CPO”, they would have assumed you were talking about buying a manufacturer-restored used car. Nowadays, CPO or “Certified Pre-Owned” has become an established term in watchmaking parlance too – and an appealing option when it comes to purchasing your next luxury timepiece.

WHAT IS CPO?

In short, Certified Pre-Owned means the watch brand itself – or one of its approved CPO programme partners –has authenticated a timepiece as one of its own. Procedures differ from brand to brand but CPO typically entails an expert inspection to ensure the watch is genuine, a full servicing of the movement and a restoration of the watch’s dial, case, crystal and strap. Such watches usually come with a fresh international warranty.

Rolex has been in the news over the past year as it began rolling out its Certified Pre-Owned programme. To do so, the brand has partnered with retail powerhouses like Watches of Switzerland, the 1916 Company and Bucherer (Tourneau in the USA) which Rolex acquired last year.

But long before the crown entered the CPO fray, smallvolume, high-end independent watchmakers led the way: between 2015 and 2020, Richard Mille, F.P.Journe, MB&F and Urwerk all began operating their own in-house pre-owned certification programme where they buy back, refurbish and resell their pre-owned watches.

To be eligible for Rolex’s CPO scheme, the watch has to be over three years old. MB&F and F.P.Journe will consider repurchasing models that are no longer in production. Zenith, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, meanwhile, have all developed their own carefully curated capsule collections of highly coveted vintage pieces, all sourced, authenticated and immaculately restored in-house.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”, lot 588 Antiquorum

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, CPO Bucherer

‘‘It stands to reason, then, that a watch company will want a slice of this market as another revenue stream and enjoy profiting, repeatedly, from a product it has made just once.’’

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE KEY PLAYERS?

So why would watch brands – and groups like Richemont who own the three last-mentioned brands, and since 2018 the pre-owned trading platform Watchfinder – want to move into the resale market?

Of course, a principal driver is profit: according to M&BD Consulting’s recent study on the challenges facing luxury watchmaking – conducted in partnership with GMT Publishing – estimates suggest the value of the secondary market will reach CHF35 billion by 2030, representing more than half the value of new watches sold. It stands to reason, then, that a watch company will want a slice of this market as another revenue stream and enjoy profiting, repeatedly, from a product it has made just once.

Just as importantly, CPO allows brands to have a say in the quantity and condition of the pieces that are in circulation, as well as their market value, which can positively influence the perception of the brand and sales of its new watches.

However, developing an offer on the secondary market is, as noted in M&BD Consulting’s report, a challenging under-

taking and requires considerable investment – from the implementation of systems to repurchase and resell watches to the hiring of competent watchmakers equipped to perform authentication and restoration.

As for customers, CPO means they can buy collectible second-hand watches with confidence, reassured by the brand’s seal of approval and updated warranty. And for those making their first foray into pre-owned, it helps to remove the headache of researching both the timepiece and its seller.

But that confidence comes at a premium: customers commonly pay a mark-up for a watch listed through CPO programmes compared to non-certified models. In the case of Rolex, reports suggest this CPO premium can be between 20 and 30 per cent, sometimes more.

On the other hand, if you have carried out your research and know your stuff – or can rely on a trusted seller or dealer who knows their stuff – then you might not feel the need to pay the extra cost that CPO invariably incurs.

Either way, Certified Pre-Owned is set to grow further. So, for your next watch, will you go CPO?

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, CPO Bucherer

Cartier Tank, CPO Bucherer

Auctions

ANDREA CASALEGNO

More than just hammer prices

A look back at the Geneva spring auctions.

The Geneva spring auctions are always adrenaline-inducing, packed with outstanding timepieces, world records, milestones and more. This year’s auctions felt like they happened just the morning after the rush of Watches and Wonders watch fair. All the same, there were still plenty of interesting phenomena to take in.

Let’s set the scene: We had four main players – Phillips, Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Antiquorum – and charity auction Only Watch’s wild card. Over 1,200 watches were sold between them for a combined total of CHF116.25 million (of which CHF28.3 million came from Only Watch, to be precise). This time we not only saw Antiquorum celebrate its 50th anniversary but also witnessed many lots on offer from notable collections – those of Michael Schumacher, Ben Clymer and Guido Mondani, to name but a few. While Watches and Wonders serves as a platform for brands to present new releases, the auctions have always been about vintage watches, dealers and end customers, making the auction weekend a more accurate barometer of market trends.

Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Automatique, N° 7, lot 23 Sotheby’s

THE NEO-VINTAGE CRAZE

We had the chance to speak to several participants, two of whom caught our attention when summing up the weekend. First, Charlie Foxhall, deputy director, specialist at Sotheby’s, explained: “There is still huge enthusiasm for rare and interesting watches, specifically those that fall into the neo-vintage category.” He added: “Collectors are focused on pieces with the best stories in the best condition and are very willing to pay whatever it takes to get them.”

Then there was Alessio Zenga, a dealer of high-end vintage watches, who concurred on this last point. “Quality is now a market segment that is more relevant than rarity,” he said. “Patek Philippe is very strong, not only on complications but also on what is super high-quality and in perfect condition, while the middle segment is not as dynamic.”

INDEPENDENTS AND CLASSICS STEAL THE SHOW

So, what can we make of it all? One trend is the rise of design: special-shaped and small-but-interesting watches hold strong appeal – witness the 22mm Cartier white gold rectangular jump hour that sold at Phillips for CHF406,400 (Dhs1.6 million).

Independents also continue to shine, with Rexhep Rexhepi’s platinum Chronomètre Contemporain notably fetching over CHF1 million (Dhs4.01 million), though F.P.Journe’s performance did not exceed expectations this time. As Charlie Foxhall noted during these auctions, the taste for neo-vintage was sated with watches by the likes of Breguet, Franck Muller, Vacheron Constantin and Ulysse Nardin. Phillips proved it could buck market trends by selling a green Patek Philippe 5711 for around CHF300,000 (Dhs1.2 million) and current-production Rolex models for double their retail price or more. Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Rolex classics enjoyed great results as fans increasingly recognise their true worth – take the Patek Philippe Ellipses that featured at Antiquorum’s sale, for example. With all that said, I believe design and complications will be the leitmotif for the next five years and therefore my favourite piece from the Geneva spring auctions must be lot 169 at Phillips, a Patek Philippe yellow gold, diamond, lapis lazuli and turquoise bracelet watch – in my opinion the most exceptional and avant-garde piece of all the catalogues.

Franck Muller, lot 48 Sotheby’s

Vacheron Constantin Mercator, lot 217 Antiquorum

Patek Philippe Ref. 4364/3, lot 169 Phillips

F.P.Journe Vagabondage, lot 136 Christie’s

Trends

MARIE DE PIMODAN

Time travel machines

There are those that stand the test of time without being adversely affected and those that draw their inspiration from the past to adorn our wrists with a deliberately neo-retro touch. What these two categories of watches have in common is their enduring success.

Watchmaking has clearly not finished playing with the time machine. For almost a decade, watch brands have been revisiting the past and reviving their icons. Is it because they are running short on inspiration and lack innovative drive? The answer lies in the expectations of a clientele fond of vintage objects and stylistic codes from bygone eras. Taking cues from its heritage models, watchmaking is dusting off history by mixing two essential ingredients: boldness and nostalgia. When skillfully combined, they enable brands to capitalise on past successes, legitimise certain collections and embed them in a perfectly crafted and deeply nostalgic narrative.

FOCUSING ON ICONS

Take TAG Heuer, for example. The return of the Monaco in 2003 and the revival of the Carrera in 2004 – which have since become two of the brand’s mainstays – forcefully demonstrated that this vision can work wonders, when well thought-out and adapted to today’s tastes. This year, TAG Heuer unveiled a gold version of its Carrera Skipper, a watch that was a blast from the past in 2023, initially appearing in a steel case.

Blancpain followed the same winning strategy in 2003, when it gave a new lease of life to its emblematic diver’s watch, ushering the famous 1953-born Fifty Fathoms into the 21st century. This year, the saga continues with new 42mm automatic models in red gold or titanium.

Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02

Offering one of the famous illustrations of this approach, Cartier has been working since 2017 on the redeployment of its iconic collections. The Panthère, the Baignoire, the Santos-Dumont, the Tank and other exceptional models from the Cartier Privé collection regularly thrill watch devotees, as does the elegant Cartier Privé Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir presented this year at Watches and Wonders.

REVIVING THE GOLDEN AGE

The difficulty lies in not betraying the original timepiece, while nonetheless remaining perfectly in tune with the times, as skillfully demonstrated by Vacheron Constantin. In 2022, when the Maison presented its revival of the 222 in 2022, an emblematic model from the 1970s, it was an immediate hit. Piaget has 

Vacheron Constantin 222

TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Alpina Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years

achieved the same success – at least in the media –by reviving the jet-set codes of the late 1970s. Its new Polo 79 looks almost exactly like the original, except that its diameter has been significantly broadened from 34mm to 38mm and its quartz movement has been replaced by an ultra-thin self-winding in-house calibre.

Zenith is taking a fairly similar approach and the watches unveiled in the Revival range pledge allegiance to the original models. Such is the case with the Defy Revival A3648 launched during Watches and Wonders 2024. With its angular 37mm case topped by the 14-sided vintage bezel, this re-edition retains the essential features of the 1969 reference that was one of the very first Defy wristwatches and also one of the first Defy diver’s models.

WHAT ABOUT INNOVATION?

Brands can take different routes between adopting the rigid straitjacket imposed by the past and freedom of interpretation. When Alpina celebrated its 140th anniversary with two 14-piece limited series called Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years, the aesthetic chosen to adorn the original 490 movement created in 1938 was clearly inspired by the 1930s, while the watch was also endowed with contemporary attributes such as a sapphire caseback.

In presenting its [RE]Master02 directly inspired by a 1963 brutalist-style asymmetrical model, Audemars Piguet highlighted its commitment to modernity. “Audemars Piguet has always been attached to its past while looking to the future”, says CEO Ilaria Resta. This 250-piece limited edition powered by an ultra-thin calibre is sculpted in sand gold, a new gold alloy developed by the brand. To accentuate the asymmetry of the case, the sapphire crystal has been bevelled by dint of two years’ R&D. A reminder that it’s perfectly possible to look back in time without overlooking innovation.

Cartier Privé Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir

Zenith Defy Revival A3648

Piaget Polo 79

In conversation with…

Christelle Rosnoblet

With its passionate CEO and owner at the helm, British-born Maison Speake Marin’s unique brand of timeless creativity has evolved into something bigger. GMT GCC finds out what made dedicated entrepreneur Christelle Rosnoblet so wild about watchmaking that she claimed a stake right at the very heart of it.

Speake Marin’s history has been like two impeccably-engraved sides of the same coin. British watchmaker Peter Speake, a Hackney Technical College contemporary of Stephen Forsey and part of the visionary generation that gave watchmaking Max Büsser and Kari Voutilainen, somewhat reinvented the wheel when he founded the Maison in 2002. In fact, the wheel became the symbol of Speake Marin due to – according to him – it being the component that the watch is built on. His unique blend of turn-of-the-20th-century watchmaking spirit and a determined eye on the future with his ‘form follows function’ philosophy brought an intensely desirable and refreshingly different Maison with palpable heart and soul to the fore. It was a work of passion, with former watch resto-

rer Peter bringing whatever model he could create in his head and fashion in metal to the market.

In contrast, when Christelle Rosnoblet took charge, her entrepreneurial spirit and focus reined in and distilled Speake Marin’s wild spirit and classic character. The onus fell on bringing all movement production in-house and streamlining the Maison’s offerings, with strong, recognisable collections and distinctive touches quickly taking shape. A different approach, but the same passion, made the yin and yang of the brand’s first two decades fit together impeccably – and it was Christelle who made the stars align.

Here, GMT GCC gets to know Speake Marin’s ardent caretaker, who tasked herself with what every watch geek imagines to be their dream job. So is it? Let’s find out…

RACHEL SILVESTRI

I believe that you were a watch enthusiast before becoming involved with Speake Marin in 2012 – can you tell me more about your love for horology, where it began and how it brought you to Speake Marin?

Twelve years ago, during a family meeting, we were discussing new investment projects. Based in Annecy, we were also looking towards Switzerland. We wanted to diversify beyond the retail industry: chocolate, medical, startups in new technologies — everything was on the table. However, it was my passion for watchmaking that guided the choice, as if it were meant to be. At that time, the Geneva Time Exhibition, the first independent watchmaking trade show, was taking place. It was there in 2011 that I met numerous watchmakers, including Peter Speake. Most of them were seeking an investor, but one who would remain ‘silent’. However, it was clear to me

that I wanted to be involved in strategic decisions and bring an outsider’s perspective to the profession. Peter welcomed the idea warmly as he saw it as an opportunity for him to ‘lift his head from the helm’. The adventure began at that moment.

I’d love to know a little more about you – where you grew up, what your interests were during your childhood, what did you dream of doing when you were little?

I was born in the French Northern Alps, and I’m the granddaughter and daughter of a successful entrepreneurial family, pioneers of modern trade in my region. I was raised on the banks of Annecy Lake, instilled with a deep appreciation for hard work, a drive for innovation, and a spirit of freedom. I’ve been collecting Swatch watches since I was very young, and my passion for watchmaking has grown over the years... I’m deeply 

passionate about watchmaking, captivated by its codes, its quest for perfection and its sense of aesthetics. I find in watchmaking the values that surrounded me during my childhood: respect, heritage, a sense of sharing and a commitment to excellence.

What sort of businesses were you involved with before taking your role at Speake Marin?

I wanted to gain experience on my own first. I went to live in New York to perfect my English, which allowed me to join the WHO in Geneva for three years. Then I joined the family project and the Provencia group, where I started by developing the hard discount business.

It’s now 12 years since you took the helm at Speake Marin – has it been a rollercoaster ride or has the pace been more sedate? What have been the biggest highs and lows?

Without hesitation, the greatest challenge for an independent brand is to deliver exceptional products on time! We produce limited editions in small quantities, crafting fewer than 700 watches per year. Despite our small size in the watchmaking industry, we aim for excellence, which is why we strategically partner exclusively with suppliers located in Switzerland, spanning La Chaux-deFonds, Biel and Geneva.

Our primary challenge lies in achieving the delicate balance between demand and delivery times. If our order books are full but we promise delivery in two years, it can become quite challenging to manage. Today, with the organisation and processes established at Cercle des Horlogers, we can deliver in less than four months which significantly impacts many aspects of our operations.

Distribution remains a major hurdle for independent brands. Currently, our focus is on the Middle East, where demand is strong, the United States, Asia – soon in China – and Switzerland. We have redesigned our distribution strategy to collaborate solely with partners who are genuinely passionate about independent brands, recognised by collectors, and deeply invested in Speake Marin’s story.

What would you say have been your biggest achievements at Speake Marin?

My greatest achievements at Speake Marin include developing, producing and assembling our in-house movements. My proudest and distinctive horological accomplishments are the Double Vertical Tourbillon, the Minute Repeater with three hammers, placing the small seconds at 1:30 o’ clock, and integrating a micro-rotor in all our watches. All these developments have been achieved internally over a 12-year period.

Vivid colourways achieved with the Maison’s Positive Coating technique and distinctive touches - such as the spade-shaped hour indicator - have become signatures of Speake Marin.

Before you came to the Maison, Speake Marin mostly produced unique, bespoke pieces. Why did you decide to change this model?

The initial idea of creating on-demand products was very appealing, but not viable in the long term. To survive, it was necessary to develop real collections, new products and always maintain a strong brand DNA.

Who buys Speake Marin watches? Who do you and your team keep in mind during the design process?

Our customers are primarily attracted by our distinctive design, superb Swiss craftsmanship and – above all – our limited editions. They seek what cannot be found in other brands, avoiding clichés. I would also say that our customers look for values that resonate with their own identity. They are looking for a deep respect for horological tradition, as well as the humanity and kindness that characterise our Maison. It is this combination of elements that brings us increased recognition today, and we owe our success to our watch collectors. They are the brand’s discreet ambassadors, but we intend to put them in the spotlight in the near future.

We at GMT GCC very proudly showcased the Openworked Tourbillon Ultra Violet, which was launched at Watches and Wonders, on the cover of our last issue – how was the watch received? What was behind the choice to use such a vivid hue?

We loved our coverage in GMT GCC; it was very impactful and punchy, perfectly embodying the spirit of Speake Marin. I like to see the bright side of life, and the colour adds a touch of harmony. Above all, violet soothes and gives the product unparalleled dynamism. The colours created by Positive Coating are designed and developed with great care and attention. It was a beautiful creative collaboration between us. 

The Ripples Dune Date, presented at this year’s Watches and Wonders in Geneva.

Bringing movement production in-house was a priority for Christelle Rosnoblet.

My personal favourite Watches and Wonders 2024 launch was the truly mesmerising Ripples Dune Date – although I was disappointed to learn that every single piece was sold by the time I got my hands on one! It’s so perfect for our Middle Eastern region – was that the idea behind the piece? Are there any plans to reissue it?

Our Ripples Dune Date watch has been sold 100 per cent to our partners worldwide. However, rest assured, you can still find it in their stores. We do not plan to reissue it, as it was a limited edition of only 60 pieces.

Can you let us in on any special pieces that you have in the pipeline?

You will have to wait a few more weeks to discover our new release at Geneva Watch Days, the result of two years of research and development. Furthermore, you’ll need to remain patient as we prepare to unveil an exceptionally exciting new release in 2025.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your downtime?

As a business owner, moments of rest are precious. In winter I go skiing; I was lucky enough to be born and live near the mountains; I love winter sports. In summer, I spend my time sunbathing and walking by the sea, but never far from my computer!

Is there anything else that you think it’s important for us to know about you or Speake Marin?

At a time where everyone has a phone that tells the time, you might ask why wear a watch. For me, it’s above all an extension of oneself, a mark of distinction, a narrative, an expression of personality. This is what we continuously strive to cultivate at Speake Marin. I would conclude by saying ‘we must give back to time what belongs to it’. Each Speake Marin timepiece is distinguished by a unique touch, justifying the time invested in its production and enhancing the experience of its appreciation.

The bold colours of Speake Marin’s Minute Repeater Carillon recall the Maison’s British origins.

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Life in the luxe lane

GMT GCC meets Juan Perez, CEO of The Luxury Network UAE, to find out how living the high life is good for both business and pleasure – and if he really does have the world’s best job.

Juan Perez is living the Dubai dream. Flitting from one salubrious meeting to another, this put-together gentleman’s days are made up of the ultimate in socialising. One day it might be a golf tournament, the next a supercar track day. Bubbles at sunset on a superyacht? Or an afternoon of horological tinkering with some of the world’s best watchmakers? Polo, product launches, Formula 1? All in a day’s work. One could be forgiven for mistaking this Madridborn social butterfly for the region’s ultimate playboy, living the good life day after day in the most exclusive spots and most important places to be seen. But there’s a laser focus and precision method behind this apparent party madness – because as the CEO of the UAE’s branch of The Luxury Network, the high life is very much his business.

Founded in the UK in 2007 by serial entrepreneur Kevin Rose and now guided by global CEO Fares Ghattas, The Luxury Network is the win-win answer to every high-end brand’s dreams – and a boon for their discerning customers too. Ingenious cross-segment brand pairings bring diverse high-net-

worth groups of clients together for plush events, introducing them to their luxury-loving peers as well as giving them access to the types of products and services that they’re bound to be interested in. After all, isn’t it just common sense that a supercar owner might be in the market for a superyacht? Or a fan of haute horlogerie could also be interested in high-end writing instruments? And if you’ve already got a taste for the good life, perhaps some exclusive caviar, cigars or rare bottles are also on the cards?

Judging by the popularity – and profitability – of The Luxury Network’s special days and soirées, it’s all that and more. The high-end marketing company has offices all around the globe, spanning more than 40 markets and even boasting its own bimonthly magazine. And – of course – there’s nowhere on earth but Dubai that could be more suited to this style of exclusive private membership club. So who is the circus master orchestrating the UAE’s very precise combinations of all that glitters, flashes and revs? GMT GCC met Juan Perez to learn more about the life behind the luxury. 

RACHEL SILVESTRI

GMT GCC: Juan, your events are always really quite something. What’s the formula behind The Luxury Network’s success? Why are all these ultra-luxe brands so keen to partner with you?

Juan Perez: The idea is that the brands hosting a particular event get direct access to new clients, because that platform is going to be used for other brands with a like-minded client profile to attend. They either get access to new clients, or to retain their existing client with luxury experiences.

It’s a brilliant concept. So how do you find the people that form this network? How do you make sure that the right people are coming to your experiences?

The guests are invited by the brands. So, if a private bank wants an experience for 12 guests, we know that those 12 guests are existing clients and they have to have at least US$2 million or above to be a client of the private bank. Then if we are talking to a luxury real estate company, we ask them if they can bring clients that have bought a property for US$2, US$3 or US$4 million or above over the last two months. That’s the pre-qualification. If we’re working with supercar brand or a Rolls-Royce owner, then that’s their prequalification. He owns a Rolls-Royce!

When are brands most likely to approach you to put something special together for them?

They come to us if they want to do their own activations, if they’re looking for event partners to make it even more exciting, and if

they’re – most importantly – looking for guests. Brands have access to their existing clients – but in terms of prospecting? They don’t. That’s where we come into the picture, giving them access to new, potential customers. So let’s say we partner a private bank with a yacht brand, and we organise an on-board event – it’s great for the bank, because their clients have a beautiful experience. But it’s also great for the yacht brand, because they know that these guests can afford to buy one.

Can you tell us about some of the events you’ve held recently?

Let me show you an invitation which was sent out by ExecuJet Aviation, which offers services for private jet owners, in partnership with Panerai. We had a yacht party at the Four Seasons, offering sailing, diving and a watchmaking masterclass on board an amazing Majesty 155. There’s just no better way to reach new clients, when you’re working with luxury.

What are your favourite types of events, the ones that you personally really enjoy?

I’ve been doing what I do in Dubai for 10 years now, so as you can imagine a lot of opportunities and experiences have come along! I love Formula 1, and I also love our annual supercar track day, which I’m putting together now – it’s the biggest of the season. I really like the golf day too, and the fine dining experiences when you really get to meet and talk properly with everyone... Actually, I can’t answer this question because I really love them all!

All in a day’s work for Juan, his role at The Luxury Network can take him from track days and polo matches to more sedate private dinners and formal meetings.

You must have met some very interesting characters on your journey, what have been some of your more memorable interactions in the name of work?

Sometimes brand ambassadors and celebrities come along to the events, who are always interesting to talk to – I did an event for online trading platform CFI, and their global ambassador is Pep Guardiola. I did a Q&A with him in front of 150 guests, we partnered the event with Montegrappa and presented Pep with a very specific limited edition pen. We raffled tickets to an Andrea Bocelli concert and also had the soprano singer Cristina Pasaroiu present. And we organised it all in just one month!

It sounds like the most fun job. How did you get into this world of glitz and glamour?

I have a masters in engineering, but I’ve been in marketing and sales my whole life. When I finished studying I was selling the world’s biggest cranes, worth US$35 million, but I’ve always had that entrepreneurial sentiment so I decided to start my own online parcel brokering company. It was and continues to be very successful, but it was so boring for me! So in 2012 I sold my part of the business and planned to go to South America, but a pilot friend who was working for Emirates told me to come with him to Dubai, a place I knew very little about. I loved it. I saw the lifestyle, the opportunities and I decided to move over. I was introduced to Kevin Rose and we decided to launch The Luxury Network in the UAE.

What is it about Dubai that’s made The Luxury Network such a runaway success?

The reason is Dubai itself. All the nationalities are here, and there are a lot of people with a lot of money coming in. It’s in their interest to attend these high-level networking events to widen their network, to meet new people and to explore synergies with other like-minded people. On the other hand, in the luxury industry, per capita it’s probably one of the world’s best, and that’s due to the fact that it’s a very safe place. If you’re on the street with a milliondollar watch, no one is going to rob you. But if you go to the UK with a million-dollar watch, you’re going to have to look after yourself! The same thing is happening in Spain or in Europe in general, but not in the Middle East. It’s the same with cars – if you drive a RollsRoyce here people will tell you, well done, man. I love your car. In Madrid? They’ll call you something unprintable. Why? There’s that envy that happens in most other parts of the world. But here people really celebrate other people’s success.

So – and be honest – do you have the most fun job in the world? Yeah, it’s fun. I mean, it’s better than being down a mine! But yes, it is still work, and it can be stressful sometimes. Putting 30 brands and 600 guests together isn’t easy, it’s a big responsibility. But over time, brands are allocating us more and more budget and they’re asking us to organise more and more activations. Because at the end of the day, they get what they’re looking for, which is either access to new clients or being able to host those cool experiences they can’t organise on their own. And that is fun.

With experiences ranging from fine watchmaking workshops to glamorous meet, greet and mingle sessions, The Luxury Network’s creative marketing concept wraps up luxury in a most attractive package.

Immersion

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

BRICE LECHEVALIER

High Watchmaking’s countless facets

On the eve of Watches and Wonders, the world’s oldest watch brand in uninterrupted activity invited a handful of international journalists to the Manufacture for a surprise. What were we to discover? Quite simply, the world’s most complicated watch (63 complications)! The tone was set for the 2024 vintage. This world record was, however, only the proverbial tree hiding a forest of new creations, including of the fragrant variety. The landscape composed this year by Vacheron Constantin is rooted in soil distinguished by its virtually unrivaled richness, reflecting powerful DNA. The diversity alone illustrates the breadth of expertise: Grand Complication mod-

els, sports watches, classic watches, jewellery and ladies’ watches, not to mention the Métiers d’Art creations not included in our selection. All exude a sense of harmony that reinforces the Maison’s giltedged stature. Vacheron Constantin’s vision and timepieces reflect not only creativity, but also reliability and relevance. This fluid dynamism is echoed in the words of the product directors we interviewed. During our full-immersion day with the entire GMT and WorldTempus editorial staff, we clearly perceived and greatly appreciated this skillful cocktail of creative thinking and the love of a job well done –whether at the workbench or on the executive floor. We wanted to share it with you as a prelude to next year’s 270th anniversary fireworks…

Immersion

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

SOPHIE FURLEY & MARIE DE PIMODAN

Contemporary innovation in the light of history

She’s product marketing & innovation Director, he’s style & heritage director. Together, Sandrine Donguy and Christian Selmoni tell us about the diversity of Vacheron Constantin’s fields of expression.

The theme you have chosen this year is ‘From Geometry to Artistry’. What do you mean by that?

Sandrine Donguy: It’s a tribute to the development process that we have put in place at Vacheron Constantin. This theme illustrates the Maison’s creativity on the journey from geometry – the initial intention conveyed by a design proposed by the creative teams – to the birth of a seriesproduced timepiece. This also includes the prototyping stages and the integration of artisanal expertise in order to achieve technical and aesthetic feats. This theme illustrates the staging of all creative phases through the showcasing of our in-house talents, whether artistic or technical.

We’re struck this year by the diversity of your new releases. What characterizes Vacheron Constantin’s current collections?

SD: Watches and Wonders 2024 was a way for us to express the Maison’s capacity for innovation, through three technical feats. Firstly, the most complicated creation with The Berkley Grand Complication, its 63 complications and the introduction of a Chinese perpetual calendar, which broke the record set by Reference 57260. We also presented the first interchangeable high jewellery watch, the Grand Lady Kalla, in which we were keen to reinvent a great classic in terms of gemsetting, through the emerald cut. Moreover, for the first time ever, on the Égérie – The Pleats of Time concept model, we presented a fragrance encapsulated within a watch strap. So these are three innovations covering very different areas of expression and showcasing Vacheron Constantin’s creativity, while ensuring consistency with our heritage and our entire range of collections.

Your Heritage department has some 1,600 historical timepieces and very extensive archives. Is this an inspirational breeding ground for your contemporary watches?

Christian Selmoni: It’s a unique opportunity to have a Maison that will be celebrating its 270th anniversary in 2025 and that has been able to preserve its archives intact. That’s why it’s so important that when our designers work on tomorrow’s products, they can maintain this precious link between our history, our heritage and our contemporary creations. It’s not a question of recreating the past, but of preserving stylistic elements that are part of Vacheron Constantin’s identity. So, yes, it’s a constant source of inspiration for our designers.

SD: I would add that it’s a question of balance. Depending on the collection, we will inject a variable number of codes inspired by this heritage, or else emancipate ourselves from it to varying degrees. Yet the roadmap is truly limitless, because each time we can delve into our archives and rediscover past creations through stories, discussions and relationships with our customers. This heritage is truly a fundamental factor that no one could copy and which remains the foundational source of our inspiration.

Watches and Wonders 2024 was a way for us to express the Maison’s capacity for innovation, through three technical feats. Sandrine Donguy ‘‘ ’’

Les

Cabinotiers, The Berkley Grand Complication

Patrimony Manual-Winding

Vacheron Constantin is perceived as a very classic watchmaker. How are your creations rooted in the present?

CS: The perception that Vacheron Constantin is a fairly classic Maison is a great strength today. For me, classic doesn’t mean old or dusty, but rather being able to transcend fashion and time. Our watches are very contemporary in terms of their technology and size. The Twin Beat that we presented in 2019 is the perfect example of a watch that is technically very innovative and at the same time rather classic in aesthetic terms. I would say that Vacheron Constantin cultivates a classic style through an extremely modern approach. We see absolutely no contradiction in that.

Haute couture dress created by Yiqing Yin.

Égérie - The Pleats of Time

Immersion

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

BRICE LECHEVALIER & SUZANNE WONG

Overseas tourbillon titanium

CASE: polished and satin-brushed titanium grade 5, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 50m DIMENSIONS: 42.5mm MOVEMENT: mechanical self-winding (Caliber 2160, 80h power reserve), 188 components, Hallmark of Geneva FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, small seconds on the tourbillon carriage DIAL: translucent blue lacquer, sunburst satin-brushed finish, velvet-finish flange, white gold hour-markers and hands enhanced with Super-LumiNova BRACELET/STRAP: interchangeable, titanium, rubber or calfskin with titanium folding clasp

The transcendent titanium tourbillon

After the first Overseas tourbillon titanium presented in 2022 in a skeletonised version, the new version shines with the famous Overseas blue lacquered dial featuring a sunburst satin-brushed finish. It highlights both the tourbillon carriage and the circular satin-finish bezel with sandblasted ring, both of which evoke the Maltese cross. The airy, sophisticated overall structure is accentuated when worn due to its composition in titanium, whose weight is inversely proportional to its sturdiness. This conceptual finesse stems from the admirably decorated ultra-thin self-winding in-house calibre, which is also distinguished by its pink gold peripheral rotor visible through the caseback. The refined aura is complemented by comfort and versatility on the wrist, as this Watches and Wonders 2024 new release comes with three interchangeable bracelet/straps. (B.L.)

© Denis Hayoun

An exalted combination

The Collection Excellence Platine is a designation given to watches at Vacheron Constantin that best represent the Maison’s ideal vision of what they refer to as High Watchmaking. This year, it’s the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph that receives this honour. Every watch in the Collection Excellence Platine is ennobled by this prestigious metal, featuring cases, crowns, dials and buckles in platinum, as is the strap stitching hand-crafted using 950 platinum and silk threads. The chronograph has a monopusher construction, with the pusher integrated in the crown so that the watch profile remains as pure as possible, while the tourbillon at 12 o’clock beats sedately at 2.5Hz (18,000vph), referencing the most venerable traditions of mechanical watchmaking. The supremely beautiful cal. 3200 is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, as if we needed more reasons to fall in love with this watch. (S.W.)

Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronographe Collection Excellence Platine

CASE: platinum, water-resistant to 30m

DIAMETER: 42.5mm MOVEMENT: cal. 3200, manual winding, 2.5Hz (18,000vph), 292 components, Hallmark of Geneva, 65h power reserve FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, monopusher chronograph, tourbillon, power-reserve indication DIAL: platinum

STRAP: alligator leather with platinum stitching LIMITED EDITION: 50

© Denis Hayoun

Immersion

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

MARIE DE PIMODAN

Total creativity!

Inspired by its rich heritage, Vacheron Constantin continues to expand the realms of possibilities with a rich variety of contemporary creations. From complications to casual chic femininity, Vacheron Constantin’s expertise spans all areas.

They arouse astonishment and admiration, surprise and enthusiasm. ‘They’ being the creations unveiled this spring by Vacheron Constantin at Watches and Wonders. This year, the Manufacture – which is preparing to celebrate 270 years of uninterrupted activity in 2025 – is providing an irrefutable demonstration of expertise through its vast expressive territory and rich stylistic vocabulary. The excellence of technical complications, casual chic style, the timeless elegance of classic design, high jewellery refinement applied to watchmaking, the infinite delicacy of feminine watches… Vacheron Constantin never neglects any of the areas in which its watchmakers have consistently expressed themselves. Underpinning the wealth of new releases – including models in the Overseas, Égérie, Traditionnelle and Patrimony collections – is an impressive watchmaking heritage scrupulously cultivated by the Maison. Notably comprising some 1,600 antique watches, historical registers and handwritten letters, Vacheron Constantin’s prestigious heritage could well have imposed a straitjacket on the contemporary creativity of the Manufacture’s watchmakers. Not so. On the contrary, this rich heritage is an inexhaustible source of inspiration that shines through in every collection, in perfectly natural yet sometimes entirely unexpected ways.

WOMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

This year, Vacheron Constantin’s take on the ‘unexpected’ is draped in feminine finery. The Manufacture’s creativity begins with the precious Grand Lady Kalla, a spectacular timepiece composed of a watch and a long tassel necklace that can be worn in four different ways around the neck or on the wrist. Embroidered with 57-facet emerald-cut diamonds, Akoya pearls and onyx, this Art Deco-style creation was inspired by the precious Kallista of 1979 and the Kalla that followed it in 1980: two luminous treasures that made their mark on the Maison’s long and rich jewellery watch history. The Grand Lady Kalla is a sparkling tribute to this grand tradition and to the virtuoso jewellery-making skills celebrated by Vacheron Constantin over the generations. 

one-of-a-kind

The

In an equally refined vein, the Égérie collection is enhanced by two new variations developed in collaboration with haute couture designer Yiqing Yin, the Maison’s ‘One of not Many’ talent: a one-of-akind The Pleats of Time concept watch; alongside the Égérie moon phase 100-piece limited edition. The former watch features a pink gold case with a diamond-set bezel; a lilac mother-of-pearl dial adorned with a pleated motif; as well as a very haute couture-looking strap woven with fine embroidery and mother-of-pearl fragments. Designed as an experiential object, the watch features an original innovation: an exclusive fragrance created by perfumer Dominique Ropion, encapsulated in the strap and randomly released in step with wrist movements. This one-off creation that Vacheron Constantin did not wish to market gave rise to the Égérie moon phases, also graced with dainty lilac hues. At the confluence of High Watchmaking and haute couture, its mother-of-pearl dial, inspired by the creative universe of Yiqing Yin, is framed by a beautiful 37mm pink gold case highlighted by a diamond-set bezel and housing an in-house self-winding calibre, paired with interchangeable straps/ bracelet in shades that have been envisioned by the fashion designer.

The

Égérie -

Pleats of Time concept watch, alongside the Égérie moon phase in a 100-piece limited edition.

Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date

Underpinning the wealth of new releases is an impressive watchmaking heritage scrupulously cultivated by the Maison.

HISTORICAL INSPIRATION

It’s a little-known fact that Vacheron Constantin has always accompanied women in their interest in mechanical watchmaking. “Vacheron Constantin is an extremely technical High Watchmaking Maison”, according to product marketing & innovation director Sandrine Donguy in a video interview on WorldTempus. “However, when you look at the Manufacture’s past, we have always sought to satisfy the desires of our female customers. We are fortunate to have historical connections that also reveal women’s extremely high expectations in terms of gemsetting as well as technical complexity. The latter has also pushed the boundaries in terms of innovation and calibre miniaturisation.” The first quarter repeater created by the Maison in a pocket-watch case was commissioned by a countess. Another example is a ladies’ wristwatch from 1889 (!) that was manually wound via the rotating bezel. “Today, we’re simply perpetuating a heritage that’s been part of the Maison for a very long time”, adds Sandrine Donguy. 

Grand Lady Kalla

MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST

All of Vacheron Constantin’s collections benefit from this dynamic, which borrows from the treasures of the past to better open up the field of possibilities - starting with the Patrimony collection which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The most minimalist of the Maison’s lines was born in 2004 from a sketch inspired by the elegant ultra-thin models Vacheron Constantin produced in the 1950s, most notably Reference 6179 launched in 1957. “In terms of watch design, it was a decade of extreme sophistication, and we decided to draw inspiration from it”, says style & heritage director Christian Selmoni in a video interview on WorldTempus. This year, the Maison revisits the line with two hand-wound models in white or pink gold, featuring a diameter trimmed to 39mm, an aged silver-toned dial, a solid caseback for possible personalisation, as well as sky blue or olive green straps. These two models are joined by a new 42.5mm white gold moon phase retrograde date model that also favours the understated elegance of an aged silver dial enlivened by the Patrimony’s characteristic circular ‘pearl’ minutes track. This minimalist elegance finds its way through generations while keeping step with trends.

Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date; Patrimony Manual-Winding

COUNTLESS CREATIVE NUANCES

Therein undoubtedly lies one of Vacheron Constantin’s best-kept secrets: the ability to juggle eras, to embed its timepieces firmly in their time, while subtly evoking their origins. Consistently modern and never backward-looking, Vacheron Constantin’s contemporary collections master every register. The grand watchmaking tradition is well represented this year by the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph - Collection Excellence Platine, a timepiece for discerning collectors. The casual chic vibe is expressed through the Overseas Tourbillon, crafted in titanium for ultra-comfortable wear. Vacheron Constantin’s sportiest collection is also enriched by four new variations on the same theme. The 41mm chronograph, dual time and date versions as well as the 35mm gemset interpretation are attired in pink gold, paired with three interchangeable straps/bracelet ensuring a versatile spirit, as well as introducing a brand-new intense green dial color playing across the sunburst satin-brushed centre and velvet-finished flange. An exhilarating nuance that adds to the creative palette of this Manufacture which, on the eve of its 270th anniversary, continues to demonstrate great panache in lighting up the present through the lens of history.

A first in the Overseas collection with the introduction of sunburst green dials.

Interview

RACHEL SILVESTRI

The Socialiser

With the

creation of Butterfly Social,

Micky Daher is spearheading a luxury concierge revolution. GMT GCC gets the lowdown on this gateway to a social life of hospitable ease.

Micky Daher is evidently a gregarious guy. When we sit down to talk about his insanely user-friendly and intensely exclusive luxury concierge platform Butterfly Social, which launched in 2022, he’s all smiles and as relaxed as an interviewee can come – before I can even get to my first question, he’s already got in there first to ask about my day, my schedule and my background. So it’s no surprise that after years of working on construction industry mega-projects – including the Dubai Mall – this engineering graduate decided to change lanes completely, with the father-of-three making it his literal business to connect people: and in the most socially pleasing settings of all.

Butterfly Social is Micky’s answer to the problems that have plagued every newcomer to a big, buzzing city – where do I go, what do I do and where can I meet likeminded people? Instead of wasting months on halfbaked recommendations and evenings on mismatched company, the Butterfly Social app’s curated address book can connect its members with tried-and-true hotspots and experiences at just the touch of a button – as well as a vibrant social network that’s painstakingly selected and managed by Micky and his team. So how did it all happen? GMT GCC met the community-making maestro to find out more about being his kind of social butterfly.

GMT GCC: How did the idea for Butterfly Social come about?

Micky Daher: Working in construction was intense in the sense that there aren’t many times when it’s been happy day when you come home. It was challenging to balance family life and hectic work, especially in the UAE where there’s a lot of competition. So I decided that I wanted to do something on my own, something I’m good at. I realised that there was a gap in the market that wasn’t being addressed.

A lot of people were starting to move to Dubai for all sorts of reasons – economic crisis and safety concerns in a lot of countries and cities, and wars, and covid… Everything came together to make Dubai more and more attractive. And for people who are used to a certain quality, a lot of the new residents were struggling to find service providers, get recommendations and know where to go. So I thought, why not create a social platform that can help these newcomers, or even just people who are on the shy side, so that there’s room for these good people to get access.

A luxury concierge with a built-in friend network to boot? Sounds like the ultimate helping hand

when it comes to settling in and making the most of your new home. So what sets this service apart from the luxury concierges we have seen come and go before?

Our strength and our core is that we are a very easy to use application. So before being a members’ club or an access or a community, it’s an app. It’s redefining a new era of concierge, where everything can be within three clicks. You don’t have to go into emails or phone calls so that you can get a restaurant reservation – your part is just as easy as booking an Uber, you know? This is where the whole idea came from, that people don’t have time to spend on phone calls these days. They just want to be sitting together, make plans, I go into my app and tick, tick, tick: I’m done. Also, we have kept our growth very niche and rejected lots of applications, because we don’t want the wrong people with the wrong intentions to come in. Our membership fee isn’t crazy, but you have to be invited through a referral – the last thing I want are investment guys calling every single member, bankers trying to sell credit cards… But so far we have had zero incidents. 

It’s an app. It’s redefining a new era of concierge, where everything can be within three clicks.

Aside from the fact that you live in the city, why was Dubai your choice to launch this platform?

Dubai has a constant fight between residents and tourists: it’s really half and half, but the resident has his value. I know Dubai very well and I love the way it moves, so I went to the service providers, restaurants, bars, hotels, beach clubs and so on that I knew also offered a certain quality of service, and would understand the value proposition that the resident is more valuable than a tourist.

I told them that I’m going to have a platform that will only have Dubai residents who are paying a certain membership fee, they’re to be treated exclusively and in a nice way, and will have their reservations done through us, and they’ll be well taken care of.

So how long did it take for you to finally get the idea off the ground?

It was a bit of a catch-22 because I had zero members and zero service providers! So I went to six or seven of my friends, from all different nationalities and industries – a Saudi friend, a Palestinian friend, a Korean friend, a Mexican friend, a German friend… I told them I wanted this group to be as diverse as it can be, and to invite three interesting friends each. So that’s how I grew the network, from wordof-mouth only, with friends and family. Dubai is all about who you meet and how you meet them, making new connections and brainstorming business ideas, friendships, passion projects... This is why I want the quality of people who enter Butterfly Social to be a filtered one.

What do you think made you so passionate about the power of connection, hospitality and being social?

I believe that a small gesture of hospitality can change the whole experience. Gifting a Dhs50 espresso at the end of a meal can really make the whole difference, if it comes at the right time and is done properly. And this is something that’s very Lebanese too. In Lebanon, when you finish lunch in a restaurant, they prepare another table for you with all the desserts and fruits on in. And then they come and tell you, please move to your dessert table, it’s complimentary. And then you have your whole meal again. It’s a very Lebanese tradition to always give something at the end.

Micky Daher On My Watch

What’s your go-to watch style?

I like a sportier type of watch. I’m very casual in the way I dress – backwards cap, funky bracelets, always with sneakers on my feet. So I like watches that can look cool with that. Audemars Piguet make my favourite watches, I’m currently wearing a Royal Oak in gold but I put the rubber stap on it to dress it down a bit. I also have an AP Millenary Quincy Jones that I hold dear to my heart, and watching both him and my watch age together makes it something really cool to have!

Are there any other watch brands that you’re a fan of?

I also like F.P.Journe, I have the Elegante with the orange rubber strap which is a bit cooler for summer. There’s a few Rolexes in the mix too, but the F.P.Journe and the APs are really my go-tos.

What’s your earliest watch memory?

Both mom and dad collected pieces – in fact, my mom has some very limited and old-school Audemars Piguets. The

brand contacted her to see if they could put some in their museum! So that’s how I got familiar with the brand and started to like it. I was always intrigued by watches and their movements.

Can you recall your first watch? What was the story behind it?

When I was a twentysomething I bought a Graham – I was quite a bodybuilder at the time with big arms and wrists, and I needed a watch that would represent my wrist properly. It was a very bulky orange and blue watch, very manly and I really loved it!

Are you a careful planner or an impulsive buyer?

I do plan. If I get a watch on my radar I try to put my name on some of the waiting lists. But I’m also really impulsive –so if I like a watch and it’s on secondary market, and I know that I’m going to have to wait three years before I get it from the store, I'll just buy it!

Micky's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with dressed-down rubber strap.

Which are your personal favourite Butterfly Social services?

The restaurant reservation feature is just so, so easy, that’s the number one most-used feature – I love the Tasha Group restaurants, but I also love the option to have such variety. We partner with a lot of concept brands born in the UAE. Something that I personally use a lot is our hosting category – we have caterers, drinks suppliers, supper club chefs from all different cuisines, entertainment, furniture, décor, everything! Whatever the occasion, whether a movie night, a birthday or a party, we can have a whole team on the ground to run the whole event, and at great rates from top suppliers. We also have the ticketing section, where we pre-buy tickets to all the things that happen in Dubai, and we sell or gift them to our members just a week or two in advance. These are just my favourite categories,

but we have all kinds of home services like spa and nails, beach clubs, hotels, staycations, international travel experiences and retail discounts with some cool retailers too.

How about scaling the business? Do you plan to keep Butterly Social just in Dubai, or could we see the concept spread to other cities too?

I won’t scale it in a way that’ll lose its quality, so we have a plan for a ceiling for number of members in each city. But we will target other cosmopolitan cities where there’s a lot of inflow and change in people, where it’s hard to discover, make quick connections or blend if you’re not introduced by someone directly. We have London, Miami, LA, Singapore and Riyadh on our radar – we’re talking to a few key people in each one to see which would be the best fit for us to start.

Butterfly Social’s events are all about a unique vibe – the app’s members are carefully vetted to make sure that they fit with its intention and philosophy.

CHANEL

MARIE DE PIMODAN

J12 Tourbillon Diamant

Caliber 5

CASE: white or matte black ceramic, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 50m

DIMENSIONS: 38mm

MOVEMENT: mechanical hand-wound

Caliber 5, flying tourbillon, 28,800 vph 42h power reserve DIAL: openworked in matte black or white ceramic, tourbillon cage set with a solitaire diamond (0.18ct)

FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes STRAP: white or matte black ceramic PRICE: CHF103,800 (Dhs425,000 approx.)

Precious tourbillon

When Chanel presented its J12 Tourbillon Diamant watch in 2022, the brand was taking a new step in its horological odyssey by unveiling its very first flying tourbillon developed and assembled at the Kenissi Manufacture. Adorned with a solitaire diamond, the regulating organ of Calibre 5 was already turning heads. This year, Chanel gives a new face to this technical feat, as the watch exterior is clad in white or matte black ceramic. While nothing could be more natural coming from Chanel, the key difference is that the Maison has perfected the optical illusion. Instead of the precious diamonds lighting up the bezel of the first-generation J12 Tourbillon Diamant, the bezel ring is sculpted to evoke a setting of baguette-cut gems. Both clever and beautiful!

BOVET

OLIVIER MÜLLER

Superlative Worldtimer

Since the introduction of daylight saving time, no world time model had been able to adapt to time changes in different countries, or to countries that don’t change time (as in fact only around 70 nations do so). When Bovet’s owner Pascal Raffy decided to tackle this timekeeping singularity, the stakes were high. Especially since he wanted to equip it with a perpetual calendar, a tourbillon and a 10-day power reserve. Bovet used two means to bring this incredibly complex (744-component!) mechanism to life: its ‘writing desk’ case providing plenty of volume; along with a roller-type world time and perpetual calendar displays. The watch can be set to any of the 24 time zones, individually adjusted to UTC, EAS (European and American Summer Time), AST (American Summer Time, which changes three weeks earlier than in Europe) or EWT (European Winter Time), as each of the 24 rollers includes all four positions. Truly brilliant!

Bovet Récital 28 Prowess 1

CASE: Dimier ‘writing desk’ case, red gold, platinum or grade 5 titanium, sapphire caseback SIZE: 46.3mm

MOVEMENT: hand-wound Caliber R2870-00X, 51 jewels, 18,000 vph, 10-day power reserve FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, seconds on flying tourbillon, world time cities on rollers with UTC, summer and winter time, perpetual calendar with rollers for the date (retrograde), month and leap year, disktype day display DIAL: inner and outer aventurine rings, black PVD-treated rollers STRAP: black alligator leather

PRICE: CHF650,000 (Dhs2.7 million approx. titanium), CHF660,000 (Dhs2.7 million approx. red gold), CHF690,000 (Dhs2.8 million approx. platinum)

Focus

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

OLIVIER MÜLLER

Duomètre Chronograph Moon

CASE: pink gold or platinum, sapphire back, water-resistant to 50m SIZE: 42.5mm MOVEMENT: handwound Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 391, 50h power reserve for each barrel

FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, seconds, 1/6th of a second chronograph, moon phases, day/night, two power-reserve indicators DIAL: opaline silver-toned (pink gold version) or copper-toned (platinum version) STRAP: alligator leather with small scale lining PRICE: CHF67,500 (Dhs277,000 approx. rose gold) and CHF82,500 (Dhs338,000 approx. platinum)

Mechanical mastery

The twin barrel and two gear-train system – one for the timekeeping part of the movement, the other for complications – is a specialty that Jaeger-LeCoultre was the first to develop in 2007. As the Duomètre Chronograph Moon reminds us, Jaeger-LeCoultre is at the top of its game with this high-precision mechanism. However, what makes this exceptional creation so special is the fact of combining the time and the lightning-fast monopusher chronograph (each of which has its own power reserve) with the celestial tranquillity of a moon phase. This is a model that offers short-, medium- and long-term perspectives on time via the chronograph, the day and the Moon respectively. The trickiest part is not only to have fitted this peak horological feat inside a modestly sized 42.5mm case, but also to have treated it to an exquisitely elegant light-colored dial. The ‘Grande Maison’ has resolutely lived up to its name.

Focus

JAQUET DROZ

OLIVIER MÜLLER

Rocking time

What’s Jon Bon Jovi doing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his eponymous band? He’s had a one-of-a-kind timepiece made at Jaquet Droz. While the rocker had probably already caught a glimpse of what the La Chaux-de-Fonds workshop had done for the Rolling Stones, he moved in an entirely different direction in bringing a creation rooted in his own universe. This Tourbillon Skelet in a red gold case treats the original Grande Seconde design to a dizzying openworked structure in which the tourbillon at 12 o’clock appears to be floating in the void beneath the handmade cartouche bearing the band’s name. In the dial center, a solid gold applique spreads its two wings, above a polished heart featuring applied hand-engraved numbers commemorating Bon Jovi’s 40 years on stage. While Jaquet Droz has produced just one watch, which Jon Bon Jovi is already wearing, fans are free to use it as inspiration for creating their own…

Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold – Bon Jovi

CASE: red gold, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m SIZE: 41mm MOVEMENT: self-winding skeleton tourbillon, Jaquet Droz 2625SQ, black treatment, silicon balance-spring and anchor lugs, red gold oscillating weight, eight-day power reserve DIAL: openworked with hand-engraved white gold appliqués FUNCTIONS: off-set hours and minutes at 6 o’clock, off-set seconds at 12 o’clock STRAP: rubber, red gold folding clasp PRICE: CHF218,000 (Dhs893,000 approx.)

H. MOSER & CIE.

BRICE LECHEVALIER

The power of purple

Immediately recognisable and loved for its powerful design since its launch in 2020, the Streamliner Center Seconds is even more striking draped in purple. This passionate colour is becoming increasingly popular with the most cutting-edge brands, including H. Moser & Cie. with its highly evocative and unique take on haute horlogerie. Having owned one since its launch, I can testify to the wonderfully ergonomic feel of the cushion-shaped case with subtly curved integrated bracelet. The design harmoniously blends organic shapes with the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The deliciously sophisticated and mesmerising fumé gradient dial features a subtle nod to the brand with the discreet transparent lacquer logo. The caseback reveals a magnificent Manufacture movement with in-house balance-spring, partly skeletonised and adorned with new finishes. This model is also available with a deep Matrix Green dial.

Streamliner Center Seconds Purple Haze

CASE: polished and brushed steel, domed crystal, screw-down crown, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 120m SIZE: 40mm MOVEMENT: mechanical self-winding (Caliber HMC 201, three-day power reserve), gold rotor, Straumann balance-spring, gold rotor, bidirectional ratchet winding mechanism FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, seconds DIAL: Purple Haze fumé dial with sunburst pattern, hands with Globolight inserts BRACELET: polished and vertical brushed steel, articulated links, triple-blade folding clasp PRICE: CHF21,900 (Dhs90,000 approx.)

PATEK PHILIPPE

OLIVIER MÜLLER

Unprecedented date for World Time

Unveiled in a limited edition at the Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Tokyo, it was eagerly awaited in the current collection. Reference 5330 is the first Patek Philippe World Time watch to incorporate a date: more complex than it might seem, the function keeps track of local time, i.e. that of the time zone selected at 12 o’clock on the city disk, without any need for adjustment. This is not the case with other world time watches featuring a date display, on which the latter must be corrected manually, when required. The date therefore had to to adjust automatically in the two cases where a change would occur: at midnight, when the date moves to the next day; or when crossing the International Date Line from West to East (in the middle of the Pacific), when the date moves back one day. A patented differential was developed for the occasion, along with an atypical sapphire crystal date hand. Efficiency meets understatement, a classic Patek Philippe signature touch.

World Time Reference 5330G-001

CASE: white gold, sapphire back, water-resistant to 30m

SIZE: 40mm MOVEMENT: ultra-thin self-winding movement, Caliber 240 HU C FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, 24-zone world time with day/night indication, date indexed to local time

DIAL: carbon-patterned opaline blue-gray STRAP: blue-gray calfskin with denim pattern, white gold folding clasp

PRICE: CHF65,000 (Dhs266,000 approx.)

MARIE DE PIMODAN

Arceau Duc Attelé

CASE: polished titanium grade 5 or rose gold, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m SIZE: 43mm MOVEMENT:

Manufacture Hermès H1926 handwound movement, triple-axis central tourbillon with three rotation speeds, 36,000 vph, 48h power reserve

FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, minute repeater, power-reserve indicator

DIAL: anthracite grey with striped diamond-cut guilloché pattern; or blue aventurine STRAP: matte anthracite gray or matte abyss blue alligator, folding clasp LIMITED EDITION OF 24 FOR EACH VERSION, PRICE: on request

Complications in the saddle

For once, let’s start the story at the end and begin by looking at the reverse side of the Arceau Duc Attelé. The intricate workings of the Manufacture Hermès H1926 movement feature a cut-out inspired by the ‘duc attelé’, a canopy-top four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses. The new Arceau owes its name to this vehicle, closely associated with the Hermès name. Appearing on the front of the 43mm case in polished titanium or rose gold, a central triple-axis tourbillon and a ‘tuning-fork’ minute repeater are driven by a high-frequency movement representing a first. Beneath the dome-shaped sapphire crystal, Hermès’s own stylistic vocabulary is revealed in a multitude of details: the double H of the triple tourbillon cage in mirror-polished titanium; the sloping Arabic numerals typical of the Arceau collection; the highly graphic guilloché pattern on the dial for the titanium version or the aventurine back for the rose gold version; as well as the hammers of the minute repeater shaped like a horse’s head as an additional nod to the equestrian world.

AUDEMARS PIGUET

MARIE DE PIMODAN

Sand gold sets the tone

Until the 1960s, it was common practice in jewellery and watchmaking to take creative liberties with gold alloys and color tones. Audemars Piguet takes up the baton by unveiling sand gold, an alloy featuring subtle nuances akin to those of sand dunes caressed by the sun. Its shade hovering between white gold and pink gold changes in step with wrist movements and this new precious material owes this hue to the addition of palladium and copper. Audemars Piguet introduces it on the case of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, whose complex lines are highlighted by alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces. On the movement side, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has adorned the bridges and baseplate of the delicately openworked Caliber 2972 in a sand gold tone to accentuate the contrasts with the rhodium-plated components and reinforce its 3D structure. A visual success!

Royal Oak

Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked / 41mm

CASE: 18 carat sand gold, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 50m SIZE: 41mm MOVEMENT: selfwinding, Caliber 2972, flying tourbillon, 21,600 vph, 65h power reserve DIAL: sand gold-toned flange, white gold hour-markers and hands with luminescent coating FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, flying tourbillon STRAP: sand gold, AP folding clasp PRICE: on request

BRICE LECHEVALIER

Diving in style

Gucci has set its course this summer for a new automatic diver’s watch in seasonal colours: blue, green or black for festive summer nights. The Gucci Dive combines the codes of a diver’s watch – water-resistant to 300m and featuring a graduated unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel – with the brand’s innate elegance reflected in its attractive size (40mm) and stylised luminescent hour-markers. The maritime spirit pervades the entire model right the way through to the engraved caseback bearing the cardinal points. Having tested it for a week during the Skippers Cup in Greece, I can testify that it’s very pleasant to wear and particularly easy to read at night in the dark of the cabin, while also attracting attention and interest. A chic sports watch for vacations and relaxed evenings, with or without a scuba tank.

Gucci Dive

CASE: polished and satin-brushed steel, black ceramic bezel, engraved caseback, water-resistant to 300m SIZE: 40mm

MOVEMENT: mechanical self-winding (56h power reserve) FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, seconds, 60-minute graduated unidirectional rotating bezel

DIAL: blue, green or black, luminescent hands and hour-markers STRAP: polished and satin-brushed steel, folding clasp PRICE: CHF2,050 (Dhs8,400 approx.)

MATHIEU ROTZER

Ready for lift-off

In 1962 a true legend was born when, on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter, a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute became the first Swiss wristwatch to reach space. To mark the brand’s 140th anniversary, Breitling is producing the self-winding Cosmonaute B12, living up to its big sister from 1962. This 250-piece limited edition is powerfully inspired by its astronomical heritage. The dial features a 24-hour display, enabling a clear distinction between day and night in orbit. The red gold case and deep green dial inspire confidence, while the 70 hours of power reserve and self-winding mechanism ensure optimal functionality. As the cherry on top, the caseback is engraved with a simple phrase making this timepiece one for the history books: “First Swiss Wristwatch in Space/Navitimer Cosmonaute May 24, 1962.”

Navitimer B12 Chronograph Cosmonaute

CASE: 18 carat red gold sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 30m SIZE: 41mm

MOVEMENT: selfwinding, Breitling Manufacture Caliber B12, approx. 70h power reserve FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date WATER RESISTANCE: 3 bar (30m)

DIAL: green with contrasting chronograph counters STRAP: black alligator leather strap with an 18 carat red gold folding clasp

PRICE: CHF21,500 (Dhs88,000 approx.)

CYRUS

MARIE DE PIMODAN

Contemporary reminder

For absent-minded individuals who need an alarm to remind them of their appointments; for men and women who can’t stand being woken up in the morning by the digital sound of their phone, Cyrus has revisited the alarm/alarm clock function. This isn’t the brand’s first alarm watch, since its master watchmaker, Jean-François Mojon, developed a movement equipped with a function of this kind in 2018. The utterly contemporary new Klepcys Réveil boasts several key features: a 42mm steel case compared to 46mm previously; a refined frosted dial (a new finish for Cyrus); as well as a novel function with a 9 o’clock crown that activates and deactivates the alarm function indicated by the small blue arrow placed at the bottom of the dial. Visible between 7 and 8 o’clock, the bell-shaped hammer signals the time set on the dial/alarm clock at 4 o’clock by striking for 16 seconds. A day/night indication completes the picture, powered by the in-house manual-winding calibre with 72-hour power reserve, whose two barrels are visible through the caseback.

Klepcys Réveil

CASE: cushion-shaped steel, sapphire crystal caseback, water-resistant to 30m

SIZE: 42mm MOVEMENT: handwound Manufacture Caliber CYR1280, 28,800vph, 72h power reserve

FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, seconds, day/night indicator DIAL: frosted, subdial (24-hour alarm and five-minute intervals) for the alarm function

STRAP: shiny black crocodile leather, steel folding clasp PRICE: CHF39,950 (Dhs164,000 approx.)

SPEAKE MARIN

OLIVIER MÜLLER

Blowing bubbles in Miami

It’s called Pantone 700 C, but we prefer its ‘bubble-gum pink’ moniker. Speake Marin’s new Dual Time outfit whisks us to Miami and more specifically to Ocean Drive. The master of ceremonies is guru watchmaking designer Éric Giroud, who decks out the piece in a black DLC-treated titanium case with a pastel pink rubber strap. We love its casual spirit, its laid-back boldness, while concealing nothing of its beautiful mechanism from the Cercle des Horlogers. The balance between serious watchmaking and bubble-gum cool is astonishingly unexpected. Pair it with a Ray-Ban and Lamborghini combo, or denim shorts and a skateboard. Who else could?

Speake Marin Dual Time Pink

Piccadilly, titanium grade 5 with black DLC treatment, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m SIZE: 38mm or MOVEMENT: automatic, SMA02 caliber with integrated micro-rotor, 28,000 vph, 52-hour power reserve openworked, pink finish FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour dual-time display, retrograde date between 1 and 2 o’clock rubber PRICE: 38mm – CHF 34,500 (Dhs141,500 approx.) ; 42mm – CHF34,900 (Dhs142,500 approx.)

Lifestyle: Travel Style

RACHEL SILVESTRI

All aboard!

What’s a trip without a ‘fit? Look to the latest Resort collection runways to keep your looks sharp and your travels as chic as can be – fashion’s about to take a spin.

1 HERMÈS HAS YOU COVERED, WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Nobody ever said city breaks could be predictable, least of all when it comes to the weather. Future-proof your sightseeing with the chic and cosy second chapter of Hermès’s Autumn/Winter 2024 collection, a perfectly practical yet edgy ode to Manhattan street style that was presented in New York city. From the leather baker boy caps and oversized, stacked accessories to the quilted jackets and ruffled necklines, this is a fearless collection that takes ‘onion’ dressing to the max – a coastal climate dream.

2 OFF-SHORE GLAM RULES THE MAX MARA RUNWAY

For a quiet luxury lover’s fantasy, look no further than the infinitely wearable Max Mara Resort 2025, which was launched at Venice’s Palazzo Ducale.

A mix of smart layers and sharp tailoring, the collection’s hero pieces include jacquard shirtdresses complete with oversized collars and cuffs, as well as generous tassels and a bandeau dress that’s simplicity itself. Mix and match to your heart’s content, for a wardrobe that’ll take you from work, to beachside, to chilly on-board evenings.

Red Sea Fashion Week

Making its debut at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia, Red Sea Fashion Week proved to be a landmark moment for the Kingdom’s design history. Showcasing a select seven Saudi designers in a breathtaking coastal setting, the runway stood testament to the breadth of fashion talent present in the Kingdom, with each Resort collection delighting the gathered crowds. Here’s GMT GCC’s highlights from the Saudi Arabian designers who’ll see you through vacation season: 

Sara Altwaim’s ethereal designs at the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week.

Lifestyle: Travel Style

3 SPORTMAX TURNS UP THE VOLUME

A neutral palette (because, of course, we count leopard as a neutral) and hard-edged finishings took Sportmax’s Resort collection into the realms of industrial urban chic, perfect for artsy city breaks in the European capitals. Stand out from the It crowd with voluminous strides, form-fitting dresses and – of course – wet-look oversized shades.

Something for the gentleman

You might be off on your travels, but be sure to take a piece of the UAE with you by sporting threads and accessories from these homegrown labels.

TRIBE OF 6

With 70 per cent of their collection made from recycled materials, and the remaining 30 per cent completely organic, Tribe of 6 is on a mission to stylish sustainability. Between the fully inclusive sizing range and the colours, cuts and materials conceptualised precisely for the MENA region, this is a brand that knows where it’s come fromand where it’s going.

Niluu

Cutting-edge and sustainable fabrics were the mark of Niluu’s timeless and eco-friendly designs, which brought an ease and elegance to the runway.

Tima Abid

Intricate detailing and contemporary lines were behind the eyecatching pieces put forward by Tima Abid, who managed to infuse a sense of tradition into her nevertheless daring pieces.

A Resort collection in its truest sense, Hadia’s vivid colours, touchable fabrics and breezy styles evoked all that’s fresh and beautiful about long, languorous vacations.

Hadia Ghaleb

Lifestyle: Travel Style

Something for the gentleman

WHIND X BAMTEEK

Just because you’re vacationing doesn’t mean you can take a break from self-care - get your skin glowing with this collab between award-winning Moroccan skincare brand Whind and UAE-based single-use towel maker Bamteek. From the ecofriendly pouch to the rich products inside, it’s a portable bit of luxe to remind you of home.

30SUNDAYS

Look the part and protect your peepers with this homegrown UAE sunglasses brand, available at Eyewa stores across the nation. With a huge variety of elegant and classic styles that won’t break the bank, you can afford a pair to match every outfitluggage weight limit permitting.

And because there’s no place like home…

THE LOOM COLLECTION

When you’re back from your travels, make sure your pad is as well-dressed as you are with a home update from The Loom Collection. This new collaboration with UK firm Lights&Lamps has brought a huge variety of options to the Dubai Investment Park studio, with on-trend marble and timeless bronze options galore.

Rebirth

Forward-thinking and fearless, Rebirth’s pieces lived up to their name. With each telling a story, they were pieces to make an impression in.

Yasmina Q

Proving that modest doesn’t have to mean drab, Yasmina Q’s coolas-a-cucumber vibe was out in full force and eye-popping shades.

Eau

Minimalist fun in the sun was behind Eau’s Resort style philosophy, with ultra-luxe swimwear featuring fine details that’s a must for any stylish globetrotter.

Lifestyle: Global Eats

RACHEL SILVESTRI

It’s around the world in 80 bites with the region’s ever-growing variety of international eateries. Where will you pay a visit to next?

1 QARTULI: DINNER WITH A SIDE OF TRAVEL

Based in Dubai’s buzzing Downtown district, Qartuli has become something of a surprising cult favourite with the city’s most discerning diners since opening in January this year. Owners Mariam and Nino have succeeded in blending the vintage ambiance of a traditional Georgian home with some truly authentic bites such as the classic khinkali soup dumplings and khachapuri cheese-filled bread, and now this dynamic duo would like to take your culinary adventure a step further – to Georgia itself. Their new digital venture Qartuli Travels takes guests on a virtual gastronomic journey across the stunning country, from the mountains of Gudauri and the greenery of Kakheti to the winding, cobblestoned streets of the historic capital of Tbilisi. With a new episode released on their YouTube channel each Friday, learn more about the eatery’s irresistible bites – and the beautiful, unspoilt destination they hail from.

Qartuli, Al Ohood Street, Downtown Dubai qartuli.ae

2

EUGÈNE EUGÈNE: STORM THE BASTILLE IN STYLE

Make it a Bastille Day – or indeed, any day – to remember by sampling the Gallic delights of chic brasserie Eugène Eugène at Mall of the Emirates. Featuring a wide-ranging menu of authentic French classics and a ‘smart/elegant’ dress code worthy of any Parisian eatery, stepping through Eugène Eugène’s doors instantly transports you to a dreamy, leafy and luxe setting for a leisurely lunch, sparkling apéritif or divine dinner to remember. Francophiles should be ready for the July 15th Bastille Day celebrations – otherwise known as France’s national day – when a special brunch will be hosted to mark the occasion. Entertainment with a ‘French touch’, a specially curated menu and even a mini French market offering treats and delicacies will kick the day off, while those stopping in for dinner will also be greeted by performances themed around the special day.

Eugène Eugène, Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai eugeneeugene.ae

3 MIMI KAKUSHI: KOBE BEEF AT ITS FINEST

Swinging to the beat of the jazz age in 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi isn’t just like journeying to a new destination – it’s a trip through time as well. And in much the same way that Western influences blended with Osaka’s vibrant culture through art deco, fashion and music during that exciting era, Mimi Kakushi also joins classic Japanese cuisine with modern and international flavours to create a taste sensation. And what’s even more exciting? The restaurant has just been awarded with the prestigious certification that allows it to be an official seller of the finest Kobe beef – recognised the world over for its exceptional quality and flavour. To celebrate, Mimi Kakushi is adding a variety of Kobe dishes to its menu, including Kobe beef nigiri, Kobe sukiyaki maki and Kobe beef carpaccio, as well as offering main courses of A5 Saroma beef tenderloin and the Kobe beef cut of the day. Well worth a trip back in time to discover a flavour that’s bang up to date.

Mimi Kakushi, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai mimikakushi.ae

4 THE JEDDAH EDITION:

NEW YORK FLAVOUR COMES TO THE KINGDOM

Enlisting the Big Apple’s very own Cedric Vongerichten to helm a gastronomic quartet of contemporary French-Asian signature restaurant Maritime, casual Mediterranean grill The Roof, intimate cigar retreat The Den and a buzzing Lobby Bar, The Jeddah EDITION is staking its claim as the city’s newest gastronomic hotspot. Bringing his wealth of Michelin experience at the likes of El Bulli and in the cosmopolitan culinary capitals of Hong Kong and London, Chef Cedric’s innovative menus and flair for unexpected flavours have found a happy home in this happening new Jeddah address. It’s the 20th EDITION hotel in the world and the third in the Middle East, having opened just last May, and now its New York-standard cuisine is sure to make this seaside property a must-visit.

The Jeddah EDITION, Al Kurnaysh Br Road, Ash Shati, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia editionhotels.com

Lifestyle: Wellness

RACHEL SILVESTRI

Activate!

From running with purpose to stylish self-care – or really getting the adrenaline pumping – take time to come home to yourself this travel season.

1 THE WOMEN’S RUN 2024: Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves

As the largest women’s-only running event in the region, The Women’s Run has been making waves since registrations opening for its 2024 edition were announced at the end of June. Set to take place on Sunday 3 November, now’s the time to dig out those running shoes and get training to take part in this fun, supportive and empowering event. With a three kilometre fun run, a five kilometre circuit or a more challenging 10 kilometre distance, women runners of all levels are catered for, while regional snack brand Fade Fit and community-loving sportswear brand ASICS will be present to cheer participants on. With the support of Dubai Sports Council, the event will take over Al Forsan Park in Expo City Dubai from 6am onwards, so get there early to get your spot in this multicultural and inclusive women’s event.

@thewomensrun @expocitydubai

2 RMS BEAUTY:

Look Good, Feel Sustainable

Launched in the UAE during Eid Al-Adha, coveted USbased makeup brand RMS Beauty has brought its viral brand of ethically conscious products to our desert shores. Partnering with homegrown beauty platform Secret Skin, RMS was founded by master makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift in 2009 when she realised cosmetics could be made better, safer and more naturally. Using raw, food-grade, organic and natural ingredients, RMS products are efficient, durable and sustainably sourced. What could be better for you?

thesecretskin.com

3 XLINE DUBAI: Catch The Rush

Staying put this summer? Beat the summertime blues by ticking off some of those bucket list Dubai experiences that you keep saying you’ll do when friends and family come to visit, but never do. At one kilometre long, XLine Dubai is the world’s longest urban zipline, and at 170 metres high and reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, it’s sure to get your blood pumping. Take in the incredible views of Dubai Marina while zipping over the skyline, safe in the knowledge that the adrenaline and endorphin boost is doing your physical and mental health the world of good.

xlinedubai.com

Lifestyle: Wellness

4 IDEAL STANDARD:

At-Home Spa

Since the pandemic, many of us have taken a good, hard look at our at-home spaces, and when it comes to wellness the bathroom really is where the magic happens. Time to pay attention, then, to what international bathroom specialists Ideal Standard have in mind when it comes to a sweet bathroom upgrade – and they’re looking to Italian tastes for inspiration with their new range of sleek and sophisticated designs. “With this new range, I aimed to reinterpret La Dolce Vita,” says Roberto Palomba, Ideal Standard’s chief design officer. “The phrase conjures a lifestyle where there is time to savour the beauty in small things; in the everyday. The La Dolce Vita collection creates a tactile, expressive space whose sensuality sparks inspiration and dreams, where new ideas are born. It was important to me to capture this essence and bring it to life in every detail of this collection.” Sounds sweet to us.

idealstandardgulf.com

5 MATCHA UNION:

A Good Cup Of Tea

Sometimes the biggest changes in our lives can come in the simplest of gestures, something that Louisa Birkhahn recognised when she was inspired to create her wellness and lifestyle brand Matcha Union. Believing that taking five minutes to do something just for oneself has the potential to transform multiple areas of our lives, Matcha Union’s premium and ceremonial grade matcha green tea – rich in complexion-boosting antioxidants and amino acids – can help to reduce stress, enhance moods, improve brain function and can even be a metabolism boost. Ideal for surviving the draining summer heat, this hydrating and healthy ritual could be your new mindful habit. Get the kettle on.

matchaunion.com

6

ORSKIN AESTHETICS CLINIC: A Fresh-Faced Summer

Is the summer heat and drying air conditioning getting to your skin? Orskin Aesthetic Clinic’s experts are ready to help you tackle whatever problems may be plaguing you with their soothing and renewing treatments. The clinic’s classic Jet Peel facial is perfect for travel-tired skin, using pressurised streams of air to penetrate the dermis to deliver cleansers and serums, resulting in an instant brightening glow, improved circulation and smoothed, moisturised skin. And for those looking to fight the signs of sun damage, rosacea and psoriasis, look no further than an Advalight laser treatment, one of the safest on the market. High-powered infrared and yellow laser energy boosts tone, texture and overall skin health – and can even reduce blemishes and birthmarks. Put your best face forward for a summer of healthy skin.

Jet Peel prices start from AED 1,200, Advalight prices start from AED 2,900, orskin.ae

Zoom: GMT GCC x WE CONVENTION

GMT GCC partners with WE Convention in record-breaking summit

It was an empowering, life-affirming meeting of minds when GMT GCC proudly partnered with the Women’s Empowerment Council at their WE Convention in Dubai, which took place at Atlantis The Royal from 20 to 21 April – the world’s largest women’s empowerment event. Over the course of 23 sessions, 100 globally-renowned speakers addressed 2,000 attendees from 75 countries, covering diverse topics from female leadership, personal branding and financial independence to AI and the metaverse. Speakers from the MENA region’s royal families and internationally-famed personalities all shared their insights, with HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, HH Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, HH Sayyida Basma Al Said and HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Khalifa Al Khalifa taking to the convention’s stage. Tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova was also on hand to speak at the event, alongside singer, supermodel and the former first lady of France Carla Bruni, digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen, actress Meryem Uzerli and CEO of Maison Schiaparelli Delphine Bellini.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

2.

4.

5.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

1. Speakers covered diverse, empowering topics.

Manizha hypes the crowd.

3. Her Highness Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum

Her Highness Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan listens intently to her fellow speakers

6. Mila Semeshkina

7. Anna Zingarevich & Delphine Bellini

8. Carla Bruni

Elena Antonova

Meryem Uzerli & Olga Myagkikh

Ida Galich & Yana Rudkovskaya

Maria Sharapova

Mila Semeshkina

1. Glam at the WEC Gala

2. Carla Bruni and Her Highness Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan

3. Diverse moments from the WEC Forum

4.

5. Delphine Bellini and Mila Semeshkina

6. Anna & Maxim Zingarevich

7. Maria Sharapova

8. Olga Leffers

9. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum and her courageous colleagues.

1. Tatiana Alekseeva & Irina Shamilova

2. Tatiana Saburenkova, Yana Rudkovskaya & Ida Galich

3. Mila Semeshkina & Carla Bruni

Anastasia Taratina

Zoom:GMT Family

RACHEL SILVESTRI

GMT celebratesMagazine 24 years with the hottest Watches and Wonders party

Marking a very special anniversary, GMT’s global teams came together with the watchmaking industry’s top brass in Geneva to celebrate 24 years of horology’s quintessential magazine of reference. GMT GCC’s very own Deremi Ajidahun, Nataliya Devin and Rachel Silvestri were all in attendance, along with the teams from GMT Korea, GMT India and the original Swiss GMT crew, to toast the publication’s ongoing achievements as well as to mark the close of another spectacular Watches and Wonders week. GMT’s founder and editor-in-chief Brice Lechevalier headed up the proceedings at the iconic Hotel President Wilson, right on Geneva’s spectacular lakeside.

“What a pleasure it was to bring together nearly 500 professionals and members of the watchmaking community during Watches and Wonders,” said Brice, shortly after the event. “It was the only multi-brand event of this magnitude, and everyone loved being able to meet in such a friendly manner in a beautiful setting.”

Julien

Lara

OPPOSITE PAGE: Brice Lechevalier alongside Deremi Ajidahun, Nataliya Devin & Rachel Silvestri of Team GMT GCC.

1. Famille Lambert (Lambert Fils & Filles) 2. Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) & Edouard Meylan (H. Moser & Cie.) 3. Camille Guille (GMT magazine), James Kong (Fleming) & Thomas Fleming (Fleming) 4. Afolabi Ajidahun & Deremi Ajidahun (GMT GCC) 5. Maja Bijlenga Popovic (Live Teams),

Péot (Bulgari) &

Poppy (Live Teams) 6. Ariane Bazin, Julia Paoli, Guillaume Duhamel & Romain Cymberg (Edmond de Rothschild) 7. Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing), Luc Pettavino (Only Watch) & François Moreau (Reservoir) 8. Diana Mendes (Rolex) & Céline Gouzer-Monney (Rolex) 9. Loïc Vélazquez (Jaquet Droz) & Olivia Boscacci (Jaquet Droz) 10. Team GMT Korea

OPPOSITE PAGE: 1. François-Marie Neycensas (Reservoir) & Volcy Bloch (Trilobe) 2. Team Frederique Constant 3. Volcy Bloch & Trilobe team 4. Cédric Mulhauser (ID Genève) & Nicolas Freudiger (ID Genève) 5. Sophie Murbach (Caran d’Ache) & Fanette Piaget (Bovet) 6. Clément Entretemps (Youtuber) 7. Ouldouze Nadiri (De Bethune), Pierre Jacques (De Bethune), Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing), Jorg Hysek Jr (De Bethune) 8. Vanessa & Fabien Chicha (Iconeek) 9. François-Marie Neycensas (Reservoir) & François Moreau (Reservoir) 10. Clémence Charrier (Vacheron Constantin) & Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) 11. Camille Guille (GMT magazine) & Isabelle Drake (Frederique Constant) 12. Maja Bijlenga Popovic & Lara Poppy (Live Teams) 13. Marcus Eilinger & his wife (Leica) 14. Markus Rettig, Yohan Bizy & Frédéric Schoenmaeckers (Frederique Constant) 15. John Ng (Independent Watchmaker), Adrien Choux (Tatler GMT) & Maosheng Qi (Tatler GMT) 16. Alexandra Lebet, Laura Preziuso, Virginie Lambert (Lambert Fils & Filles) 17. Florian Preziuso & a friend 18. Pierre Salanitro (Salanitro) & his wife

1. John Byrne (Byrne) 2. Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing), Mario Peserico (Eberhard) & Eric Dumatin (Watch your Time) 3. Sophie Furley (WorldTempus) & Allissa Pataki (WorldTempus) 4. David Gouten (Manufacture Royale) & Regis Dajczman 5. It was an event for fun and reunions 6. Nataliya Devin (GMT GCC), Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) and Victoria Bouniot 7. Marco Borraccino (Singer Reimagined) & Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) 8. Camille Guille (GMT Magazine) & Ted Schneider (Norqain) 9. Juliette Cornu-Gouzée de Harven (Frederique Constant) with Pierre-Francis Kaenel (Chronométrie Kaenel) & his son Adrien 10. Marie de Pimodan, Virginie Fumex, Camille Guille, Camille Atrous, Louis Taurel & Estelle Kehrli (GMT Publishing) 11. Lara Poppy (Live Teams) and Claire Cohen (Byrne)

(GMT Magazine), Aurélie Streit

& Fanette Piaget

2. Andrea Cipriani & Soraya Skalli

Experiences) 3.

Camille Guille (GMT Magazine), Sophie Furley (WorldTempus) & Marie de Pimodan (GMT Magazine) 4. Oliver van Lanschot Hubrecht (Alpina), Niels Eggerding (Frederique Constant) & Williams Besse (Frederique Constant) 5. Valeria Garavaglia Pedroni (Czapek) & Xavier de Roquemaurel (Czapek) 6. The crowd listens to Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) 7. Senzo & Sarah Benson 8. Deremi Ajidahun & his family (GMT GCC & Africa) 9. Nicolas Tournier (Le Lana), Pierre- André Montjovet (SIB Partners) Raffi Karaghossian (Franck Muller), & Jean- Philippe Masson (Zenith) 10. Marjolein Boriau (Ressence), Fred Schaub (Ressence), Liah Millasson (WorldTempus), Simon Hadjidimoff (Ressence), Vaya Sigmas (Ressence) & Gaëtan Focquet (Ressence) 11. Mathieu Rotzer (The Millennium Watch Book), Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank) & Camille Guille (GMT Magazine) 12. Barbara Thome Pires & Isabelle Drake (Frederique Constant) 13. Brice Lechevalier & Famille Lambert (Lambert Fils & Filles) 14. Matthieu Moser (Cartier), Alice Derbier (Cartier), Jonna Oxell (Cartier) & Roman Nahum (Cartier) 15. Léonore Gisonda- Meylan, Liah Millasson (WorldTempus) & Yohan Gisonda

1. Camille Guille

(FHH)

(Bovet)

(HOLM

GMT India Team with

1. M. & Mme Mancuso, Brice Lechevalier (GMT) & Christelle Konan 2. The tasting stand proved popular 3. Julien Bouchard, Marco Tedeschi & Yves Meylan (Kross Studio) 4. Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) & Adrien Choux (Tatler GMT) 5. Caroline Kowalski (Montblanc) 6. Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing) & Sarah Arnett (Edmond de Rothschild) 7. Rachel Silvestri (GMT GCC) & Claire Cohen (Byrne) share a joke 8. Fiona Jean-Mairet (WorldTempus) & Jordi Bellido (Blancpain) 9. GMT International teams 10. Antonio Teixeira (Bucherer) & Nicholas Hofmann (H. Moser & Cie.) 11. Revellers enjoyed the atmosphere 12. Christelle Konan & Valérie Boscat (GPHG) 13. Vittoria Pelà (Hublot), Brice Lechevalier (GMT Publishing), Annabelle Galley (Hublot) & Eric Dumatin (Watch Your Time)

Zoom: The Luxury Network

A luxurious cruise into the sunset

Setting out from Dubai’s Marsa Al Arab Marina, an exclusive trip aboard Gulf Craft’s Majesty 100 yacht awaited ADCB Private VIP banking clients, in a decadent event organised in collaboration with The Luxury Network UAE on 9 May. Canapés, live music and – of course – mingling and networking were the evening’s highlights, with a silent auction of exquisitely crafted Montegrappa Italia writing instruments providing a dose of stylish and sophisticated excitement.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

1. Alexander Souabni, Marketing Manager, Gulf Craft Group

2. Dr. Mohsen Soofian from Hortman Clinics, Dubai

3. Peter Karam, Vice President - Middle East & Africa, Voss Water

4. Charles Nahhas, Managing Director, Montegrappa Middle East.

5. Dr. Nataliya Sanytska, Dr. Anna Zakhozha, and Dr. Kinan Bonni from Hortman Clinics, Dubai.

6. Abdul Gaffar Saiyed, Sales Manager (Asia), Gulf Craft Group

7. Sergii Voronovych, CEO, The Place, Dubai

ZOOM: Travelogue Maldives

DEREMI AJIDAHUN

Falling in love with Baros Maldives

My adventure to the beautiful Baros began from the moment I set foot in Male’s Velana airport. As soon as we stepped off the plane, our speedboat was ready and waiting, along with Baros representatives ready to guide us every step of the way. We bounced along on the sparkling waters like a scene from a movie, with a full line-up of Baros’s staff waiting on the jetty to greet us fresh off the boat –with the special touch of a choice of warm or a cold towel, a luxurious detail that we truly appreciated.

The warmth of Baros’s deserted beach is only matched by the genuine sincerity of the wonderful souls who work there, making every moment count. One of the Maldives’s very first island resorts –the first, Kurumba, was opened by the same family who own Baros,

With every detail taken care of, we felt like we had the island all to ourselves - and the full attention of its kind and attentive team, too.

with this island becoming the country’s third resort – it’s clear that things here are done differently from some of the big hotel chains. You can feel the local passion and the level of experience, with everything thought out down to the finest detail.

Kicking off our stay in an over-water villa was a fantastic way to begin a few very special days, with amazing views over the sea and all our whims and requirements catered to by a private butler on call 24 hours. But when after two days we moved to a beach villa I found myself really in my element – beautifully modern, well-appointed and spacious, this was my kind of beach holiday.

The food at every point of our stay – from breakfast right through to late-night bites – was exquisite. I’m particularly discerning when it comes to dining, but I have to say that I was left more than impressed. The delivery was immaculate, the service beautiful and everything flexible to meet our precise needs. What’s more, everyone on the

From the warm welcome to the spectacular views, everything about Baros was a desert island dream from start to finish.

island was willing and ready to make whatever changes or adjustments were needed to perfect the experience for us. Our best meal was probably at the Cayenne Grill, where we ate a most excellent steak while watching reef sharks swim below us, as I wondered if they felt the same way about me as I did about my meal. But the resort manager John, an innately kind and hospitable person and a fellow watch lover to boot, reassured us that these ‘baby sharks’ were only interested in the reef’s fish – still, a moment not soon to be forgotten.

We savoured another most incredible moment when we sailed out to the ‘Piano Deck’ for breakfast, which truly was the experience of a lifetime. The breathtaking colours of the sun rising in the sky matched the singular sensation of being alone on the still waters. Later, we were treated to a sunset cruise on the magnificent Nooma, a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, seemingly captured in time from hundreds of years ago. Cruising to neighbouring islands while indulging in bubbles and canapes – just us and our trusty butler – was two hours of bliss on the Indian Ocean and the perfect way to bookend a truly magnificent day, as well as our dream-like stay. After four days it was time for us to move on to our next adventure… But suffice to say, we are already planning our return to the wonder that is Baros.

ZOOM: Travelogue Maldives

DEREMI AJIDAHUN

The magic of Milaidhoo Maldives…

Transferring from Baros to Milaidhoo was an experience in and of itself – it was my first time in a seaplane, and the view across the green-blue atolls was simply beautiful. We were received by our personal butler at the seaplane airport and he accompanied us on the boat transfer to Miladhoo, where the team were waiting for us to arrive. Resort Manager Celine Pezel’s attention to detail was evident from the very first moment, from the pristine uniforms to the absolutely exquisite butler service.

After a quick tour of the island we were led to our stunning beach villa, which was like a home from home right on the sand. The whole island is very modern and chic, with décor in hues of beige, purple and grey and a fine blend of traditional and modern. The contrast of the island’s natural greens with the vivid blue of the sea beyond is simply amazing, and we couldn’t resist immediately jumping into our private pool and then going straight for a walk on the beach. 

Just a few of our magic Milaidhoo moments, where we were enchanted by the resort’s beautiful design and amazing natural beauty.

Our culinary experiences were beyond compare – having breakfast every morning in front of that bright blue ocean is mind-blowing in and of itself, there can’t be any better way to begin a day. It was like time had stopped in that moment, with everybody in awe of the environment. The Shoreline Grill, right on the water, is the place for highquality steak and seafood as well as impeccable service. Our best meal was at the Chef’s Table on our last night on the island – our Sri Lankan chef was really quite the entertainer, full of life and joy. The teppanyaki-style wagyu steak was excellent, but it was the entertainment factor that really was something to write home about – what an experience! For fine dining, Milaidhoo’s signature Ba’theli restaurant is moored on the water on a traditional boat and really is a sight to behold. Even though it certainly has an undeniable ‘wow’ factor, my personal favourite was still most definitely the Chef’s Table.

Between the fun of the Chef’s Table and our own personalised cooking class, there were culinary experiences galore ripe for the discovery in Milaidhoo.

We found ourselves back in the kitchen for a Culinary Masterclass, quite daunting as I was accompanied by my ‘masterchef’ wife and daughter! Having not cooked since I was a teenager it was certainly a lot of fun – traditional Maldivian garudhiya soup, roshi flatbreads and – the grand finale –Maldivian lobster curry were the frankly superb fruits of our labour. Absolutely to our taste, the beauty of fully personalised cooking had us in awe.

A special thank you must go to our butler, who was with us 24 hours a day – I learned a lot from him – as well as Celine and the whole team, who truly do specialise in giving guests, including us, experiences of a lifetime. Our final day on the island was very special; our youngest daughter’s 16th birthday, it was always going to be a day to remember, but even though we were leaving Milaidhoo early the team prepared a beautiful send-off for us, and when we arrived in Male we had a little birthday breakfast before heading back to Dubai. As I told the team before we left – we will be back!

24 hours in the life of…

LOUIS-OLIVIER MAURY

Andrea Migliaccio

Executive Chef of L’Olivo at the 5-star Jumeirah Capri Palace

We brave the waves to meet Andrea Migliaccio, the two-Michelin-starred ‘island’ chef of the magnificent 5-star Jumeirah Capri Palace’s L’Olivo restaurant, belonging to the Grandes Tables du Monde.

Atrue virtuoso of Italian gastronomy, Andrea Migliaccio has earned an international reputation for the finesse of his cuisine artfully combining respect for tradition with bold innovation. Originally from the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, he draws on his Neapolitan heritage to create dishes that tell a story – that of an Italy that is at once rural and royal, humble and opulent.

Life as an island chef has its advantages and constraints. What’s your day like?

I rise early at 6.30am and start the day with a double espresso. After an hour of sport, I make my way to the Jumeirah Capri Palace. At 8am, it’s time for another espresso – I am Italian, after all – before a flavour-testing session with my L’Olivo chefs, Salvatore and Ricardo, until around 11am. We work with seasonal ingredients from local producers, with freshness and proximity as our top priorities. By 11.30am it’s time to meet the entire staff and then it’s off to our waterfront restaurant, Il

Riccio, to meet up with my teams and my chef, Vincenzo. The day passes at lightning-fast speed with over 200 meals served, before I greet guests at L’Olivo and once again take them on a Mediterranean journey.

What was your first watch crush?

I see we share the same tastes: you wear an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch just as I do. It was in fact my first love and I must confess that it’s brought me luck with the stars so far and will doubtless continue to do so.

If you had three wishes for watches, what would they be?

That’s a really tough question because there are so many watchmaking wonders I adore… In no particular order, it would be the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Dragon: technicality, design, art, a true marvel. Also, the Omega Snoopy that is both fun and timeless, a traveller and a nod to the stars. Finally, a Rolex Daytona in steel with a white dial: classicism and sportiness, endurance and pure design.

‘‘ I make my way to the Jumeirah Capri Palace and at 8am it’s time for another espresso – I am Italian, after all! ’’

Art & Culture

MATHIEU ROTZER

The Millennium Watch Book

Each year, the entire GMT family gathers the best minds around a collective project that involves showcasing the true value, passion and love of mechanical watches.

The collection is here to document and capture some of the greatest 21st century watchmaking achievements. By covering a different type of watch each year, from 2020 until 2030, it will enable those lucky enough to have the entire collection to own a piece of watchmaking history and an unprecedented modern-day encyclopedia.

A BRIEF RETROSPECTIVE

Released in 2020, the collection’s inaugural volume serves as a comprehensive guide to the essence of modern watchmaking, offering an unparalleled overview of horological excellence. Explore the tourbillon’s essence in our second volume, where quality, craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty converge. Dive into the adventurous world of diving watches in our third volume, celebrating their bold and free-spirited nature. Finally, uncover the performance-oriented nature of chronograph watches in

our fourth volume, where mechanical prowess pushes horological boundaries. Each volume of The Millennium Watch Book offers essential insights into these iconic timepieces since 2000, making them indispensable additions to any watch enthusiast’s collection.

A YEAR FULL OF GMT!

This year is a very special one here at GMT, which is celebrating its 24th anniversary. With 24 hours in a day, it seemed impossible not to dedicate 2024 to the GMT and Worldtimer complications, which over the past 20 years have created some of the most interesting, innovative and practical watches of all time. You will not want to miss these 200 XXL-format pages filled with beautiful high-resolution images and in-depth technical texts along with delightful surprises along the way. Having been able to see the Top 50 watches selected by our editorial committee, I can safely say you will not want to miss this one! Pre-order your copy below.

RACHEL SILVESTRI

Three fun facts about Headliner

Mila Al Zahrani

Saudi Arabian actress and Boucheron ambassador

1. Playing for empowerment

An icon of Middle Eastern cinema and a trailblazer for Saudi Arabian artists, Mila’s acting successes have often included strong and resilient characters that reflect her real-life values. TV show Boxing Girls, about breaking the traditional boundaries set for women athletes in the Middle East, set her star soaring in 2018, and a 2019 Venice Film Festival award nomination for political drama The Perfect Candidate sealed her name as one of the region’s most sought-after actresses.

3. A beautiful relationship

Using her position as a Boucheron ambassador – a role she’s held since 2022 – to continue to challenge the stereotypes that define Saudi women, it’s her outspoken advocacy and independence that attracted the Parisian Maison to partner with Mila in the first place. Most recently spotted in Boucheron’s Quatre 20th anniversary campaign and pictured here sporting a piece from the new Carte Blanche Or Bleu high jewellery collection, she’s perfectly suited to represent this rule-breaking jeweller and horologer.

2. A love for tech Mila didn’t set out to be an actress – in fact, her first love was computer science. Keeping pace with innovations in AI, she believes in using technology for constant learning and the pursuit of individual passions, and she’s in the process of creating a platform for Middle Eastern artists to create and share together – so keep your eyes peeled for that.