Trending Business Insights Q2/2022 by GTM and TBI Magazine

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Nadiia

RATKE Founder and CEO of the International Organization of Social Justice

On The Road in Andalusia: Seville, Granada and Cordoba |1|

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Sharp Performance Pearl 72

Rethink How You Consume IT

Wearable Art Maria Rita Vita

Sleek, Elegant and Muscular McLaren GT

EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITOR'S NOTE GLOBAL REPRESENTATIVES

GIVE MORE AND TRAVEL MORE As we end the first quarter of 2022 and slowly get used to not having Expo 2020 anymore, one silver lining is the opportunity we now have to travel more and visit the countries that enchanted us and spoke to our soul during the last six months. With Ramadan on the horizon, it is also a great season for charity and good deeds.

ASIA PACIFIC:

Fozia Fareen Melbourne, Austalia editor@trendingbusinessinsights.com MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA:

Eric Dury Dubai, UAE editor@trendingbusinessinsights.com EUROPE:

Leila A. Paris, France editor@trendingbusinessinsights.com USA:

S. Danish San Francisco, USA trendingbusinessinsights@outlook.com CANADA:

Siew Lin Vancouver, Canada trendingbusinessinsights@outlook.com

If there is one thing our team has enjoyed this year, it is having the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, friends and family post pandemic and being able to make new connections as events start gearing up encouraged by the collaborations formed at what is known as the biggest show on the planet. This issue, we urge everyone to make the most of the holiday period coming up during Eid to journey far and wide and help the travel and hospitality industry recover. We are excited about the upcoming Arabian Travel Market as we get to know more destinations we want to cover in our next issue. Given the state of the world and challenges we face globally, we are also excited to feature on our cover Nadiia Ratke, the Founder of the International Organisation of Social Justice (IOSJ). Nadiia has been travelling extensively the last few years to bring forth new collaborations that help develop the children and youth in Ukraine in the areas of sports, art and general knowledge. Now more than ever, the children need to develop in areas that help to keep their spirits up. We hope you enjoy our regular pages on events, lifestyle features, expert opinion columns, our selection of watches, jewellery, accessories, perfumes, car reviews and our destination features. Wishing you all a lovely Eid Al Fitr full of delicacies, charity, good vibes and safe holiday travels. It is indeed the season of giving and exploring! Eric Dury Editor

MANAGING DIRECTOR Nishrat Nazeen EDITOR IN CHIEF Eric Dury FEATURES Fozia Fareen Shereen Shabnam CONTRIBUTORS Hakan Ozel Natasha Dury ART DIRECTOR Verna Muerong

BUSINESS AND LIFESTYLE UPDATES (Publishing House) Registered No. RCBS2018I11862 (e) editor@trendingbusinessinsights.com (w) www.trendingbusinessinsights.com

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CONTENTS 06

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RoyalJet Adds European Based BBJ to World’s Largest Fleet

The Greatest Show on Earth Concludes

Arkay Jewellery Unveils its Latest Drops

Contemporary Design & Performance: Majesty 175

Sharp Performance: Pearl 72

Evo Yachts Unveils The First Renderings Of Evo V8, The Flagship Set To Leave A Mark

Three Reasons you Should Put Network Security at the Heart of your Business Strategy

Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility

Johor to Position Malaysia as an ASEAN Technology Hub

Every day Should be World Backup Day

Good Governance

The Balancing Act of Financial Organizations to Compete in a Technology-Driven World

The Future of Real Estate: Sustainable Developments

Rethink How You Consume IT

Trending Business Insights

Africa's Undiscovered Gem: Picturesque Namibia

Horology Updates

On The Road in Andalusia: Seville, Granada and Cordoba

Engineered for your Lifestyle: All-New Nissan X-Terra

Picturesque Prague

Sleek, Elegant and Muscular: McLaren GT

Jumeirah Group's All-Villa Luxury Resort in Bali

The Ideal Road Companion: Mercedes S500

Ramadan delights take centre stage at Turkish Village Restaurant

Farzi Café

Wearable Art: Maria Rita Vita

Building the best fragrance wardrobe

Premium Products for the lady of the House

MANGO Man presents wardrobe reset

The Qode presents its Ramadan gift guide | 2022

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ARCB Officiates Its Establishment and Partnership with UNDRR The Art of Giving

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COVER STORY

EMBRACING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY |6|

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s the world faces one adversity after another, social responsibility founded on transparency and accountability are becoming core values within organizations looking at the most critical global crisis and making life changing decisions with positive outcomes for those in need. Eric Dury meets with Nadiia Ratke, Founder and CEO of the International Organization of Social Justice(IOSJ) Nadiia Ratke is a dynamic 34-year-old business leader as the Founder and CEO of VI Group and CEO of the International Organization of Social Justice (IOSJ). Based between Germany, Dubai, Geneva and Ukraine, Nadia has managed a number of projects successfully that includes a WHO, UNESCO concert, justice system in Ukraine, Chile, a Global theater event, supporting a project with the First Lady of Ukraine and representing artists from Ukraine at the Dubai Art Expo. Focused on finishing a PhD in philosophy and politics, Nadiia wants to learn international law to protect the rights of people and hence her dedication to her initiatives under International Organization of Social Justice. We find out more about her current work to make the world a better place.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR MAJOR CHANGES AND CRISES AROUND THE WORLD? I always say that any business is, in essence, not about money but the possibility of social change. Moreover, in a perfect world, a company should be helpful both locally here and now and globally in the long run. Today, for example, the economic and food crisis has become a significant challenge for the world. So now more than ever, our community of business owners need to come together, draw up an action plan and direct our help to those who need it most. Yes, many countries worldwide are now likely to face an agrarian crisis. But some countries still have the reserves, capacity, and finances to deal with the situation with minimal losses. While some countries in Africa and the Middle East may suffer from catastrophic food shortages, we cannot allow these regions to suffer even more, both in economic and social matters.

Nadiia attending the Sharjah Tourism Conference to establish stronger ties with the UAE

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CSR WORLD-CHANGING IN THE FUTURE, AND HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF CREATING THAT CHANGE? I hope for positive changes. By positive change, I mean that more and more companies will be looking for ways to become socially responsible businesses or barrier-free businesses. My goal is to make it possible that every company's business strategy considers all people's interests and needs. The fact is that businesses are always the engine of positive change. It is only necessary to understand what levers and powers are in your hands and not be afraid to act to direct them in the right direction. As a result, you may have an even more significant impact on social welfare than any other charity or foundation. The role of business is essential in implementing new values and standards at all levels. With new services, employment opportunities, and appropriate work standards, people are more likely to experience changes in society as a whole. That is why it is crucial to unite around the necessary changes.

WHY DID YOU GO INTO SOCIAL WORK? Everyone has a direction or activity that defines them as a person. And what inspires me is working in the social sector. During the formation and management process, my social responsibility will always come first, and only then the business itself — its success, income and prospects. That is why the barrier-free concept should become part of the corporate ethics of business. After all, we cannot influence our age or change our race or gender. However, we are born and live with different states of health.

Trending Business Insights

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COVER STORY

Nadiia celebrating International Children's Day promoting healthy living via sports to kids in Ukraine

It happens that it changes dramatically and, as a result, our abilities and needs change. But our rights to work, education, participation in society, creativity, and communication must remain unchanged and be equal for all, regardless of age, health status, etc. Therefore, creating a barrier-free corporate space in every way is the experience of social work that inspires and motivates me to change!

WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU USE FOR CRISIS INTERVENTION? Any anti-crisis scenario is a team effort. Therefore, as a leader, founder, and managing partner of various projects, it has always been essential to surround myself with people with whom we could openly discuss all pressing issues and find solutions together. My method of practical teamwork is to communicate more informally in addition to working hours. Informal communication helps fill gaps in contact, better understand each other, find new ideas, and reboot.

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Trending Business Insights

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF MANAGING YOUR ORGANIZATION? The most crucial aspect of any business (and mine is no exception) is reputation! I believe that reputation is the most valuable asset. And it's about the reputation of our foundation and mine personally! The socially responsible component in business also helps from this point of view if the work direction is a good tool that helps build and maintain a positive and correct image. The challenge is how to do it. I often cite the example of massmarket, which is clear to everyone. We all understand that companies that manufacture and sell mass-market goods are giant organisations that employ workers from Asia and the Middle East. But let's be honest, it would be good if they built schools and helped educate children in the regions where they hire their parents.

And there are many such examples! To put it bluntly, as customers or consumers, we always subconsciously choose the products and services of companies known for their positive image.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR FOR IOSJ? It seems that now it is not possible to make forecasts for the whole year given the geo-political climate. But, of course, we must move forward and make plans, considering all potential risks and challenges. As I have already said, the number one task for our foundation this year is to develop corporate social responsibility, especially for large businesses. I believe that we can do more than we can imagine together for a better world.

TELL US ABOUT A PROJECT THAT FORCED YOU TO BE INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE TO

ENCOURAGE CSR? Again, this is a barrier-free project! My team and I were one of the first to join the project initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Ms. Olena Zelenska. We were happy to support her efforts to reduce barriers, primarily aimed at overcoming obstacles that hinder Ukrainians from realizing their potential. We have been actively developing and writing a new bill for the employment of people with disabilities. I firmly believe that we will be able to convey to society that barrier-free is a concept that applies not only to people with disabilities but to each of us. It is much broader and includes, for example, the barrier to digital skills, lack of experience in employment, and the presence of young children also makes parents a less mobile group and forces them to overcome various barriers. There is always a solution to the problems we come across as responsible citizens.

Trending Business Insights

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OPINION

JOHOR TO POSITION MALAYSIA AS AN ASEAN TECHNOLOGY HUB By Eric Dury Editor

O of Malaysia".

ne of the highlights at Expo for our team was visiting the Malaysian Pavilion and attending the activations by the dynamic operations team. We enjoyed attending the Johor Week at the Malaysian Pavilion during week 22 of the World Expo with the theme "The Southern Jewel

During this week, the State of Johor showcased Malaysia's best in digital, logistics, real estate, infrastructure and construction services as well as agriculture. The Johor State Economic Planning Division (BPENJ) as lead ministry, with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) as the implementing agency had a full business program with numerous pocket talks and business matching sessions. Some of the highlights of the week included the signing of at least three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with organisations from Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa amounting to an investment value of more than RM 100 million. Further to this, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched the MDEC Global Testbed Incentives (GTI) with IIB Ventures Sdn. Bhd. This initiative features a funding scheme to attract foreign technology companies to test their solutions in Malaysia and, in turn, position Malaysia as the ASEAN technology hub. According to Zarina Abdul Kadir, Chief Executive of Invest Johor, Johor is an ideal investment destination as it boasts of having high growth potential and rapid development which investors can leverage | 10 7 | | Trending Business Insights

on as well as a sustainable economic ecosystem that support investors looking to expand or establish their business in Malaysia. "We are strategically located at the heart of the ASEAN region and along the world’s busiest shipping routes, easily accessible within a 6-hour flight of major ASEAN cities through the Senai International Airport, three international ports and an array of highways. I am proud to say that Johor has managed to maintain its socio-economic resilience through the strengthening of the State’s overall talent ecosystem and increasing economic activities to fast-track our socio-economic recovery. Our presence at this World Expo has come at the right time and is testament to Johor’s commitment to attract a potential trade and investment value of RM500 million for the State.” Iskandar Puteri has been designated as Johor State's Digital and Emerging Technology Hub as part of the Johor Digital Masterplan. To further this plan, IIB launched the New Economy, Experience and Talent (NEXT) initiative. NEXT is an innovative private-public partnership with the state government which lends noteworthy support to the Johor State's digital economy agenda and plays a significant role towards achieving Iskandar Malaysia's aspiration as a regional commercial and digital hub. This will contribute to the greater socio-economic impact for Johor in particular and the Malaysian economy in general. The NEXT initiative is set to attract more investors into Johor by stimulating digital innovation and budding next-generation, technology, economic activities and talent development in Iskandar Malaysia through its digital-centric ecosystem that facilitates entrepreneurship, knowledge-sharing and talent building. As one of the crucial drivers for Iskandar Malaysia's economic growth, IIB showcased other high-impact and catalytic projects in education, tourism and leisure, financial services, creative, health and wellness sectors via its group of companies at the World Expo.

MENA BUSINESSES DELIVER A ‘GOOD’ TOTAL EXPERIENCE

Total Experience is seen as the interconnection between Customer, Employee, User and Multiexperience.

Global study conducted by IDG Communications found that over half of MENA enterprises believe they offer a ‘good’ Total Experience. However, many businesses struggle to deliver on the individual facets that make up Total Experience: Customer, Employee, User and Multiexperience. Avaya (NYSE:AVYA), a global leader in solutions to enhance and simplify communications and collaboration, announced results of an online market research survey conducted by IDG Communications, indicating that just over half of businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) believe they offer a “good” Total Experience. Total Experience is the interconnection between Customer, Employee, User, and Multiexperience. While companies often develop the right strategies, the best customer outcomes occur where tools and strategy intersect and focus on this interconnection to deliver a superior Total Experience. Total Experience has been described by Gartner as one of the top strategic technology trends for 2022. The global research polled business and technology leaders from a range of industries across the globe, including 80 from the MENA region, to explore the journey of enterprises as they evolve customer and employee experience from individual channels or applications towards a more interconnected experience. Respondents worked at firms with a minimum of 500 employees, and were manager-level and above.

customers and employees at every touchpoint, enabling businesses to provide a Total Experience. “A monolithic, one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t meet the wide range of needs that businesses have as they look to compete in the experience economy,” said Abou-Ltaif. “When companies combine customer, employee, user and multi experience thinking, they elevate everything these approaches can achieve on their own. This enables them to deliver exactly what’s needed at every interaction. Avaya OneCloud is a Total Experience platform that lets you compose the experiences that each moment demands—for both customers and employees.”

It found that, despite rating themselves ‘good’ when offering a Total Experience, many MENA firms are struggling to deliver on the individual facets that enable them to become truly customer-centric. Exactly half believe that they deliver a good Employee Experience, and just 33% say they offer a good Multiexperience. Just over half of MENA companies (54%) agree that they deliver a good User Experience, but only 43% say they offer a good Customer Experience. “Regional businesses rightly place a high premium on customer experience, so it comes as no surprise that the majority are expanding their strategies to uplift the experiences that they deliver to their customers. To be truly customer-centric, organizations need a cohesive CX strategy that gives employees the tools to wow every customer on any device. The good news is that MENA firms realize this, and are already working towards it – 74% say they have a cohesive customer interaction strategy,” said Nidal Abou-Ltaif, President, Avaya International. The vast majority of MENA firms (93%) say that customer experience is an intrinsic part of their brand value. However, those who scored higher in Total Experience empower employees with newer tools and platforms only used by some MENA firms - messenger platforms (44%), video chat (33%), chatbots (43%), and AI-based virtual assistants (31%). The organizations that support these newer tools have found that they simplify support, transform customer experiences, and benefit from more complete analytic tools. Avaya OneCloud™ CCaaS makes it easy to connect everything—voice, video, chat, messaging, and more—to deliver effortless experiences for Trending Business Insights | 11 |

self-development

GOOD GOVERNANCE Nishrat Nazeen, Founder, Aromas Fiji

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s a small business owner, my entire business model is run on trust from suppliers, disteributors and retailers. Good governance has to be built into the DNA of a company and the individual associated with the company..

Trust can add value and increase visibility of the company through word of mouth, without spending serious marketing dollars. Using high quality materials in products, paying suppliers on time and being transparent and accountable to the distributors, retailers and the end users are basic elements of good governance. Having a good reputation will lead to long-term continuity of the business and this is an ethos we have built into Aromas Fiji from the day of inception. Good corporate governance contributes positively towards the growth and development of the business and leads to more clients and end users. Not paying attention to corporate governance can lead to profit loss, and a tarnished reputation, not only to the business, but it will affect the everyone involved, from suppliers to employees and the retailers. Good corporate governance limits the risk of a bad reputation at all levels. Someone once said it is hard to build a strong reputation but easy to lose it quickly with one wrong move. To maintain personal as well as the company reputation, the owners and the management need to get involved and do quality control in all areas of the organization regularly. . They also need to know about the marketplace, their reputation in the ecosystem and the competition to help them up their product and service quality as well as make informed and timely decisions.

They need market intelligence to connect the dots in all areas of the business and make decisions that benefit everyone associated with the business. As a small business entity, we have created an internal system where we offer a fair deal to the end users of our products, and everyone involved in the process of getting it to them. It is important to set up our own personal and corporate governance norms and principles to enjoy a better reputation and increase the brand value of our business.

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expert opinion

THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS

Words by Madhav Dhar, Co-founder and COO, ZāZEN Property Development

ne of the most pertinent questions nowadays revolves around the future of our planet and the alarming threat that global warming and climate change have on our ecosystem. Global organisations, governments, corporations and individuals alike are becoming more aware of the environmental responsibility each one has and the need for education and action in the unified fight against climate change.

Hakan Ozel

With the UAE recentlyManager winning the -bid to host the UN Climate Change General Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai Conference, COP28, it is now more important than ever before for the region to uphold its commitment and push the agenda that sets a more sustainable economic future. The announcement was made during the | 14 7 | | Trending Business Insights

largest global conference of heads of states and governments on climate and environmental issues, during the UN’s COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, earlier this month. This honour only re-affirms the UAE’s initiative to achieve ‘Net-Zero by 2050’ and drive an integrated approach for sustainable development. The country’s leaders confirmed they will be working collaboratively with the private and public sectors, to find sustainable solutions and alternatives and create incentives for economic growth. One sector that is unmissable in this fight for change is the real estate sector. Global studies have found that the construction industry

sustainability enhancements from developers. New regulations will invite current developments to look into their operations and see how to improve their existing assets into becoming more green. Certifications such as the LEED Green Building will help entice developers to focus on key components of sustainability; from waste and water management to energy efficiency.

contributes to almost 40% of worldwide carbon emissions. It is thus no longer a question of wanting to build green, but it has become an outspoken responsibility for all property developers to put sustainable solutions at the heart of the building process, from initiation to design and construction. Sustainability comes at a cost and the UAE real estate sector will most certainly face challenges to achieve net-zero targets, not only due to the many older developments that require retrofitting, but also because there is still a gap in education and more importantly, legislation, to push sustainable development opportunities. All three parties within a developments’ life cycle; the developer, the contractors and the consumer, must be taught of the benefits of investing in sustainability in the long term. Legislation on minimum acceptable green standards, new building codes, new sustainable building materials and even the use and disposal of construction waste, will be required in the immediate future. As I have always believed and we have all witnessed, if any nation can accomplish this, it is the UAE. With more green financing initiatives, comes a bigger interest in

This in turn will give consumers the option to purchase spaces with eco-conscious features such as rooftop solar panels, low-wattage lighting systems, water-efficient landscaping, and smart technology. For instance, a residential building that uses solar panels to supplement energy consumption will have lower annual electricity bills that lead to lower annual service charges for owners and investors. Simultaneously, developers looking at the build to rent model will also benefit, as the solar panels usually pay for themselves within six years of operations, after which it reduces the overall cost of operations for the long term. An embodiment of new sustainable developments is ZāZEN One, a Trakhees LEED Green certified building in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), offering home buyers spacious communitystyle living, designed with sustainable features and principles. As all parties within the real estate life cycle are educated about the benefits of sustainable living, we will see more end users looking for such developments and in turn more developers, institutional investors and contractors focusing on delivering these types of projects. With the UAE’s net zero commitment and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the nation is well poised to be a regional leader in combating climate change and fostering growth through sustainable communities over the next 50 years. At ZāZEN Properties, we are committed to this cause and aim to create more sustainable developments that will add value to Dubai’s real estate landscape for future generations.

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MANAGEMENT

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LUXURY LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES Hakan Ozel General Manager - Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

here have been many valuable luxury brand founders, creators, designers, and leaders in business. The personalities who created difference, changed the game in many instances and drove the success of luxury in hospitality and other luxury sectors have either retired or are close to retirement. Therefore, it is inevitable that the luxury brands need to develop and cultivate new talent with desirable characteristics as competencies, while revising the customer service to remain competitive and lead. This should be the management pillar of luxury business. Which competencies would differentiate luxury professionals working in high performing premium brands from those who are working outside the luxury industry? Are these competencies particular to high-end goods industry? Are they adopted to tackle upcoming luxury challenges and issues of the future? Do all leaders in this sector have the similar leadership profile? Are luxury leaders transferable to other luxury industry brands? Are these particular competencies taught or developed in existing business or creative schools? ‘Luxury Leadership’ employs certain luxury characteristics as competencies to help the brands and its ambassadors to fulfill the brand promise. Tomorrow’s luxury leaders’ profile offers relevant luxury knowledge, luxury leadership styles and specific transferable know-how. Considering the top characteristics of luxury leadership competencies, the luxury brands must identify and have new leaders or talents that present a balanced leadership profile. This profile should blend creativity, intuition, rationalization and socializing in an efficient manner. Leaders should have experience in different geographical regions, such as Asia, Europe, and Americas, which would help to understand the different cultural characteristics of both employees and customers. They should have an ability to switch from short-term operating solutions to long term thinking.

Leaders should understand, and at the same time bring change management skills to organization to reinvent the business models while protecting the DNA of the brand. They should pay great attention to each product and service details for customers as the central role. Luxury leaders should represent the brand as its ambassador with a great cultural ability to interact well with highly demanding diversity of customer profile. They should have specific behavior skills to work efficiently and in collaborative partnership manner with brand owners and discipline leaders. Leaders must also understand the brand’s organizational culture. They should possess the cultural background from their family values and education that allows them to master a very cultural and behavior-related business. Most importantly, they should fit in with the founders as well as the family vision. How can the acquiring of the right leader and talent be achieved? There are certain ways to achieve this. To have and employ high caliber leaders and talent in a luxury organization, aside from hiring from external similar league resources, luxury brands need to address this issue very seriously with a newer mind-set. They need to consider a very strong and passionate succession planning as a proactive and continuous cultural element, rather than a reactive process. This succession planning must be considered as a longterm process and should be run patiently. Developing from within through variety of systems such as in-house academy or learning and development system will be stronger than any other strategy whilst appreciating that talent sourcing is a major issue for the luxury industry. Luxury brands are in search of excellence of quality and innovation to serve the needs of the clients in this ever-evolving world. From the business perspective, the major objective of the luxury brand is to ensure that the whole organization is consistent in fulfilling the brand promise. Luxury leadership with required competencies plays a critical role to make it happen.

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AVIATION

ROYALJET ADDS EUROPEAN BASED BBJ TO WORLD’S LARGEST FLEET

oyalJet, the Abu Dhabi owned and operated award-winning premium private aviation leader, has added a privately owned Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) to its growing fleet of managed aircraft. The aircraft has now been released back into service by Jet Aviation Basel after the completion of extensive upgrades and maintenance. The aircraft will continue to be based in both Europe and/or in United Arab Emirates, where it will be operated for the owner and offered for charter to select customers.

In addition to installing these new systems, Jet Aviation has upgraded the soundproofing to reduce in-flight noise levels, implemented a low cabin altitude modification and added humidifiers to reduce passenger fatigue on long flights, and upgraded various other interior elements.

The aircraft now has the longest flight range in its category on the market and is able to fly for up to 12 hours or 5000 nautical miles. This is thanks to its configuration, increased fuel capacity, better wing configuration and reduced weight.

It also features the fastest on-board internet speed available on the market using the Ka Band antenna system provided by Honeywell – a modern satellite system that allows the watching of movies, holding video conferences and making high speed calls, all simultaneously.

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This is the first BBJ, and possibly the first private aircraft globally to offer such high levels of on-board air quality achieved by the new Needle Point Bi-Polar Ionisation system provided by Aviation Clean Air.

The aircraft’s Scimitar winglet technology improves the overall aerodynamic efficiency, which is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions, improving fuel efficiency and lowering operating costs. This results in significant savings on fuel and enables the aircraft to fly to more destinations non-stop by extending the flight range. The aircraft has a unique and luxurious cabin configuration capable of providing the highest levels of comfort, day or night, for up to 19 passengers. The aircraft has a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and shower, an office that converts into a sizable bedroom, separate guest bathroom with shower as well as a large dining area and a salon for relaxing. There is a fully equipped galley kitchen and a pantry serviced by extensively trained and professional flight attendants. The aircraft will continue to be registered in the state of Bermuda and will be operated globally by RoyalJet‘s wholly owned subsidiary RoyalJet Bermuda LLC, which has recently been awarded its Air Operator’s

Certificate by the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority. With the addition of this aircraft, the RoyalJet Group now owns and/or operates ten Boeing Business Jets – by far the largest fleet of BBJs in the world.

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SPOTLIGHT

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH CONCLUDES By Shereen Shabnam International Writer/PR Specialist

Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s greatest show concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony. As the venue was part of our life for six months, we say farewell by featuring some of our favourite pavilions, expo partners and attractions on site that put a smile on our faces. | 20 | Trending Business Insights

NISSAN

Our Favourite Expo Partner

ur motoring centric team were most excited with the Expo’s Official Automotive Partner, Nissan. The brand showcased its global expertise, regional heritage, and forward-looking vision and leveraging Expo’s global platform, Nissan spotlighted its Ambition 2030 goal to empower mobility and beyond. The six-month extravaganza, Expo 2020 Dubai, offered Nissan a platform to showcase its leadership to a global audience, as well as inspire, and engage with stakeholders from multiple industries to shift towards a greener, safer, and more connected future. Nissan's partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai served as a natural translation of its shared vision with the global fair to bring stakeholders together to foster growth opportunities, create value and make advanced mobility solutions accessible for all. Led by its Ambition 2030 plans, Nissan drew on its partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai to highlight its long-term strategy that places a strong focus on electrification and exciting vehicles that empower customer journeys and society. Marking the start of its activities at Expo 2020 Dubai, Nissan launched its ‘Let’s Move’ campaign, which was developed especially for its partnership with the global event and was a call to action for audiences to join the brand on the journey towards a more sustainable future. The campaign demonstrated the alignment of the brand’s vision for the future of mobility with Expo’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, and served as the ideal precursor to the first regional

showcase of the eagerly anticipated Ariya, Nissan’s first all-electric crossover that provides a glimpse into the future of mobility. Building on the enticing campaign, Nissan’s invitation to engage with stakeholders and accelerate the shift to a safer, smarter, more connected world, was further cemented by hosting its very own Nissan Leadership Series at Expo 2020 Dubai. Coinciding with the Year of Patrol, Expo 2020 Dubai was the worldstage of the breathtaking celebrations that marked the 70th anniversary of the legendary Nissan Patrol. Solidifying its SUV dominance and longstanding heritage across the Middle East, Nissan celebrated the first-ever SUV launch at the dazzling Al Wasl Plaza with the debut of the 2022 Nissan Patrol 70th Anniversary model and the regional premiere of the all-new Nissan Pathfinder 2022. Playing a vital role in the future of mobility, Nissan also participated in various speaker sessions hosted by Expo, including ‘Cities on the Move’, ‘Age of Disruption – How Tech Innovation is Shaping Our New Normal’, and ‘Driving Change: Women in the Automotive Industry’. As a key partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Nissan also engaged in the first physical Expo Partners Meeting and the unique Sustainability Portal opening, reaffirming Expo 2020 Dubai’s vision with Nissan’s purpose of driving innovation that enriches people’s lives.

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SPOTLIGHT

SALTIES

Our Favourite Eating Venue at Expo 2020

ur favourite Restaurant to spend time eating, working and meeting people was Salties Beach Bar and Grill by Grenada that had an Indoor Beach Bar showcasing Sustainability, Accessibility, and the World’s Best Culture of Caribbean Entertainment. Thankfully, we can enjoy the Salties vibe still at the Outlet Village Mall as the place kept us fuelled up with the best food and oysters in the evenings.. Salties is a made-in-Dubai concept by a new generation of Dubai expats with an international flair and it featured a fresh juice bar as well as our favourite Gelato station. It was the perfect place for the staff living on-site as it provided them with a relaxed ambience where they listened to music and socialized with their friends and colleagues without needing to go into town. Starting from the idea that Dubai is on the beach, a symbol of freedom, guests could take their shoes off and feel the sand through their toes. The Salties team sourced beautiful furniture which had been abandoned by other people in the past each with its own history, then modified and transformed them through colours, writings, and repairs and gave them a new life naming every piece of furniture after famous places and beaches of Grenada, like Saint George's and Castle Hill. There were little islands within the restaurant that brought pieces of the world together, just like the country of Grenada, famously known as “The Spice Isle”, consisting of the main island of Grenada and 8 satellite islands. Salties also had different evenings paying a special tribute to every country on their National Day celebrations after 9 pm, so that the nationals of each country could feel at home at Salties and citizens of that country could enjoy special discounts off the total bill on their national day. Salties had the best coffee available in Dubai made by Attibassi,

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winner of many quality coffee competitions specially for Salties with the latest model of the best coffee machine “La Spaziale “. It certainly was a home away from home for people coming over for the 6-month duration of Expo 2020 whilst at the same time shining the spotlight on sustainability.

Our Favourite Pavilion

MALAYSIA A Hit Amongst Visitors during Expo 2020 Dubai

he Malaysia Pavilion was one of the most popular amongst visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai as many called it one of the top pavilions they visited. With the theme “Energising Sustainability,” the pavilion marked its one millionth visitor during the second week of March. In addition, it was also named one of the top three Best Sustainable Designs at Expo 2020 Dubai by the EXHIBITOR Magazine’s World Expo Awards. Throughout the six months, they showcased many cultural elements and live entertainment with interactive workshops. The video presentation about Malaysia’s efforts to preserve its rainforest was a hit amongst many children. They shouted out with glee “the rainforest” when asked what they enjoyed the most. The pavilion won many awards during the course of the World Expo. The pavilion was designed with a Rainforest Canopy concept and had seven exhibition halls which were named as canopies. They were the exhibit halls of Malaysian Rainforest, Sustainable Agricommodities, Malaysia 2030 (two halls), Re-energising the Future, Smart City and Smart Network. Rated amongst the visitors’ favourite part of the pavilion was Canopy 1 entitled “Malaysian Rainforest” which transported them to an immersive rainforest experience through a 3D digital show, and Canopy 4 themed ‘Re-Energising the Future’ which showcased oil and

gas company PETRONAS’ transformation plan and aspiration towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, through a hanging cube with 5 LED surfaces. The Malaysia Café, with a menu of traditional Malaysian cuisine by Nur Malaysia and popular fast food chain, Marrybrown, was just as popular. Marrybrowns was rated as the best affordable restaurant to eat at by both Gulf News and Dubai Night. It was not uncommon to find a queue stretching outside the café especially during weekends. The Malaysia Pavilion instilled in visitors the importance of creating a sustainable future and showcased the nation’s sustainable industries through 26 weekly thematic business and trade programmes. Malaysia’s self-built 1,234.05 sq meter pavilion was the first net zero carbon pavilion at the EXPO. The Pavilion featured a rainforest canopy inspired by the majestic tropical rainforest of Malaysia, blending cultural elements with nature and functionality into a futuristic building. Malaysia’s activities during the EXPO included permanent 3D displays, daily cultural performances, craft demonstrations, café operations as well as 26 weekly thematic trade and business programmes. The business weeks involved a large contingent of 21 ministries, 70 departments and agencies and five state governments initiating and supporting the programmes. Trending Business Insights | 23 |

JEWELERY

ARKAY JEWELLERY UNVEILS ITS LATEST DROPS A fine jewellery brand with lifetime pieces, designed with the highest quality at attainable prices.

ubai-based jewellery designer Resham Khan unveils Arkay, a fine jewellery brand with lifetime pieces, designed with the highest quality at attainable prices.

Arkay started as a passion project with a small collection of pinky rings, it was born out of Resham’s love for Jewellery since the age of 12 when the first piece was designed. The brand consists of fine pieces of jewellery, with each piece as a testament to its value. Arkay is created to be a luxury jewellery brand which is playful and of high quality, made using precious and semi-precious stones while still being affordable. The founder’s mission was to build Arkay with these pillars at its foundation, and really create great value for her customers. Arkay is the go-to jewellery brand for all things playful and elegant, from the perfect pinky ring and minimal high-quality hoops to emerald and rainbow tennis bracelets. The brand is changing the standard of fine-jewellery one piece at a time. Today Jewellery is a brand that creates high-end pieces with quality execution for a reasonable price tag, essentially aiming to have the best of both worlds available on its own e-commerce platform. The quality of the pieces in Arkay is unparalleled in the UAE, and the brand is best recognized for their signature Rainbow tennis bracelet.

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“Beautiful, high-end, quality jewellery is my number one priority, and to share that with my clients and customers makes me happy. A perk of Arkay is that it’s a direct-to-consumer brand, ensuring the best quality at affordable prices. Which is why I give importance to my e-commerce platform,” says Resham Khan. “I want to create pieces that come from the heart and inspire, and that’s how Arkay thrives.” Arkay’s drops are made of a spectrum of stones – Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, and some are even Zircon. Every piece has its stones, and they are all specially chosen for that piece. The stones are sourced from all around the world, and depending on the nature of the item, are manufactured in places such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Dubai ensuring each and every piece has its own unique journey. With the support of a great team of 6, and an incredible passion for jewellery and putting the consumer first, the sky is the limit for Arkay Jewellery.

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YACHT

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN & PERFORMANCE Majesty 175

hen Captain Patricia Caswell, Gulf Craft’s Quality Control Manager, took to the helm of Majesty 175, on the maiden sea trial of the superyacht, what surprised her – despite her decades of experience – was the smooth fluidity of the vessel, effortless maneuverability, and remarkable stability. Majesty 175 had already won the admiration of the yachting world as the world’s largest composite production superyacht, and all eyes were on the sea trial – the true test of her ‘character.’ On board for the voyage was the man who made the dream a reality – Mohammed Alshaali, the founder and Chairman of Gulf Craft, one of the world’s premier shipyards. Also on board were the expert team on the company’s Umm Al Quwain manufacturing facility – designers, engineers, naval architects, and other professionals. They had worked tirelessly to deliver the superyacht in a time span that is less than conventional for a superyacht envisaged on the scale of Majesty 175. While Gulf Craft had already built its credentials as one of the world’s leading shipyards, having delivered more than 10,000 boats and yachts since its inception in 1982, the announcement of Majesty 175 by Alshaali at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show came as a surprise for the industry.

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES

Majesty 175 was another example of Gulf Craft’s dedication to innovation as it called for pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. True to its legacy, the company surprised the world. From its integrated in-house production facility in Umm Al Quwain, Gulf Craft delivered Majesty 175, now the proud possession of a prominent Emirati businessman.

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Mohammed Alshaali says Majesty 175 is truly a work of art that highlights the world-class capabilities of Gulf Craft. “When we announced her, we had a single-minded goal: To create a masterpiece superyacht with exceptional design and performance standards. Our team worked for four years at our facility in the UAE to see this dream become reality. Fully ‘Made in the UAE,’ this is a great achievement that adds to the national pride, especially as we prepare to celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary this year.”

MAKING OF A MASTERPIECE

Building Majesty 175 required advanced engineering skills. Gulf Craft’s in-house team worked on every aspect of the superyacht, with the closest attention to every detail, including rigorous inspection by Alshaali. His passion for the sea and his love for yachts and boats mean that nothing ever comes out of Gulf Craft that does not pass his standards. Built to the specifications outlined by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for yachts over 500 gross tonnage (GT), Majesty 175 is

178.4 ft (56.4 metres) long, has a beam of 31.6 ft (9.62 metres) and gross tonnage of 780. Majesty 175 can easily cruise through low-draft areas, drawing just 2.05 metres of water, as she is built using advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre and vinyl ester. The shallow draft enables close beach access, a key consideration for many marine lifestyle enthusiasts. With two fixed pitch six-blade propellers, electricity supply comes from 175 kW Kohler generators and two pairs of TRAC fin stabilizers. Safety features include a SOLAS rescue boat and an emergency generator. With a full speed of 16.5 knots and cruising speed of 10 knots, Majesty 175 has a range of 4,000 nautical miles, also making her a transoceanic vessel.

OPULENT LIFESTYLE CHOICES

Majesty 175’s exterior and interior design are by the award-winning Cristiano Gatto Design Studio in Italy. The naval architecture is by Massimo Gregori of the Yankee Delta Studio. Her stand-out features include a 5-metre infinity pool at the forward deck and a hybrid sky-lounge that can be converted to an open sun deck. The pool has a swim-jet system that creates a constant current of water. The smart layout accommodates seven lavish staterooms and a crew of up to 10 members with six large crew cabins and a private captain accommodation. The spacious design of the decks and the immaculate attention to every finish and fixture make Majesty 175 a truly opulent vessel for a luxury lifestyle. Majesty is the flagship among five brands of boats and yachts by Gulf Craft. The other brands are: Silvercraft, featuring affordable smaller family and fishing boats; Oryx sports cruisers; Nomad explorer yachts and Touring passenger vessels. Utilising advanced technology, powerful engineering, timeless design, and world-class craftsmanship, Gulf Craft operates two manufacturing facilities – the 462,000 sq ft facility in Umm Al Quwain and a 100,000-square-foot facility in the Maldives as well as a service centre in Ajman.

“Majesty 175 is the beginning of a new era for Gulf Craft that further defines our competencies in innovation and manufacturing excellence. As we continue to push our boundaries, there will be more surprises in store for marine enthusiasts,” concluded Alshaali.

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YACHT

SHARP PERFORMANCE Pearl 72 By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

ounded in 1998 with the aim of designing a range of luxury motor yachts offering voluminous interiors, combined with opulence and design excellence, Pearl Yachts is now one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards and has announced a new 72’ flybridge yacht, Pearl 72.

Pearl 72 features two master cabins, a total of four ensuite guest cabins, and a crew cabin – plus a garage for large tender and a jet ski. It has a modern and sleek exterior, matching the advancements made in performance, efficiency, and seakeeping through advanced naval architecture. The flybridge is a clear example of the theme of flexibility, which defines the entire Pearl 72. Guests can enjoy the fresh air and flybridge experience under the variable hard top, which has 3 settings: Full shade, adjustable louvres, and full sun. The helm and forward-facing seating set up a friendly area for owner operators to enjoy cruising in the company of guests; the full-sized dining table has a multi-functional wet bar opposite, and the aft area can be tailored to suit the owner’s needs with freestanding furniture, a sun pad or even a hot tub.

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Stairs lead down to the cockpit, which is centred around the table with a sofa and freestanding seating, sheltered by the flybridge but enjoying a wide-open view – this is one of the main entertaining areas onboard. A few steps down is the beach club, which features a fold-out seat and an extended bathing platform. It’s the perfect place to kick off an adventure, with full support for all the must-have water toys. The garage accommodates a large tender and there’s still room for a jet ski. Deploying both vehicles is a breeze and the fold-out side platforms ensure there’s always plenty of space to meet the Sea. Once the garage is closed, the fold-down transom seat makes the bathing platform a comfortable space. Whether sea-lovers are looking for excitement or relaxation, it’s a delightful spot.

The bow lounge is a great place to end the day, watching the sunset, thanks to the wide sofa and sun pads. Below the Bedouin-style Bimini and the retracting table, you can do whatever you want with this space. A nice detail is that the anchor mechanisms are neatly tucked away, giving everyone a clear view off the bow for sunbathing at anchor or even while cruising at low speeds. The entrance to the salon is a via an impressive electrically operated sliding door. The main saloon is laid out as a lounge, with designer sofas along the port side and eye-catching furniture starboard, with an abundance of storage. Then there is the bar area, which blends the open galley with the social area. This has a floor-to-ceiling windows. Together with the cut-outs in the bulwarks, it creates an observatory in remarkable contact with the environment. The “Pearl double windscreen, houses the internal helm station and a relaxed dinette area. An optional door beside the helm gives easy access to the exterior, bringing in the breeze and making for easier operation. There are two stairways leading to the lower deck; the forward master has a private stairway by the helm. Amidships, the main stairway takes you down to the main accommodations area.

Performance is of course one of the first things we look for in a yacht. Pearl 72 offers the standard 1400HP MAN V12s or the optional MTUs with 1600HP, the Pearl 72’s advanced hull architecture ensures a smooth, efficient cruise and easy handling. The latter engine carries her up to 32 knots, with a cruising speed of 25 knots for a range of approximately 250 nautical miles. All the performance advancements have implications for comfort, safety, and fuel economy.

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YACHT

EVO YACHTS UNVEILS THE FIRST RENDERINGS OF EVO V8, THE FLAGSHIP SET TO LEAVE A MARK

vo V8, the fascinating new project by Blu Emme Yachts brand Evo Yachts, is destined to be a talking point with its innovative design and remarkable technology.

An exterior and interior layout that can be transformed in seconds to cater for an unbelievable variety of uses, combined with the ambition to offer a totally new concept of cruising at the intersection between the worlds of sailing and motor yachts, make Evo V8 a unique and unprecedented concept for a new type of owner. Evo Yachts’ exclusive new flagship, the 24-metre yacht initially known as the Velar 78 concept and today officially named Evo V8, is the first model in the new V line and a highly original proposal that will amaze the market with all its innovative features. With its understated and refined design, this extraordinary model has been developed to offer an unprecedented onboard lifestyle and an alternative to anything seen before, marking a clear break from the stylistic imprint of its predecessors in order to offer a new interpretation of life at sea. Evo V8 is a boat designed to excite and amaze, like a Russian matryoshka doll hiding multiple nested surprises. And while the designer and shipyard promise to reveal all these secrets when the yacht is officially presented at

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the Cannes Yachting Festival 2021, some first glimpses can already be seen in the newly released renders of the vessel. For Blu Emme Yachts, the shipyard behind the fortunate Evo Yachts brand, the realisation of this model and a new product line represents a major watershed. With a design penned by Valerio Rivellini, Evo V8 springs from the desire to find the point of intersection between suggestions from the two worlds of sailing and motor yachts, with the aim of taking the best of both and revolutionising the cruising experience. The project is an invitation to see life on board as a time for socialising and relaxation, even when cruising under power at high speed. As the designer explains, “motor yacht lovers begin their holiday when they reach their destination, either at anchor off the coast or in port, whereas sailing yacht owners start their holiday right away, as soon as they step on board. Evo V8 combines the speed of a motor yacht with the comfort and relaxation of sailing”. One of the main results of this mixed approach is the fact that there are a remarkable four helm stations. The first station on the Main Deck forward of the main salon and the second on the Roof Top, fitted with a retractable steering console, are joined by two yacht wheels on the port and starboard sides of the Main Deck. A clear reference to the world of sailing, they are

an invitation to enjoy cruising in close contact with the water, as well as being very practical when manoeuvring. The space between the two helm wheels is completely free, but the side seats and the couches around them invite socialisation between the driver and their guests, something that isn’t usually possible on a motor yacht. The particularly innovative layout of Evo V8, which sets it apart from other boats on the market in the same category, is even clearer to see in the beach area, which can be provided with direct access from the master stateroom at the owner’s request. The beach area is an open space on the water, just 70 cm above the waterline, designed to be able to enjoy seamless contact with nature and an unbroken 180-degree panoramic view thanks to hull sides that open, eliminating all visual barriers and conveying the sensation of being at one with the surrounding environment. Three steps connect the beach area with a low lounge area that precedes the master stateroom and has big sliding glass doors, allowing it to perform two functions: an open air patio for daytime use, separated from the interiors and offering shelter from the wind

and sun, and a private living area for the owner at night, when the door to the exterior deck is closed, transforming it into an exclusive open space suite 12 metres long. Evo V8 has a fully customizable layout, with two different stairways leading from the Main Deck directly to the Lower Deck, so that the crew and guest flows can be kept separate. The first unit has three cabins sleeping seven and a cabin for the crew of two. The Lower Deck contains the master

stateroom, two guest cabins and a crew cabin. On the Main Deck, the spacious salon with a dining area is surrounded by big windows that can be lowered almost entirely for even more contact with the outside environment and to limit the use of the air conditioning: an option that makes Evo V8 even more like a 24-metre open with hard top. Evo V8 will be launched in the coming months and handed over to the Italian owner, a loyal customer and a great fan of the Evo Yachts brand. Trending Business Insights | 31 |

THREE REASONS YOU SHOULD PUT NETWORK SECURITY AT THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGY By: Jacob Chacko, Regional Director Middle East, Saudi & South Africa at Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company

ybersecurity continues to be one of the most significant risks facing businesses today.

While it seems that we are hearing more and more about cybersecurity in the press, there has – till recently – been a misconception that it is an ‘IT issue’. This is especially true when it comes to topics perceived as requiring technical expertise, such as the network. Security is increasingly becoming the key conversation I’m having with the customers and partners I visit across the region. With every sector now undergoing digital transformation, I’d urge senior business leaders, from the C-Suite to the board, to think differently about the network. It has a bigger security and business enablement role than you might imagine.

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With that in mind, here are three reasons why you should put the network, and its security, at the heart of your business strategy.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES, NEW THREATS

We released a report looking at networking on the edge – a new approach by which technology decisions are processed at the edge of a company’s network, allowing things to happen more quickly and with less lag time for the user. One of the most exciting benefits of edge networking is how it can help businesses unlock new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), to create new customer and employee experiences. IoT holds tremendous opportunities for businesses but is also one of the biggest sources of concern among our customers. It is very much an emerging

technology field, and devices are often not built with a security-centric mindset – even those destined for environments like healthcare and financial services, where physical and digital security is essential to operations. This is especially true of the increasing number of consumer devices that are popping up in the office environment – think of smart speakers and smart watches for example. The cybersecurity risks around these new technologies will be unbelievably high unless business leaders prioritise securing the network that powers them. Organizations who focus on their network security today will be in a much better position to adapt securely to these new technologies, properly integrate them into the workplace, and ultimately reap the business rewards.

ENABLING THE WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE

Digital transformation is an undeniable force shaping businesses today. It’s changing how businesses fundamentally work – from where their data is stored, to how their operations are run and where their staff are based. Moving to the cloud remains one of the top company priorities as part of this transformation, but business leaders should be thinking about their network as part of this move too. While applications and storage have largely been moved to the cloud already, however, large, complex corporate networks are still primarily run on the premises. I’d wager that this is because companies perceive the risks involved in moving their network to the cloud to be too high – but this doesn’t need to be the case if you build in the right level of security from the offset. In the future, I believe we should be moving to an environment where both the network and its security are run from the cloud, with a single paneof-glass view allowing teams to understand, manage, and protect what is happening. As the network grows in importance, having this at a glance view of what is happening will become more and more vital. The physical nature of offices

has changed dramatically in the past ten years, causing a greater emphasis to fall on the network to enable new types of working. From co-working spaces, to working from home or completely remotely, the new face of the workplace is well and truly digital – and well and truly dependent on the network. Companies need to develop a security-first mindset and rapidly adopt these new ways of working in order to keep the next generation of employees engaged, and work with clients more effectively and efficiently. But before they do anything they must ensure that the network keeps all of these people, data and processes safe and secure.

STAYING AHEAD OF REGULATORY CHANGES

Since GDPR came into force, we have now started to see real fines being implemented on businesses who aren’t up to scratch. No matter how GDPR develops, cyber security will play a pivotal role in compliance. Business leaders who have seen the impact of fines on other enterprises must now take an active interest in the way that data gets into and goes out of their businesses – the network. Security and IT teams can use the GDPR framework to better manage the collection and use of personal data while filling in potential gaps in their protection infrastructure.

SECURITY, MORE THAN AN IT ISSUE

No matter the size of your business, you either are, or shortly will be amid a full digital transformation. There will be an exponential increase in the amount of data going in and out, employees using personal and business devices in a myriad of locations, and consumers (and their regulators) keen to make sure you’re looking after their information. Whether or not you’ve realised it, the network is now the very backbone of your organization, serving as a structure, support and enabler of every business function and service you provide. It’s time for business leaders to take an increased interest in making sure they protect this highly important asset. Trending Business Insights | 33 |

EVERY DAY SHOULD BE WORLD BACKUP DAY Nearly 9 of 10 EMEA Organizations Face Growing Data Availability and Protection Chasm By Claude Schuck Regional Director, Middle East at Veeam Software

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XO research from Veeam has found that 86% of EMEA organizations have a protection gap between how much data they can afford to lose and how often IT systems are protected. This has risen by 14% in the past 12 months and indicates that while the criticality of data continues to soar, so do the challenges in protecting data to a satisfactory level. World Backup Day 2022, that was observed on March 31, is another reminder that as both the cyber threat landscape and IT environment complexity continue to increase, the need for robust data protection measures is more vital than ever. A solid backup, replication, and recovery plan is a key component of any Modern Data Protection strategy that ensures business continuity and the capacity to take immediate action.

WHY BACKUP MATTERS

Almost every organization experiences unexpected outages, according to the Veeam Data Protection Trends Report 2022. There are many incidents that can lead to downtime. Among EMEA businesses, these are commonly caused by infrastructure or networking outages, server hardware failures, and application software faults. Furthermore, ransomware and other cyber threats are compounding the situation – with 51% of EMEA organizations suffering outages at the hands of a cyber-attack in the past 12 months. Backup best practice: Simply put, any data that is not backed up can be lost forever in the event of an outage. While the threat landscape is daunting, the general rule of thumb for a robust Modern Data Protection strategy are consistent. No matter how data is compromised, whether hardware and power failure, accidental deletion, or cyber-attack, if it has been protected in line with Veeam’s 3-2-1-1-0 backup rule, you can get it back. There should always be at least three copies of important data, on at least two different types of media, at least one off-site and one as immutable copy offline, and finally, with zero unverified backups or backups completing with errors.

RANSOMWARE IS A NEW NORM

There is still a perception that ransomware strikes an unlucky few, but this

is not the case. The majority (71%) of EMEA organizations have suffered ransomware attacks in the past 12 months. Given the inevitable nature of cyber-attacks like ransomware, it’s paramount that businesses can recover. However, according to Veeam´s survey respondents, over one in three (36%) organizations are unable to recover data after a ransomware attack. Therefore, we now have the situation that it is no longer a question of whether businesses are experiencing ransomware incidents, but rather when. There are still far too many organizations that are unable to recover the data they lose. Cybersecurity best practice: There are three elements that create the ultimate strategy to protect data against ransomware. The first line of defence is using education to build a human firewall. Prepare your employees with the digital hygiene tools and knowledge needed so that they do not fall for some of the oldest tricks in the cybercrime book like phishing. Make sure this is an integral part of your business practices. The second is implementation. Implement the 3-2-1-1-0 backup rule; invest in solid Disaster Recovery provisions in accordance with your defined RPOs and RTOs; ensure you’ve protected data across all platforms including physical, virtual, cloud, SaaS, and Kubernetes. Finally, it’s remediation. If your education and implementation strategies fail, do not pay the ransom. The only option is to restore data.

FUTURE-PROOF YOUR INVESTMENT

DATA PROTECTION

The ability to move workloads from one platform to another – including physical, virtual, and cloud-hosted – enables organizations to progress with Digital Transformation initiatives and retire legacy backup tools. But not at the expense of IT resilience. Veeam enables both cloud-powered data protection, as well as protection of cloud-hosted workloads such as SaaS and containers, with full backup and recovery, disaster recovery, application mobility, and ransomware protection. It is essential for decision-makers to understand that data is the lifeblood of their business and investment in Modern Data Protection is an investment in their future.

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THE BALANCING ACT OF FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS TO COMPETE IN A TECHNOLOGYDRIVEN WORLD

By Ricardo Ferreira EMEA Field CISO at Fortinet

igital acceleration is impacting how we work, live, and consume services. In addition, the digital evolution of Financial Services Organizations (FSOs) raises essential questions about the future of banking. One looming concern is how FSOs will compete against fintechs, including addressing the need for innovation to improve customer experience.

ADAPT TO CHANGING TIMES

The top three strategic areas outlined in the IDC Infobrief, sponsored by Fortinet, Accelerating Transformation Through Cybersecurity in Financial Services,* highlight the core priorities for financial institutions: Trust, Security, and Resilience. So, the question is, how can FSOs lead and win through innovation while ensuring that risks do not overwhelm a traditionally risk-averse industry? Many FSOs have begun adopting new digital business models to help them thrive in a digital-first economy. These include prioritizing investments in key areas such as data-driven security, legacy modernization, and personalized and contextual customer experiences. But for these business models to work,

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they will need to rely on data, analytics, and cloud platforms. So, when we ask, “what does success look like for the future-ready bank?” we see three major themes: • Automation and cost reduction: Automation, managed services, and cloud platforms will enable FSOs to innovate faster. Automation allows business units to integrate with the rest of the organization, build self-service, and reduce manual labor costs, such as adopting Robotic Process Automation and artificial intelligence-powered chatbots to deal with insurance claims. In investment banking, robot advisors use machine learning-powered algorithms to help retail investors make better decisions. Thanks to cloud platforms and managed services, these new products and services are economically feasible because they shift traditional CapEx to activities that create more value. • Customer intelligence and centricity: New platforms provide data and analytics for anticipating customer needs and hyper-personalizing the customer journey. Customer data, such as investment patterns, can guide

a robot advisor to recommend portfolio choices aligned to customer preference. Similarly, natural language processing can help an AI system quickly assess a customer's issue to redirect them to the nearest branch or get the appropriate representative involved. • New value propositions: Open banking was a massive change for banks, helping them realize the power of APIs. Building Banking as a Service (BaaS) has allowed them to develop new services and create stronger partnerships.

BUT WHAT EXPERIENCE?

ABOUT

THE

CUSTOMER

Who is not irked when reminded of their first troubled mobile banking experience, with terrible UX and lack of integration? It’s why, when some fintechs launched their online mobile banking, it was a beacon of light in a dark room. A real-world security example that everyone might remember was the usage of biometrics for accessing online mobile banking. Big brands took a long time to adopt it, and while it might seem trivial from a UX perspective, it’s leaps and bounds towards progress. Today, traditional brands regularly launch products that emulate offerings from nimbler fintech organizations. The lesson is clear: to gain a competitive advantage, banks must focus on creating a fast, intuitive, and seamless customer experience.

ARE CLOUDS GREY IN BANKING?

These business models require the accelerated consumption of new platforms, such as cloud computing. Financial organizations must understand they can create differentiated value and increase competitiveness by using the cloud to increase their speed of innovation and accelerate the go-to-market of new services and products. Cloud platforms also serve as a bridge to modernize financial organization workloads. CIOs want to migrate workloads cohesively while ensuring the capabilities from their on-prem solutions are still available. Major Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) have jumped at the opportunity to integrate their environments into the same control plane.

YES, BUT ISN'T THAT RISKY?

Regulators have flagged the concentration risk. For example, the Bank of England has highlighted it in their stability reports. The latest Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) PS21/3 rules address third-party risk and operational resilience. And the European Union has gone a big step beyond with their Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). All these activities and proposals are designed to address these concerns. The European Systemic Risk Board has flagged cyber as a systemic risk to the European financial system due to the increase in cyberattacks— especially in the financial industry, which is 300 times more likely to be the target of cyberattacks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasizes that cyber events propagate risk through the entire financial system via three broad transmission channels: risk concentration, risk contagion, and erosion of confidence. That is why cybersecurity is a priority as part of the EU’s "Europe fit for the digital decade" policy program. Programs such as EU-HYBNET, ACCORDION, and DORA for financial services ensure Europe works as a single entity by harmonizing requirements to increase resilience and protect citizens.

WHAT CAN FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS DO ABOUT IT?

To start, security needs to be woven into transformation efforts to ensure that innovation and transformation are conducted securely. For this to work, security must be included from a project's inception, not as a bolt-on after a project and its services are launched.

WHAT ABOUT ASSETS?

PROTECTING

FINANCIAL

55% of European financial organizations already use some form of zerotrust strategy for their authorization and authentication. Zero-trust shifts the traditional paradigm from implicit trust for users and resources inside a static, network-based perimeter to an authentication model that focuses on users, assets, and resources. Zero-trust requires authentication and authorization to be performed every time access is granted to a specific resource.

HOW DO WE ADDRESS THE ‘WEAKEST LINK’ PROBLEM?

While people are an organization’s most critical asset, they are also the primary source for data breaches and network compromise. Organizations must be prepared for a loss of control if their workforce is not educated on cyber awareness. Some large financial organizations have created partnerships with e-learning portals and vendors to provide tailored courses using nudges and financial instruments to reskill the workforce into new technologies. Similarly, financial organizations must plan to mitigate the rampant cybersecurity skills shortage, which will impact 90% of organizations by 2025, resulting in delays to the transformational journey.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Digital acceleration is essential for competing in today’s financial marketplace. However, it doesn’t come without risk. First, ensure employees are trained and reskilled in the organization's technologies. Second, share data with industry peers to learn best practices and identify potential issues. Transaction Monitoring Netherlands (TMNL) is an excellent example of transaction data sharing to mitigate Anti-Money Laundering (AML). Finally, work with vendors and partners committed to cross-vendor openness and integration. When vendors work together across the threat landscape, the sum of their products is greater than the individual parts, deepening your level of cyber protection.

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TECHNOLOGY

RETHINK HOW YOU CONSUME IT By: Mohammad Abulhouf Senior Sales Director, KSA, Bahrain & Qatar at Nutanix

he consumption of products and services has changed for good. We live in a consumer-centric world where we switch on the television and watch the service we elect, whether that is Amazon Prime, NetFlix, or Apple TV. The point is that as consumers we have taken back the power of choice, explored what works for us, and are now able to pay as much or as little as we are willing to for the service we want. So why should IT be any different? If we have learnt anything from the last decade it is that consumer patterns shape IT behaviour – IT no longer dictates what can and what can’t be done. Think back to the discussions around Shadow IT. Which then sets the scene for the question “why are we as an industry still billing and selling technology in protracted contracts and licenses?”

LIVING ROOM IT. Let’s talk in comparisons for a bit, as consumers we buy mobile services from a carrier, content from a streaming service, fibre from a

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provider and we pipe it all down to a device which can be connected in myriad ways. The whole concept can be compared to how the multicloud universe works. But we still love out boombox at a house party or a braai, we are loathed to get rid of our DVDs, and we proudly collect vinyl, which is very much the on-premise part of the consumer existence. None of which is going to be replaced easily – nor should it be. But it is a world of overlap and inefficiency with multiple sources, subscriptions and commits to multi-year contracts that are sometimes wholly underutilised.

ONE APP TO RULE THEM. Much like modern IT, all of these services are a nightmare to manage. If you are in a multi-cloud environment with multiple SaaS-based contracts and subscriptions, you understand the enormity of the task at hand. Knowing what you are spending the most on and what your teams are actually using to its full potential is a feat in accounting.

Now add license management to the mix and consider that vendors are trying to eke out more of your wallet than before by selling you additional capabilities and you are in an endless fight with a bloated balance sheet, yet still unsure if you see the value.

IT. The real value IT can give a customer is flexibility. The value to the end-user is then multiplied by their ability to adapt to change. Such as the immense change they have endured over the past eight months as a result of the pandemic.

As an industry, we need to seriously start considering bringing all these services together. If as a consumer you were given a single service which you could buy all your services through, see you spend, manage your usage, and then use this data to see where there is overlap and where there is underutilisation – would you buy it?

RETHINK REQUIRED.

CONSOLIDATED THINKING AND CONSOLIDATED COSTS.

How does the future of enterprise IT look? It is a centralised environment that is managed as much by data on your services than the services themselves. It is controlled through a single plane, it is managed centrally, and it is billed monthly. Allowing business, the ability to adapt, change, move and scale as and when they need to. Not when they are dictated to do so.

What IT is sorely lacking is consolidated thinking. Many services profess to help you create a view of your multi-cloud resources, SaaS apps and collaboration services, but few give a control plane for full visibility. We might know where things are, how they are working, but we need to start pooling this data to start identifying overlap to minimise inefficiencies in both cost and resources. Now add to this the fact that we are still selling five-year licenses which we try and bloat every year by adding additional services to keep our balance sheet healthy. CIOs and IT professionals are starting to kick back – and it is about time. As much as consumers we want to pay for only what we consume so do CIOs want a model where they can scale services up or down, remove unnecessary investments when they have run their course and invest that capital elsewhere when needed. The subscription service has been made easier to digest because of the cloud, but now we need to start adopting it into all aspects of

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TRAVEL

AFRICA'S UNDISCOVERED GEM Picturesque Namibia

ade up of seven cluster regions and sub-regions, Namibia is a country of infinite opportunities and diversity, from its topography and people to its culture and wildlife. It remains one of the most beautiful countries worldwide, offering travellers a kaleidoscope of activities and adventures to enjoy during their stay in the land of contrasts. Start your journey with Namibia’s central region which provides a variety of tourism activities and places of interest to visit before heading into the sunset to explore further. With Auas Mountains to the south, Khomas Hochland in the west and the Eros Mountains in the East, Windhoek is a meeting place of old and new, modern, and old styles featuring an assortment of architectural styles, people, modern facilities, and world-class infrastructure. The city is a melting pot of cultures, people, cuisine, and religions, offering travellers insight into the Namibian way of life as executives dressed in the latest business attire walk alongside Herero women dressed in their beautiful traditional wear. Its variety of restaurants, from international and continental cuisine right through to local delicacies, will appeal to a magnitude of tastes. At the same time, its accommodation options offer an assortment of

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choices from camping and B&B’s to international chain hotels and homely pensions A drive to the town of Okahandja, just 70km north of Windhoek, provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to display their work in the form of wood carvings at two craft markets. Southwest of Okahandja lies Gross Barmen, famous for its hot springs and one of Namibia’s smallest protected areas. West from Windhoek, one encounters the spectacular Gamsberg Mountain, which is transversed by several mountain passes linking the country’s interior to the Namib Desert. The lookout points from the summit of the Spreetshoogte, en route to both Solitaire and Sossusvlei, are amongst the most stunning landscape views of Namibia. Visit the town of Rehoboth, famous for its hot springs and Oanob Dam. Cool down with a quick dip or enjoy a picnic on the shores of this famous tourist attraction, whichever tickles your fancy as you relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Daan Viljoen Game Park, 24km west of Windhoek, offers visitors a variety of game and bird species that can be viewed and enjoyed, either on walks and hikes throughout the reserve or during a game drive.

Here you can enjoy Ruacana Waterfalls, Uukwaludhi Traditional Village Homestead, Lake Otjikoto, Hoba Meteorite and Etosha National Park. Etosha remains one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, with the park’s white, chalky expanse and its waterholes creating the characteristic landscape, popular with wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. The North-Eastern Region (Kavango East & West and Zambezi) is water-rich, with woodlands, wetlands, riverine forests, swamps, and rivers. It is a typical African landscape home to the Kavango and Zambezi regions and provides a paradise for visitors searching for a holiday rich in fauna and flora with an abundance of game and birdlife. Its rich landscapes and panoramic views are a stark contrast to the wide-open dunes and landscapes found to the west of Namibia. Major attractions include Kavango and Zambezi Rivers, Mashi Craft Centre, Popa Falls, Mbungura Woodcraft Co-operative and Rich Wildlife and Forestry. The Southern Region (Hardap and Kharas) is dominated by wide open spaces, solitude and silence with an assortment of unique attractions including historical buildings, fossils, ghost towns and quiver tree forests. The region’s main attraction has to be the breathtaking Sossusvlei; a clay pan formed when the shifting sands of the Namib smothered the course of the Tsauchab River. It is best to visit early morning when the light catches the dunes and allows the opportunity to take some brilliant photographs. Major attractions include Ai-Ais hot water springs, The Fish River Canyon, Namib Naukluft (Sossusvlei), Sperrgebiet National Park (Diamond Area), Warmbad Hot springs, Garas Quiver Tree Forest, War Memorial at Gochas and Kolmanskop (Ghost Town). Getting to Namibia is easy by air and land and the most popular way of travelling through Namibia is by self-drive.

Namibia’s coastal region (Erongo) offers travellers a range of entertainment and tourist attractions and local folk offer advice and tips on making the most of this beautiful region. The region is popular with boardsailing and water sports enthusiasts, while its giant dunes provide the perfect backdrop for adventure activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and parasailing. In addition, the whale and dolphin cruises held in Walvis Bay harbour and surrounding waters are very popular with visitors to the region.

There are scheduled tours in luxury coaches or microbuses, by train, fly-in safaris, off-the-beaten-track camping trips in 4x4 vehicles, specialised tailor-made tours, wilderness safaris, safaris on horseback, canoeing and white-river rafting. Specialist tailor-made tours for bird-watchers, geologists, anglers, ethnologists, photographers and other specialist travellers are guided by experts in the respective fields. It is time to visit Namibia.

Major Attractions include Erongo Mountain Winery, Brandberg Mountains, Spitzkoppe, Cape Cross Seal Colony, National Marine Aquarium, The Walvis Bay Waterfront Development and lagoon as well as Dune 7. The Eastern region, (Omaheke and Otjozondjupa) is often understated yet offers visitors a variety of attractions and its natural beauty, stark landscapes and indigenous people make it worthwhile to visit. The Kalahari experience is the cherry on top. Major attractions include The Kalahari Desert, The San Bushmen, Nyae Nyae Pans and Waterberg Plateau Park. The Northern Region (Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena) offers wildly contrasting landscapes, ranging from the arid sandy plains and rocky hills of the country’s Kaokoland region to the waterrich area in the east with some of Namibia’s best game viewings.

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TRAVEL

ON THE ROAD IN ANDALUSIA Seville, Granada and Cordoba By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

ver since I bought a home in Spain, visiting Andalusia, a Moorish empire named for Al-Andalus (Arabic for “land of the west”) has always been top of my agenda to immerse myself in the history and character of the Iberian Peninsula. My last Andalusian road adventure lasted three weeks filled with wandering through narrow, white washed alleys, relaxing siestas, tapas bars, historical monuments, lush green gardens and so much more. I drove to over nine cities but my experiences in Seville, Granada and Cordoba were the most memorable.

SEVILLE

I started my journey from the Hilton Garden Inn Sevilla after a refreshing night's sleep and headed to Seville City, the heart of Andalusia surrounded by gorgeous buildings with a vibrant flamenco and tapas scene. Seville is after all a city full of art, rich history and colorful culture. Seville’s beautiful Moorish Giralda tower was visible from a distance as during Moorish times, it served as a minaret and watchtower. I headed straight to the Alcazar and basked in the grand architecture and the beautiful gardens. The palace was occupied from Roman times but later expanded to form the great court of the Abbadid dynasty and each corner is breathtaking. Seville’s cathedral was a sight to see with tombs, a courtyard of orange trees and afterwards it is great to explore the old Jewish Quarter with vibrant alleys filled with souvenir shops. The Las Setas, a modern art

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structure and canopy is impressive and the Metropol Parasol offers great photographic opportunities. The historic Buhaira Gardens was where I left my heart. It is stunning and one can spend hours in awe of it.

GRANADA

Going back to the Alhambra in the historic city of Granada never loses it charm no matter how many times you visit the palace and its impressive and very extensive gardens. Exploring the attraction alone is never enough. After a full day in the Al Hambra, I still ventured out to a nearby hill (Mirador de San Nicholas) to see the building in all its grandeur at sunset. The afternoons are best spent wandering around Calle Caldereria Nueva for some tapas, tea and to enjoy Hammam baths that compares with the ones we have here in the Arab world and in Turkey. Baths played an important role in Muslim life and you can relive the experience in modern day steam bath venues. Shopping in Granada is a must as you get the best quality souvenirs and at a lot more reasonable cost than other cities in the area.

CORDOBA

In Cordoba I stayed in a convent that was later designed into a boutique Hotel. The city was great to walk in and features one of the world’s greatest Moorish buildings, the Mezquita, at its heart. My first stop was the Mosque of Cordoba followed by the Roman Bridge of Cordoba, Calahorra Tower, the Roman temple of Cordoba, the Museum of Fine Arts of Cordoba, Medina Azahara and the Royal Botanical Garden of Cordoba.

Built between the 8th and the 10th century, Cordoba’s mosque is a beautiful example of Spanish Islamic architecture and brought back memories of working on the publicity of my first architecture project in Dubai for the Andalusia Court in Ibn Battuta Mall. The evenings were a delight in Andalusia in general as we enjoyed the extravagant Moorish architecture and the exuberant street life of the different cities. There is always a lot going on in Andalusian cities and its picturesque cobbled streets as you encounter historic monuments, tapas bars and fiery flamenco at every corner. Spain is a historical melting pot of civilizations, with traces of many cultures evident in its ancient Roman architecture, medieval castles, and buildings steeped in Islamic influences, to name a few. It is home to 48 UNESCO World Heritage sites and ranks number one in the world with its 52 Biosphere reservation areas. In addition to its cultural and natural wonders, Spain offers a plethora of lifestyle experiences including exciting shopping, exclusive luxury and gourmet experiences, theme parks and entertainment making it perfect for couples, families and groups seeking meaningful travel experiences.

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TRAVEL

PICTURESQUE PRAGUE

By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

very time I go back to Prague, there are a host of new surprises that keep us busy an entire week. My favourite place to stay each time is the Buddha bar Hotel in Prague which is a place that is hard to leave and my favourite past time is exploring the city in vintage cars.

Prague is a truly unique city, with some of the world’s most exquisite architectural styles and a city where we love walking. Apart from tours in classic cars, my family has walked together on cobbled lanes, iconic bridges, and hidden alleys and courtyards and it's never enough. Every day there are new areas to wander around especially near the Old Town Square. You can stumble across ancient chapels, exotic gardens, cafes with amazing views plus the vibe of art, music and live performances at every corner keeps the people entertained all day. We love Prague's art galleries that offer contemporary art, sculptures, Bohemian art, Gothic altarpieces, the luscious art nouveau of Alfons Mucha plus a magnificent collection of the 20th-century surrealists, cubists and constructivists.

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We walked most of the time and came across Prague Castle which has several buildings and palaces with a cathedral (St Vitus) that attracts visitors with its magnificent gothic architecture. We walked along the 'Golden Lane' and found the small colourful houses, viewing areas, and local goldsmiths, which gave the lane its current name.

The iconic Charles Bridge offers a stroll through ancient history and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed watching artists doing caricatures of us while we listened to live music by some very talented youth and posed near the many baroque statues along the way. Not to be missed is Prague's Astronomical Clock, which was built in medieval times and is the world’s oldest functioning clock. Staying at the Buddah Bar Hotel meant we were spoilt for choice at our doorstep but it is worth trying some classic Czech dishes outside such as meat with bread dumplings topped with a creamy sauce, local cheeses, goulash and schnitzel. Our hotel recommended we go to a riverbank area called Naplavka which was picturesque and lined with boats offering various refreshments perfect for a picnic while watching swans and ducks on the water. The gardens in Prague are also lovely for afternoon visits. Retail therapy in Prague is a delight. One of the cutest images I have of my daughter is when she was holding a host of shopping bags after we discovered we could get more choice in premium brands in Prague at much better prices. When it comes to family holidays, Prague is always a good idea - for

food, long strolls, street art and music, clothes and jewellery shopping, vintage car tours, sunset boat rides and of course evenings at the Buddah Bar Restaurant.

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HOTEL

JUMEIRAH GROUP'S ALL-VILLA LUXURY RESORT IN BALI

A sanctuary of tranquillity and relaxation, Jumeirah Bali welcomes guests to experience tropical modernism amid lush greenery and exquisite Indian Ocean vistas.

umeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, has further expanded its international portfolio with the debut of its first stunning, contemporary resort in Indonesia – Jumeirah Bali.

World famous for its captivating beauty, Bali is often referred to as the last paradise on earth due to its breath-taking natural surroundings. Located in the stunning Pecatu region at the south-west of Bali, the allvilla luxury resort sits gracefully on the beach area of Uluwatu – one of the most coveted locations on the island. Inspired by Hindu-Javanese culture, the spectacular resort provides an unsurpassed destination for couples, groups and solo travellers seeking to reconnect and find inner balance, while soaking in the resort’s stunning natural surroundings. Boasting spacious villas perched atop the limestone cliffs, the luxurious resort offers 123 villas in one- and two-bedroom configurations, as well as a four-bedroom Royal Water Palace, all featuring sublime tropical views of the Indian Ocean and mesmerising lush green natural beauty of Bali. Each villa features a private pool and outdoor

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living area with an open pavilion overlooking the sunset horizon or a landscaped tropical garden for guests to indulge in a spiritual, secluded, and soulful experience. The resort also provides guests with exclusive access to a private beach framed by the natural landscape offering a secluded enclave to relax. Reminiscent of Geoffrey Bawa’s ‘tropical modernism’ style, Jumeirah Bali’s indoor-outdoor architecture is designed to create a seamless flow between the architecture, interior, and landscape, blending indigenous building materials with contemporary and luxurious comfort, to transport guests to an authentic Balinese haven of understated elegance with an opulent touch. Building on Jumeirah Group’s reputation for providing exceptional dining experiences, guests can indulge in three signature restaurants and bars overseen by Master Chef Vincent Leroux, each offering aweinspiring views across the island’s crystal blue waters and stunning sunset panoramas.

Hugging the dramatic terrain with stunning picturesque views, AKASA Gastro Grill – scheduled to open in June - invites guests to enjoy a unique culinary experience through ancient cooking methods and techniques. A resident DJ and specialist Mixologist complete the scene, providing the perfect spot to relax and enjoy spectacular sunsets over delicious creations. Located on the ocean front, all-day dining spot SEGARAN offers exquisite Balinese and South-East Asian cuisine, focused on exceptional ingredients with a ‘farm to table’ philosophy. Finally, MAJA Sunset Pool Lounge will serve as an ideal evening spot to enjoy mesmerising sunsets with cocktails and finger food by one of the infinity pools overlooking the vast ocean. With an array of wellness activities to help guests on their quest to find inner-balance, Jumeirah Bali will also welcome Jumeirah’s awardwinning Talise Spa. Currently the resort has two private treatment rooms in operation and will be launching the full spa experience, complete with the only traditional Turkish hammam on the island, in July. Talise Spa offers world-class treatments by expert spa therapists, including holistic facials, healing and energising massages, cleansing scrub treatments, and stress-release therapies based on ancient Balinese techniques and traditional herbal preparations. Guests will be able to tailor their experience using luxury and traditional organic products and make the most of the spa’s additional wellness facilities, which include the sauna, steam bath and Vichy shower treatments. Guests can also choose to participate in guided meditation and Yoga classes for an all-encompassing holistic retreat hosted by Jumeirah Bali’s resident Master Yogi, utilise the modern fitness centre or enjoy invigorating hiking experiences to immerse themselves in the splendid natural surroundings. There are also the resort’s stunning infinity pools and kids’ club for hours of family fun. Jumeirah Bali is committed to sustainable practices, featuring the most advanced desalination system in the world. The resort also supports the local community through the Jumeirah Uluwatu Foundation, dedicated to the wellbeing of the Balinese people. Overseeing the new resort as General Manager is Ram Hiralal, who brings with her a wealth of expertise working for luxury lifestyle

brands operating exclusive hotel and resort portfolios across Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives and Bali. In celebration of its launch, the hotel is inviting guests to discover Bali with a special opening offer for stays from 26th April to 31st March 2023, booked before 30th June 2022. This includes 25% off the best available rate, a 10% discount on food and beverage, a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability) plus breakfast and resort credit (for stays of two nights or more). In parallel, members of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts’ leading rewards programme, Jumeirah One, will receive 30% off plus additional benefits.

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F&B

RAMADAN DELIGHTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

AT TURKISH VILLAGE RESTAURANT

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Drawing inspiration from the culinary culture of the Middle East, Turkish Village’s chefs have curated a special menu for Iftar that will be served daily during Ramadan from dusk onwards, using only the freshest of ingredients. Diners can break their fast with an assortment of starters including soups and salads, cold mezze such as hummus, carrot tarator and yoghurt with dills, and hot starters like cheese or minced meat pide, moussaka, and white beans in tomato sauce. A selection of freshly grilled meats will be served to the table, with options including adana and urfa kebab, kofta, chicken shish, tandoor and plenty more. No Iftar experience is complete without a sweet closure, and desserts such as kunafa, baklava stuffed with cream and pistachios, and the creamiest cakes and puddings are legendary at Turkish Village. Throughout the holy month, Turkish Village will also have whole lamb tandoor available for home delivery, as well as beautifully presented baklava trays that are perfect for gifting to family and friends. Baklava platters include options like carrot slice baklava, walnut baklava, pistachio roll baklava, and midye shell baklava. With a capacity for large events that can accommodate over 500 guests over three levels, Turkish Village Restaurant can curate a Ramadan menu that can be custom made to suit your office and family meals during the holy month.

ward winning Turkish Village Restaurant has curated a wide range of Ramadan favourite dishes that blends authentic Turkish ingredients and flavors perfect for iftar and suhoor at Turkish Village in Jumeirah 1 and Dubai Festival City.

Diners can experience the true essence of Ramadan during the breaking of fast with a daily Iftar feast that presents guests with a sumptuous all-you-can-eat, tableside experience that includes endless skewers of freshly grilled meats, traditional mezze favourites, special Ramadan juices, plus Arabic tea and sweets.

Priced from AED 175 per person for unlimited food and beverages, Turkish Village will be embracing a ‘dine more, pay less’ approach during the Holy Month, meaning the more people dine during Iftar, the less the bill will be per person. Iftar will be served from sunset onwards with discounts offered to those dining in groups. Suhoor meals can be ordered a la carte from the menu according to diners’ preferences. The three level Turkish Village Restaurant is located strategically in Jumeirah 1 (across La Mer, next to Spinneys and the Jumeirah Grand Mosque), and in Dubai Festival City Mall promenade overlooking the fountains. It offers a laid-back memorable and interactive dining experience, within a warm and welcoming ambience. It is also a onestop shop for artisanal Turkish products. For bookings please call +97143449955 or send to reservations@turkishvillagedubai.com

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F&B

FARZI CAFÉ By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

arzi Café is best described as a gastronomic experience amalgamating traditional global cuisine with regional influences, local flavours, contemporary presentations and unique culinary styles. Showcasing a signature flair for reinvention that put them firmly on the city’s culinary map, the team behind Farzi Café sees two design houses join forces to create the ultimate contemporary Indian interiors. From the colourful potency of peacock features to a dramatic wall mural depicting a powerful crowned goddess – the new-look Farzi Café reflects its culture-rich, vibrant cuisine. Setting stylish eyes first on Farzi Café City Walk, the brand-new interior space is bursting with light – reflected off pale marble-topped tables, warm cream walls and vibrant leather-backed seats. These splashes of neutrality make way for bursts of multiple shades of green and coral seen across the restaurant. Rising out of the central bar, instead of floral arrangements seen in some classic restaurants, the design teams have chosen to nod to a | 50 | Trending Business Insights

more natural declaration of style with arrangements of long pampas grass and the exquisitely patterned beauty of peacock features or mor pankh. As the national bird of India, a peacock’s feathers are regarded as an auspicious symbol and believed to bring good luck and prosperity into a space. Moving down to the polished stone floor, contemporary tiles are stamped with a regal design reminiscent of a fleur de lis bringing us back to Europe and celebrating India’s long history palaces and nobility. Like everything in this modern mash up of interior design, the touch is light, letting the eyes move from one reflective surface to another. Other sections of intricate tile work are seen on pillars and the bar playing with traditional, rustic and contemporary Indian design motifs. From the new weekly weekend brunch inspired by the Indian English tradition of ‘tiffin’ or mid-morning meal, the much-ordered takeaway menu meaning city residents can savour spiced up molecular gastronomy from the sofa, to its soon to be launched Chaatwala cart and constantly evolving A La Carte menu of modern Indian bistro classics – the new interiors are just one reason to visit Farzi Café. Coming up this winter, Dubai diners can expect more tasty tricks and turns. We had a preview and suggest some dishes that are a must try. The Minestrone Shorba, the beef tikka, paneer tikka, creamy Dahi kebab and golden arancini made from rice and dal are delicious. We also like the pillowy bao buns stuffed with chilli-laced paneer, khichdi made with nutty pearl barley that reminds you of mum's cooking and Rajasthani classic curry, kahdi. For desserts, we enjoyed the saffron infused sweet risotto. Almost everything on the menu is a delight.

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art

& design

WEARABLE ART

Maria Rita Vita

t the recent Dubai Art Expo that saw a record of over 500 artists from over 170 countries in one venue, we came across Maria Rita Vita, an Apuan artist who used her vibrant art pieces on fashion accessories made of silk such as scarves, sarongs, ties and eccentric bowties. The historic Dubai Art Expo event was an initiative from the UAE for the world artists to celebrate the golden jubilee of the UAE and showcased exquisite art while fostering mutual cooperation that built bridges between different nations. The unique collection of art to be worn by Maria Rita VITA, consists of copies of her paintings showcasing her creativity while VITA fashion is a collection of rich pure silk fabrics (100%): scarves and stoles, made in Italy in Twill, Georgette and Chiffon textiles. The scarves are elegant and add life to any outfit. VITA Fashion is all about elegance, tastefulness, flexibility, originality, exclusivity and

quality. It is perfect for women who have a taste of fine Italian goods. Each piece is original in its bright chromatic variety, and vibrant in coloured sensations. The Art of wearing Art through its pure silk enhances the individual personality of each woman positively. They are excellent garments, modern and easy to wear for formal and informal events. VITA high fashion garments are notable and make a difference in the wardrobes of fashionable women and those who love wearing Art. The woman who wears VITA Fashion accessories, wears Art as an expressive form of painting. When launching this "high fashion style", the artist was thinking of a modern and chic woman. Like rich and light caresses of art, this kind of fashion style cocoons and makes the woman wearing it as original and unique as the scarves themselves. Artissima Art Agency, organisers of the Dubai Art Expo and curator, Aurela Cuku has helped evolve the art community consistently over the last decade, launching the region's best artists and art shows under one roof.

FRAGRANCES

BUILDING THE BEST FRAGRANCE WARDROBE A guide by Parfums de Marly's | 54 | Trending Business Insights

s style as a whole continues to evolve over time, so do individuals, which means that things need to be kept current, not just in the closet but also across your vanity including your lineup of fragrance bottles. This starts with taking stock of your current perfume collection— and working backwards to build the best scent rotation for the year. Think of it as a chance to bring order to the potential chaos of bottles that might be crowding your dressing table. Scent has an incredibly influential effect on our mood and wellbeing through the subconscious but to get the most out of your fragrance wardrobe, you first need to know what scents call to you, what suits you, what works for which occasion. And these tips by luxury French Perfume house, Parfums de Marly will make it a whole lot easier for you. 1. Start with the basics. Try and identify which fragrances you like or resonates with you the most - be specific with the notes and how they make you feel. This comes in handy when shopping, as you identify the scent family and experiment with different notes that fall within it to edit your search. 2. Your outfits change and so does your fragrance. There is no way you would repeat the same outfit throughout the week for different settings, right? Similarly, think of your fragrance wardrobe as a diverse space that allows you to match your perfume to the occasion, season or even your mood. This means that the perfect lineup should include a variety of scents including your signature, something for work and for nights out.

3. Take notes. Learn about the scent pyramid - the top, heart and base notes. This will help you seek out perfumes with good sillage. When testing, you should apply the fragrance to one of your pulse points (so the wrist, neck, etc.) and let it develop for at least 30 minutes, for the perfume to interact with your body's chemistry in order to get experience all levels of the scent. 4. A great perfume tells a great story. With millions of fragrances on the market, discovering the best perfumes for you is a process of elimination, and the line between good and great is worth considering. Extraordinary perfumes tell a story through their notes, the craftsmanship that goes into them, and the emotions they evoke. The right smell can give you a boost of confidence, cause you to reminisce, or make you smile. For example, Parfums de Marly is made up of signature scents. Each concept draws up the luxury of the 18th century period by using noble raw materials such as vanilla, orange blossom, heliotrope, and guaiac wood. Offering rare olfactory moments, the man behind Parfums de Marly Julien Sprecher explains, “Perfume is a time capsule. It has the power to take us on a journey. I have always loved the 18th century where horses and perfumes were the pride and glory of France.” And finally, perfume is an investment, so take your time. Use brand discover sets and testers to narrow down your list and go from there. Eventually, you'll see the gaps in your fragrance wardrobe and will build it accordingly.

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GADGETS

PREMIUM PRODUCTS FOR THE LADY OF THE HOUSE With Mother’s Day fast approaching, UAE residents are looking for the perfect presents to gift their mothers. With a wide range of products at Jumbo Electronics, residents have the chance to gift lifetime products this Mother’s Day. Treat your loved one this Mother’s Day with the best beauty, fitness, and kitchen appliances.

Pamper her with hair care gifts

DYSON SUPERSONIC PRUSSIAN BLUE/ RICH COPPER Because mothers deserve pampering, the brand-new Dyson Supersonic Blue Copper is the ultimate choice for a Mother’s Day gift. Grant her a luxurious hairstyle experience and avoid the hassle of booking and waiting. The beautiful, limited-edition Dyson Supersonic in Prussian Blue/Rich Copper will revolutionize the way they style their hair.

Revamp the kitchen with modern appliances

SMEG DRIP FILTER COFFEE MACHINE Make every morning special for your mother with the Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine. The trendy machine provides the ultimate coffee experience, making her enjoy every sip of coffee and setting the tone for her busy day ahead.

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Give her the gift of fitness

SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4 With the help of Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, mothers will no longer overlook their health - lack of time will not be an issue due to the watch’s easy fitness & health tracking features. The watch comes with a BioActive sensor which gives an accurate reading, making it easy for her to keep track of her fitness regime. Conveniently measuring body fat percentage, skeletal muscle strength, and water content will help your mother feel at ease. Not only that, but the watch also combines fashion and health. Mothers can use this watch as a dress to impress with a collection of different elegant band designs that suit several occasions - from leather bands to sports bands and many more.

Help her unwind with music

APPLE AIRPODS PRO WITH MAGSAFE CHARGING CASE Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case offers an experience to get in the zone on important calls and not get interrupted by any surrounding noise. Small in shape, big in benefits, this item will help her in her daily multitasking routine whether in the car, grocery shopping, or elsewhere. AirPods Pro are sweat and water resistant, and they feature an expanded mesh microphone port that improves call clarity in windy situations. With the MagSafe Charging Case, AirPods deliver more than 24 hours of battery life. The charging case is compatible with wireless chargers, including the MagSafe charger — making wireless charging a snap with easy attachment for added convenience.

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ACCESSORIES

MANGO MAN PRESENTS

Wardrobe Reset | 58 | Trending Business Insights

With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to reset your wardrobe for the new season. Showcasing an array of everyday essentials and statement pieces, MANGO Man launches its new collection, Wardrobe Reset. Featuring warm undertones of ecru and hues of blue, the collection brings forth simple, yet sophisticated pieces that are sure to make a statement all season long! Think weather-appropriate cotton sweatshirts, striped polos in earthy-tones, t-shirts in bright hues of orange, light-weight outerwear, and the ever-favourite, denim that will find a place in your wardrobe, beyond just this season. Trending Business Insights | 59 |

GIFTING

THE QODE PRESENTS ITS RAMADAN GIFT GUIDE | 2022

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With Ramadan just around the corner, embrace the spirit month of the Holy month with The Qode’s exquisite assortment of presents and experiences curated just for you! Whether you’re on the lookout for venues to break your fast at or want to create a head-turning moment at Iftar with your ensemble, we have you covered with The Qode’s unique selection of presents – from lavish iftar spreads, fine jewellery to bags and footwear from our favourite luxury brands. Surprise your loved ones this month, with an array of thoughtful gifts that ensure your present stands out from the rest! Trending Business Insights | 61 |

WATCHES

HOROLOGY UPDATES

Collecting watches is a fashion that can also be an investment. Select your watch based on craftmanship, the tradition it represents and for its perfect combination of style and functionality. Eric Dury brings you a selection of his favourite time pieces to start the month.

BELL & ROSS

BR 03-92 DIVER Brown Bronze Bell & Ross has always taken on the element of water, giving the brand a true underwater expertise. Now, in 2022, the BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze is unveiled. This bronze timepiece is part of the Diver series of square case diving watches. The new design demonstrates Bell & Ross’s quest for excellence, innovation, and new challenges. The watch is imbued with the classic Bell & Ross identity. It borrows the iconic BR 01’s rounded square case, but in a waterproof underwater version. This design feature is the watchmaker’s interpretation of a fighter plane dashboard. Absolutely unique in appearance, this is a watch that will seduce design enthusiasts and seasoned divers alike.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN “MOJAVE DESERT”

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” is the first mechanical movement timepiece with a case made of sand-coloured ceramic, perfectly representing the softness and vastness of the desert. Made from robust and corrosion-resistant materials, the “Mojave Desert” watch can withstand a pilot’s arduous duties. In contrast, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium® timepiece conveys the exceptional modernity of today and leads us into the unknown future with certainty and dedication. Engineered in Schaffhausen, Ceratanium® combines the structural integrity of titanium with the hardness of ceramic, making it light on the wrist and comfortable to wear. | 62 | Trending Business Insights

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante

Parmigiani Fleurier is rewriting watchmaking tradition on its quest for purism combined with innovation – as reflected in the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante, a refined world-first combining discreet complexity with immediate user-friendliness. Alongside the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante, Parmigiani Fleurier presents four more sophisticated high-flying novelties: the Tonda PF Skeleton; the Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon; and on a sportier note, the Tonda GT Chronograph in Big Date and Annual Calendar versions. The Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante, a watch for globetrotters who travel between time zones, and an instrument for connecting people across distances. This complication features two superimposed hour hands: one in rhodium-plated gold and the other in rose gold. Pressing the pusher at 8 o'clock causes the upper rhodium-plated gold hand dedicated to local time to jump one hour forward, thereby revealing the rose gold hand which displays time in the wearer’s place of residence, known as “home time”.

BREITLING

THE 2022 NAVITIMER As Breitling’s legendary timepiece turns 70, the brand unveils a redesigned collection that is all about bold color, enhanced styling—and incredible journeys. Breitling’s original pilot’s watch has been beloved by aviators and tastemakers in equal measure. Worn by an astronaut in space and the biggest stars on Earth, it is Breitling’s most iconic timepiece. Breitling hence introduces a new Navitimer that captures its most classic features, while enhancing them with modern refinements. The Navitimer grew up alongside the burgeoning civil aviation industry. The watch comes in a range of sizes (46, 43, or 41 mm), two case materials (stainless steel or 18-karat red gold), and a choice of straps (semi-shiny alligator or sevenrow metal bracelet). Modern colors in shades of blue, green, and copper define its updated dial options. And if there is one feature sure to spark nostalgia, it’s the return of the AOPA wings to their original position at 12 o’clock.

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MOTORING

Engineered for your Lifestyle

All-New Nissan X-Terra By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

while ago we went on a road trip to the East Coast in the all-new Nissan X-Terra 2021, stopping at different attractions along the way. The drive was comfortable for me as a veteran driver but equally fun for my 20-year-old who for the first time was allowed to drive a test car as part of the family outing experience. The X-Terra 2021 solidifies the brand’s presence in the Middle East and represents a new addition to the lineup in the region. It bolsters the brand’s extensive SUV portfolio, while addressing customer demands in the rapidly growing D-SUV segment. Driving across mountains, tunnels and normal highways, the tough yet sophisticated Nissan X-Terra clearly represents decades of Nissan's SUV expertise. It certainly was a reliable drive for both normal commuting and exciting outdoor adventures although during this journey we took it easy and stuck to having an easy-going outstation trip that merged visiting the Rafisa Dam for a kayaking session, Shees Park for hiking and a host of culinary adventures both on the road and in a five-star hotel setting. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Nissan X-Terra

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delivers a robust four-wheel-drive experience with features including four-wheel lock, brake limited slip differential and electronic locking rear differential. Underlining this bold new design, breakthrough engineering and a suite of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, the all-new X-Terra offers impressive strength, driving capabilities and adventureready confidence for drivers to go ‘beyond boundaries’ and explore new places. Safety was key during a road trip and I was comfortable having my daughter who has been driving only for two years take on a new car on a new route. Available on the vehicle’s Platinum grade are Lane

Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Driver Alertness and Intelligent Emergency Braking. Looking at the design, Nissan’s ‘unbreakable’ frame vehicle design philosophy in the all-new X-Terra offers the right combination of solidity with sleek and modern execution. The front resembles the iconic Nissan Patrol with the powerful new V-motion grille, whose thick frame contrasts with the refined horizontal chrome bars within. The overall image of the Xterra is rugged and imposing, with added expressions of sophistication and technology. The C-shaped LED signature headlamps, similar to those on the Patrol, have evolved and have been interpreted in a new way on the all-new X-Terra to convey a high-tech impression. Inside the cabin, the instrument panel has a full-width horizontal design, stretching from door to door to emphasize the spaciousness of the cabin. The shapes are bold and strong, yet finished in comfortable soft-touch materials. The 9-inch intuitive touch-screen display screen dominates the center, adding enhanced sophistication. The road trip highlighted that the new X-Terra delivers best-in-class ride comfort thanks to Zero Gravity seats in the front and second row. Meanwhile, significant noise reduction efforts around the engine compartment and the use of acoustic glass on both the windshield and side windows help create a relaxed and quiet cabin setting for all occupants. The all-new Nissan X-Terra is available in seven exterior colors, including bright brown and burgundy. The upscale exterior is matched with premium black and light grey interior colors that add to the richness of the vehicle.

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MOTORING

SLEEK, ELEGANT AND MUSCULAR

McLaren GT By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

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ecently we ventured onto the streets of Dubai in the new McLaren GT experiencing it high levels of performance, turning heads because of its sleek design and enjoying similar levels of comfort and space normally expected in a Grand Tourer. The new McLaren redefines the modern GT ownership experience with a car that is lighter, faster and offers greater space, comfort and usability.

EXTERIOR Sleek, elegant and muscular, the superlight new GT is a compelling blend of beautiful design and high-quality innovative materials. At almost 4.7 metres long, the new McLaren GT is longer than any of the cars in the McLaren Sports or Super Series. The front and rear overhangs also extend further than is traditional for McLaren. The width and stance of the new McLaren GT are emphasised at the front by the signature ‘hammerhead line’ that runs horizontally across the nose and draws the eye out to the sides of the vehicle. The front splitter echoes this elegant line and generates peak aerodynamic pressure at its centre-point, guiding airflow over the bonnet’s crisp contours, under the vehicle and into four, low-temperature radiator ducts located in the front bumper. The car is eminently usable in all urban situations and comfortable to drive.

INTERIOR The interior is designed to delight on longer journeys, but with all the essentials for focused, high-performance driving; the seating position, location of controls and forward visibility are as important. Technology and modern craftsmanship share equal prominence, with the finest highquality materials complemented by features such as the most sophisticated McLaren infotainment system to date and hidden-until-lit ambient lighting.

Nappa leather trim features as standard but this can be upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara®, depending on vehicle specification and customer preference. The infotainment layout is well thought out and as we love music, the four-speaker system McLaren Audio System offers exceptional sound quality.

PERORMANCE Expect a true supercar performance and benchmark driving dynamics and engagement for which McLaren is renowned. The new 620PS 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 with 630Nm and broad, flat torque curve ensures seamless, relentless acceleration with a top speed of 326km/h (203mph). Like all McLarens, the new GT has a carbon fibre structure that possesses exceptional strength and rigidity while enabling unparalleled driving dynamics. The new engine is mated to a 7-speed SSG transmission to deliver linear, seamless and relentless acceleration. The suspension, steering and brakes are all bespoke and optimised to provide an outstanding Grand Touring driving experience, with inherent balance, responsiveness and precision complemented by superior ride comfort to any other McLaren.

VERDICT We loved the sophisticated, sculpted body new McLaren GT that expresses both the power of the car and its ability to offer in cabin comfort in the beautifully crafted interior. It was refreshing to see more luggage space in this new model offered creatively in the upper rear section of the car, upholstered in attractive and durable choice of SuperFabric® option that provides increased resistance to stains, cuts, nicks and abrasions and is also breathable, easy to clean and quick to dry.

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MOTORING

THE IDEAL ROAD COMPANION

MERCEDES S500 By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

he Mercedes S Class is distinctive and recently we had the S500 for a week to explore the different Emirates in the UAE. We found it to be a luxury travel partner one can always rely on. We arrived at our various destinations fully relaxed and the innovative drive assist and safety technologies made every journey one we looked forward to.

INTERIOR The spacious interior is inviting and elegant with finely tailored leathers and exotic wood and ambient lights that envelop the cockpit. The drive was made easier with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) which is intuitive and intelligent. The advanced multiscreen, multitouch digital cockpit recognizes individual preferences making

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the driving experience a delight. We loved the system's Burmeister audio with crystal-clear music and the various massage options that saw us spending more time in the car than in the office. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature makes connectivity easier.

EXTERIOR The exterior of the S500 has character and charisma - it now has newly shaped innovative digital light headlamps, flush door handles and the signature S Class luxury feel. The iconic grille and 19-inch alloy wheels.complements the sleek sweeping profile of the long bodied sedan and the panoramic sunroof gives a sense of being outdoors while experiencing the comfort of being inside a comfortable lounge.

PERFORMANCE A new generation of performance pairs turbo and electric boost for more than 400 hp in every model. Torrential torque is precisely metered to all four air-suspended wheels for all-year, all-road confidence. Rearaxle steering helps ease parking and city maneuvers especially in the

old Dubai areas. At speed, the rear wheels turn with the fronts for swifter lane changes. The standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive sends torque to the tires that can best turn traction into action depending on the road condition for a smooth and stable ride.

VERDICT The S500 looks like a work of art that is powerful, sophisticated, luxurious and offers a smooth and quiet ride, with the latest driverassistance systems and technology. It is perfect for executives and my guests from abroad, one a Tourism Minister of a European country and a Expo Dubai country Ambassador gave the car a big thumbs up...hence apt for VIPs commuting as well. Also standard are a smorgasbord of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, active blind-spot monitors, automatic parking, and a semi-autonomous highway driving system.

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NEWS

ARCB Officiates Its Establishment and Partnership with UNDRR An investment holding company of KVG reciprocates to the effort in sustainability attainment

Ar Rizq Capital Berhad Investment LLC (ARCB) had its launching ceremony in the Emirates Tower DIFC Dubai. As a testament to the commitment in nurturing sustainability, ARCB officiated its partnership with the United Nations (UN), specifically under the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The event was attended by ARCB President, Jazman Shahar Abdollah, ARCB Executive Director, Irfan Hadi Jazman Shahar, and UNDRR Ambassador, Dr. Mahmoud Al Burai. ARCB is an investment holding company for Kenaf Venture Global Sdn. Bhd. (KVG) and its group of companies. More than an investment holding company, ARCB is also a platform for the attainment of sustainability through market exploration in the kenaf investment. As of now, ARCB is exploring the international investment market starting with Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries. The investment market is to be expanded to other parts of the world in the future. “Our venture in contributing to the development of sustainability never stops. Each initiative taken is a step forward and the steps should be progressive and constant. We have one of the best mechanisms in approaching our goal which is kenaf cultivation and processing and we shall stretch the potential to reach our goals”, said Jazman Shahar. He then further added, “ARCB is a perfect platform to bring KVG and its group of companies in exploring the global market for industry development as well as a platform in being a contributing factor to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company’s establishment together with the partnership with UNDRR will be

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a game-changer for the global sustainability initiative”. Among the key elements in the partnership forged with UNDRR is to reach to a wider geographical frame to spread the opportunity of life quality enhancement. Under UNDRR, ARCB will specifically be focusing on the issues related to refugees all around the world. The partnership shall be focusing on creating the door of possibilities in difficult situations, especially during the times of uncertainty. As an organisation that is equipped with the means to make changes, ARCB is obliged to progressively bring betterment to mankind and simultaneously restore environmental health, particularly reducing carbon footprint.

The Republic of San Marino presents the Business Forum “A business-friendly jurisdiction in the heart of Europe” at Expo 2020 Dubai

Directors and Managers of other pavilions together with the Emirates media specialized in the economic and tourism sector. Following the greeting to the audience, Minister of State Fabio Righi, Denis Cecchetti, Director General of the Agency for Economic Development - San Marino Chamber of Commerce underlined the mission of the Agency, Chamber of Commerce as an official tool for the promotion of San Marino economy abroad and the attraction of foreign direct investments being the first point of contact and concrete support for companies interested in investing and building a business in San Marino. Following this, Laura Fabbri, Director of the Trade Division of the Agency - Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the different "strategic assets" of the San Marino jurisdiction in the various fields of action: tourism, international context, economics and taxation, giving a 360 degrees overview of how the country system of the Republic of San Marino presents itself to the world.

The Republic of San Marino curated a Business Forum dedicated to tourism and economic promotion of the country at the Abu Dhabi Hall of Expo 2020 Dubai. The conference was led by the Agency for Economic Development - San Marino Chamber of Commerce with the participation of Fabio Righi, Secretary of State for Industry, Handicraft, Trade, Technological Research and Regulatory Simplification. To open the panel of the discussions, the Pavilion Director Letizia Cardelli, warmly greeted the audience of General Commissioners,

The primary objective of the speech was to communicate to the guests attending to consider San Marino not only as a destination for tourism, thanks to its strategic position, natural beauty and democratic values at the basis of the recognition as UNESCO heritage, but also as an economic destination, in which to invest and develop sustainable projects in the long term. Among the assets presented were also San Marino Innovation, partner of the Agency - Chamber of Commerce, an institute in charge of the certification of highly innovative companies, the Court for Trust and Fiduciary Relations and the University of San Marino. The presentation concluded with a short Q&A session and the projection of videos illustrating the peculiarities of San Marino landscape.

Ramadan Festivities and Eid promotions announced by Line Investments & Property (LIP) malls Festival Promotions planned across Dubai, Sharjah Northern Emirates in RAK Mall, Lulu Mall Fujairah, Mall of Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah Central and Silicon Central, Dubai. The shopping mall and management division of Lulu Group International, Line Investments & Property (LIP) announces mall deco, facade lighting, Ramadan and Eid promotions at RAK Mall, Lulu Mall Fujairah, Mall of Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah Central and Silicon Central with the mall tenants offering exciting products and Ramadan sales. Ramadan deco and facade lighting features in all five malls throughout the holy month and will conclude with Eid entertainment featuring different world class shows. With eight international artists, there will be four different and unique entertainment shows daily over five days starting from the first day of Eid The 'Spend and Win Eidiyah' promotion in Lulu Mall Fujairah, RAK mall and Mall of UAQ starts 22nd of April and will continue until May 8, 2022. Based on the Ramadan theme, visitors who spend AED 100 in any store in the mall and AED 200 in LULU hypermarket stand a chance to win daily Eidiya prizes and the grand prize. The daily Eidiya prizes of AED 1,000/-, is offered in Mall Gift Vouchers (LAKA Gift

vouchers) each and there will be a grand prize worth AED5,000 in Mall Gift Vouchers (LAKA Gift vouchers). All Line Investments & Property Malls place great emphasis on safety measures regarding COVID-19, ensuring the public areas remain a safe place to shop and dine in.

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FINAL WORD

THE ART OF GIVING

By Shereen Shabnam International Writer

s Ramadan approaches, we look at some of the most important acts during this month that give joy, and charity is naturally one of the crucial ones. Giving during this holy month is all about creating a sustainable environment in which every human being can survive and thrive as it allows those who have enough to eat to experience what it's like for those who do not have enough to live. The act of charity motivates us to help those who are less fortunate, without expecting anything in return. True giving also gives the most happiness to both the giver and receiver. It is the same when you give a gift - the giver revels in the pleasure of giving something special which is also enjoyed by the person who receives the gift. Giving comes in the form of small, personal acts of kindness and does not have to be material. It can come in the form of assistance with carrying something for the elderly, advice, a kind word, compliments on clothes, reassurance during difficult times or a smile. Our parents always told us that every act of love, kindness and generosity will multiply and return to you many times over. The more you give the happier you will feel. During Ramadan, we feel this more than ever. It is one of life's wonderful paradoxes that you limit the | 72 | Trending Business Insights

power of your giving by having an expectation of getting something in return. When you give without expecting something back, your joy and returns become truly limitless. The acts of giving and receiving are a continuous process of circulation that continues the flow of life’s positive energies. When you look at some of the philanthropists in the UAE, they tend to be wealthy business personalities who enjoy more success even though they give large amounts to charity. The act of charity brings the giver more blessings especially when it is given from the heart. The act of giving is not limited to a special month. It is something that can be done all year round depending on the need and requirements of those around you facing a difficulty or needing a helping hand. And the helping hand does not need to be only to someone you know or to people based on a certain ethnicity or skin colour. One of the recent observations made globally during war was the fact that many opened their homes and purses to support people based on their own ethnicity and skin colour rather than to others equally affected by war in the past and present or affected by bad decisions made by politicians. The moral of the lesson is - Give with an open heart and those who need the help and support most without looking at who they are and without expecting anything in return. Only then you get the true happiness from the act of giving.

CANDLE FLAVOURS Citronella White Frangipani Pink Frangipani Sandlewood Vanilla Japanese Honeysuckle Vanilla Sandlewood Vanilla HANDMADE ORGANIC SOAP Aloe Vera Flavoured Soap Rose Petal Soap Orange Flavoured Soap Moringa Flavoured Soap Neem Flavored Soap Lemon Grass Flavoured Soap Mint Flavoured Soap Rosemary Flavoured Soap Basil Flavoured Soap Goat Milk Flavoured Soap Charcoal Flavoured Soap CONTACT: Aromas Fiji P.O. Box 9179, Nadi Airport Fiji info@aromasfiji.com | www.aromasfiji.com | TEL: +679 9999913