the special report S E P T E M B E R 3 0, 202 1
GERMANY
Onwards and upwards Germany upholds its stellar reputation for quality innovation at Expo 2020 Dubai in its Golden Jubilee year of diplomatic ties with the UAE
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
Welcome to Campus Germany The German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is aimed at education through innovation
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n a reflection of the country’s role as a world leader in the field, the German Pavilion is located in the Sustainability District. Germany is, after all, the place where sustainability was invented, where the energy revolution k nown as the ‘Energiewende’ was born, and a place where science, industry and large parts of civil society are actively committed to securing a sustainable future. Sustainability is the
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subject of analysis, research, practice and development in Germany, which is what the title of the German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai sets out to convey: Campus Germany. This campus metaphor presents the pavilion as a place of knowledge, research, dialogue and human interaction — an image that fits in well with the theme of Expo 2020 Dubai. The German Pavilion will be a place that provides easily accessible information for visitors. A place where they can play an active role and feel part of a large community that is working to ensure a sustainable future. A place that turns the Expo theme into reality. The German Pavilion plot occupies a prominentpositiononthemainthoroughfare of the Expo, a circular path connecting the
three theme districts. Campus Germany will therefore be visible from afar from various directions — including from the Al Wasl Plaza, the centrepiece of the site. Conversely, the plot also offers a direct view of the host country’s pavilion, for which the UAE has commissioned Santiago Calatrava as the architect. The design of the German Pavilion gives an architectural form to the underlying campus idea while also taking into consideration specific criteria to be met by the building. It combines functional aspects — such as space requirements, route layout and visitor experience — with environmental factors related to the pavilion’s position on the Expo site and the climate in Dubai. Sustainability also
features strongly in the design. The campus idea has been adapted to the local conditions and translated from the horizontaltothevertical:anopen,welcoming ensemble of individual building volumes is framed by the ‘swaying’ lines of the plinth and roof, creating a striking, dynamic look. Thisprofusionofstructuresalsorepresents Germany’s federal system and the diversity of its industry and research sectors. The approach is edutainment-based with interactive content that delivers on fun and emotional value while also providing a wealth of information. The themed displays will present technical and scientific innovations from Germany in an easily
DIRECTOR-EDITORIAL ISSAC JOHN | LEAD — NATIVE EDITORIAL RHONITA PATNAIK CONTENT WRITER NISTHULA NAGARAJAN SENIOR DESIGNER MUHAMMAD EJAZ KHAN | GRAPHIC DESIGNER FAZAL GOLANDAZ CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER RAJEEV KHANNA DIRECTOR ADVERTISING AND SALES SHEKHAR IYER shekhar@khaleejtimes.com MANAGER SUPPLEMENTS BILAL SAEED ADVERTISEMENT CONTROL MOHAMMED SULEMAN DIRECTOR - CIRCULATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NILESH DEVADIA nilesh@khaleejtimes.com HEAD - PRODUCTION AND IT OPERATIONS MOHAN KUMAR SHETTY COMMERCIAL PRINTING HEAD CPO IMRAN SHARIFF MANAGER - BRAND AND MARKETING COMMUNICATION HARJYOT OBEROI BOHRA DUBAI HEAD OFFICE: P.O. BOX 11243, TEL: +971 4 3383535 | ABU DHABI: P.O. BOX 3082, TEL: +971 2 6337666 A PUBLICATION OF GALADARI PRINTING & PUBLISHING LLC
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE solutions for the future. In the Future City Lab, they will become part of an allencompassing urban landscape and explore innovations for the cities of tomorrow. And in the Biodiversity Lab, they will experience the beauty and vulnerability of nature beneath a suspended installation of magnificent proportions. Between the labs, visitors will repeatedly find themselves on the terraces of the open atrium, where they can experience the campus in all its spectacular diversity. In line with the principles of collaboration and communication that underpin the German Pavilion concept, many of the exhibits here will only function if several people work together to operate them. The visitor journey ends in the Graduation Hall with a surprising grand finale — a show on swinging seats. Aided by the intelligent IAMU system, visitors from all over the world will come to realise that there is much more that unites them than divides them.
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accessible manner. With the help of digital innovations, the exhibition will become an intelligent space that responds to visitors individually and provides an unprecedented, customised exhibition experience. The technology used to do this was specially developed for the German Pavilion. On their journey through the German Pavilion, visitors will come across several campus-related features. Everyone will be ‘enrolled’ and given a name badge when they enter the building. This is a small, personal gesture to establish the spirit of the campus — a place where everyone is equal and anyone can talk to anyone. An ‘induction event’ will present the campus metaphor and the theoretical concept behind it — the Anthropocene, the era of human impact. It will explain that humankind has become the major factor influencing our planet today — both in negative and positive ways — and that there is hope if people work together to ensure sustainable living. The next room, the Welcome Hall, will showcase Germany as an international centre for sustainability — in the, admittedly, rather surprising form of a pit of balls sporting the colours of Germany’s flag, black, red and gold. In fact, the 100,000 balls will contain data and each tells a short story, present a fact or feature a sustainability champion from Germany. Visitors will then move on to the actual ‘curriculum’, exploring three areas that each focus on a key sustainability issue. In the Energy Lab, with its dark, pulsating “energy cables”, they will discover energy supply
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They will see that if they join forces — by swinging back and forth together, for example — they can achieve much more than they think. An unexpected end to the journey and one that will stir visitors’ emotions and give them a sense of hope. VISITOR ENGAGEMENT As they make their way through Campus Germany, visitors will have numerous opportunities to engage with the exhibition by sharing their thoughts and opinions on questions such as, ‘Do you believe that you have ever experienced the effects of climate change?’ This will result in a detailed picture of their opinions, which, added to other information, will be integrated into the installations and the overall visitor experience. Visitors will come away with unexpected new perspectives on their ideas and attitudes. NEXT-LEVEL INTERACTION The intelligent pavilion will also be full of entertaining “magical moments”, created, for example, by complex exhibits responding to visitors simply moving around — a place full of things that will have even the techloving audience in Dubai wondering. The end product will be a smart space that responds to visitors and their interests. People are used to their smartphones offering them customised experiences but this exhibition will use the same intelligence and turn it into an invisible part of the space. Visitors will thus enjoy an individualised experience, tailored to their specific requirements, butwithout having to use their smartphones. Courtesy: German Pavilion Press Office.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
Tri-sided sustainability The German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai integrates different technologies to bring a new perspective The German Pavilion’s three themed areas will house an array of fascinating exhibits designed to encourage interaction and raise awareness of how important sustainability is both for today and tomorrow. ENERGY LAB AND ENERGY TERRACE Visitors will learn all about the sustainable generation of electricity, loss-free transmission and alternative forms of storage. One exhibit takes a new approach to wind energy with kite-based systems that offer a considerably more efficient means of generation than traditional wind power facilities. Another relies on energy produced by the sun. It is an ultra-light, flexible, ultrathin, organic solar film that can be used for completely new applications beyond the capabilitiesofconventionalsolartechnology. Anotherexhibitfocusesonthesustainable
utilisation of geothermal technology, which can be used to generate electricity and heat. Yet another exhibit is about limestone — a cost-effective material that offers an excellent means of storing renewable energies in a particularly sustainable and efficient manner. The German Pavilion will also present solutions for an innovative storage system designed to compensate for fluctuations in theamountofwindandsolarenergysupplied to the grid. The exhibit is an interactive reaction game. It will challenge visitors to prove their energy management skills and actively experience the energy revolution using battery and hydrogen storage systems. FUTURE CITY LAB AND FUTURE CITY TERRACE In the Future City Lab and on the Future City Terrace, things will move to the beat of tomorrow’s cities in an exhibition covering a wide range of ideas, from food supply to mobility. It presents a future-proof, smart, modular farm where everything grows in perfect conditions – with 95 per cent less water, 90 per cent less mileage, 95 per cent less land and zero chemical pesticides. Two other exhibits are about energy and fresh-water supply. The first shows a dye-
sensitised concrete material, which researchers from the ‘building art invention” platform at the University of Kassel used as a photovoltaic cell. By applying a solaractive, organic liquid, such as fruit juice, their invention can turn any building into a solar power facility. The other demonstrates that traces of medicines, viruses or chemicals remain in purified water despite state-of-the-art technology and large amounts of energy being used in the water treatment process. Inadditiontovideosanddisplaysexplaining exhibits, attractions at the German Pavilion will include computer games, one of which allows visitors to try their hand at filtering out bacteria from waste water. BIODIVERSITY LAB AND BIODIVERSITY TERRACE The terrace will give visitors a first-hand experience of Earth’s riches. As well as revealing some of nature’s wonders, these two areas will show how nature actually inspires technological innovations. Of an estimated 10 million species on our planet, only two million have actually been described. The Taxamap, is a map of diversity — diversity that we need to protect. This is also the focus of the interactive game
on biodiversity in agriculture. The loss of natural habitats is one cause of global biodiversity decline and this exhibit shows solutions for modern sustainable agriculture that makes intelligent use of land. In turn, this allows for the most resource-efficient yield without devoting more land to farming. Theresultisbetterprotectionforbiodiversity without major decreases in yield. Another exhibit examines the challenges facing agriculture around the world as a result of climate change. It shows how stateof-the-art applies are applied to explore, for example, the properties plants will need in the future to cope with increasingly extreme environmental conditions. And another exhibit will demonstrate the disastrous impact of European earthworms on North America’s ecosystems. The inspiration for the SmartBird exhibit came from the herring gull. The ultralight flying robot boasts excellent aerodynamics and maximum agility and can take off, fly and land autonomously without any additional drive mechanism being required. Its active articulated torsion drive makes the wings twist in a specific manner and provides both lift and propulsion. This functional integration has enabled Festo to unravel the technical secrets of bird flight as can be experienced in this interactive exhibit. With biodiversity being such a complex field, the exhibition’s creators have mainly opted for gamification and animation in this lab, the aim being to engage visitors in an infotainment experience.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
House of Revolution The German innovation region is showcasing future solutions at the world fair in Dubai When the Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors tomorrow, the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, for the first time in its history, will be represented with its pavilion at a world’s fair. The Baden-Württemberg House is a real insider tip in Dubai — stateof-the-art educational and research institutions, innovative start-ups and internationally renowned companies from Baden-Württemberg will present pioneering and sustainable solutions for the future. Visitors can expect a diverse and interactive exhibition, a colourful cultural programme, and tasty regional specialities. What do the automobile, the matchstick and the chainsaw have in common? They have all been invented in BadenWürttemberg. The southern German state on the border with France and Switzerland has always been considered particularly inventive. Over 15,000 patents are filed here every year. It, therefore, comes as little surprise that the Baden-Württemberg House at Expo 2020 Dubai will focus on the federal state’s innovative solutions. Under the motto “Feel the Spirit of Innovation,” BadenWürttemberg wants to demonstrate its inventiveness. More than 40 projects and innovations from the fields of quantum technology, revolutionary medicine, augmented reality, tomorrow’s living spaces, visionaryconstruction,BeyondIndustry4.0, 3D mobility, climate-neutral energy and artificial intelligence will be presented at interactive media stations. AUGMENTED REALITY, HIGHLY EFFICIENT E-MOTORS AND FLYING CABS TeamViewer from Göppingen is among the many Baden-Württemberg companies that have contributedto the exhibition. Manchester United’s new jersey sponsor has developed an app for the Baden-Württemberg House that is based on augmented reality. Visitors can use the app to scan QR codes scattered throughout the pavilion. In the camera view of their mobile device, they will then be shown 3D elements that are linked to real objects or holograms. Interacting with these elements, they will learn more about specific exhibits by means of texts, images, or videos. The app is also used for the digital twin, a virtual replica of the real pavilion. People can use it at home to virtually “visit” the pavilion on their sofa. The Baden-Württemberg House can thus be experienced from anywhere in the world — even by those who do not travel to Dubai. Of course, innovative concepts from the mobility sector must not be missing at the Baden-Württemberg pavilion; after all, both the bicycle and the car have been invented in Baden-Württemberg. The Stuttgart-based
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technology group MAHLE will be presenting its new magnet-free electric motor at the Baden-Württemberg House — a true revolution, as it combines the strengths of various electric-motor concepts in a single product. The electric motor does not require any rare earths, making it particularly sustainable and cost-effective. It operates without wear and is as efficient as a Formula E racing car. The motor can be used in a wide variety of automobiles — from passenger cars to commercial vehicles. The Bruchsal-based company Volocopter, by contrast, focuses entirely on the vertical: Its VoloCity air cab has been specially developed for the quiet and emission-free transport of passengers in large cities. Due to its 18-rotor propulsion system, the VoloCity is four times quieter than a small helicopter. A 1:3 scale model will be on display in the exhibition. WORLD LEADERS SHOWCASING THEIR INNOVATIONS AT THE BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG HOUSE Another key element of Baden-Württemberg’s exhibition is the expo theme of sustainability. Here, PreZero from Neckarsulm, an internationally active environmental services provider, will present solutions for a circular economy that help to effectively counter the global waste problem. Also in the spirit of sustainability are concepts developed by the maxmaier Group. In addition to a project for CO2-neutral neighbourhood development (urban harbour), the company will be showcasing innovative multi-use solutions and energy-efficient kitchen systems. Future-oriented concepts from the fields of technology and construction are also on display at the Baden-Württemberg House. The world’s leading supplier of connectivity solutions, cables and wires, Lapp Group, will be presenting its solutions not only at the Baden-Württemberg House but also at expo’s Sustainability Pavilion, whose solar panels are powered by the company’s weather-resistant ÖLFLEX solar and data cables. MDT-tex in turn, with its unique expertise in the construction of large fold-
able structures, has contributed the tulip umbrellas in the entrance area of the BadenWürttemberg House, which will not only provide protection from the Dubai sun, but also an appealing ambience. In the field of fastening systems, Fischer will be showcasing its much sought-after cast-in elements for buildings, while in the vehicle sector, the Fischer Automotive division will present its high-quality kinematic products, featuring cup holders for luxury-class SUVs among other things. And in the software segment, SAP’s interactive showcase will demonstrate the role SAP innovations play in the sports sector — whether with regional partners such as TSG Hoffenheim or worldwide in tennis, sailing, horseback riding, e-sports, or ice hockey. Against the background of the current pandemic situation, disinfection solutions have also been playing an increasingly important role. IST Metz, a company based in Nürtingen, specialises in UV light systems that can be used for disinfection in the food, pharmaceutical and wastewater industries,
as well as in large rooms and exhibition halls, where they create an atmosphere comparable to the outside air. Two of the Virobuster systems designed for this purpose will be used in the Baden-Württemberg House, allowing visitors to visit the pavilion and the exhibition with a secure feeling and to literally “breathe” the innovative spirit of BadenWürttemberg. VERSATILE CULTURAL PROGRAMME In addition to an exciting and interactive exhibition, the Baden-Württemberg House alsoboastsanextensiveculturalprogramme. From October 2021 to March 2022, numerous artists from Baden-Württemberg will perform a colourful and varied program on the stage of the Baden-Württemberg House. Especially in terms of music, there will be a lot on offer. A wide variety of genres will be presented — from traditional sounds in national costumes to classical music and jazz (including an exciting combination with alphorn music). What’s more, there will be a variety of dance performances for which the audience can even determine the choreography in some cases. The programme also features ball artists, jugglers, a fashion show and films from various genres that will be screened during the regular film festival. Fine specialties from Baden-Württemberg Gourmets are also well looked after at the Baden-Württemberg House; after all, the state is also known for its tasty cuisine. In special cooking shows, visitors can see for themselves how Swabian classics such as spaetzle (noodles) and Maul Taschen (Swabian ravioli) are prepared. With a little luck, they will also get to taste them at the end. Baden-Württemberg specialities are also served in the restaurants of the pavilion, which are operated by the caterer Better Taste. The two restaurants not only offer refined dishes from Baden-Württemberg adapted to the warm climate, but also coffee and tea from the region. What’s more, guest chefs from the Master Chefs Association of Baden-Württemberg will be on site every 14 days to authentically represent the Baden and Württemberg top gastronomy.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
BUILDING on OUR STRENGTH The New Store LLC has had a successful 50-year journey from its humble beginnings
Salahuddin AbdulJalil Chief Operating Officer The New Store LLC
The New Store LLC (TNS — a division of Mostafa Bin Abdullatif) is a leading distributor and retailer of some of the world’s renowned brands, commemorating 50 years of achievement in the UAE. The company has evolved to support major brands, including Braun, Oral B, Soehnle, Revlon, etc. The New Store was originally founded as the ‘New Eastern Store’ in the 1950s by the Mostafa Bin Abdullatif Group of Companies. Over the last six-plus decades, it has built strong relationships with industry partners by concentrating on leadership with three core principles: Trust, Ownership and Integrity. TNS focuses on the ‘Best in Class’ executions and its slogan is ‘Distribute and Display, The New Store Way’. TNS has been able to diversify its portfolio, providing an extensive range of personal care, domestic appliances, healthcare devices and much more. It caters to all
sectors including Modern Trade, Electro Retail, Pharmacies, Hotels/Restaurants/ Cafés (HORECA), etc. working day in day out focusing on the key fundamental i.e. distribution. “Braun and Oral-B are already household names in the UAE, as customers are always looking out for the highest quality synonym with German sophistication. Over 60 years of partnership is a testament to the value and positioning that these brands have to offer,” said Salahuddin AbdulJalil, COO, The New Store LLC. Emerging trends have given brands new opportunities for innovation. Consumers seek customised products and experiences, as there has been a notable shift from a onesize-fits-all beauty standard. This trend has been addressed by brands incorporating advanced technology in their products. For example, the Oral-B iO Series utilises artificial intelligence and motion sensors to recognise its user’s brushing style and guide them towards better results. Moreover, another key trend is consumer preferences shifting in favour of companies that are environmentally friendly and socially conscious. Such trends have caused brands to consider adopting more sustainable and
ethicalpackagingandsourcing.Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for personal care and household products, as consumers’ knowledge and expectations have escalated rapidly. Apart from personal care, The New Store focuses on healthcare, kitchen appliances, clockandwatchessegments.TNShealthcare products i.e. Braun Healthcare offers the most accurate and safe home healthcare devices. Products, including the Braun ThermoScans and Blood Pressure Monitors, have catered to consumer needs for such products, especially during the pandemic. As for the kitchen and household segment, TNS distributes a wide range of juicers, blenders, food processors, toasters, from brands like Braun, Soehnle, and Nutri Ninja. Lastly, clocks and watches now do a lot more than just tell time, as TNS retails a range of wall clocks, alarm clocks, digital clocks, and wristwatches. “The New Store is dedicated to bringing the best of health and wellness, beauty and grooming and household innovation for the U.A.E. residents and visitors. We are very excitedandchargedfortheExpo2020Dubai, which holds great promise for the nation,” said AbdulJalil.
All-round care Offering outstanding quality in health, beauty and well-being since 1919, Beurer, with its range of unique products, ensures that you feel great all-round. The German brand’s medical products make it easier for you to keep an eye on your health in terms of prevention and diagnosis. Its weight, diagnostic products and therapy massagers help you feel great every day, while Beurer’s activity trackers and heartrate monitors support your active lifestyle. In the beauty and baby care segments, the company has a range of professional products to enhance your life. Beurer follows the latest trends and listens to its customers. Collaborating with high–profile institutes, partners and consultants, Beurer provides you with stateof-the-art solutions. From low-priced entry models to high-end products, Beurer’s innovations offer the options to live your life the way you want to. As a full-line supplier, Beurer is wellequipped to meet all your needs. H.W. International, the sole distributor of Beurer products in the Gulf, is committed to improving people’s health and well-being through time-tested products. “Beurer is among the few to manufacture home-based healthcare products,” says Salil
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Ensuring customers’ health, beauty and wellness with Beurer
Stanley Joseph Chairman and Managing Director H.W. International
VS, CEO and Managing Director at H.W. International. Beurer’s Connect range is the modern interface between people and products in the world of proactive care. Beurer’s products, marked by the Connect button, offer innovatively connected health management solutions that go beyond prevention and diagnosis. “With the ease of operation and options for simple evaluation of data, Beurer’s
range of apps covers nutrition, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, activity tracking and sleep analysis,” explains Stanley Joseph, Chairman and Managing Director, H.W. International, adding, “We have the right apps for all your personal health management needs.” Download the Beurer apps for free from the App Store and Google Play.
Salil V S CEO and Managing Director H.W. International
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
Cook your way to life Teka combines quality, efficiency and unconventional care to achieve the best solution for your home driving force behind our quality and customer service,” said Manso.
Nisthula Nagarajan While it had its humble beginnings nine decades ago in Germany, Teka is one of the most important kitchen appliance brands around the world today, present in five continents and available in more than 120 countries. The company has 15 factories all aroundEurope,AsiaandAmerica,producing more than 15 million units per year. Teka manufactures entire ranges of Kitchen Appliances and Kitchen Sinks to furnish the kitchen. The company’s focus is on Built-In productsmakingit the leader inthe segment. In the UAE alone, Teka has a vast network of Traditional and Modern Sales Channels, inpartnershipwithmorethan500traditional retailers/dealers, consisting of Kitchen Studios and Bathroom and Building Material shops as well as in the currently relevant Modern Distribution Channels and Online Marketplaces. Teka has also been part of more than 475 construction projects in the UAE, creating state-of-the-art kitchens throughout the country. Arturo Manso, Managing Director, Teka UAE, said that Teka has cemented its position as the number one built-in kitchen appliances provider in the country. DIFFERENTIATING PHILOSOPHY Teka’s appliances are the soul of every kitchen. Every employee works towards a higher purpose. The main goal is to ‘create meaningful moments’ to share with your loved ones’ in one of the places in a home where cherished memories are made. Every solution is built with this in mind — solutions andrealinnovationthatfitintothecustomer’s lifestyle, in harmony with their home. “We are not a brand that just sells products or an image. When you are cooking a meal with your family, we exist to be part of those moments,” outlines Manso.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Teka has not stopped innovating and even during the Covid-19 pandemic — there have been more than 100 ‘Novelties’ and product upgrades that it has presented. One of the Novelties is the SteakMaster, an oven for meat-lovers, which can cook the perfect restaurant-quality steak, without the need for a barbecue. Another is the Maestro Pizza oven which can bake a pizza fit for an Italian restaurant.
Arturo Manso Managing Director Teka UAE UNCONVENTIONAL AFTER-SALES CARE Another factor that gives Teka a competitive advantage is its impeccable after-sales service also known as its Care and Service Centre. Manso opines that the company provides “unconventional care”, distinct from the standards that are commonplace in the industry. Manso explains further, “From the moment a customer makes a servicing call, they can feel the difference. They will be informed every step of the way — from when the technician will arrive, to the attention to detail when conducting the repair itself.” Great care is taken to ensure that the surrounding area of the appliance under repair is not damaged or dirtied. The technicians will also inform the customer
Steak Master Oven
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what the problem is, how it was caused, the solution and prevention of the issue, offering complete transparency. Teka maintains excellent customer relations. Even during challenging times like the last few years, Teka supports them. Manso details that the ‘How can I help?’ approach embodies the company. It is because of Teka’s quality and aftersales service that it has been able to grow its 500-dealer-strong network. Every dealer knows that Teka products equal ‘no headaches’ with the customer or the manufacturer. “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresidentandPrimeMinisteroftheUAEand Ruler of Dubai said, ‘There is no finish line in the race for excellence’, and this is our
KITCHEN TRENDS The number one trend according to Manso is the demand for varied colour schemes. Previously black and stainless steel were the go-to hues, but this has changed. Teka has introduced the Urban Colour Edition featuring five new colours — Night River Black, Steam Grey, London Brick Brown, Stone Grey and White Marble for all products. “People look for sophisticated interconnected products that are also userfriendly,” he observed. SPARK OF INNOVATION Teka UAE’s latest launch is a new range of kitchen sinks named PureLine FlexLinea. The material of the sink is antibacterial and no water remains on the surface. Another is the DirectSense induction hobs with temperature sensors, so one can cook withtheexacttemperatures,andExactFlame gas hobs, which comes with nine settings to control the size of the flame. Within the next 12 months, Teka plans to launch around 15 new products. For more information, visit www.teka.com/en-ae/.
London Brick Brown, Urban Colors Series
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
Connecting GCC to Germany Dr Rainer Buhtz, Head of Language Department and Deputy Director, at Goethe-Institut GulfRegion in Abu Dhabi, explains how the institute can work towards better ties between the GCC and Germany
What does the Goethe-Institut do? The Goethe-Institut is the worldwide acting and official cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It promotes German language abroad, fosters international cultural collaboration and conveys a comprehensive image of Germany. In the Gulf region, the Goethe-Institut was first established in 2006 in Abu Dhabi. It coordinates the activities of its two branches in Dubai (founded 2007) and in Muscat (founded 2012). From Abu Dhabi, we also initiate programmes in the other emirates, as well as other Gulf countries. Our aim is to encourage intercultural exchange and dialogue, thereby initiating projects that strengthen the cultural exchange and open new perspectives of collaboration for our countries. We offer German language classes (online and in-house courses) and cooperate with teachers for German as a foreign language at private and public schools. In the Gulf region, you may attend inhouse classes and take exams in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat. Registration for our upcoming next term is ongoing. The director of Goethe-Institut is Fareed Majari who is in-charge of initiating and organising cultural events. We have an online exhibition coming up — ‘Love Labour Leisure’ — that investigates
the cultural life of migrant workers in the UAE through the lenses of visual art, film, performance and music. Foreign nationals make up the majority of the population in the countries of the Gulf, and more than 80 per cent of the population in Qatar and the UAE. In this online exhibition, we will be exploring the cultural implications of these demographics. Artists include Saba Quizilbash, Amira Tajdin, Eisa Jocson, Vikram Divecha, Augustin Paredes, Riyas Komu, Mohamed Somji and Anahita Razmi. Can you tell us about your role and function? I am in charge of all aspects of language activitiesofthisGoethe-Institut:evaluateand diversify our course portfolio, find the best priceoptionsforourproducts,supervisingthe German language exams, hiring qualified teachers,monitoringourqualitymanagement system, stay in contact with schools which also offer German language classes to their students, acquiring new customers, stay in contact with partners around the Golf (Doha, Kuwait-City, Manama). Can you explain on the courses offered at the institute? Our courses and exams are conducted by high qualified teachers and follow a
communicative approach. We offer courses for children, teens and adults as well. If you learn German in the Goethe-Institut at Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you could continue your studies in around 150 Goethe-Instituts around the world. The past few years have seen a spike in the number of people enrolling in German language courses. What do you attribute this spike to? On the one hand, Germany, with its good job opportunities and a strong economy, is an attractive destination in the heart of Europe. On the other hand, universities in Germany offer high-end education with very affordable conditions — no study fees. How important is it promote the study of G e r m a n a b ro a d a n d e n co u ra g e international cultural exchange? It is helpful to inform interested people about theopportunitiesundcostsofhighereducation in Germany compared to other offers. To know more, contact: Mona Osman by emailing her on studyingermany@goethe.de For more information, visit: https://www.goethe.de/gulfregion and https://www.goethe.de/.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS — GERMANY AND UAE
120-year legacy SPREADS TO MIDDLE EAST
Andreas Wolf Managing Director Hansgrohe SE Middle East
Hansgrohe is a German group that has become globally renowned for outstanding quality with pioneering aesthetics when it comes to bathroom and kitchen fittings, bringing form and function to water with taps, showerheads and shower systems This year, the Hansgrohe Group, comprised of premium brand hansgrohe and luxury brand AXOR, marks 120 years of successful business and can boast 32 subsidiaries and 22 sales offices, supplying products in more than 140 countries. The Schiltachheadquartered company is able to reflect on an ambitious expansion programme, part of which has been keenly focused on the Middle East. Meeting the demand for high quality bathroom products through working effectively with reliable partners, hansgrohe Group has increased its footprint across the region over several years, and now has presence in 13 countries, among them UAE, SaudiArabia,KuwaitandQatar,withPakistan and Iraq the latest additions to a growing list. Some of the most iconic and impressive regional landmarks feature hansgrohe or AXOR products, including the Bulgari hotel and the Skyview towers in Dubai or the King Abdullah Financial District, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The unique combination of design, craftmanship and functionality continues to
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prove irresistible not just to architects and specifiers wishing to complement their outstanding build projects with superlative products, but to discerning consumers too, who appreciate luxury and fine aesthetics in their home. Collaborations with some of the world’s leading designers, including Philippe Starck, Barber Osgerby Antonio Citterio and Phoenix Design, continue to ensure that both hansgrohe and AXOR brands retain the level of innovative design that reaffirms their reputation for originality and modernity. Andreas Wolf, Managing Director of Hansgrohe SE Middle East comments, “the region continues to bring forward the most inspirational and luxurious real estate, and weareabletoofferproductsthatcomplement that calibre of design ambition, as well as guaranteeing durability and longevity through high quality manufacture. It’s a combination which has served us well, and which has underpinned our continued growth in the region.” Hansgrohe Group’s commitment to quality is exemplified by the company’s expert compliance standards, with all products being fully certified by Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (ESMA), and Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation (SASO) in KSA. Wolf adds:“ It’s critical that our products are accredited by the relevant professional and quality standards accreditors, and we place a keen focus on ensuring that process.” Continually evolving to meet emerging trends has been consistent throughout the Group’s history. A recent collaboration with independent futurist consultants, The Future laboratory, spawned the ‘Compact Luxury Report’, outlining how increased urbanisation is driving a requirement for smaller living spaces where minimalism is key, and there is an emphasis on wellbeing. The new “AXOR one” collection, designed by Barber Osgerby, addresses this trend. It boastssleek,streamlinedappeal,introducing the notion of effortless action using an allin-one controller for water activation and temperature control, enabling water conservation benefits. From hansgrohe, the new shower collection, “Pulsify” has also been designed for superlative function in the smallest of bathrooms, offering a range of spray modes, with the shower tablet thermostat useful as a toiletries and accessories shelf for the ultimate in space saving. It boasts a modern and striking design, with rounded easy to clean forms and is available in three finishes of chrome, matt black and matt white, Wolf adds: “Meeting changing lifestyles and evolutionary needs drives our innovation agenda;wecontinuetofocusonsustainability endeavours, urbanisation trends and technological advancements, while continually creating the avant-garde, functional design that has become our hallmark.”
The new hansgrohe Pulsify
Collaborations with some of the world’s leading designers, including Philippe Starck, Barber Osgerby Antonio Citterio and Phoenix Design, continue to ensure that both hansgrohe and AXOR brands retain the level of innovative design that reaffirms their reputation for originality and modernity.
The new AXOR One
GERMAN TECHNOLOGY